Top Songs of 2014: 10 - 1

So this is it, last day of the year and the last ten songs in my top 50 songs of 2014 countdown. What a great year in music and these songs really were at the top for me. Please let me know below what your favourite song of the year was.

10: Bittersweet - Kasey Chambers & Bernard Fanning

Duets between amazing artists can be an extraordinary thing, and this country rock ballad more than proves the point. Individually they are two of Australia's best and most unique vocalists and together they are even stronger. This is an eloquent and haunting song of a failed love. Kasey Chambers continues to make incredible music and I, for one, think we're all better for it.

9: Monument - Royksopp & Robyn

Speaking of great collaborations, the combination of Robyn and Royksopp this year was an amazing one. This lush track, the opener to their E.P highlights the wonders of Royksopp's production and the brilliance of Robyn's vocals. This is a stark dance ballad with limited instrumentation and a hook that will get stuck in your "internal jukebox". A beautiful track!

8: Shower - Becky G

I'd really only known Becky G for featuring on other people's songs (Cher Lloyd and Cody Simpson), so hearing this song was a great surprise. It's a pretty damn spot on pop song, it's breezy, light and catchy. Produced by wonder producer Dr Luke this instantly had hit written all over it and is just the kind of song I like. I can't wait to hear more from her.

7: Ugly Heart - G.R.L

A sad entry in the list with the suicide this year of one of the girls, Simone Battle. But this song is a great legacy, a brilliant pop song with five amazing harmonies and some very fun lyrics. This is an infectious song that was a massive hit here in Australia, and rightfully so. Rightfully placed in the top ten of best pop songs of the year.

6: Ghost - Ella Henderson

This debut single from former X-Factor contestant Ella Henderson is something special, and pretty much as good as debut singles get. This is a rich pop song, with a soulful depths and a catchy hook. Then there's Henderson's breathy vocals which are spot on. This dominated airwaves in 2014 and certainly dominated my playlist at home - a track I'll keep returning to in years to come.

5: Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj

Entry four for Ariana Grande, three for Nicki Minaj and the first for Jessie J on the list (though "Burnin Up" almost made the list). This is a superstar collaboration from three superstars, a diva off with three women who know how to carry a song. Jessie J sounds flawless, Grande is becoming royalty and Minaj delivers one of her best guest verses in years. Highly addictive stuff with a very fun song.

4: Braveheart - Neon Jungle

I've been a big fan of girl groups for years, and it was pretty exciting to be introduced to this UK four piece this year. This is a beast of a track, a killer dance beat with an infectious chorus and great rap from the girls. This was released very early in the year, but still remained a favourite throughout the year. This is a song I love to turn up very loud and sing happily along to. Great pop.

3: Sirens - Cher Lloyd

Cher Lloyd is an artist I have a lot of time for, her first album featured some incredible pop songs; but this release from her second album is her best track to date. This is a serious pop ballad from Lloyd who gets a chance to showcase her amazing vocals over some very heartfelt lyrics. The combination works in the emotive song that I have played more times than most other songs this year. If you haven't heard it, give it a go - it's a great song.

2: Do It Again - Royksopp & Robyn

Second Robyn / Royksopp song in the Top ten for the year and Robyn's finest ever song (and that's saying something, cause I adore "Dancing On My Own"). This is an incredible party anthem with a very rich dance beat and some brilliant vocals from Robyn. This year you didn't get better electro pop than this, marvellous in every way.

1: Chandelier - Sia

And here we are at number one, and there was no doubt for me this song was the best for the whole year. I have adored Sia this year, this is her 4th song in this countdown, but this was her best - by a long way. I cannot praise this song enough, so very rich in sound. It sounds like an incredible party anthem but really tells the story of Sia's demise into alcoholism. Stuff for the heart and for the dancefloor. Then there's the pop culture phenomenon film clip starring Maddie from Dance Moms. Love. This. Song.

So that's it, my favourite song of the year, what was yours? Tell me in the comments section below.

Top 50 Songs of 2014: 30 to 11

Welcome back, thanks for checking out today's midway point to the Top 50 Songs of 2014 countdown. If you missed yesterdays, the link is in the column on the right. Let's get straight into it, shall we?

30: Replay - Zendaya

Another child TV star turned pop star who hit it big this year, not Ariana Grande big, but still big. Zendaya seems so much more laidback, and this song is a winner. The pop dance song has a thick beat and a catchy chorus that had me hooked in the first part of the year. This is one I may or may not have danced embarrassingly to in the car!

29: Pills N Potions - Nicki Minaj

The second song from Nicki Minaj was the unexpected first single from her great new album, "The Pink Print". Unexpected because of the grown up sound. A lush ballad with a very personal confession, and some beautiful singing from Minaj. This was a great first single and got me genuinely excited for her album, moody Minaj is my favourite!

