"Angels" - The xx
Hauntingly stunning with lyrics that are pure poetry, "Angels" is definitely the highlight of 'Coexist.' It captures a specific emotion and sensation so well that it almost makes me tear up. The outro is pure perfection.
"Madness" - Muse
This underrated single from Muse did something right that few artists and bands have been able to do: successfully put dubstep in non-EDM music. There's another selection that, imo, did it better (more on that later), but I think "Madness" is effective at making the dubstep flow into the song. It enhances the tone and mood of the song without ever feeling like a gimmick. Kudos to Matthew and the boys.
"Mercy" - Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz
Just listen to Kanye's verse on this song.
Just listen.
That's all.
"Bad Girls" - M.I.A.
I mean, what else is there to say that hasn't already been said? Amazing production, amazing lyrical content, an intelligent political take on rap (even if you didn't realize it), and the best video of the year. Very much looking forward to M.I.A.'s next LP next year.
"Outlaws of Love" - Adam Lambert
Poor Adam… While he may have accomplished something that no other openly gay man had before him (a number-one album in the US), his album has just been forgotten among the mix. He's truly an underrated artist, and "Outlaws of Love" is the only proof you'd ever need. The lyrics are captivating and stirring and his voice is on point.
