The 100 Biggest Canadian Artist Hits of the 2010s Decade

1,036 songs involving Canadian artists debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 through the decade!

We tracked these and assigned points to each. Every weekly Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart position for a song was subtracted from 101 and then the results were tallied. We then sorted the songs from the highest to lowest points and determined the top 100. If tied, we gave the higher rank to the higher peak position. If those were tied as well, then we gave the nod to the song that spent the most weeks on the charts.

We consider Canadian artist songs to be songs where the main artist is a Canadian citizen or one of two co-credited main artists. We also count songs where the main artist is foreign but 100% of the featured artists are Canadian. If, for example the main artist is American and there are two featured artists, one being British and the other being Canadian, we do not consider this a Canadian artist song.

All songs on this list debuted on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2019. Songs that debuted in 2009 are excluded even if they continued to chart into 2010. Songs that were still on the charts at the end of 2019 are marked with an asterisk (*) indicating that their chart performance may not be over yet. There are only three of these.

Let’s count these beauties down from #100 to #1. Which one is your favourite?

Decade Rank – Title – Artist – Peak Position – Peak Date – Weeks on Charts

100 – When We Stand Together – Nickelback – #10 – 2011-Dec-07 – 20 weeks
99 – I Was a Fool – Tegan and Sara – #19 – 2013-Jul-10 – 22 weeks
98 – Desperate Measures – Marianas Trench – #20 – 2012-Aug-01 – 25 weeks
97 – Pray for Me – The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar – #5 – 2018-Mar-20 – 20 weeks
96 – Headlines – Drake – #18 – 2011-Nov-09 – 23 weeks
95 – U Can Have It All – JRDN – #20 – 2010-Dec-15 – 24 weeks
94 – It’s You – Ali Gatie – #25 – 2019-Oct-29 – 26 weeks
93 – Breathing Underwater – Metric – #22 – 2013-Oct-02 – 28 weeks
92 – Hurt Me Tomorrow – K’Naan – #12 – 2012-Aug-22 – 22 weeks
91 – Love Me Harder – The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – #10 – 2014-Dec-03 – 20 weeks
90 – No Guidance – Chris Brown ft. Drake – #7 – 2019-Jun-18 – 22 weeks
89 – Never Be Like You – Flume ft. Kai – #21 – 2016-Oct-04 – 28 weeks
88 – Jealous – Chromeo – #12 – 2014-Jun-04 – 23 weeks
87 – Find Your Love – Drake – #10 – 2010-Jun-23 – 21 weeks
86 – Electric – Shawn Desman – #23 – 2011-Feb-16 – 26 weeks
85 – Let Your Hair Down – MAGIC! – #20 – 2014-Nov-19 – 25 weeks
84 – Passionfruit – Drake – #2 – 2017-Mar-28 – 22 weeks
83 – Shut Up and Dance – Victoria Duffield – #12 – 2011-Dec-14 – 24 weeks
82 – Look Alive – BlocBoy JB ft. Drake – #4 – 2018-Feb-20 – 20 weeks
81 – Kiss Goodnight – Tyler Shaw – #24 – 2013-May-08 – 27 weeks
80 – We Are Stars – Virginia to Vegas ft. Alyssa Reid – #14 – 2014-Apr-23 – 25 weeks
79 – Lost Boy – Ruth B – #14 – 2016-Jun-20 – 28 weeks
78 – Wavin’ Flag – Young Artists for Haiti – #1 – 2010-Mar-17 – 20 weeks
77 – Body Bounce – Kardinal Offishall – #16 – 2010-May-26 – 25 weeks
76 – I’m Not Alright – Loud Luxury & Bryce Vine – #13 – 2019-Oct-08 – 23 weeks
75 – What’s My Name – Rihanna ft. Drake – #5 – 2010-Dec-22 – 22 weeks
74 – Mercy – Shawn Mendes – #22 – 2017-Jan-31 – 30 weeks
73 – In My Blood – Shawn Mendes – #9 – 2018-Apr-03 – 24 weeks
72 – Heaven In Our Headlights – Hedley – #14 – 2014-Aug-27 – 25 weeks
71 – Ghost – Fefe Dobson – #14 – 2010-Aug-11 – 27 weeks
70 – Invincible – Hedley – #9 – 2011-Nov-16 – 25 weeks
69 – Money in the Grave – Drake – #5 – 2019-Jun-25 – 24 weeks
68 – Fake Love – Drake – #10 – 2016-Nov-08 – 25 weeks
67 – Beauty and a Beat – Justin Bieber – #4 – 2012-Dec-19 – 24 weeks
66 – Sound of Your Heart – Shawn Hook – #23 – 2015-May-27 – 34 weeks
65 – Night Like This – Shawn Desman – #22 – 2010-Sep-08 – 28 weeks
64 – Stuttering – Fefe Dobson – #10 – 2010-Dec-29 – 27 weeks
63 – Con Calma – Daddy Yankee ft. Snow – #6 – 2019-Jun-18 – 29 weeks
62 – Lalala* – Y2K & bbno$ – #10 – 2019-Oct-01 – 27 weeks
61 – Your Man – Down with Webster – #12 – 2010-Apr-14 – 29 weeks
60 – Chills – Down with Webster – #19 – 2014-Apr-02 – 34 weeks
59 – As Long As You Love Me – Justin Bieber – #9 – 2012-Sep-26 – 27 weeks
58 – Closer – Tegan and Sara – #13 – 2013-Feb-06 – 32 weeks
57 – Hideaway – Kiesza – #5 – 2014-Aug-13 – 30 weeks
56 – Scars to Your Beautiful – Alessia Cara – #14 – 2016-Nov-22 – 30 weeks
55 – Jackie Chan – Dzeko & Tiesto ft. Preme & Post Malone – #7 – 2018-Jul-31 – 28 weeks
54 – Something Big – Shawn Mendes – #11 – 2015-Feb-11 – 31 weeks
53 – Jet Lag – Simple Plan – #11 – 2011-Jul-13 – 29 weeks
52 – Earned It – The Weeknd – #8 – 2015-Mar-18 – 29 weeks
51 – Nice for What – Drake – #1 – 2018-Apr-17 – 25 weeks
50 – Brand New Chick – Anjulie – #16 – 2011-Aug-31 – 33 weeks
49 – Going Bad – Meek Mill ft. Drake – #3 – 2018-Dec-11 – 29 weeks
48 – Take Care – Drake – #15 – 2012-Feb-15 – 31 weeks
47 – What I Wouldn’t Do – Serena Ryder – #8 – 2013-Aug-14 – 30 weeks
46 – Stay – Alessia Cara & Zedd – #9 – 2017-Apr-11 – 29 weeks
45 – Wild Things – Alessia Cara – #14 – 2016-Apr-18 – 33 weeks
44 – If I Can’t Have You – Shawn Mendes – #2 – 2019-May-14 – 29 weeks
43 – Life of the Party – Shawn Mendes – #9 – 2014-Oct-15 – 34 weeks
42 – Too Good – Drake – #9 – 2016-Jul-12 – 30 weeks
41 – Good Time – Carly Rae Jepsen & Owl City – #1 – 2012-Aug-29 – 31 weeks
40 – I Feel It Coming – The Weeknd – #10 – 2017-Mar-21 – 33 weeks
39 – Summer Paradise – Simple Plan – #8 – 2012-Jul-11 – 35 weeks
38 – Seniorita* – Shawn Mendes & C. Cabello – #1 – 2019-Aug-27 – 27 weeks
37 – Crazy For You – Hedley – #7 – 2014-Apr-16 – 33 weeks
36 – Goodbye – Glenn Morrison ft. Islove – #12 – 2013-Nov-27 – 37 weeks
35 – Red Hands – Walk Off the Earth – #9 – 2013-Apr-03 – 36 weeks
34 – Cold Water – Major Lazer ft Justin Bieber – #1 – 2016-Aug-02 – 30 weeks
33 – Anything – Hedley – #5 – 2013-Nov-27 – 33 weeks
32 – Here – Alessia Cara – #19 – 2016-Jan-11 – 39 weeks
31 – Inner Ninja – Classified ft. David Myles – #5 – 2013-Mar-13 – 38 weeks
30 – Alone Again – Alyssa Reid – #11 – 2011-Apr-13 – 41 weeks
29 – Stereo Love – Mia Martina – #10 – 2010-Nov-10 – 42 weeks
28 – Let Me Love You – DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber – #4 – 2016-Oct-18 – 32 weeks
27 – 2 Heads – Coleman Hell – #15 – 2015-Nov-09 – 43 weeks
26 – In My Feelings – Drake – #1 – 2018-Jul-17 – 35 weeks
25 – Work – Rihanna ft. Drake – #1 – 2016-Feb-29 – 37 weeks
24 – I Don’t Care* – Justin Bieber & Ed Sheeran – #2 – 2019-May-21 – 34 weeks
23 – This Is What It Feels Like – AV Buuren ft. Trevor Guthrie – #6 – 2013-Jun-26 – 37 weeks
22 – There’s Nothing Holding Me Back – Shawn Mendes – #6 – 2017-Jul-18 – 39 weeks
21 – Hold On, We’re Going Home – Drake ft. Majid Jordan – #5 – 2013-Oct-09 – 39 weeks
20 – Stompa – Serena Ryder – #8 – 2013-Jan-30 – 44 weeks
19 – God’s Plan – Drake – #1 – 2018-Jan-30 – 39 weeks
18 – Hello – Dragonette & Martin Solveig – #8 – 2011-Mar-02 – 44 weeks
17 – Kiss You Inside Out – Hedley – #2 – 2012-Aug-15 – 41 weeks
16 – Starboy – The Weeknd – #1 – 2016-Nov-29 – 39 weeks
15 – Hotline Bling – Drake – #3 – 2015-Nov-02 – 44 weeks
14 – Treat You Better – Shawn Mendes – #7 – 2016-Jul-26 – 41 weeks
13 – Where Are U Now – Skrillex & Diplo ft. Justin Bieber – #5 – 2015-Sep-07 – 52 weeks
12 – What Do You Mean – Justin Bieber – #1 – 2015-Sep-07 – 45 weeks
11 – One Dance – Drake – #1 – 2016-Apr-25 – 45 weeks

THE TOP TEN

10 – Love Yourself – Justin Bieber – #1 – 2016-Feb-15 – 47 weeks
9 – The Hills – The Weeknd – #1 – 2015-Oct-19 – 48 weeks
8 – Stitches – Shawn Mendes – #10 – 2015-Oct-12 – 51 weeks
7 – Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke – #1 – 2013-May-22 – 51 weeks
6 – Can’t Feel My Face – The Weeknd – #1 – 2015-Aug-31 – 47 weeks
5 – Sorry – Justin Bieber – #1 – 2015-Dec-21 – 52 weeks
4 – Body – Loud Luxury ft. Brando – #3 – 2018-Aug-28 – 54 weeks
3 – Despacito – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – #1 – 2017-May-16 – 53 weeks
2 – Rude – MAGIC! – #6 – 2014-Apr-30 – 69 weeks
1 – Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen – #1 – 2012-Feb-01 – 74 weeks

Justin Bieber Set to Biebify 2020 with Yummy Music

What makes a man I think is not how much you can fight but if you get knocked down can you get up. And boy did you get up. And boy did you come back fighting. —Jimmy Fallon to Justin Bieber

One of the biggest stories of the decade in music was the global phenomenon that was whiz kid Justin Bieber, a chronicle buoyed in its intensity by his ability to bounce back after a free-for-all bullying campaign by a bloodthirsty, profiteering press. Perhaps the most unfortunate of all was that those sinister sentiments were parroted by the weak minded who booed at him like their grandparents did to Paul Anka.

All negativity was silenced when the Biebs dropped single “What Do You Mean?” and quadruple platinum album Purpose, which, with year-topping additional hits like “Sorry” and “Love Yourself” slayed like nobody’s business. It was the comeback of the millennium.

The 2010s opened with Justin’s song “Baby” which has gone on to achieve diamond certification in the United States, and the decade closed with Bieber tying the knot with Hailey Baldwin.

Justin Bieber has sold an estimated 150 million records worldwide. He has won two Brit Awards, a Grammy Award, and seven JUNO awards.

Since the Purpose Era, Justin has been making appearances as a featured or co-credited artist in various collaborative singles but has not released a new album of his own. That is set to change in 2020 with a new album, world tour, and lead single “Yummy” is dropping right away on January 3. Check out the teaser trailer below.

The 21 Best Canadian Artist Songs of 2019

After listening to several thousand songs released in 2019 whether as singles, tracks on EPs or LPs, we have settled on our 21 favourites. To create a fairer and tidier list, we allowed only one entry per artist. Note that we have included instrumental tracks even though, technically, a “song” is a piece of music that is sung. We included cover songs only if we felt they were better than the originals. We have used the artwork for the single where one exists, failing that, the LP or EP that contains the song. We have indicated JUNO award winners (JW) and nominees (JN) with postnominals.

Regardless of genre, language, and relative popularity of the artist, below is a list of our 21 favourite Canadian artist songs of 2019 including our Song of the Year!

21
The Party We Could Have
by Nathan Micay

Off album Blue Spring and excellent EP Butterfly Arcane, “The Party We Could Have” is an instrumental track that can jack up the universe. Nathan Micay revs up the club engine and presses down hard on the gas. When those gleeful handclaps, rumbling bass, echoing pulses, hissing percussion effects, and growling synthesizers seep into the auditory canal, everything gets electrified and euphoric.

20
October
by Alessia Cara (JW)

Hailing from Brampton, Ontario, Italian Canadian R&B specialist Alessia Cara has won a pair of JUNO Awards and also became the first Canadian act in history to win a Best New Artist Grammy in the United States. As the lone main artist, she has placed eight songs onto the Hot 100. Moreover, “Stay”, her collaboration with Zedd, dipped into the Top Ten and has reached quadruple platinum planes. Alessia released EP This Summer in 2019 which spawned charting single “Rooting for You”. We liked breezy track “October” the best, as it contains melody.

19
Sur ses doigts
by Total Gipsy

An ambient electronic track with some teeth running at only 2:27, “Sur ses doigts” has enough intrigue to … intrigue us. It is a cut off superb 2019 album Digital & Analogue from the enigmatic figure who operates under the alias of Total Gipsy, a lucky acquisition from Haiti.

18
DJ Saved My Life
by Mia Martina (JN)

Nobody does party music better than Mia Martina. The New Brunswicker has placed eight songs onto the Hot 100 thus far including double platinum Top 10 hit “Stereo Love”. Mia took a fairly good 80s song from Indeep and made it better. “DJ Saved My Life” appears on her exquisite album Daydream.

17
Carrousel
by Eli Rose

Tropical beats, singing that flows, and a lovely voice make Eli Rose’s “Carrousel” a winner. The talented artist who digs the Adidas was quickly snatched up by Canada’s leading record label Universal Music to release her self-titled album (which made our best albums of the year list). This is Franco pop music in top form and one catchy song!

16
White Horse
by Tenille Townes

There’s Tenille Townes, Tenille Arts, and of course there’s The Captain … and Tennille. 2019 was good to Ms. Townes. She topped Canadian country radio with 2018’s magnificent “Somebody’s Daughter” and cracked the Top 10 with 2019’s “White Horse”. Tenille cleaned up at the Canadian Country Music Association awards winning four trophies. It took the Albertan singer a decade to hit the big time having released music since 2009 and we’re glad she did because she is awesome. Her sweet and raspy vocals give her a unique sound, and the songs she is co-writing are really good. “White Horse” was our favourite of hers in 2019.

15
Blinding Lights
by The Weeknd (JW)

By his endorsement of Mercedes-Benz, The Weeknd wants to put more money into multimillionaire Ola Källenius’ offshore bank accounts. Setting aside the music video for this track from the R&B slayer being a long ad for the automaker, we have a great synth-driven new wave song which expands The Weeknd’s repertoire. Released along with his misogynistic single “Heartless”, “Blinding Lights” was much more palatable despite its boisterous “Hey, Hey!” sounding like a threat to someone caught red-handed in a criminal act.

14
Still I Miss U
by Blue Hawaii (JN)

JUNO nominated duo Blue Hawaii furthered the quality of its unique brand of downtempo electronic pop with savory album Open Reduction Internal Fixation. Half of the tracks could be placed here. We are going with the sultry croon and burble filled swoon of “Still I Miss U”. Additional synth arpeggios inject a freestyle effect making this one heck of a catchy bop.

13
Amateurs
by Sleepy Tom (JN)
Featuring Lights (JW)

While Lights’ collaboration with Felix Cartal drew more attention this year – and it was a fine production fer sure, eh – we were taken away by her effort with Sleepy Tom, “Amateurs”, title-track off his EP. Brisk pacing and a chorus that packs quite a punch make this one a winner.

12
Understand
by Jacques Greene (JN)

Another electronic track graces our list. “Understand” is off JUNO nominee Jacques Greene’s excellent album Dawn Chorus. There are a number of entries that could be placed here from that fine LP. This one is an interesting combination of the frantic and the ominous, like we’re on the run from some dark, menacing entity. Nicely done.

11
Cherry
by Louise Burns

The lyrics alone are captivating enough in Louise Burns’ driving electronic pop nugget “Cherry”, off her boss album Portraits. She sings of “tender years and nights of tears and teenage emotional scars”. But musically, it is just as compelling with an exciting progression. This song is for all those who want to forget and move on but whose memory is relentlessly haunted by the past.

10
Grow
by Grace Lachance

Ottawa’s amazing Grace Lachance decked the 2019 halls with exquisite EP When Lightning Strikes. “Grow” is the perfect number to showcase her beautiful and powerful vocals. It has an electrifying sparkle and whips you up into a soaring atmosphere with a big, booming chorus.

9
I’ll Be There
by Shay Lia

Shay Lia was the featured singer in track “Leave Me Alone” from Kaytranada’s 99.9% Polaris winning album. In 2019, she ventured out on her own career path releasing superb R&B disc Dangerous which was itself nominated for the Polaris Music Prize. We figured there would be a … 99.9% chance that fabulous cut “I’ll Be There” would make our year-end best songs list. And … it has.

8
Heaven
by Akua

More jaw dropping and lip dripping R&B, done beneath the colourful glow of a neon neo light, proceeded from the genius of Akua (Carson) of London. “Heaven” builds gradually from a velvety slow-burn to a shuffle of bass and soft cords, and finally to an exhilarating electronic heavy chorus. Simply delicious.

7
Emotional
by Michelle Treacy

After scoring a Billboard Hot 100 charting single, that being “Armageddon”, Michelle Treacy joined CTV production The Launch, a reality music competition series in which singers work with producers and writers to tailor an original song suited to their vocal talents. Michelle was one of the winners from Season 2, and “Emotional” the resulting song, one that was produced by the legendary Nile Rogers (his credits include David Bowie’s Let’s Dance and Madonna’s Like a Virgin albums). “Emotional” contains Nile’s trademark funky guitar combined with Michelle’s intricate vocal nuances which make this one heck of an irresistible tune.

6
Landing Lights
by Spoons (JN)

One of the 80s bands still going strong, Spoons, dropped fabulous new wave album New Day New World in 2019. That’s a lot of news. There are a number of tracks we could place here. Perhaps the most progressive entry on the disc is also the most diggable, and that is “Landing Lights”. The tune sports perky beats and cosmic teardrops, and we haven’t had so much fun when “the skies are rough”.

5
24/7/365
by MacKenzie Porter (JN)

Actress and JUNO nominated country singer MacKenzie Porter of Medicine Hat, Alberta released a batch of singles in 2019. She pulled off an unprecedented feat, scoring two number one hits in the year at country radio (“About You” and “These Days”), something no female artist has done for a very long time. In fact, MacKenzie is the first Canadian female in 22 years to score consecutive country number ones. The last one to do it was Shania Twain. While all of her 2019 singles were rad, our favourite was “24/7/365” which houses one of the catchiest choruses of the year.

4
Evergreen 143
by Electric Youth

From our album of the year winner, Memory Emotion, by electropop duo Electric Youth, track “Evergreen 143” is enshrouded in mystery. It’s melodic, delicately crafted, and a touch creepy. It is perhaps best enjoyed while taking bus #143 from Burquitlam Station on the Evergreen extension SkyTrain line to Simon Fraser University.

3
Firecracker
by Radiant Baby

Synthpop specialist Radiant Baby released his debut full-length album in early 2019, Restless, opened by exquisite 80s themed song “Firecracker”. It sounds so authentic a replication of the decade’s style, you will think it’s a song from out of those years. It even has a saxophone solo which is simply glorious.

