http://i44.tinypic.com/9s42h0.jpg

 

Well hello there. It is time that the year end chart that nobody has been waiting for makes a return for the third year in a row - and there's a lot more to get through this year, with a shortlist of over 100 songs and even a few more fighting for that top 100 position.

 

I am hoping to start on the singles tomorrow (of course not ALL will be getting waffly paragraphs as - in the words of an internet sensation - Ain't nobody got time for that) with a little pre-requisite being the albums of the year, coming up today...at some point.

Edited January 1, 201411 yr by Chez Walrus

Albums

 

01; Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

02; Disclosure - Settle

03; Arcade Fire - Reflecktor

04; Bastille - Bad Blood

05; CHVRCHES - The Bones of What You Believe

 

Two dance act duos - one legendary and the other one of the most interesting new acts of the year top my list here, both aren't PERFECT, but they stand out massively from the basic dance that plagues the charts these days and gave a very refreshing stance on it - I still weep for Instant Crush & Help Me Lose My Mind not smashing.

 

Arcade Fire give another very solid effort, albeit a more darker and less accessible offering this time which unfortunately featured very little of Regine's wonderful vocals.

 

Bastille's debut was very strong, albeit a little bit samey after a while, but had some real highlights regardless.

 

One of my favourite acts of 2013 CHVRCHES make up the list, although I must admit outside of the singles nothing struck me as truly great, more on them later.

 

And that would be all (yeah, I'm not a massive album listener) see y'all tomorrow/later tonight for the singles!

Edited December 21, 201311 yr by Father Walrus

SLOW DOWN GUYS I'VE NOT EVEN STARTED YET, GAWD

 

-x-

 

"Did it make you feel so clever, did you wear it on your sleeve?"

 

 

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91. CHVRCHES - Gun

A group that have contributed in a very good way to my listening experience this year, their first appearance is still pretty great -

A hyper, fast moving electro pop that displays the attitude & personality that Lauren can (sadly) lack sometimes.

 

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92. Lady Gaga feat. R Kelly - Do What U Want

I think this is on its way to becoming my favourite song from her - She has shown herself capable of producing a great pop song, but she's also shown herself capable of making an overblown, try hard mess.

This slightly R'n'B edge suits her a bit better than the overblown nature of Applause and more importantly, doesn't try to be anything other than what it is.

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/2vb8y7p.jpg

93. Wilkinson - Afterglow

A very pleasant entry to the drum'n'bass hit catalog, very impressive vocally as well.

 

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94. Fuse ODG - Antenna

I grew to despise a lot of radio hits this year, this (amongst others down low, don't worry, it doesn't stay this commercial for that long) was one of the few that I still enjoy from time to time.

I've never been that much of a fan of Afrobeat and this one sounds a little bit like Akon, which isn't a good thing but it is simply RIDICULOUSLY catchy, which is probably why I still find it fun to listen to even in the cold winter nights.

 

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95. John Newman - Love Me Again

John Newman's extremely distinct vocals always made me intrigued what he was gonna come up with solo, and he disappoint with this.

A full on epic lament with his vocals adding a sense of genuine desperation, giving it a very anthemic feel.

It by all rights should've been higher on this list, but the dastardly evil which is commercial radio wouldn't let that happen,

also quite a shame to see (so far at least) that this was the only sound he had up his sleeve. :(

 

 

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96. Mister Salmon - Sheffield Philharmonic

Give this a listen, if you can. Very intriguing, quite experimental listen really, which has a deep underlying sad feel to it.

A bizarre kind of folk feel - its sounds a bit like a robot malfunctioning in places, but it just adds to the charm for me.

 

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97. Indiana - Bound

Slightly gone off this since I first heard it (which was, as a matter of fact, before it was entered into BJSC) but I loved it way back when.

A very understated, slightly unnerving listen made even better by her slightly sinister, Delilah-esque vocals and production that slowly creeps up on you as your drawn in.

 

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98. Storm Queen - Look Right Through (MK Vocal Edit)

So I might have gone off it a but, but seeing it top the chart was quite a joy to behold.

It follows the same slow house sort of style of other UK hits like Chris Malinchak & Klangkarussel but has a slightly more underground, funk edge.

Plus how can you say no to that video.

 

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99. The Killers - Shot at the Night

From one of my favourite bands of the last decade, the Killers really have rapidly been falling out of my favour.

It didn't help that the lead single from their last album sounded like a reject from Sam's Town.

