Lopez Blogs

So once again, it's the time to wade through the mp3 library and determine what albums have given me the most enjoyment this year. Some popped out at me instantly, while others I gave a quick whirl and was surprised by the memories that came flooding back... So for better or worse, here is my list of the year and oh god, I hope I didn't forget any! (I already remembered two that could have been at the lower end of the best of singles list!!)

• No. 30 ~ Deborah Gibson, Ms Vocalist: It's not quite the album I was hoping for from Deborah considering it's been 9 long years since a full set of original material from her. Still, this album of Japanese pop hits proved to be a late favourite for me and a reminder that Deb's voice can make anything sound magic. Best track ~ the remake of Lost In Your Eyes. Heavenly production!
• No. 29 ~ Aston, Aston: An Australian group doing exquisite classical versions of well known pop songs? It totally works and became my go to album of the year for inventive, soothing, exciting versions of every genre going. Plus they all seem charming and the boys became my fellas to follow for fashion tips (especially shoes!). Best track ~ their stunning version of Coldplay's Viva La Vida...
• No. 28 ~ Foxy Shazam, Foxy Shazam: A band introduced to me by the ever resourceful Nick of Alien Hits. Their album is a wonderful mix of theatrical campery, Queen style rock tunes, hugely catchy choruses and anthemic enjoyable performances that leap out of your speakers. Best track ~ Unstoppable.
• No. 27 ~ Ola Joyce, Happily Suppressed: An interesting and sometimes stunning debut album from woefully overlooked singer songwriter Ola. It certainly wasn't the traditional swedish dance pop, but it combined thoughtful lyrics with detailed musical moments and was quite lovely in it's delivery. Best track ~ Dressing Like A Law School Kid.
• No. 26 ~ Andrea Lewis, 54321: Not only did this album give me one of my favourite tracks of the year (Talk To Me), but it introduced me to the vocal talents of Andrea who put together an eclectic mix of sounds on an impressive debut album that veered from fierce dance, sizzling electro and tender balladry. And it was free. Amazing. Best track ~ Talk To Me.

• No. 25 ~ Music Go Music, Expressions: It's an album that owes an unshamed, heart of sleeve debt to Abba (and to a lesser extent, ELO, The Carpenters and their ilk). It's given a slightly indie edge but it never strays from providing feel good anthems built around one of the year's most endearing vocals. Always always gets me singing along (and for some reason gets me singing Mr Blue Sky by ELO once the album is done)! Best track ~ Warm In The Shadows. 8 minutes of disco heaven.
• No. 24 ~ Alexandra Burke, Overcome (SE): I'm not a fan of these rereleased albums with new tracks tagged on, but I guess if you don't have the original then it can be a real treat. Alexandra's Overcome is a veritable greatest hits of tracks with a whopping 6 singles on there and at least 3 more that could make this her Control. One of the best x-factor debuts ever. Best track ~ There's no getting away from the joy of Bad Boys.
• No. 23 ~ Matt Dusk, Good News: I think this was technically released in 2009 but it gave me such a good time in 2010 that i'm including it. A magical set of tunes that mix big band with modern pop sensibilities and every single one is an absolute gem. Plus Matt is a suave, snappy fella and a bit of a dish too! Best track ~ Wouldn't Change A Thing. Epic.
• No. 22 ~ Emma Dean, Dr. Dream & The Imaginary Pop Cabaret: It was an album whose title said it all. Taking elements of theatre, pop, big band, cabaret and sheer personality, Emma created an innovative and exciting set of tunes that will resonate with me throughout 2011. Her visuals were equally as striking and added to the experience rather than subtracted (take note, pork chop wearing Lady Gaga!!). Best track ~ Sincerely Fearful.
• No. 21 ~ Ellie Goulding, Bright Lights: It took me far too long to be won over by Ellie Goulding. However, The Writer and her delectable version of Elton's Your Song added up to another shining rerelease album that really showcased her writing and vocal talents. Plus she had the good sense to take Bright Light Bright Light on tour with her. Now that's class. Best track ~ The Writer.

