My oh my, 2012 was another season of quality cuts of varying styles, wasn't it? There's no denying the vocal heavy, deep house sound was a dominating theme across many parties, which was welcomed with open arms here at the Spotlight office, not to mention on the dancefloors across the island.
Here we have done our best to sift through our never-ending iTunes and YouTube playlists to bring you what we think were the biggest tunes of the 2012 season. No, it isn't all techno, we've kept it as eclectic as we dare.
You can find our Top 10 Tracks from July, August and September on our YouTube channel here.
Thoughts, opinions and suggestions are all welcome - we're already looking forward to compiling 2013's list.
1. Julio Bashmore
'Au Seve'
All season this tune has laid claim to a vocal, although small, that was instantly recognisible to everyone and we've loved this one from the first time we heard it. Hailing from Bristol, Bashmore has in many ways been one of the artists of the season and has much to be proud of, including the release of this track on his own label.
2. Sharam Jey
'Like Nobody Does'
Of all the times we saw Solomun play this season, whether it was at his own Diynamic parties or one of the many others he was guest at, this track was dropped. That familiar Montell Jordan hook took us straight back to our house party days and was a recipe for smiles island wide, leading the way for the disco infused deep house sound.
3. Kölsch feat. Troels Abrahamsen
'All That Matters'
Featuring the beautiful vocals of Troels Abraham, this track is best described by the man himself as 'romantic techno.' It stirs up all sort of lovely emotions and provides us with the right moment and inclination to give your mates a big cheesy squeeze on the dancefloor.
4. Pirupa
'Party Non Stop'
In a self-fulfilling prophecy, this track is titled after the result it produces. Naming your track after such solid clubbing advice was always going to make it a huge success on the island. Heard in literally every club on the island and at most parties, the kick snare paired with the deep bass sounded best on the VOID soundsystem of DC10 and Amnesia's terrace late morning, where on all occasions it absolute went off.
5. Pachanga Boys
'Time'
Already released last Winter, the Pachanga Boys (Superpitcher & Rebolledo) threw in this atmospheric 15 minute monster into the sound of 2012 pot. Serious candidate for best end-of-the-night tune or, maybe even better, an amazing after hours track. Getting lost in the music with your sunnies on and an ice cold hierbas con hielo...we dare you to beat it.
6. Wankelmut
'One Day'
Despite boasting an awkwardly comical artist name, this relaxed and slightly melancholy track was heaven to all ears across the many days of music this summer. It heavily samples from Asaf Avidan and the Mojos' Reckoning Song, causing the Berlin producer all sorts of copyright headaches since the song went unexpectedly went viral...
7. Todd Terje
'Inspector Norse'
This track is Spotlight's number one pick of the season, and we loved it most when Sven dropped it at the Cocoon closing party. Struggling slightly on account of a lack of techno fitness (it's a real thing ok!), this track picked us up and set the tone for what was one of the classic closing parties of the season. Be sure to check out the video, it's pure good fun disco music, reminding us never to take clubbing too seriously.
8. Gareth Emery feat. Christina Novelli
'Concrete Angel'
Being that this is a Gareth Emery track it was of course heard several times in the Cream main room (where we once described it as 'music to cry to') and at Privilege for A State of Trance. This is vocal/epic/cheesy/arms-in-the-air-trance at its very best. Don't be shy now, learn the words and join in at the chorus - you know you want to.
9 Gotye
'Somebody That I Used To Know' (feat. Kimbra)
You might have heard this one a few times. Every DJ and his dog had a crack at a remix, with varying success, so this song was heard in its many incarnations all over the island from Ushuaïa mainstage to Burger King toilets. We don't think we're alone in being the teeniest tiniest hugest bit sick of it by now, but it was a much loved fixture of the summer and the Australian-made original is still a quality tune.
10. Porter Robinson
'Language'
There were many brilliant tracks clamouring for the final position on this list, but Porter Robinson's shooting to fame and popularity has been undeniable. Ever since the young American took to the conference room at this year's International Music Summit we've heard this original and a few variations of it many, many times. Starting off as a beautiful little trance number, it drops into one of those synths that simply grabs you by the arms. Vamos!
