What a year for music! The 10th anniversary of Born This Way, released with reimagined versions of six of the songs by LGBTQ+ artists and allies; two Lana Del Rey albums; Will Young's album of beautifully interpreted covers of female pop artists; Lil Nas X's boundary-pushing Montero; Kylie's Guest List edition of her fabulous 2020 DISCO album; Adele's highly-anticipated record-breaking divorce album; Taylor's re-recorded versions of Fearless and Red and a new ABBA album after a 40 year hiatus...to name a few highlights. This made my annual task of selecting my top ten songs of the year even more challenging than usual. But after careful consideration, I narrowed my top pop picks down to the following:
Listen: Bad Habits
I am not a huge Ed Sheeran fan but the guy sure knows how to write a good pop song. Though reviews of the "post-pandemic club tune" were not particularly favourable, I thought he delivered a catchy dance-pop hit. I also enjoyed his glam vampire look in the accompanying music video.
9 || Cold Heart - Elton John & Dua Lipa
Listen: Cold Heart
This chart-topping song incorporates elements from four of Sir Elton's hits (Sacrifice, Rocket Man, Kiss the Bride and Where's The Shoorah?), features vocals from Dua Lipa and is remixed by Sydney trio Pnau. The collaborations created a fresh and catchy pop single that I've had on repeat since its release. Other artists that appear the Lockdown Sessions album include Charlie Puth, Lil Nas X, Rina Sawayama, Miley Cyrus, Years & Years, Brandi Carlile and Stevie Nicks.
8 || Imagine - Ben Platt
Listen: Imagine
I was really impressed by Ben's sophomore album, Reverie, featuring the mid-tempo lead single, Imagine. His soulful vocals shine from from start to end of the song as he sings about how people can uplift one another in the toughest of times. The lyrics are also an ode to his relationship with his boyfriend.
7 || Edge of Glory - Years & Years
Listen: The Edge of Glory
Olly Alexander (the man behind Years & Years) had quite a year: two collaborations with Kylie Minogue (a remix of his single, Starstruck, and a collaboration with her on the disco anthem, A Second To Midnight, on the Guest List Edition of DISCO), a performance of the Pet Shop Boys' It's a Sin with Elton John at the Brit Awards to coincide with his role on the drama series It's a Sin, the release of the second single from his third studio album, Crave, and this, his reimagined version of Lady Gaga's The Edge of Glory, featured on the 10th Anniversary Edition of Born This Way - and my favourite track on the album.
6 || Heartbreak In This City - Steps Feat. Michelle Visage
Listen: Heartbreak In This City
A remix of the fan favourite from the 2020 Steps album What The Future Holds sees the pop quintet teaming up with the ever glamorous Michelle Visage. Michelle was thrilled to work with Steps, stating "With the state of the world today, we all need music that makes us feel good, and trust me when I tell you, Heartbreak In This City is an absolute BOP!" As usual, Michelle knows what she's talking about.
5 || Don't Shut Me Down - ABBA
Listen: Don't Shut Me Down
New ABBA music was just what the world needed. This was one of two singles released ahead of the album's release in November, the other one being the moving ballad, I Still Have Faith In You. The rest of the album is just as enjoyable; it manages to balance the comfortable and nostalgic sound that made ABBA so iconic with a contemporary feel. Pure genius. Other highlights include: No Doubt About It, Just A Notion and When You Danced With Me.
4 || Right On Time - Brandi Carlile
Listen: Right On Time
Brandi Carlile's 2021 release, In These Silent Days, is a stellar follow-up to her 2018 Grammy-winning album By The Way, I Forgive You. The lead single, Right On Time, showcases her flawless vocals and gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it. NPR described the single as "a pitch-perfect piano ballad, showcasing not just Carlile's otherworldly vocal range but also her ability to write from a place of deep reflection and self-awareness".
3 || 24 Hours - Agnes
Listen: 24 Hours
Agnes has come a long way since her worldwide smash Release Me back in 2008. This year was the start of a new era, with a new look (shoutout to the yellow Dorito-esque hair!) and the magical string-filled disco anthem 24 Hours. She followed up the incredible single with another banger, Here Comes The Night.
2 || Mr Haze - Texas
Listen: Mr Haze
Texas released their highly-anticipated album, Hi, earlier this year which is one of the best of their illustrious career. The album came about after the discovery of some outtakes from the band's White on Blonde sessions inspired them to write new material, including the amazing Mr Haze, described by TotalNtertainment as "a soul -soaked Motown belter driven by a Donna Summer sample". Other highlights on the perfect album are Moonstar, You Can Call Me, Heaven Knows and Had A Hard Day.
1 || Daniel - Will Young
Listen: Daniel
I loved the lead single from Will Young's critically acclaimed album, Crying On The Bathroom Floor (originally recorded by Bat For Lashes) from the first time I heard it and it just continued to grow on me. I was also enamored with the Sudlow remix of the song. Other highlights from the album include: Indestructible, Missing, and I Follow Rivers.
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