Top 111 Songs of 2011, #111 - 101



Wait... Coldplay? Yep. Coldplay.


Yesterday we looked at the honourable mentions, but now it's time for the real deal; the top songs of 2011! It's Bjork vs PJ Harvey; Kasabian vs Kaiser Chiefs; Lady Gaga vs Lykke Li... and so on and so forth. From established big name acts to emerging new talent, 2011 has given us so much quality music that cutting it down to 111 songs proved to be nearly impossible. Clearly it wasn't impossible though because, you know, here we are. Countdown... commence!!!

#111 - Ain't Nobody

by Clare Maguire

Meet me in the red sky and dance with me,

Let the valley change you and the night set you free.

#110 - It's Nice to Be Alive

by Ball Park Music

I'd prefer your enthusiasm, while you're here with me...

Australia can be proud of its contributions to pop music in 2011. You had breakthrough years for Gotye, Seeker Lover Keeper and Cut Copy (to name just a few) as well as exciting new acts like Boy and Bear, San Cisco and Brisbane's own, Ball Park Music! Hopefully all of these acts can make a big impact on the Triple J Hottest 100.

#109 - Under Cover of Darkness

by The Strokes

And I'm tired of all your friends, listening at your door,

And I want what's better for you.

#108 - Princess of China

by Coldplay ft. Rihanna

I could've been a Princess, You'd be a King,

Could've had a castle and worn a ring but no, you let me go.

#107 - Paradise

by Coldplay

This could be para-para-paradise...

Sure, I thought Mylo Xyloto was an overrated mess, but that doesn't mean I can't admit that 'Paradise' and 'Princess of China' are both pop gems in their own right. 'Paradise' lands one spot higher on the strength of Mat Whitecross' fun video.

#106 - On the Floor

by Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull

Don't stop keep it moving,

Put your drinks up.

With the success of 'On the Floor,' J.Lo can afford as many tacos and burritos as she wants. With her judging position on American Idol, the sexiest woman in the world was able to mount one of the biggest comebacks of the year. Despite Pitbull's ridiculous rap (seriously... "back it up like a tonka truck"), 'On the Floor' remains a monster dance hit and definitely the best thing Lopez has released in a long, long time. La-la-la-la-la... la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaaaaa.

#105 - Pumped Up Kicks

by Foster the People

I reason with my cigarette,

And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah.

Eddie Vedder gave us 'Jeremy,' Foster the People give us 'Pumped Up Kicks.' Sigh.

#104 - Read All About It

by Professor Green ft. Emeli Sande

I want to sing, I wanna shout,

I wanna scream till the words dry out.

#103 - Around My Head

by Cage the Elephant

Are you on the flip side?

#102 - Warpaint

by Warpaint

In like a dull knife, pulls out all the stops,

I fall out like time running out.

Criminally underrated probably isn't a strong enough way to sum up how Warpaint have been received. Los Angeles' most exciting new act should be riding a wave of success right now and you know the best way to make that happen? Go out and get their album The Fool!

#101 - Rumour Has It

by Adele

She, she ain't real, she ain't gon' be able to love you like I will,

She is a stranger, you and I have history or don't you remember?

Sure, she's got it all, but baby is that really what you want?

You just knew the most successful artist of the year was going to show up at some stage. Adele's presence in 2011 has been undeniable as she's stayed in the top five of album charts worldwide for virtually an entire year. With incredible tracks like 'Rumour Has It' you can see why. This bluesy-stomper of a song isn't the defining moment of 21, but it still manages to work its way into your head and stay there. For a long time. Catchy pop music has never sounded better than in the capable hands (and voice) of Adele. Rumour has it you'll be seeing a whole lot more of her on the countdown.