Christmas isn't the best part of New Years, it's looking back on the best music of the year. And this year in pop there were awesome tunes. Pop has this amazing ability to stay fresh, and that is reason to celebrate. So grab your new year's bubbly and turn up these great tunes loud.
Remember to tell us your favourite song of 2016 in the comments section below and please do us a favour and follow us on social media to find out first when we release a new blog. We're stepping things up in 2017 and there are some exciting things coming your way!
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50 - Who Am I - Katy B, Major Lazer & Craig David
What a power line up. New Katy B music, the return of Craig David and the continued triumph of Major Lazer. Together they made this great mid tempo tune that really showcased the powerhouse vocals of Katy and Craig. Both artists released great albums this year, but it was this duet that was their best single. This is the best of British right here and a damn fine song.
49 - Make Me Like You - Gwen Stefani
Gwen's first single from the amazing "This is What the Truth Feels Like" (our number 7 album for the year), "Used To Love You" made the list last year and single two is triumphant again. This is such a fun song, the beat is great and Gwen's vocals are so playful. At the heart is a song about Gwen moving on, and how you could you not want to celebrate that? Third single, "Misery", was also pretty great.
48 - Dammn Baby - Janet Jackson
Janet's "Unbreakable" album was our second favourite album of last year and "Burn It Up" made the top 10 singles of last year, while "No Sleeep" was in the Top 20. It was a surprise that this fun song was released this year, but a great surprise. This is one of the more fun songs on the album and gives Janet the chance to be playful and not take it all so seriously. And you have to love the part with the extended, "Dammn". This song makes me smile.
47 - In Common - Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys always releases amazing singles and this one is no different. Though the song itself is quite a departure for the very talented Ms Keys. The beat is both intense and relaxed and fits so perfectly with the easy vocals. It's a laidback tune that is very catchy, I challenge you to listen to this a few times and not have it stuck in your head. Check out Alicia's new album, it's a corker.
46 - The Pop Kids - Pet Shop Boys
Few artists have the longevity of the Pet Shop Boys. Since the mid 80s they have been releasing quality tunes, with not much rest in between. And while they may not set the charts alight like they once did, they are still making fantastic electronic pop. This has the classic Pet Shop Boys sound, and Neil Tennant's distinctive British vocals are awesome as ever. The beat is wonderful on this track. Pet Shop Boys never take themselves too seriously, and that is why they are so damn amazing.
45 - Close - Nick Jonas featuring Tove Lo
There's something pretty special about this collaboration between Nick Jonas and Tove Lo. And what a great year they both had, both released great albums with very funky songs - the best of both was on this great track. It had a sexy clip and their vocals pair so well together. The beat is slow and deep and the vocals are given a chance to shine. The bridge before the chorus is great and the chorus is super catchy.
44 - I Took a Pill in Ibiza (Seeb Remix) - Mike Posner
Mike Posner may just have had the best and most unexpected comeback of the year. Essentially he was a one hit wonder who became a big songwriter, his vocal career was over. He even wrote a song about it, that song, ironically, is the one that saw him have his biggest hit to date. Beautifully self deprecating, the simple but beautiful vocals match perfectly with Seeb's remix. This song may have been a surprise hit, but a deserved one, as this song is very good.
43 - Cry - Sigma featuring Take That
Sigma have released some great dance songs with some amazing artists, "Changing" with Paloma Faith is a favourite. In 2016 they have done it again, teaming up with the three remaining lads of Take That. This track is produced beautifully and Gary Barlow's vocals are brilliant as always. Good pop music needs a great chorus, and this one is fantastic. I look forward to see who Sigma work with next.
42 - Tears - Clean Bandit featuring Louisa Johnson
I know everyone has gone crazy for "Rockabye" - it's still number one in Australia and the UK. But for my money, Clean Bandit's best song of the year is this banger featuring the seriously talented Louisa Johnson. Wow her vocals are amazing and that beat is infectious. There's also a great piano version to listen to. Lyrically it's also great, especially for a dance song.