28: Steal My Girl - One Direction

Track two on the list from the 1D boys. While I was a bigger fan of "Story of My Life" which appeared in my Top 5 last year, I have grown to love this song. That chorus is so damn catchy. Harry and Zayn shine, as per usual, and the film clip starring Danny DeVito is a great one. These guys continue to make solid pop music!

27: Blank Space - Taylor Swift

What a great year for the very talented and beautiful Ms Swift. Fully shaking loose from her country roots, Taylor Swift has embraced pop-dom and delivered an incredible album. Let's start with the clip, this may be her best. And what a way to get back at her detractors by taking their criticisms and and using them to have her biggest hit to date. The song is catchy and fun and very much deserves all the attention it has received.

26: Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

It was hard to decide between Taylor's two singles, so had to put them back to back. This narrowly won out because of the impact it had on me when it was first released. I went crazy for the song and clip, putting it heavily on repeat. Swift has a knack for writing very infectious pop songs, and wisely surrounded herself this time with some of the best pop producers in the field. This will be a song I'll still be singing in years to come.

25: Big Girls Cry - Sia

Song three for Sia on the list, I have loved her this year. This mid tempo anthem has the perfect message thrown in with its addictive pop. "I don't care if I don't act pretty, big girls cry when their hearts are breaking." Sia knows how to write them, and even better, she knows how to sing them! This definitely should have been a bigger hit.

24: Say Something (featuring Christina Aguilera) - A Great Big World

This really came out last year, but wasn't a hit until this year. It really did lead the charge for the return of the almighty power balled. The track was great on its own, but with the addition of Aguilera's stunning vocals, the track becomes something magic. Heartfelt and beautiful, it really is something special. And that film clip, phew, made me tear up the first time I watched it.

23: Changing (featuring Paloma Faith) - Sigma

It was also a great year for Paloma Faith, after a few years of minor hits, she hit the big time. This collaboration with dance group, Sigma, cemented that. This is a great track, there's a certain magic when combining an awesome beat with beautifully strong vocals. Faith shines on this record, and who doesn't love a song you can dance to and sing with?

22: I Don't Care - Cheryl

This is a former single of the week here on the "Internal Jukebox" blog. Cheryl's catchiest single to date was another number one in the UK for her. This has a great beat, Cheryl sounds fantastic and these are some great lyrics - I do love a pop song where a good proper lady swears. This is an awesome song that makes you want to dance with abandon.

21: Love Runs Out - OneRepublic

Like Maroon 5, I don't always love everything that OneRepublic does, but when they get it right, they really get it right. In fact, I think this is my favourite OneRepublic song ever. There's a fantastic driving guitar beat that really makes this pop rock song. Ryan Tedder is an amazing songwriter and has saved himself a great one here. I love to play this one loud!

20: Problem (featuring Iggy Azalea) - Ariana Grande

The third entry from Ariana Grande on the list and her biggest hit to date. There's just something special about this perfect little pop ditty, and then there's the awesome verse from our own Iggy Azalea. It just seemed the right time for this song. It's quite funny that this song is so good when it goes against the construction of normal pop songs and the verses are the strongest part of this song.

19: Stay With Me - Sam Smith

Sam Smith is another artist who's had a truly exceptional year. And with that voice, how can he not? Smith is such a talented singer and this beautifully big ballad about one night stands is a perfect showcase of this. Smith soars on this song and you can't help but be impressed. Points also for the second version where he duets with Mary J Blige.

18: Wheelbarrow - Kasey Chambers

I am a pretty massive Kasey Chambers fan and get genuinely excited when she has new music coming out. This year she released a new solo album, and she did not disappoint. First single, "Wheelbarrow" is a driving country rock song that lets Kasey Chambers belt out her signature country twang. Highly addictive, this song was in my head for a few weeks straight - and I loved it!

17: Only Love Can Hurt Like This - Paloma Faith

I've already raved on about how much I've been loving Paloma Faith this year and here is the main reason, this incredible power ballad. I was so genuinely excited this song went to number one in Australia. This Diane Warren penned track is the perfect showcase for Faith's incredibly beautiful and unique voice. This is a solid track, here's hoping we hear more from the wondrous Paloma Faith.

16: Money On My Mind - Sam Smith

The second Sam Smith track in the Top 20. While most of his songs on the album are ballads, the album's first single was a perfect piece of dance pop that harked back to Smith's other releases, awesome dance tracks with Disclosure and Naughty Boy. His beautiful vocals shine on this track about loving his art more than money. This is an awesome little pop track.

15: Comeback - Ella Eyre

You may not recognise Ella Eyre, but she was the great voice on Rudimental's "Waiting All Night". She had some great solo tracks this year, but this was the best. It's a bit retro, it's a bit drum and bass and all awesome. Then there's the lyrics, they include corkers like, "Take that pain and let that motherfucker burn". This is one serious FU track that is incredible.

14: You Ruin Me - The Veronicas

The Veronicas are back in a big way. They overcame breaking up with a major label and a perceived flop with their last single to produce this incredible ballad that may just be an up yours to their previous label. The highlight of the girl's work is always their spot on harmonies, and they have never been better than on this track. Raw, emotional and a beautiful showcase for Australia's best pop duo.

