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.

It's always really quite difficult to narrow down a year of tracks that have had profound impact on you at some point or the other. Songs that you absolutely adored at the time may have faded as the year moves on, while newer songs may seem fresh and more exciting but don't have the test of longevity. Regardless, I've cobbled together 30 (or so) tracks that weren't necessarily singles but certainly still stand out at the end of the year. And as always, I don't always go for critical acclaim - just the tracks that made me happy, giddy, euphoric, morose or heartbroken at any point during 2010. Feel free to share your thoughts, surprises and disagreements in the comments :)

Honourable mentions: Kyle Brylin ~ The Star; Adam Tyler ~ friction; James Leon ~ Caught In Your Vanity; Barenaked Ladies ~ Your Run Away; Goldfrapp ~ Rocket (or any single from their album); Lady Antebellum ~ Need You Now; Marina & The Diamonds ~ Hollywood; Bright Light x 2 ~ A New Word To Say; Ellie Goulding ~ Your Song & The Writer; The Wanted ~ All Time Low; Cee-Lo ~ Fuck You; Kelly Rowland ~ Commander...

Songs that Glee made better: Teenage Dream, Hey Soul Sister and Just The Way You Are...

• No. 35 ~ McFly, Shine A Light: Five albums in and Britain's most inventive pop group change the game for themselves. A slick r'n'b influenced groove kept their core sound but opened the door to something new and delicious...
• No. 34 ~ One Direction, Forever Young: X-Factor number three (same as Same Difference!) had a rather brilliant cover version lined up for if they won. They didn't, but mercifully the single leaked and it was all one could've hoped for in a youthful new boyband for a new decade...
• No. 33 ~ Music Go Music, Light of Love: It was The Magic Numbers mixed with Abba and all done rather wonderfully to boot. Chorus that took you back to a time where vocoders and autotune were as futuristic as flying cars and holidays on Mars...
• No. 32 ~ Daniel Boys, To Make You Feel My Love: It vaulted up and down the charts depending on who was singing it on X-Factor that week in its Adele form, but the lovely young Daniel put out a restrained, polished version that continues to sparkle long after the X memory has faded...
• No. 31 ~ Sophie Ellis Bextor, Bittersweet: Another collaboration with the freemasons, another dance floor pop record triumph. The reasons why this wasn't a massive chart hit are as mysterious as the whereabouts of her long awaited fourth album...

• No. 30 ~ Joe McElderry, Ambitions: Last year's x-factor winner won me over as probably the only person in the world who get away with turning Donkeyboy's bittersweet anthem to disappointment into something that was musically optimistic and gleeful!
• No. 29 ~ Candle Thieves, My Love Will Clap It's Hands For You: The lovely lovely Candle Thieves have a most amazing knack for putting together downbeat lyrics with uplifting pop music. This criminally wasn't a single but was a highlight from an already outstanding album...
• No. 28 ~ Dirty Disco, White Room: One of 2010s most visually arresting and most exciting new acts will be one of 2011s big success stories. Their vaudevillian electro romp around mental health issues on this track was both bonkers and brilliant...
• No. 27 ~ Neo, Human Frontier: Just when I thought he was done with singles from his charming debut album, he whips out a brand new track for melodifestivalen that out Mika'd Mika and became a soaring space anthem for young love. Incandessantly good!
• No. 26 ~ Scissor Sisters, Any Which Way: Fire with Fire showed a more serious side to them, but this was perhaps their most sexy single since Filthy-Gorgeous and was topped off by the most raunchy middle 8 from Ana Mantronic I've heard in a long time...

• No. 25 ~ Same Difference, Shine On Forever: Should've been a massive comeback single for them. Wasn't (though i suspect that will happen with Karma Karma). Was still a riotous pop single with a harder pop edge from one of my favourite x-factor alumni ever...
• No. 24 ~ Ola, All Over The World: Lots of swedish male artists were flying the flag for decent bloke-pop this year yet not really getting the recognition they should've been outside their own country. Amazing chorus, addictive beats and intricately crafted verses that scream fun from start to finish. What's not to love...
• No. 23 ~ Jessie J, Price Tag: She launched herself onto the world with the fierce Do It Like A Dude but this sweet sweet Dr Luke jam will propel her to much bigger stardom in 2011. It's the Where Is The Love for a new decade...
• No. 22 ~ DeeDee, Been There Done That: Irrefutable proof that Cher Lloyd isn't the most innovative artist in the UK this year despite claims on the x-factor. DeeDee puts together a vicious slam down to a foolish fella with a wickedly naughty middle 8 and weaves it together over a bouncy groove. Tremendous!
• No. 21 ~ Tove Styrke, White Light Moment: Penned by Lykke Li but delivered with a delightful vocal from Swedish Idol runner up Tove, this proved to be a sparkling gem of a tune that brightened up many a Christmas dancefloor I cut a rug on this year :P

• No.20 ~ Le Kid, We Should Go Home Together: Oh my days. Can this band hurry up and be enormous already? As if Mercy Mercy wasn't perfect enough, they follow it up with an mmmboptastic tune that just knits together everything that is stunning about a pop tune and manages to make it sound so easy. Can't wait for their melodifestivalen entry!
• No. 19 ~ Brandon Flowers, Crossfire: The Killers wanted a bit of a rest, so little B-Flo decided to take his act solo. His first single was a heavenly slice of Americana that got (and still gets) better with every listen. His Christmas return with the Killers (Boots) was also quite bonza...
• No. 18 ~ Bright Light, Bright Light, Love Part II: What an absolutely charming chappie Rod Thomas is. Add to this his ability to put together an exquisite piece of 80s inspired pop that sounds totally modern and you have the complete package. So so so need more from him in 2011! (The b-side Cry At Films is also vair vair fandabbydoozy)
• No. 17 ~ Amy Meredith, Lying: There is nothing quite as exhilariting balls to the wall anthem that has elements of indie, pop, theatre and rock in it and this was certainly one of the years best. I can't imagine how brilliant this will sound live and have fingers crossed for some UK dates from the Aussie group this year...
• No. 16 ~ Bjorn Johan Muri, Yes Man: Surprised this hasn't been pilfered for an x-factor act! But there's still time. Pure pop delivered with a tiny hint of edge made this one of the most woefully overlooked pop gems of the year.

• No. 15 ~ Maroon 5, Misery: The addition of Mutt Lange didn't really give them any Pour Some Sugar On Me moments (though new single Hands All Over comes close), but their comeback single was so lovely and bouncy and singalong that I don't think anyone paid any attention. Plus Adam looked magnificent in the video. I certainly blushed in Maroon...
• No. 14 ~ Gabriella Cilmi, On A Mission: Ooo this certainly made me sit up and take notice of Gabriella. A perfect pop song with a healthy dose of dance and attitude that made it perfect for my daily strut to work. I still break into the semi-rap middle 8 at any given moment of the day. Also lovely was Love Me Cos You Want To co-penned by Ellie Goulding...
• No. 13 ~ Gravitonas, You Break Me Up: Out of the ashes of BWO, Alexander brings Gravitonas. Having made me fly with their Kites (how'd Andreas get those trousers so tight?!), they then released two EPs. This epic ballad was from the latter and just crescendoed and soared from start to finish. A major talent for 2011...
• No.12 ~ Grobbie, Shame: The teaming of Robbie with Gary wouldn't yield it most impressive results til a few months later (and higher up this list) but while some were left cold, I was completely smitten with the autobiographical, john Denver tinged tune and its suggestive video. Quite lovely...
• No. 11 ~ Elouise, Fireman Of My Dreams: Very possibly would have been higher if I hadn't been playing a live version non-stop on youtube throughout 2009. Steve Anderson turned an already cheeky, delightful tune into a swooning sixties sounding wonder that evoked memories of everything from I Will Always Love You to Tears On My Pillow. Dreamy times one million.