2
Baby
by Céline Dion (JW)

The best-selling Canadian recording artist of all-time graced store shelves with album Courage this year, a double album by traditional standards (the deluxe edition contains 20 tracks). Some of the songs were all right; others were superb. “Imperfections” seemed to be the attention grabber. We liked best the entries that made good use of one of the most beautiful and powerful voices in pop music, such as “Change My Mind”, bonus track “The Hard Way”, and most especially “Baby”, written by Sia Furler, Greg Kurstin, and Maureen “Mozella” McDonald. Sometimes it’s the simplest keyboard riffs that are the catchiest. This one nails it.

Canadian Music Blog’s
2019 Song of the Year

This Calgarian recording artist scored a number one hit in the United Kingdom when very few Canadians had heard of her. When we finally did take notice and let her scrumptious music lead us to the dancefloor, she won three JUNO awards for her efforts, and the song that charmed the Brits reached double platinum sales at home. She even collaborated with such aces as scream-inducing Birmingham band Duran Duran, EDM wizards Skrillex and Diplo, and the ever-ubiquitous Pitbull. Following her award-winning album responsible for a second charting song, she released several non-album singles which seemed to bubble under the brilliance of the songs that made her famous. It was a struggle, as she was the victim of a serious car accident resulting in traumatic brain injury. But here’s the thing about Canadian recording artists. Canadian recording artists bounce back. In 2019, she put forth her best song ever. She catapulted a juggernaut. And, like a massive boulder, this devastating dance pop number crashed down the walls of boredom and apathy, and saved 2019 from being an exercise in mediocrity. Canadian Music Blog declares “Sweet Love” by Kiesza as 2019’s song of the year!

1
Sweet Love
by Kiesza (JW)

The 21 Best Canadian Artist Albums of 2019

The Canadian Music Blog tracked a total of 588 Canadian artist studio albums released in 2019 (nine more than last year). To close out the 2010s’ decade, below is a ranking of our 21 favourites of these regardless of genre, language, region, and popularity of the artist. These 21 represent 3.6% of the albums. We did not consider live, various artist, Christmas, and compilation albums, none of which are included in the 588. For EPs we published a separate list. At the CMB, we like music that is sophisticated and progressive with catchy melodies and pleasing vocals (unless it is instrumental). Find below our 21 favourite Canadian artist albums of 2019 including our Album of the Year!

21
Eli Rose
by Eli Rose

Eli Rose took to solo flight after serving as half of applauded duo Eli and Papillon. In 2019, she launched her debut album through Universal Music, an eponymous affair with a collection of delicious pop confections. While Canadian Franco is heavily dominated by folk, singer-songwriter, and neo-trad concoctions, Eli manages to pull off a modern brand of urban pop in the French language that sounds nifty and fresh. This is a meeting of Taylor Swift and Christine and the Queens with Caribbean beats. The electropop charm of “Carousel” led the work as a single. It’s a solid effort that should propel the singer and songwriter into a successful career in music.

20
The Trees Are Singing
by Around Joshua

We are headed to the forest to hear what singing trees sound like. Around Joshua recorded its second album The Trees Are Singing in Morin Heights, QC and Vancouver, and it was mastered in New York. Produced by the legendary Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, and Metallica), the disc contains a welcome blend of hard-hitting rock tunes with a few smooth tracks, some progressive and some standard, all propped up with razor sharp electric guitars, thumping bass, blistering drums, solid vocals, as well as some satisfying keyboards. The songwriting is particularly strong making this one of the best rock albums of 2019.

19
? (Question Mark)
by Angela Zhang

Vancouver’s Angela Zhang celebrated 15 years in music with the release of her Question Mark album on December 18, 2019, and as one would expect, it’s a winner. Her signature slightly raspy vocals with touches of vibrato are always her strong suit, and they are given some choice songs here. Besides standard Mandopop pretty piano ballads like “River”, find artistic, bombastic cuts like “The Kite Leads the Way” which at times could pass for something from ABBA. The baroque ditty “Return” has her voice reaching sky-high levels. “Writing to You” has an air of mystery about it and “Don’t” surprises with Vocoder and ground-shaking bass. The remainder of the tracks are just as splendid.

18
Digital & Analogue
by Total Gipsy

Are digital and analogue two great sounds that sound great together? Listen to the 2019 album from Total Gipsy to decide. The artist is a Canadian import from Haiti and is crafting marvellous instrumental electronic music. Digital & Analogue takes you on the wings of a bird through digitized clouds and a seamless sky. Sawtooth blades cut through the air in tracks like “Un signal” and “Fracture”. Breezes of cool waft over in “Poésie en I & O”. Fog creeps along in “Sur ses doigts” as we head towards the swamp thing that is “Ergo Sum”. Wintry chills blow with flurries in “L’immatériel”. All in all, this one is lots of fun.

17
Multicolore
by Marie-Eve Roy

Quebec’s Marie-Eve Roy released her excellent debut album Bleu Nelson in 2016. In 2019, she followed it up with Multicolore, a progressive singer-songwriter disc with pop leanings. The album was crafted by the capable hands of JUNO nominated producer Gus Van Go. There are a number of memorable tracks on here, most notably opener “Je pleure je ris” with its electric guitar jabs, punchy drums, and piano chord stabs. “Telephone” continues the charm adding some dreamy synth riffs with things becoming even more electronic on “Je n’ai besoin de personne”. A delicate vocal delivery adds to the lure of piano ballad “La vaise de l’insomnie”. The rest of the album fares just as well. Don’t pass this one up!

16
Inside Unsolved
by Project Pablo

Producer Patrick Holland operating under moniker Project Pablo has released many discs. This was his third in 2019 alone. His music seems to get better with each outing. Inside Unsolved is club leaning instrumental electronica – chillout with savory beats. Here we have four tracks long enough to make this an LP. Effortless grooves thrust forth by a driving beat in “The Solution” kick things off. The quirky, mechanical steam machine “Pill” follows. Enjoy the lush, breezy, bongo punctuated “Pressure No Impact”. Cool keys and choppy percussion closes things in “Big Room Delusion”. Why we like it is now solved.

15
Day Won
by Victoria Duffield (JN)

British Columbia’s JUNO nominated, platinum recording artist Victoria Duffield parted ways with Warner Music to carve out an independent route for her brand of delicious Canadian pop. The result is impressive album Day Won led by a couple of singles, such as the sugary “Wow”. We have here 10 songs that are all superb earworms. “The Feeling” is a favourite but fun fills the journey right through the disc with popular cuts like “Hiding Place”, funky jams like “My Mistake”, the frolicking “Remember You”, and a touch of rock in “Stay in Your Lane”. Won…derful stuff.

14
Dynasty
by Hua Li 化力

What Kali Uchis has done to the genre of R&B – added original, artistic elements, making it more rich and sophisticated – Hua Li has done so for the field of rap. Perhaps we can call it neo-rap. Album Dynasty is so stunning it deserves an award of some kind. Hua Li is the alias of Peggy Hogan and this album cuts through the usual fury and fluff and taps into authenticity and composure pulsating with vigour at the heart of florid soundscapes. Totally blown away.

13
Première apparition
by Laurence-Anne

Singer-songwriter Laurence-Anne makes 2019 the year of her debut album, Première apparition, a nine-track excursion into indie rock territory, with shrubs of folk and the occasional dream cloud floating overhead. The disc received a Polaris nod. The songs are catchy and replete with little details; there are these fuzzy, plucky sounds plunking themselves into the mix here and there which keep the interest up. Her music has been described as early Karkwa, but it is arguably her delicate vocal delivery that makes everything gel together and sound very pleasant. Don’t miss out on this golden disc.

12
Chrysalis
by Sonia Johnson (JW)

JUNO award winning vocal jazz artist Sonia Johnson, who both sings and writes, released her first English-language album in 2019, and it’s a winner. Entitled Chrysalis, the work features two backing vocalists and nine musicians playing guitar, piano, keyboards, electric bass, drums & percussion, flute, alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet, trombone, trumpet, and flugelhorn. Sonia’s voice is perfect for what she does, balanced and smooth. The music simultaneously relaxes and invigorates. Together, and as a whole, we have a beautifully done soulful jazz with a good groove. An added bonus is having original songs, as so much of the genre relies on covers. As a composer, Sonia shines resplendent; these tracks are fabulous. Enjoy.

11
Now
by Jesse Mac Cormack

Jesse Mac Cormack of Montreal presented his first full-length album in 2019, Now. It unravels like a grand display in an isolated, desolate place. The music is unpredictable in its operation and the voice impassioned, detached, and determined in its execution. Both unfold in an off-kilter genius that unmasks intricate detail. The metronomic “Give a Chance” conveys a sense of urgency, and with that opener, we are off to the races, exhilarated through laid back numbers like “No Love Go” and rousing anthems like “Stay”. The short “Passageway” is a ballad with a surprise electronic twist, bursting into some sort of Divergent zip-line scene. Mac closes things off with smoky cactus rambler “Nothing Lasts”. Now is an artistic album to be savored.

10
Let Me Show You
by Lydia Persaud

Toronto’s Lydia Persaud takes us on a time machine ride back to the 70s thanks to her soulful album Let Me Show You which may remind some of Carole King or Stevie Wonder. She hits the mark in both the singing and songwriting departments and was able to keep us engaged through the whole disc. One of her secrets is dashes of various spices here and there, like analog synthesizers on delicious opening track “Hold On”, some reggae on “Honey Child”, lullaby crooning on “Low Light”, and atmospheric backing vocals on the title-track. This is an amazing record and deserves a trophy.

9
Dangerous
by Shay Lia

A number of EPs this year upgraded themselves to LPs through a re-release with additional tracks. This is one of them and is dubbed Dangerous (Deluxe). Canada is dabbling in the R&B soup factory like nobody’s business and are perfecting the recipe, in large part by focusing on melody, something of which their southern neighbours have fallen short. Shay Lia seems a natural at this. Dangerous is mood music to drool over. Some big names appear on this, including Kaytranada and BadBadNotGood. “I’ll Be There” is our favourite track, and the general public seems to dig “Voodoo” and “Find a Way”, but every slice here is brimming over with cool endeavours.

8
Restless
by Radiant Baby

Synthpop specialist Radiant Baby released his debut full-length album in early 2019, Restless, opened by exquisite 80s themed song (it even has a saxophone solo!) “Firecracker”. Through the disc, he keeps things perky, funky, and danceable. You will, however, hear the album shifting gears at a couple of turning points. After the first four breezy tracks, he really gets the beats going on “Out Crowd”, and heightens the pace on “Funny Games”. He slows things down into some sentimentality on “Don’t Push” and closes out on a darker note with the spooky title-track. We need more music like this. Wonderful!

7
Heavenly: A Second Collection of Songs
by Rosemary Fairweather

Toronto’s Rosemary Fairweather sprinkled the atmosphere with magical fairy dust in her brand of angelic synth pop in debut outing Heavenly: A Collection of Songs which was essentially a grouping of previously released singles into a digital album package. She was signed to Universal and all set to break out but suffered an unfortunate concussion from an accidental fall. A slow recovery ruled out performing but she was able to craft new music when feeling up to it. Her second collection of songs began with synth pop charmer “MTV” which set in motion a string of new songs furthering her brand. Just about all the tracks on this are … well … heavenly.

6
Portraits
by Louise Burns

Cranbrook, BC native Louise Burns, twice Polaris nominated, released her fourth solo album in 2019 (she is the former bass player for band Lillix). Musically, Portraits is generally a brighter effort than at least her previous two discs, though the lyrics contain various sentiments. “Like a Dream” opens things up nicely with torch-bearing beats and an ambient cruise through an emotional chorus. “Cry” can perhaps boast the catchiest earworm on the hooks, the sort of tune that gets stuck in your head but you are glad to have it there. Steel drum sounds decorate the perky “Just Walk Away”, the album’s lead single. Burns went for single-word titles beginning with a C for four of the album’s tracks. Aside from the aforementioned “Cry”, we have “Cherry”, “Cheers”, and “Clowns”. The first is the most progressive track on the record and our favourite. “Everything You Got” benefits greatly from the erhu sound which complements Louise’s savory voice.

5
Them Spirits
by Akua

The gold pocket watch swings back and forth, and we feel ourselves getting sleepy. Such is the hypnotic power of nu-R&B ace Akua (Carson) of London, Ontario, a Canadian of Ghanaian descent. She is a singer, producer, and songwriter whose rich brews of musical genius embrace R&B, pop, and electronic flavours. She released 7-track album Them Spirits in March, a superb disc dressed handsomely with her silky vocals and spellbinding in terms of its dreamy atmospherics. The beautiful package flows gracefully. In fact, opening track “Righteous Way” would have lulled us into a perfect snooze, but the nice addition of carefully placed piano strokes kept consciousness alive. “Heaven”, the standout track, will blow your mind. It builds gradually from a velvety slow-burn to a shuffle of bass and soft cords, and finally to an exhilarating electronic heavy chorus. “My Body”, musically sophisticated, throws in some interesting sounds to drool over. Akua shows some vocal prowess on track “Queen” satisfyingly backed by orchestral tip-toes. Lyrically, Akua centers the album’s theme on the passing of her father.

4
Open Reduction Internal Fixation
by Blue Hawaii (JN)

The JUNO nominated duo that is Raphaelle Standell-Preston and Alex “Agor” Kerby titled its fourth album after heel surgery the latter received. Masters of chillout electronica burbling out of a unique, carved out niche, Blue Hawaii has created its best album yet, Open Reduction Internal Fixation (known in the medical world as ORIF). The choppy waves of “Still I Miss U”, the bouncy surf of “All That Blue”, the creeping tides of “Sparkle”, and the splashes of cuteness in “Trust” are all first-rate cuts.

3
Dawn Chorus
by Jacques Greene (JN)

In his second LP Dawn Chorus, electronic maestro and JUNO nominee Jacques Greene pulls out all the stops. It has moods, melodies, and textures to die for. “Drop Location” skulks along with big booms and flailing vocals before we experience the trippy “Do It Without You” which combines shuffling beats with Laika atmospherics and vocal woos. Rapper Cadence Weapon slaps his rhythmic vocals on “Night Service” to make it an ultra cool bop. In “Sel”, hear fluttering synths and airy vocals get bounced up by thick beats. “For Love” is a more energetic offering with some 70s jazz-funk and bongos in the mix. “Sibling” calls to mind Mu-Ziq with its sawtooth spells and frothy pulses. Our favourite track “Understand” conveys a sense of urgency but also eeriness. “Distance” presents interesting vocal samples over ethereal climes. This is a very solid record and one not to be missed for fans of the genre.

2
New Day New World
by Spoons (JN)

JUNO nominated Burlington, Ontario band Spoons, active since the early 80s, delighted us with its first disc in eight years, New Day New World, recorded in Guelph. The group’s last offering, 2011’s Static in Transmission, was well received. This one is just as grand from our reckoning. While many have commented on the smart stylings of the album, of how it bridges 80s new wave with modern pop-rock and electro, what makes the album so good is the songwriting. Frontman Gordon Deppe, with assistance from Sandy Horne, continues to channel inspiration in penning catchy tunes. The atmospheric sweep and thundering booms of the album’s title track has chants from online fans mixed into the chorus. “All the Wrong Things” proves the band has still retained its energy. As has been pointed out, “Beautiful Trap” recalls the doot-doots of 1984 song “Romantic Traffic”, something the band says is in its DNA. Find those nuggets of fun as well on “For the First and Last Time”. Another gem is “Repeatable” with some wonderful bass work. The interplay among that playful bass plus, the synth pulses, and higher-pitched plucks, makes this track simply irresistible and, well, repeatable. “Life on Demand” progresses from simple piano keys to a very satisfying chorus. For those hungry for something heavier on the electronic side, “Landing Lights” should hit the spot. It has a great snare-beat as well. The charming “Paint by Number Day” is melodically similar to “For the First and Last Time” but with pleasant female-led vocals.

Canadian Music Blog’s
Album of the Year 2019

It was a long wait, rewarded in part by a soundtrack album, for this Canadian duo to release a followup studio album to the brilliant Innerworld from 2014. The anticipation was rewarded, the artistry hit progression, and there were few albums released in 2019 throughout the planet that were this good. Dynamic vocals, cascading synthesizers, and emotional depth dot the landscape with vivid colours. Pulsating “The Life”, wispy “Arawa”, 80s-esque “Breathless”, and dreamy “Real Ones” effectively open up the dazzling world of electrifying tranquility. And then comes the captivating “On My Own” which really gets the ride going. The vocals are as angelic as ever and the path breathtaking. “Thirteen” is a nice throwback to the Innerworld era with those pulsating bass synths. But it is perhaps the melodic, delicately crafted, and a touch creepy “Evergreen 143” that serves as the album’s best track. Canadian Music Blog Declares Memory Emotion by Electric Youth as 2019’s album of the year!

1
Memory Emotion
by Electric Youth

Music Canada Releases 2019 Recap

Music Canada has released its 2019 year-end recap with some interesting stats on music consumption in the country. Trends include a shift towards the on-demand audio streaming market, which accounted for 60% of recorded music revenues in 2018. The Gold/Platinum certification program saw a 33% increase from 2018 in the single awards. Eleven singles received Diamond certifications this year, one of which – Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” – was released in 2019. American artist Post Malone scored the most certifications for music this year. His “Wow” achieved 7x Platinum and Billie Eilish‘s “Bad Guy” received the third highest single certification for a 2019 release at 6x Platinum.

Three Canadian singles struck Diamond status in 2019 (all were released in years prior): Drake’s “God’s Plan”, The Weeknd’s “Starboy”, and Loud Luxury’s “Body”. (Diamond is equivalent to 10x Platinum.) As far as albums go, The Weeknd was champ in 2019 with quintuple platinum certifications for two of his previously released albums – 2016’s Starboy and 2015’s Beauty Behind the Madness. Three albums released in 2019 made it to the double platinum rung: Khalid‘s Free Spirit, Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding, and Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? More…

The Seven Best Canadian Artist EPs of 2019

An extended play record (EP), as far as we are concerned, is one with at least three original tracks that have a combined run time of less than 25 minutes. In some cases, remixes of one or more tracks on the EP result in a disc run time of over 25 minutes. We still consider these to be EPs. We do not count as an EP a disc with only one or two original songs plus various remixes of them.

Through the year, we tracked 196 qualifying extended play records from Canadian artists released, which is 18 more than last year and 68 more than 2017. This number does not include various artist, Christmas, or live discs which we do not consider for year-end lists. We listened to all 196 and settled upon a year-end ranking of our seven favourites regardless of genre.

Find below our seven favourite Canadian artist EPs of 2019 including our 2019 Extended Play Record of the Year!

7
Nathan Micay
Butterfly Arcane

Technically, this is a long play record; however, one of the tracks from the four-entry affair was previously released on an album, and so we included it here where EPs roam. Nathan Micay’s 11-track offering Blue Spring came out earlier this year. It was a sparser, more experimental excursion into the electronic genre. This “EP” Butterfly Arcane has a tighter, more beat-driven sound that is ripe for the club. In the handclapping march of an opener “I’m Your Huckleberry,” hear chirps animate growling synthesizers. Things slow down into wintry trudges on “Did U Know I Cannot Die” and then the disc picks up in pace on closing track “The Party We Could Have”. Nathan is very good at what he does, and we are grateful to have him onboard Team Canada.

6
Fjord
Shallow Waters

The immediate effect of giving this richly produced 2019 EP a whirl is the engaging chill of drifting through a wintry dream. Shallow Waters from expert duo Fjord is the followup to 2016’s Textures. It is a smooth brew of ambient moods and careful pacing. But what is particularly important here is the memorable composition which unveils its striking countenance on most of the tracks. Place on that the crown of velvety vocals, and we have a winner. Immediately likeable is “Lay Down Your Veil” while all tracks are to be commended. This is not a disc to rock out to and bust some moves but one that soothes, captivates and props up the arm hairs in anticipation of what ear-popping wonders lie temporarily concealed around the bend. Beautifully done.

5
Orange Gecko
Amour et stupefiants

Orange Gecko is all beefed up as a sextet, led by the salacious vocals of Noémie Lafortune. Amour et stupefiants is the outfit’s debut EP, a five-track fusion extravaganza that steeps in pop, funk, jazz, soul … you name it. The disc’s title-track – a bold title it is – opens up the show with a mesmerizing bass groove leading us into a stirring chorus. Energizing lead single “Phosphore” takes the funk up town. The hazy and sensual “Volcano” follows. “Dans un snowglobe” contains bits of welcome urban jazz. Bright and cheery closer “Chrysalide” brings everything together in a cacophony of all things splendid. The EP is both creative and sophistocated. And while music that is refreshingly intelligent nabs serious bonus points, the main … point … is this is all a whole lot of fun.

