JIMMY STEELE PRESENTS - TOP 50 SINGLES OF 2012

After revealing our Top 20 Albums of 2012, we thought it was about time we revealed our Top 50 Singles for the year! 

It's been quite a challenge to put this together - mainly because the year the Mayans called the end of the world (which ahem, never happened) delivered some outstanding single releases! None the less, take a look at our top tracks for 2012.

50. Jessica Mauboy - Gotcha
49. Elen Levon - Dancing From The Same Song
48. David Guetta - She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) [feat. Sia]
47. Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
46. Nelly Furtado - Big Hoops (Bigger the Better)



45. Taylor Swift - Safe & Sound (feat. The Civil Wars)
44. Rebecca Ferguson - Nothing's Real But Love
43. Sam Sparro - I Wish I Never Met You
42. Ellie Goulding - Anything Could Happen
41. Samantha Jade - What You've Done To Me



40. MSMR - Hurricane
39. Miike Snow - Paddling Out
38. Solange - Losing You
37. Lana Del Rey - National Anthem
36. Marina and the Diamonds - How to be a Heartbreaker



35. Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments
34. Emeli Sandé - Next to Me
33. Rudimental - Feel the Love (feat. John Newman)
32. Guy Sebastian - Battle Scars (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
31. Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble

30. Disclosure - Latch (feat. Sam Smith)
29. fun. - We Are Young (feat. Janelle Monáe)
28. Drake - Take Care (feat. Rihanna)
27. Florence + the Machine - Spectrum
26. Frank Ocean - Think' Bout You

25. Flo Rida - Wild Ones (feat. Sia)

24. Elton John vs Pnau - Good Morning to the Night

23. Loreen - Euphoria

22. Ke$ha - Die Young

21. Swedish House Mafia - Don't You Worry Child (feat. John Martin)

20. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)

19. A*M*E - Play the Game Boy

18. Katy Perry - Part of Me

17. Christina Aguilera - Your Body

16. Lana Del Rey - Ride

15. Van She - Jamaica

14. Usher - Climax

13. Rita Ora - R.I.P. (feat. Tinie Tempah)

12. Parachute Youth - Can't Get Better Than This

11. Rihanna - Diamonds

10. Flight Facilities - With You (feat. Grovesnor)

After the success of "Crave You" and "Foreign Language" in 2011, Australian house outfit Flight Facilities returned in 2012 with yet another hit "With You."

Grosvenor's vocals ooze sexiness and desire as he begs his mistress "I just can't be seen by you..." The track is a classic chill-out house number that like their previous material, is a perfect summer jam.

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9. Ricki-Lee - Do It Like That

Calling on the #NoPantsBrigade! Australia's own diva Ricki-Lee, somewhat rising from the ashes, unveiled her killer anthem "Do It Like That" following last year's "Raining Diamonds." The jam, which originally leaked under the critically-acclaimed Fred Falke remix, instantly became one of the most addictive tracks on radio.

"Do It Like That" saw Ricki-Lee embrace everything we wanted her to - sexiness, freedom and God damn brilliant pop music. An excellent return to the scene girlfriend!

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8. fun. - Some Nights

New York City-based fun. launched their second single, the album's title track, earlier in the year post the belated worldwide success of "We Are Young" (feat. Janelle Monáe). The track became yet another massive hit for the group, cementing lead singer Nate Ruess as a key songwriter in the current age.

Probably the stand out from their album, it was a strong contender across the year - regardless of it's over-play on commercial radio!

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7. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

The track that took the world by storm would have to be none other than Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe." After the unofficial endorsement by Justin Bieber via his Twitter account, people started to notice (and get slightly addicted) to the ex-Canadian Idol's latest jam.

"Call Me Maybe" is an easy, fun, pop song. That's it - it's simple and effective. And did we mention slightly addictive?

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6. Matt Corby - Brother

It's hard to believe that it was five years ago when we met a young, fresh-faced 16 year-old Matt Corby on Australian Idol. Now, the 22 year-old is one of Australia's most successful recording artists signed to UK record label Communion (started by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons)... with four EPs under his belt.