• No. 10 ~ Simon Curtis, 8 Bit Heart: Another year end countdown, another Simon Curtis tune. The title track to his viral smash album was a surprisingly sweet plea for love set to a doo-wop inspired simplistic synth riff and beat. Perfect for a boy band to cover any time now if Simon wants to make some money from his writing, but this will always be the definitive listen...
• No. 9 ~ Eric Saade, Manboy: And so from the dying embers of Whats Up! comes solo Eric Saade. Everything about him on his own has been a sheer pleasure to take part in. He seems quite delightful, mixes fashion, music, pop and dance well into all his performances and isn't afraid of getting a bit wet on stage despite his perfect popstar hair. Magnificent tune that would soon be one upped by an amazingly even better track on his debut album...
• No. 8 ~ Darin, Lovekiller: Much like McFly, Darin put together a fifth album that showcased his strengths but had some dark surprises in there too. Lovekiller was one of those - a slowly building pop song built around unconventional lyrics that deserves to be massive worldwide. His Swedish Royal Wedding anthem Can't Stop Love is also glorious and will probably be pinched by JLS or someone for April 29th...
• No. 7 ~ Andrea Lewis ft Simon Curtis, Talk To Me: While Voodoo was the scintillating single that launched Andrea's debut album, it was her raw and ever so painfully honest wistful reminiscing about a failed love affair that shone brightest. The addition of Simon's response to her memories in the middle 8 catapulted a great song to absolutely magnificent status. Very sad but exquisitely beautiful...
• No. 6 ~ Gravitonas, Religious: Oh my did those Gravitonas boys know how to play with genres, create thoughtprovoking music and look mighty fine while doing it. Certainly the best song of it's ilk since Madonna's lofty Like A Prayer, the chorus with a polished choir and plainative plea from Andreas became a living work of actual art. Stunning.

• No. 5 ~ Eric Saade ~ It's Gonna Rain: Oh oh Eric. His quality of work and love of pop in 2010 was very nearly unsurpassed. This giddy treat of a pop tune (think a male version of Hung Up without the Abba sample) was an instant standout from his very good indeed debut album and worked wonderfully live. More is coming from Eric in 2011 and I am on the edge of my seat. He. Is. Magnificent.
• No. 4 ~ Elouise, You'll Never Walk Alone: The joining of Steve Anderson's angelic production on this track with Elouise's pure and powerful vocal makes for something very special indeed. It eschews trends for something incredibly timeless and the haunting backing music is the perfect setting for this knocked down now get back up again tune. Elouise not only delivers a powerful vocal that rises and falls in all the right places but delivers a powerfully nuanced vocal that makes the track come to life and breaks my heart (in a good way) each time I hear it.
• No. 3 ~ Take That, The Flood: My worries about Robbie rejoining the band were completely swept away as soon as I heard this song. Not only does Robbie seem completely invigorated, but the band have embraced something new and daring for the 3rd return album that showed they were not content to just rest on their laurels. Truly anthemic from start to finish and a worthy lead off single to an excellent, inventive album...
• No. 2 ~ Simon Curtis, Diablo: It was actually my number 3 song of 2009 and continued to completely woo me throughout 2010. As his internet presence soared and his debut album proper provided many fine moments, for me this wry, funny, pop culture embedded, instant as porridge oats pop tune showed that the Lord Gaga wannabes had better watch out. Still sounding fresh and epic 13 months on, it's now time for Simon to parlay his fanbase into a massive record buying public. Please.

• NUMBER ONE TRACK OF 2010 ~ Kylie, All The Lovers: Dame Kylie has returned a top of sea of bodies (some of which were total hotties) and a pop tune that was instantly brilliant, hopeful, romantic, optimistic and glorious all at once. Love, love, love.

My number one tracks in weekly chart this year ~ Simon Curtis, Diablo (4 weeks); Elouise, Fireman of My Dreams (4 weeks); Gabriella Cilmi, On A Mission (2 weeks); Sophie Ellis Bextor, Bittersweet (3 weeks); Adam Tyler, Friction (3 weeks); Eric Saade, Manboy (2 weeks); Kylie, All The Lovers (7 weeks); Maroon 5, Misery (5 weeks); Darin, Lovekiller (3 weeks); Gravitonas, Religious (2 weeks); Robbie Williams, Shame (4 weeks); Take That, The Flood (1 week); Andrea Lewis ft Simon Curtis, Talk To Me (3 weeks); Gravitonas, You Break Me Up (3 weeks); Elouise, You'll Never Walk Alone (4 weeks); One Direction, Forever Young (2 weeks)...

Honourable mentions: Desperate Housewives; Gossip Girl; Reaper; Supernatural; Heroes; Smallville; Dollhouse; The Office; Community; The Tudors; Big Love; Cleveland Show; Benidorm; Big Love...


Honourable mentions 2: The Dr Who universe ~ as I type this, the Christmas specials signalling the end of David Tennant (sob) haven't aired yet, and I won't see them til I'm back from Vegas anyway. Despite only airing for a few episodes in 2009, the Doctor has had a significant impact on my tv watching. Yes, the bus in the desert special wasn't particularly amazing, though fairly solid (if only for the ominous portents). However, the Waters of Mars was amazing and I'm hoping that you'll be commenting on how perfect the final two episodes were (and explain what in the name of good God the Master is up to there - cos he looks more Servant than Master!) Add to that the excellent Torchwood mini series (rest in peace oddly sexy Ianto) and me catching up on all 3 series of the immensely enjoyable Sarah Jane Adventures and it was still a ripper year for the Doctor and his friends, past and present. Bring on 2010...


10 ~ FlashForward: It seemed that this was designed to fill the gap that will be left by Lost and by and large, it seems to have done the job pretty much. The mystery seems very confined at the moment though (with the flashforward date approaching rapidly) and the kangaroo is far less riveting (for example) than Lost's polar bear. Still Joseph Fiennes in a suit keeps me watching even when the storyline wavers somewhat :P
09 ~ Modern Family: Oh I rarely get invested in US sitcoms because I have no faith that they will make a second season and by then, I rarely have the time to get caught up on them. This one made me chuckle in the ads though so I gave it a go and i've been hooked ever since. I love to watch dysfunctional families. It makes me feel much much better about my own.
08 ~ True Blood: Sure season 2 was a barely disguised porn video but it was very engrossing, shocking, soap operatic and full of dudes taking their tops off at random moments. And really what more can one ask for (ok, so that's also just described Dante's Cove, so I guess there is some decent story telling in True Blood and Sookie Stackhouse remains the best vampire linked heroine since buffy. In your face moody Bella)!!
07 ~ Grey's Anatomy: The last half of season 5 was actually very decent and the 007 on Meredith's hand on that year's finale was just an example of how heartstopping the show could be, when it wasn't trying to be too clever for it's own good. Year six hasn't been quite as amazing, but certainly back on track after the fiasco of Denny's Ghost. Plus it's nice to see Meredith happy for a change...
06 ~ Brothers and Sisters: It's actually Scottie that is the glue in the BroSis family circle and one of the ongoing reasons for watching. Well that and now whatsisname Getty is gone. Phew. This latest season has been incredibly difficult viewing as they are tackling the cancer storyline (see also Party of Five year 4), but doing it with gritty realism, grace and oscar winning performances. Question though - did Calista Flockhart really shave her head for this?!


