Death By Airplay Top Ten Singles Of 2010: #1

Marina And The Diamonds - Hollywood

It takes something special to beat Robyn’s masterpiece and this song is it. If 2010 is remembered for one artist, it should be Marina Diamandis. She’s one of the most interesting, creative and talented artists in music at the moment and seems to have a gift for writing sugary pop music with a biting satirical edge in their lyrics. This is her finest moment so far. Happy New Year.

Death By Airplay Top Ten Singles Of 2010: #4

N-Dubz - Best Behaviour

The video is one big exercise in showing off. The lyrics are as subtle as a right hook from a night club bouncer. And yet it’s all saved by a soaring, whallop of a chorus. If it was written by anyone but N-Dubz, it would have been hailed as a brilliant anthem of tour burnout and song writing. A top track.

Death By Airplay Top Ten Singles Of 2010: #5

Rihanna - Rude Boy

Easily the standout single from her “Rated R” album, this wonderfully playful track still sounds fantastic, nine months after it was released and played to death on the airwaves.

Death By Airplay Top Ten Singles Of 2010: #6

B.O.B Feat. Hayley Williams - Airplanes

Hayley Williams may have endured a traumatic end to the year with her song writing partner and former boyfriend walking out of Paramore, but she’ll be best remembered this year for her star turn alongside B.O.B. A neatly crafted, wistful collaboration, Williams’ vocals make the song, which was one of the most played this year and yet it still sounds great.

Death By Airplay Top Ten Singles Of 2010: #7

Florence & The Machine - Heavy In Your Arms

The only new release from Florence & The Machine turned out to be an absolute belter. All the best bits from her “Lungs” album all compressed into one track. It was ornate, graceful, lavish and full of vocal yearning. Deserved more attention than it got.

Death By Airplay Top Ten Singles Of 2010: #8

Crystal Castles Feat. Robert Smith - Not In Love

Taking a break from abrasive, Nintendo sampling electronica, Crystal Castles suddenly went all hands in the air pop, with a little help from the Cure’s Robert Smith. And it really really worked. All cooing vocals and a stupendous chorus. One of these an album from now on would be brilliant.

Death By Airplay Top Ten Singles Of 2010: #10

#10: Hurts - Wonderful Life

The Mancunian duo’s debut single, which tells the story of a suicidal middle aged man being talked down from jumping over a throbbing 80s pop soundtrack, has one of the year’s most uplifting and irresistible choruses. The best thing they’ve done so far and more than likely, the best thing they’ll ever do.