30

Maroon 5 - Harder To Breathe

Artist link:3 28 43

Given their current ubiquity, it's hard to believe that a little over a year ago Maroon 5 were virtual unknowns. Then, with only the machine-gun rim-shots of the intro as warning, this song exploded, and they rose without trace to become the band the whole country loves, even your slightly deaf grandmother, who previously would only listen to Perry Como. They've succeeded where groups like Matchbox 20 and Lifehouse have failed, by sneaking their strange southern states fusion of rock, soul and R&B past UK immigration and onto the nation's airwaves, accomplishing the unbelievable feat of making Terry Wogan sound cool and funky along the way. And never has having an asthma attack sounded sexier.

Greg B

No of votes: 13, Score: 74, Highest vote: 2nd

28

Razorlight - Golden Touch

Artist link:4 38

Whilst in 2004 the Libertines lurched, coughed, spluttered, bounced in and out of rehab, and finally curled their toes skywards (well, I think it's all over bar the shouting), an old schoolmate of Libs man John Hassell (who used to play with them on occasions) emerged to bring us Razorlight. Yus, that Johnny Borrell has got a mouth that, if opened wide enough, can cause total solar eclipses, but he's also got quite a vocal range on him. Other tracks on their superb debut album "Up All Night" have him either tearing his larynx apart, but here he's giving it a bit of a rest, which suits this tale of chasing the "fit but my god, don't she just know it" girl. Yeah, the Libertines are certainly fulfilling the rock and roll ethos in all respects, but musically, I'm siding with this lot.

Jason M

No of votes: 13, Score: 86, Highest vote: 1st

26

Damien Rice - Cannonball

Simple, beautiful and released as a single a good 23 years (or thereabouts) after the album 'O', this was the song that whipped pop radio behind Damien Rice and made his debut record the coffee table hit of 2004. Which beats me; because if coffee is not the coffee table hit of any year then they should probably change the name of the table to something more appropriate. And what's the CD doing there anyway? Is the stereo on the coffee table as well? The householder would have to do something very creative with the cables to make sure they aren't a home hazard and it wouldn't leave much room for a cappuccino or any other beverage for that matter. Or was it left there deliberately so that when Julia finally 'comes up for a coffee' then she can see how ultra with-it you are? You first put on 'O' to set the mood and change it for some Maroon 5 when you want things to become "a little more funky". Secretly though, Julia is laughing at you because she was still a virgin when she first heard 'Cannonball' - it was that long ago. And Maroon 5??? Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

Danny G

No of votes: 14, Score: 50, Highest vote: 1st

24

Girls Aloud - I'll Stand By You

Artist link:12 13 13 18 26 47

Okay so some may claim that the classic Pretenders song may have been better left alone. Charity singles, after all, have a certain reputation for tackiness, which lets face it, is often deserved despite the good nature of the cause. But to their credit the Girls Aloud crowd managed to raise the bar for this cover whilst at the same time managing to benefit Children In Need. A slower, more sophisticated number than some of their most recent efforts that certainly brought the song to a new audience. Pretenders fans however, are probably still spinning.

Spencer G

No of votes: 14, Score: 73, Highest vote: 3rd

22

Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath

Artist link:46 50

Well, it's a song that doesn't really go anywhere. But it doesn't have to in my book. Not so sure about the OTT gyrations on show from the once squeaky-clean queens of pop but this song rattles along. Keep up.

Jon B

No of votes: 15, Score: 81, Highest vote: 1st