05 ~ Lost: Oh how year five made my brain hurt. I felt I needed a notebook like Daniel Faradays just to keep up with things. However, it was increasingly evident that the writers knew what they were doing, where they were going and taking the responsibility of wrapping up the show satisfactorily very seriously. If year six pulls this off, then this may be one of the greatest tv shows of all time and a possible number one this time next year.
04 ~ Dexter: I think Dexter could have been absolutely crap this year and I would have featured it very high on the list just for the amazing final minute of year four. I'm very swayed by how good a season finale is! Luckily year four was uniformly excellent throughout as Dexter found himself a repugnant role model for balancing job, social, family and killing. Unfortunately it all went horribly wrong and year five has the potential to be it's best yet...
03 ~ Greek: It's the sort of show that doesn't quite get all the raves it absolutely deserves and yet is easily the most quotable and delightful dramedy this side of Glee. Excellent cast, funny yet touching storylines, brilliant pop culture references - it's like Felicity with a sense of humour. Back for the second half of season 3 in the new year, long may they pledge!
02 ~ Gavin and Stacey: sob. It's all over (at least if you watched the dvds it is)... series 3 of the wonderfully warm yet hilarious sitcom bought the characters full circle and left me feeling a bit bereft that they won't be in my life any longer (Christmas specials pending). The final episode was a near masterpiece particularly the lovely Nessa-Gwen moment, a genuinely teary Gavin and Stace happy development and the dramatic conclusion to the Nessa-Smithy-DaveCoaches non love triangle. Oh what's occuring? More please - at least one offs in the future :/


01 ~ Glee: Taking over from the much lamented (by me anyway - where's the comic>!) Pushing Daisies, Glee was the most talked about show of the year. And quite rightly so. It was smart, engaging, funny, witty and sing a along all at the same time. There's not much I can say about it other than pick some of my favourite musical moments (in no particular order) from the first 13 eps of season one...

• Sweet Caroline - sure it's horribly overused by bad bar singers and karoake wannabes but Mark Salling was sweet and hot all at the same time when singing this because God wanted him to get into the hot jewish girls pants...:P
• Single Ladies - in a year of single ladies parodies, this was one of the most enjoyable. And of course the football team would put themselves through that :P Who cares? it totally made me smile...
• My Life Would Suck Without You - one of the years best songs soundtracked one of the years best cliffhangers. The tv version is much better than the soundtrack one with acapella intro and a sweetly harmonised second verse. Add the visuals of slow motion running and that kiss and you got a total winner...
• Proud Mary - it may have got stolen for sectionals, but take one of my fave songs and give it a wickedly inventive dance routine and there's nothing critical you can say about this. It rocks!
• Somebody To Love - like a big bombastic Queen number wasn't gonna get these kids rocking in the aisles!! Mercedes absolutely nails it at the end too. Get this girl a solo deal stat!
• Don't Stop Believing - ah the tune that launched a thousand shows, or at least set the standard for the next 13. Joe may have sucked the joy out of it on the x factor, but return to Glee and you'll see why this has become the surprise hit of the Christmas season. Ace ace ace.
• The video below. Just because!

TOP SHOWS BORN IN THE '00s (alphabetical order):

• At Home With The Braithwaites
• Brothers and Sisters
• Desperate Housewives
• Dexter
• Doctor Who
• Everwood
• Gavin and Stacey
• Gilmore Girls
• Greek
• Grey's Anatomy
• Lost
• Nip Tuck
• Pushing Daisies
• The Tudors
• Veronica Mars

Picking my favourite albums is quite difficult. There are those albums that I like that are critically acclaimed and I recognise the genius of them, yet they are not my favourite favourite albums. Then there are those albums that are largely ignored but I end up loving anyway. And then there are albums that are generally massive and everybody loves them. So rather than have a specific order for the top 25, I've just listed them alphabetically and then done the top 10 in order of preference if (as Shayne Ward once said) that's ok with you... :P

• Alphabeat ~ The Spell: They mixed 90s rave and house energies with the pop sensibilities of the noughties and came up with a winning combination that didn't even come close to outstaying it's welcome or being samey over the 10+ tracks. Minimum of 4 massive singles should be forthcoming...
• Bananarama ~ Viva: Ian Masterson did a bang up job with this album and then it was grossly ignored by the public. The swines. The girls had some future classics on here that were designed to be danced to - Love Don't Live Here, had it been by Kylie, would have been top ten for weeks...
• Michael Buble ~ Crazy Love: He was always quite popular, but this year he has hit the stratosphere and quite rightly so. Excellent stage presence, great voice, thoroughly nice chap but with the personality to back it up and duetted with Stacey. Plus had a bonafide pop hit with crazy catchy Haven't Met You Yet. It's only the beginning - this album will run throughout 2010...
• Alexandra Burke ~ Overcome: Well I had no interest in her at the start of the year and then gosh darn it she comes back with a banging pop tune and one of the more interesting X Factor winner albums in a long time. By keeping the tempo up and varied, Alexandra is assured a longer pop career than the boy who stole her crown...
• Dragonette ~ Fixin To Thrill: It was one of the pop delights of 2009, and they took the bold route of giving away half the songs on it before it was even out. You'd have been a fool not to buy the whole thing - in a year bereft of new Girls Aloud, this filled the smart-pop void perfectly and should have been entirely more massive...
  

• Florence + The Machine ~ Lungs: It's both a demanding and seductive debut album that is a joy to listen to; full of nuances that add dimension and layers to each song, it's powered forward by a voice that is both mesmerising and intoxicating. Critics were gushing all over it and luckily fans snapped it up in their droves to. Phew...
• Gossip ~ Music For Men: Not just an amazing album of catchy disco pop, a smart album that sent a message to a still disappointingly homophobic world. Luckily that message is overburdened with seriousness - it's about getting on your feet and dancing, because let's face it a wise woman once said 'music brings the people together'. No one is doing more for that cause than the Gossip on this ace cd...
• Erik Hassle ~ Hassle: Didn't it seem like every few weeks a new Erik Hassle video appeared for either Hurtful or Don't Bring Flowers, and that he was about to be very big indeed? The world is still waiting for that moment, but that didn't make this any less of an astonishing debut for such a young chap. Brilliant lyricist able to match his passionate outpourings to clever music. 2010 must be his big break...
• Whitney Houston ~ I Look To You: The voice was a little different. A lot had happened over the decade. Yet when Whitney returned it was like she never went away, and while it was not quite the triumphant comeback it should have been, it certainly wasn't subpar. Million Dollar Bill (particularly the freemasons mix) powered her to heights she hadn't seen for a while, but there is plenty more to come from this album yet...
• Natalie Imbruglia ~ Come To Life: Has this actually been released yet? Frustratingly delayed, it soon became a torrent favourite. tragic really because the first half of the album plays like side A of an LP. Cohesive, some brilliant tracks and all single worthy, particularly the amazing scars. Side B (or the last 5 songs) are more experimental and don't work quite as well, but for the first 5 alone this features strongly...
  