41 - We Don't Talk Anymore - Charlie Puth featuring Selena Gomez
When two great vocalists team up you usually know it's going to be pretty special. The same happens here. Selena Gomez can do no wrong right now and Charlie Puth has made this list two years running with a duet (last year for "Marvin Gaye" with Meghan Trainor). Both are stunning singers and together their voices mesh perfectly. This mid tempo pop song has a great beat and a yearning that is hard to ignore.
40 - Perfect Illusion - Lady Gaga
While admitting that "Joanne" isn't Lady Gaga's strongest album, I'll also admit that "Perfect Illusion" snuck up on me beautifully. It's one of those tunes that you like when you first hear it but don't love. Then it grows in your brain, you play it more and suddenly you can't stop singing it. It has a great chorus, Gaga's unique vocals and really is the right kind of infectious.
39 - Hotter Than Hell - Dua Lipa
There were three Dua Lipa songs that could have easily made the list this year, all of them were on the shortlist - but "Hotter Than Hell" was chosen, not just cause it had the highest play count on my iTunes, but because this is the song of the three that has been stuck in my head the longest. Dua has a distinctive voice, a beautiful rich tone that sounds wonderful over these great beats. Can't wait for her debut album early next year.
38 - Like I Would - Zayn
Zayn had a good year, and this is the first of four tracks from Zayn on this list. Zayn's voice is so sexy and the beats match. His pairing of pop and R&B sits so perfectly for him and the maturity in his voice really does not match in his young age. "Like I Would" has a great build, an almost haunting first verse followed by a kick arse chorus. And love the line, "It's probably gonna sound wrong, promise it won't last long".
37 - Recovering - Celine Dion
Hands down the saddest song of the year, it still makes my heart shudder when I hear it, and I've heard it a lot. Co-written by P!nk, this song about Celine's devastating loss of her husband. Celine clearly loved him and the heartbreak and melancholy in the song is almost too much to bear. It's so rare people are this honest and what a special gift it is. A truly beautiful tune.
36 - Cruel - Snakehips featuring Zayn
Song number two for Zayn. and the first of two for Snakehips in the countdown - both have clearly had a good year. This song is beautifully produced, has some really sharp beats and great use of effects. Zayn's vocals are as on point as ever, that chorus and bridge are both fantastic. Zayn really has proven he doesn't need a boy band to shine.
35 - Wild Things - Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara had a good 2016, her debut album is something of beauty and the three singles were all great - it's lovely seeing "Scars to your Beautiful" currently climbing the charts. But her best single of the year is definitely "Wild Things". The almost tribal beat pairs beautifully with those distinctive vocals and those great lyrics of independence and rebellion.
34 - Sledgehammer - Rihanna
Rihanna singing Sia songs is my favourite incarnation of Rihanna, think "Diamonds". The Sia material gets into that lower register for Rihanna, which is just really beautiful, and unique. There's two versions of Rihanna, R&B Rihanna who made "Anti" this year, and then there's pop Rihanna, she's my favourite. "Sledgehammer" is a beautifully subtle song with a great beat and some kick arse lyrics.
33 - Been to the Moon - Corinne Bailey Rae
First things first, I'm seeing Corinne Bailey Rae at The Metro in Sydney on April 16 - just wanted to share that brag. What a joyous song this is, it just makes me smile, even though the lyrics are about deciding whether to rekindle a flame. It's just that beat and that vibrant voice of hers. Bonus points for the false ending which launches into that beautiful horn and string section. Also check out her new album, "The Heart Speaks In Whispers", it has all kinds of beauty and wonderment.
32 - Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande
Our lady Ariana, now there is another single of hers that will get very high on this countdown, but single one and the title track to "Dangerous Woman" is a saucy little slice of pop that is infused with a hint of jazz. Ariana's voice is crazy good and she handles this slow burner with so much passion. This track is great for a car singalong, who cares that I'm a burly 41 year old man. Turn it loud and sing, "Something about you makes me feel like a dangerous woman".
