Songs of the year, number 2: Florence + The Machine - Moderation

Some of my regular readers among the Flows and the Florence + The Machine Army may be slightly disappointed that I haven't given 'Moderation' the number 1 position, or that I haven't included either 'Haunted House' or 'Jenny of Oldstones' in this years list.

When I compile my end of year list, I have a series of rules. Number one of my rules is that I will only include one song per artist in my songs of the year list. Hence, in the case of Florence, I needed to choose between three equally bewitching songs and, ultimately, decide which of the three I felt was the most jaw dropping. 'Moderation', which sees Ms Welch firmly in soul girl territory, won it. I won't say too much about this song, as I wrote a whole blog post about it when it was released in early 2019 but, needless to say, it is a truly astonishing piece of work.

As for why it's not number one, all I can say is that this years end of year songs list has been very tight indeed and that the top three in particular could, in another light, be regarded as being of equal parity. I hope that makes you all feel better about it.

Songs of the year, number 3: Jade Bird - 17

While I personally found that Jade Bird's self titled debut album didn't live up to the (very) high expectations I had of it, there were a number of very strong songs on the album, including 'If I die', 'I get no joy' and this, '17'.

Bird's strength has always been her songwriting coupled with her voice, and in '17' what seems like a particularly pure of intent, simple song is given the space and delivery it needs to drive its powers home. A breathtaking song, which demonstrates just what she's capable of.

Songs of the year, number 4: Georgia - Started Out

The second of two songs in my list that were released in November 2018, Georgia's 'Started Out' was such a remarkable about face, sound wise, and such a joyous floor filler that it would be an absolute crime not to give it any recognition. Her profile has really risen this year, meaning album number two, when it arrives, will be getting a lot of attention.

Songs of the year, number 5: Miss June - Enemies

New Auckland band Miss June have spent 2019 releasing strong single after strong single, not to mention a pretty damn impeccable album of strong, riff led grungey punk anthems. 'Enemies', it's fair to say, was always going to be the song to stop you in your tracks. As calling cards go, it is a sonic assault on the senses that cannot be beaten and deserved much more airplay and attention than it received.

Songs of the year, number 6: Bat for Lashes - The Hunger

When Natasha Khan announced that her album, Lost Girls, was based around a fictional group of vampire biker girls from the desert, it's fair to say that she piqued my interest. Good things were expected and 'The Hunger' is a synthy brooding affair with a yearning, wistful tone. One of the standout tracks on a very fine album.

Songs of the year, number 7: Self Esteem - (Girl) Crush

Self Esteem's debut album, Compliments Please, was one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year. She didn't disappoint and, ahead of the albums release, 'Girl Crush' one one of a string of strong singles that proved to be absolute floor filling bangers while subtly subverting contemporary R&B flavoured pop. All hail our new pop queen.

Songs of the year, number 8: Kelsey Lu - Due West

This is one of two songs in my list that were released in November 2018 so, technically, it probably shouldn't be in this years list. But, because songs that are released in the final months of the year tend to be ignored at their time of release and, consequently, to lose out on recognition and accolades, I'm choosing to include the majestic 'Due West' in my list. It would be a crime to miss it out.