Top 50 Singles Of 2013: 20-16

20. Anton Ewald - Beggin'



The big breakthrough of this year's Melodifestivalen. Some have called it out as not having much in the way of melody, but I've always defended it as the massive pop song it is.

19. Haloo Helsinki! - Huuda! (Shout!)



An unexpected gem from Finland. That sledgehammer beat made this a rock band to really pay attention to, no matter what language they sing in.

18. Girls' Generation - I Got A Boy



K-Pop's most intriguing experiment of 2013. A single whose structure is so complicated and multi-faceted that it nearly becomes its own album medley.

17. Shinee - Dream Girl 



The single that kicked off Shinee's extraordinary 2013 run. Pure, vibrant pop with a chorus so big it echoes from the rooftops.

16. Ola - Maybe 



Ola's always been a favorite, but this is when he started making music that really registered beyond pure pop. It's just huge.

Haloo Helsinki! - Huuda

For some reason, I've recently been drawn to Finland when on the lookout for new pop music. When I think of Finnish music, the first thing that pops into my head is dark, symphonic goth metal. That's still their specialty, but there's a burgeoning pop movement happening right now as well. Haloo Helsinki! are a rock/punk band who have been around for a couple of years, but they're really riding high with their fourth album, Maailma on tehty meitä varten. It's got a definite 80's/early 90's pop influence, and that's most apparent on the brilliant single, Huuda. You don't have to speak Finnish to enjoy this. From the monster beat to the bright production to the singalong hook, it's incredibly easy to love from the get-go.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.