31 - Ruin - Shawn Mendes
Now this wasn't an official single, just a promo single but I couldn't look past it - this song spoke to me in 2016. Vocally Shawn is on point here, so wonderfully subdued at the beginning before launching into an incredible amount of passion and vocal power. Lyrically this song is a heartbreaker, a story of a lost love you just can't get over, "Darling don't you know I'm the only one". We've all been there!
30 - Hands to Myself - Selena Gomez
Selena had a great year. Her Aussie tour was amazing and she continued to release great music from her "Revival" album. This is such a playful song with some seductive vocals from Selena and a fun film clip that was one of the year's best. Plus, this song may have one of the best lyrics of the year, "Can't keep my hands to myself. I mean I could, but why would I want to?"
29 - Crash - Usher
Usher has released some amazing singles over the years and this is up there with some of his best, "DJ Got Us Fallin In Love" and "Climax", which it shares a little similarity with. Usher's voice is so passionate and descriptive and you can hear the heartbreak in those sweet tones. The beat is subtle but effective and the chorus is very infectious. Usher has done it again.
28 - Ain't No Little Girl - Kasey Chambers
Kasey Chambers is an Australian icon, our best county singer and a crossover artist who is loved by so many. Had the pleasure of seeing her live again recently and since her scary throat surgery, her voice has more depth and her already impressive range has grown. This is such a passionate tune with a lot of fire. Kasey's new album is out in January, I've already ordered it - very keen.
27 - Back on the Wall - Greyson Chance
That little kid that wowed Ellen is all grown up and he is amazing. The grit in his voice is a perfect match for those higher notes he hits so easily. As a song, "Back on the Wall" is a great one. Those verses elicit such a sense of passion and then the chorus makes you want to dance. It's a shame more people didn't hear this song and it is really, really good.
26 - Sanctuary - Markus Feehily
Ex-Westlife singer, Markus Feehily, is now a star in his own right. He is releasing amazing solo material that really needs to be heard. Sampling that great Clannad song, "Sanctuary" has an air of elegance that is uncommon in today's musical landscape. Markus's voice is beautiful on this track, sitting almost a step behind the beat, it gives a longing that makes this track so special.
25 - All My Friends - Snakehips featuring Tinashe and Chance the Rapper
Technically this song came out in 2015, but it didn't hit big in Australia until this year, and it was in 2016 that I fell in love with it.Snakehips make great beats, there's a lazy quality to the groove that is enticing. Chance the Rapper is great and Tinashe sounds very fresh on the track. Also the chorus is one of the catchiest of the year, I'm sure we've all sung it after a few drinks!
24 - Pillowtalk - Zayn
Track three for Zayn on this list and it's amazing debut single. "Pillowtalk" was everywhere in 2016, and rightfully so. It's a great mid tempo R&B / pop tune with spectacular vocals and saucy lyrics. With just one song Zayn was able to set himself up as one of the world's finest male solo vocalists. He is a young man with a very bright future.
23 - Treat You Better - Shawn Mendes
Speaking of talented solo male artists, Shawn Mendes took the final step from being a Vine star to being a legitimate pop star this year. He's no longer niche, he is mainstream, his music is everywhere and rightly so. This is such a great song, the instrumentation is great, the vocals strong and the lyrics passionate. For his young age, Shawn is making very mature and skilled music.
22 - BeFour - Zayn
The final Zayn song in our countdown, the fourth one - more than any other artist this year. There's a reason for that, he is releasing amazing tunes. While "Pillowtalk" is better known, "BeFour" is the one I love the most. It is such a funky tune, it sounds current while still having the best elements of the 70s and 90s. From the subtle verses to the brash chorus, this song is seductive and exceptional.
21 - Bones - Rebecca Ferguson
This Gin Wigmore cover is so very beautiful. Rebecca Ferguson has one of the most unique voices in music today and her range is incredible. Even on a song where she doesn't use vocal gymnastics, you can still hear that power, as well as the beautiful emotion. And what a great chorus, the lyrics elicit so many emotions, "Come and lay your bones down on me".