  

• JLS ~ JLS: You know, I was a little disappointed with this album at first, but the more I have listened to it, the more it grew on me. And a large part of that is to do with just how charming and enthusiastic the lads are. They make me want to love their songs and they make songs that are easy to love. Enough said ;)
• Blake Lewis ~ Heartbreak on Vinyl: Blake came back with an album that pillaged the 80s but in a loving tribute way, not in a La-Roux aren't I unique and ace (no) sort of way. The title track was by far the best, but the rest of the stuff was pretty fine too. His new 80s hair was not though. Minus one point for that!
• Nerina Pallot ~ The Graduate: It pains me that Nerina seemingly has to build her popularity up from scratch with each album release. She has a winning writing style, amazing melodies and lyrics and an enticing voice. Plus she's lovely and witty to boot? She's given you gro-lite and mineral supplements, whaddyawant from her, blood?! BUY IT ALREADY!! :)
• Westlife ~ Where We Are: I didn't really have high expectations for this album, but if you liked Westlife already it was ideal for you and if you don't, then why continue blathering on about it? They are probably not gonna change now, are they?!
• Mans Zelmerlow ~ MZW: Horribly chosen singles didn't really help the album but overall it was a great pop effort with some outstanding tracks on there that deserve a worldwide audience. Hope and Glory remains a magnificent anthem to this day...

Honourable mentions: Darin-Flashback; Marit Larsen-If A Song Could Get Me You; Neo-Neo; Annie-Don't Stop; Danny-Set Your Body Free; Julian Velard-The Planeteer; Leona Lewis-Echo...

10 ~ Mika, The Boy Who Knew Too Much: It was the year that Mika should have come back in a blaze of glory, but returned amidst general apathy and disinterest. Not from me though ~ I was quite happy to see him back with his bombastic Belinda Carlisle meets Chumbawamba We Are Golden and am still revelling in the other pop gems on the album. Rain is absolutely lovely. I could easily milk 5 singles from this :)
09 ~ Paloma Faith, Do You Want The Truth?: I was surprised by how much this album stuck with me throughout the year. I found myself wanting to return to it over and over again. XO has had some of the most passionate coverage of her, and is right in his assessment of the complexity and beauty in her work. Hopefully her medium range popularity will increase into fervent critical devotion next year - based on this excellent collection of tunes, she deserves it...
08 ~ Pet Shop Boys, Yes: If I combine this with their Christmas EP, then it gave me two number one singles this year (Love etc., and It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas) and hours of delicious pleasure. Filled with amazing innovative yet totally PSB tracks like All Over The World, Beautiful People and the lush Did You See Me Coming, it was an album that solidified they have lost none of their pop edge. Plus dear god please someone leak a demo of The Loving kind...
07 ~ Alcazar, Disco Defenders: Oh my gosh but this album was overflowing with pop sensibility and dancefloor heavenliness. Overflowing with singles, attempts at nearly every pop genre going and shameless pastiches to Abba it was definitely hard not to love this album. In a perfect world this would have spawned five top ten hits in England and made the world see that lovely a fella as Joe is, he's got a long way to go before he can do pop like this. Thank You. In every sense of the word/song...
06 ~ BWO, Big Science: It was the "difficult" post greatest hits album and kicked off with the gothic You're Not Alone. That was a bit of a misnomer really in terms of the entire album because they still had their big Chariots of Fire moments (right here right now) and epic Open Door ballads (Kings of Tomorrow) to thrill the fans. Basically even when they are operating at less than 100%, BWO are still miles better than alot of other pop groups. And quite simply one of the best pop-births of the 2000s (post on that coming soon!)...

• 05 ~ Take That, The Garden: Released in late 2008 on the back of the inspiring, anthemic Greatest Day, this was the album that kept giving throughout 2009 - largely aided by the visually stunning and highly entertaining tour they put on to accompany it. Sure, Up All Night was Shine part 2, but there were plenty of other gems on the album (including the title track, the Jason Orange led How Did It Come To This and showstopping Hold Up A Light For Me) that merely proved that Gary and the boys are some of the finest tunesmiths to come out of Britain at the moment. Lovely stuff.
• 04 ~ Little Boots, Hands: It was the album that Kylie could have recorded and been a lot more massive than the ridiculously hyped Little Boots ever was. The music was actually great - so many ice cool, radio friendly electro-pop tracks that were seemingly made for extensive radio play. An utterly enjoyable album - it was the persona of Little Boots that seemed to be at odds with being a pop princess. She lacked any of the sparkle Sophie Ellis Bextor or Kylie add to their performances and seemed more intent on being a serious, rarely smiling musician. Still, Remedy, Earthquake and Hearts Collide are top notch tunes!
• 03 ~ Lily Allen, It's Not Me, It's You: Brilliant album title and odd quitting music statements aside, I totally enjoyed this album despite (like Mans Zelmerlow) an odd choice of singles. The Fear and It's Not Fair were ace tracks, F*** You improved on the demo from last year, Chinese was a sweet ode to recession induced nights in (with a gorgeous choral tribute floating around) and Lily continued her knack for providing witty, insightful lyrics set to lovely singalong melodies. It's ace because it's true - I mean, no one likes the wet patch in the middle of the bed...
• 02 ~ Same Difference, Pop: Another remnant from 2008, Pop was the album that encapsulated all that was amazing about the charts at the turn of the millenium and bought it back with an updated beat. Sean and Sarah were two of the nicest people you could wish to have gracing the charts and put out an album of singalong tunes that would have done so much better had it been marketed completely differently. There were at least 5 singles here that could have been flying up the UK charts, and I'm just relieved they get a second nibble of the cherry in 2010. Bring it on I say...

01 ~ Robbie Williams, Reality Killed The Video Star: It wasn't so much a comeback, more of a reaffirmation that Robbie was one of the nation's most reliable pop acts who was maturing nicely with age, rather than chasing fashions and trends he had no business dabbling in. It's an album that gives more with each listen, has some great melody driven songs and has Robbie still sounding absolutely ace. You Know Me is one of his more lovely mid-tempo ballads, Morning Sun is almost a Take That tribute sounding song and Difficult for Weirdos is the anthem of many and proudly so. So get hysterical and historical over this album because I suspect it will feature on next year's list too...

It's always a bit difficult to subjectively pick your favourite songs of the year. Songs I may have gushed over earlier in the year have had their glow dulled by time; songs I may not be as enthusiastic about in a few months are currently hot stuff for me - so I've put together a list that more or less showcases my favourite songs I listened to this year. So not necessarily released this year (though the majority were) and not necessarily singles, but just what I ended up still really liking as I sit and type this :) Enjoy and let me know your thoughts...

