Nina West

Don't get lost in gravity #16. Not Giving Up On Love (vs Armin Van Buuren) - 7.933 Highest Scores: 10: (Jessie Where, Liam.k), Lowest Scores: 6/6.5: (Nina West, Jester) At #16 is 'Not Giving Up On Love', a collaboration between Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Dutch DJ and record producer Armin Van Burren. The song was given different releases worldwide, it was first released in August 2010 as the 2nd single from Armin's 4th studio album 'Mirage' and later got released in March 2011 in the UK where it served as the 4th single from Sophie's 4th studio album 'Make A Scene'. The song was written by Australian songwriters Olivia Nervo and Miriam Nervo and Sophie herself. Sophie premiered the song on BBC Radio 2's 'The Dermot O'Leary Show' in July 2010. Upon release it received positive reviews and charted in countries such as Netherlands & Belgium, while in other countries it charted on various airplay charts in Russia, Poland, UK Dance, Ukraine and even managed a top 40 placing on the US Dance/Electronic Digital Songs Chart. The song entered he 2011 edition of the Q Top 1000 of all time, the song landed at number 409, and was even nominated for 2 awards at the 2011 International Dance awards and ended up winning the 'Best Trance Track' award. Not one of my personal faves from Sophie's back catalogue, but it's decent little trance pop track with its uplifting melodies, euphoric synths and cool electro rhythms. The blending of Sophie's vocals with the high energy production is done rather well here. If this got a UK release back in 2010 then maybe it would have stood a chance, especially if it had some decent promo, but by 2011, it felt a little dated.

Okay then, I was thinking of keeping the double elimination until round 5, but you guys have spoken and it's time to shake things up anyway.

Delta's 'Born To Try', liked it at the time, but don't really listen to it anymore.

I've never really connected to that Kelly Clarkson single 'Miss Independent', even when it came out it kinda passed me by, I didn't start becoming a Kelly Clarkson fan until the 'Breakaway' album. As for 'MI', looking back at it, a standard early 00's pop track.

An upbeat track will drop next.

Lovers know there's no age upon your soul #17. Young Blood - 7.812 Highest Scores: 10: (Josh), Lowest Scores: 5.5: (Jester) At #17 another era drops out of the running with 'Young Blood', released in November 2013 as the lead single from Sophie's 5th studio album 'Wanderlust' and marks a sharp shift from her electronica dance pop roots by shifting to a folk indie pop sound with this album with this song being a chamber pop piano ballad with restrained vocals. The song was written by Sophie herself alongside Ed Harcourt who did production on the track. Upon release it received mostly positive reviews from critics and peaked at #34 on the UK singles chart becoming her 12th and final UK top 40 hit to date. Sophie stated that she chose this song to be the lead single because she found it representative of the album's sound. A demo version of the track was offered online in March 2013. Honestly thought that this would have been higher, despite gaining some solid scores it was never a contender for a top 10 position on here and the last minute low score caused it to drop significantly. The song signals a bold shift for Sophie going for a more mature, acoustic and melancholic sound which totally works. A captivating little gem of a ballad with stunning vocals sung in her own unique style with nice arrangements of piano and gentle subdued drums resulting a great track. Although this change of pace may have been a bit jarring for some fans, but I loved it, a firm standout in her discography.

Get ready for another entry....

Week 11 Ranking Darlene Mitchell - [09-11-04-06-08-03-06-04-05-01] Jane Don't - [03-01-02-03-03-02-03-01-01-02] Myki Meeks - [08-10-08-08-06-01-02-02-04-03] Nini Coco -[01-03-03-04-05-06-01-05-07-04] Discord Adams - [04-09-09-09-07-04-04-06-03-05] Kenya Pleaser - [13-08-10-10-10-07-08-03-02-06] Juicy Love Dion - [10-05-01-05-02-09-07-07-06-07] OUT DD Fuego - [12-13] Mandy Mango - [14-12-11] Briar Blush - [11-07-12-11] Ciara Myst - [05-06-06-02-09] Vita VonTesse Starr - [02-04-13-01-11-10] Mia Starr - [06-02-07-07-01-08-09] Athena Dion - [07-14-05-12-04-05-05-08]

