Top 50 Singles Of 2013: 30-26

30. Loreen - We Got The Power



She'll likely never be able to touch Euphoria again, but she was able to bottle some of that magic for this powerful follow-up.

29. Girls' Generation - Love & Girls



The sugariest rush of bubblegum on my countdown this year (yes, even more than Crayon Pop). You're either going to love it or hate it.

28. Henry - Trap



Debut solo single from Canadian-born K-Pop star. That piano refrain is enough to get it on the countdown. The melody and performance puts it in the top 30.

27. The Fooo - Freestyler 



An unexpected cover for the young group, who managed to make the song bigger, louder and fresher than the original.

26. Hedley - Anything 



Blazing comeback from one of my favorite Canadian rock bands. This is an enormous worldwide crossover hit that hasn't found that deserved success... yet.

Top 20 Albums Of 2013: 18-17

18. Britney Spears - Britney Jean



It’s amazing that, after all these years, I can still feature a Britney Spears album on my countdown. While she’s never reached the artistic highs of some other pop divas, she’s remained remarkably consistent in delivering high wattage sugar rushes. Sure, I guess you could call this album more “personal,” but it’s the big pop moments that really stand out for me. And the best part is that instead of hitting you immediately and quickly wearing out their welcome, I found that the album was actually a grower.

17. Hedley - Wild Life



Canada’s best (only?) Idol-spawned rock band came back this year with a bid for the pop charts, offering a grab bag of expertly delivered sounds of the moment, from neo-disco to folk to plain old pop punk. It’s not always original, but it’s certainly never boring. More than anything, though, it’s a blast to hear an established, tight band like this loosening up and playing around with some new sounds.

Hedley - Anything

"I can do anything"

I've been obsessed with this track for awhile now and for some reason keep forgetting to post it. Hedley are a Canadian rock band whose lead singer Jacob Hoggard got his big break on the second season of Canadian Idol. He's the first person I can remember "breaking the mold" in one of those kind of reality competition shows -- extremely charismatic and different from most talent show contestants. I've enjoyed Hedley's music here and there in the decade or so that they've been popular, but this is their best single yet. They've transformed themselves into a far funkier, far dancier band and they're all the better for it. Anything is a total anthem, and one of the catchier tracks I've heard this year. Check out the crazy We Can't Stop-esque video, too. In addition to complimenting that Miley track really well (strangely enough...), it really adds to the experience.



(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. Buy the album here. Follow me on twitter and facebook.

Pop Blitz 10/13/11

Hedley - Invincible
Canada's best modern rock band releases one of their most forgettable singles. They've released tracks like this before but they've all had better hooks. Too bad, as I've always loved them. C+

Marina & The Diamonds - Radioactive
This single has grown on me, but I'm missing the quirkiness of her debut. This seems so much more mainstream. Her instantly recognizable vocals are what end up setting this apart. B+

Nicole Scherzinger - Wet
I'm surprised at how many singles this album has actually produced. This is one of the better ones. Sure, it's nothing that's going to stand the test of time. Just fun, clubby pop. She's capable of more, but this will do. B

The Fray - Heartbeat
I've never been a fan of this band, but this isn't bad. I don't think it will be the kind of hit they used to have. Still, I like the amped up guitars. B-

LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It
It's a less-catchy version of Party Rock Anthem--higher on novelty, lower on melody. the outrageous video will get it the exposure it needs, and it's certainly fun in a trashy sort of way. B

Cher Lloyd - With Ur Love (ft. Mike Posner)
After the disappointment of her first single, this makes everything right. This is exactly the type of song she should be recording. Melodic, full of attitude, and catchy without being too in-your-face. A-

Hot Chelle Rae - I Like It Like That
This pretty much sounds like their last single. Slightly less annoying, but I'm just not sold on this band. I'm not sure what it is... it just seems so tailor made for US radio. C

Your Choice: What's your favorite Pop Blitz song this week?

Pop Blitz 10/13/11 Your Choice!

Hedley - InvincibleMarina & The Diamonds - RadioactiveNicole Scherzinger - WetThe Fray - HeartbeatLMFAO - Sexy And I Know ItCher Lloyd - With Ur Love (ft. Mike Posner)Hot Chelle Rae - I Like It Like That

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