Thankfully, this reassured me that they weren't completely past it, a fresh production helped by M83 adds a wonderfully nostalgic feel which I find their most inspired work does so well.

 

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100. Henrik B et al. - Echoes

The first of many BJSC discoveries in this list.

Its simple and would probably sound quite brilliant when pissed.

I wish I had something else to say, but alas.

 

"This isn't love, it's dangerous..."

Edited December 21, 201311 yr by Father Walrus

Gun really does stand out as a highlight on an already great album! That, and Love Me Again = 2 summer anthems for me <3

 

Initially, I didn't like Gun as much as the others, but I really like it now. I'm sure its not too much of a giveaway to say I prefer it to Lies :D

 

(and thank you muchly for being the first commenter!)

 

-x-

 

"Ever thought of calling when you've had a few?"

 

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81. Martin Garrix - Animals

I didn't like this much in BJSC but now its been UK number 1, I love it :)

lolz, it did take its time to grow on me, but a track called Animals was never going to be completely pass me by.

It's structured quite oddly as it builds and builds just waiting for that big drop, but then you get a comparitively subdued breakdown,

Its not necessarily a bad thing though, all the more impressive that this came from a seventeen year old.

 

 

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82. Armin Van Buren - This is What It Feels Like

Given I must have heard this about ten times a day (not even joking) when I was working, its quite impressive its managed to hold on in my affections.

With a breakdown & beginning that apes the likes of David Guetta, this isn't the most original song,

But Trevor's vocals definitely have an engaging and emotional edge to them that sticks it out a little from the pack.

 

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83. Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know?

I've been a long term fan of theirs, and its been sad seeing them decline gradually over the years.

Until this year that is, this was the single that brought them back with power and its not hard to see why.

It doesn't strictly differ from their other material in terms of themes, but somehow manages to sound a lot more accessible and fresh.

I'm honestly not quite sure how this turned things around so much, I couldn't explain it to you objectively - but it is a bloody great record, so you won't see me complaining.

 

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84. Little Mix - Move

I hold a soft spot for Little Mix that I don't hold for much girlbands - mainly due to them working very well as a group and seeming to have their own distinct personalities.

The only problem was perhaps their image and material - it was just a little dated and/or cliched.

Move showed a side to them that works so well you have to wonder how it took them this long to think about it.

Cool, contemporary, infectious and filled with attitude (I sound like a music journalist there), it could easily be a Destiny's Child/TLC record and is a sound I hope they stick to in the future.

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/2ed39cz.jpg

85. Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX - I Love It

So I pretty much hated this for most of the year and a half that I heard it. Twas just a bit too shouty for me.

Something must've clicked when I started hearing it on the radio - it somehow became quite a great sing-a-long anthem whilst working.

It's production is the strong point over the quite repetitive verses , although I still don't know what crashing your own car into a bridge will do to make you feel better though. You''l probably die...

 

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86. Gabrielle - #Sitterher

What is a 'sitterher' and why does it have a hashtag in front of it? I can't answer that, but I love this song.

It is quite balmy the amount she repeats it, but its definitely quite a lot of fun.

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/1214wid.jpg

87. Pitbull feat. TJR - Don’t Stop The Party

This isn't actually my worst guilty pleasure of the year, despite how bad it looks. I mean its PITBULL and the song's called 'Don't Stop The Party'.

It should've only ended one way, but somehow it didn't. The chorus isn't half brilliant and there is a certain charisma to Pitbull's sub-spanish rapping.

FORGIVE ME FOR MY SINS, but this is trashy and I love it.

 

http://i41.tinypic.com/15jdop.jpg

88. Hermitude - Hyperparadise (Flume Remix)

Well this kinda sticks out in this mainstream/poppy section, but here goes anyway.

It essentially sounds like a mixture of distorted sounds, it may take you a while to find a rhythm to it,

but it manages to make these sounds become something resembling a hip hop/pop mash up.

Its incredibly funky, give it

 

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89. Ray Foxx feat. Rachel K Collier - Boom Boom (Heartbeat)

Pop dance song with quite a catchy chorus, simple but effective.

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/2rfqxvr.jpg

90. Romans - Ballad of a Figure 8

Somewhat mysteriously the second chapter of a first act in...I don't know, this is a quite beautiful electronic number with Miike Snow's excellent vocals coupled with quite a 'minimalist' video that's just as effective that I would urge you to

.