That Atomic Kitten 'Ladies Night' cover has aged like milk. They were clearly going through the motions at this point as they were repeating the same formula for the 3rd time. The lead single being a ballad or mid-tempo & then followed by a cover. 'Whole Again' their breakout hit and then followed by 'Eternal Flame' (yet another naff cover) to relaunch their debut album, it worked well for them though. Then for the second album 'Feels So Good' - 'It's OK' - a mid-tempo track (a solid one) and then 'The Tide Is High (Get The Feeling)' (one of their better covers) & album release. Again this worked out for them & plus it helped that the 'FSG' album was packed with gems. Finally we have 'If You Come To Me' (yet another slow plodder), but felt way too safe and then the very basic 'Ladies Night', the formula was stale by this point and it didn't help that their 3rd album was very weak and unmemorable. If they did this for a 4th time, it would have seen even further diminishing returns & can see why they split up. I know it's not the girls fault, it was down to the record label who just more 'Whole Again'.

Kill For Love

As you can see this poll will be open until the 16th March, so get your votes in while you can. I was thinking about doing a double elimination for the next round, what you u guys think?

I also have a Robyn Singles playlist, mine's on spotify here's a link Robyn - Singles Collection - playlist by paul | Spotify

The next entry will follow tomorrow & it will be one of her charting hits Any Guesses?

You're a bird in a cage, cursing the day #18. Come With Us - 7.7 Highest Scores: 9: (Nina West, Josh), Lowest Scores: 6: (Jester) At #18 is 'Come With Us' which is the highest ranking song on here not to gain any 10's, but didn't get any terrible scores either which is great. The song was sent to UK radio stations in July 2016 with its single release following in August 2016 as the lead single from Sophie's 6th studio album 'Familia' which was released the following month and was critically acclaimed by music critics and managed a #12 peak on the UK album charts. The music video was directed by long time collaborator Sophie Muller who also directed the album's next 3 singles. The aesthetics of the video take explicit inspiration from Mexican culture imagery. This marked the first time that none of the releases from this album made any sort of chart impact. We say goodbye to our first era now with the 'Familia' singles out of the running. It's such a shame that none of these singles charted as they are a solid collection of songs that showcases a different side to the album and should have at least made some sort of minor chart impact or at the very least on the download/indie/airplay charts. This is a fabulous lead off single with its disco infused synths, funky organic basslines and solid hooks that not only marks a welcome change of pace after the folksy sound of her previous album 'Wanderlust', but it bridges an interesting gap between the 2 sounds. The F9 remix is banging and should have garnered far more attention.

I'll still change my underwear, if that's OK with you #19. I Won't Change You - 7.625 Highest Scores: 10: (Nina West, Josh), Lowest Scores: 4: (dandy) At #19 is 'I Won't Change You', released in December 2003 as the 2nd and final single from Sophie's 2nd studio album 'Shoot From The Hip'. The song was written by Sophie herself, alongside Gregg Alexander and Matt Rowe and upon release it peaked at #9 on the UK singles chart becoming her 6th top 10 hit, but it didn't really revitalize the album which had struggled upon its release and due to her pregnancy the campaign was cut short. leaving the next 2 planned singles 'Party In My Head' and 'Another Day' being scrapped. The song was left off both of Sophie's greatest hits albums and she had stated many that it's her least fave single. The song was ranked higher on here, but due to the last minute low scores it's barely scrapped the top 20 here. Despite being a top 10 hit, the track is often overlooked and unfairly disregarded which is a shame as I rather liked it, even more than the overly dark lead single. This offered an opportunity for Sophie to reintroduce some playfulness back into her persona with its upbeat basslines, quirky lyrics, catchy lyrics and of course the nonsensical yet awesome music video. Okay it does feel at times that it was trying to recreate the success of 'Murder On The Dancefloor' with its similar vibe and music video, but it's still a wonderful song that deserves far more love and attention.

