Happy New Year :)

There is nothing I like better each new year's eve than to get in at least 5-6 viewings of the gorgeous video above from Abba. Not only is the song entirely reminiscent, melancholic and wistful, but the "abba round a piano" performance from 1980 has a certain sadness to it when you consider that the world's finest ever pop group was soon to disband. regardless, it's an entirely beautiful song and one that has lasted through the ages. Below are a few more "time of the year" songs for your new year's celebrations. And may 2012 bring you all health, wealth and happiness! Mazel tov!

2011 NEW YEAR SONGS:

Magnus Carlsson ~ Arrival: It's an Abba instrumental, with new lyrics from Benny that were originally sung by Sarah Brightman, but now covered ably by Christmas (and presumably new year) loving Swedish all round good guy, Magnus Carlsson. Phew! Regardless of all the history, this is a lovely, elegant and stately tune with an almost pa rup pa pum little drummer boy beat, gorgeous floating instruments that give the song a real wintry flowing feel & of course those optimistic, hopeful lyrics that Magnus sings so well. Equally pop as it is broadway, I just love this pretty, inspiring tune :)

Lea Michele ~ Auld Lang Syne: Part of me can't help but think that nothing will top the camp rave of Mariah's 2010 discotastic version to ring in the new year. However, if you are looking for a different vibe to ring in 2012, you could do a lot worse that Lea Michele's Auld Lang Syne (from movie soundtrack New Year's Eve). It starts off very stripped back and beautiful before adding some layers and power to the proceedings, mirroring the oncoming swell of anticipation that approaches as the new year ticks ever so closer. Ever so dignified, ever so delightful.

Top 21 songs of the week:

21 ~ One Direction, Gotta Be You
20 ~ Erasure, Be With You
19 ~ William Young, Come On
18 ~ Same Difference, Music
17 ~ One Direction, One Thing (NE)
16 ~ JLS, Do You Feel What I Feel? (NE)
15 ~ JLS, Take A Chance On Me
14 ~ Auryn, Favourite Guy (NE)
13 ~ Leona Lewis, Hurt
12 ~ Marit Larsen, Coming Home
11 ~ Shona White & Daniel Boys, As Long As You're Mine
10 ~ Olly Murs, Dance With me Tonight
09 ~ Little Mix, Cannonball
08 ~ The Feeling, Leave Me Out Of It
07 ~ Eric Saade, Hotter Than Fire
06 ~ Nicola Roberts, Yo Yo
05 ~ The Overtones, Say What I Feel
04 ~ Simon Curtis, How To Start A War
03 ~ Boy Banned, Stars Are Saying Yes
02 ~ Madonna, Masterpiece
01 ~ Elouise, Dear Santa (5 weeks)

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE & ALL :D