This was a 'BJSC entry that never was' that in the end I tired of, but its still lovely.

 

"Strangest Panic Trip on Earth"

 

-x-

 

That'll do for now I think.

Edited December 22, 201311 yr by Father Walrus

Gun is very fantastic. So I'm just gonna echo Seven because I also love Newman.

 

I'm very much looking forward to seeing what tops this anyway.

 

edit: Oh and yay for Move and Do I Wanna Know

"If a child, a child cries would you not forgive them?"

 

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71. AlunaGeorge - Attracting Flies

I, probably like most of the world, first was interested in AlunaGeorge through their (?) part on White Noise.

Even without knowing much about them, just the sound of her vocals will show you they are just that little bit different than others and this song exemplifies that.

They may be something of an acquired taste that may not please everyone, but the quirkiness of the vocals and production makes this a very unique listen.

Its just a shame, this single aside, that they're taste seems a bit TOO acquired for most to get it :(

 

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72. London Grammar - Strong

One word I can use to describe this is 'gorgeous' <3

London Grammar have definitely proven to be one of the best new acts of the year for me.

Wasting My Young Years grabbed my attention instantly, but this just took it that little bit further

In the end, this didn't quite hold up as well as the aforementioned, but this is certainly just as beautiful, haunting & truly entrancing as it is.

 

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73. Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball

I REALLY didn't want to put her on here, but who'd've thought she could come up with a song this good?

There's not much to say about the girl herself that hasn't been very well documented this year, but putting all that aside for a moment

I can't deny this one, its emotional and, more importantly, her first slightly more mature song

I guess it doesn't need to be said that she's growing up fast, but this song shows that that COULD (in some ways) be a good thing.

 

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74. Arcade Fire - Reflektor

One day, Arcade Fire will stop making the gorgeous music that they do, but that day is not among us yet

I just love how no lead single they put out ever sounds the same as the past one.

At seven minutes long, that may suggest its quite overblown, but its really anything but. Very subtle, haunting & slowly engages you as you go along.

 

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75. Disclosure feat. Sam Smith - Latch

I'm cheating slightly here, I'm aware this is a 2012 song, so I have kinda come with a compromise between the two years. It would definitely be higher otherwise.

The song itself started a flawless run of singles for Disclosure, and introduced the world to Sam Smith - with possibly some of the best vocals I've heard for all of 2012 & 2013.

Three wonderful talents combined here - hopefully Sam's solo stuff comes to fruition next year as if its anything like this, he's already won me over.

 

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76. Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble

If there's one thing I've learnt about Taylor from the 'Red' era, it's that she can be irritating as fuck.

But it's also clear that she can do something other than the same song she'd been giving us prior to this.

I Knew You Were Trouble shows that she can do sophisticated pop, heck, this even has a slight dubstep feel to it.

I think 22 might be growing on me too, HELP :(

 

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77. Foxes - Youth

This song hit me a little bit late in the year, it probably would be much higher otherwise.

Foxes' incredible vocals on Clarity showed me that she was a keeper - and this song (which I wasn't around to hear when it was in BJSC) didn't disappoint.

If I could say anything, its that the production doesn't quite compliment her vocals in the best way.

But its still a fantastic song with great lyrics, I really look forward to hearing more material from her in the new year.

 

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78. Bridgit Mendler - Ready or Not

I like her face.

 

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79. Stylo G - Soundbwoy

Reggae has always somehow deserted my quite wide music taste for the most part.

However, this slight pop-reggae hybrid was quite great, a quite catchy beat to it & the production is mainly to die for

Everything pretty much losing it at the end of the chorus is also a lot of fun.

 

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80. BURNS - Limitless

All ten of my BJSC entries made it into my top 100 this year, so no regrets for the most part.

Although this would probably be one - Negatives: It's fairly plain EDM that doesn't stand out a lot, its a mere whimper compared to Lies.

Positives: Clare Maguire's vocals fit very well here and not judging it too harshly, its a fairly harmless throwaway dance track.

Its not really a song that I come back to a lot, but whenever I do, its still pretty good.

 

"Now I'm just chasing time with a thousand dreams I'm holding heavy"

 

-x-

 

I promise the rest of my chart isn't as commercial whore-ish.

