Top 50 Singles of 2015: 40-36

40. Park Kyung + Park Boram - Ordinary Love



What could have been yet another midtempo collaboration was bolstered by Kyung's charismatic delivery throughout and a hook that became one of the year's most enduring earworms.

39. Romeo - Lovesick



The birth of my favorite type of k-pop boyband: one who works with production team extraordinaire Sweetune, and reaps the benefits of their best 2015 material.

38. Robin - Yö Kuuluu Meille



One of the most enduring artists on my countdown, Robin hits us again with an energetic track that one-ups Aerosmith and Run DMC's 'Walk This Way.'

37. 1PUNCH - Take Me Back 



Unfortunately their only track before disbandment, this still managed to be a dynamically produced throwback to 90's new jack swing.

36. Arashi - Under The Blue Sky, Next To You 



Japan's biggest boy (man?) band hit us with a track that's all about the soaring chorus. One of the year's best.

Robin & JVG - Silmät kii

Robin's just released his fifth (!) studio album (sixth, if you count the remixed one) in under three years. That's work ethic, for you. During that time, he's climbed from being a cute kid star to arguably the biggest solo pop star in Finland. Even more remarkably, his albums have been incredibly consistent. His singles even more so. I think we can credit that with an amazing team of songwriters and producers, but at the same time we can't discount his own star power, which begins with that distinctive, older-than-his-years voice. Yhdessä ("Together") is a duet album. But honestly, Robin rules supreme throughout, with little of the guest duet partners leaving too much of an impact. The song I'm featuring today is actually an old one, by the group JVG featuring Robin. It appears on the album as such, but it isn't any of the vocals that first captured my attention; it's that insistent, awesome beat. I'm a sucker for a good beat when it supports an actual song structure (even one like this that isn't particularly melodic). Stick with it past that first verse, which is kind of rough. It goes off towards the end.

Robin - Yö kuuluu meille (ft. Santa Cruz, Nikke Ankara, Brädi & Jussi 69)

Robin Packalen has got to be the most prolific teen popstar out there. Without missing a beat, he's delivered a new single every few months since his debut several years ago. He'll be releasing his fifth album soon, and is basically the model for how to naturally and gradually grow a pop career. His output has been remarkably consistent, while still managing to mature just as much as it needs to. Part of that is due to his collaborators, like Jimi Constantine who has written much of his stuff and has a writing credit on this song as well. Yö kuuluu meille features a parade of musicians, from rappers to glam rock band Santa Cruz. They give this song a much rockier feel than Robin's past material. But above all, Robin's own distinctive vocals tie everything together to create yet another solid addition to his ever-expanding discography.

Link to stream song (dubiously, since it ain't streaming anywhere else!)

Robin - Kipinän Hetki (ft. Elastinen)

Finnish popstar Robin Packalen is back with a new single from the deluxe version of his newest album, 16. I've been very happy with how well Robin has done in his homeland, though the fact that he sings solely in Finnish makes his international prospects pretty much nonexistent. That's okay, though. I'd rather have him conquer Finland and stay true to the sound that's made him so popular. Kipinän Hetki, featuring rapper Elastinen, is definitely more on the hip-hop side of Robin's music, but it still retains that huge hook that he's been known for. I could do without the hockey siren sound effect prior to the chorus, but from what I can tell from the just-released music video, the song is also part of some hockey-themed soundtrack (?). Either way, it's great to hear Robin back with new music. He hasn't disappointed yet.


Kipinän Hetki (Feat. Elastinen) - Robin by spanishrobiners

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

Top 50 Singles of 2014: 20-16

20. Robin - Parasta Just Nyt (ft. Nikke Ankara)



A surprisingly aggressive comeback for Finland's reigning teen popstar. The unflinching beat and gargantuan chorus gives this track an almost operatic feel.

19. The Fooo Conspiracy - King Of The Radio



In a just world, this perfect pop song would've broken the band worldwide. I know I go on and on about hooks, but there's simply no denying the strength of that chorus, which comes in like a sledgehammer.

18. Taemin - Danger



Some people call Chris Brown the "new Michael Jackson," but they really need to look east to Taemin, who came back as a solo artist with this utterly MJ-inspired dance track.

17. Robin - Kesärenkaat 



Of all of Robin's amazing pop singles from 2014, this has to be the very best. It screams summer, and also feels like a welcome transition into more adult territory while still retaining an ebullient youthful energy.

16. Röyksopp and Robyn - Do It Again 



Another year passed without a proper return of Robyn, but at least we got this amazing collaboration. It just gets better as it morphs and grows throughout its five minutes, particularly that tearful refrain towards the end.

Don't forget, if you'd like to listen to the Top 50 Singles Countdown in full, download the audio version!

