Best Songs Of 2013: The Top 5

Every one of these songs are stone-cold hits. Make sure to check out the rest of the list on the blog!

5. "American Girl" by Bonnie McKee

For those of you that didn't know, "American Girl" was the very first Song Of The Day post on Nonstop On Top Pop! And rightfully so. This patriotic slice of good old-fashioned electropop comes courtesy of certified hit maker Bonnie McKee and easily takes the cake as her best work to date. Ultimately, Bonnie has all the goods to be 2014's greatest popstar and she has all of Q4 to do it.

4. "Habits" by Tove Lo

"Habits" holds a special place in my heart as I discovered Tove Lo early on and thus, knew a trendsetting popstar before most others even knew she existed. Now, Habits is sitting nicely just outside the iTunes charts and Billboard Hot 100. Come on, "I eat my dinner in my bathtub, then I go to sex clubs" is the best opening line in the history of pop. And Tove's album has shaped up to be the best of 2014. All in all, you go Tove Lo (a la Mean Girls)!

3. "Beloved" by Say Lou Lou

Technically, this was a B-side to another really amazing song. But seriously, the fact that Say Lou Lou created a B-side better than the vast majority of hits from the past decades just boggles the mind. First off, a ballad has never gotten this high in my rankings before. But "Beloved" was so devastatingly beautiful, so poignantly heartbroken, and just so fantastic it had to make it to 3rd place. And the girls already have claim to best album of 2015. Amazing.

2. "SuperLove" by Charli XCX

It happened. Out of all the hits Charli XCX has made since she was seventeen, she managed to top them all with SuperLove. How could this be possible you ask? Well, it takes all her quick fire pop hooks that made you fall in love with her and matches it with a fun pop-rock melody. And it came 6 MONTHS after her album dropped. Charli is nothing if not a hard worker and 2014 finally saw how good of a popstar she is. And that's why she will always be my favorite.

1. "I Love It" by Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX

I'm sorry to say that it was rather obvious that "I Love It" was going to be the best song of the year. A simple 2 and a half minutes of pure recklessness, joy, anger, and general fucklessness. It never occurred to anyone that Icona Pop had it in them, but I Love It seemed destined to be the worldwide hit that gave the girls a reputation as Sweden's best export of party music. But more importantly, it set the stage for Charli XCX's takeover as the best songwriter in the industry right now. It's always great when good pop is recognized and thankfully, "I Love It" will go down in history as a success story for all music. And I will forever be a 90's bitch. 

Congratulations 2013 for having amazing music and here's to 2014 for giving us the same!

Best Songs Of 2013: #10-6

10. "What I Like" by Charli XCX

2013 was the year Charli XCX signaled her true destiny as queen of all things cool and amazing. "What I Like" is a dizzyingly fantastic rap/pop song about a modern relationship. Her debut album was the best of last year and this song is just one of 13 amazing songs off that album. Charli "knows just what I like!"

9. "Trouble" by Neon Jungle

Neon Jungle came storming in last summer with this legitimately insane pop song that introduced them as the newest girl band in town. How it was not a number 1 I will never know but "Trouble" will forever go down in history as one of the most innovative and ridiculous songs ever created.

8. "Music to Make Boys Cry" by Diana Vickers

What happens when you mix one of X Factor's best singers with one of Norway's best pop groups (Donkeyboy for those curious)? We get the best song off Diana Vickers' newest album! How ingenious is it to write a love song about writing love songs to make boys cry? Diana really should just sing every Disney soundtrack going forward right? Right.

7. "Release You" by Megan & Liz

It wouldn't be a good year in pop music without a one hit wonder from someone who really didn't deserve it. "Release You" was one of the greatest Max Martin written singles to ever be created but it unfortunately went to Youtube sensations, acoustic-loving Megan & Liz. If you're going to give songs to twins, just hit up Say Lou Lou or Tegan & Sara. OMG, this would have been the best comeback single for The Veronicas! Oh well, so let's just remember it for what it was and move on (for the record, it was amazing).