20 - Secret Love Song - Little Mix featuring Jason Derulo
Even though Little Mix released one of the best albums of the year in November (our number 5 for the year), they were still releasing songs from their brilliant "Get Weird" earlier in the year. The best was this amazing duet with Jason Derulo (you always want to sing his name). Taken as anthem for the gay community, these are beautiful lyrics that shine with stunning vocals, "Why can't you hold me in the street, why can't I kiss you on the dance floor". Powerful and beautiful stuff.
19 - Human - Brooke Fraser
Kiwi songstress Brooke Fraser released four Fridays worth of unreleased tracks this July and it started with this brilliant tune. "Human" is a special song, the beat and production are haunting and unique and the vocals are ethereal. And those lyrics cut deep, "It is not a failure to be flawed". Beautiful stuff that made my best friend bawl when she heard it. I adore this song.
18 - America's Sweetheart - Ellie King
Ellie King's single "Ex's & Oh's" captured my attention, but it was really this song, "America's Sweetheart" that really captured my heart. A beautiful blend of rock, pop and country, the beat is constant and the lyrics are self deprecatingly funny. Then there's that fantastically big, ballsy and bluesy voice. It sounds rough and raw but also perfectly polished - a rare gift on a great song.
17 - Piece By Piece - Kelly Clarkson
If you watched Kelly sing this on American Idol you would have cried, like she did, like everyone in that whole packed theatre did. Like I did. This song about her father's abandonment and the love of her husband is all emotion. Kelly sounds phenomenal as always and the beat on this is a nice release from the very heartfelt lyrics. The first American Idol, always the best.
16 - Work From Home - Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign
How very sad after releasing the biggest single of their career that Fifth Harmony are now a member down, and history has shown losing a member means the rest of the band will soon dissolve too (One Direction anyone?). But let's celebrate this great song. The beat is fantastic and the vocals are fresh. It's a playful little tune that is as catchy as hell and really is their best release ever.
15 - Fuck Apologises - JoJo featuring Wiz Khalfia
There were some big comebacks in 2016, you have to put JoJo on the list. And wow she came back in a big way with this great song. From teen star to an amazing woman with the word "fuck" in the title - you've got to love it. But don't think it's just some joke song, this is a certified banger. JoJo's voice has really developed, it is has a lot of soul and on this track it is perfect. What a great diss track, one to sing loud and proud.
14 - Gemini Feed - Banks
There's something very captivating about this song. Right from the hurried start and the serious vocals, you get the sense this song is special. Improving on her old work, Banks has refined her sound and come out with an absolute brilliant tune. Lyrically this is fantastic, love the repetition of the phrase, "And you're passive aggressive". We've all been with those guys!
13 - The Greatest - Sia featuring Kendrick Lamar
Sia has had a good year and released a hell of a lot of music, all great. Some may say she's the greatest (see what I did there). This song is catchy as hell and Sia's totally unique vocals soar here over the great beat. This is the kind of chorus that gets stuck in your internal jukebox. Bonus points for quite possibly the best clip of the year, Maddie again stars in what is rumoured to be a tribute to the Pulse nightclub victims. Beautiful stuff.
12 - Rise - Katy Perry
We need a new Katy Perry album, but while we wait it's great she released this Summer Olympics anthem. It is so wonderfully dramatic with flawless production, beautiful strings and a subtle beat. Katy's voice is exquisite and the track, though short, is amazing. Plus, this song is a real inspiration to so many, did you see that Ellen episode with Katy and the Pulse survivor? I cried, a lot. Watch it!
11 - Cake by the Ocean - DNCE
Joe Jonas and DNCE may have delivered us the catchiest chorus of the year, and the one that makes the least amount of sense. DNCE are a great band, with hints of rock, they are a great pop band who make excellent beats. Joe Jonas sounds so great here and the frantic pace makes the track stand out. Saw them play this live and the crowd went crazy, and rightfully so.