4
Émilie Proulx
Tu pourras te reposer

Émilie Proulx is an excellent singer-songwriter. Her four-track EP Tu pourras te reposer (You can rest), a little melancholy, a bit dreamy, presents a rich fabric of melodic and smooth alternative folk. One cannot help but fall in love with such an enjoyable ride through wisps of intricate wonders. The playing is beautiful, delicately delivered with such care that one gets drawn into the warm flow of the dark blue waters in a picturesque brook. The haunting impression imprinted on one’s aural recesses lasts for some time after giving the disc a whirl, an indicator of music that strikes a nerve or two. On a side note, with so many trashy album covers being slopped together these days, Émilie scores bonus points for taking the time to make a nice one.

3
Grace Lachance
When Lightning Strikes

Ottawa’s Grace Lachance has a likeable style, as heard on her EP of diggable pop confections, When Lightning Strikes. This is the 18-year-old’s first outing following the release of a few singles. Front and center are powerful vocals; she was certainly born to sing. Add to that catchy songwriting, choice beats, and shimmering synths, and we have a winner. For those frustrated with an overabundance of anticlimactic choruses these days, you will find this disc refreshing; the choruses are big, boisterous, and thrilling with the chuck and jive sonics of opener “The Undone”, the thunders of “Mile Too Far”, electrifying sparkle of “Grow” (our favourite track), and swaggering splendours of “Save It For Tomorrow”. Grace smartly caps the EP with a sonorous ballad, the striking “Strong”.

2
Sleepy Tom
Amateurs

In 2016, British Columbia’s Sleepy Tom (professional alias of Cam Tatham) scored a Billboard Canadian Hot 100 charting single and British Top 10 hit with Diplo called “Be Right There”. Sleepy is a JUNO nominated EDM creator, and graced 2019 with an EP entitled Amateurs. Featured are half a dozen singers through the six delicious cuts, the most prominent being platinum recording artist Lights who opens the EP with its electrifying title-track. Other highlights are “Wrap Around Your Heart”, bright, cheery, and a little jazzy, and the funky and saxified “Move”. Choppy charmer “The Times” should get you dancing in no time. Sleepy Tom’s Amateurs is loads of fun and not to be missed especially for EDM and pop enthusiasts.

Canadian Music Blog’s
EP of the Year 2019

This JUNO award winning artist from Edmonton is best known for her quintuple platinum single “Lost Boy” (#14 in 2016). She decorated 2019 with five-track EP Maybe I’ll Find You Again. The genre-defying disc contains elements of singer-songwriter, adult contemporary, pop, soul, alternative, and R&B. It opens with the hot, hazy summer afternoon breeze of “Don’t Disappoint Me”, a winner by its sophisticated orchestral arrangements alone. “Slow Fade” tricks the listener with sudden stops building from an easy-going piano-bass combo into a whirling chorus. “Crave”, perhaps the catchiest of the set, showcases the singer and songwriter’s stroke of creative genius. “Sycamore Tree” cranks up the feels, presenting her trademark balladry. And, ending on a strong note, “Rare” benefits from nice vocal work, dazzling keys, and nifty percussion. Canadian Music Blog declares Ruth B.’s Maybe I’ll Find You Again as 2019’s extended play record of the year!

1
Ruth B.
Maybe I’ll Find You Again

The 100 Best Songs of the 2010s Decade

We are counting down our 100 favourite songs of the 2010s. While our end of year lists looked at works from Canadian artists only, we have decided to open things up as we stand at the gateway to the twenties. We wanted to see how Canadian artist songs fare compared to their international counterparts. By international we mean songs from around the world recorded in any language. All genres were taken into consideration. Covers were allowed provided they bested the originals. We have allowed multiple entries from the same artist. A song by definition is a piece of music that is sung. Thus we have excluded instrumentals in this list. We have used the single artwork where available, failing that the album on which the song appears.

It is important to note that the reader may find discrepancies between this list and the end of year lists. For example, a song which finished ahead of another in an end of year list may appear behind the other in this decade list. The explanation is that, over the years, some songs grew on us while others we tired of quickly. New songs came to our attention as well. The end of year lists remain true statements of how we felt about those songs at the time of publishing, and the list below is an honest account of how we feel about the songs now at the end of the decade. We prefer songs with good, pleasant vocals and that have melody.

100
Ke$ha
♦ Die Young ♦

Peaking on the charts at #4 in November 2012, platinum certified “Die Young” was the lead single from Ke$ha’s sophomore album Warrior. Co-writing this delicious pop song was Canadian record producer Henry “Cirkut” Walter. Due to its title, the song was retracted from airplay at some radio stations due to sensitivities following a mass shooting at an American elementary school. The song’s message however was, in the words of Ke$ha herself, “to live each and every single day like it’s your last and to always remain having a youthful spirit”.

99
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ LA Hallucinations ♦

“LA Hallucinations” provides us with a fun bop of a ride in which Carly Rae Jepsen elbows “Buzzfeed­buzzards and TMZ crows” for spreading false rumours about her. One of many standouts from her critically acclaimed album Emotion (shortlisted for the Polaris Music prize), this particular track was one she co-wrote with fellow British Columbians Zachary Gray (The Zolas) and Ajay Bhattacharyya (Data Romance).

98
Britney Spears
♦ Hold It Against Me ♦

In January 2011, this terrific number topped the charts. It was included on Britney Spears’ seventh studio album Femme Fatale and was written and produced by Max Martin and Dr. Luke who originally offered it to Katy Perry. It was decided however that the song was more suitable in style for Ms. Spears. The result is perfect.

97
Katy B
♦ Crying for No Reason ♦

Canada turned its back on Katy B; her raved about CD Little Red was not even made available in the Dominion by Sony. Katy did end up winning a JUNO award for her collaboration with Keys N Krates (“Save Me”, Dance Recording of the Year 2016). “Crying for No Reason” was the most successful single from Little Red in her native UK reaching #5 on the British charts with her rich R&B vocals soaring over the balladry of house electronica.

96
Astronautica
♦ Bad Habits ♦

“Bad Habits” is a standout track from Astronautica’s excellent album Gemini. The Los Angeles based producer specializes in chillout electronica, dressing it with her sultry R&B vocals. The funky song is something one would expect playing in some neon-lit sofa-dotted club attended by someone like Olivia Thirlby. Very cool stuff.

95
Justin Bieber
♦ Catching Feelings ♦

The pop and EDM delicacies that Justin Bieber put on his brilliant album Believe weren’t the only genres of song to be enjoyed. He proved he could craft some acoustic numbers just as savory with songs like “Fall” and this one, “Catching Feelings”. The Biebs was stomaching blows of bullying from all circles in those days – both for-profit and social media, and tucked into the delivery of this tune seems to be a sadness that is heartbreaking.

94
Livy Jeanne
♦ Fake It Past Goodbye ♦

Edmonton’s award winning star Livy Jeanne made the country Top 40 with “Wrong Side of the Dirt” but it was “Fake It Past Goodbye” and its walloping chorus that took us when it came to her superb debut full-length album Dashboard Renegade.

93
G.R.L.
♦ Lighthouse ♦

G.R.L. was five fine, young women including Canada’s own Emmalyn Estrada. The singing group was assembled by Robin Antin who was behind other successful projects like The Pussycat Dolls. The group struck quadruple platinum in Australia thanks to “Ugly Heart” and platinum in Canada thanks to a feature in Pitbull’s “Wild Wild Love”. Things shattered down in heartbreak when member Simone Battle died. The remaining four came out swinging with what turned out to be their last hurrah before the group reformed; the brilliance of “Lighthouse” lit up the whole decade.

92
Louane
♦ Jour 1 ♦

The adorable French teen machine cranked out this knee slapping thrill in 2014, her first to break into the land of Eiffel’s Top 10. Its charm helped the singer’s debut album Chambre 12 sell over a million copies there and become one of only four albums to achieve double diamond certification.

91
Kelly Ann Wilson
♦ Anchor ♦

Kelly is from one of the most beautiful regions in the country – the Ottawa valley. And what an inspiration for country music that land must provide. It is certainly evident in her song “Anchor” which rolls along so smoothly and yet with so much horsepower, you’ll have this thing on repeat for an hour, like we did.

90
Jolin Tsai
♦ Dr. Jolin ♦

Our first Allophone song of the list comes from the queen of Chinese dance pop, Jolin, off her wonderful 12th studio album Muse. “Dr. Jolin” with its spicy EDM synth pulses was the 24th biggest song of 2012 on Hit FM Taiwan’s end of year Top 100.

89
Katy Perry
♦ Roar ♦

We cannot think of the decade in pop without Katy Perry. She took a lion’s share of the genre’s success. “Roar”, lead single from her album Prism, topped the charts in August 2013 to close out the summer with a … roar. The song’s message furthered Perry’s commitment to the theme of self-empowerment.

88
MUNA
♦ Loudspeaker ♦

All-girl trio Muna formed at university in Los Angeles and specializes in electronic pop and new wave. “Loudspeaker”, off debut album About U, packs a nice punch with some interesting vocal hooks. Drop the headphones and listen to this one on some loudspeakers.

87
Tamia
♦ Nowhere ♦

Off the highly praised and somewhat successful album Love Life, the Canadian singer’s sixth studio album, this Tricky Stewart & The Dream penned electronic R&B anthem gave the genre some much needed sparkle.

86
Louise Burns
♦ Drop Names Not Bombs ♦

Departing rock band Lillix, Louise Burns was taken on by independent Vancouver label Light Organ Records as a soloist, and she released her debut album Mellow Drama in 2011. It was longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, undoubtedly helped by the flowing jingle jangle of this brilliant cut.

85
Maylee Todd
♦ Baby’s Got It ♦

Maylee Todd is a marvel. Not only was she able to recreate the wholesome fusion of 1970s boogie, funk, bossa nova, and soul, and with some delicious vibraphone, but we feel she has actually improved upon the genre. While Todd’s 2010 effort saw her finding her way, she hit her stride with Escapology in 2013. The invigorating grooves of “Baby’s Got It” iced the cake on Claudja Barry and got us back on the dance map.

84
Jessie Ware
♦ Imagine It Was Us ♦

Tacked onto the Gold and US editions of Jessie Ware’s debut album Devotion, dance-pop number “Imagine It Was Us” was its richest and most engaging track. The song sports a clap-along beat, funky guitar, and gliding keys, all carried by the English singer’s soulful vocals.

83
Britney Spears
♦ Body Ache ♦

Co-written by EDM guru David Guetta, this ace appeared on album Britney Jean. The bright hammered keys are reminiscent of Globe’s “Departures” and are perhaps the song’s most infectious feature aside from the recognizable vocals of the 21st century’s queen of American dance pop.

82
Lights
♦ Toes ♦

Lights captured our attention with the most successful single off her sophomore record Siberia; “Toes” wiggled its way up to #62 on the charts. While her first album The Listening was a synthpop effort, she went for a more electro-alternative style on Siberia. “Toes”, however, stands like a pivot, straddling both fields with smart, razzle-dazzle production and a tantalizing chorus to boot.

81
Victoria Duffield
♦ Save Me ♦

Save me from boredom. And this irresistible, high octane thump number does just that. Off debut album Shut Up and Dance, Canada’s answer to Britney Spears, Victoria Duffield, just 17 at the time, teamed up with the godfather of Canadian dance pop, Ryan Stewart, to pen this winner.

80
Zedd
Ft. Selena Gomez
♦ I Want You to Know ♦

The Russian-German fashioner of EDM features the vocals of Justin Bieber’s ex love interest, and the result is splendid. “I Want You to Know” hit #19 on the charts. The song appeared on Zedd’s 2015 album True Colors [sic] and was co-written with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder.

79
Foster the People
♦ Helena Beat ♦

While “Pumped Up Kicks” got spun like mad on the radio, Torches album opener “Helena Beat” won us over to the alternative vibrations of Foster the People. Calling out the horrifying nonchalance of Hollywood drug culture, the song whirrs with synths, jabbing guitars, and of course a tap-along beat. Nifty stuff.

78
Haerts
♦ Lights Out ♦

The German duo went all … out on its eponymous debut record. “Lights Out” was our favourite cut, brooding synth pop that bursts out in beats, arpeggios, and an effective chorus.

77
Cooper
♦ This Year ♦

Speaking of great choruses, (Kate) Cooper, an enigmatic figure who hails from the land down under, served this nice pop nugget in 2014. You were more likely to hear it on television than the radio, as it was used to promote some TV series.

76
Alexe (Gaudreault)
♦ Mirage ♦

While there seemed to be a lack of good Franco pop in France – the decade saw their charts inundated with English language songs – Canada’s Alexe Gaudreault showed the world how to craft French language music properly. “Mirage” from her eponymous, debut album was one of many hits the disc spawned, filled with swagger, and ever so catchy.

75
Foster the People
♦ Coming of Age ♦

How a great song like this from a popular band missed or merely nicked the charts is very strange indeed. A minor hit in Canada and Australia it failed to chart in the UK and band’s native USA. “Coming of Age” was the lead single from Foster the People’s second album, Supermodel.

74
Jaki Song
♦ End of Time ♦

This sweeping electronic soundscape from Montreal based Jaki Song appeared on her now collectors’ item album New Sun. Juicy beats and spicy vocals lifted the delicious track above similar attempts at championing the genre.

73
Mia Martina
♦ Tu me manques (Remix) ♦

Most attempts at remixes through the decade fell short of bettering the originals. This was one exception. While the album version of “Missing You” from EDM singer Mia Martina was savory, the remix, an infectious wall of sound, has your feet racing for the dancefloor. We like the French version even better. Of all places in the world, this pounder hit #2 on the Russian charts.

72
Justin Bieber
♦ Beauty and a Beat ♦

The Biebs scored quite the hit with this super fun blast off album Believe. “Beauty and a Beat” featuring the brief but effective segment from US rapper Nicki Minaj found a home at #4 on the charts in December 2012.

71
Mia Martina
♦ Burning ♦

Mia Martina knows how to throw a musical party. This saxed-up anthem is entertainment at its best and contains one of the most memorable vocal riffs of the decade. “Burning” off debut album Devotion was a #25 hit in February 2012. For something even better, check out the French version.

70
Michael Learns to Rock
♦ Scandinavia ♦

Title-track and final cut off excellent album Scandinavia – arguably the Danish soft rock group’s best – knocks the ball out of the park with an emotionally powerful chorus. It makes you want to pay a visit to the little mermaid in Copenhagen.

69
Avril Lavigne
Ft. Chad Kroeger
♦ Let Me Go ♦

In October 2013, this irresistible power ballad with a choice pairing of Lavigne and Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger scaled up to #12 on the charts. While radio support faltered in other gold and platinum certified tracks from Avril’s eponymous album, once Chad was in the mix, they were onboard. Be careful not to mishear the lyric “Love that once hung on the wall” as “Love that one song on the wall”.

68
Jolin Tsai
♦ The Third Person and I ♦

Co-penned by Singaporean whiz JJ Lin, “The Third Person and I” is a standout from Jolin Tsai’s finest album Play and surprisingly carries with it an alternative rock vibe. Unsurprisingly … it was the eighth biggest song of 2014 at Taiwan’s Hit FM.

67
Lights
♦ Siberia ♦

Opening track from synth-tickler Lights’ sophomore record Siberia should grab you immediately, hitting you with a great wall of ethereal sound and sounding a little sad. Thick bass pumps, sparkling synthesizers, and of course Lights’ honey drenched vocals singing out the beautiful poetry—it’s all simply perfect.

66
Dami Im
♦ Super Love ♦

With one of the most memorable intros in pop music, this song written about her husband’s sacrifices for her reached #11 on the Australian charts. The beautifully crafted “Super Love” from Dami Im has it all: synthpop, dance pop, gorgeous balladry, big vocals, and even a touch of R&B.

65
Kacey Musgraves
♦ Happy & Sad ♦

Containing one of the most uplifting choruses we’ve ever heard, “Happy & Sad” is from Kacey Musgraves’ alternative country LP Golden Hour, most of which was mixed by Alberta’s Shawn Everett. The album won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. This is one of its greatest tracks.

64
Jolin Tsai
♦ Love Player ♦

One heck of a dancefloor thumper, “Love Player” is off Jolin Tsai’s fabulous 2010 album Myself. The style of the mid-tempo song in many ways nudged the Mandopop superstar in a new direction which shaped much of her 2010s’ music.

63
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ The One ♦

When Carly Rae Jepsen has her game on, she delivers some of the catchiest pop songs on the planet. Off her Emotion Side B, a disc of bonus tracks from the Emotion recording sessions, this was definitely a standout track.

62
Samantha Jade
♦ Sweet Talk ♦

Australia’s Samanta Jade won the X Factor, in large part, due to her amazing reinterpretation of Kanye West’s “Heartless”. What makes this Top 40 hit in the land down under work so well is her swoon-worthy vocal delivery. The funky “Sweet Talk” was co-written by Charli Taft, responsible for many K-Pop hits, and Brian Lee whose credits including Carly Rae Jepsen & Owl City’s “Good Time”.

61
Metric
♦ Clone ♦

An overlooked track from the synth-rock group’s award winning album Synthetica, Metric’s cute ditty “Clone” builds nicely, gliding along at a measured pace with synth ripples and savory hooks.

60
Kacey Musgraves
♦ Slow Burn ♦

“Texas is hot, I can be cold; Grandma cried when I pierced my nose” – a quirky lyric that doesn’t quite rhyme but one that sticks – opens the opening track of Kacey’s award-winning album. “Slow Burn” has such a simple guitar riff that somehow manages to be completely captivating in its beauty and is a song that stays on repeat for a very long time.

59
Metric
♦ Breathing Underwater ♦

A surprise CHR hit for the synthrock band, Metric’s “Breathing Underwater” reached #22 on the Hot 100 in October 2013. Its big chorus and delicious vocal work from Emily Haines help make it a winner.

58
Avril Lavigne
♦ Rock N Roll ♦

Known for making some of the best music videos around, the MV for this one is no exception. The song itself is an exhilarating, powerhouse electric guitar infused number opening Avril’s excellent self-titled 2013 album.

57
Lexi Strate
♦ Diamond Eyes ♦

The ultra spicy singer charmed to the blazes with this fresh and mysterious song which moves at a stately pace and provides a nice touch of funky guitar. The music video is a treat as well.

56
Avril Lavigne
♦ Here’s to Never Growing Up ♦

Platinum certified and reaching #17 on the charts in April 2013, though receiving only limited radio support, the lead single from Avril Lavigne’s eponymous album is a nice tie-in to her beginnings as a mall circumambulating skater teen. Watch her ride the wheels, complete with her signature tank top & tie combo, down party decked high school halls in the MV.

55
Tegan and Sara
♦ Drove Me Wild ♦

This is the only track on the twin sisters’ best album Heartthrob that was co-written with Sultan + Shepard. It was not released as a single but was praised by some critics. “Drove Me Wild” offers a cool ride through new wave avenues.

54
Gary Numan
♦ The Fall ♦

The strongest track from Gary Numan’s marvellous album Dead Son Rising, this rock out industrial number proved the genre still had some spark in the 2010s. Gary Numan’s best songs (he’s released over 20 studio albums) are often the ones where he belts out the choruses, and “The Fall” is a prime example.

53
Tiësto
+ Tegan and Sara
♦ Feel It in My Bones ♦

Besides his “Jackie Chan” collaboration with Dzeko, “Feel It in My Bones” featuring the vocals of Canadian twin sisters Tegan and Sara, was the only platinum single scored by The Netherlands’ wizard of EDM. It broke just into the Top 30 in April 2010 receiving radio support. The sisters also co-wrote the track with Tiësto making it their first true collaboration.

52
Lexi Strate
♦ Antidote ♦

Swing-bop at its finest, “Antidote” helped Lexi Strate win Breakout West’s Pop Artist of the Year award. With one of the most unique and savory voices in the world, the rising star can also boast lending her cords to some of the catchiest pop songs through the decade. This was one of them.

51
Crystalyne
♦ Punks Don’t Dance ♦

Led by exquisite vocalist Marissa Dattoli, Crystalyne’s delicious dance-pop number “Punks Don’t Dance” should have been a major hit. Oh what a beat and oh what fun. Don’t miss out on this one!