6. "You Don't Love Me" by Whinnie Williams

There is literally nothing wrong with this song. In fact, everything about this Parisian soundtrack to a heartbroken love is spectacularly brilliant. This reinvention of Sunday Girl as the Saint Etienne-esque, puppy-loving Whinnie Williams was one of the best things to happen last year and she has continued to do so until today. Cheers!

Best Songs Of 2013: #15-11

15. "Strangers" by Seven Lions & Myon & Shane 54 feat. Tove Lo

This is where things start to get really good. "Strangers" is an amazing dance song that starts off like a love song, then goes into fun dub step part, then gets all quiet and you can feel all the emotions Tove Lo is bringing, before properly going off into a dance floor belter. All in all, a magnificently romantic EDM song that brings Seven Lions, Myon & Shane 54, and Tove Lo to the top 15.

14. "Sweetness Alive" by Goldroom feat. Say Lou Lou

If there was a song where paradise was personified, it would be Sweetness Alive. Goldroom takes all the heartwarming synths to a tropical land of mystical romance and happiness. He even knew that Say Lou Lou could bring it to the next level thanks to their heavenly vocals. Ultimately, this song should have been number 1 in at least 80 countries. But at least it was number 1 in my heart (this was a really cheesy post I'm sorry, this song is really just that magical).

13. "Gentlemen" by The Saturdays

Oh dear god, now THIS WAS UNEXPECTED. This throwback song by The Saturdays was definitely not something anyone expected. Basically, each Saturday takes a turn talking about how guys are dicks and gentlemen are only from 1995 (the year I was born in may I add!!!) before going into a rap about hot guys. Brilliant. "GO GO GO 90's!"

12. "Work Bitch" by Britney Spears

You wanna hit single? You wanna become an icon again? You wanna create one of the best songs ever? You better work bitch! And that's exactly what Britney Spears did. 10/10 Godney, well done!

11. "Rough 'n' Soothe" by Ronika

Ronika has always been a favorite of mine and once again brought an amazing 70's disco throwback with a tropical twist this time. Even though I have no idea what the hell a Rough and Soothe is. Now, this song is spectacular, which means the top 10 must be really fucking good. Get excited!

Best Songs Of 2013: #20-16

20. "Underneath The Tree" by Kelly Clarkson

Who could bring a holiday song to the Best of 2013 list? What, Mariah who? NO! It's everyone's favorite Kelly Clarkson! Her Christmas album wasn't as spectacular as Leona Lewis's but Underneath The Tree is a holiday classic in the making and could easily overshadow "All I Want For Christmas Is You" if people would just give it one listen.

19. "Party Over" by Amelia Lily

This was the last great song Amelia Lily has had. It's also the last song she made with Xenomania. Unfortunately, those two facts appear to be connected. This fast-paced killer of a song was Amelia's third single and never reached the heights of her past songs despite being her best work yet. This led to Xenomania dropping her from their label and scrapping her potentially amazing album. Boo hoo, it was fun while it lasted right?

18. "Heart Attack" by Demi Lovato

Out of all the post-Disney stars to become musicians, Demi Lovato is really the only one that has true pop wonder at work. She has a killer voice that can tackle ballads as well as bangers. As with most people, the latter is much better and "Heart Attack" sealed the deal. If the chorus was just repeated for 4 minutes, it would still be in the top 20. Amazing.

17. "The Way" by Ariana Grande feat. Mac Miller

When you have a song that shoots straight to number one on iTunes in 3 hours, clearly you're doing something right. Ariana Grande had a lot of things going for her and thanks to her fans and that insane voice, she really has taken over the world. "The Way" just happened to be the beginning.

16. "Somebody Loves You" by Betty Who

Betty Who has been milking this song for well over a year now. It makes sense because the song is exceptional and made Betty a household name based on pure talent. And gay marriage proposals can only help careers. So all in all, good for you Betty Who!

Best Songs Of 2013: #25-21

25. "Disintegration" by Monarchy feat. Dita Von Teese

An electronic song that screams lust and passion hasn't exactly hit the market recently but Monarchy has managed to do it. The mysterious duo have been on the edge of achieving legendary pop status for a while but it wasn't until "Disintegration" that they did it. It doesn't hurt that they teamed up with sex symbol Dita Von Teese. Perfect bedroom song in my opinion.