"Brother" is a highly emotional and provocative song. Corby belts out the tune with all his passion and might, captivating any listener upon first engagement. An outstanding release from the "Into the Flame" EP.

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5. Marina and the Diamonds - Primadonna

The part Welsh/part Greek beauty that is Marina and the Diamonds (aka Marina Diamandis) teased us with the Stargate-produced "Radioactive" in 2011 - a journey to a pop stratosphere that we'd not heard from the star before. Moving far away from her indie-pop roots we discovered on "The Family Jewels," Marina introduced us to her alter-ego, Electra Heart.

"Electra Heart," as it be named her sophomore album, revealed "Primadonna" as the lead single. Produced by Dr Luke and Cirkut, it became her highest-selling single yet - achieving platinum selling status here in Australia. 

"Primadonna" saw Marina's #Diamonds embrace the new pop star and her obsession with American culture. Throughout this transition though, has the beauty not just become what she mocks the most?

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4. Azealia Banks - 212 (feat. Lazy Jay)

Already topping a range of 'best of' and 'up and comer' lists late 2011, Azealia Banks was always going to be someone to listen out for. "212" was released as the lead single from her "1991" EP - and what a debut track. Lyrically coarse (we'll let you Google the lyrics if you don't know them), it certainly turned some heads and meant this girl meant biz-nes.

Throughout the year we were treated to clips for all four tracks off the EP, but "212" still reigned supreme. A hip-hop track that will stand the test of music time, one that only Nicki Minaj could hope for.

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3. Calvin Harris - Sweet Nothing (feat. Florence Welch)

Just when you thought nothing could get better than the Calvin Harris remix of Florence and the Machine's hit "Spectrum," out Flo and the new David Guetta pop "Sweet Nothing."

Welch's vocals and Harris' progressive house beats are a match made in heaven - making it hard to resist this impeccable tune. One of the stand out tracks, if not the best, from Harris's "18 Months" album.

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2. Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans

Released as the third single taken from her "Born To Die" album, "Blue Jeans" was a surprising single choice - mainly because it featured so prominently as a highlight of the "Video Games" b-side late 2011. Regardless, Del Rey pushed forward with the release.

Accompanying the official single release was the Yoann Lemoine-directed video, who also worked with Del Rey on "Born To Die." The black and white affair was a stunning visual and a must-see for all.

"Blue Jeans" is classic Lana Del Rey - vintage American, James Dean-esque, love.

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1. Frank Ocean - Pyramids

The second single to be lifted from Frank Ocean's critically acclaimed album "Channel Orange" was that of epic proportions. "Pyramids," in it's almost-ten-minute glory, tells us of multiple stories - with the most obvious being about a woman "working at the pyramid tonight."

The track features a mix of R&B and hip-hop, with electro club beats and a John Mayer-led guitar solo thrown in for good measure. "Pyramids" showcases Ocean's brilliant ability to tell a story through his outstanding writing skills, in a track that will be listed as a classic for years to come. A very worthy recipient of our number one single for 2012.

JIMMY STEELE PRESENTS - TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2012

What a year! 2012 really delivered a mixed bag of goodies when it comes to albums. We had stand-out sessions (like those listed below) and some that didn't really hit the mark... at all.

Below we've compiled out top 20 albums for the year... enjoy!

20. Medina - Forever
19. Missy Higgins - The Ol' Razzle Dazzle
18. fun. - Some Nights
17. Rihanna - Unapologetic
16. Christina Aguilera - Lotus

15. The Temper Trap - The Temper Trap
14. Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire
13. Morgan Page - In the Air
12. Miike Snow - Happy to You
11. Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven

10. No Doubt - Push and Shove

After an eleven year hiatus, 90s alt-pop-rock group No Doubt had some big shoes to fill. A lot has happened in the course of those eleven years, including lead singer Gwen Stefani releasing two amazing pop-electro albums that truly secured her as a woman with impeccable style (both musically and fashion-wise).