RELAUNCHED SINGLES FROM 2008: Lily Allen's F*** You; Lenka's The Show; Marit Larsen's If A Song COuld Get Me You...

BEST NON SINGLES OF THE YEAR: Deborah Gibson's Already Gone; Scissor Sister's Do The Strand; No Doubt's Stand and Deliver; that choir version of Lily's Chinese...

BEST OF THE REST (in no particular order): Saturdays ~ Just Can't Get Enough; JLS ~ Everybody in Love; Mini Viva ~ I Wish; Sugababes ~ Get Sexy; Miley Cyrus ~ Party in the USA; Cascada ~ Evacuate The Dancefloor; Pussycat Dolls ~ Hush Hush; Kelly Rowland ~ When Love Takes Over; Pet Shop Boys ~ Love, etc; Jason Mraz ~ Try Try Try; Annie Lennox ~ Shining Light; Sound of Arrows ~ M.A.G.I.C; Take That ~ The Garden; Whitney Houston ~ Million Dollar Bill; Mika ~ We Are Golden; BSB ~ Soldier Down; Erik Hassle ~ Hurtful; Leona Lewis ~ Happy; Lady Gaga ~ Bad Romance; Lady Gaga ~ Love Game...

MY NUMBER ONES:

• Simon Curtis/Victoria Justice ~ On The Wings of A Dream (4 weeks)
• Sugababes 3.0 ~ Every Heart Broken (4 weeks)
• Pet Shop Boys ~ Love etc.
• BWO ~ You're Not Alone (4 weeks)
• Mans Zelmerlow ~ Hope and Glory (4 weeks)
• Marina & The Diamonds ~ I Am Not A Robot (2 weeks)
• "Abba" ~ Second Best To None (4 weeks)
• Benny Andersson Band ~ Story Of A Heart (7 weeks)
• Madonna ~ Celebration (2 weeks)
• Mika ~ We Are Golden (3 weeks)
• Robbie Williams ~ Bodies (4 weeks)
• Blake Lewis ~ Heartbreak on Vinyl (2 weeks)
• Darin ~ Viva La Vida (3 weeks)
• Simon Curtis ~ Delusional (2 weeks)
• Pet Shop Boys ~ It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas 2009 (6 weeks)
• Simon Curtis ~ Diablo (1 week)

TOP 30 SONGS OF 2009:

30 ~ James Leon, Purple Heart: Sultry, seductive, a deceptively addictive beat and chorus plus remixes by our very own Worrapolava. What more could one ask for in a rising star?
29~ Alexandra Burke, Bad Boys: Not quite as inventive as Sound of the Underground but a huge step forward for a winners first single proper and even better without the Flo-Rida bit!
28 ~ Mini Viva, I Left My Heart In Tokyo: They went back to the 80s in the best way possible with a Pete Hammond remix, but even in normal guise this was one pop treat to satiate fans during the Girls Aloud year off...
27 ~ Robbie Williams, Bodies: It didn't work for some people because it was a hotch potch of every Robbie single to date but that was exactly why it worked for me - even with his crazy X-Factor eyes!
26 ~ Little Boots, Remedy: Not quite the massive star she was lauded as early in the year, something about Victoria didn't quite click, but she certainly had a way with creating beautiful pop-dance tunes like this one...
25 ~ Jordin Sparks, Battlefield: It caused a near twitter meltdown of excitement when it was first released; six months on, it's a solid enjoyable pop tune that didn't exactly tax Ryan Tedder but is still a belter to listen to.
24 ~ Same Difference, Better Love Me: Sigh, if there had been any justice in the world, this glorious Steps-It's The Way You Make Me Feel homage would have done much better. It's lovely anyway.
23 ~ Same Difference, All Roads Lead To Heaven: Massive pop tune that had this been used as a lead off single, the world might now be appreciating what I already know - Same Difference know pop. Thank God for more from them in 2010...
22 ~ Alphabeat, The Spell: Back to the 90s, back to rave. It was Black Box, C&C Music Factory and faceless dance wrapped up in a charming singalong tune that made the Danish band more appealing than ever...
21 ~ BWO, Right Here Right Now: It may be You're Not Alone that topped my chart for a while, but this classic pop tune lingered longer in mixes and duets that it felt like it was around for half the year without ever overstaying it's welcome...

20 ~ Blake Lewis, Heartbreak On Vinyl: More 80s homage in a year overflowing with 80s homage. However, this tune had glorious lyrics matched to a synthy beat and a passionate charm to the song that made it - and Mr L - a total winner...
19 ~ Will Young, Hopes & Fears: Criminally ignored by the public (was it even released?), at least the album did well. If Annie Lennox were a man, this is what some of her tunes would sound like. Timeless, melody driven pop. Aces.
18 ~ Madonna, Celebration: Not her finest ever moment but a strong entry for Lady Ciccone. Danceable, singalong, feel good, uplifting - it even felt age appropriate for Madonna to be singing it. Ace fan-filled video for it too...
17 ~ JLS, Beat Again: Still the real winners of the X Factor as far as I'm concerned, they have certainly proved it by becoming a massive phenomenon not seen since the early days of Take That. This was sleek, up to date, non-threatening pop at it's best.
16 ~ Mans Zelmerlow, Hope and Glory: Gorgeous to look at, effortless to listen to, Mans is what every country needs in a popstar and while people scoffed that this was Cara Mia 2, who cared? It was utterly brilliant and had a rather groovy keychange. Let's not forget the amazing acoustic version too. Job done.
15 ~ Simon Curtis/Victoria Justice ~ On The Wings of a Dream: The standout entry from the Spectacular! soundtrack, this showed for the first time Simon as an out and out pop singer ably assisted by Victoria. Proof that he is destined to be a major major star someday.
14 ~ Taylor Swift, Love Story: I think the Kanye jokes have been run into the ground, but this really did have quite the charming video, great cutesy lyrics, the best country crossover chorus this side of Shania Twain and a key change on a par with Don't Cry Out Loud. Of course it won me over!
13 ~ Lily Allen, The Fear: She seemed a bit more polished this time round and had as insightful lyrics as ever on this credit crunch anthem to modern life. Lush video and a brilliant chorus added to her bonkersosity made this a massive song all year round. Why didn't Stacey do it on the X Factor?!
12 ~ Sugababes 3.0, Every Heart Broken: When I belatedly fell in love with this tune I had no clue there would be a 4.0... If they ever sing this song, I won't be able to listen because everything about this slick, addictive nugget is nigh on perfect and can't be topped.
11 ~ Marina & The Diamonds, I Am Not A Robot: Wasn't she also a big pick for 2009? Whatever - she's rolled over to 2010 and I'm sure that one day this lovely simplistic minimalistic song will get the kudos and success it deserves. Quite quite amazing.