24. "Paper Heart" by Chlöe Howl

Chlöe Howl just gets it. Not only did she make a ridiculously catchy song about telling a guy to fuck off, she made 2013's best music video to match it. Only Chlöe would make an extravagant anti-proposal video! What have you been doing Sam Smith? (Besides getting an internationally acclaimed debut album…)

23. "Move" by Little Mix

Little Mix have never really impressed me post X Factor as much as everyone else. That is, until they released "Move," a Girls Aloudian meets the The Supremes pop tune that did exactly what it sought out to do. MOVE!

22. "C O O L" by Le Youth

This innovative R&B dance song marked the beginning of my love affair with Le Youth. Anyone who can sample Cassie while changing the entire game of dance music definitely has a place in the top 50. And it may just be that his album becomes the best of 2014.

21. "Applause" by Lady Gaga

LADY GAGA CAME BACK! This was the Gaga that all of us fell in love with, an art-obsessed, pop-culture smart lady who knows exactly how to put on a show. "Applause" was exactly how a comeback single should have been and although ARTPOP wasn't the roaring success it should have been, at least we know Gaga still has the hits up her sleeve.

Best Songs Of 2013: #30-26

30. "Wings" by HAERTS

The indie beach-pop stylings of HAERTS surprised me in just how captivating it was. Thanks to the breezy guitars coupled with haertwrenching vocals, the band soon became a staple amongst the underground lovers of alternative. Hopefully, the rest of their debut album shapes up to be like the soaring "Wings."

29. "Marabou" by Antonia

This ridiculously beautiful lady is Antonia, a Romanian singer who makes some pretty good music. The music is so good that it managed to make this list. "Marabou" should be the soundtrack to every romantic summer getaway. Simply magical.

28. "What's Going On?" by Monsieur Adi feat. A*M*E

Why can't A*M*E be on more singles this year? Once again, she touched this slice of classical music turned chic disco-tinged tune with her magic. Monsieur Adi has been an excellent remixer and this song showed he can do just fine with his own stuff. Well until next time Monsieur.

27. "Real Slow" by Miami Horror

Disco rockers Miami Horror returned in 2013 with "Real Slow." One of the most honest songs about just living life as slow as possible with people you love, it really doesn't get better than this. And once again, a rave piano always gets to us good.

26. "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz

Shout out to my friend Andries for introducing me to Macklemore. With "Thrift Shop", we got a cultural phenomenon that wasn't too ruined by social media. Overall, a strong rap song that disguised itself as a dance song. And honestly, when we all look back to 2013, we'll all remember that little girl who asked "Can we go Thrift Shopping????"

Best Songs Of 2013: #35-31

35. "Safe With You" by Alex Metric & Jacques Lu Cont feat. Malin (from Niki & The Dove)

"Safe With You" literally has everything: Pop's premier DJ Alex Metric, superstar producer Jacques Lu Cont aka Stuart Price, singer Malin from Niki & The Dove, the best electronic duo to come out of Sweden, ice skating, video game blips, soulful choruses, and that X factor to make it special. Why couldn't Cheryl Cole have done that for her comeback single?

34. "Need U (100%)" by Duke Dumont feat. A*M*E

Collaborations just keep getting better at this point. "Need U (100%)" gave Duke Dumont a trend-setting hit single, A*M*E got her first #1, and MNEK got a Grammy nomination for helping to write it.  Here's to more hits for all of you!

33. "Bon Voyage" by Marlene ∞

Sweden once again brings us a great new talent in Marlene (infinity sign). "Bon Voyage" is a classic Scandinavian pop song that combines strong organic beats with that undeniably catchy chorus. Makes you want to take a trip over there doesn't it?

32. "Lost In The Mix" by YYZ

The English by Canada pop group that is YYZ made a huge splash with bonkers song "Lost In The Mix." Nothing beats a good four on the floor beat and YYZ has made a dance song that has enough attitude to slay all the soul queens in the world. Should have asked for a song like this while you could Adele!