Whilst many weren't blown away by the album's lead single "Settle Down" with it's reggae/ska-punk sound, it's a great lead-in to the band's sixth studio album. "Push and Shove" is No Doubt at their finest, with cool, easy tunes that are highly addictive. Whilst commercially the album hasn't set the world on fire, it certainly has the ability to.

The Major Lazer-produced second single (the title track) grabbed the attention of many, and as it's somewhat stronger that "Settle Down," it's not alone as a stand-out on the LP. The eleven-track album is complete with the additional strong tracks including "One More Summer," "Looking Hot," "Easy" and "Gravity."

9. Ke$ha - Warrior

Maybe one of this year's most underrated albums, Ke$ha's sophomore album really works. Yes, it's not too distant from her "Animal" / "Cannibal" era, but who says it has to be? "Warrior" brings some real-time Ke$ha with "Die Young" - it has an unbeatably addictive chorus and you know you can't help but groove to it.

"Warrior" does feel like it's split into two separate albums though - tracks one to six appearing as an extension to "Animal," with tracks seven to twelve being an evolution of Ke$ha as an artist. Whilst we love the first half, the second part is where K$ really excels. It's here that we have her brilliant collaboration with Iggy Pop ("Dirty Love"), the acoustic throwback ("Wonderland"), the Greg Kurstin penned/produced track "Love Into The Light," and the epic future-single "Supernatural."

K$'s contribution to the pop market will be a gift that keeps on giving across 2013, just wait and see the success of the singles released across the coming months.

8.  Jessie Ware - Devotion

We stumbled upon Jessie Ware almost too late, but stumbled upon her none the less. Already appearing on many a 'best of' lists for album of the year in 2012, Ware's "Devotion" is a welcome to any music library. The 28 year-old hailing from the United Kingdom has been described as a modern-day Sade, full of smooth sexiness flowing from her vocals.

The album features a mix of soul, pop, electro and R&B. Stand out tracks are "Wildest Moments," "Night Light" and "Running" - although to be honest, the album is an eclectic mix of modern day sounds that are so well intertwined it's hard not to listen to the album on repeat all day before realising you've done so.

We hear rumours it's being prepared for a 2013 release in the US, which should see it do quite well after the success of a number of UK-based artists in a similar league (think Adele, etc).

7. Taylor Swift - Red

What a surprise of a record "Red" is. Crossing the boundaries between country and pop, the 23 year-old blurred the lines that saw her join the likes of many country stars before her, branching out to increase her already-heavy fanbase.

Working with producers such as Max Martin and Shellback, we were always going to get a strong influence of pop music weaving it's way through the album. Having produced three of the sixteen numbers, the duo helped carve the album's first two singles.

One of the best tracks, which sees a very mature Swift step out into the world, is her duet with Snow Patrol's frontman Gary Lightbody. Produced by Jacknife Lee (who recently worked with Crystal Castles and Robbie Williams on their new albums), it's an epic alt rock track that has 'number one hit' written all over it.

The other striking point is that the album barely has a weak spot. It has a very strong selection of possible singles; ranging from country, to pop, to electro (!) to alt rock... and it all works. It's a cohesive album that shows Swift can take some risks whilst still being true to her roots.

6. Emeli Sandé - Our Version of Events

Launching in 2011 with her debut single "Heaven," Emeli Sandé was always going to be a force to be reckoned with. The Scottish lass, who has written for the likes of Leona Lewis, Tinie Tempah and Cheryl Cole, delivered a soulful and triumphant debut album with "Our Version of Events."

Spawning five singles, including two that just missed the top spot (both "Heaven" and "Next To Me" stalling at #2 in the UK), the album is complete with beautiful melodies. The LP heavily features production work by Naughty Boy, who also claims single credits on "Daddy."

Having just hit the one million sales mark in the UK alone, it's a clear winner when it comes to the commercial market. Whilst some have said it's too ballad-heavy, it's a beautiful record that will continue  to earn Sandé her stripes in years to come.