13: Empire - Shakira

Now I'll be honest, I have never been a massive Shakira fan; infact I don't own much of her music but this song, I absolutely bloody love this song. While her duet from this year with Rihanna got all the attention, it was this rock ballad that got my attention. Shakira's vocals have never been stronger and lyrically this love song is spot on. If you haven't heard it, check it out - it's pretty special!

12 - Out of the Woods - Taylor Swift

While not an official single. this promo single reached Top twenty in both the US and Australia. Supposedly written about her relationship with One Direction's Harry Styles, this is one of Swift's most adult sounding tracks. Co-written with the lead singer of fun, this is such a good track that I loved from the very first time I heard it - since then everytime I hear it, it gets stuck in my head for a whole day. This is my favourite track from "1989", and that's saying something cause the album is awesome!

11 - Say You Love Me - Jessie Ware

Now this is a song. British songstress Jessie Ware is one special talent and this song is something pretty special. This pop rock ballad showcases her voice perfectly and the song shows incredible yearning. The track builds perfectly to an amazing choir crescendo. I cannot tell people enough, you need to hear this song - I bloody love it!

*So that's it for today. Tomorrow, the top ten.*

What's your favourite track of 2014, tell me in the comments section below.

Top 50 Songs of 2014: 50 to 31

Well it's that time of the year again, time to highlight the best tracks of the year - and there have been some great songs this year. In fact I compiled a list of about 80 songs I liked this year and whittled it down to 50. Now this is a very pop based list, after all, it's a very pop blog! (If you hate pop, this list isn't for you). So here goes, here's the first 20:

50: Night Changes - One Direction

The 1D boys released this great little ballad as single two from their "Four" album. I liked the song at first, but was unsure if it should be the second single. But this song's a grower, so after a few listens I was in, completely. The boys vocals soar here, especially Zayn's. A worthy first song to start the countdown.

49: You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile - Sia

Okay, yes, it is from the ":Annie" soundtrack but come on, it's Sia. And Sia is definitely my favourite artist of the year. This is a fun little ditty, a song familiar to most of us; add Sia's signature vocals and it's a winner. I think I've had this song stuck in my head for the past month. Still don't want to see the movie though!

48: Bed of Lies (featuring Skylar Grey) - Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj also had a great year with a solid album that was her most consistent to date. It's more grown up and this songs proves it. Based in her hip hop roots, this ballad also has a great folk feel and a stunning chorus by Skylar Grey. More successful in Australia than anywhere else, this is Minaj at her best.

47: Crazy Stupid Love (featuring Tinie Tempah) - Cheryl

Good pop songs should be infectious, and this UK number one song is just that. A stomping dance track and a catchy melody, combined with Cheryl's great vocals make for a super track that is made for dancing. Just a shame this song was only a minor hit here in Australia.

46: Crying For No Reason - Katy B

I've been loving Katy B since I heard her second single, "Lights Out" in 2010. She's never really taken off in Australia, but that hasn't stopped me loving every one of her releases. There is something pretty stunning about this electronic ballad released way back in January. Lyrically it's beautiful, so are Katy B's vocals. If you haven't checked it out yet, have a listen - it's great!

45: Rick James (featuring Juicy J) - Keyshia Cole

This one could easily be written off a novelty track, an ode to a man who has himself become a novelty, Rick James. There's some pretty funny lyrics here, "Feet up on your couch, yeah bitch I'm Rick James". This a great hip-hop track with Keyshia Cole's trademark soaring vocals, in a top song about not being a victim in a relationship. Didn't chart anywhere, so you may not have heard it, check it out - I love it!

44: Maps - Maroon 5

Maroon 5 doesn't often appear in my favourite songs of the year, it's not that I don't like them, I do, I just don't always love their songs. "Maps" is my favourite Maroon 5 song since "Moves Like Jagger". It's a catchy pop rock song that as usual has Adam Levine's unique vocals at the forefront. Let's hope more Maroon 5 songs are more like this in future!

43: Pyschosocial - Brooke Fraser

Brooke Fraser's fourth album saw a major departure from the acoustic work of her past work. Brooke worked with new producers and an electronic sound that she showcased on this preview single from the album. It's darkly beautiful and Fraser's vocals are haunting. Lyrically it's also great, the words, "I love your protection but I don't love you", get me every time. A wonderful track.

42: Heart Beats Slow - Angus & Julia Stone

The Aussie brother and sister duo returned with a vengeance this year in this upbeat guitar driven track that sees the duo share lead vocals in a fun back and forth delivery. It's very Australian and also very catchy. The duo's vocals soar and it's a great fun song, an unexpected favourite of mine for the year.

41: Love Me Harder - Ariana Grande & The Weeknd

The first of many Ariana Grande tracks on this list. This one is less pop than her other tracks, this R&B infused track sounds more grown up. Grande and The Weeknd sound great together in this amazing track that make take a while to get stuck in your head, but once it's there, it'll be stuck there for weeks. A good track indeed.

