Album: 1000 Forms of Fear
Chandelier on YouTube: 66.5 million views
Adelaide singer Sia’s extraordinary voice and songwriting talent has been behind some of the most popular songs in recent history, but Chandelier has got to be one her personal best. Her latest album 1000 Forms of Fear has gone to number one in the US, further cementing her status as a musical genius.
Album: Built on Glass
Talk is Cheap on YouTube: 3.1 million views
Another major Australian act, Chet Faker is the acclaimed electronica musician that rose to fame through several collaborations with Australian prodigy Flume. Talk is Cheap is from Faker’s debut solo album.
Album: In the Lonely Hour
Stay With Me on YouTube: 36.2 million views
Sam Smith has been hailed as the man revolutionising pop music. He certainly has his London lonely-boy façade down-pat.
Album: Morning Phase
Blue Moon on YouTube: 1.5 million views
This may be Beck’s 12th album, but some sounds never get old. Blue Moon sees the Loser singer get in deep, with the beat echoing the thump of a pulsing heart (and you know it’s gotta be good if Lena Dunham personally requests it for an episode in the third season of Girls).
Album: Truth Serum (EP)
Stay High on YouTube: 22.2 million views
So good they couldn’t stop at one version. This woozy tune almost makes you feel weak at the knees and just want to melt into the music.
Album: Take Me To Church (EP)
Take Me To Church on YouTube: 5 million views
Keep these kinds of tunes coming! A heavenly mix of jazzy, soulful rock with a perfectly gospel ambiance. One of the most captivating ballads of the year.
Album: Stay Gold
My Silver Lining on YouTube: 663,200 views
This mesmerising track is a silver lining in itself, a timeless folk tune from the exquisite Swedish sister act.
Problem on YouTube: 80 million views
Recently turned 21-year-old Ariana Grande teams up with Aussie Iggy Azalea for a toe tapping number with a saxophone loop that makes up for the less than perfect lyrical grammar. This has been a massive hit this year.
Album: Singles
Seasons (Waiting on You) on YouTube: 1.1 million views
Smooth synth pop meets balmy country rock in this uplifting tune that would be hard to hate.
Album: Supernova
Supernova on YouTube: 188,000 views
Produced by The Black Keys prolific singer/songwriter/producer, Dan Auerbach, US singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne’s Supernova has a sweet 1960s sound that smells of summer love.