Following numbers 100 to 81 of my top 100 of 2013 countdown, here are numbers #80 through to #61.
80. Matt Cardle and Melanie C – ‘Loving You’ (Released: August, No. 14)
Proving that he can make more interesting music once he’s escaped the pressures of the X Factor, this touching ballad was one of the best collaborations of the year.
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79. Moby & Wayne Coyne – ‘The Perfect Life’ (Released: September, didn’t chart)
Though Moby has been released regular music this was the first song of his that had come to my attention since his greatest hits. Balancing both sets of vocals brilliantly over a chilled out, positive number, here is a song to put a smile on your face.
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78. Taylor Swift – ’22’ (Released: March, No. 9)
2013 was a brilliant year for Swift and this was one of her best singles of the year, capturing that age perfectly, plus it was another ridiculously catchy single from her.
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77. New Kids On The Block – ‘Remix (I Like The)’ (Released: January, didn’t chart)
2013 continued the return of older bands and it was the turn of NKOTB to come back with a new song. And just like Take That the boys came back with a much more mature sound that suited them, and sound arguably better than they did in their heyday. Plus, it’s a great, positive tune.
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76. Jenn Bostic – ‘Missin A Man’ (Released: September, didn’t chart)
Preparing for a promising 2014, Jenn Bostic came to my attention this year with this cracking ballad to a missing love. With a great b-side too (“Superstar”) this was a track that brought a lot of her other discography to my attention. A memorable, fun pop song.
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75. Bonnie Tyler – ‘Believe In Me’ (Eurovision Edit) (Released: March, No. 93)
Eurovision songs always come with a bit of a health warning and though this didn’t do much for us in the competition or for Tyler in the charts it’s still a listenable strong ballad showing Tyler still has the voice!
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74. Eliza Doolittle – ‘Big When I Was Little’ (Released: July, No. 12)
One of my favourite artists returned in 2013 with a slight change in sound but still keeping her cute, appealing vocals. This retro trip down memory lane ticks my boxes due to my similar age to the singer, but to those younger or older the catch poppiness will keep you happy!
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73. Gabrielle Aplin – ‘Please Don’t Say You Love Me’ (Released: February, No. 6)
Having escaped her debut cover, Aplin continued to release some sweet little ballads, of which this was one. A nice mix of pop and ballad, the future looks bright for her.
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72. Eminem – ‘Berzerk’ (Released: August, No. 2)
Eminem returned this year with this retro-throwback track that on first listen sounds far too eccentric to be cohesive but eventually it shows its hand and proves to be one of his maddest, catchiest yet. Though could do with more structure.
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71. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – ‘Dresden’ (Released: May, didn’t chart)
A brilliant electronic return from OMD with a great lead single from their latest album. With a memorable keyboard riff, this sticks in your head quickly, especially when the song switches to a full lyrical change at the end.
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70 AlunaGeorge – ‘Attracting Flies’ (Released: March, No. 17)
With their more recent and slightly catchier ‘Best Be Believing’ also appearing in my top 300, it’s their breakthrough hit that appears in my final 100 due to its distinctive riff and sultry vocals from lead singer Aluna. Oh, and the poetic way it’s all about talking rubbish.
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69. Le Youth – ‘C O O L’ (Released: June, No. 26)
Taking the riff from Cassie’s 2006 hit ‘Me & U’ but making it entirely its own, this catchy dance track set the mood in June.
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68. Marina and the Diamonds – ‘How To Be A Heartbreaker’ (Released: February, No. 88)
With ‘E.V.O.L’ also out this year, it was the American bonus track ‘How To Be A Heartbreaker’ that finally landed on these shores in February that continued Marina’s run of quality, well-written but memorable pop songs.
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67. Sonic Boom Six – ‘The High Cost Of Living’ (Released: October, didn’t chart)
The Manchester band famous for mixing up ska with lots of different genres released this perky number in autumn of this year, mixing up some thought provoking words with a catchy ska beat.
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66. Tegan and Sara – ‘I Was A Fool’ (Released: April, No. 143)
Their second entry into my top 100, the Canadian duo’s second single from their most recent album was a well-written ballad with a bit more bite, and a pull at the heartstrings.
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65. Chvrches – ‘Recover’ (Released: March, No. 91)
With ‘Gun’ also in my top 300 it was the Glaswegian band’s debut hit that really hit home and got me into the band, who are one of my favourite new artists of the year. With a distinctive and listenable voice, this was a catchy electronic number.
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64. Justin Timberlake – ‘Mirrors’ (Released: February, No. 1)
Timberlake’s return track ‘Suit and Tie’ after several years away was awful, but thankfully the follow-up ‘Mirrors’ was a big improvement, sounding like classic Justin and feeling like a return to form.
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63. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz – ‘Thrift Shop’ (Released: February, No. 1)
Though originally out in August 2012, it didn’t receive recognition until February this year when it set the world alight and become the hit of the spring. Rap without the clichés and an enjoyable sense of humour amongst the hooks, ‘Thrift Shop’ was a great mash-up.
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62. Placebo – ‘Too Many Friends’ (Released: July, didn’t chart)
From its distinctive opening line to its well-written lyrics all about the modern obsession with social networking over actual friendships, Placebo mixed up social commentary here with a cracking tune.
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61. The Saturdays – ‘Gentleman’ (Released: June, No. 14)
The third but best single from their fourth album, this 90s-referencing pop song mixed up a modern music style with a 20th Century sound to great effect, with a bit of cheek and attitude thrown in.
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So what do you think of my choices so far? Let me know with your comments below. Back soon with my next twenty choices!
