#99. Gotye - "Somebody That I Used To Know" (featuring Kimbra)
Here it is.. one of the biggest songs of 2012. Continuing on with the hipster-alternative pop sound that was furiously spreading on the radio earlier this year, "Somebody That I Used To Know" definitely stands out as a leader of those songs. First though, I have to say that the pathetic radio edit was a travesty. Now that I have that off my chest, I have to say that this song was a highlight of my spring - Gotye and Kimbra both contributed excellent vocals, a powerhouse chorus, and who can forget that chilled instrumental.
#98. Nicki Minaj - "Fire Burns"
Sure, it's easy for me to say that Nicki's first album was a better era, but I still think Nicki really brought it this era. Unfortunately, her attitude got the best of her this era, but let's appreciate the excellent tracks she delivered. This song is easily underrated and one of the best from Roman Reloaded. The emotion in the song is clearly performed by Nicki and that's what the makes the song for me.
#97. Maroon 5 - "Doin' Dirt"
This song is clearly "Moves Like Jagger" 2.0, except it's better because well, let's be honest, we don't have Christina Aguilera screaming on it and destroying the quality of the track. Not saying that "Jagger" was bad, it was good, but it's just a reason that "Doin' Dirt" picks up where it takes off. The attitude and danciness to it create an excellent party vibe that was perfect for summer. Maroon 5 really can do it all.
#96. Swedish House Mafia & Knife Party - "Antidote"
This is the first of many entries that you will see by Swedish House Mafia. I absolutely love them and want to cry to sleep over the fact that they are broken up. I have no idea why - I hope it's some marketing plan to sell more tickets because half a year later after their breakup announcement - they're still together. Anyway, this song is brilliant and the autotuned half-singing adds to the build up of the song. The great thing about this song is that it starts out strong, yet it still builds up. Knife Party, which is composed of two members of another broken up group Pendulum (I'm extremely depressed about this too), who add immensely to this track.
#95. Santigold - "The Riot's Gone"
I first heard Santigold's first single earlier this Spring and I thought it was just too different for me. I gave her a second chance though and I'm so glad that I did. I consider this a midtempo and Santigold slays with her style. She is truly a one of a kind and can deliver emotions in her own way and it really works.
#94. No Doubt - "One More Summer"
The emotion I associate with this song is nostalgia. Everything about it feels like summer and memories (I know, cheesy of me to say). It feels classic like a 90's song, yet it fits in with current music. No Doubt really did deserve more success. The part of the song that is absolutely infectious is the "oh oh oh oh's" after the chorus.
#93. Marina and the Diamonds - "Valley of the Dolls"
Here begins the Marina domination. People may not have completely understood Marina this era, but I thought the material was high quality. "Dolls" almost has a creepy chorus, but I love it. Not creepy in Marylin Manson esque, but definitely a cold chorus. I also enjoy the concept lyrically with is the relation to the movie of the same name. Marina was excellent at delivering a concept album and this song proves why.
#92. Rihanna - "Pour It Up"
Talk That Talk meant to be an urban album in addition to Calvin Harris dance songs + "What's My Name" and "Rude Boy" clones. However, that didn't work out for her in my opinion. "Pour It Up" was the urban anthem that we should have seen on Talk That Talk. But we didn't - luckily, we got it a year later. Even though, I don't believe or like Rihanna's real life attempt at being scummy drug thug, she can deliver it well in a song.
#91. Fun. - "We Are Young" (featuring Janelle Monae)
Another hipster anthem of the year - what an excellent track. The chorus is so strong and I must that I saw them live and it was amazing. Fun. is the whole package and in my opinion, they are here to stay. Really looking forward to their next album.
#90. Lana Del Rey - "Off to the Races"
One of the first tracks I listened to by Lana and it definitely convinced me that she was the real deal. The lyrics are clever, her changing voice tone from innocent girl to provocative women is amazing in the song. The drums fit so perfectly in this song. Words can't even go on my appreciation for this song. Brilliance!
Just felt the random urge to scream out, "SOMEBODY THAT YOU USED TO KNOOOOO-OOOOOOO-OOOOWWWW". I have a feeling that will be happening a lot over the next month.
I also enjoy that we put WAY at the exact same spot.