I feel the EXACT same as you over Don't Stop the Party :lol:

 

There are some amazing highlights here already including Move, Strong, Love Me Again and Do I Wanna Know? to name just a few. The only one I question at the moment is Bridgit :lol:

Okay so this is the best EOY chart on Buzzjack

 

PLEASE keep doing the commercial stuff. I also listen to KISS every day but there's a strong chance that a song I love will always be playing regardless of overplay unlike in your case! XD

Edited December 22, 201311 yr by ★ G R I F F ★

Thanks for the comments so far guys, There was a period where is was weirdly obsessed with Ready or Not, don't ask me why. It doesn't get many plays off me these days.

 

Kiss can be OK (Kisstory is amazing for the most part), but there was a point where I literally heard the same string of songs once an hour every day, twas quite unbearable :( I'm FREE of it now though :D It unfortunately won't stay that mainstream for long, but not too obscure.

 

-x-

 

"I am the last of the flock"

 

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61. Keep Shelly in Athens - Flyway

The first time I heard of KSIA was in Unknown Pleasures, I don't exactly remember the song, but I really liked what I heard.

The first thing I heard from them solo was this - and it definitely didn't disappoint, an beautiful dreamy, synthy affair.

It never quite changes key or takes off or anything, but I don't think this song needs it as its almost perfect as it is.

 

http://i44.tinypic.com/kesxi0.jpg

62. Disclosure feat. Eliza Doolittle - You & Me

There is little else to say about the excellence of Disclosure that I haven't already/will say.

One thing that did intrigue me was the presence of Eliza Doolittle, who I do have a slight soft spot for if there's anything she's known for, it's not the dark, subtle dance that Disclosure specialise in.

I think it worked brilliantly, it made me hopeful that Eliza was going to go down a darker route musically for her new era - so then she comes back with Big When I Was Little.

:( :( :( :(

No matter, this sits nicely as a highlight to her back catalogue.

 

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63. Showtek feat. We Are Loud - Booyah! (Original Mix)

Sometimes all you really need is a song like this.

Mashing the genres of dance, rave, electronic, reggae, drum 'n' Bass & urban seemingly altogether, its a bit of an odd one to classify

But when he yells 'BOOYAH' and the mad breakdown hits, you'd be stupid not to just go along with it.

 

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64. Feathers - Land of the Innocent

Yay for all my BJSC flops together in one place.

This lot are a little bit Haim if you replace guitars with synths.

Land of the Innocent uses hushed vocals & understated synths to create a very eerie atmosphere and wonderfully 80s-esque.

They deserved more attention than they got (although I say this and still don't really know what else they've done oops)

 

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65. Mat Zo & Porter Robinson - Easy

I was almost tempted to put Language here, due to it not really clicking until this year (and with Radio 1 still playing it once an hour it might as well be a 2013 song)

His next song is far more instant and really dares you not to dance from the moment those vocals start.

A little inconsequential perhaps, but as Showtek has already shown, that's all you really need sometimes.

 

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66. Clams Casino - I’m God

I hope this gives me back my credibility after Bridgit Mendler to any lurking hipsters.

Harve has sent many great entries to BJSC, but this takes the biscuit as the best one this year.

It's only ended up relatively low in the end because the song on its own doesn't quite sound as good on its own as it does with the simply mesmerizing video (shown in the picture)

Together, they truly make for a hypnotizing, beautiful listening experience, seriously

and five minutes will just go by like that.

 

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67. Woman E - You Stole That Summer (Bright Light Bright Light Remix)

Take a Kylie Minogue b-side from the 70s SAW era and bring it to the present day.

Probably doesn't sound too enticing does it?

Add some dream house production that sounds like it got lost along the way from the 80s to the present day.

Sounds like it doesn't work, but the result is actually quite marvellous.

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/2hnp3b6.jpg

68. Haim - The Wire

Now for LEGS Haim who have made a good impression so far.

I love their brand of uber-subtle soft rock, that teeters the line between accessible & obscure and more importantly, involves an equal contribution from all of them.

The Wire is significantly more commercial than their other singles - its chorus is very catchy and the slight guitar lines shine through.

It's commercial enough for chart fans to enjoy it and indie enough for the indie kids to enjoy it. I'm uncertain about their future, but this year they've certainly had a good start.

 

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69. Pyramid - Wolf

I always like instrumentals, but this year has proved absolutely excellent for them (many discovered on this here forum)

Just because this is the lowest of them (well that didn't chart) is no insult to it.

It is straight, funky and amazingly infectious that refuses to let you go when its engaged you.