Katy Perry - Waking Up In Vegas

Ian Van Dahl - Will I?

A big one will drop next Any guesses?

It's like a secret we hold And the adventures we go on are untold #20. Wild Forever - 7.6 Highest Scores: 10: (Paddington James), Lowest Scores: 5: (Jester) As we now enter into the top 20 with the stunning little gem 'Wild Forever', released in January 2017 as the 3rd single from Sophie's 6th studio album 'Familia'. The track was highlighted by reviewers as a standout and its music video was filmed in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Part of it was filmed in Casa Kimberly, the residence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the sixties. Cinematography was undertaken by John Pérez. A firm highlight on 'Familia' that opens the album with its upbeat sound, sparkling synths, driving power chords and anthemic melodies. The song bridges the gap between her earlier electronic sound with the more organic approach of her later career.

25 songs down & just the top 20 remaining, here's what Sophie has left from each era = theaudience - 0/4 Read My Lips - 4/5 Shoot From the Hip - 2/2 Trip The Light Fantastic - 4/4 Make A Scene - 3/6 Wanderlust - 1/4 Familia - 2/4 The Song Diaries/Kitchen Disco - 1/2 Hana - 1/4 Perimenopop - 1/6 Collaborations - 1/4

Time for another results recap = #21-#29 Relentless Love - 7.593 Off & On - 7.566 Starlight - 7.562 Vertigo - 7.562 Dolce Vita - 7.531 Breaking The Circle - 7.531 Runaway Daydreamer - 7.312 Stay On Me - 7.281 Can't Fight This Feeling (ft Junior Caldera) - 7.233

Wherever we go is so immaterial #21. Relentless Love - 7.593 Highest Scores: 9: (Scene), Lowest Scores: 6: (Viper) Just missing the top 20 at #21 is 'Relentless Love', released in March 2025 as the 2nd single from Sophie's 8th studio album 'Perimenopop' and was written by Sophie herself alongside Samuel Robert Knowles, Janée Millicent Lucy Bennett, and Baz Kaye. The track was co-produced by Kaye and Knowles (under his stage name Karma Kid), with additional production by Richard Jones. Upon its release the song was met with positive reviews and it manages to peak at #42 on the UK Download charts and #47 on the UK Singles Sales Chart. A solid little disco bop with a fun catchy vibe and a euphoric chorus. Another solid gem from Sophie's later career.

#21 will be posted later this evening along with a results recap of 21-29, just before we get into the top 20.

I tried to make it back When every door was closed #22. Off & On - 7.566 Highest Scores: 9: (Paddington James, Josh, Viper), Lowest Scores: 5: (dandy) At #22 is 'Off & On', released in April 2011 as the 5th single from Sophie's 4th studio album 'Make A Scene'. The song was produced and co-written by Calvin Harris alongside Cathy Dennis and was first recorded by Roisin Murphy for her 'Overpowered', but was cut from the final tracklist and it was then offered to Sophie Ellis-Bextor who was a bit apprehensive about recording songs that she didn't write. A demo version was added to Sophie's MySpace in July 2008 alongside 'Heartbreak (Made Me A Dancer)'. The song was only given a release in Russia as a digital download and only received airplay there where it peaked within the top 50 on the airplay charts. Sophie did perform the song on various talk shows in the UK. despite it not being released there. Given Calvin Harris's involvement not sure why this was left in the dust as it could have easily been a chart hit if it followed 'Heartbreak (Made Me Dancer)', especially if it was credited as a Calvin Harris feature. A strong offering from 'Make A Scene' with its heavy dance beats, distinctive harpsichord sounds and high energy retro flavour, this is an underrated gem in Sophie's back catalogue and a lost potential to be a hit.

The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now