Drake f/ Rihanna - "Take Care"
My excitement for Drake's album got a little more crazy when I found out Rihanna was featuring. What made the song even better was the unexpected sound, I hadn't heard Rihanna sing like this before in such a deep tone. It made a welcome addition to the album as well as its spot on my list.
Ed Sheeran - "Gold Rush"
I fell in love with this man last year, and when he was finally signed back in January, I was so ready for a full length album. This was a bonus track on the deluxe edition, but it DEFINITELY deserved a place on the standard. With its upbeat and mellow vibe, "Goldrush" was a standout track on one of my favourite albums this year!
David Guetta f/ Sia - "Titanium"
Years ago, David served me everything with his album Pop Life. Fast forward to 2010, he was beginning to saturate and become another carbon producer. However, when the final version of this song surfaced, I was taken aback at how amazing it was. Sia lent her raw vocals and these worked so well against the beat, a really good dance song.
Emeli Sandé - "Heaven"
At first, I didn't know what to think of this woman's debut single. It wasn't until weeks of constant airplay that I felt forced into liking this song. When I look back, I did enjoy the UK sound of the song and I await her album come 2012.
The Throne - "Murder To Excellence"
Watch The Throne housed many gems, but this was one of the album's stand out tracks for me. With its school kid chant in the background and Jay/Kanye's credible verses, I couldn't not put it on here. A great hip hop tune taken from an even greater album.
Bluey Robinson - "Showgirl"
I put emphasis on my liking thanks to the acoustic cover of this song, and I still prefer it over the studio version. A new UK artist, Bluey has great potential to be amazing and I hope he does well next year - good song!
The Boom Boom - "Creature"
Most will not have heard of this funky group, and it was only when I was told about them I listened to their songs. "Creature" is a real good dance song, with crazy vocals and a hammering beat. It has a 90s euro-dance sound, and this is the reason I love it. Worth listening to, along with their song "Jealous" taken from the same EP.
Beyoncé - "Love On Top"
I was only able to appreciate this song after her 2011 VMA performance. I now love listening to it and her range towards the end is just mind-blowing. One of the growers from 4, and not the only appearance on my list.
Rebecca Ferguson - "Nothing's Real But Love"
I really wasn't excited about her material after the X Factor, but this single came at such a perfect time when I was listening to similar genres so I loved it instantly. At current it's my favourite from the album, but I know a lot of the other tracks will grow on me as I listen further. Great, chilled song!
Natalia Kills - "Wonderland"
Despite being excited for her material after Mirrors last year, it took me a few months to listen to Perfectionist. Unaware this was a single, Wonderland stuck out to me and the weird video furthered this. One of the only desirable tracks for me on the album, I give this the occasional spin.
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