10 ~ Simon Curtis, Delusional: Kicking off 8-Bit Heart with this song (though I would have plumped for the more audacious Pop Messiah followed by this) was a work of genius. It was free, it was brilliant, it was dancey and it was completely what the blogosphere and twitter-ites needed. Smart boy-pop that matched Gaga step for step. And it was going to get even better...
09 ~ Robbie Williams, You Know Me: As I'm writing this in early December I worry that this song got a bit lost in the Christmas Chart deluge. Shame if it did because it's gentle, it's restrained and it's a bit heartbreaking and it definitely shows that Robbie hasn't lost his knack for creating utter magic.
08 ~ Kelly Clarkson, My Life Would Suck Without You: Yes yes, it may be the most audacious rewrite of a hit song (Since You've Been Gone) ever, but it was also one of the years most instant and grabbing ebulliant hits. Massive from the first note, a soaring chorus, it rampaged along at breakneck speed and was totally enjoyable from start to finish.
07 ~ Sophie Ellis Bextor, Heartbreak Makes Me A Dancer: Floating around for a while in demo format, the freemasons kicked it up a gear and while it didn't quite match the chart heights it should have it was a brilliant slice of ice cool pop. Now if Victoria Little Boots could look as natural and confident as Soph, she might be in a much stronger position now...
06 ~ Darin, Viva La Vida: Take one of the best penned compositions of recent years, add one of Sweden's most likeable pop exports and give it a europop sheen and you've got the recipe for an enormously enjoyable tribute number. It takes the magic of the original number and makes it sparkle a little bit for the dancefloor. Heaven.

05 ~ Pet Shop Boys, It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas 2009: I already loved this song so wasn't sure what a remix could do for it. Make me completely and utterly obsessed with it, that's what. Whether it be the addition of organ laden carol melodies or the dramatic "BING CROSBY" or the melting of cynicism in the chorus, everything about this already theatrical number was more more more. Magnificent. If only for 2 months of the year...
04 ~ Elouise, One Night Only: I've only ever heard it sung by her live but I instantly loved this song and her ballad-to-disco interpretation of the DreamGirls classic. Plus she sang it so well, had brilliant but learnable dance moves and made it my go to saturday night anthem. Big things in 2010, mark my words...
03 ~ Simon Curtis, Diablo: Yes it was held off by Pet Shop Boys over Christmas, but I've taken into account my seasonal addictions and completely realise that Diablo is perhaps, nay indeed, one of the greatest pop songs of the year. Wry, funny, catchy, groundbreaking and as instant as instant porridge oats, it is just a massively brilliant, brilliantly massive pop tune from someone who eats sleeps and breathes pop and then channels it all into their music. And you can so tell. Amazing, amazing stuff and quite deservedly the last number one of 2009...
02 ~ "Abba", Second Best to None: I still maintain this would have made a much better X-Factor charity single but what do I know? Whatever, the staff at Hotel Rival took the Benny&Bjorn penned track and made it into their anthem, then shared it with the world. Thank heavens they did - ridiculously catchy, moderately cheesy, an completely amazing promo video to go with it (introducing the world to another doable bar man) and filled with pathos and regret. It was totally Abba and the only thing wrong with it was that Frida and Agnetha weren't singing it. Other than that, I drove my friends mad with it for weeks on end.
01 ~ Benny Andersson Band, Story of a Heart: As if the emergence of Second Best to None wasn't enough, Benny then came back with another track he penned with Bjorn and it was perhaps the most affecting Abba song since Day Before You Came or Winner Takes It All. A glorious melody, a wonderful chorus, a devastating breakdown in the middle eight and then a passion filled plea to take you to the end of the song. I could never and still haven't been able to listen to it just once. Quite quite magic, and would have made an amazing X Factor winners single.

What came to pass...

• Top 25 songs of 2008

Doing any sort of "best of" list is a bit of a nightmare really. It's objective and subjective! It's hard to set parameters - do I limit it to songs that only got released in 2009 (thereby perhaps missing out on acts that released songs last year, but I didn't discover til recently)? And how have songs stood the test of time - I might have loved them when they were released in January but be more enthusiastic about more recent songs because they are more fresh in my mind?! Good gravy. So ultimately, I've just done it. The top 21 songs that i have enjoyed most in the first half of 2009, regardless of when they were released :) And I guarantee that this will change dramatically by year end - not just because of 6 months worth of new songs, but also because I'll have a new perspective on how songs have stood the test of time throughout the year. So enjoy - and let me know if you agree or are thinking "no Lady Gaga? Are you a mentalloid?"...


TOP 21 SONGS I HAVE ENJOYED MOST IN 2009:

21 = Pussycat Dolls, J'Ai Ho/Hush Hush: Well i'm as bloody surprised as you are as I really don't care for PCD. But J'Ai Ho has the ace Slumdog Millionaire connection and Hush Hush is such a marvy disco epic, that I had to make an exception. Hell must be so cold right now...
20 ~ JLS, Beat Again: I just can't get bored with this song - it becomes more appealing and more-ish with every single listen. It really shouldn't work (using the medical metaphor of being heartbroken with lines like "i need you back in my arms/I need love CPR"!) but the charm of JLS oozes through and totally won me over. Hurrah, etc.
19 ~ The Days, No Ties: Explain to me again why this song wasn't massive? Possibly because it was released early in the year when anyone who listens can tell that actually it is a huge summer anthem just waiting to happen.
18 ~ Julian Velard, Love Again For The First Time: Rollicking piano riffs, witty lyrics and chorus harder to shake than swine flu. Plus I'm a sucker for songs about overcoming heartache and finding love again. He's like a more relevant Billy Joel and with better popstar hair. Ace.
17 ~ Erik Hassle, Hurtful: I suspect that this song will still be hovering around this point or higher by the year end. It's just lyrically poetic and instrumentally enticing. I've tried to hold off playing it too much because I suspect Erik is going to be mammoth by 2010...
16 ~ Pet Shop Boys, Love Etc: What a brillo comeback this turned out to be - and while the masses didn't really come running this song showed that Neil and Chris are just as culturally insightful today as they were 25 years ago. Now lets all chant "don't want to be/a big bucks hollywood star"...
15 ~ Jason Mraz, Try Try Try: I wrote about this already on Sunday. It's the optimism that shines through this melodic gem that makes it a real winner. Plus Jason Mraz really is the best sunshine singer this side of the Magic Numbers.
14 ~ Jordin Sparks, Battlefield: It's Ryan Tedder colour by numbers writing and production, but really the guy does it so well that it doesn't seem to matter. Great lyrics, epic chorus and a belting delivery from Jordin means this will be played long after summer is gone...
13 ~ Same Difference, All Roads Lead To Heaven: Industry have shown that pop can flourish and thrive in the era of 80s synth throwbacks, and this ignored classic from the bro-sis duo's debut album Pop was and is an unheralded Steps-esque pop masterpiece.
12 ~ Simon Curtis/Victoria Justice, On The Wings Of A Dream: Talking of pop masterpieces, what would Simon sound like if he went pure pop for a while? The answer is this great tween sing a long ditty from Spectacular. Simon's vocals have never been more clear showing the boy really can sing :)
11 ~ Elouise, One Night Only: Oh boy am I obsessed with this old song. I could have chosen any one of a number of versions but for me Elouise transports me into the song. Perhaps it's her spot on vocal delivery or her swinging sixties chick dance moves? Or maybe i'm just mesmerised by the glittery dresses she wears each time she performs it. Whatever, it's magic.