10 - Hell of a Girl - Grace
While Grace's cover of "You Don't Own Me" went to the top of the charts, it was this single that really showed us how brilliant she is. That voice is so rich and soulful and this song is a complete winner. Continuing with her old school influences, the track sounds timeless and passionate. Have a listen to her album - it's just as good. Grace needs to be heard by more people.
9 - Hurts - Emeli Sande
I feel like Emeli Sande could be the soundtrack for my life, her take on heartbreak is spot on. "Hurts" is such an amazing song and so very powerful. The thunderous clap track makes the song distinctive and her voice seems to be even more passionate than usual, especially in those hurried verses. This song digs deep into my soul with its melancholic beauty and resonates. Her whole album was great but the first single is definitely the pick of the crop.
8 - Shout Out To My Ex - Little Mix
This is right up there with "Cake by the Ocean" for having the catchiest chorus of the year. Now that the ladies have been working together for so long, their unison is seamless and must make the other vocal bands very jealous. Their harmonies are flawless and this song is so much fun - a little like them. And that chorus, it gets stuck deep in your brain.
7 - Basically Over You (B.O.Y) - Alex Newell
I've said it before, Alex Newell is the best vocalist to come out of "Glee", sorry Lea. Last year he was top ten for us, and he's here again. His voice is ridiculously big, like how is it even possible? And those beats are so late 70s and it is fabulous, just like Alex. This is a brilliant slice of pop that is infectious, that chorus is wonderful and makes me throw my hands in the air as I sing along.
6 - In My Blood - The Veronicas
The Veronicas continue to release outstanding singles, wow I'd love to see a live show of theirs - the hits they could sing. This is one of their best. Both of the twins have great voices that fit so perfectly on the song. The production is on trend and the lyrics are solid. It really is a testament to their talents that they keep having number one hits in Australia. Can't wait for their new album.
5 - Give It Up - Nathan Sykes featuring G Eazy
Best song by a male vocalist for 2016. Former "The Wanted" member, Nathan Sykes really did release an incredibly cool and sexy single with "Give It Up". His voice is rich and seductive and the beat continues the theme. This is soulful pop, just like the rest of his fantastic album. This track is going to be a favourite for a while.
4 - Cheap Thrills - Sia featuring Sean Paul
Sia's "Cheap Thrills" was everywhere in 2016 and landed her a well deserved spot atop the US charts - the first woman over 40 to go number one since Madonna's "Music". This track may have been a Rihanna reject, but was a Sia winner. With a dance hall vibe, stepped up by adding Sean Paul, this track is good ole fashioned party pop. crank it loud and have a dance, whether with others or alone.
3 - Anymore - Melanie C
This came out of nowhere to really surprise me this year. I've always loved Melanie C, but I didn't think she still had a track like "Anymore" in her. I am happy to be wrong, cause I adore this song in so many ways. Melanie's brilliant vocals match perfectly to the deep beats, stepping away from the pop/rock for the moment, Melanie proves she does great dance pop. With another winner chorus, this is the kind of song that is so easy to just play over and over.
2 - One Strike - All Saints
What a triumphant comeback from the four ladies of All Saints. There is a class and maturity to this song that is undeniable. The tribal drums and the laidback beat are the perfect match for the skilled vocals of these talented women. Their voices have developed since they reformed, as have their songwriting skills as this track is beautifully written. It really quite a sad tune of leaving a relationship - great stuff.
1 - Into You - Ariana Grande
Hands down the best song of the year, and the opening lyrics pretty much sum up my feelings about this song, "I'm so into you, I can barely breathe". YESSSSS! Looking on my iTunes play count, it was easily my most played song in 2016, and it's not hard to see why. This is perfect pop, the beat is great and infectious and Ariana sounds better than ever. There's a song every year that just brings me sheer joy, this year it is this song - so bloody good!
Thanks for reading, we'll catch you again in 2017 and remember to tell us in the comments section below your favourite song of 2016.
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