Jaz13music

I really like Diamonds, probably the first of my top ten to appear here. At the time I thought it was quite brave to have it as first single from a new album, but looking back Rihanna always had incredible instincts for that.

Brilliant song! Can’t wait for another album

Great idea! Would these count? (Sorry if they’re wrong, I’m not from the US😬)

I’d have White Lines just pipping Two Tribes as my favourite of these. Both brilliant songs though. White Lines is such a foundational hip hop record, and I love Two Tribes’ ‘all in’ sound and driving rhythm. No slight on the other songs here, I Won’t Let The Sun… is great political pop and Jump is energetic, though I slightly prefer Automatic. Talking Loud and Clear is pretty, and I Absolute is more quirky pop but I agree that Wood Beez is better.

Just a heads up, for anyone who’s interested, the next Rough Trade 50th anniversary vinyl drop is on 4th August, covering the years 2006 to 2015.

Hall Of Fame is pleasant enough with a pretty memorable chorus, though nothing earth shattering. The extra exposure from The Voice giving it an extra push to the number one.

I got them all back in the day, excellent groundbreaking albums and well worth getting if you can seek them out!

As a chart fan I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed any song staying at number one for an extended period, like double figures, even if I liked the actual song.

Yes I agree, Wings certainly set out the girl’s distinctive sound and identity early on. Although this isn’t one of my favourite song of theirs they were just finding their feet and they would go on to become my favourite act of the X Factor alumni.

What, not even One Dance!😆 I think I’d probably include Despacito in that ‘unique’ 11 week number one group too

Ha, loving the Wacky Races mention, the greatest cartoon series!

Nomination in the bag!

Of course I’m happy Dove Ellis is there because it is the best British/Irish album of the last 12 months. I thought it obvious Olivia and RAYE would get a nomination, it seems the list is more driven by commercial success each year, becoming more like the Brit Awards it was meant to be an alternative to?! Where’s all the ‘new’ artists? What could probably be considered legacy acts also filling up the list. Look I love Suede, Paul McCartney and Florence and the Machine but I can’t say any have released their best albums in the last year, and it’s hardly pushing musical boundaries in having them here. Agreed Help (2) is a really odd choice, if it wins exactly which artist are they saying has made the best album of the year? I think there’s a precedent though, wasn’t the first Help album also nominated back in the day?

That’s a brilliant list! Here’s my top 40 (one song for each artist) I have a lot of overlaps with you. Once In a Lifetime — Talking Heads Don't You Want Me — The Human League Under Pressure (feat. David Bowie) — Queen Ghost Town — The Specials The Model — Kraftwerk Souvenir — Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Wordy Rappinghood — Tom Tom Club Stand and Deliver — Adam & The Ants O Superman — Laurie Anderson Rapture — Blondie One of Us — ABBA Everything's Gone Green — New Order Funeral Pyre — The Jam Start Me Up — The Rolling Stones Tainted Love — Soft Cell Vienna — Ultravox Reward — The Teardrop Explodes Can You Feel It — The Jacksons Happy Birthday — Stevie Wonder Fade to Grey — Visage I Could Be Happy — Altered Images One In Ten — UB40 Invisible Sun — The Police Woman — John Lennon Just Can't Get Enough — Depeche Mode It's My Party — Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin Good Year For the Roses — Elvis Costello & The Attractions Einstein a Go-Go — Landscape It Must Be Love — Madness Hold On Tight — Electric Light Orchestra Labelled With Love — Squeeze Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On) — Spandau Ballet Under Your Thumb — Godley & Creme Body Talk — Imagination Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl) — Haircut 100 In the Air Tonight — Phil Collins The Land of Make Believe — Bucks Fizz Girls on Film — Duran Duran Will You? — Hazel O’Connor Quiet Life — Japan ‘You may find yourself’ realising that Once In A Lifetime is the probably the greatest pop song ever made!

FGTH’s The Power Of Love is a great song and I thought Gabrielle’s version was nice enough if a bit flat and lacking the emotion of the original. As you’re approaching half way in your countdown, I took a sneaky peek at the remaining songs. There were some really great number ones in 2012, at least 10 I would rate highly are still to come, including one world beater that seems to get better year on year.

Oasis maybe? Definitely Maybe to What’s The Story.

A very consistent group, I’m going to have to do a lot of agreeing with you this time! Smalltown Boy is also my favourite, fantastic lyrics, vocals and music. Dancing.. is Bruce at his most accessible but is still great with its driving rhythm. Heaven Knows… is musically pretty but quite dark lyrically as the Smiths songs often were. I was/am still a massive fan, I bought pretty much everything they released in their short time together, this wouldn’t be among my absolute favourites but is still great. Dazzle is gorgeous. I agree Thinking Of You is one of the very best Sister Sledge songs, shame it wasn’t a huge hit, maybe a bit too understated for the GP? Wake Me Up.. is ubiquitous of course, but still brings a smile with its joyous music. You’re The Best Thing is a lovely laidback groove. One Better Day is one of the best ‘serious’ Madness songs, but they were becoming less successful seemingly with each release by now

Wor$t Girl is definitely one of the albums of the year, so this is exciting

Also I expect Olivia Dean and Raye will be in with a chance from the commercially successful releases too

Heatwave would be very appropriate for this summer! A goodish song, and though as others have mentioned, it’s no Wearing My Rolex, it gave the Godfather of Grime a well deserved number one so I’m very glad of that!

I’ll say it yet again, the wonderful Dove Ellis’ Blizzard album will win! Mary In The Junkyard is a great shout too Jade! Also Boards Of Canada, My New Band Believe and maybe Loathe (if it’s in the qualifying period)

He Ain’t Heavy… is definitely one of the better charity cover versions of this era, and it helps that the original song is also great.

RIP Bill Oddie. Wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, conservationist and sometimes songwriter, musician and pop star, died aged 85. One of my heroes. An absolute legend 😢

I too couldn’t remember Twilight until I listened again, but it’s actually not bad if not very memorable either. I wonder why it had the big opening week sales, was it just massive promotional tactics?

My latest favourite album, wonderful indie modern soul! Edit: Wasn’t really sure which genre to put it under (I’m rubbish at that sort of thing), please move if there’s something more appropriate!