10 ~ BWO, You're Not Alone: Another BWO comeback single, another triumph. The group mix some gothic fairytale magic into the song which ultimately makes it perhaps their most ominous yet glorious sounding single to date. Worldwide domination has probably passed them by, but I will never forsake them :)
09 ~ Taylor Swift, Love Story: Even if the rest of the song was absolute crap (and i'm sure some people think that it is!), the key change and doe eyed romanticism of the line "marry me juliet you'll never have to be alone" gets me tingly every single time. Every. Single. Time :*)
08 ~ Mans Zelmerlow, Hope & Glory: There are many reasons why this works. Great hook. Fun production values. Oddly done but appreciated key change. Smooth and enthusiastic vocal delivery. All coming out of one of the most genetically perfect human beings to currently walk the planet. The defense rests...
07 ~ Little Boots, New In Town: It wasn't quite the mammoth debut single I'd hoped for but there was something entirely likeable about Victoria's first single proper. It was just quirky enough to stand out from the crowd and perhaps i liked it most because, like me, LB tried to cram far too many words (into the chorus) when fewer would have sufficed. I'm wordy. What can I say?!
06 ~ Lily Allen, The Fear: Lily transcends from perhaps one off album wonder to proper pop star with her lushly produced song about how life can be a bit crushing at times. Genius video with it to boot, and perhaps the most prophetic credit crunch lyrics this side of Shania's Ka-ching. Definitely a big "F*** You" very very much to the doubters :P
05 ~ Kelly Clarkson, My Life Would Suck Without You: It's just blooming euphoric pop genius. It may be Since You've Been Gone 2.0 but when you've got a chorus this giving and a vocal that powerful these trifling little matters seem not to make a jot of difference to the fun factor contained within :)
04 ~ Marina & The Diamonds, I Am Not A Robot: There's a delicate vulnerability about this pretty, ethereal, floating jewel of a tune that I am addicted to. It's been quite the year for robots in pop, and this is by far my favourite contribution. A bit out there, slightly bonkers and utterly utterly brilliant.
03 ~ Sugababes, Every Heart Broken: I often sit and ponder why this excellent tune was not a single. It's based around the most simple of melodies and the most simple of metaphors (one that works better than JLS, although theirs is more endearing). Definitely not the sort of song I could listen to just once and evidence that the 'babes still have it in them to create brilliant pop tunes 6 albums into their career.
02 ~ Benny Andersson Band, Story Of A Heart: Abba remain one of my most beloved pop acts of all time. I have yet to tire of their music. This is as close to a new Abba song as I will probably get. Exquisite lyrics, gorgeous arrangements, beautifully sung and ultimately a little bit devastating. The only minor thing wrong with it is that it isn't the lovely ladies singing. If I don't see them live on Saturday in London then I am an entire disgrace unto myself :(
01 ~ Hotel Rival, Second Best To None: It's not really a pop song per se, but one can see how it really could be. As it is written by the boys of Abba, it has brilliantly catchy chorus, bonkers lyrics and quite a nice love them within the verses. Production is probably about 20 years ago in sound but it's just all too charming and totally designed for me to fall in love with it. Adore the video too, especially the love affair between the only-looks-good-between-my-thighs sexy barman, the slutty blonde and the eye brow raising dwarf. I would die to see what someone like BWO, Industry or Simon Curtis would do to this song :)

JONAS BONUS MENTIONS:

Best "by the numbers" ballads (but beautifully executed): The Saturdays - Issues; Alesha Dixon - Breathe Slow

Best non-album comeback cover versions: No Doubt - Stand & Deliver; Scissor Sisters - Do The Strand; The Feeling - This Is Love; Taio Cruz - Everybody's Changing

Best squandered opportunity: The Saturdays - Just Can't Get Enough (It was totally fun and did it's job, but if it was all as brillo as the harmonised moment at 2m16 on this video, then it would have a lesson in astonishingosity)

Best old songs resurfacing: Heartbreak Makes Me A Dancer (SEB now with Freemasons from last June); The Show (Lenka from last June now slowly breaking the UK); F*** You (Lily Allen's demo from last June is now a European single and still delightful); Single Ladies (Beyonce tune that I didn't like last year but now love).

See you Thurs for the July Fizzypop Chronicles kicking off the second half of the year.

So for my final wrap up of all things 2008, I thought I'd go with tv and movies. PS, i'm hoping compiling these lists will cheer me up. Two trains in a row today were "cancelled" today due to lack of customers so I was stuck on a freezing platform in the middle of nowhere for over an hour. Brrrr......

TOP TEN MOVIES OF 2008

10= - Bolt/Wall-E: Disney once again pulls it out the bag with two very different but equally entertaining movies. Bolt is a snooze fest until the hamster joins the fun, and then is a riotous laugh a minute (ok laugh every two minutes) while Wall-E is one of the most beautiful environmental love stories ever told. Quite poignant and lovely
09 - Twilight: How i ignored the Twilight novels is beyond me! It's so me - they appeal to teenage girls, have vampires and is an epic possibly doomed romance (I haven't finished the quadrilogy just yet). I've never been particularly picky about book to movie adaptations so really enjoyed this gothic love story, and thought the characters were done well. Still v v disappointed about the Edward-in-the-sun scene though :(
08 - Inkheart: While not quite this year's Stardust, it's still a fairytale come to life, literally if you know the plot and figuratively as in it's on the big screen. It lacks a great romance but Cornelia Funke's lovely novel about storybooks coming to life translates well into celluloid, even if Darren declared it "two hours of my life i will NEVER get back"...
07 - Sex and The City: I was perhaps less passionate about sex at the movies than I should've been. I mean, god love her, but Peter Griffiths is right. No one needs to see Sarah Jessica Parker on the big screen (and I quite liked Failure to Launch!!). Anyway, the four slutty hos had toned it down a bit but were still funny, warm and entertaining. Loses points for the far too long mopey Carrie storyline and wasting Jennifer Hudson...
06 - Prince Caspian: The follow up to The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe was never going to be as big because it's not the story that everybody knows and loves. But it had Ben Barnes in it (woo! History Boys Dakin comes good!) with a bizarre accent, and I for one was quite happy to be sucked back into Narnia. It also gave me the very gorgeous The Call by Regina Spektor which began my brief but intense love affair with her music. Bring on the third I say...(not making the list but still starring Ben Barnes is the very good 20s comedy of manners Easy Virtue)
05 - Frost/Nixon: I honestly thought this music would hold less passion for me as I'm not an American and therefore was less affected by the Watergate scandal. However, politics intruige me so I watched. And what is essentially a two person interaction between interviewer David Frost (portrayed as a playboy fop necessarily for most of the movie) and the shamed Richard Nixon builds the tension slowly until a phonecall tips David over the edge and finally that admission comes. When the film shows David Frost remembering to breathe, i had to remind myself to breathe too, so engrossed was I...
04 - Slumdog Millionaire: How entirely charming this movie is. A young lad is one question away from winning the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and is accused of cheating. Through a series of both hilarious, harrowing and touching flashbacks the life story of him, his brother and a young girl they befriend is told as they all take very different approaches to their poor situation. Whether he wins the game or not becomes almost irrelevant as the tale of all 3 dispersed individuals reaches its euphoric and devastating conclusion. Magbleedingnif!
03 - Milk: My name is Fizzypop and I'm here to recruit you! I feel slightly ashamed for not putting this higher. Appealing to me in the same way Frost/Nixon did, this tale of bigotry, human rights, hope, friendship, love and just plain fitting in moved me immensely. Reminding me that I take many things for granted (like being able to get married) - things that people fought for, and still fight for to this day. The acting in this movie is top notch, the performances engaging, the moment when California votes no on Prop 6 utterly electrifying and the final few seconds of Harvey Milk's life totally devastating.
02 - Mamma Mia: Darren will probably divorce me for having this languish at number two. It is by far his favourite movie of the year, favourite album of the year and most likely his favourite movie of all time. Everything about it was slightly OTT in what is really a tale of a girl who knobbed three guys in succession and has it come back to bite her on the ass 20 years later. Like all my favourite movies, i've come to pick many many holes in it yet still adore it. Plus of course it has Dominic Cooper in it (woohoo! History Boy Dakin comes good!)and the most gleeful cinematic moment of the year when Meryl bounces up and down on the bed to Dancing Queen. That song has a power that even Abba probably didn't recognise straight away. It's just the feelgood movie of the year and bah humbug to anyone who says different... (not on this list but still starring Dominic Cooper is the very good historical piece The Duchess)
01 - Australia: Yes, it has been ravaged by the critics. But this film was pretty much written with everything I like about movies in mind. Against all odds type romance, rugged and hunky bearded Hugh Jackman, epic story canvas, villains so obvious they have twirly moustaches, hold your breath moments of drama and outbursts of tragic emotion and joyous happiness. Yes, it's this years Titanic, and I loved every single second of it. Sure Nicole Kidman's forehead is like a flatscreen tv, but oh, i looked past all it's foibles, shanked one off to Hugh and fell deeply deeply in love. And love is blind to flaws and ultimately everlasting. Ask my fave movie ever, Love, Actually :)