50
Let’s Eat Grandma
♦ Falling into Me ♦

Easily the standout track from the British duo’s highly acclaimed I’m All Ears album, this timeless climactic piece of alternative electronica cascades into ecstasy closing out with a nice sax bit.

49
My Crazy Girlfriend
♦ Crazy Stupid Love ♦

An underground pop hit for this Los Angeles group with a lead singer who sounds a bit like Taylor Swift, “Crazy Stupid Love” by My Crazy Girlfriend was a total blast in 2014.

48
Nikki Yanofsky
♦ I Believe ♦

Used to promote the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, “I Believe” was composed by Stephan Moccio and Alan Frew (Glass Tiger). Handling vocals was 16-year-old jazz sensation Nikki Yanofsky of Montreal. A French language version of the song was handled by Annie Villeneuve. The song inspired Canadian athletes who broke the gold medal tally record winning 14. “I Believe” topped the Hot 100 in February 2010.

47
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ Warm Blood ♦

Our favourite track off Carly Rae Jepsen’s critically acclaimed third LP, Emotion, “Warm Blood” has the singer’s vocals take on all sorts of tones and moods. At points, it even sounds like she’s giving us an evil laugh. The hypnotic atmosphere of “Warm Blood” received much tweaking from Carly and the track’s producer Rostam Batmanglij. The final take is downright creepy and delicious.

46
Bobby Bazini
♦ C’est La Vie ♦

A modern-day wonder of blue-eyed soul, Bobby Bazini has scored two platinum albums, the second of which was the best-selling album domestically in 2014. Lead single off his third LP was “C’est la Vie” which peaked on the Hot 100 in November 2016. Those bluesy keys are simply irresistible.

45
Katy Perry
♦ Firework ♦

From one of the best albums of the decade and a great representation of its pop music, “Firework” is one of the disc’s choicest moments. Both lyrically and musically, it uplifts and inspires. It topped the charts in early December 2010.

44
Charli XCX
♦ Superlove ♦

After scoring a hit as a featured artist (Icona Pop’s “I Love It”), Charli XCX was ready to chalk one up as the main artist. Her breakthrough came with “Boom Clap” in 2014, but it was 2013’s “Superlove” that set things up. The song landed a mild placement at #62 on the UK charts and benefits from its quick pacing and speedy, enthusiastic delivery. Pure fun.

43
Lindsay Ell
♦ Criminal ♦

It took ten long years, and a young woman from Calgary finally did it. She became the first homegrown female soloist in a whole decade to reach #1 at country radio in Canada. “Criminal” did pretty well in the US too, making it into the country Top 20, a rare event for a Canadian song these days. Plucky guitar leads up to the most sing-along worthy chorus in a long time. This song deserved every milestone it passed.

42
Britney Spears
♦ Till the World Ends ♦

Ranked as the 3rd best EDM track of all time by Noisey, “Till the World Ends” gave pop superstar Britney Spears another notch in her belt. Off her superb 2011 album Femme Fatale, the song reached #4 in May 2011.

41
Katy B
Ft. Jessie Ware
♦ Aaliyah ♦

Oh, what a tidy and intricate web this rich, deep house track weaves. Enticing keyboard riffs drenched in reverb, with two of the sultriest vocals in 2010s’ music: British cool cats Katy B and Jessie Ware, a collaboration made in heaven. “Aaliyah” works on so many levels.

40
Morgan Page
+ Tegan & Sara
♦ Body Work ♦

Laundered house music never sounded so good. Tegan & Sara co-wrote this killer tune with American EDM master Morgan Page and vocalized the entire track. “Body Work” wrestled its way up to #32 on the Hot 100. With a beat that could set off an earthquake, shimmering synths that could get a sloth jiving, and twin stereo voices that could turn grapefruit into honey, this piece of wizardry is one for the record hooks.

39
Syria
♦ Lontana Da Te ♦

When it comes to musica italiana, few do it better than Rome’s Syria (Cecilia Cipressi). Active since the mid-90s, she launched fabulous album 10+10 in 2017 including this super catchy gold nugget of pop-rock.

38
Stefie Shock
♦ Want You to Want Me ♦
(Original Version)

From radio DJ to gold-certified recording artist, Stefie Shock is one keeping new wave alive thanks to this shaft of brilliance. With so many male voices AutoTuned to a higher register or scratching away in falsetto, Stefie’s refreshing baritone (perhaps an emulation of Serge Gainsbourg) reminded us what real male voices sound like. Almost as good is the album version of the song which is more suitable for the dancefloor.

37
Rosemary Fairweather
♦ Moonlight ♦

The enigmatic figure who is Rosemary Fairweather received rave reviews for her airy dream-like soundscape in “Moonlight”. The intimate vocal work and synth driven ambiance helped secure for her a record deal with Universal Music.

36
Kylie Minogue
♦ Into the Blue ♦

The late-80s debut album from Australian dance-pop superstar Kylie Minogue was probably the finest LP crafted by British hitmaking team Stock-Aitken-Waterman. Oddly, while continuing to score a slew of hits in Europe through the 90s, her music was snubbed by the US and Canada until she released her Fever album in 2001. Much of the same regional bias followed with her post-Fever releases. “Into the Blue” is one of her most delicious songs complete with growling synths and addictive beats. The 2014 song charted at 12th in the UK and 9th in Ireland.

35
Diana Wang
♦ Home ♦

For a relatively obscure independent artist from The Netherlands to attract over 30 million views to a music video is quite an accomplishment. Diana Wang took us “Home” and we are all the better for it. Her exuberant vocals do justice to one of the few R&B songs out there that has melody, and what a melody!

34
Shawn Hook
♦ Sound of Your Heart ♦

This double platinum single followed earlier dance-pop radio hit “Million Ways”. Piano pop sizzler “Sound of Your Heart” with its great chorus peaked at #23 on the Hot 100 in May 2015.

33
The Belle Game
♦ Spirit ♦

“Spirit” by Vancouver’s The Belle Game was a highlight for 2017. It begins with a drum beat and synth pulse, adds electronic textures, and Andrea Lo’s angelic voice surges above. Then those addictive beats kick in, heavier synths burst forth, and we are on a joy ride to the stars. Pure excellence, pure elation.

32
Lissie
♦ Wild West ♦

With “Wild West”, a song that should have been a big hit, Lissie pulls off an impressive neo-trad feat, roots music dressed in progressive attire. The song builds to a rewarding climax, and her vocals, in letting loose, provide an exhilarating emotional boost.

31
Tom Chaplin
♦ Quicksand ♦

The Keane frontman released a solo album, and we are grateful, especially for the turbo charged burst of emotional elation that is “Quicksand”. Tom has one of the handsomest male vocals in popular music today as evidenced by his performance on this stupendous song.

30
Glenn Morrison
♦ Goodbye ♦

Just wait until the beat kicks in – pure delight. “Goodbye” is one of the finest examples of the decade’s EDM, achieving double platinum sales, and peaking at #12 on the Hot 100.

29
Le Couleur
♦ Vacances de 87 ♦

Featuring French Horn Rebellion, this requisite staple of the dance club gets the bongos sounding, the cymbals tinkling, the beat pounding, and most importantly the bass funking. It fires up the synths, begins tickling the guitars, pairs the American boy with a Canadian girl, and alternates between male Anglo and female Franco vocals. What could serve as a more addictive treat? We absolutely adore how the song’s grand finale provides that extra bass hook.

28
The Courtneys
♦ Country Song ♦

They make it seem so simple, and it is so simple. One guitar, one bass, one drum set, three lovely voices, kick-butt riffs, a measured tempo, and presto, we have one of the most exhilarating rock songs of the 2010s.

27
Jonas &
The Massive Attraction
♦ Cover Me ♦

“Cover Me” makes the heart feel as if it is soaring through dense material, backed with invigorating power and restorative juices, a feel-good anthem with a wall of sound that is rich, intricate, and plentiful. Jonas Tomalty is for sure one of Canada’s finest rock vocalists.

26
Tegan and Sara
♦ I Was a Fool ♦

This serene, breezy Top 20 hit and platinum single was the second released from Heartthrob. It sizzles and swaggers its way back to a retro 80s new wave vibe. “I Was a Fool” opens with piano, provides a solid backbeat, is delivered with the sweetest of vocals, and burns into the grooviest of choruses in natural stereo sound from the twin sister duo.

25
Lights
♦ Cactus in the Valley ♦

Composed entirely by Lights herself, “Cactus in the Valley”, off the Canadian recording artist’s second studio album Siberia, is hauntingly beautiful with an effective combination of eerie music and warm vocals.

24
Shawn Hook
♦ Million Ways ♦

Shawn Hook scored this charting dance-pop number by a stroke of luck. When his scheduled co-writer cancelled a session due to his child’s soccer practice, Shawn was forced to team up with another composer – Grammy Award winner Victoria Horn. The result of the 6-hour session was one of the catchiest gems of the decade, “Million Ways”. The whistling conclusion is a smart touch too.

23
Keane
♦ Silenced by the Night ♦

Lead single for fourth album Strangeland from UK progressive rock band Keane. It was the group’s 12th charting single in Britain and 2nd last before its hiatus announcement. “Silenced by the Night” has all the elements that one would expect from Keane: first-rate composition, soaring vocals, dazzling keyboards, and an overall uplifting, emotionally powerful sound.

22
Kira Isabella
♦ Quarterback ♦

This is one of those songs that grabs you lyrically first and then the great music begins to take hold. This country singer made the gutsy move of accepting a song American A-listers, including Carrie Underwood, shied away from taking on because of its sensitive subject matter – getting a girl drunk to take advantage of her. On all levels, “Quarterback” is magnificently powerful.

21
Jonathan Li
♦ One Life ♦

“One Life” has such a feel-good, clap-along beat and catchy guitar hook that we never grew tired of it. It’s one of those party pop anthems that makes you glue down that repeat button. The song is off Jonathan Li’s second album, Our Stories Matter.

20
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ Cut to the Feeling ♦

Following first the release of critically acclaimed album Emotion in 2015 and second the 2016 drop of a bonus disc of album throwaways that were better than 90% of the pop songs of the year, Carly Rae Jepsen reached up her sleeve and dropped an ace called “Cut to the Feeling”, the best song she came up with since her 2011 Curiosity EP.

19
Lexi Strate
♦ All for You ♦

This is a jewel of songwriting and expert production, an intelligent dance track filled with complex percussion, bright keyboards, and a galvanizing chorus. But what makes it so exquisite is the voice, a voice which is so uniquely gorgeous, so soulfully zesty, and so very, very charming.

18
Rosa
♦ Manquer de toi ♦

Rosa’s superb “Manquer de toi” (Miss You) is both the top French language song and top rock song on our decade-end list. The Canadian singer’s voice is stunning, and the songwriting in the genre is unparalleled with one of the memorable guitar solos we’ve ever heard.

17
Ella Koon
♦ So In Love ♦

Ella Koon was born in Tahiti, grew up in Hong Kong, and attended high school in Britain. She speaks four languages fluently. As an independent artist, she enjoyed chart success with “Coral Island” and won awards in China. With a signing to Warner, she released her dance-pop debut single “So In Love”. Composed by hitmaker Khalil Fong, an interesting twist is the song has a high-powered electric guitar side-stepping into the chorus.

16
Hilary Duff
♦ My Kind ♦

Written by Jason Gill and Elina Stridh the entrancing, upbeat “My Kind” appeared on Hilary Duff’s brilliant fifth album Breathe In. Breathe Out but was not released as a single, though she did give it a music video. Her vocals are as seductive as ever, and this is the song to get you moving.

15
Kristina Maria
♦ Let’s Play ♦

So irresistible, dance-pop track “Let’s Play” reached #19 on the Hot 100 in June 2011, one of the Canadian singer’s three gold-certified singles. It was later included on her debut album Tell the World. There is mystery in the music, and Kristina Maria’s vocal work is fabulous, making this a must-have addition to one’s music library.

14
Avril Lavigne
♦ Wish You Were Here ♦

The third single from Avril Lavigne’s fourth album Goodbye Lullaby, “Wish You Were Here” was co-written with Max Martin and Shellback. It charted in March 2011 and reveals a vulnerable side of Avril with sensitive vocal delivery. The chorus is amazing, and though the singer releases many great songs through the 2010s, this was perhaps the finest of them all.

13
Diamond Rings
♦ Put Me On ♦

What’s not to love about a song that contains the lyric, “Beneath the sliver of the autumn moon, between the pigeons and the northern loons”? Diamond Rings, stage name of John O’Regan, included this delicious number on his sizzling second studio album Free Dimensional. Bringing back that marvellous new wave 80s synth rock vibe with a modern spin. In “Put Me On”, edgy electric guitars (and even a mid-song solo) combine with cheeky synths and John’s baritone voice to deliver a classy contribution to the magnificent genre created by Kraftwerk and popularized by Gary Numan.

12
Jess Moskaluke
♦ Good Lovin’ ♦

Name a country song you can dance to. Jess Moskaluke’s “Good Lovin” is one, but rather than the beat coming from the drums, it gets the boots stomping thanks to a ground-shaking bass. From album Light Up the Night, the song was composed by Enderlin, Bundy & Flowers. This is the top country song on our end of decade list.

11
Alicia Moffet
♦ Why Do Boys Lie ♦

What happens when award winning songwriter Marc Jordan (Rod Stewart, Josh Groban) and multiplatinum composer Rob Wells (Ariana Grande, Olivia Newton-John) pen a song for an award-winning singer whose voice is breathtaking enough to ruffle feathers on the wings of angels? Absolute magic! This was the formal debut single from the pitch-perfect teen prodigy. Carrying an infectious melody, delivered with graceful piano, and knocked out of the ballpark by a soaring voice, this hair-raising anthem of excellence is simply stunning.

THE TOP TEN

10
Adele
♦ Set Fire to the Rain ♦

In February 2012, Adele’s 6x platinum “Set Fire to the Rain” peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 (unable to unseat Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe) and was the third single released from the Brit’s blockbuster album 21. Smart songwriting abounds (similar to “When Your Mind’s Made Up” from the Once soundtrack) and accompanies Adele’s flawless vocal delivery. Music and voice contain nuances that make the song highly engaging with detailed piano licks and glorious climaxes.

9
Katy Perry
♦ Teenage Dream ♦

Another #2 hit, this time in September 2010, Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”, title-track from her smash album, was unable to dethrone Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie”. Several songwriters were involved in this delicious pop song including the ubiquitous Max Martin. A super catchy guitar riff and infectious beat make this a winner of winners.

8
Alexz Johnson
♦ Voodoo ♦

Off her debut album of the same name, “Voodoo” begins with a slapping beat and choppy guitars. Keyboards kick in and we’re off the races. Alexz’s voice adds a dash of soul to a song that builds gradually into a satisfying work of sculpted excellence.

7
Victoria Duffield
♦ Break My Heart ♦

The energizing sizzler “Break My Heart” was the third single released from Victoria’s debut album Shut Up and Dance and broke into the Top 40 in October 2012, eventually going gold. This dazzling dance tune of flashy Ryan Stewart tweaks, keyboard toots, and unbreakable pop hooks was our favourite. The song is enjoyed best with its suburban neighbourhood dance invasion music video.

6
Birdy
♦ Wings ♦

The British songstress’ biggest hit to date, “Wings”, co-penned by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, peaked at #8 on the UK charts in September 2013. It is from the singer’s second album Fire Within. “Wings” did even better in other European countries and topped the charts in Ireland. Complex parts from the various instruments make for an intelligent track and masterpiece of composition and arrangement, and the whole is handled perfectly by Birdy’s delicate vocals.

5
Perfume
♦ Fushizen Na Girl ♦

The top non-English language entry on our best of the decade list, “Fushizen Na Girl” (Artificial Girl) is from EDM female trio Perfume of Hiroshima, Japan. It was the group’s first single release of the decade and appears on its third studio album JPN. What a beat! In a word, this song is wonderful and was composed by the Max Martin of Japan, Yasutaka Nakata. “Fushizen Na Girl” peaked at #2 on the Japanese weekly Oricon Singles Chart. Be sure to check out as well the spectacular music video.

4
Armin van Buuren
Ft. Trevor Guthrie
♦ This Is What It Feels Like ♦

Trevor Guthrie with his Brad Pitt looks and fabulous pop vocals is the ex lead singer of now defunct band soulDecision which scored major hits like “Faded” and “Ooh It’s Kinda Crazy” circa Y2K. Trevor wrote this song inspired by his neighbour being diagnosed with brain cancer and submitted it to Dutch EDM master Armin van Buuren. The extremely exhilarating “This Is What It Feels Like” peaked at #6 on the Hot 100 in June 2013 and was the 19th biggest hit of the year. The song has been certified triple platinum. Feel yourself strike the sky with towering elation.

3
Every Last Chance
Ft. Marissa Dattoli
♦ Spotlight ♦

This heart-gripping explosion of possessive dance music was created by a Vancouver-based project in conjunction with Canada’s godfather of dance pop, producer Ryan Stewart. It features the gorgeous vocals of Marissa Dattoli, lead singer of band Crystalyne. This is the top non-charting single on our list.

2
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ Call Me Maybe ♦

Following up two Top 40 hits and gold certified singles, Carly Rae Jepsen, released this new song in 2011 not knowing what would happen. “Call Me Maybe” was fresh-sounding, catchy, expertly produced, and intelligently composed by the exceptionally talented singer-songwriter, a pure pop song embraced by fellow celebrities like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and of course Cookie Monster. Its music video surpassed a billion views. It became the most downloaded song of the year around the planet at iTunes, and Billboard named it as having the best chorus of the 21st century. In other words, when the smoke cleared away, Carly Rae Jepsen had slayed like nobody’s business.

Canadian Music Blog’s
♦ Song of the Decade ♦

How could there be a 2010s song that bettered Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”? Well, you have to think about a song … from the same artist.

Its story, somewhat successful but also a missed opportunity, very much parallels the story of the music industry through the 2010s.

Released soon after “Call Me Maybe” became a cultural phenomenon, it was the song Canadian radio treated as a supplementary one rather than a followup. As a result, its becoming merely a Top 20 hit, as the charts were determined mostly by airplay in those days, was misinterpreted as a song that could be better. It was remade for Carly’s LP Kiss. Now remade, the music video shot for her big Canadian hit never saw the light of day. Needless to say, the remake was not as good as the original, and the song, a sizable smash in Canada failed to break out globally. “Good Time” became the international followup to “Call Me Maybe” which Jepsen performed with synthpop sensation Owl City. Because that song was a collaboration, the American media did not give credit to Carly for the successful followup.

But it is the title-track off Carly Rae Jepsen’s EP (which cast “Call Me Maybe” into public consciousness before the Kiss LP was put together and released) that somehow brewed beneath the overshadowing hype of the “here’s my number” … number. The original version of the song, co-written and produced by Canadian dancepop maestro Ryan Stewart, is an absolute stunner. So compelling this driving tune is, possessing every nerve, invading every artery, elevating consciousness to the highest planes of paradise. We hear relentless keyboards, pounding bass, happy drum slaps, and quite possibly the finest musical bridge ever composed.

Yes, curiosity will never let me go.

And with it, Carly Rae Jepsen finishes the decade and our list with a one-two punch.

Canadian Music Blog declares Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Curiosity” (original version) as the 2010s song of the decade.

1
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ Curiosity ♦
(Original Version)

The 100 Best Albums of the 2010s Decade

Some exceptional albums came out during the noughties decade: Keane’s Hopes and Fears, Gigi Leung’s Suddenly This Summer, Utada Hikaru’s Heart Station, Jay-Jay Johanson’s Rush, Alizée’s Gourmandises, Gary Numan’s Pure, Twins’ Touch of Love, and Lights’ The Listening. The tens were fabulous too. We have compiled our 100 favourite albums of the decade and present them ranked below from 100 to 1. While our end of year lists looked at works from Canadian artists only, we have decided to open things up as we stand at the gateway to the twenties. We wanted to see how Canadian artist albums fare compared to their international counterparts. By international we mean albums from around the world recorded in any language. All genres were taken into consideration. Albums of cover songs were included only if we felt the tracks were better than the originals. We have allowed for multiple entries by the same artist. Excluded are EPs (discs whose total runtime sits below 25 minutes or collections of album bonus tracks). Also excluded are various artist compilation albums, remix albums, Christmas albums, live albums, and greatest hits albums.

It is important to note that the reader may find discrepancies between this list and CMB’s end of year lists. For example, an album which finished ahead of another in an end of year list may appear behind the other in this decade list. The explanation is that, over the years, some albums grew on us while others we tired of quickly. New albums came to our attention as well. The end of year lists remain true statements of how we felt about those albums at the time of publishing, and the list below is an honest account of how we feel about the albums now at the end of the decade.

