2012 Countdown: Top 20 Songs (#10-1)

10.) “Demonstrate”

JoJo

It may be another year past and STILL no new JoJo album, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t release new music! Here we have her embracing her inner goddess (being as how she was inspired by the book 50 Shades of Grey) and collaborating with Drake’s producer Noah “40” Shebib. They brought us sexy, seductive, and free.

9.) “Cherry Wine”

NaS & Amy Winehouse

Along with Aaliyah, Amy Winehouse came back to pay us a visit on her sweet collaboration with rapper NaS. In this beautiful song, NaS does the damn thing while Amy takes her time, reminding us all juts how much we miss that silky voice of hers.

8.) “Where Have You Been”

Rihanna

There’s no stopping Rihanna when it comes to dance songs, and this one was certainly no exception. Thank you Rihanna for getting us on our feet once again with this lovely dance track.

7.) “Somebody That I Used To Know”

Gotye & Kimbra

No need for any introduction here, this track is pure magic! And not to mention that the video is pretty extraordinary too. It’s nice to see and hear something so alternative and quirky make it so mainstream nowadays.

6.) “Climax”

Usher

Usher may not exactly be up to par in his career like he used to in the good ol’ days of My Way or Confessions, but he still knows how to bring the sexy swag to our ears. This standout out song of the year was a bit different than what we’re used to hearing on the radio, but that falsetto got us all crooning for more.

5.) “Skyfall”

ADELE

Another year, another ADELE song making it close to the top! James Bond and ADELE just seem to go perfectly together. Here’s to hoping for a big win at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars for this retro piece of music.

4.) “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)”

John Legend & Ludacris

One of the most memorable movies included this memorable song throughout, which is no surprise why it’s always stuck in my head after watching it. Think Like a Man had an incredible R&B soundtrack, but nothing compares to this sexy piece from two fine gentleman like John Legend and Ludacris.

3.) “No Church In the Wild”

Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Frank Ocean

Of course we have to include the incomparable pairing of Jay-Z and Kanye yet again, but this time adding the genius that is Frank Ocean. This album opener to their massive hit Watch the Throne gets things bumping right off the bat, and as a single this song was used for pretty much every movie trailer released if they wanted to add something hard, dramatic, and cool all at once. Well done boys, well done!

2.) “Adorn”

Miguel

I have to show love for Miguel, a man I came to love and cherish back in 2010 when he opened for Usher and Trey Songz. Since then he has become one of my favorite singers in R&B with his Prince beats, sexually-charged lyrics, most importantly this romantic serenade that gets us all two-stepping on the dance floor.

1.) “Thinkin Bout You”

Frank Ocean

And of course, topping the list for me is my favorite of the year, Mr. Ocean. He had it all right with this somber R&B/Hip-Hop track, bringing out his lower register and throwing in that powerful falsetto over his incredible vocal stamina.