Apart from the single choices, other stand outs include "Mountains"and "River."

5. Rita Ora - Ora

Dubbed London's answer to Rihanna, Rita Ora first bounced into the spotlight (via her Roc Nation record label) featuring on DJ Fresh's dubtastic "Hot Right Now." The track secured both a number one track in their homeland, and started what was to be known as the Ora-Era.

Months later the talented 22 year-old dropped her first singles stateside and in her homeland - two different singles to suit both markets. "How We Do (Party)" for the US (and Australian) market, with "R.I.P." (feat. Tinie Tempah) for the UK market. Whilst there was a lukewarm take-up to Ora's brilliance in the states, both singles hit the coveted top spot in the UK (and top ten in Australia).

"Ora," released in August, was a nice surprise. Delivering the writing talents of some of pop's well-known names - Ester Dean, Bonnie McKee, Sia, Greg Kurstin - the LP also saw Ora co-pen some of the tracks. Throw in production work by The-Dream, Stargate, Chase & Status and Major Lazer and you have a winning album.

The blonde-bombshell's debut is a solid piece of pop music and it's strong, mature and highly addictive. Stand out tracks are "Radioactive," "Uneasy" and "Roc the Life."

4. Ellie Goulding - Halcyon

Goulding's sophomore album was hanging on the promo single "Hanging On" (see what we did there?) featuring rapper Tinie Tempah. The dubstep track, a cover of Active Child's song from 2011, was released in July to a very impressed crowd.

"Anything Could Happen," the albums lead single, followed shortly after. Produced by Kish Mauve's Jim Eliot (who worked on seven of the album's twelve tracks), it was a synth-indie-pop dream, becoming the starlet's first Australian hit, peaking at #20 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

"Halcyon" is a cohesive mix of beautiful vocals and intricate melodies fused with dubstep beats that marry Goulding's style like a match made in electro heaven. "Figure 8," one of the albums best tracks, serves as the next single. It's a strong track, one of many on the album.

3. Marina and the Diamonds - Electra Heart

After the brilliance that was the debut album from Britain's latest indie pop darling, Marina Diamandis, or Marina and the Diamonds as her stage name, high hopes were in place for the sophomore album from this starlet in 2012. And well, "Electra Heart" delivered.

Unlike it's predecessor "The Family Jewels," in which Marina took us on a journey through indie pop, new wave and folk, "Electra Heart" was always going to be the record that saw Marina head straight for pop stardom. We're talking bubblegum-popping, electro-loving, Dr Luke-producing, Katy Perry-supporting, pop.

As a taste of what was to come, Diamandis released "Radioactive" in late 2011 - produced by Stargate and DJ Chuckie. It was Marina in a different light, an opportunity to introduce the "Electra Heart" persona and campaign that we'll all grown to love. After postponing the album release (which was originally due for late 2011), Marina jumped back in the studio to spend further time redefining the album and current tracklist.

"Primadonna," the album's lead single (yes,"Radioactive" was reduced to a buzz single), peaked just outside the top ten in the UK, and became her highest selling single here in Australia - hitting a high of #21 on the ARIA Charts and achieving a platinum-selling status.

It was followed by "Power & Control" (co-penned by Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia and produced by hit-maker Greg Kurstin) and "How To Be A Heartbreaker," found only on the repackaged US version of album.

In addition to the singles, highlights include "Starring Role," "Lies," "Teen Idle" and "Sex Yeah."

2. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Twenty-five year-old Christopher Breaux, aka Frank Ocean, made headlines in the lead up to his debut album "Channel Orange" for all the wrong reasons. Well, maybe not the wrong reasons, but it was certainly a bold move in declaring his (bi)sexuality to the world.

Being part of what was tagged as the "next best thing in hip-hop" group Odd Future (or OFWGKTA), coming out and openly talking about your first love being with a member of the same sex was really one of the last things anyone expected from the talented star. Regardless, it set the e-world alight with mixed comments and reactions, most praising Ocean on his bravery in doing so.