• No. 20 ~ Hurts, Happiness: An album that seems to be popping up on best of lists all over the place. The artists formerly known as Daggers honed their bleak pop sound into something strangely beautiful and addictive. The singles charts may not have embraced them quite as hugely as they should, but their tunes stayed on the album charts deservedly most of the year. Best track ~ Blood Tears & Gold.
• No. 19 ~ Magnus Carlsson, Pop Galaxy: Fasten your seatbelts because Swedish pop royalty Magnus is taking you on a trip around the outer regions of pop deliciousness and did so rather splendidly on this excellent double album. Oh sure it won't win awards for innovation but for being entirely gleeful (while not being Gleeful) and reminding of the good old days of S/A/W with a modern twist, it gets my seal of approval. Best track ~ the giddy Feel You.
• No. 18 ~ Amy Meredith, Restless: Part pomp, part circumstance, all amazing, this enticing Aussie group ticked all the boxes for riotous, fun tunes this year. Led by engaging frontman Christian, it was the fact that the band gelled together so well on their tracks and in their smashing videos that made this album so edible. Best track ~ Lying. Near perfection!
• No. 17 ~ Bjorn Johan Muri, Airwaves: At first I felt that nothing was as soaring as the amazing Yes Man. Then spend some time with the album and you realise that it's actually quite a cool selection of tunes, styles and genres. Bjorn may remain quite enigmatic, but his 80s influenced synth should propel him firmly into the spotlight if there's any justice. Could easily yield 5-6 singles. Best track ~ Yes Man.
• No. 16 ~ Candle Thieves, Sunshine & Other Misfortunes: Lock up your wick based lighting products because if the sterling debut album is anything to go by, the Candle Thieves are not going anywhere. They manage to produce the most uplifting instrumentals this side of an Osmonds reunion while mirroring them with insightful, downbeat yet sometimes strangely optimistic lyrics. Add some unusual quirky instruments and soothing vocal style and it became the album I would buy all my friends for their birthdays as an intro to a spiffy new group. Best track ~ My Love Will Clap It's Hands For You.

• No. 15 ~ Marina & The Diamonds, Family Jewels: I almost left this off the list because I was convinced it came out in 2009. It didn't. This album was an absolute treat in 2010 - didn't conform to trends, was brimming with catchy hooks yet left field enough to seem completely fresh and exciting. It was definitely super pop and ice cool indie. Best track ~ oh my god you look like Shakira. Hollywood tied with I Am Not A Robot.
• No. 14 ~ McFly, Above The Noise: New logo, new image, new buffed up bodies, new sound, yet somehow same old McFly. They kept everything that was charming and endearing and talented and managed to give it a complete overhaul on this album that showcased their influences of Prince, Michael Jackson and r'n'b. Invigorated the group and produced an album that no one expected but everyone should want. Best track ~ If You See Kate.
• No. 13 ~ Ola Svensson, Ola: Ola has had an incredible run of singles that have all been uniformly brilliant and now he has a wonderful album to match. Whether it be the exuberant pop of All Over The World, the out-K$shaing K$sha on Riot or some quite nice balladry, there was something in here for everyone. An Idol alumni who was easily showing up his British counterparts in how to continue with a successful career... Best track ~ Unstoppable.
• No. 12 ~ Brandon Flowers, Flamingo: The delicated Fleur that is B-Flo carries on without his merry band of Killers and releases a debut album that plays like a greatest hits of his band. Drenched in upbeat pop, slow burning ballads and Brandon's love of Americana, there was something for all Killers fans in here with some epic production values. Was quite something live too...Best track ~ Crossroads.
• No. 11 ~ Maroon 5, Hands All Over: As i've stated, the addition of Robert Mutt Lange was understated rather than in your face, but my lovely Maroon boys put together the most cohesive album of their career filled with pop gems, sweet choruses and swoon worthy ballads. Certainly a worthy addition to their canon and one that deserves a lot more success than it's received. Best track ~ Never Leave This Bed.

