When we started this list, we mentioned that there were a few surprises along the way – this is no doubt thanks to the fact that we’re counting down tracks, not singles, that were released in 2010 in any form.
What surprised even us, however, that the number one spot would not go to a single, but rather a favourite track off an album that came in at number one on our recent “Albums of 2010” countdown. But before we get there, let’s start in with number 10 …
10.
Currently touring the country, The National are blowing audiences away with their live renditions of songs from their outstanding record, High Violet. So it’s no surprise to see one of the most popular tracks from said record make the top 10… and deservedly so.
The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio
9.
Making their second appearance into the countdown are Brooklyn’s Yeasayer, with their ridiculously entertaining track “O.N.E” – the video is pretty great too!
Yeasayer – O.N.E
8.
Foals made a huge splash with their sophomore record, Total Life Forever, but no track resonated with audiences quite like “Spanish Sahara”. The beautiful, powerful number shows the band reaching an apex of creativity – and the fact they were allowed to produce a music video for a song that isn’t exactly “commercially viable” is a testament to just how great the track is. Enjoy!
Foals – Spanish Sahara
7.
I’ve got to be honest… my money is on this track to take out the Hottest 100 charts for 2010, but for us, the tongue-in-cheek “Fuck You” comes in at number seven…
Cee Lo Green – Fuck You
6.
Taking out the “favourite Australian track of 2010” category are, unsurprisingly, The Temper Trap.
The Temper Trap – Love Lost
5.
Arguably the best single The Black Keys have ever put out, “Tighten Up” is an impeccably catchy number that is made all the more endearing by a wonderful music video. The ability of their two piece to avoid stagnation and bring out triumphant record after triumphant record is truly astounding…
The Black Keys – Tighten Up
4.
Kanye returns to our countdown with one of the more intriguing tracks off his latest record. It also brings together a ridiculously diverse group of artists, a testament to Kanye’s drive to create original music.
Kanye West (ft. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver) – Monster
3.
Jonsi spellbinds audiences in Sigur Ros, but it was his 2010 solo album Go that solidified his position among the greats of modern music. The album is truly a standout of the year, and this track deserves all the critical acclaim it’s received – including its spot as number three on our countdown.
Jonsi – Go Do
2.
Kanye completes his dominance on our countdown by coming in at number 2 with the lead single from his latest, highly acclaimed album.
Kanye West – Runaway
1.
We come to the end of our countdown with the lone entry from Arcade Fire – no, it’s not The Suburbs or We Used to Wait or even Ready to Start – all singles from the successful album – but rather the final full length track on the album. A number of contributors named it their favourite track of the year, citing the power of Regine Chassagne’s vocals, the lyrical splendour and the high production values among the reasons for it being their favourite track on the album – and of the year. But put simply: It’s a beautiful climax to an incredible album.
Arcade Fire – Spawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Thanks to all the contributors who voted and thanks to all of you who have read through this eclectic mix of our favourite tracks of 2010. We’ll be back later in the week with our Favourite Gigs of 2010 list… until then, Happy New Year!