Top 20 Albums of 2014: 12-11

12. Robin - 16



Finland's Robin Packalen has become one of the most reliable producers of excellent pop music in the world. This is already his fourth album, and the rate and consistency of his releases is pretty staggering. I'm not sure that I like it as much as last year's Boom Kah, but the single releases are amazing. There is a little bit of experimentation when it comes to sound, and the general vibe seems more mature and subtle, but the quality of the melodies and production remains very high. He could be one of the few teen stars to actually make a successful musical transition into adulthood.

11. 5 Seconds Of Summer



One of my bigger surprises this year, as I generally don't like the "pop punk" realm of teen pop. But on this album, and the many, many b-sides released alongside it, the guys infused just enough pop sheen to make the album stand out. More importantly, the melodies and hooks are there in spades. This isn't the kind of album where it's three singles and a bunch of other, lesser tracks. It has a high level of consistency and, more importantly, a real sense of youthful fun and mischief.

Top 50 Singles of 2014: 35-31

35. Conchita Wurst - Rise Like A Phoenix



The most deserving Eurovision winner in years, and an epic James Bond-ian torch ballad at that. The vocals and theatricality on this are still so impressive.

34. The Fooo Conspiracy - All Over The World



The first entry from Sweden's best boyband. I like to call think of them as Scandinavian's answer to K-Pop. A dance group that sings, complimented by herky jerky beats and hooks for days.

33. Crayon Pop - Uh-ee



An unusual mix of electro and traditional Korean trot music, this will certainly be one of the more polarizing tracks (and groups) on the countdown. But whatever you think, you can't deny that bonkers hook.

32. Robin - Onnellinen 



The brilliant piano line will get you first, and then you'll be won over by that dramatic, soaring chorus that gets better every time it repeats.

31. Epik High - Born Hater (ft. Beenzino, Verbal Jint, B.I., Mino and Bobby) 



By far the "hardest" hip-hop track on the list, it's a veritable who's who of YG Entertainment's formidable tribe of rappers. What's more important, though, is that it boasts one of the year's best beats.

Don't forget, if you'd like to listen to the Top 50 Singles Countdown in full, download the audio version!

Robin - Kaikki Ok

I've been thinking a lot lately about my MVPs of the year--those artists or bands that have been both prolific and incredibly consistent with the quality of their releases. Robin Packalen, who I've written about many times on the blog, is certainly on that list. His new album comes out later this week, less than a year from his last one. Having heard it, I can say if you've liked his stuff in the past, you'll love this one too. He's got an incredible team behind him, who have crafted a sound all his own--an addictive mixture of One Direction-style pop/rock, Euro and Afro rhythms and an increasingly prominent emphasis on hip hop and beat. That's not to sell Robin himself short. The guy's a bundle of youthful charisma, with a full-bodied voice that sounds older than he is. Kaikki Ok is a bonus track released with a magazine in Finland, and it's a shame it didn't find its way onto the album because it would have been a highlight. I love African influences in production, and the relentless beat here fits the bill. Add to that a sax interlude and a party atmosphere, and you have another in a string of very strong pop releases. Don't let the language barrier scare you away. It doesn't matter.



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

Robin - Parasta Just Nytt (ft. Nikke Ankara)

I love it when an artist is at that point in their career where they're on an undisputed roll, releasing excellent single after excellent single with barely enough space between each to fully appreciate them. Now, Robin's never really taken too long of a break between albums (you can't when you perform in this fickle genre), but it was definitely a pleasant surprise to hear that his next one's out in late September, not even a year after his last. Since Boom Kah hit last fall, he's cemented himself as Finland's most reliable pop star. Kesärenkaat is one of my songs of the summer, and now we've got this totally different, but totally awesome follow up. Parasta Just Nyt sees him going full-on aggressive rap, which is intercut with heavy verses and an almost operatic hook that only gets better the more you hear it. It's like Eminem's Lose Yourself for the Finnish set. It's also the sound of a teen singer growing up and branching out, and I couldn't be more excited to hear what else he's got in store for us.



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

Robin - Kesärenkaat

Out of seemingly nowhere, Finnish pop star Robin has released yet another single. This time, it's not actually from his latest album. Instead, it's part of a campaign for condom use in Finland. Yes, you read that right. Scandinavia -- ever progressive Scandinavia -- has enlisted its biggest 15-year-old singer for a condom campaign. Can you imagine what FOX news would have to say about that in good ol' America? Ha! I love it. Anyways, the song (and video) is all about biking in the summer. Rough Kesärenkaat translation: "Summer tires" = summer rubber = rubbers. Get it? It's all silly but clever and also kind of fantastic. Plus, it's the second song by a Finnish pop act this year about bike riding, that's really not about bike riding at all (wink, wink). Kliff's excellent Mun Jopo is the other. Plus, the subject matter makes for a music video that's mostly breezy fun, but also kind of awkward as it reaches the 2:51 mark onwards. But, putting that all aside, the song itself is marvelous. It's a perfect summer concoction, reminiscent of Robin's 2013 smash, Boom Kah.



