Top Songs of 2012: 25 - 21

     To kick off this week-long countdown of my favorite tracks from the "end of the world" year, I am starting with a RuPaul's Drag Race contestant, some sexy UK boys, and a former pop-punk rock band lead singer. My top 25 songs of 2012 are tracks released between January 1 and today! A track was only included if it's official single release date was in 2012 or if it was featured on an album released this year. I am starting this fun time of reminiscence with a tie for the 25th position, so it is really my list of Top 26 songs, and two honorable mentions, two will be revealed every day, that were a staple during my walks between classes at the University of Texas at Austin. I am hoping you will agree, disagree, smile and get mad at me for my choices. Are you ready ladies, gentlemen, and ladyboys? Here we go!

Honorable Mentions:

"What Now" by Rihanna: The R&B/pop songstress released one of my least favorite albums of the year - do not expect it on my year-end albums list - but it did feature one bright moment. The song showcases Rihanna's could-be talents without the use of AutoTune and captivated me with only one listen. A sign of true, award-winning abilities.

"The Chop" by Manila Luzon and Latrice Royale: These two queens prove there is a lot of talent packed into skin-tight, sequined  dresses. Luzon and Royale created a campy, fun and highly-addicting track that described their elimination on RuPaul's hilarious reality show. The queens showed they are far from bitter, laughing their way into the recording studio.


#25. The Wanted's "I Found You" & Brandon Hilton's "Dance Til I Die": 

     While they may not be my favorite boy band to grace the stage, The Wanted have surely crafted some memorable songs since their U.S. invasion. Their debut EP was unfortunately mediocre with the only highlights being “WarZone” and irresistible “Lightning”. Setting up their upcoming debut album in the states for an April 2013 release, the lead single “I Found You” won me over as I salivated over the vocals of all the guys and the addictive chorus. The song is a different sound for the group and I'm only hoping they continue down the same impressive path instead of the generic formula of their past releases.  

 

     Not since “Glamour Zombie” has Dallas-native Brandon Hilton crafted a track I found myself playing over and over. “Dance Til I Die”, a spiritual sequel to Kelly Clarkson's “Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)”, it has the same inspirational message and structure, is a dance hit and could be the song that gets him on the charts if it is promoted properly. Sure, the vocals may not be amazing and a little raw, but they do represent practice and growth. The lyrics are heartfelt, show an improvement in songwriting, but the power lies in the fast-paced delivery of the chorus that I kept repeating days after my very first listen.  

#24. XELLE's "Queen":

     There was something about the unconventional girl group XELLE that attracted me the minute I heard their debut single, "Party Girl", I even had the chance to interview the beautiful ladies. Their debut EP, Queens, features the infectious title track that prove ladies truly do own the dance floor. No one would dare argue with that statement. The song makes sure everyone knows that the royal trio bring the party to every club. While Rony and JC command the well-written verses, RuPaul's Drag Race alumni Mimi Imfurst provides a rap-like breakdown that added a little something extra to the great dance/pop anthem. The music video is also a must-see, especially for its trippy special effects.




#23. Neon Hitch's "Fuck U Betta":

     The fiery redhead come out of the door swinging with her explicitly-delicious debut pop single “Fuck U Betta”. While the verses are the definition of perfection, Neon Hitch shines during the chorus that would make anyone dance dirty on the club floor or in front of their mirror. The song is pure pop gold, but it also showcases the unique vocals of the insanely talented and seductively-sexy singer. The single was a promising start for someone with the abilities to grab attention and never let go. The song is dirty, inappropriate, well-sung with great attitude, and do not get me started on the steamy, black oil-filled music video.

#22. Nelly Furtado's "Waiting For the Night":

     The underrated and critical failure The Spirit Indestructible was certainly a winner in my eyes. Furtado has a way of creating inspirational songs and “Waiting for the Night” is certainly one of her best and the highlight of her latest album. The track puts emphasis on the artist's vocals, beautiful as they have always been, while they are supported by catchy background production. Listeners are drawn to its power within the first few seconds are are kept entertained by the amount of talent packed into one four-minute creation. The song has been serviced as the third European single. Let's hope the U.S. gets to experience how great it truly is. Job well done Nelly.




#21. Chris Wallace's "Time Bomb (Walk Away)": 

     Wallace is just one of the much needed talented male vocalists trying to make a name for himself in the female-dominated pop genre. His debut solo album is filled with fun, emotional pop music and features “Time Bomb (Walk Away)”, the album's most promising moment. Wallace's vocals are powerful on the verses and soar once the hook turns around the corner. The song proves that amazing songs of heartbreak can come from men as well. If the artist and his record label are looking for his first radio smash, they do not have to look any further than this gem reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson's epic masterpiece, “Since You Been Gone”.


 *Expanding my year-end songs list proves 2012 was a time for catchy singles, not necessarily their accompanying albums. This is the beginning... of my favorites countdown. Who will be number one?