1) William Fitzsimmons – I had to carry her

I love this guy. His entire discography has this soft, soothing quality about it like a hot drink on a bitter winter’s day, that makes everything seem okay. The studio version hasn’t surfaced on YouTube yet but here’s a pleasant live performance of it. Beautiful song.

2) Victoria Beckham – Let Your Head Go

Guilty pleasure, as most of the Spice Girls’ solo material tends to be! In all fairness, whilst Victoria lacked vocal ability (she’s definitely found her niche in fashion designing), her brief pop career was enjoyable. She produced some great pop hits. This is dance-pop at its best; irresistibly catchy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcskhTEHAP0

3) Will Young – Blue

Despite being a long-term fan of Will, new album ‘85% Proof’ left me greatly underwhelmed. Previous album ‘Echoes’ marked a change in direction but it had flare. ‘85% Proof’ falls a little bit flat for me – there’s no particular stand-out track strong enough to represent the album (hence why lead single ‘Love Revolution’ failed to make the Top 40). 85% Proof isn’t awful – it’s well written and has a nice flow to it, it’s just not really my thing if I am honest. This is one of a sheer minority that I enjoyed a lot during my listening experience, however. It’s got a ’70’s feel to it – a kind of glam-rock sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrBPqZ4-dz4

4) Backstreet Boys – She’s a Dream

Lyrics aside (a boyband declaring that “Shorty ain’t got cable, she don’t even got a radio” is rather idiosyncratic but what more can you expect from a song co-written by T-Pain?!) this is a fine piece of R&B. It feels like all participants have had a somewhat fantastic time tampering with as many gadgets and effects on this one, especially with its over-usage of autotune, but its rich harmonies and catchy beat make it an irresistible track.

5) Lemar – Very Best

Lemar’s last album ‘Invincible’ was criminally underrated. It marked a departure from his usual R&B/Soul sound and advanced more into a pop-rock territory. Unfortunately, it massively underperformed which is a real shame when it’s such a strong, enjoyable album. “Very Best” is one of its high points, a rather sweet and sentimental affair with a powerful message. The middle eight (1:56 – 2:19) is also one of my favourite parts of a song ever.

6) 5ive – Let’s Dance

One of the first singles I ever bought. Pop perfection.

7) S Club 7 – Love Ain’t Gonna Wait For You

Catchy disco-pop from the group’s final album ‘Seeing Double’. It’s a little more mature than the group’s earlier material but still manages to be catchy with an irresistible sing-along chorus.

8) Alesha Dixon – The Way We Are

I’m not a massive fan of Alesha or her music, although ‘To Love Again’, written by Gary Barlow & John Shanks was a beautiful song and ‘The Boy Does Nothing’ was a great track too. This is enjoyable, however. Catchy and a return to her Garage roots.

9) A1 – Caught in the Middle

Without a doubt, one of the greatest boyband ballads ever. I wouldn’t even regard this as a guilty pleasure, it’s that bloody good. More mature than the band’s earlier work, this was a risk that paid off and this became a massive hit back in 2002. That middle eight is awesome too.

10) Wet Wet Wet – Goodnight Girl

One of my all time favourite love songs. Marti Pellow has such a beautiful voice and the layered harmonies are gorgeous. I love the concept of the song too.