40: Break Free (featuring Zedd) - Ariana Grande

Back to back Grande. This is a lush pop dance track that's highly addictive. Sure, the lyrics are a little silly but the beat is infectious. With this album Grande showed she was the heir apparent to Mariah Carey with her amazing vocals and clever tracks. This one in particular ticked all the right boxes to make a hit.

39: Super Love - Dami Im

This was Dami Im's first non X-Factor single and it's a great one from the former winner of the show. It's pretty simple, it's just a catchy pop song with sing along lyrics and spot on vocals from Im. Often winners of these shows aren't deserving, but it was clear that Im is one of the best talent show produced talents in years. "Gladiator" was also a great track this year!

38: Kings & Queens - Brooke Fraser

Track two on the list for talented Kiwi and the first proper single from her amazing album. This lush pop track is a showcase for Fraser's amazing vocals. It's a shame she has received no airplay for this song in Australia. It's a bloody good song, don't take my word for it, listen to it above. It's bloody awesome!

37: Eye of the Needle - Sia

Sia's second track on the list, this was a promo single released after "Chandelier". There's a reason why Sia has been a songwriter for hire over the past few years, she knows what's she doing. This is a great track that is all about showcasing Sia's unique vocals. My highlight of the song, the one strained note towards the end, so much raw emotion. Sia is pretty damn good!

36: Secrets - Mary Lambert

Mary Lambert is most famous for being the openly lesbian female vocalist in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "Same Love". It's great to see her back and in fine form. This is a very clever track where Lambert sheds all her layers to show her faults. It makes me laugh, it makes me smile, it warms my heart. It's also become a theme song for a close friend, so it has to be in this list for the best of the year.

35: My Song 5 (featuring A$AP Ferg) - HAIM

HAIM's first album was a great surprise, such a strong debut and some great singles released. So I was quite surprised when they re-recorded this track with A$AP Ferg. But you know what? It works, really well. The darkness added with the hip-hop elements make this one of the most intriguing songs of the year. Plus, then there's the great film clip starring Vanessa Bayer from "Saturday Night Live".

34: Fancy (featuring Charlie XCX) - Iggy Azalea

It was hard to go anywhere in 2014 and not hear this catchy track from Australia's biggest ever rap superstar, Iggy Azalea. This song took the world by storm and it's easy to see why - Azalea's rap sounds effortless, XCX's chorus is a winner and the film clip is great. Plus, I walked around for ages saying, "First thing first I'm a realistic". Even if this is her biggest hit ever, it'll go down as a classic.

33: Yellow Flicker Beat - Lorde

Lorde's a pretty fascinating celebrity, it has been fun to see her friendship with Taylor Swift growing and her love of the music industry. Even better, her music shines. This track from the latest "Hunger Games" film is a winner and a natural evolution from the tracks on her debut album. She's getting more accomplished as a songwriter and her vocals are sounding amazing. I can't wait to see what she does next.

32: URL Badman - Lily Allen

I'll be honest, Lily Allen's "Sheezus" album wasn't as strong as her previous albums, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have its highlights. "Hard Out Here" was on my top list last year, and this year "URL Badman" proudly takes a position. It seems Allen is at her strongest when she is making satirical music, and this one, about her internet haters, is insightful, funny and a bloody good song.

31: One - Ed Sheeran

Though it wasn't an official single from the wonderful "X" album, this was released as an album teaser and still charted across the world. While I love the rest of the album, this is my favourite track. This self deprecating ballad about the loss of a love is wonderful. Lyrically it's spot on and vocally he sounds as good as he ever has. What a shame "Home & Away" have hijacked this song for their promos.

*Tune in tomorrow for the next 20 songs*

What's your favourite song of the year? Tell me in the comments section below:

Pre Album Review: Rebel Heart - Madonna

Thank you Madonna for my Christmas present! Six new tracks! Of course it all came about controversially. Some idiot leaked the album, a few songs at first, now most of the album has been leaked. Madonna, naturally, was majorly peeved and combated it by putting the album for pre-order on iTunes, expected to be released in March. And as a thanks for pre-ordering the album you get 6 new tracks. Screw you Santa, Madonna is my new Christmas favourite.

Now I guess this is where I should give a disclaimer to people who don't know me - I am a massive Madonna fan. I have a Madonna tattoo and did a one-man show in Melbourne and Sydney this year called, "Everything I Know I Learnt From Madonna". She is my home girl and will always be.

Over the past few years there has been a lot of unwarranted dirt heaped on Madonna. People say she's too old and should cover up more. Such a sexist comment, male singers can still do what they like. And so many 50+ actors do shirtless scenes all the time and are considered sex symbols still. Back off haters. And then there's people complaining that Madonna should be doing music like her old stuff and not making current music. Um hello, she needs to evolve. And she evolves so well. While there are many critics of the last two albums, I personally loved them. And now it seems like Madonna is taking it to the next level with the new album, she has some exciting collaborations on the horizon and once again she is going to prove she is truly a pop culture phenomenon. People wouldn't talk about her so much if she wasn't still the Queen of Pop. Long may she reign!