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

Top 50 Singles Of 2013: 15-11

15. Avicii - Wake Me Up



The EDM track of the year, easily. Represents an amazing new hybrid of dance, country and soul that enthralled everybody, n every country, this year.

14. Shinee - Why So Serious?



I love it when K-Pop goes rock, and the electric guitars and goofy ad-libs made this the Shinee single to beat in 2013.

13. Martin Rolinski - On The Run



More of this, Martin! I'm here for the fist pumping chorus and skyscraping beats. A total anthem.

12. Studio Killers - Jenny 



Four singles in, Studio Killers released what may be their highlight. Whip-smart lyrics married to a laidback, funky electronic beat

11. Robin - Boom Kah 



Robin Packalen came back in a big way with this track. It shouldn't be good, but somehow he always manages to take the best of the current pop landscape and make it into something incredibly joyous.

Top 20 Albums Of 2013: 10-9

10. Robin - Boom Kah



Non-English albums can be tricky, especially when they have literally no lyrics in my native language (well, besides “boom,” which isn't actually very meaningful). I've found, though, that sometimes I prefer glossy, hook-and-production-based pop in another language. It doesn't really matter what the kid’s saying when the music is this good. Despite not initially being on the bandwagon, Finland’s Robin Packalen has continued to impress me with each album. This is expertly written and produced Euro-pop at its finest, and if the language barrier is putting you off, I’d ask you to give it a try anyway, because if you don’t you’re really missing out on some of the year’s best pop.

9. Icona Pop - This Is...



Sometimes it seems like albums are years in the making. In this case, this isn't even Icona Pop's first version of this album (though most of the songs from last year have been replaced, so it pretty much counts as a new record). This strategy actually benefited this release, as it's just stuffed with singles. More than that, though, even the album tracks sound like they could be hits. I've heard people complain that the album is too samey, but that's exactly what I like about it. There’s a consistent sound and quality throughout, and it doesn't sound like any other album out there this year.

Top 50 Singles Of 2013: 35-31

35. Crayon Pop - Bar Bar Bar



In the wake of Gangnam Style, this was the next big novelty hit from Korea. And it couldn't have been catchier.

34. The Vamps - Can We Dance



Could've been released back in '06/'07 when the indie rock craze was all the rage in the UK. Would love more of this sound in the future.

33. EXO - Growl



This was the Korean boyband well and truly arriving. After an amazing 2012, this funky r&b stomper cemented their place as one of the biggest bands in Asia.

32. 2NE1 - Falling In Love 



In a year that saw far too few releases from these girls, their first comeback wormed its way into my head and became a Summer staple.

31. Robin - Haluan Sun Palaavan (I Want You To Return) 



The sound of this Finnish teen popstar maturing. A striking wintertime ballad that transcends the language barrier with a shot of emotion.

Robin - Vapaus

A few weeks ago I wrote about Finnish popstar Robin's excellent Boom Kah (the song). Since then, I've been loving Boom Kah (the album), despite not understanding a word of it. Funny enough, and I've been noticing this trend in lots of albums lately, the bonus tracks on the deluxe version are actually some of the strongest. I'm obsessed with Vapaus (meaning "Freedom"). The word "rollicking" sounds so cheesy, but I can't think of a better word to describe the production on this. The drums and percussion are out of this world, and the track possesses a build that's absolutely explosive. Couple that with a stick-in-your-head hook that's sort of reminiscent of that Swedish novelty hit Hej Monika that was popular a few years back, and you've got yourself a winner. One minor quibble: that build at the end is so freaking enormous, I just wish it would explode into one more repetition of the chorus before ending.



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

Robin - Boom Kah

"Boom kah, boom boom kah"

Like most of Robin's songs, Boom Kah has gotten better and better with every listen. Finland has really seen a resurgence of excellent, teen-oriented pop, and Robin was at the forefront of that at a very young age. Now that he's growing up, his music is maturing along with him. This is still a fun, seize-the-day party song, but it feels like it was written more for a mainstream audience than exclusive to tweens. I've found that I love the sound of the Finnish language and accent in pop music. It lends a unique style to what could have ended up being normal pop fodder. That and the repeated "boom kahs" make this completely addicting. I liked it on first listen, but it's crept up throughout the week and taken over my brain, on its way toward complete obsession.



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

Robin - Frontside Ollie (Wildzide Remix By Here)

This is not a new song at all. Frontside Ollie has been around since early last year in Finland. In its original format, it's a cute little pop/rock track sung by an artist commonly referred to as "Finland's Justin Bieber." The original is fine as far as teen pop goes, but recently I've become a little obsessed with this remixed version that appeared on the reissue of the debut album. The entirety of the original track is in there, but it's surrounded by a sledgehammer of warm synths that really put it over the edge and make this something really special. This is my kind of dance production. Clean, funky and more on the pop side as far as remixes go. No clue what the kid is saying, but it doesn't matter. This is great Spring/Summer listening.



(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.