 

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70. Chase & Status feat. Louis M^tters - Lost & Not Found

No More Idols is one of my favourite albums of the last few years, so C&S were gonna have a lot to live up to. (I've not listened to it yet of course, but oh well)

I didn't like any singles this era as much as the likes of End Credits & Blind Faith, but that's no insult when they were so good.

Lost & Not Found is still excellent - complete with somehow soothing vocals, a wonderful intro blending strings with drums, and typically fantastic production from the duo.

"I've loved you forever"

 

-x-

 

I may need to take time to do some of my work that I'm constantly using this to procrastinate with plus Christmas related stuff (and this format isn't half tedious to put together), so this may move a little slower after this. I'm aiming to get it finished just after new years.

Edited December 22, 201311 yr by Father Walrus

"You Should Meet my College friends, one drives a Mercedes...He's good with the girls"

 

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51. Francis & The Lights - Etc.

Fun fact: This is made up of the melodies of a lot of different songs, the verse melodies come from both Beyonce's Ring The Alarm (41 seconds in) & Beanie Siegel & Freeway's Roc the Mic. The bridge from Simply Red's Holding Back The Years & the chorus from - believe it or not - Wouldn't It Be Nice by The Beach Boys. Check it out seriously, quite fascinating.

The song itself is accompanied with a video consisting of a pair of shoes, it twists what you think you're watching.

It is a sombre number that is enigmatic by name and nature

It is built around a revolving piano melody coupled with sad, hushed vocals which is all quite beautiful.

 

http://i44.tinypic.com/14cbd07.jpg

52. Keston Cobblers Club - The Heights of Lola

So obscure I can't find a Youtube link!

This is definitely something of an oddity in 2013 - if anything it sounds like it got lost from 1913 America.

It trots along with jangly piano, strumming guitars and harmonising vocals with no hint of anything even remotely 'digital' added.

Its odd, but its brilliantly catchy and refreshing in this day and age.

 

http://i41.tinypic.com/2e3bdic.jpg

53. Tom Odell - Another Love

Something a bit more commercial now if that was a bit too obscure.

I was a bit worried Tom Odell's material would be more of the whiny, sickly sweet shite that Ed Sheeran has become known for.

Thankfully, this (and the little others I've heard from him) showed me that he was a bit better than that.

Built around a calm piano and slowly building anger, Tom sells this quite convincingly, what with all his 'lohv's and 'lahvs'

 

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54. Thomas Azier - Ghostcity

From one Tom to another, this ranks as one of my favourite discoveries from BJSC this year, cheers Mikey.

From the very beginning with the quiet vocals and slowly building synths before all hell slowly breaks loose after the first chorus

This is essentially perfect dark synth pop, from start to finish.

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/25hh4qu.jpg

55. Dreamtrak - Odyssey Part 2 (A.G Cook Remix) (55a) Dreamtrak - Odyssey Part 2 Non-remix)

I struggled to know which version of this I prefer, so I decided to include both of them in the end.

Despite sharing the same roots and backing track, they are both rather different.

The original is a glorious five minute long instrumental that moves along at a steady pace, before erupting into a Calvin Harris-esque dancefloor smash.

The remix adds vocals, which is usually frowned upon by myself as half the time they don't need it, but in this case, they were essential.

The vocals added are a 'duet' of some forms, one voice being a pitchy declaration that someone's 'always on my mind, baby there's no time'

But really its all about the computerised vocals in the verses, which contains lyrics that are so *.* worthy they are occupy both ends of this post.

In conclusions, they are both pretty essential in very different ways, anything with a synth line like that is really.

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/2u41lye.jpg

56. Family of the Year - Hero

A discovery from the most recent Unknown Pleasures contest.

It doesn't quite sound as out of place as Keston did, but still something of an oddity.

It does strike me as a song which could cross over to the UK eventually and I do hope it does

As Country has shown it can appeal to some UK listeners too this year (albeit only with Avicii's name on it)

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/34nslmb.jpg

57. Imagine Dragons - It’s Time

So yeah, this was never quite the big hit I was expecting it to be. Still, with Radioactive huge and all, I guess they can't complain.

There isn't anything particularly unique about this - think of any 'inspirational' soft number a rock group has put out and your halfway there.

But its still a good song to listen to and, along with Radioactive, shows two very unique sides to them.

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/whxqtl.jpg

58. Naughty Boy feat. Sam Smith - La La La

Yes, one of the few survivors of the Kiss FM ONSLAUGHT that took out most of the years commercial radio hits.