1 - Living For Love

What a perfect start to the album, and let's hope this stays at the first single. This is classic Madonna. A great thumping pop song with Madonna sounding great. Lyrically it's uplifting and perfect. It's co-written by the wonderful Alicia Keys, who also offers some spot on backing vocals. From the opening refrain, I was in, hook,line and sinker. What a song. This is already my summer anthem and will be on repeat for quite some time.

2 - Devil Pray

I've said it a lot, a helluva a lot, Madonna is an amazing lyricist. This track continues the thread, lyrically sounding a lot like some of the great tracks from "American Life". A track about the dangers of excess and being at the bottom but still having hope for the future. It starts as a simple guitar ballad but with the help of some great production by Avicii and Blood Diamond it's turned into a great stomping dance track. A great album track.

3 - Ghost Town

This one has been a favourite of many Madonna fans, a sweeping ballad that is really a showcase for Madonna's sweet vocals, she sounds as good as she ever has. This is a hauntingly beautiful track that shows the evolution of Madonna as a singer and songwriter. "When it all falls down, we'll be two souls in a ghost town". It's stuff for the heart, an amazing ballad to add to the long list of classic Madonna ballads.

4 - Unapologetic Bitch

We move on to a newer Madonna, one who loves to use more hints of R&B. Some fans aren't as keen when she moves away from pop, but I love this sound. Her voice suits these attitude induced songs perfectly. This song is also happily laced with a reggae edge. Fuck I love this song. It is so much fun. Madonna has attitude and she is unafraid to show it. "It might sound like I'm an unapologetic bitch, but sometimes you know I've got to call it like it is." This could easily be a track for an artist like Rihanna, but let's face it, Madonna handles it better than anyone else could.

5 - Illuminati

Here's another fun song, but juxtaposed with a very dark and dirty dance beat delivered by the one and only Kanye West (P.S I love that these two are friends, so much attitude, so much fun!). Here's Madonna taking the piss out of the whole Illuminati legend, dropping a whole lot of names from Beyonce to the Queen. It's also a great dance song, "It's like everybody in this party shining like Illuminati", and shine it does. I have danced around my loungeroom many times to this great song already. A top song.

6 - Bitch I'm Madonna

Oh yes she is. In an industry where people are constantly claiming they are someone, here's an artist who really is all that. Bitch, she's Madonna. A legend, an icon and I love that she's embracing it. She doesn't need modesty, she's Madonna - an artist so many want to emulate. Here's another very fun song, this is looking like it's going to be a really fun album. Nicki Minaj is clearly a Madonna fan and offers her third rap verse to a Madonna track (after "Give Me All Your Lovin'" and the wonderful "I Don't Give A") - the two really do work well together. This track makes me smile, and I just love the way Madonna sings her own name. A perfect final sneak peak for the fans, this is a wonderful track.

So what's your favourite of the six tracks? I really do love them all, but really can't go past the sheer brilliance of "Living For Love". Tell me your favourite track in the comments section below.

And for all you Madonna fans, check out my past blog, a classic album review of "Like A Virgin" :
http://theinternaljukebox.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/classic-album-review-like-virgin.html

The Best Christmas Songs of 2014

Merry Christmas, it's that time again!! I love Christmas, it's such a special time to be with friends and family. It's about good food and wine and sharing love and laughter. Plus it's great to give gifts, and not so bad to get them either!!! And then there's Christmas carols and songs. Some hate them, and others go absolutely crazy for them - I'm with the latter. I love a good Christmas song, sure, some are average at best, but there's a few releases every year that are actually pretty good. That's what this blog is about, I've gone through the list and listened to them all so you don't have to. I've found my top 5 Christmas songs of the year. And here they are:

First what just missed out, there were good tracks that just narrowly didn't make the list. There's the duet between powerhouses Idina Menzel and Michael Buble, "Let It Snow", a great cover of "Christmas Wrapping" by British girl group The Saturdays and US girl group Fifth Harmony's cover of the Mariah classic "All I Want For Christmas".

5 - Dear Santa, Bring Me a Man - Alaska, Courtney & Willam

Fifth spot was a hard one, as you could see from the competition above, but I had to put this in the list - even to just share the great film clip. This is a cover of a 1983 Weather Girl's song and is done by three of the best queens from RuPaul's Drag Race, including Australia's own Courtney Act. And it's a good thing Courtney's here, because the former Australian Idol contestant brings the vocal talent here. This camp song sounds like a Cher album track, and really, that's not a bad thing.

4 - Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande

Here's the only original song on the list, and it's by diva of the moment, Ariana Grande. This is a fun little track that's very pop, with an R&B edge. The instrumentation sounds has a great Christmas feel, and Grande's vocals are spot on. I'm sure she'd like it be a classic like Mariah's "All I Want For Christmas" but it doesn't quite reach those heights. Still, it's all kinds of fun!