• No. 10 ~ The Overtones, Good Ol' Fashioned Love: If you had told me at the start of the year that one of my favourite acts and albums would be a 50s/60s inspired vocal harmony group, I probably wouldn't have believed it. However, 5 painters and decorators come together and I'm smitten from the onset. Their blend of vocal styles, love of the geek chic and ability to weave seamlessly a mix of old favourites and originals without skipping a beat made them a surprise delight of the year. The addition of 3 Christmas tracks a few weeks ago merely sealed the deal! Best track ~ Gambling Man.
• No. 9 ~ Rumer, Seasons of my Soul: It's the closest thing we are ever going to get to Karen Carpenter putting out a new album. It's that incredible. The voice is the main focus here with the songs merely framing devices for an outpouring of styles and emotions. The production values are faultless and there are echoes of the aforementioned Carpenters, Burt Bacharach, Irving Berlin and even some gospel. It's all timeless, beautiful and soothing. Do seek out some of the album extras like Alfie and a very lovely It Might Be You (from Tootsie!). Best track ~ Slow.
• No. 8 ~ Gabriella Cilmi, Ten: She was certainly on a mission to create some top drawer pop this year and by gum she succeeded. From the dizzying lead off single through to Bee Gees inspired mayhem (Hearts Don't Lie) and a more tender viewpoint (Love Me Cos You Want To, Defender), Ms Cilmi was delighting me left right and centre with an engaging selection of instant pop tunes. Best track ~ On A Mission.
• No. 7 ~ Goldfrapp, Head First: While lots of reviews said this was influenced by 80s music, i noticed more of an Abba meets Donna Summer meets Xanadu vibe about the entire project, which was a warm set of synth pop and hi-nrg, delivered with an understated cool that only someone like Alison can pull off. Why the singles weren't massive is one of life's mysteries. Best track ~ Dreaming.
• No. 6 ~ Scissor Sisters, Night Work: An invigorated Scissters returned by teaming up with this year's hot producer Stuart Price (see also TT, Kylie and B-Flo). The result was a down and dirty set of tunes that would have you grind(r)ing away at any sleazy nightspot and have you guaranteed to pull. Plus it produced the year's most outrageous middle 8 on Any Which Way from Ana Mantronic. Best track ~ Invisible Light.

• No. 5 ~ Darin, Lovekiller: An album that is predominantly ballads after the scintillating Flashback album could have been a massive step backwards for Darin. Instead he interspersed some wonderfully classic balladry with festive disco (Viva La Vida), back to my roots uptempo (Microphone) and a bizarre but brilliant take on being completely shafted by your errant lover (the title track). His voice shone through proving himself a worthy Idol alumni who can tackle any genre put in front of him. Best track ~ Lovekiller tied with Can't Stop Love.
• No. 4 ~ Take That, Progress: Take a vintage British boyband, reunite them with the naughty tyke who left them nigh on 15 years ago and throw the ubiquitous Stuart Price into the mix and you get one of the most inventive, forward thinking boyband albums in a long time. It's like the most commercial Muse album you'll ever buy and clearly the British public are lapping it up. And if you are hankering for some traditional TT by the end, then you are thrown a bone with the lovely 8 Letters, 3 Words, 1 Meaning. Best track ~ SOS.
• No. 3 ~ Eric Saade, Masquerade: Eric was all I wanted in a pop star in 2010. Great tunes, didn't take himself too seriously, massive work ethic that gave us some stunning stage performances and a totally fun debut album. Plus there were dance routines. Lots and lots of dance routines. Amazing. And even more brilliantly, Eric is already at work on new stuff, so there won't be a long wait til more brilliance pops up. Yay. Best track ~ It's Gonna Rain.
• No. 2 ~ Simon Curtis, 8 Bit Heart: To make an album in your basement that sounds this professional is somewhat of an achievement. To build a viral campaign of Robots around it that slavishly hang on every beat, note and lyric is even more impressive. To fill the album with modern sounding pop songs, dance tunes and the odd delightful ballad is the icing on the cake. Simon achieved all that and more with the release of his debut album proper and the results were more than I could have hoped for. I have no doubt that Simon will achieve his goals in 2011 based on his musical growth so far... Best track ~ Diablo.

• ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2010 ~ Kylie, Aphrodite: Kylie returned not only with a glorious single (All The Lovers) but with an album that was everything I love about Kylie. It was filled with catchy pop dance tunes, some hints of electronica and all the charm, enthusiasm and personality Ms Minogue puts into all her recordings. There were some great performances of the tracks on various shows around the world, some exquisite reworkings on shows like Live Lounge and some added Christmas sparkle at the end of the year with some new Christmas recordings. Add to this an impressive array of b-sides and duets that could all have easily formed Aphrodite 2 and it was the album that kept on and keeps on giving. Magnificence. Best track ~ All The Lovers.