TOP TEN TV PROGRAMMES OF 2008:

Shows that almost made the top ten: Shameless, Skins, Benidorm, Harry Hill's TV Burp, Family Guy, Greek, The Office, Supernatural, Kyle XY, Desperate Housewives, Britannia High....
10 - True Blood (HBO): I wasn't sure about this adaptation of the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries at first, but the more I stuck with it and the more Jason Stackhouse took his shirt off, the more I fell a little bit in love with it. The twists and turns can get a little much, but it's worth persevering with - the final half of the season is top notch and contains this years funniest line - "A shapeshifter? You gotta be shitting me". Try dropping that into conversation at the 'watercooler' on Monday!
09 - Dexter (Showtime): The thing I like about Dexter is that each season is it's own little storybook. The main story is done and dusted by the end of the 12th episode and that works out fine for me. Jimmy Smits was a great addition as Dexter's new BFF, adding a new dimension to his killing tactics as he gets to grips with being a future husband and father. And hurrah! Another season kicks off next year...
08 - Brothers and Sisters (ABC): Once I'd gotten over the fact that Justin and Rebecca who thought they were brother and sister for over 18 months were now in love, I fell right back in love with the Walker family and their little problems. I love the fact that this season seems to be slowly gearing up to all out war with the odious husband nabber Holly, and the possibility of Ryan entering the fray is too delicious for words...
07 - Reaper (CW): It's not returned for it's second season yet (that would be March then), but the first year of this show turned out to be so much more than a frat bro comedy with demons. Subtle storylines played out against comedic backdrops as more and more about the devilish pact Sam's parents made with Laura Palmer's dad was revealed. The final episode added a nice kicker that sets up some drama for the 13 (ooo appropriate!) episodes of the second year! Hurrah... (last year, number six)
06 - Gavin & Stacey (BBC): Much like Will and Grace, it's the relationship between the supporting best friends that is the real draw here. Smithy and Nessa continued their love/hate relationship thanks to impending parenthood. And Nessa has perhaps the most tidy lines in any comedy this year. Classic. The Christmas Special just shone - families arguing with some hilarious barbs flying back and forth, and an emotional kicker of an ending that just had me longing for a third series. Amazing. Unlike the Royle Family special which was ruined by some truly vile eating of an after eight mint. Yack.
05 - The Tudors (Showtime): Not always historically accurate (Henry was MUCH older when he shacked up with Anne Boleyn) but always entertaining as the political shenanighans behind the romantic and lustful issues build up as Henry decides Anne is not for him and with some gentle manipulation from her enemies, the wheels are set in motion that lead up to her beautifully shot and quite upsetting beheading. It will be interesting to see what the third year brings as the Henry - Anne romance has powered the show so far. Still as long as Henry Cavill is in it, i'll be watching (so shallow!)
04 - Lost (ABC): With an end date in sight, the errors of the third year were corrected and the fourth year with flash forwards as well as back added a new dimension to the show, and breathed new life into the storyline. Back to being as gripping and suspenseful as that amazing first year, if this continues through until 2010s finale then this could well join Buffy, Veronica Mars, Twin Peaks and Anne of Green Gables (! Ask me oneday) as one of the most perfect shows on television... (Last year, in need of life support section!)
03 - Doctor Who (BBC): Who knew that Catherine Tate would make such a worthy addition to the list of new series companions? She grew more charming and amusing as the series went on which made her finale exit all the more gut wrenching. Some great writing of course, and I thought a rather brilliant Christmas special where I welled up when all the victorian folk shouted out a bravo sir to the good Doctor. It was as cheesy but satisfying as when Buffy got that crap umbrella at her prom. Bring on the specials! (Last year, number five)
02 - Gossip Girl (CW): For a show that has such miniscule viewing figures, it sure does garner a lot of media hype and that is probably why it is still on the air. Ridiculously sudsy and unrealistic, it's an escape to a world that doesn't seem affected by the credit crunch at all, 17 year olds look and act like 30 year olds and the storylines get more ridiculous and addictive as time goes on. So in other words the prime time version of Sunset Beach/Passions. The gossip guys are of course quite lovely depending on your mood, and this year there was even a blair/serena catfight with handbags and everything. Brilliant. (Last year, number two)
01 - Pushing Daisies (ABC): Sigh. This will be last year I will be able to put Pushing Daisies at the top of my list now it has officially been axed. I shall miss the adventures of doomed lovers Ned and Charlotte, the desperate yearning of far too skinny but lovely Olive Snook (see gorgeous youtube video above) and the pithy observations of Emmerson Cod. There are 3 episodes of this too good and too whimsical for tv show, so I will have to wait for the comic book to wrap up the alleged cliffhanger that tops off this year's final show :( Not to worry folks - i have this amazing Christmas story in my head should i ever want to dip my toe in the murky waters of fan fiction :P (Last year, number one)

In desperate need of life support: Oh god, how has my beloved Grey's Anatomy fallen so far? It's not just annoying Angel from Home and Away, it's the bloody Izzy shagging a ghost Denny storyline that is irritating me. Ugly Betty has become the most unlikeable lead character on a show since hateful Krystle in Dynasty (her self righteousness is just nauseating), and heroes and smallville need to do some storyline streaming, stat!

Back on Jan 2nd with my top tips for 2009. If i have recovered from Clare from Steps workout dvd - it's freaking vicious. No wonder she dropped 5 dress sizes. My favourite bit of course is the combat section where the backing himbos flirt with each other and take their tops off. Yummy.