100
Amaara
♦ Black Moon ♦

Triple threat Kaelen Ohm, recording artist, actress, and award-winning filmmaker released album Black Moon under moniker Amaara in 2017. Technically an LP (with six tracks, it has a run time of 27 minutes), Black Moon is drenched in dream pop atmospherics. Amaara, having served as a member of Reuben and the Dark, proves she can make just as satisfying music as a soloist. The music frolics airily through lullabies, fantasies, and fairy tale magic. The exceptional title-track perfectly delivers her style. “Dreamcatcher” blends the ominous with the soothing before breaking into a soft flow. Amaara’s Black Moon is a hauntingly beautiful album for those seeking something magical.

99
Slowdive
♦ Slowdive ♦

Monarchs of shoegaze, Britain’s Slowdive released its first album in 22 years in 2017, a self-titled affair. It sounded like the players had never left the scene. Opener “Slomo”, sluggish and dreary, seems to pick up from the band’s “Crazy for You” days in 1995. Outstanding number “Star Roving”, buttressed by many layers packs one heck of a punch. And through the haze and the daze this magnificent album generates, one emerges at the other end wondering what just hit him. A welcome return.

98
Foster the People
♦ Torches ♦

Los Angeles is home to many talented underground acts, but Foster the People broke out early thanks to hit single “Pumped Up Kicks”. Weird, wacky, and fun, it’s the sort of novelty track that resonates with the masses. The group followed up the single with album Torches and its bouncy opener “Helena Beat”. The disc is drenched with jangly guitars, whirring keys, quirky vocals, and funky verses cascading into infectious choruses. This is a great band.

97
Phèdre
♦ Golden Age ♦

Ladies and gentlemen, we are in serious danger … of enjoying ourselves, thanks to album number two from Phèdre, offshoot of Toronto’s Hooded Fang. The duo transported itself to Berlin to lay down the tracks for Golden Age, a celebration of experimental and very catchy electronica. The vocals, intentionally at times slightly off-key and delivered in a spirit of boredom, add an extra dimension. In fact, the entire package seems to have been borne by the winds of a tesseract. Phèdre reminds us of music’s great potential to excite, and they have succeeded in tapping into this gold mine of creativity unleashing the magic sparklers of all things weird and wonderful.

96
Jessie Ware
♦ Devotion (Gold Edition) ♦

Those used to a wall of sound may need some time to let the sparse arrangements on Jessie Ware’s R&B inflected Devotion grow on them. Rather than presenting the pizzazz of a complex cacophony, Jessie settles for stringing up little hooks and etching subtle grooves that eventually caress those tympanic membranes. A number of versions of the album are available. Whichever you get, make sure it includes “Imagine It Was Us” quite possibly the Brit’s best song.

95
Seoul
♦ I Become a Shade ♦

Montreal synth-tickling trio Seoul prunes the roadside foliage providing for a picturesque, velvety drive through shady climes. I Become a Shade is the band’s debut LP, a seamless merging of the organic and the ambient, a sombre ride that never falls into despair. We feel as if we are cruising at high speeds on petrol fumes alone or perhaps aboard a Maglev train. It is a solid album throughout, all tracks hitting the mark, whether they pause for a bit of reflection or decide to get a bit funky. The ethereal “Galway” is a nice treat to close the work.

94
Rosa
♦ Rosa ♦

Exotic would be an apt word to use in Rosa Laricchiuta’s path to her debut album. She’s a Montreal-born singer of Italian descent discovered in a karaoke venue which led to a tour of Asia performing in the poshest of venues and wound up as a finalist in Canada’s The Voice. But that’s not all. Melissa Etheridge was so impressed with her that she invited Rosa to join her on tour. Meanwhile, king of Francorock, Éric Lapointe, took it upon himself to get her debut album launched under the auspices of Sylvain Cossette’s record label. And of all genres of music, the powerhouse vocalist has selected rock, and we are grateful. The eponymous album, Rosa, includes great guitar work, powerful rock drumming, and well-written nuggets of catchiness surrounded by an amazing voice.

93
Wanting
♦ Everything in the World ♦

Wanting (Qu), originally from the ice sculpture capital of Harbin, China, settled into Vancouver as a teenager and on her trusty keyboard began writing songs. She felt she had something to offer and submitted a batch to Terry McBride of the Nettwerk Music Group (home to such artists as Sarah McLachlan). The rest, as they say, is history. The singer and songwriter’s knack for penning good tunes is very evident on her debut record Everything in the World. The music here is just beautiful. While she hits the mark on English language tracks “Drenched” and “Life Is Like a Song”, she does the same on Chinese language numbers “Today” and her megahit that swept the masses in the land of her birth, “You Exist in My Song”.

92
You Say Party
♦ You Say Party ♦

This post punk group released its fourth album in 2016 following a hiatus. The band tragically lost drummer Devon Clifford during a gig in 2010. The remaining four decided to use drum machines rather than recruit a new percussionist. The result effectively gives the music a more emotionally drained, droning sound, which is fitting, as the album tries to make sense out of the band’s loss and uncertain future. The cover art is an accurate reflection of the gloomy atmospherics the disc explores. It’s an honest and authentic representation of the dark detour the group was forced to take, slightly experimental, as the four players explored unfamiliar terrain but emerged with an impressive work of art.

91
Ladytron
♦ Gravity the Seducer ♦

In 2005, English-Bulgarian electronic outfit Ladytron put out one of the finest new wave songs of the new millennium, “Destroy Everything You Touch” off album Witching Hour. Success often leads to record label switching, and the group crossed the floor from Island Records to Canada’s Nettwerk. Gravity the Seducer, burbling with perhaps a smoother brew, came in 2011. The glittering chimes of “White Elephant” herald swinging “Mirage’s” pastel cool. The album offers slow burning charmers like “Ambulances” as well as haunting numbers like “90 degrees”.

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Young Gun Silver Fox
♦ AM Waves ♦

The Brit-American duo of Andy Platts and Shawn Lee smartly recreates soulful 70s soft rock (think of America or The Doobie Brothers) and gives it a fresh, modern twist. AM Waves is the pair’s second album together. Homogenizing warm breezes, palm trees, convertibles, AM radios, vocal harmonies, downtempo grooves, and electric keyboards, we are so grateful for such an album to materialize in the 2010s. Whether crooning at “Midnight in Richmond”, playing it funky in “Take It or Leave It”, or turning up the joyous vibes in “Kingston Boogie”, we dig it, man.

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Lissie
♦ My Wild West ♦

The United States’ Lissie pulled off an impressive neo-trad feat on her third album My Wild West. She even dedicated a song to Ojai, California, the dusty wild west hometown of hi-tech heroes, the bionic man and woman. At the core of the sound is roots music (rock, country, folk), but it is often dressed in handsomely progressive attire. There are some tender moments and rollicking ones when she pumps out her powerful but pleasant vocals. Pure ecstasy is achieved when she blows things wide open like an emotional tornado but leaves everything intact. The album tames the bronco, unstoppably pulses along, ploughs through the dirt, and lets loose when it needs to. Hear big choruses of elation on “Wild West”, “Hero”, and “Don’t Give Up on Me”, and beautiful writing and delivery on cuts like “Together or Apart”.

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Jason Bajada
♦ Volcano ♦

Jason Bajada launched album number six, Volcano in 2016. The music is rich, well-written, and brilliantly executed. We love how he tenses up the verses to burst into eruptive choruses, not so much in terms of noise and fury, but rather dreamy, hair-raising gleams of infectious melodies. His soothing vocals take us on a pleasant ride through the disc with the perfect tempo to keep our ears perked, and he throws in some molten hot guitar solos that flow like lava, most notably in opener “Pékin (les amitiés)”. Other standouts include “Si je craque” which begins with folky, level field guitar strums combined with bouncy vocal notes and then bursts into a gorgeous chorus. “Busky” begins with minimalist keys and a funky bass and then yields to an irresistibly delicious wall of sound. Yup, Jason Bajada got our wow factor on automatic repeat with Volcano.

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Doomsquad
♦ Kalaboogie ♦

Sibling Blumas trio created ambient moods from original textures qualifying them as archaeologists unearthing relics from both tribal villages and radically advanced metropolises on foreign planets. The robust hypnotic music proceeds from grunts and grinds through droning shimmers in some form of a Suspiria-based X-file. It’s dark and dense and absolutely brilliant.

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Peter Peter
♦ Noir Éden ♦

Peter Peter, a synthpop specialist, Quebec City native, and multiple Polaris Prize nominee, cast forth his third studio album, Noir éden in 2017. We highlight some standout tracks such as delightful keys dancing along in “Damien,” reminiscent of say Gazebo’s “I Like Chopin” or Double’s “The Captain of Her Heart”. “Allégresse” includes a nice touch of aloof vocal work that Phèdre did so well on “Ancient Nouveau”. Hear captivating bass synth on the title track adding nicely to other detailed touches in a very well put-together song. “Loving Game” is pure 80s, a bilingual, pulse-driven standout with French verses and an English chorus reminiscent of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”.

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Livy Jeanne
♦ Dashboard Renegade ♦

Edmonton’s award-winning country music star Livy Jeanne released her first full-length album Dashboard Renegade in 2015. It contains country radio hits “Wrong Side of the Dirt” and “All Kinds of Crazy”. Ensuring excellence in all 10 tracks, she co-wrote with ace hit-makers Brian White (Rascal Flatts, Tim Hicks) and Jeff Cohen (Sugarland, The Band Perry). We have a welcome mix of upbeat and slow songs, some leaning more toward country-rock grounds. We were immediately taken by “Fake It Past Goodbye” and “I Got Your Number”. When we began listening to Dashboard Renegade, we experienced severe problems with memory: we forgot who Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Blake Shelton were.

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Salomé Leclerc
♦ 27 fois l’aurore ♦

Album number two from this dynamo was hailed by critics all around the world as a masterpiece. Sculpted from folky basics, a latticework of art and electronics was continuously refined with intricate detail. Suspense and atmosphere abound and curve balls get thrown in. This is a hair-raising thrill ride through uncharted territory, always surprising and forever impressing.

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Navert
♦ Temps bipolaire ♦

Navert is the brainchild of Annie-Claude Navert and Guillaume Chartrain. As demonstrated on Bipolar Time, they have tapped the Muse when it comes to songwriting. The 80s influenced synthpop is a mix of the electronic and organic, light and dark, hopefulness and despair, and we envision riding on a carousel in the clearing of a dark forest. Among choice tracks “Ta cadence” and “Ma chanson”, find a cover of Daniel Lavoie’s Ils s’aiment”.

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Iamamiwhoami
♦ Blue ♦

Let’s make the artist’s name a bit clearer: I am. Am I? Who am I? We doubt Jackie Chan had anything to do with it. This is an electronic duo from Sweden. Its strength lies in its uniqueness, carving out a style of electronica that sounds very different from all others, embracing harsher, more punctuated synth voices hearkening back to, say, John Foxx’s Metamatic. At times, the darkness of the music is crushing. Jonna Lee’s crispy, haunting vocals are a good fit for such musical endeavours. Album Blue (2014) is a little more polished than previous albums. Satisfying musical composition jacked up iamamiwhoami above other electronic acts in the decade.

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Mia Martina
♦ Devotion ♦

Thanks to Mia Martina, the 2010s were not all doom and gloom. She knew how to get us dancing and partying. Her debut disc Devotion offered a fresh, breezy, ocean-flavoured take on EDM. The culturally rich disc spawned three Top 40 hits, including Top 10 “Stereo Love” with Edward Maya. “Burning” is an absolute blast, and “Go Crazy” should have been a hit. While the album version of “Missing You” is a winner, even more so is the remix version. That song found a place in Russian hearts, as it reached #2 on their charts. Don’t miss out on the French versions of Martina’s songs; to us, they sound even better.

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TR/ST
♦ TRST ♦

Welcome to your best nightmare. Like iamamiwhoami, duo TR/ST carved out a niche for itself, coming up with a sound and style like none other, as heard on debut album TRST. Austra’s Maya Postepski joins Robert Alfons to create something dark, dense, menacing, and atmospheric. It’s hypnotic, sombre, and intense gothic electronic rock at its very best with synth grunts, blips, and pulses, and melodies taking on unexpected twists and turns on a joy ride to the edge of doom.

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Markus Guentner
♦ Crystal Castle ♦

One of the finest crafters of electronic music these days is Germany’s Markus Guentner. In fact, some credit him as the inventor of the “pop ambient” configuration. Markus is especially good at weaving the music into a climax, as we hear on his excellent album Crystal Castle, his sixth. He creates tesseract infused atmospheres, elicits high-flying moods, and expands the mind to infiltrate hidden worlds. Brace yourself, as the space dust comes for you and sweeps you somewhere light years away.

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David Myles
♦ Into the Sun ♦

David Myles is a singer-songwriter from New Brunswick. He was in the Shanghai area in 2001 attempting to learn Mandarin. It was there that he bought his first guitar. When he was growing up, he learned the trumpet. He has been a prolific artist releasing volumes of music in the 21st century. We like his sixth studio album, Into the Sun, best. The disc includes his popular track “Simple Pleasures” but all of the little ditties will have you bursting with smiles. Think of Sugar Ray. Reggae-flavoured, light, fun, find yourself getting pulled into the sun on this splendid work.

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Iamamiwhoami
♦ Kin ♦

Raw, palpably dark, and extra spicy, iamamiwhoami’s Kin digs its claws at you with synth voices so sharp as to leave your heart cut up gloriously. Like an undertow, the music pulls you into overwhelming feelings of despair. Resistance is futile. Best listened to in the autumn months when the sun’s rays try reaching you at a shallow angle and then lamentably abandon you behind the horizon. “Good Worker”, “Idle Talk”, and “Kill” would have made excellent tracks to include on the Ex Machina soundtrack.

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Anna of the North
♦ Lovers ♦

Her fellow countrywoman Anne Lilia Berge Strand (Annie), shone in the noughties decade. In the 2010s however we enjoyed this fine figure. Stage name of Norway’s Anna Lotterud, Anna of the North concocted some remarkable electropop on her choice debut disc, Lovers. “Moving On” and “Someone” supercharge things right off the bat. As a whole, the work is buttressed by the charm of her soft and frothy vocals. She takes a dig at gold-diggers on “Money”, heats up the dancefloor on “Fire”, and calls for more loveable conditions on “Lovers”. This was named one of the most overlooked albums of the decade by Billboard Magazine. It sure wasn’t overlooked by us.

75
Lily C
♦ Reaching for Sunlight ♦

Before she was running for a municipal city councillor position in Toronto, passionate community organizer Lily C (the C is for Cheng) released beautiful “happy pop” album of music Reaching for Sunlight. The disc has voice, lyrics, song-writing, and production at a very fine level. “I Am a Bee” percolates with charm. “I Choose to Be Me” centers on the theme of shrugging off pressures from the media to be physically attractive in order to win society’s acceptance. As sweet as honey, “Take Your Shoes Off” hits the mark in the adult contemporary domain capping things off nicely.

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Muna
♦ About U ♦

Muna is an American all-female new wave trio and the highly praised About U its debut album. While the for-profit press focussed on the disc’s lyrics which cover some attention-grabbing themes like abusive relationships, female empowerment, and one of the Orlando shootings, the music is something to be cherished too: punchy, synth-laced confections with half-tone dips and air-cutting guitars. Katie Gavin’s unique singing style helps give the band a signature sound.

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Foster the People
♦ Sacred Hearts Club ♦

While Foster the People’s third album, Sacred Hearts Club, failed to produce any big radio hits, there are so many good songs on here, it is an LP for the taking and perhaps the band’s finest work. The glistening atmospheric production makes the group sound like it knows what it’s doing rather than stumbling in the dark through jagged indie terrain. At times psychedelic, at moments more electronic, with the odd dash of funk, the right balance of diversity and cohesion is struck, and these interesting tracks keep the listener engaged through to the end.

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Kreesha Turner
♦ Tropic Electric ♦

Following her massive hit “Don’t Call Me Baby” (the 26th biggest song of 2008) from her debut disc, Kreesha Turner released her second album amid the throes of dying record label EMI, and it did not receive the promotion it deserved. The album managed two minor hits, “Love Again” and “I Could Stay” which are both superb electro-R&B tunes. The first half of this wonderful concept album Tropic was recorded in Jamaica and carries with it an island vibe, while second part “Electric” furthers the style that made her famous.

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Ariane Brunet
♦ Fusée ♦

One of the finest artists in the world when it comes to coffee house adult contemporary, Ariane Brunet decked the decade’s halls with her sophomore record Fusée, for those yearning for something soft and graceful. It contains an assortment of delicacies like the beautiful sweep of “Le temps de vivre”, the rousing “Vertige”, melancholy “Mon plus beau naufrage”, and perky “L’évidence”. Lead single, “Bagatelle” spent some time in the iTunes Francophone Top 10 and is one of the decade’s best songs.

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Samantha Jade
♦ Nine ♦

One of the decade’s best singers from the land down under (she won the X Factor), the silky cool of Samantha Jade finally served the masses an album of originals after a debut covers album (check out her boss version of Kanye West’s “Heartless” on that one). Two of Nine’s tracks became Top 40 hits in Australia: opener “Always”, co-written with Canadian record producer John Levine and “Shake That” featuring the rapping talents of the ubiquitous Pitbull. A total of eleven tremendous pop and dance pop tracks make Nine a perfect ten.

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Electric Youth
♦ Memory Emotion ♦

It was a long wait, appeased in part by a soundtrack album, for Canadian duo Electric Youth to release a followup studio album to the brilliant Innerworld. The anticipation was rewarded, the artistry hit progression, and there were few albums released in 2019 that were this good. Dynamic vocals, cascading synthesizers, and emotional depth dot the landscape with vivid colours. Pulsating “The Life”, wispy “Arawa”, 80s-esque “Breathless”, and dreamy “Real Ones” effectively open up the dazzling world of electrifying tranquility. And then comes the captivating “On My Own” which really gets the ride going. The vocals are as angelic as ever and the path breathtaking. “Thirteen” is a nice throwback to Innerworld era EY with those pulsating bass synths. But it is perhaps the melodic, delicately crafted, and a touch creepy “Evergreen 143” that serves as the album’s best track.

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Bobby Wills
♦ Crazy Enough ♦

Award winning and charting country artist Bobby Wills served his third album Crazy Enough in 2014. Find on this picturesque horseback ride some clever, poetic lyrics, “Building a Mystery” guitar riffs, and alluring vocals. “Still Something There” is a prime opener. “All Kinds of Wrong” refreshingly brings some morals into the mix and “That’s Why I Pray” some thirst-quenching devotion. The album contains Wills’ Billboard Hot 100 charting singles “Crazy Enough” and “Never Didn’t Love You” as well as catchy single “Undressed”.

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Alfa Rococo
♦ Nos cœurs ensemble ♦

Fun, award-winning, electropop duo Alfa Rococo brightened the party atmosphere with its finest achievement, third album Nos coeurs ensemble. A tighter, less sparse sound than its other releases, the album is also filled with irresistible hooks and unanticipated detailed techniques. Lead single “Lumière” was declared song of the week by iTunes. But the album offers even choicer tunes. The electro-pulses and gritty guitars on “Le sexe des anges” are as addictive as the masterful composition on “Deux” with smooth guitar plucks and whistling keys. And if that doesn’t win you over, there’s the hum-along charm of the title track.

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Ominar
♦ Leaving ♦

Tawny Lucas under alias Ominar added some sparkle to the decade that was the 2010s with LP Leaving. Dark, moody, and gothic, this thing drips with a black, ominous rain. It is a very cohesive work, and many tracks feel like a variation of a central theme, leaving the listener both morose and spooked. This talented gal heroically fills a hungry void, as dark wave is relatively barren here, and she does an excellent job at it. If nothing else, this disc reminds us of indie pop’s capacity to make things exciting.