We're referring to the track "Thinkin' 'Bout You" - originally penned for R&B star Bridget Kelly - Ocean decided he wanted his voice heard after revealing the track was extremely personal to him. The melodic R&B song was indeed about Ocean's first love, a first love he shared with a man.

Whilst being released in April, "Thinkin' 'Bout You" is still receiving chart-love today, climbing the Billboard Hot 100 again this week to it's highest peak so far in it's 19-week chart history. As far as singles go, "Sweet Life" and "Lost" - again two of the albums strongest tracks - were also released.

And lastly, "Pyramids." In an almost ten-minute production of beats, synths and dramatic melodies, Ocean delivers the next strongest track on the album (behind "Thinkin' 'Bout You"). It's a mix of mood-driven lyrics and R&B soul that has had the star compared to artists such as the iconic Prince (namely, his "Purple Rain").

Overall, the album is a strong effort for a debut release, and a very worthy contender of the most recent 2013 Grammy nominations.

1. Lana Del Rey - Born to Die / Paradise

When compiling our albums of the year list it was a no-brainer for us that the highly-anticipated debut album from Lana Del Rey was going to come in at the top position. Whilst the lead single "Video Games" took the indie-pop underworld by storm in 2011, it wasn't until the then b-side "Blue Jeans" and follow on single "Born to Die" caught our attention that we were hooked.

Spawning five singles (the above three plus "Summertime Sadness" and "National Anthem"), the LP is an eclectic mix of tragedy, love and vintage throwbacks. The release features notable productions by Rick Nowels (Lykke Li, John Legend) and Justin Parker (Ellie Goulding, Rihanna); with Del Rey co-penning all tracks on the standard and deluxe editions.

Combining the "Paradise" EP and revealing "Born to Die: the Paradise Edition," it added the darker element - somewhat more creative and less commercial than it's predecessor. The lead single "Ride" is a perfect taste and opener for the eight-track EP, with beautiful gems like "Cola," "Body Electric" and the The Clovers 1954 classic "Blue Velvet."

With over 2.6 million copies of the album(s) sold worldwide so far, I reckon we're not the only ones who have fallen in love with the star that they claimed was never gonna make it. Excellent year, Miss Del Rey, excellent year.

TAYLOR SWIFT RETURNS WITH "WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER"

US country (and now pop) starlet Taylor Swift has premiered her new single "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," the lead from her upcoming fourth studio album "Red." Swift made both announcements and revealed the audio of the track via a YouTube session earlier today.

The future hit takes Swift down the path of pop music rather than country, one that will either excite or disappoint her fans. It's a logical transition, one that we think is a brave and wise move. The blonde bombshell has been approaching the pop space for some time now, so it's only fair she jumps right in on her new release.

In addition, and more of a confirmation that she's ready to take the plunge into the commercial market that is pure pop music, Swift has collaborated with Max Martin for her upcoming album release (he co-penned "We Are Never..." along with Shellback)!

Take a listen to the new track below.

"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" will be available later today [iTunes]

TAYLOR SWIFT COLLABORATES WITH THE CIVIL WARS FOR "SAFE & SOUND"

America's country-pop sweetheart Taylor Swift has collaborated with folk duo The Civil Wars on her latest single "Safe & Sound." The track is a promotional release taken from the soundtrack of the science-fiction film The Hunger Games.

The release originally hit airwaves late December, and we must admit, posting about the track slipped right through our fingers. Swift sounds so comfortable in this genre - her soft vocals highlighted so well we seem to wonder why she hasn't ventured into the indie-folk-pop space more often.

The video, which was posted online a few weeks ago,  features Swift looking effortlessly gorgeous as she floats through the woods and a following cemetery.

"That's one of my favorite moments in the video," shared Swift with MTV. "There's this wide shot where I'm just crumpled up, sitting on a gravestone. And it's actually the grave site of a couple who lived, and died, in 1853."Watch the full clip below.

"Safe & Sound" is available digitally today [iTunes]