Its a great, quite unique style song with a typically brilliant performance from Sam Smith that thoroughly deserved its massive sales

It made me excited to see if he put out any more collaborations as inspired as this one - only to put yet another one with Little Miss Overexposed :(

His album is still on my listening list, even with all of the Sande stuff.

 

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59. Sykur - Messy Hair

The first of my four UP entries, yay.

My least successful of those is still fairly high in my affections

This is a wonderfully quirky little number, and that shows both in the wavy synths and the vocals

If you haven't heard it, imagine CHVRCHES on ecstasy - you'd actually be halfway there.

 

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60. Laura Mvula - Green Garden

A lovely little gem from early in the year that has stayed with me throughout.

Slightly Amy Winehouse-esque, I was never a massive fan of her, but this is really good.

Its all wonderful jangling bells and gospel choirs that has a lovely feel of, well as it says on the tin, sitting in a green garden.

 

 

"We drove to Miami, because Miami is a place"

'Wolf' in your top 70? <3 I didn't see it coming, I'm glad a Varakë entry made it.

 

'Afterglow', 'Lost & Not Found' etc. <3

 

Brilliant YE so far!

Indeed, Wolf would've probably been even higher if I'd known about it earlier in the year!

That Dreamtrak tune became my favourite from you eventually. SO GOOD & a lyrical masterpiece, more of the same next year please. Also great to see Clams Casino here <3

"Find your way back to the grave"

 

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41. Of Verona - Castles

A song that clicked with me in a big way this year, despite it coming to my attention last year through Unknown Pleasures.

I guess them being entered into BJSC gave me the memory jog of this that I needed.

I would say it crosses the ever expanding gap between 'pop' and 'indie' very well. It won't exactly convert any hipsters, but it has a lot more depth and thought than some of the pop 'stereotypes' per Se.

The chorus of this is definitely where the strength lies - quiet verses followed by a sudden burst of energy which makes this song soar

(See Iz, I do like your song contest entries sometimes!)

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/9gka3l.jpg

42. Haiku Salut - Glockelbar

OK, right now I'm afraid I can't allow you to read on until you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watched it? You better have.

Hands down one of the most beautiful things I've seen this year, I can't even find the words :wub:

It may not be quite as a powerful as a song in its own right, but it is still wonderfully gorgeous.

As the title suggests, a glockenspiel & an accordion are the only instruments present here, it slowly builds up while never quite changing from the same rhythm.

Coupled with the video, it will brighten your mood any day. Its just quite sad that all but 6,000 are not aware of it :(

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/de8goj.jpg

43. Paramore - Still Into You

I've always had a soft spot for Paramore, hell ANY guitar band that can still get a hit is someone I can at least foreseeably get behind.

Still Into You is fairly normal for them, except their usual rebellious, youthful attitude is replaced with an emotional .

It's no Misery Business and its fairly formulaic as far as songs like this go, but I think this is very convincing overall and

Shows they can be mature and still have that same Paramore charm.

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/2a5na6w.jpg

44. Sir Sly - Ghost

So it took being entered into both UP & BJSC for me to get it, but I came round in the end.

Ghost is a fairly subtle, alt-pop track with light, atmospheric synths, faded vocals and a slowly building beat.

It all sounds quite, ahem, ghostly and mysterious, but its also a wonderfully chilled listen,

It becomes quite hypnotizing when paired with

featuring a ghost making his way through the clouds.

 

http://i41.tinypic.com/kapsn5.jpg

45. Muse - Panic Station

Muse did not feature in my end of year chart last year, and I'm not even sure they would've even if I was doing as many as 100.

I was slightly disappointed with The 2nd Law at first, but it had its highlights, and this was definitely one of them.

A shame everyone had largely stopped caring by the time this was released as its great - absolutely barmy with Matt's booming vocals that demand you take notice, twisted guitars and even the F-bomb and a horn section dropped.

It was when I saw them live that this really clicked - coupled with a stage video of thw world's politicians as bobbleheads dancing on the world was quite unusually blunt for the band but hit the message home harder.

So yes, I forgive you for your sins Muse, you can still record great songs and put on amazing shows. Just get the whole package right next time.

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/5122zc.jpg

46. Jaymes Young - Dark Star (Kiely Rich Remix) [Hitstastic Black Dwarf Radio Edit]

YES BRÉ you have one of your entries here. Don't worry.

This song is...very unnecessarily bracketed in the title, but its worth searching it out.