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Louise Burns
♦ The Midnight Mass ♦

After parting ways with Lillix, the band’s bass player, Louise Burns began releasing solo albums and crafting a style she could call her own. That style has thus far resulted in two Polaris nominations. With her handsome Stevie Nicks’ reminiscent vocals, she brings us to The Midnight Mass, her second work. Siouxsie and the Banshees with some added synth textures could serve as a reference point. The lead single, “Emeralds Shatter” unseals the album with its cinematic, nighttime opening followed by twangy, Twin Peaks bass, jamboree percussion, and heightened vocal reverb. The sweeping, melodic “Ruby” follows, the album’s second single. A driving beat opens “San Andreas” where matter-of-fact, ominous storytelling bursts into an irresistible, perfectly-constructed chorus. A rocking chair on a hot, dusty porch at a country home comes to mind with spaghetti western influenced “He’s My Woman”. “Jasper’s” determined beat breeds addiction, while “Heaven” glides gracefully, leading up to the slow burning glory of “The Lodger”. The album concludes with a dark wave cover of the Gun Club’s “Mother of Earth”. We were burning the midnight oil listening to this gem over many months.

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Astronautica
♦ Gemini ♦

In pervasively male terrain, Astronautica (Edrina Martinez) of the US city of Los Angeles, is a bright light in the field of record production. Her electronic downtempo masterpiece Gemini is proof of that. “*69”, a feathery, chillout anthem for dreamers; “Palm Springs”, a soft throbbing glide for dancers; “PNW”, an airy tinkler for gamers; “Falling for You”, a sultry silkworm for lovers; and “Bad Habits”, a jiggly, ethereal ray of neon light for loungers are all mouth-watering bits of mind-numbing flavours, best enjoyed beneath the stars.

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King
♦ We Are King ♦

Speaking of masterpieces of female-led production, we arrive at another winner, the Grammy nominated We Are King from American dreamy, chill, electronic R&B femme-trio King. It stands as the only LP released by the group to date. Letting loose a rich, interwoven wall of sound that knocks you out of your boots, the disc may remind some of 80s or 90s offerings like Nu Shooz. The album made many year-end best-of lists deservedly so. The album is without a weak moment. Opener “The Right One” is a good representation of King’s genius sound.

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Dami Im
♦ Heart Beats ♦

Let’s face it, the vocals of Australia’s Dami Im kick serious hide. In contrast to the silkier skills of her fellow Aussie X-Factor alumnus Samantha Jade, Dami offers an alternative and equally admirable style—a powerhouse of gaping, glass-shattering pursuits. Heart Beats, a basket of assorted pop fruits, is responsible for a pair of #11 hits down under, “Super Love” (not to be confused with Charli XCX’s “Superlove”) and “Gladiator”. Those hungry for some softer, more reflective songs can tune into “Heart Beats Again” or “Solid Ground”. Otherwise, enjoy the flight on EDM-inflected soar “Living Dangerously”.

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Loscil
♦ Sea Island ♦

Vancouver’s Loscil (i.e. Scott Morgan) has here a great ambient electronic album. As its title and cover suggest, this is best listened to wandering around YVR’s Sea Island on a cloudy day with maybe even a little drizzle. The mood the music conjures is the perfect match for such as that. The album’s flavour is less poppier than, say, Ulrich Schnauss and more along the lines of Steve Roach with some of those atmospheric bell-like synth chimes of Vangelis. Sweeping and airy, it subdues, it captivates, and it tugs the listener into a glorious hypnotic state.

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Emm Gryner
♦ 21st Century Ballads ♦

Drenched in atmospheric production, piano and voice stunner 21st Century Ballads was one of the decade’s most beautiful artistic works. The poetry shines through the gorgeous music as Gryner explores issues of a friend dying from cancer (“Visiting Hours”), knowing someone accused of criminal activity (“Duped”), suicide among teenage girls (“The Wild Weight of Earth”), and finding a family/work balance (“The Race”), the latter inspired by the example of fellow Canadian artist Lawrence Gowan and which also references her time playing keyboards in David Bowie’s backing band. The emotional depth the album digs is profound with heart-shattering lines like, “You can solve it all by holding me, but you don’t”. We were floored.

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Future Islands
♦ The Far Field ♦

US trio Future Islands is a modern outfit that captures the new wave sound splendidly, not just in the instrumentation but the singing style which masters the measured theatrics and pitch dipping techniques used by the original acts of the genre. Blondie’s Debbie Harry is featured on a track off album The Far Field, a disc that scuttles along at a stately pace and oozes with charisma. All the tracks here are delightful and more catchy than a hangar filled with Velcro. We never thought getting carried away to fields afar would be so much fun.

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North Atlantic Drift
♦ Departures, Vol. 1 ♦

Working with a hefty palette of sounds, this duo brushed onto the musical canvas a landscape of electronic murmurs adorned with daubs of recorded nature sounds, making the perfect soundtrack for our fantastic voyage. The album takes us on a trip to the fog clouded chill of the north Atlantic, and we are grateful for a suspense-filled journey. We can literally smell the sea salt as it grazes past our face. Opener “Temperance” – one of the finest ambient tracks of the decade – alone makes Departures, Vol. 1 a worthwhile listen.

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Ugasanie
♦ White Silence ♦

From the unfamiliar country of Belarus (area 200,000 sq km; population 9.5 million) Ugasanie (Pavel Malyshkin) sculps a climate of icy trepidation on ambient electronic work White Silence. One can almost hear the chokehold the snow has on the frozen pines lining dusky treacherous northern forests that cut the slaty sky. Layers of electronic shivers are sprinkled with frosty field recordings. “Permafrost”, “White Silence”, and “Tundra Fogs” will have you longing for some shelter with a wood stove and wool blanket.

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Rlmdl
♦ Before Then Was Now ♦

RLMDL, sometimes going by moniker Rolemodel, is the project of Toronto’s Jordan Allen. Dream pop has existed since the 50s when the industry discovered the beauty of reverb. “I Only Have Eyes For You” by the Flamingos is a prime example. The Mamas and the Papas ran with the torch in the 60s. “I’m Not In Love” by 10cc was a standout track from the 70s. Flying the flagship in the 80s was The Cocteau Twins. In the 90s, shoegaze music became popular in the UK with artists like Slowdive. RLMDL advanced the general genre in the 10s and on album Before Then Was Now uses melodic and fuzzy guitars, synths, laid back electronic percussion, and sombre singing to achieve the effect. Track “Bilingual” is a standout.

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Etiquette
♦ Reminisce ♦

Julie Fader and Graham Walsh are duo Etiquette, and Reminisce its debut album. Avoid the danger of lumping the act in with other electronic outfits. The style ditches the spirit of wooden elation for animated melancholy. The hooks dangle in abundance as the music waddles its way through raw climes decked in some of the experimental garments worn by such predecessors as The Legendary Pink Dots and Cabaret Voltaire. It’s not all subdued; there are a couple of peppy inclusions that twinkle like stars on and on. Overall, on Reminisce, the ethereal drones effectively hypnotize in ways that will leave you reclining in satisfaction.

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Alexe Gaudreault
♦ Alexe Gaudreault ♦

Complete with flowing copper curls, Alexe Gaudreault (who since release has dropped the surname and now goes simply by Alexe) dished out the pleasant surprise that was her eponymous debut album which followed the big Franco radio hit “Placebo”. The album is a pop tour de force with catchy beats, peppy swagger, sonorous choruses, and a fabulous, creamy voice leading it all. “Mirage” and “Couleurs” had us hooked immediately. The delicately played “Éclat” glowed its way up the musique Francophone charts. In short, every track on this one is a winner.

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Rosemary Fairweather
♦ Heavenly ♦

Rosemary Fairweather presents her take on synthpop on her debut album Heavenly, a collection of previously released singles. Feathery and angelic, with punchy beats, some of the choice cuts are “Moonlight”, “Like a 45”, and “Too Low”. The album will have you dreaming of surfing the clouds. Rosemary’s sequel album, Heavenly 2, is also worth checking out. She signed to Universal Music following the quality of her releases, and her lower profile is, sadly, due to suffering an unfortunate concussion and its after effects.

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The Courtneys
♦ The Courtneys II ♦

Vancouver indie fuzz all-female rock trio The Courtneys debuted in 2013 with a set that impressed on an international scale. In fact, New Zealand’s Flying Nun Records signed the group to oversee the sequel, The Courtneys II, released in 2017. The aloof, sugary singing from drummer “Cute Courtney” binds nicely with “Classic Courtney’s” exciting frenetic guitar work. Together with “Crazy Courtney” on bass, the trio takes us on a highly engaging ride through lo-fi slacker culture and bubble-gum garage punk. The disc opens with “Silver Velvet”. “Country Song” bursts with a wall of guitar sound, the album’s standout jam. “Lost Boys” pays tribute to the 80s’ vampire craze while surf rock dresses up “Mars Attacks”.

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Jaki Song
♦ New Sun ♦

The rarest album on our list, you will be hard pressed to find a physical copy anywhere, a digital one, or even the full album available on a streaming service. Jaki Song’s New Sun is a winner because the electronic masterpiece sounds like nothing else. The synth and percussion voices she uses are on a road not taken by other artists. Her spicy vocals provide distinction as well. “End of Time” cascades into a driving, flowing climax. “I Adore You” could serve as a theme for a sci-fi & spy combo movie if ever there was one. This is great art.

50
Justin Bieber
♦ Believe ♦

Following his debut LP My World 2.0 and Christmas album Under the Mistletoe, global pop superstar and teen idol Justin Bieber landed album Believe. It placed seven songs onto the charts beginning with lead single “Boyfriend” which reached #1. “Beauty and a Beat” (co-penned by Max Martin and Zedd) reached #4 and “All Around the World” and “As Long as You Love Me” the Top 10. Aside from the pop and EDM charmers, the Biebs proved adept at acoustic ballads: “Catching Feelings” and “Fall” are among the disc’s finest moments.

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Electric Youth
♦ Innerworld ♦

Much credit has been given to Canadian duo Electric Youth for placing a song in the soundtrack of feature film Drive with Ryan Gosling. The greater feat is churning out an entire album of similar treats. Soft flowing electronica with gentle vocals is perfectly done on debut LP Innerworld, which takes us on a hypnotic trip into some otherworldly reverie. It isn’t all glide and burble, however. “Without You” is a heavy hitter with biting synth attacks. The far-reaching sweep and driving beats of “Runaway”, the pop and pulse tailoring of “Tomorrow”, and the beautiful tear-jerking delivery of refrain “And you, and you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me” in “The Best Thing” are just a few of the many takeaways here.

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Louise Burns
♦ Young Mopes ♦

Louise Burns’ third album Young Mopes is sculpted in introspective, guitar-oriented new wave with some strokes of synth, New Orderesque high-pitched bass pulses, tight drumming, and includes a cover of the Blue Nile’s “Downtown Lights”. Track “Strange Weather” sees Burns master the country-inspired genre complete with lap steel. Standouts include punchy opener “Who’s the Madman”, the swaggering “Pharaoh”, the melodic “Moonlight Shadow”, and the misty “Hysteria”. The tunes are deliciously shadowy, and Burns’ bright vocals and energetic delivery give it a sunny glaze.

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Lillix
♦ Tigerlily ♦

It is a mere coincidence that we place an album from Louise Burns’ former band immediately following her splendid album. Once Lillix was freed from now defunct record label Maverick and its insistence on punkier stylings, the band hit its stride. This excellent album with beautifully written songs is done in a much more satisfying pop-rock with a progressive edge. The 2010s needed more music like this. The whacking beats of “Believer” give the album its engine, the energy of “Nowhere to Run” its fuel, the pretty balladry of “Say No More” its comfort seats, and the clawing guitars of “Back Up Girl” its traction.

46
Sigrid
♦ Sucker Punch ♦

Nestled within a year of disappointments, a bright spot in 2019 was Sucker Punch, the debut LP from Norwegian singer Sigrid. She performs in English and broke out in the British Isles with one Top 20 and one Top 10 hit (“Don’t Feel Like Crying” and “Strangers” respectively). The album is so good, however, that these are not necessarily the album’s best moments; in fact, it is hard to pick one. There are a few ballads on the disc, but where she really shines is on the cleverly-constructed powerhouse pop numbers with unpredictable, elevating choruses, especially the title-track. Her dabbling in pulsating EDM (“Never Mine”) is satisfying as well. The album delivers quite the … sucker punch.

45
Kiesza
♦ Sound of a Woman ♦

With Kiesza, the 2010s unveiled some real talent. Her smash “Hideaway” topped the charts in the UK before anyone in her home country had heard of her. Sound of a Woman has the Canadian singer taking us on a sumptuous journey through deep house infused gems punctuated by her exquisite vocal talents. Little details contribute to the disc’s excellence, like the leaky faucet in “Piano,” delicious beats on “Over Myself,” and complex percussion work on “Vietnam”. “No Enemiesz”, a dance floor thumper, tosses in a spicy synth at the close. “Losin’ My Mind” gives us a cool backbone-sliding groove followed by even slicker “So Deep,” and then there’s the fun, spooky treatment on “Bad Thing”. But perhaps the album’s finest moment is Kiesza letting loose her dynamic sky-scraping vocals on the album’s title-track.

44
Twins
♦ 2 Be Free ♦

With 2012’s pleasant surprise 2 Be Free, Hong Kong’s heartbeat skipping duo Twins (Gillian Chung and Canadian-born Charlene Choi) released its best album since 2003’s Touch of Love. Besides inspired writing and of course those beautiful voices, the music is delivered with a warm, magical quality, always an indicator of Twins being in top form. The Cantopop album celebrates a full decade since the girls’ debut in 2002 and includes Asia Game Show 2011 theme song “Take the Field”, hit ballad “Bigger Than Sky”, and the irresistible melody of “Let Me Fly Away”.

43
Gary Numan
♦ Dead Son Rising ♦

Dubbed the godfather of electronic rock, Gary Numan had the fifth biggest song of the year 1980, and in his native Britain has managed to pilot some 21 songs into the Top 40. Although you might count what could be considered his studio albums differently – by our reckoning Dead Son Rising is his 21st – a point of agreement is that Numan’s output has been prolific with releases in five decades! Rising has been characterized as an album of unfinished songs from the past that Gary got around to completing (while busy raising three daughters). Dense and hauntingly dark, the industrial album has the godfather rocking out on progressive anthem “The Fall” (watch the MV at your own spooked out risk). Other gems are slow-burning jam “For the Rest of My Life”, the rustic “Not the Love We Dream Of” with a slightly out-of-tune piano, and “We Are Lost” that has some crazy insect sound buzzing around in your ear. Brilliant.

42
City and Colour
♦ The Hurry and the Harm ♦

A male with angelic vocals? According to Pink, yes. City and Colour is the stage name of soloist Dallas Green, author of two double platinum albums, for a true double-double. The Hurry and the Harm went platinum. The melodic music flows with wistful melancholy beneath dreamy skies. The flannel vocals, delivering poetic lyrics, unfold themselves softly. The tales he tells are of internet trolls and online gossip, sticking it to the US state of California, and grief over leaving the band Alexisonfire—heavy themes delivered with so much class and grace. No harm in that.

41
Lights
♦ Little Machines ♦

This was electronic pop-rock virtuoso Lights’ third album. It merges the synth pop catchiness of debut The Listening with the gritty experimental brilliance of Siberia. Little Machines, which made it to #5 on the Canadian Albums chart and #34 on the Billboard US 200, opens with the atmospheric Twilight Zone spook of “Portal” and proceeds through an assortment of ear-caressing melodies. Hit single “Up We Go” highlights a host of infectious anthems all decked in handsome electronica and endearing vocal delivery.

40
Alexz Johnson
♦ Let ‘Em Eat Cake ♦

Demi Lovato has said that it is because of Alexz Johnson that she decided to make a career in music. This is the Canadian singer-songwriter’s sophomore full-length and arguably her best work. Featuring adult pop with soulful vocals, progressive undercurrents, flickering guitars, and a good groove, Let ‘Em Eat Cake wins the baking contest by its crisp and robust drumming which carries everything at an exciting pace. The warm throbs of “Heart Like That”, charming swagger of “Cologne”, and intriguing stabs of “That Pain” are among the nine jewels here.

39
Jolin Tsai
♦ Muse ♦

Hailing from the island of Taiwan, Jolin Tsai released her first album in 1999 and has now authored 14, four of which appeared in the 2010s. She has played a huge role in popularizing dance pop in the heavily favoured adult contemporary climate of Greater China, no easy task. In her rise to superstardom, she has continuously attracted more and more high-profile producers and songwriters from around the world to work on her projects. The result is, in general, an increasing quality of music with each album released. Jolin has also managed to reinvent her sound and image over the years making each album era a fresh one. A crisp sound certainly plays a role in EDM inflected album Muse from 2012, a disc that placed three songs in the Top 25 on Hit FM Taiwan’s year end chart for 2012: booming opener “The Great Artist” (#2), beautiful ballad “Wandering Poet” (#10), and spicy dance pop anthem “Dr. Jolin” (#24).

38
Now, Now
♦ Saved ♦

It took five years for KC Dalager and Brad Hale of Minneapolis, USA to craft this new wave seasoned album, and the time put in resulted in something terrific. Driving tick-tock rhythms carry swinging moods over tension tinged turf and realms of relaxation. KC’s soft, subdued honey-soaked vocals add extra lure to a very engaging work. We are sure that “MJ” would have put a smile on the king of pop’s face. Hear delicate synth tremors on “Holy Water” set up the bursting pulses of “Yours” nicely. This album will have all saved from boredom.

37
Kali Uchis
♦ Isolation ♦

Give Kali Uchis credit for bypassing the dinky finger snaps and mopey autotuned vocals of late 2010s pop and creating an album with a sound so fresh and alluring as to isolate her from her peers. Isolation carries a romantic nocturnal vibe that is lush, layered, and dreamy. It is an eclectic mix kneading reggae and Spanish stylings into the dough (Uchis has Colombian roots). But aside from these culturally rich elements, the tracks house varied, sophisticated instrumentation, and Kali’s sultry vocals mindfully flutter over the music ever so gracefully. We won’t name any songs here as they are all splendid.

36
Birdy
♦ Fire Within ♦

Following an album of impressive covers, British piano pop songstress Birdy dropped this disc of originals when she was 17. In some ways, she comes across as an old soul who has weathered many storms, something that gives the work universal appeal. “Wings”, co-written with OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, is one of the handsomest songs of the decade. Tracks like “Heart of Gold” and “All You Never Say” benefit especially from Birdy’s fragile vocal work. Other notables include pretty piano ballad “No Angel” and the emotionally haunting “Shine”.

35
Jolin Tsai
♦ Myself ♦

Selling 25 million records in a region of 99% piracy, Jolin Tsai has achieved an estimated net worth of more than 85 million Canadian dollars. The Queen of C-Pop released album Myself in 2010, her second disc under Warner. The fun record has short instrumental snippets interspersed between the songs. The album opens with big dance beats in an ode to the Chinese stratagem of the Honey Trap – sending a beautiful woman to lure the (male) victim. It was the number one song of the year 2010 at Hit FM Taiwan. Irresistible dancefloor smash “Love Player” – arguably the album standout – follows. Other delicious confections are “Black-Haired Beautiful Girl”, slower number “Nothing Left to Say”, and ballad “Real Hurt”.

34
Katy Perry
♦ Teenage Dream ♦

The United States’ Katy Perry did in her country what Mylène Farmer accomplished in France and Delta Goodrem in Australia—she released an album that spawned five number one hits. They are summertime anthem “California Gurls”, catchy title track “Teenage Dream”, emotionally powerful “Firework”, electropop torch-bearing “E.T.”, and funky, frolicking “Last Friday Night”. The album has even more pop stunners on board, making it a disc that littered the 2010s with tasty confections.

33
Anik Jean
♦ Schizophrène ♦

Active in releases since 2005, Anik Jean went for the jugular in fourth album Schizophrène. This revved up masterpiece wafts in a breath of fresh air similar to what Joan Jett did in the 80s. The album opener rolls in like a cartwheel of demons and sets up a disc packed full of grinding guitars, exciting rock drumming, and piano pouncing. “Minable” places Anik’s voice atop an iron pedestal circumambulated by the echo of a yowling guitar. Larger than life anthem “À la vie, à la mort”, soaring, carefree “Liste noir”, no-holds-barred “B***e moi”, and pent-up and bursting “Si tu m’entends” elicit a wide range of emotion. Hear a touch of Placebo in “Tu es mon enfer”. The album closes out with the balladry of its title-track, sealing the deal on a great masterwork.

32
张韶涵
♦ Angela Zhang ♦

Angela’s aspirations towards becoming a singer grew while attending Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver. She returned to the Republic of China some time after graduation and released the song “Invisible Wings” which elevated her to superstar status overnight. Her self-titled album – her eighth – appeared in 2014. As the record label is called, this is … wonderful music. Her raspy voice with touches of vibrato ices tasty tracks like “When You Live for Love”, “Sunshine and Air”, “Love Is Not Wrong”, and our favourite “Ingratiating”. This is Mandopop at the top of its game.

