Top 50 Singles Of 2012: 30-26

30. One Direction - Little Things



It's the classic boyband ballad for 2012, and one with a deceptively simple--yet effective--melodic hook.

29. Jesper Nohrstedt - Take Our Hearts



An ultra-melodic, semi-dance track that should've went on to represent Denmark in Eurovision.

28. Loreen - Crying Out Your Name



An epic piece of electronic-fueled balladry, delivered by 2012's best vocalist.

27. Donkeyboy - City Boy



The first peek at the band's new, dance-oriented sound. It's like a cool version of Eiffel 65.

26. G-Dragon - One Of A Kind 



The year's most cocky hype track. But this isn't just empty boasting. The production and playfulness of the hook register long after the track ends.

Hampenberg - Glorious (ft. Jesper Nohrstedt)

"Together we glow in the dark"

I don't know how this track passed me by for so long. It's been out for nearly a month and I just discovered it a couple of days ago. I've been a huge Jesper Nohrstedt fan ever since he finished third (which seems to be the place to finish...) on Danish X-Factor a couple years ago. His Melodi Grand Prix entry, Take Our Hearts, was an excellent first single and should have gone on to represent Denmark in Eurovision. It certainly would have done better for the country than the entry they ultimately chose. I don't like Glorious quite as much, mostly because it sounds much more conventional and anonymous, but it is a rousing club track and it extends his burgeoning career as a dance/electro artist. I'd love for an entire album in this vein. For now, though, I'm just happy that he's still releasing singles (even if it's just as a featured vocalist).



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

Jesper Nohrstedt - Take Our Hearts

"We can take our hearts, make them whole again"

It's the beginning of the year, so that means a host of new Eurovision contenders are making their way onto the European scene. As usual, I've got my eyes on a number of races. Both Norway and Denmark's tracks were released to itunes recently (is that normally how it's done?). Out of all of them, I was most excited to hear Jesper Nohrstedt's first official studio recording. I loved Jesper when he was a contestant on Denmark's X-Factor 2010 (he came third... should have won), and I've been waiting for what seems like forever for him to release some music. Take Our Hearts is a hybrid ballad/dance track. The verses are piano driven and sparse and the chorus has a huge, anthemic electro feel to it. I do wish the song would surrender completely to the dance sound about halfway through, but I still love this. I think it's an incredibly strong contender to represent Denmark this year, especially given Jesper's performance skill. It's the kind of track I can imagine finding success outside the contest as well. I hope he wins! But more than that, I hope he releases an entire album in this style.

Jesper Nohrstedt - Take Our Hearts by nohfap

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