3 - Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid 30

It's hard to overlook this from the list. This is the fourth time this has been recorded, I do love number 2 - the Stock, Aitken & Waterman version with Kylie, Jason and Bros! This time it's for Ebola and the lyrics have been altered, thank God they got rid of the very dumb line, "And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time", cause of course there won't be, ever, it's the southern hemisphere and it's summer! There's some highlights on this version, Sam Smith sounds great, so do Emeli Sandi and Ellie Goulding. Rita Ora oversings, but most artists sound good. Sure, it's lost some of the magic of the original, but is still a solid tune for a good cause.

2 - Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

Okay, now we're talking about good songs. This has long been a Christmas favourite of mine (Jewel has an amazing cover), and this is a great version. Following on the success of their album together, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga team up for a pretty faultless cover. It's a little camp, it's a lot fun - I can't help but sing-a-long, as I did at work yesterday, very loudly. Great instrumentation and flawless vocals, an instant Christmas classic. Play it people!

1 - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Sam Smith

Oh Sam Smith, what an amazing year you've had, and he tops it off with this incredible cover of a Christmas classic. I've heard a few Sam Smith covers this year, and he loves to slow done the melody and let his beautiful voice crone over the top. He's done it again, turning this usually fast ditty into a splendid ballad that gives you shivers. His voice does all kinds of things to me! This is beautiful, and will quickly become another Christmas classic and certainly a song I will return to every Christmas. Stuff for the heart!

What Christmas song are you loving this year? Tell me in the comments section below. I hope everyone has a great Christmas and remember that is is the season of love. Hold those closest to you closer, ring old friends and laugh. Laugh loudly!

And now to top it off, my favourite Christmas song of 2013, Leona Lewis's fantastic, "One More Sleep". Merry Christmas folks!

Should be more successful: Rebecca Ferguson

Time for a new blog topic, a celebration of artists who bewilderingly aren't as successful as they should be. This idea came to me the other day when walking down the street, listening to my iPod and Rebecca Ferguson's "Shoulder to Shoulder" came on. I thought how amazing her voice was and that so many people would not have heard this truly beautiful song.

I've seemed a little obsessed with British X-Factor contestants of late, but they have discovered some amazing talent, more than most recent talent shows. Ferguson came second in 2010 and was signed to Simon Cowell's record label, Syco. Her career started well enough, first single "Nothing's Real But Love", hit number 10 in the UK and 14 here in Australia. The pop/soul song was a showcase of Ferguson's unique voice. Lyrically the song is a wonder as well, "No house, no job, no car can beat love." With such a promising start, it looked like she was going to be huge, but no. She hasn't hit top ten in the UK again, and hasn't had another song chart in Australia.

But are her other songs any good? Yes they bloody well are! Her mix of pop, soul and jazz is pretty incredible, and the highlight of all her songs is that powerhouse voice. "Glitter & Gold" is a little faster than her first hit, but again is lyrically spot on. A track about the power of friendship. It hit 116 in the UK, it's biggest charting position, 27 in Italy.

Her debut album, Heaven" was re-released with the awesome "Backtrack". This again was a faster tune, a soul pop number with a thumping beat and effortless vocals. It hit 15 in the UK, 13 in Scotland. Never heard it once in Australia, except for at my place, and a neighbour who seemed to have her album on repeat. I liked that neighbour.

Ferguson released her second album last year, it was largely ignored. First single, "I Hope" hit 15 in the UK and 8 in Scotland. It's a great song about not letting an ex get to you, wishing them the best even though they hurt you bad. It's a clever song, and again Ferguson's vocals are the best part of the song. Check it out below, it's a great song!

Now I love "Nothing's Real But Love" but my favourite Rebecca Ferguson song is the truly beautiful "Shoulder to Shoulder" I adore this wondrous ballad. Ferguson's vocals soar, the instrumentation is faultless and the lyrics are beautiful. When she repeatedly sings, "Don't be my downfall", my heart breaks. It's just so bloody beautiful. And this great song only charted in the Ukraine at 16. Not good. Listen to this song and please get in to her, she deserves it. She apparently has a new album she's working on. I'd love to see her actually get some more attention.

What's your favourite Rebecca Ferguson song? Tell me in the comments section below.

Single of the Week: Up - Olly Murs featuring Demi Lovato

It's always a great thing when two pop artists you like come together for a duet, well you always hope it is. Sometimes the pairing doesn't work, this time it does, in a big way. Olly Murs is a former UK X-Factor runner up, while Lovato is a former child star who was also a US X-Factor judge. Both are not massive pop stars, but they have had solid hits and sustained careers over a few albums. I'm more a Lovato than a Murs fan, but still have loved some of his work.

