1. “All Night” by Icona Pop
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FWRT9C9XMQ&w=584&h=390]
An infectiously catchy song that deserves to be just as big as their ubiquitous lead single.
2. “January” by Disclosure
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gvT2LOryG4&w=584&h=390]
Your hipster friend’s new favorite band, Disclosure has an incredible range and this is their best, a electronic dance anthem harkening back to Earth, Wind and Fire.
3. “The ‘59 Sound” by The Gaslight Anthem
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw3w1iKiq8M&w=584&h=390]
The Gaslight Anthem has yet to top this, their signature track about heartache, longing and nostalgia that does The Replacements and Bruce Springsteen proud.
4. “Roar” by Katy Perry
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CevxZvSJLk8&w=584&h=390]
This song, while trite, is designed to pump you up — and dammit if it doesn’t work like gangbusters.
5. “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLx11xq6X7Q&w=584&h=390]
West’s lead single off “Yeezus” is the best of the year, a song that’s off-putting, mesmerizing and genuinely blood-pumping, a track that makes you feel like a total badass.