2012 is almost over, and looking back over the year it’s definitely had its highs and lows. While some of the biggest artists of the year have been total bores (Emeli Sandé, Ed Sheeran etc), 2012 has also seen the return of the one hit wonder, which brought back the silly side of pop. Once I had compiled my top 100 songs of the year, I realised what a great year it’s been for girls – in fact, there are only two songs in my top 25 that don’t feature any female vocals! There has also been a major influx of rap in my top 25 this year, with 7 of the 25 tracks featuring raps of some sort. But that’s enough clues for now, it’s time to start the countdown!
The 25th Most Poptastic Single of 2012
Look mum, I’m flying!
Released: 25th June
Writers: Bei Maejor, Alex James, Damon Albarn, Dave Rowntree, Graham Coxon, Matt Squire, Matthew Musto, Mike Posner
Trivia: This song first appeared online as a Ke$ha demo called Woohoo, and has evolved quite significantly since then. Unsurprisingly, Windows Down is not very popular with Blur fans… which is one of many reasons to love it.
Best bits: 1. Woohoo!
2. Anything you want I can get that girl, if you’re with that girl
3. I can feel it in the air that it’s on tonight, I don’t really care if it’s wrong or right
The 24th Most Poptastic Single of 2012
Caught mid-sentence… it’ll do
Released: 7th November
Writers: Ana Diaz, Oscar Görres, Ilya Salmanzadeh
Trivia: Amanda won the final series of Idol in Sweden, which took place in 2011. It was one of the most boring series (I never even bothered to watch the last few episodes) but Bastard is the best single by an Idol winner in years.
Best bits: 1. Everybody tells me you’re a baaaastard, your mama even told me you’re a baaaastard
2. I remember it well, said I was going to hell, but baby I know you will get there faaaaster
3. Forget my number (oh yeah!), don’t buy no rings (no flowers!)
The 23rd Most Poptastic Single of 2012
The Janoskians – Set This World on Fire
It’s a five-headed boyband monster
Released: 18th September
Writers: Faydee, Divy Pota
Trivia: The Janoskians are not even a real band (they’re a YouTube comedy group who decided to release a single, just cos they could) but they still managed to make the best boyband single of 2012. This could have been huge for One Direction.
Best bits: 1. We’re stepping out tonight, ain’t got nothing to lose
2. Your mama she don’t like me, your brother wanna fight me, but you know you just wanna have fun
3. If you wanna set this place on fire, let me hear you say…
The 22nd Most Poptastic Single of 2012
She’ll be a collectors item one day
Released: 11th November
Writers: A*M*E, Electric
Trivia: A*M*E is the only This Must Be Pop Live performer to make it to my top 25 this year, although War of Words’ Panic narrowly missed out and several others are in the top 100. Hopefully my 2013 list will be flooded with top pop hits by TMBP Live alumni!
Best bits: 1. You can’t stop me now, or hold me down, I’m calling you out
2. Play the game boy, play the game game boy
3. Get my Madonna on and watch me Vogue!
The 21st Most Poptastic Single of 2012
The Woman may be more appropriate
Released: 24th February
Writers: Alexander Johnsson, Fredrik Kempe
Trivia: The Girl was 1999 Eurovision winner Charlotte’s third attempt to represent Sweden, and her first time failing to do so. She failed miserably, completely missing the final, which was a shock as The Girl is in fact a brilliant schlagerpop song!
Best bits: 1. I was the gir-ir-irl, I got lost, now I’m ready to be found yeah!
2. Feel the pow-ow-ower of dancing, feel the pow-ow-ower of love
3. But tonight that’s changing, I’m changiiiiing