So let's talk about the song. it's a folk driven pop song that's a little Mumford & Sons, a little One Direction. It's mid tempo with a driving beat that is a showcase for both performer's vocals. It has a great chorus that really highlights Lovato. The two work really well together on this song about a relationship in trouble that both are trying to hold onto. Sure it's not overly original, but this is radio friendly pop that will get stuck in your internal jukebox. I've been singing it to myself all morning!

There's considerable promise demonstrated in this song, that both artists will be able to evolve and stick around for a while. This is a more adult sound for both and I for one am intrigued to see what both do next. Let's hope it gets some airplay here in Australia and the pair are able to have another hit in this country.

So what' your favourite Olly Murs song? How about your favourite Demi Lovato track? Both have had solid tracks, but in all honesty, this may be my favourite Olly Murs track. But if I had to look back for another, I would pick "Troublemaker", it's a solid pop song that was stuck in my head a few years back. As for Demi, that's harder as I'm a bigger fan of hers. I loved both "Heart Attack" and "Made in the USA" from her last album. Plus I love her track from the Mortal Instruments soundtrack, "Heart to Heart". My favourite though would be her signature tune, "Skyscraper". It seems to be a favourite for contestants on singing shows, and for good reason. It's a stunning ballad, and Lovato's vocals are flawless. It's a beautiful track. In fact I'm listening to it right now!

What's your favourite track from either Olly Murs or Demi Lovato? Tell me in the comments section below.

Album Review: The Pinkprint - Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj may be the most divisive artist in music right now. People seem to love her or hate her. Some see her as an opposition to feminism, others herald her as the savior of rap. As for me, I think she's pretty awesome. Musically I've always liked her more melodic and pop numbers, not as a big a fan of her hardcore rap work - though certainly not a hater of it. Sometimes with big pop artists, particularly women, the image takes over and the music is overlooked. On this album, Nicki Minaj attempts to put the music back to the forefront.

Let's not forget that Nicki Minaj is the world's most successful female rapper. This is a male dominated field, and it proves how amazing she is, that's she been able to rise to the top. Now her albums have been a little all over the place in the past. A bit pop, a bit dance, a bit hardcore hip-hop. With this album, she finally manages to tie it all together with her most solid work to date.

This is essentially a pop/hip-hop album that's the work of an emotional adult that both loves and hates her fame. There is a lot of balladry on this album, and that excites me. It shows that Minaj is evolving as a performer and it gives her a chance to showcase her emotional side. The album is slickly produced, with Dr Luke, in particular, doing some amazing work. There's also some great guest work, but it is Minaj who shines on this great record.

Let's talk singles, and amazingly there has already been four before the album came out. First single, "Pills n Potions" is a gem. Sure it didn't set the charts a light, but it was a perfect intro to the album. A triumphant piano track about loving a lover who's wronged you. This is one of my favourite tracks of the year, and Minaj's singing shines here.

Second single "Anaconda" is a pop music phenomenon. I was teaching drama to children this year and they were obsessed with the song. I also saw endless Facebook posts complaining about the song. Congratulations whingers, you fell into Minaj's trap. This is her highest charting song of all time. Is it any good? It's fun, it's rude, it's easy to sing along with. By no means is it the best song on the album, but it didn't need to be. It was Minaj's return to her hip-hop roots and proved she is a complete pop icon. And that film clip, I love it. It will be spoken about for years to come.

This where it gets strange, she released two singles very close together, the hip-hop heavy, "Only", featuring Drake, Lil Wayne and the wanker Chris Brown, and the piano driven, almost folk sounding, "Bed of Lies", featuring Skylar Grey. Such very different songs, I guess "Only" is going to be bigger in the states, while "Bed of Lies" is a commercial friendly tune for the rest of the world (it's currently top ten here in Australia). Lyrically I'm a fan of "Only", it's probably just a little too hip-hop for me. However, "Bed of Lies" is a bloody good song. Another honest track from Minaj, unafraid to show her vulnerable side. And the chorus is amazing.

The remaining 12 tracks are also a great mixed bag. There's a few stand outs. My favourite non-single belongs to "The Crying Game", a soulful pop ballad with a stunning chorus featuring amazing British songstress Jessie Ware. "All Things Go" is an emotive and political ballad about the price of fame, the loss of a child in her teens and her cousin's murder. It's hard hitting and haunting. Party anthem, "The Night Is Still Young" should be the next single. This is a perfect EDM dance track that will be popular in clubs. "Grand Piano" is a stunning piano ballad that showcases not only Minaj's rap, but her beautiful singing voice. I also loved the reggae track, Trini Dem Girls" and the Jeremiah featured, "Favourite".

It's interesting that possibly the weakest song on the album is the one with the most pedigree. Katy Perry was a co-writer on "Get On Your Knees" and Ariana Grande lends guest vocals. It should be better than it is.

But in all, this is a fantastic album, and Nicki Minaj's strongest to date. It's certainly taken me from a casual to a full time fan! Enjoy your reign Nicki Minaj, you deserve it!

