Pixie Lott - "Kiss The Stars"
THE best from her album, a real nice uptempo from her - another All About Tonight.
Lady Gaga - "Scheiße"
I wasn't here for the Mugler remix when we first heard it many moons ago, but when the album leaked this was on repeat. When she described the album's sound including “sledge-hammer” dance beats, THIS was what she meant.
Ed Sheeran - "Drunk"
My favourite from his debut album, a soft song with a great sound.
Example - "Midnight Run"
On the whole, I much preferred his debut offering. However, when I have Playing In the Shadows a play, this was a standout track. It's thumping beat and tuneful melody, it sounds great through BIG speakers.
Wynter Gordon - "Dirty Talk"
What can I say, the ****tiest chart song of 2011?! I remember hearing this in the clubs on holiday, perfection. A dirty pop tune with a damn catchy hook!
Martin Solveig & Dragonette - "Hello"
A nice dance song from him, I live for the X Factor group performance though.
Foster The People - "Pumped Up Kicks"
I remember when I first heard this and didn't thing anything of it, but looking back it was a really good song and I now enjoy it way more. Their album is worth a listen to if you're into that sound :jams:
Rihanna - "Where Have You Been"
Life.
Aura Dione - "Geronimo"
GEE GEE JO JO LA LA, LET'S GO! Still love this..
Drake - "Marvin's Room"
When he released this, I was SO happy. It was fresh; the solemn beat and his signature style just sounded good. A real nice track with a laid-back vibe I wasn't hearing in other songs.
Wretch 32 f/ Josh Kumra - "Don't Go"
I despise Wretch in this and how saturated he has become, but I was more focused on the feature. This song introduced me to Josh Kumra and his soulful voice. When Josh did a solo of this I was just shocked at how raw his vocals were, listening again my ears melt - check it out:
Rizzle Kicks - "Prophet (Better Watch It)"
After finding their debut, this was the second song I heard - and I loved it. Real good song, glad it made the album!
Olly Murs - "Busy"
So many memories from this song, 'Busy' is just a laid-back & poppy track for the good times. Wasn't even aware of its existence until a friend played it, hooked ever since. More like this please Olly!
Coldplay - "Hurts Like Heaven"
Standout track on first listen from the album, just love the vibes it gave.
Wiz Khalifa - "No Sleep"
It may be his most mainstream track, but nothing can beat a song for the good times. Only discovered it recently so I've been giving it lots of plays, one of the tracks I stupidly skipped on first listen months ago.
Kelly Rowland f/ Big Sean - "Lay It On Me"
Still waiting on this to be released in the UK, I love it.
Katy B - "Witches Brew"
She is so damn COOL (& this rightly confirms it)
The Weeknd - "The Morning"
The first song I heard from The Weeknd, I really didn't know what to think at first but I've grown to really love this and its respective mixtape.
Harry Potter Soundtrack - "Lily's Theme"
Adele - "Set Fire to the Rain"
Couldn't not include at least one Adele on the list, this was a standout back when 21 came out.
Travis Garland & JoJo - "PAINT"
These two together just worked. PAINT was great: the sample, the vocals, the catchiness. I hope it's included on either of their albums, a banger.
Sky Ferreira - "Haters Anonymous"
When I discovered her this year, I downloaded the As If! EP. Hated this track at first, it was so damn weird. After a while, it had become my favourite track from her. I walked through school corridors speaking it under my breath, I WAS a hater anonymous. The weirdness and messiness of this track is what gives it appeal
Ke$ha - "Shots On the Hood Of My Car"
Nice leak from her, wouldn't go a miss including on the next album.
Ed Sheeran - "Lego House"
Another favourite from his '+' album, the video is brilliant too!
Lil Wayne f/ Bruno Mars - "Mirror"
Man, this song still gets me. The instrumental is so surreal, it gave me chills on first listen (still does!). Bruno's voice fits perfectly to it, although I have always imagine a women (Skylar?) singing it even better. Prime example when a deluxe track worthy of the standard edition is relegated. Shame!
Beyoncé - "Best Thing I Never Had"
Jamming to this while I write, a great song from Bey -didn't get into it fully until I heard it on radio 24/7. On the whole, a wondrous '**** you' song from a brilliant talent.
Coldplay f/ Rihanna - "Princess of China"
I was so pumped for this collaboration, and boy did it deliver. My first listen, I remember lying in bed with my Beats on, a cherished moment indeed.
Marina & the Diamonds - "Fear and Loathing"
This signalled the start of the new album and I really liked the direction. First album was brilliant so I was always ready for new Marina. Can't wait to hear Electra Heart!
Neon Hitch - "Gucci Gucci (Cover)"
This cover destroyed the original. Neon gave me everything Crazyshawn couldn't.. and then some:
DIANA VICKERS
My favourite female discoveries this year. I hated Diana on X Factor, she was the manifesto of annoying for me. Fast forward to 2011, things changed (and clearly my taste in music).
Thanks to a friend, I chose to give Songs from a Tainted Cherry Tree a go one day. Wowowowow - Track 1: good, Track 2: good, Track 3: good, on and on it went. Standout track however, 'You'll Never Get to Heaven' - A SYNTH-POP DREAM. I give this album the rounds at least once a week now, and Diana has become one of my favourite singers in a long time.
Album #2 is right around the corner and I know it's going to deliver.