The best songs of 2011
Time Out's music team nominate their favourite songs of 2011
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1
‘Compass Points’ - Nzca/Lines
The debut single of art school student Michael Lovett is a slick, strange concoction of analogue synths, excited exhalations and cocooning falsetto harmonies. Pulling influences from Ciara, Brian Wilson, Stravinsky and sci-fi books, this is a tantalising taste of what’s to come in 2012.
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2
‘Video Games’ - Lana Del Rey
Whatever you think about Del Rey’s pillow pout and pin-up girl image, it’s impossible to deny the dusky, heart-shattered charm of her debut single. Perfectly paced, flawlessly arranged and breathtaking in its languorous delivery, 2012 is hers for the taking.
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3
‘Why Even Try’ - Theophilus London feat. Sara Quin
It’s a genius collaboration that marries a funked-up bassline with twinkling ’80s synths, clinching the deal with Theophilus’s laidback flow and Sara’s (of twin duo Tegan and Sara) chill-pop chorus. The perfect joint for a summer block party.
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4
Therapy Battling - ‘Wiley’
Leaked to the internet as part of a typically panto-ish beef with other grime MCs, it’s Eskiboy at his rawest, lyrically bonkers best. Hands down better than anything on his official album this year ‘100% Publishing’.
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5
‘Woz Gone’ - Stooshe Betty
Hook-laden filth that makes ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ sound like a Mary Whitehouse audiobook. Cynical, down-to-earth, hip hop-tinged piano-pop brilliance.
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6
‘Watch Me Dance’ - Toddla T feat. Roots Manuva
A seductively dark and irresistibly groovy channelling of Nile Rogers and Jacko via grime-pop and UK bass music that deftly dodges genres while managing to both distil dance music history and shift booty. As any tune with that title surely should.
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7
‘New Day’ - Jay-Z and Kanye West
Their collab album ‘Watch the Throne’ may not have hit the heights of Kanye’s own ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ album from 2010, but this is terrific. No matter how many times you’ve heard the Nina Simone original, you’ve never heard it – shock! – Auto-tuned, as it is in this ode to fatherhood.
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8
‘Still Life’ - The Horrors
So what if it sounds like early Simple Minds? The former garage-psych goths-cum-electronic-punks again proved their need for change by delivering a darkly glittering, synth-pop epic in lusciously widescreen and romantic form. Yes, it’s retro, but the dissolute, slo-mo pace is thoroughly modern.
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9
‘I Follow Rivers’ - Lykke Li
On stage, the 25-year-old Swede is so consumed with her art, so spun out in the moment and such a slave to her emotions, it’s impossible to tear your eyes away. This tune encapsulates her appeal: feminine, impassioned and slinkily seductive.
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10
‘Velvet Elvis’ - Alex Winston
A twinkly, post-Florence cocktail of banjo, xylophone, clattering snares and a chorus that’s bigger than an aircraft hangar. Lovely.
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The best of 2011 in London
The Time Out editors have all picked their favourite events and moments of 2011. See if you agree with them.
- Art exhibitions
- Books
- Cabaret moments
- Classical music
- Clubbing
- Comedy shows
- Dance shows
- DVDs
- Films of the year
- Food & Drink
- Gay & Lesbian
- London events
- London music
- The best albums of 2011
- The best songs of 2011
- People of the year
- Shopping & Style
- Theatre
- TV shows
The 100 best London songs
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The 100 best London songs
Time Out's experts celebrate the city's finest moments on record
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