So what's your favourite Nicki Minaj song? She's certainly released some great songs, and featured on some other great tunes. I could cheat and pick Madonna's "Give Me All Your Lovin'" but I think it's only fair to pick a song that's hers. I adore "Pills n Potions" and "Bed of Lies", "Super Bass" and "Starships" were great dance inspired hits and "Va Va Voom" was a great pop ballad, but I have a definite favourite. "Moment 4 Life", featuring Drake is such a great song, very inspirational, "Cause everyone dies but not everyone lives". If you haven't listened, please do - it's a solid track.

What's your favourite Nicki Minaj song? Tell me in the comments section below.

What's your favourite year in music?

What's your favourite year in music? This is a question I've been asking people a lot lately. I think it says a lot about a person. And it's interesting, the year people usually pick is closely related to teenage years, or early 20's. It seems that's the point that music means the most to people. Then people often get jaded and start talking about how music just isn't as good anymore. I still love new music, this blog is a testament to that. But in all truth, my favourite year in music is now 25 years old.

Yep, 1989 is my favourite year in music. That really does make me feel a little old saying that. I was in year 9 at Doonside High and that July I turned 14 and music meant everything to me. I would sit and watch Rage, Channel 9's MTV and Video Hits for hours (what a shame Foxtel wasn't around then) and I used to tape them on video cassettes so I could watch them, dance, sing and mimic over and over again. Then there was my boombox I would play for endless hours in my room, my poor brother who I shared a bedroom with.

Besides being the right time in my life, why 1989? What was so bloody good about that whole year of music. Well for one, pop reigned supreme. 1989 was a year for solid pop songs with great choruses and amazing hooks. Videos were at an amazing height and artists were taking risks with music, image and visuals. Plus, my favourite artist was firing!

So what songs did I love in 1989? Here's a few of my favourites:

Like a Prayer - Madonna

Well we knew this was coming. It's not just my favourite song of 1989, it's my favourite song of all time. This is the epitome of pop. It hit number one all over the world, returning to this number one spot in Australia three times. In fact it was the highest selling single in Australia for 1989. Another reason to celebrate this great year in music. Plus, this was the song that turned me into a Madonna uber fan. "Like a Prayer" is an amazing pop song with hints of rock, funk and gospel, lyrically it's on point and Madonna is a brilliant pop vocalist. Plus that film clip is incredible. Forget the controversy (though it adds to the brilliance), this clip uses religious iconography to address issues of racism and sexism. And Madonna simply looks stunning. I have shared this song before, and will no doubt do it many more times.

Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) - Soul II Soul

My second favourite song of 1989. I loved this song so much, and it was another addition to my vinyl collection. In fact, I used to love Soul II Soul so much that when I was in year 10 I used to write Madonna on one arm with black texta, and then Soul II Soul on the other. Such a teeny booper! I also remember really getting into this song at the school disco, and pretty much being the only one. This song did only get to 45 in Australia, but got to one in the UK and four in the US. This was a club anthem, a great dance tune with its basis in jazz and funk. Caron Wheeler's vocals are flawless and the beat is made for dancing. I still love this track so very much!

Hand On Your Heart - Kylie Minogue

So this song may not hold up as well as "Like A Prayer" or "Back To Life", but it's a great plastic pop number, a highlight from producing powerhouses, Stock, Aitken & Waterman. This was the lead single from Kylie's second album, "Enjoy Yourself" and hit number 4 in Australia and number 1 in the UK. I got the album on vinyl for my birthday that year. The film clip is pretty 80's, and that's another reason to love it. This clip was on one my VHS tapes after "Like A Prayer", so I watch it a lot. It has Stock, Aitken & Waterman's classic production all over it, and their catchy hooks. So bad, but oh so very good.

Straight Up - Paula Abdul

This wasn't Paula Abdul's first single, but her was her first hit, getting to number one in the US. It launched Abdul as a pop / dance powerhouse who would go on to become a pop culture phenomenon as a judge on American Idol. It's pretty simple pop, a great beat with a catchy chorus. This is a great pop song that still holds weight, 25 years later. And the film clip is a great showcase for Abdul's incredible dance talent. Love it!

You'll Never Stop Me From Loving You - Sonia

Okay, this is truly daggy, but I refuse to be ashamed - I embrace my early trashy taste in pop. This is one of Stock, Aitken & Waterman's best. Fiery little Sonia was a little powerhouse and this is a such a catchy pop ditty. Sure, when you hear the lyrics they sound pretty stalkery, "You'll never stop me from loving you, no matter what it is you put me through". But still, a great song I proudly owned on 7" vinyl. Teen me really was a dag, a fabulous dag!

There are some other great songs that just missed this list:
This Time I Know It's For Real - Donna Summer
Bedroom Eyes - Kate Ceberano
Buffalo Stance - Neneh Cherry
Miss You Much - Janet Jackson
All Around The World - Lisa Stansfield

So what's your favourite year in music? Tell me in the comments below and tell me a few songs from that year that justify your answer.

P.S How good is that photo up top? It's a mall from 1989, I wish I could there now and buy that Madonna vinyl!