Never quite blatant enough to be pop but chocked full of loud synths, breakdowns, key changes, the works.

This wouldn't sound out of place on either a pop whore or a hipsters iPod, and all the better for it.

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/f4p5oh.jpg

47. Arctic Monkeys - Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?

For my money, a lot better than their lead single, if only because I found this a bit more instant and heard it slightly less. Both are pretty brilliant so that is no insult.

This is rather classic for them really, short and sweet and the chorus in particular is typically sing-along,

But the dark feel that encapsulates them and has been proved already in Do I Wanna Know is still present right down to the last note.

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/jtny1s.jpg

48. BURNS - Lies (Otto Knows Remix)

Another one from the tail end of last year that crept up in my affections this year.

I'm not sure how it took so long listening to it now as if anything is instant, it's this.

The vocals starting off seem like a mere distraction to keep you entertainied before the mega drop and breakdown flies in and captures your attention instantly.

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/264osnb.jpg

49. Manufactured Superstars - Zombies in Love

HAS LEGO AND ZOMBIES IN IT OMG

It kinda sounds a bit like background music because nothing much actually goes on with the track

But its still extremely infectious, and once it pulls you in, you won't want the track to end.

Plus THE VIDEO HAS LEGO AND ZOMBIES IN IT

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/34o7rqp.jpg

50. DVBBS feat. Borgeous - Tsunami

Its probably fitting I put this here despite the fact this is very clearly going to blow up in the new year...

albeit littered with VOCALS and those of TINIE TEMPAH at that :( :( :( :( :(

So its only fair we respect this while we can before it becomes a distant memory in favour of the vocal version.

The original is a definition of a dance epic - never feeling like its staying in one place and constantly building up to the breakdown

If there's one image it gives me, its that of a battle beginning, and what a wonderful soundtrack to a film of that caliber this would be.

Let us mourn it.

 

"My heart was borne out of the fire"

Edited December 27, 201311 yr by Father Walrus

Panic Station is SO underrated tbh

 

yeah that Tinie version of Tsunami is awful lol. Nearly every comment i've seen about it has been negative :lol:

 

 

:wub:

 

More people should be converted to the brilliance of Castles. Never expected it to be mentioned on this site again unless I brought it up, gave me a bit of a surprise to see it here. A nice one of course.

"It burns my sense of truth to hear me shouting at my youth"

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/29vf7m8.jpg

31. Robert DeLong - Global Concepts

I do wish I'd have had the courage to send this to BJSC when I first heard it, but its entirely my loss.

Amongst the run of samey dance that's been plaguing us this whole year, it is always wonderful hearing something like...this.

Unique is a word I would use to describe this - Built around crashing drums, DeLong goes on about something or other before

'DID I MAKE YOU FUCKING DANCE' is bellowed and I'd really be surprised if you didn't do just that as the track goes a bit mental.

Bizarrely brilliant, to put it simply.

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/2d7tszt.jpg

32. Justin Timberlake - Mirror

Perhaps a little low, but that's just what overplay does, even with a marvelous song like this.

JT has always been brilliant at what he does, so his comeback was always quite anticipated by myself

So you can only imagine the worldwide 'Eh?' that came when Suit & Tie was released early in the year.

Fast forward a few months and Mirror was released - now we're talking.

This is JT at his very best - Think Cry Me a River with just that little bit more maturity, emotion and all the style and panache that oozed from Future Sex/Love.

Some may be a little bit turned off by the length, but if anything I find it adds to it brilliantly, a song does not necessarily have to end when the radio-friendly hooks have disappeared, there's a hell of a lot more that it gives and this song exemplifies that.

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/2u5s784.jpg

33. Phoenix - Entertainment

OK confession time - I didn't actually know who Phoenix were prior to this year, oops indeed.

From the moment this track started, I wondered why as this sort of synth-rock is right up my street indeed.

If I'm being honest, the vocals and chorus seem a bit of an inconsequential distraction until THAT synth line hits.

It is...pretty epic to put it frankly, and the childs choir that join in towards the end of the track elevate it to stadium anthem status.

It may not be the perfect song as a whole to introduce me to the band, but that synth line will win you over any day.

 

http://i41.tinypic.com/2rdvx1t.jpg

34. Houseshaker feat. Amanda Blush - Light the Sky

I feel this chart should probably be sponsored by accordions as they seem to be the key to my affection this year (and what's near the top of it, hint hint)

An otherwise fairly generic dance track with an equally generic video made AMAZING when that accordion solo comes in.