31. "I Wish" by Cher Lloyd feat. T.I.

Cher Lloyd is an underrated pop star and "I Wish" was an underrated pop single. A cute song about wishing to change for a hot guy always has a place in my heart and will have a place in yours too. Probably would have made the top 10 if T.I. hadn't ruined the bridge with his craziness. 

Best Songs Of 2013: #50-46

We are about to enter a very special time. The first day of October not only signals the fact that we're close to the end of the year, Christmas, and overall magic, but this magic extends to music as well. Such is the time known as Q4. Here is a quick summary of why Q4 is so amazing and to honor this magnificent time where tastemakers make Best Of Lists, I have decided to put up my Best Of 2013 list for Songs! Unlike my Best Albums of 2013, I will be posting 5 songs in descending order for the next 10 days until October 1st. Hope you enjoy!

50. "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

Daft Punk finally got a major hit after working so hard and this also began Pharrell's takeover at the end of 2013. It may have been higher up on the list if the radio hadn't overplayed it to death. But that guitar riff tho? A+

49. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke feat. Pharrell & T.I.

Despite the huge amount of anti-feminism and douchebaggerie of this song, Robin Thicke did claim the Summer Song of 2013 with this breezy throwback jam. In all honesty, it was just Pharrell doing all the work again, seeing as how Robin's new album wasn't exactly a success #nojusticeforPaula

48. "Pompeii" by Bastille

For all the basics out there, this song was in fact released last year and immediately put Bastille as my favorite semi-indie band of 2013. "Pompeii" was an excellent debut single that showed innovation and guts really. I mean, a gregorian chant in a pop song? Had to make the top 50.

47. "The Apple" by V V Brown

Now don't run away just yet. V V Brown made an incredible return to pop music thanks to her reinvention as a gritty, dark pop princess of the night. "The Apple" evokes all shades of Grace Jones and needs a couple of listens to truly understand the colossal heights this song builds up to. The French version is also rather spectacular, because as Diana Vickers can attest, everything sounds better in French.

46. "Roar" by Katy Perry

Once again, this song may have been higher on the list if the radio didn't play it to oblivion. Still, it's a classic Katy Perry empowerment anthem that displays just how consistent of a popstar Katy can be. A little Bonnie Mckee didn't hurt either though right? Right.

Best Songs Of 2013: #45-41

45. "Team" by Lorde

It's kind of sad that I'm old enough that major popstars are younger than me. It does however make me happy that maturity and wisdom at a young age can actually be appreciated by the public. So Lorde has given us hope for the future and "Team" is the best example of that.

44. "Flatline" by Mutya Keisha Siobhan

Much like how 2012 brought us the brief return of Girls Aloud, 2013 saw the rise and fall of the Sugababes. By that I mean, the current lineup of the Sugababes finally called it quits and the Origibabes returned to us as Mutya Keisha Siobhan. Not only that, they brought us this breezy summer single that makes me very excited for their upcoming album, if only they would BLOODY RELEASE IT!

43. "White Noise" by Disclosure feat. Alunageorge

Disclosure broke through America this year with some help from Sam Smith but "White Noise" was their biggest hit in the UK and is leagues above that Latch song. This may be due to Alunageorge being consistently amazing but considering the rest of Disclosure's album is good too, this just seems like a win all around.

42. "Bipp" by SOPHIE

No, you're computer is not having a malfunction. Those sounds would be "Bipp" by the mysterious producer SOPHIE (apparently it's a man). When a song has you questioning your sanity as you're listening to it, there is probably something really special there so congrats on taking #42 Mr. Ms. SOPHIE.

41. "I Was There (Where Were You?)" by Le Grind

There is no way in hell that this flamboyant, disco-inflected tune would not end up in the Top 50 of 2013. "I Was There" is one of the best debut singles I've heard in the past decade and Le Grind should be up to big things. Imagine if RuPaul used this during a lip synch for your life?!?! As long as the new stuff is just as gay as this song, I think us homosexuals are in good hands in terms of music. #SLAY #WORK #QUEEN