31
Adam Smale
♦ Out of the Blue ♦

New York based Canadian seven-string guitarist Adam Smale has the only jazz album to make our list, Out of the Blue. Accompanied by a trio (piano, bass drums), Adam takes the helm with impressive guitar work, and the overall sophistication of the instrumental jazz is played to both soothe and invigorate. “New Start” sets the scene complete with a vibrant nocturnal atmosphere and fanning out into a variety of flavours, care of the bluesy “Blues to Yous”, contrasts in “Yes and No” between breezy keys and sprightly strings, Spanish style “Jazzenco”, rocked up “Night Drive”, and dreamy “She Knows Me”.

30
Tamia
♦ Love Life ♦

Debuting in 1998 this R&B star has scored some hits, but as far as albums go, this big, anthem-drenched work is second to none. Here are the finest examples of all elements of the recording process: writing, singing, arrangement, and production. There is not a weak moment on the entire disc; every track oozes with class and charm. Deep grooves, nocturnal ambiance, romantic vibes, and warm sparkles abound. The songs contain meticulously crafted, catchy details like little electronic riffs and arpeggios which make the music highly engaging.

29
Taylor Swift
♦ Red ♦

A large slice of the decade’s spotlight was given to Taylor Swift of the USA in part because she transitioned from country to pop. Arguably, her best music was at the pivot stage, when her constructs could not be called either. And at the core of that stage is album Red. Opening with arena-ready drumming is pomp-romp “State of Grace”. Later tracks on the album pick up on themes begun on the earlier ones, a technique which conveys a musical story. The sensitive playing and vocal nuances begun on “Treacherous” are advanced on “All Too Well”, sculpted into a towering climactic statue. Bold statements which, sung by others, would come across as too personal or awkward, work for Swfit (“I Knew You Were Trouble”, “We Are Never Getting Back Together”). While tracks like “Begin Again” celebrate what Taylor has done, “22” heralds the pop superstar to come.

28
Azélie
♦ Something Good ♦

This prodigy, inspired by the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Norah Jones began composing music at 10. With her angelic voice, the singer-songwriter decorated the 2010s with a genre that at times seemed to be in short supply—adult contemporary, an intriguingly mature sound for a teen. On her debut record Something Good, keys patter down like spring rain and are joined by some bluesy guitar, sparkling brass, and heart-tugging strings. The extra delicate arrangements and musicianship bring out the finesse of the compositions. While the blood of the album is melancholy, it is pumped through channels gracefully with occasional intensity. It is as though we are riding on a low-flying raincloud over rush hour traffic, free of stressful gridlock and dry. While several household names laid down some powerful poker hands of the genre through the decade, it was a 15-year-old newcomer from Montréal who dropped a royal flush, and her name was Azélie.

27
Coldplay
♦ A Head Full of Dreams ♦

A Head Full of Dreams was a return to form for the lustrous British band, not so much in recapturing a style lost—quite the opposite, a fresh reinvention—but in the writing of an arsenal of good songs for a solid album. In contrast to the more sorrowful previous effort (Ghost Stories), Dreams, as the cover would suggest, presents a positive, upbeat kaleidoscope of rich, colourful, beautifully orchestrated pop music. Coldplay gets down to boogey over star-sparkling disco beats and flashy, scaling guitars, and we’ve hardly ever had so much fun.

26
Britney Spears
♦ Britney Jean ♦

Somewhat underrated and overlooked, as albums from women who begin losing their youthful looks often are, Britney Jean was one of the decade’s finest dance pop albums. Even a decade and a half after Ms. Spears stole the show and proved her worth by selling 150 million records, stick-in-the-mud critics were still questioning whether she deserved to be a pop star. Britney’s main appeal is in her presentation which is first-rate and shows no signs of wearing thin on this 2013 album. The sweep, glide, and choppy beats of “Alien” is an immediate enchanter opening things up for the delectable “Work B***h”, made cuter with a faux English accent. “Perfume” carries the fragrance of a memorable melody, “Til It’s Gone” … ditto, and “It Should Be Easy” the breezes of will.i.am EDM smarts. But perhaps the most electrifying of all is dancefloor-ready “Body Ache”, a seductive juxtaposing of hamming and rubbery keyboard riffs.

25
Shawn Hook
♦ Analog Love ♦

In 2012, piano whiz Shawn Hook introduced himself with charting electropop singles “Every Red Light” and “So Close”. He furthered his campaign two years later with dance-pop quaker “Million Ways”, co-authored by Grammy winning songwriter Victoria Horn (Dirty Vegas’ “Days Go By”). But the presses stopped when he launched double platinum certified single “Sound of Your Heart”. The latter two songs make up the biggest appeal to sophomore album Analog Love, but the disc contains other nuggets of gold which will, more than anything else, have you … hooked.

24
Jonas &
The Massive Attraction
♦ Live Out Loud ♦

Jonas’ (Tomalty) debut 2004 album was certified gold, and recording under the band title Jonas & the Massive Attraction, disc Live Out Loud was hurled forth in 2013. Although essentially a hard rock work, there are some power ballads and electronic textures. Hear fabulous rock vocals, frenzied drumming, and even some dazzling electric guitar solos. “Ultimate Low” catapults a massive boulder at the moon knocking it out of orbit. Chugging guitars and menacing drums collide in the great “Riot”. “Cover Me” contains some killer keyboards hoisting us into the 5th dimension—beautiful song. Power ballad “Good Life” has the semblance of dancing on a tightrope … in a pair of skates. “Too Young to Be Broken” ensures our youth remains intact.

23
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ Kiss ♦

No-one was more surprised than this girl from next door when she was promoted from two gold-certified Top 40 hits domestically to international superstardom via the biggest digital selling single of 2012, “Call Me Maybe”, included on EP Curiosity first. This global breakthrough led her to working with international writers and producers for her second album, Kiss, a winner both in terms of critical and commercial success. Extra sweet, with wispy keys and perky bass, it is the feel-good disc of the decade hatching several charting singles. Standouts include #1 smash “Good Time” with synthpop icon Owl City, “This Kiss”, “Tonight I’m Getting Over You”, “Tiny Little Bows”, and the overlooked “Hurt So Good”.

22
Diversion
♦ Connection ♦

This is trippy, chillout house electronica’s finest hour. Dreamy and ethereal, the album mixes instrumentals with some vocalized pieces, and the vocals (from various singers) are astounding. While the soothing ambient surf of tracks like “Get Closer” caresses the soul, the disc also bristles with energetic beats heard on cuts like “Knockdown” and “Would You Just”. Importantly, hypnosis is also a factor, most evident on “Falling”. Four years in the making, this masterpiece contains not a single yawn-inducing moment; it is a solid joyride from start to finish.

21
Katy B
♦ Little Red ♦

The UK’s Katy B dresses deep house EDM with her rich R&B vocals, brings narrative back to the dancefloor, and Little Red dazzles the 10s like Madonna’s Ray of Light did for the 90s. “Crying for No Reason” was a Top 5 hit in Britain, but the flashy, trance-thumping songs never crossed the great Atlantic barrier, and millions of people stood deprived. Another standout is “Aaliyah” with the princess of smooth, Jessie Ware. The beat sparkler and keyboard wobbler that is “I Like You”, arcade anthem “Everything”, misty laser show “Play”, suspense creeper “Sapphire Blue”, thrilling adventure piece “Still”, and bouncing thruster “Sky’s the Limit” are all first rate.

20
Pets Tseng
♦ I Love You, Period! ♦

This album is just beautiful. Mandopop singer Pets Tseng launched her career via the singing competition and acting route. She rocketed to fame with the release of debut album I’m Pets in 2014 and the hit singles it spawned including “Just Lose It”. Sporting short hair and overalls, she, along with her expert team, went all out on this, her second effort, released three years later. The innocent yearning of her voice is the biggest draw, and its cooperation with superb songwriting and sensitive arrangements make for a massive hit record. While so-called adult contemporary struggles to keep its foot in the western door, it continues to dominate the field in greater China; they do the genre better, in part, by focussing on crafting captivating melodies, and this album is a prime example. A standout here is “Love Is Paranoia”, but most tracks on this disc shine resplendently. I Love You, Period! rightfully deserves at least a 20th spot on our 100 Best Albums of the Decade list.

19
Birdy
♦ Birdy ♦

An album of covers, the debut from British ace Birdy (Jasmine van den Bogaerde) is remarkable on several fronts. Choosing mainly non-hits with potential, Birdy’s delicate treatment of songs from a range of indie artists has her covers bettering the originals (“Without a Word” is the lone track composed by the artist). She centers the presentation on the elegance of piano, and attires the core with the odd cello weep and synthesizer burble. The intelligent arrangements are brought to fruition however with Birdy’s outstanding vocal work, fragile and sincere, and all done up in her savory Hampshire accent.

18
Britney Spears
♦ Femme Fatale ♦

Without a doubt and with three Top 5 hits (“Hold It Against Me”, “Till the World Ends”, and “I Wanna Go”), Femme Fatale was the Britney Spears album of the 2010s. Bigger, bolder, fresher, and fiercer than any of her other works, this thrashing dance disc is what pop music is supposed to be—devastatingly euphoric. Its relentless beats, glistening keys, and soaring vocals pwn lethargy. In this world of posh production from the elite including Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Benny Blanco, Cirkut, Shellback, and will.i.am, the plenitude of hooks all lead to fun.

17
Kristina Maria
♦ Tell the World ♦

Do tell the world that Kristina Maria is an exceptional singer. This bright upbeat dance-pop album spawned five charting singles, three of which went gold. The instantly lovable “Let’s Play” was the 64th biggest song of 2011. “Co-Pilot”, a party anthem for the ages, features Corneille. The hits aside, Tell the World is jam-packed with instant classics from the beautiful power ballad “It’s All Games” to the bright lights and fun of “Up and Up”, and ground-shaking, sky-scraping juggernaut, “We Belong Together”.

16
False Mirror
♦ Derelict World ♦

Solo artist Tobias Hornberger of the USA released the epic, dark ambient album Derelict World in 2010. Feeling as if we are coming terrifyingly close to landing in a remote spot of deep, black ocean in the middle of the night, the album fills the air with old creaking ships, whirring tornadoes, and the crashing waters of the sea. Both menacing and beautiful, the dense musical soundscapes crafted satisfy the adventurer in a quest for both alertness and calm, standing in a desolate world before the awesome forces of nature.

15
Avril Lavigne
♦ Goodbye Lullaby ♦

The small-town pop-rock superstar who vaulted to fame in 2002 released her fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby, in 2011 with production duties, in part, by Max Martin and Shellback. Seeking refuge away from the trying times of a marriage breakup, Avril symbolically found a peaceful spot with a piano in a forest’s glade lying in wait and crafted her new work. With the spirit of reflection caressing the music, the result is a mellower, more emotional sound in contrast to previous phases of rambunctiousness. “What the Hell”, launched at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, drove home the fact that the skater girl can sing the pants off most of her contemporaries. Around this time, she began to distinguish herself by being able to sing live nailing difficult notes in pitch perfect fashion. The sassy “Smile”, another standout, presents funky electric guitar strums and punchy beats leading to a powerhouse chorus. The crisp, more stripped-down acoustic number “Wish You Were Here” encapsulates the theme of missing someone. The pouncing “Alice” Avril penned herself for the Tim Burton feature film. Lavigne articulates her feelings well, be they in the realm of smiles or pouts but it is her wholesome genuineness that makes the album one of the decade’s best works.

14
Avril Lavigne
♦ Avril Lavigne ♦

By the release of her eponymous, fifth studio album, diamond superstar Avril Lavigne had sold 35 million records worldwide, and the days of chillin’ at the mall were long gone, or so we thought. The music video for platinum party anthem “Here’s to Never Growing Up” had Avril revisit her skateboarding days from a decade earlier, and she came across looking just as young and fresh. Also excellent is fist-pumping jam “Rock N Roll”, a revved-up stick-it-to-the-man piece of battling bearsharks with band-saw guitars in a quest for world salvation. The stream of fun continues with a testimony to the age of her rocketing from obscurity to spotlight, 17, and a school’s out, summer anthem. Ghostly irony swings forth on a piano string in the hygienic, breakup-themed “Let Me Go”, a duet with then-husband Chad Kroeger of the world’s finest and most successful post-grunge band, Nickelback. Sorrowful isolation abounds on the skillfully composed “Give You What You Like” answered by the decadent and delicious collaboration with goth growler Marilyn Manson. Homage to Japanese cartoon icon Helly Kitty receives the fitting electropunk treatment it deserves. “Sippin’ on Sunshine” cranks up the bass for a funky treat. The album closes with a pair of slow songs reminding us that Avril Lavigne can do it all and remains one of the world’s most talented icons.

13
Jolin Tsai
♦ Play ♦

With Play at #13, Jolin Tsai is the only artist to land three albums on our 100 Best Albums of the Decade list. Launching her singing career by winning champion standing at an MTV competition in 1998, her crowning achievement was 2014 album Play, a pop masterpiece. Opening with jungle anthem “Gentlewomen”, the album contains an amazing assortment of stunners. Hit single “Play”, a pop tour de force that was the biggest song of the year at Taiwan’s Hit FM. Club thumper “Phony Queen” is followed by alternative rock hair raiser “The Third Person and I” penned by Singaporean superstar JJ Lin. Hear also sweeping piano and strings ballad “Lip Reading”, cinematic delight “Miss Trouble”, and perfect synth-driven closer, “We’re All Different, Yet the Same”.

12
Kave
♦ Ominousium ♦

An ultra dark web has been woven. Kave is the solo project of the Netherland’s Bram Gollin. One of the most hair-raising ambient albums ever released, Ominousium drills deep into the heart of human emotion and creeps the living daylights out of those who dare to gently nudge its irresistible phantoms. While unearthing secret feelings, the album elicits a meditative mood, forging inner latticework, mending broken spirits, and healing past wounds, as with goosebumps we wander through an obscure road with pieces of ash floating in the air. The tracks seem to get better as the album progresses and reach a breathtaking climax.

11
Hilary Duff
♦ Breathe In. Breathe Out. ♦

There are few things in this world more seductive than Hilary Duff’s voice. We could listen to her sing, or just talk, for all eternity. When you combine that with some of the best pop music compositions of the decade, a masterpiece is born. Hear that voice charm the uncharmable in tracks like “Lies”, “Stay in Love”, and “Picture This”. Elegant Top 5 album Breathe In Breathe Out is one of the finest – and overlooked – pop records to grace modern times. More than 20 writers and producers from around the world were involved in the project (including Ed Sheeran and Tove Lo). The whistling “Sparks”, upbeat “My Kind”, and banger “One in a Million” will have you holding your breath. Don’t forget to breathe out.

10
Alizée
♦ Une enfant du siècle ♦

In 2010, French singer Alizée took a detour away from dance pop into the otherworldly climes of electronica, crafting a concept album unexpectedly dedicated to the life of mysterious Californian 60s icon Edie Sedgewick. In brief, the latter, an Andy Warhol backed underground actress and fashion model enjoyed a brief stint in the limelight before being snuffed out along with the so-called American counterculture experiment by overdosing on drugs when she was 28 years old. Alizée’s choice is interesting given that pop culture in 1960s USA is often thought of as dark, morose times, while, in sharp contrast, the period in France was a brightly lit renaissance with flashy fashions, upbeat music, and new wave cinema. Perfectly capturing the spirit of the wide-eyed protagonist, Alizée tells her story over a throbbing, rich tapestry of electronica that smartly runs with an undertow of melancholy. The concept album is a masterpiece to say the least, one that deserves a Top 10 placement on our Best Albums of the Decade list.

9
Kacey Musgraves
♦ Golden Hour ♦

“Texas is hot, I can be cold. Grandma cried when I pierced my nose” the American alternative country singer states in opening track “Slow Burn”, a song so simple and yet so unbelievably gorgeous, one is drawn into the music in a flash. For one of the most beautiful voices in music to carry the catchiest of songs with an ambiance of production filling the air with the sweetest of perfumes, this is the album that left fans of all genres of music completely stunned. Its winning the Album of the Year Grammy award was in the bag from the start. What’s in store besides the opener? Where do we begin? Find driving beats on “Lonely Weekend”, Vocoder on “Oh, What a World”, ace songwriting on “Love Is a Wild Thing”, the most exhilarating of choruses on “Happy & Sad”, and disco throbs on “High Horse”.

8
Haerts
♦ Haerts ♦

The eponymous debut full length from German synthpop duo Haerts feels as if it holds its head up through dark times. This blend of confident optimism and melancholy snugly cradles finely written tunes. Ocean waves crash and the cradle rocks, but never loses itself. Beyond the smatterings of similar genius that decked past landscapes (Book of Love and Propaganda come to mind), Haerts by way of sophistication demonstrates a perfect genre can be tweaked into an even more efficient machine. There is no track on here to be skipped over, and the emotions the music conjures expand the reach of the heart.

7
Say Lou Lou
♦ Lucid Dreaming ♦

These Swedish/Australian twins managed to put together songs on debut album Lucid Dreaming that leave a lasting imprint. Interest is kept through all tracks, a remarkable feat, as we dip our heads in devotion to the slickest of synthpop. “Everything We Touch” is an instant classic of the genre with choral flux offering great rewards. Pulse infused bass jam “Glitter” and arcade laced “Games for Girls” further the cause. Personality shines through on the sensual sincerity of “Julian” and ultra cool seduction of “Peppermint”. Both inventive and authentic, dreamy and sobering, Say Lou Lou’s Lucid Dreaming fills the air with iridescent bubbles and the earth with fluorescent dust; it ensured the 2010s were anything but drab. This is another entry on Billboard’s most overlooked albums of the decade list, and again we’re not overlooking it at all.

6
MLTR
♦ Scandinavia ♦

Creating a band name along the lines of Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Johnny Hates Jazz, Denmark’s Michael Learns to Rock or MLTR released its eighth album in 2012, Scandinavia, arguably the soft rock group’s finest achievement. Keeping alive the genre made a big deal by acts like Fleetwood Mac, Air Supply, and Chicago, this excellent album casts some potent fuel on the fire with drums, keyboards, guitars, and bass animating US-born lead vocalist Jascha Richter’s pleasant, salty singing. The punchy “Renovate My Life”, catchy “Any Way You Want It”, tasty “Heaven Is My Alibi”, and upbeat “Crazy World” are all superb. Fans of cool keys should dig “Hanging On”, and perhaps the crowning achievement is the final number, the title track, which can boast a chorus uplifting enough as to renovate the region that is … Scandinavia.

5
Diamond Rings
♦ Free Dimensional ♦

John O’Regan under stage persona Diamond Rings recruited producer Damian Taylor who has worked with Bjork and The Killers for his sophomore album. The refreshing sound hearkens back to the early 80s echoing the new wave synths of Blancmange, Simple Minds, and The Spoons. John goes all out on the project dressing the tunes with his cool, baritone voice, and himself (in the “I’m Just Me” MV) with a glittery space cadet wardrobe and square, diamond-themed shades. The music on this album is a giant leap forward from his last effort, and everything gels together in spades. The pop-rock has transitioned from unrefined glam-pop into a dynamic electronic universe rife with positivity, addictive hooks, and big choruses.

4
Tegan and Sara
♦ Heartthrob ♦

Tegan Quin, one-half of the identical twin sister duo, once said, “When we asked our parents if we could play music instead of go to university, they were really mad at us. And they agreed to let us do that for a couple of years. And somewhere in all that we signed a record deal with Neil Young and Elliot Roberts. And Elliot Roberts told us that when we were in our 30s we’d write good music, but that our 20s were for exploring the world and experiencing heartbreak.” The crowning achievement, after stacking up indie albums through their 20s, came with Greg Kurstin produced effort Heartthrob in 2013. The twins turned 33 that year. In a refreshing transition, the scruffy acoustics of turbulent youth were sculpted into the pristine glamour of synth pop. Verses cascade into dramatic choruses, and the driving horsepower seldom runs out of steam. Heartthrob delivers such a wallop, you will be forever grateful for being knocked into your senses. The album was rewarded with three JUNO trophies.