I have nothing left to say here, so yes accordions - good.

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/ibjqzd.jpg

35. Calvin Harris feat. Alesso & Hurts - Under Control

I'm a bit up and down with Calvin - he can be good but also not so good. I Need Your Love & Drinking From The Bottle were both very solid tracks, but KISSFM obviously saw that and hammered them to the point I wouldn't really choose to listen to them out of choice anymore.

I'm aware that this isn't at all innovative for what it is, but frankly its a right tune. The combined powers of Harris & Swedish House Mafia's Alesso make the drop quite something, and although Hurts' vocals could've been anyone, I do think they are actually farily good in building the track up.

It's no Don't You Worry Child, but as this years big end-of-year dance anthem made for new years parties - it's a fine edition for me.

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/2rnhlc8.jpg

36. Disclosure feat. AlunaGeorge - White Noise

I think we can conclusively say this is Disclosure's finest moment at least this year.

Latch was pretty darn amazing, and they would need something pretty incredible to follow that up, was that possible?

When this song dropped, all doubts were cast away. The production is quite breathtaking in its subtlety.

And AlunaGeorge certainly don't sound like they were pulled in off the street to sing - giving their own personal stamp to this.

Overall, quite a brilliant moment for both for the Disclography ( :magic: ) and dance music in general this year.

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/2mebi43.jpg

37. Lorde - Royals

I remember this when its only video was

and it had less than a thousand views and I even contributed to its minimal points total in BJSC. I ain't no sheep ~

Although its definitely something of a grower - Perhaps because the production seems a bit 'plain' when you first hear it

But it actually not only allows her voice to shine through, but also works fairly well in the songs 'no gloss' context.

Although one can't help that notice that at only 16 and new to the industry herself, her head might be a little too far up her arse for her to be saying this already, it always put me off from full on LOVING this.

Whether she actually becomes a mighty voice of reason or just ends up a bit too big headed for her own good like poor old Marina remains to be seen, but this song shows she has a lot of talent and potential in her at least.

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/21lq49w.jpg

38. Tom Day - Going Home

Sometimes less really is more. I should probably take that advice with the commentary on this page.

This song is comprised of little more than a few keys on a piano and a few stray backing beats.

It never strays outside of this and the result is, for want of a better word, just absolutely beautiful.

I can only hope I NEVER EVER have to hear vocals over this as it couldn't need them less.

I would recommend you

if you're not familiar with it.

Try picturing it in the context of its title or just stare at the picture in the video, just adds to that power <3 (I'm gonna start crying if I keep on with this)

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/6yzfja.jpg

39. Beatrice Eli - It’s Over

Short and sweet, About all I can say here and about all this track really needs to be.

Do give it a

, its good

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/24dfrpj.jpg

40. Emmelie De Forest - Only Teardrops

I very rarely go back to ANY Eurovision song, but I still find this as brilliant as when I heard it back in May.

A folk song really, there's no swanky tech instruments present here. just flutes, acoustics and a marching beat.

However it crosses over excellently so that fans of either genre can't deny it. It's a perfect Eurovision winner in this sense.

Indeed that's twice that the Eurovision winner has been in my year end chart - What are you doing to me Buzzjack?!

 

"I don't care for second place, next time I'll bring my ace of spades"

First thing first, the albums apart from the obvious #1, the rest of the albums that make up the rest of your top 5 all featured in my top 10, how spooky is that. I must admit the CHVRCHES album is one of the best albums of 2013. I find The Mother We Share is the best stand out track personally, but the whole album is exceptional

 

The London Grammar track Strong, is just gorgeous utter agree, I think Hannah has got that voice that really goes through you, especially with melodies.

 

I'm glad you liked the Thomas Azier track, that was the track that put me back on the map in BJSC, it just builds up nicely as the track goes along and hits dark territory. We seem to be on the same level music taste wise, Disclosure, Imagine Dragons, Keep Shelly In Athens, mind you I do prefer Oostende over Fly Away, and the Phoenix track Entertainment that was my choice of entry for BJSC but it was disqualified from entering it.

Big YES at Phoenix "Entertainment"! Spectacular song, hopefully it led you to their other music.

 

"White Noise" was one of the best success stories of the year, amazing. I prefer "You & Me" but finally listened to Disclosure's album yesterday!

 

And I did watch the Glockelbar video ^_^