3
Carly Rae Jepsen
♦ Emotion ♦

Opening with a saxophone wake up call, the most seductive since the instrument’s use in Corey Hart’s “Never Surrender”, the third album from this triple JUNO winner, grows on you incessantly, and it is no wonder the disc was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. If the sax wasn’t hot enough to awaken the sun, the switch on of those catchy beats should do the trick. And then there are those booming synth pulses that could well make chorus history. The production on such an opener, entitled “Run Away with Me”, is so phenomenal, few would fail to utter the word, whoa. This blistering pop record has more good songs than most artists are able to muster in a lifetime. “I Really Like You”, certified gold, is an immediate charmer (“Who gave you eyes like that, said you could keep them?”) and one of eleven charting singles for the British Columbian singer. The title track smartly blends retro vibes with modern currents on the cutting edge of pop. Hooks flourish as in a fishermen’s convention on cuts “Gimmie Love” and “Your Type”, and bouncy bop “LA Hallucinations” has Carly deliciously elbowing “Buzzfeed­buzzards and TMZ crows” for spreading false rumours. Perhaps the most sensational of all is the slick chill of “Warm Blood” and its seductive vocal nuances. If … all that …. is not enough, there is companion disc Emotion Side B to be savoured. “The One” and “Fever” even border on outdoing everything on Emotion “Side A”. And to cap off the entire Emotion era is the most glorious song of them all: with “Cut to the Feeling” Carly Rae Jepsen proves she is pop music’s last stand. End of discussion.

2
Victoria Duffield
♦ Shut Up and Dance ♦

Original rock music was music you could dance to. You can dance to Bill Haley & His Comets. You can dance to Chuck Berry. That was its main attraction. That was its appeal. The Clash’s Joe Strummer in a Canadian interview reminded us of the fact. And, for music that makes you want to get up and dance, nobody does it better than triple threat Victoria Duffield (singer-songwriter, actress, dancer). Half the tracks from her JUNO nominated debut album Shut Up and Dance made the charts. One went platinum (the title track) and one gold (“Break My Heart”). While several writers worked on the disc, it is the cuts penned by Duffield and producer Ryan Stewart that really knock the ball out of the park. Add “Save Me” and “Final Warning” to a list of pop songs so good you won’t want this relatively short LP to end. The album pumps you up and hurls you into sunlit skies of unfailing ecstasy. Don’t miss out on the exquisite music videos made from the key numbers which feature the quick as Jackie Chan moves from its author, one heck of a professional dancer. Yet another album highlight is a collaboration with Cody Simpson. Victoria took what Britney Spears did, made the whole package so much better, and made it her own. This album was pop music’s finest achievement through the entire decade, an absolute winner.

Canadian Music Blog’s
♦ Album of the Decade ♦

Beating out all albums released round the world, in all tongues, and across all genres is a work dedicated to northern Asia. It takes the crown of the 2010s’ album of the decade. Its author, a brunette Canadian female soloist with quite possibly the world’s loveliest combover, in a splash of genius and electronic wizardry, created The Pleasure Principle of the 21st century, satisfying the anticipation that rose from her platinum synthpop debut LP, The Listening. Snuggled in a nest of nine charting singles (as the lone main artist) and three JUNO awards, the artist’s sophomore effort debuted at #3 and was quickly certified gold. Like a light saber, the music on this disc flickers and flashes in dazzling array but also burns through dense atmospheres in carefully choreographed slashes. Above the colourful gleam beams and fiery sparks shines the sweetest of voices carrying us through icy climates and gritty terrain of a place like, well, Siberia. It is magical, it is emotionally brutal, it is spooky, and it is gloriously euphoric. Among the standouts is the title-track, an ice-shattering thumper glittering with ethereal synths and sobering melancholy. The upbeat and sprightly “Toes” is as charming as the dreamy lush lullaby of “…And Counting”. “Cactus in the Valley” haunts eerily, droning along the edge of the unknown, but it also carries warm vocal breezes dripping with sincerity. One of the unexpected twists on the album is the inclusion of rapping talents from Shad which pop up briefly in a couple of spots. Rapping on an electronic pop-rock album may seem mislaid, but the production smartly pushes its intensity into the background, blends it with the assortment of effects, and we are reminded of an enervated traveller striving to survive in a post apocalyptic landscape like some scene from The Book of Eli. This record is just so damn good. Canadian Music Blog declares Siberia by Lights as the 2010s’ album of the decade.

1
LIGHTS
♦ Siberia ♦

Billboard Top Canadian Albums Year-End Chart For 2019

Soundtrack to the movie that has been re-done… how many times now?… A Star Is Born, with songs voiced this time around by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, was the number one album of 2019 in Canada according to Billboard. It is not a 2019 album however being released last year. The top 2019-released album is Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, at #2 overall. The American singer’s vocals, sounding like claws scraping the enamel off her teeth, has managed to obtain a double platinum standing in the Great White North. The highest album from a Canadian artist on the year-end Top 50 is Scorpion by nasally rapper Drake at #5, but again it was an album released in 2018. The 2019 album from a Canadian that bested all others can be found towards the bottom of the chart at #41, and that is Bad Habits from NAV. Yes, he literally rapped his way … to the bottom of the charts.

The Top 50 contains only 15 albums (30%) released in 2019 and 24 albums from 2018 (48%). The remaining 11 were released in prior years dating back to 2005, representing 22% of the chart. Eight of the albums (16%) are helmed by Canadian artists. View the year-end 2019 Top 50 albums in Canada below.

	TITLE	ARTIST	YEAR
1	A Star Is Born (Soundtrack)	Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper	2018
2	When We All Fall Asleep…	Billie Eilish	2019
3	thank u, next	Ariana Grande	2019
4	beerbongs & bentleys	Post Malone	2018
5	Scorpion	Drake	2018
6	Hollywood’s Bleeding	Post Malone	2019
7	Hoodie SZN	A Boogie Wit da Hoodie	2018
8	ASTROWORLD	Travis Scott	2018
9	Free Spirit	Khalid	2019
10	No.6 Collaborations Project	Ed Sheeran	2019
11	Bohemian Rhapsody (Soundtrack)	Queen	2018
12	Shawn Mendes	Shawn Mendes	2018
13	÷ (Divide)	Ed Sheeran	2017
14	Lover	Taylor Swift	2019
15	dont smile at me	Billie Eilish	2017
16	Love	Michael Buble	2018
17	Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse	Soundtrack	2018
18	This One’s For You	Luke Combs	2017
19	Goodbye & Good Riddance	Juice WRLD	2018
20	?	XXXTENTACION	2018
21	Championships	Meek Mill	2018
22	Origins	Imagine Dragons	2018
23	Stoney	Post Malone	2016
24	Diamonds	Elton John	2017
25	Kamikaze	Eminem	2018
26	Happiness Begins	Jonas Brothers	2019
27	Curtain Call: The Hits	Eminem	2005
28	7 (EP)	Lil Nas X	2019
29	Delta	Mumford & Sons	2018
30	Cuz I Love You	Lizzo	2019
31	Death Race For Love	Juice WRLD	2019
32	The Greatest Showman	Soundtrack	2017
33	American Teen	Khalid	2017
34	Sweetener	Ariana Grande	2018
35	Invasion Of Privacy	Cardi B	2018
36	Drip Harder	Lil Baby & Gunna	2018
37	DUMMY BOY	6ix9ine	2018
38	Dan + Shay	Dan + Shay	2018
39	I Am > I Was	21 Savage	2018
40	Evolve	Imagine Dragons	2017
41	Bad Habits	NAV	2019
42	Divinely Uninspired…	Lewis Capaldi	2019
43	DNA	Backstreet Boys	2019
44	Yer Favorites	The Tragically Hip	2005
45	Pray For The Wicked	Panic! At The Disco	2018
46	Not All Heroes Wear Capes	Metro Boomin	2018
47	Christmas	Michael Buble	2011
48	Shine A Light	Bryan Adams	2019
49	LoVE me NOw?	Tory Lanez	2018
50	Hurts 2B Human	P!nk	2019

Billboard Canada Hot Digital Songs of 2019 Year-End Chart

In many ways the digital songs chart is superior to what is considered the authoritative chart – the Hot 100, the latter being heavily influenced by streaming. Whether or not someone likes a song cannot be determined by radio airplay (that is settled upon by program directors), nor can it be determined by streaming. People stream to check out songs being promoted to decide whether or not they like them. Whether or not record companies have warehouses full of devices streaming their songs 24-7 to drive up the numbers is anybody’s guess (conspiracy theorists of the world unite!) But once a person spends money on a song, there is no denying that it resonates with him. Upon examining the chart below, we find some striking differences with the year-end Hot 100. Songs like “Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne, which didn’t make the Hot 100, show up here. On the other hand, Drake tracks that littered the Hot 100 are nowhere to be found on the digital chart.

RANK	TITLE	ARTIST
1	Old Town Road	Lil Nas X
2	Shallow	Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
3	Bad Guy	Billie Eilish
4	Senorita	Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
5	I Don’t Care	Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
6	Sunflower	Post Malone & Swae Lee
7	High Hopes	Panic! At The Disco
8	Without Me	Halsey
9	Someone You Loved	Lewis Capaldi
10	Happier	Marshmello & Bastille
11	The Git Up	Blanco Brown
12	Sucker	Jonas Brothers
13	Wow.	Post Malone
14	Walk Me Home	P!nk
15	Sweet But Psycho	Ava Max
16	7 Rings	Ariana Grande
17	You Say	Lauren Daigle
18	Dancing With A Stranger	Sam Smith & Normani
19	Truth Hurts	Lizzo
20	Always Remember Us This Way	Lady Gaga
21	Con Calma	Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry Featuring Snow
22	Knockin’ Boots	Luke Bryan
23	God’s Country	Blake Shelton
24	You Need To Calm Down	Taylor Swift
25	Youngblood	5 Seconds Of Summer
26	Bohemian Rhapsody	Queen
27	Nothing Breaks Like A Heart	Mark Ronson
28	Eastside	benny blanco, Halsey & Khalid
29	ME!	Taylor Swift
30	If I Can’t Have You	Shawn Mendes
31	Girls Like You	Maroon 5
32	Thank U, Next	Ariana Grande
33	Perfect	Ed Sheeran
34	One Thing Right	Marshmello & Kane Brown
35	Natural	Imagine Dragons
36	Beer Never Broke My Heart	Luke Combs
37	Be Alright	Dean Lewis
38	Sicko Mode	Travis Scott
39	Beautiful People	Ed Sheeran
40	Bury A Friend	Billie Eilish
41	Higher Love	Kygo X Whitney Houston
42	Bad Liar	Imagine Dragons
43	Taki Taki	DJ Snake
44	Circles	Post Malone
45	Head Above Water	Avril Lavigne
46	I’m Not Alright	Loud Luxury And Bryce Vine
47	Whiskey Glasses	Morgan Wallen
48	Never Really Over	Katy Perry
49	I’ll Never Love Again	Lady Gaga
50	Broken	lovelytheband

Canadian Hot 100 Labels and Imprints of 2019

Based on the success of their artists’ singles on the Canadian Hot 100, Billboard has ranked the record labels and imprints of 2019. Find two Top 10 lists below for those. The top label, unsurprisingly, is Universal and most successful imprint is Republic.

Canadian Hot 100 Record Labels of 2019

1. Universal
2. Sony Music
3. Warner
4. EMPIRE
5. eOne
6. Physical Presents
7. No Love
8. Glassnote
9. AWAL-Kobalt
10. Monstercat

Canadian Hot 100 Imprints of 2019

1. Republic
2. Interscope
3. Columbia
4. Atlantic
5. Capitol
6. RCA
7. Island
8. Darkroom
9. Epic
10. Joytime Collective

Billboard Canadian Hot 100 Artists of 2019, Year-End Chart

The Top 25 recording artists in Canada for 2019 determined by success of tracks on the Hot 100 finds Italian American singer Ariana Grande as champion. The top Canadian artist is Drake at #10 followed by fellow Ontarian Shawn Mendes at #11. They are the only two homegrown artists to make the chart.

1. Ariana Grande
2. Post Malone
3. Billie Eilish
4. Lil Nas X
5. Halsey
6. Khalid
7. Travis Scott
8. Ed Sheeran
9. Jonas Brothers
10. Drake
11. Shawn Mendes
12. Taylor Swift
13. Marshmello
14. Juice WRLD
15. Panic! At The Disco
16. Lil Tecca
17. Swae Lee
18. Lady Gaga
19. Cardi B
20. 5 Seconds Of Summer
21. Sam Smith
22. Lizzo
23. Camila Cabello
24. Lewis Capaldi
25. Maroon 5

Billboard Canadian Hot 100 of 2019, Year-End Chart

Billboard Canada’s year-end top 100 singles of 2019 are listed below. The top song of the year is novelty smash “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Rae Cyrus, a 2 minute and 37 second affair. The top track involving a Canadian artist is “I Don’t Care” by Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber at #8. With a lone Canadian as the artist, Shawn Mendes’ “If I Can’t Have You” takes the crown at #21. We have cleaned up the list by removing the eyesore of featured artists on this year’s chart unless it was a Canadian. Dual main artists are kept. Canadian artists are bolded in red. There are 14 entries with a Canadian as the main, co-main, or lone featured artist. The Canadian Hot 100 is determined by a weighting system of radio airplay, online streaming, and purchased downloads. More year-end and other Canadian charts can be found here.

RANK	TITLE	ARTIST
1	Old Town Road	Lil Nas X
2	Sunflower	Post Malone & Swae Lee
3	Bad Guy	Billie Eilish
4	Without Me	Halsey
5	Happier	Marshmello & Bastille
6	Shallow	Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
7	7 Rings	Ariana Grande
8	I Don’t Care	Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
9	Wow.	Post Malone
10	Senorita	Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
11	Thank U, Next	Ariana Grande
12	Sucker	Jonas Brothers
13	Sicko Mode	Travis Scott
14	Dancing With A Stranger	Sam Smith & Normani
15	Girls Like You	Maroon 5
16	High Hopes	Panic! At The Disco
17	Eastside	benny blanco, Halsey & Khalid
18	Sweet But Psycho	Ava Max
19	Someone You Loved	Lewis Capaldi
20	Ran$om	Lil Tecca
21	If I Can’t Have You	Shawn Mendes
22	Talk	Khalid
23	Truth Hurts	Lizzo
24	Going Bad	Meek Mill Ft. Drake
25	Youngblood	5 Seconds Of Summer
26	Money In The Grave	Drake
27	Con Calma	Daddy Yankee & Katy Perry Ft. Snow
28	You Need To Calm Down	Taylor Swift
29	Beautiful People	Ed Sheeran
30	The Git Up	Blanco Brown
31	Break Up with Your Girlfriend…	Ariana Grande
32	Goodbyes	Post Malone
33	Mo Bamba	Sheck Wes
34	Better	Khalid
35	ME!	Taylor Swift
36	Middle Child	J. Cole
37	Pop Out	Polo G
38	Taki Taki	DJ Snake
39	One Thing Right	Marshmello & Kane Brown
40	Panini	Lil Nas X
41	Bury A Friend	Billie Eilish
42	Better Now	Post Malone
43	No Guidance	Chris Brown Ft. Drake
44	Lalala	Y2K & bbno$
45	Close To Me	Ellie Goulding X Diplo
46	Be Alright	Dean Lewis
47	Walk Me Home	P!nk
48	ZEZE	Kodak Black
49	Circles	Post Malone
50	Swervin	A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
51	Pure Water	Mustard & Migos
52	Here With Me	Marshmello
53	When The Party’s Over	Billie Eilish
54	Lucid Dreams	Juice WRLD
55	I’m Not Alright	Loud Luxury and Bryce Vine
56	Thotiana	Blueface
57	Murder On My Mind	YNW Melly
58	The London	Young Thug, J. Cole & Travis Scott
59	Look Back At It	A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
60	Drip Too Hard	Lil Baby & Gunna
61	Nothing Breaks Like A Heart	Mark Ronson
62	Knockin’ Boots	Luke Bryan
63	Higher Love	Kygo X Whitney Houston
64	Never Really Over	Katy Perry
65	It’s You	Ali Gatie
66	How Do You Sleep?	Sam Smith
67	Only Human	Jonas Brothers
68	Beer Never Broke My Heart	Luke Combs
69	In My Feelings	Drake
70	God’s Country	Blake Shelton
71	SOS	Avicii
72	Saturday Nights	Khalid & Kane Brown
73	Love Me	Felix Cartal & LIGHTS
74	Who Do You Love	The Chainsmokers
75	Suge	DaBaby
76	MIA	Bad Bunny Ft. Drake
77	Boyfriend	Ariana Grande & Social House
78	Breathin	Ariana Grande
79	I Like It	Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin
80	Don’t Call Me Up	Mabel
81	Dance Monkey	Tones And I
82	Beautiful Crazy	Luke Combs
83	Cross Me	Ed Sheeran
84	A Lot	21 Savage
85	Baby Shark	Pinkfong
86	Robbery	Juice WRLD
87	South Of The Border	Ed Sheeran
88	Body	Loud Luxury Ft. Brando
89	Broken	lovelytheband
90	Look What God Gave Her	Thomas Rhett
91	Giant	Calvin Harris & Rag’n’Bone Man
92	Go Loko	YG, Tyga & Jon Z
93	Arms Around You	XXXTENTACION x Lil Pump
94	Summer Days	Martin Garrix
95	Shotta Flow	NLE Choppa
96	Lover	Taylor Swift
97	Piece Of Your Heart	Meduza
98	Let Me Down Slowly	Alec Benjamin + Alessia Cara
99	Highest in the Room	Travis Scott
100	Whiskey Glasses	Morgan Wallen

November 29, 2019 Releases; Marc Dupré, The Tea Party…

The highest profile release this week is the new one from pop ace Marc Dupré, Rien ne se perd. Back at it is alt-rock JUNO nominated band The Tea Party and EP Black River. Pop marvel Ian Kelly delights with an EP as well; Sous la glace is superb. There are a number of ambient and electronic works out. After many extended plays, The Coriolis Project pulls off the ultimate with LP Council of Three. Also worth checking out is Total Gipsy‘s Digital & Analogue. Find these fine discs and more in the table below. We’re approaching 600 LPs for the year and 200 EPs.

TITLE	ARTIST	GENRE
Constance	David Giguere	Pop
Council of Three	The Coriolis Project	Ambient
De temps et de vents	Bodh’aktan	Celtic
Debout!	Le Diable à Cinq	Folk
Digital & Analogue	Total Gipsy	Electronic
Fear the Leader	Fear the Leader	Metal
Gentil pour un noir	Raccoon City	Rap
Jay III	Jay Arner	Electronic
Qama’si	Q052	Rap
Rien ne se perd	Marc Dupre	Pop
Temporary Cures	Kliffs	S-S
Trèdouluxe	Vendou	Pop
Versatilite, Versatility	Francis Tétu	Jazz
Black River (EP)	The Tea Party (JN)	Rock
Sous la glace (EP)	Ian Kelly	S-S

November 22, 2019 Releases: Leonard Cohen, Maxime Landry…

A posthumous album of unfinished material from Quebec poet – recording artist Leonard Cohen is out. Thanks for the Dance is sitting at #2 at iTunes behind the new Coldplay album. Len’s son Adam dressed his dad’s vocals with musical arrangements for the disc. JUNO nominee Maxime Landry celebrates a decade in music with 10 ans déjà containing self-penned tunes as well as a bonus acoustic version of his big hit “Cache-cache”. Two pop princesses launch LPs. Delaney Jane of Toronto echoes Jolin Tsai’s ugly beauty concept with Dirty Pretty Things and Jocelyn Alice of Calgary points the finger in How Dare You. Both are Billboard Hot 100 charting artists and definitely on the move.

There are a couple of choice EPs worth checking out. Get funky with Orange Gecko‘s Amour et stupéfiants and enjoy some pleasant singer-songwriter delights in Jeanne Côté‘s Aller-retour. Find these and more in the table below.

TITLE	ARTIST	GENRE
Thanks for the Dance	Leonard Cohen (JW)	S-S
The Perpetual Optimist	Luke Lalonde	Roots Rock
America, Vol. 2	Alaclair Ensemble	Rap
Dirty Pretty Things	Delaney Jane	Pop
Ceci est une espece aimee	Saratoga	Folk
The Dark	Jocelyn Alice	Pop
Softie	Dan Edmonds	Alternative
Benevolence	Alexandria Maillot	S-S
Confessions	Sarah Jane Scouten	Folk
10 ans deja	Maxime Landry (JN)	S-S
Love	Ales Loverde	Rock
Les aleas (EP)	Deeshorty	Rap
Telescope (EP)	Tennyson	Alternative
You Can Walk on Water (EP)	Kyp Harness	S-S
The Swagged Out Pedestrian (EP)	Swagger Rite	Rap
Amour et stupefiants (EP)	Orange Gecko	Funk
Aller-retour  (EP)	Jeanne Côté	S-S