- Mon, 2012-01-23 12:22
It's BRITS time again, and to celebrate the fantastic array of artists up for awards at this year's ceremony we've put together a playlist. We couldn't fit absolutely all of the nominees on, so we've gone for a healthy mixture of the slightly less mainstream acts alongside the stone-cold, chart-topping, world-conquering superstars. Hopefully our choices will reflect the Awards themselves, with the big and the small rubbing shoulders in a glorious harmony of top quality talent.
So, dig in and enjoy the fruits of another great year in music, and remember to tune in and find out who wins which awards on February 21st.
1. Florence & The Machine – Lover To Lover
Nominated for: British Female Solo Artist, British Album of the Year
Going from strength to strength in 2011, Flo and her machine scored their second number one album with the epic Ceremonials.
2. Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks
Nominated for: International Breakthrough Act
This laid-back anthem was an absolute staple at festivals over the summer, whether the band were there themselves or not!
3. Blur - Coffee & TV
Awarded: Outstanding Contribution to Music
From snotty Britpop upstarts to national treasures, we’ve now enjoyed 23 years of Blur, and their contribution to music has unquestionably been an outstanding one.
4. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – AKA...What A Life
Nominated for: British Male Solo Artist
Something of a national treasure himself, the ex-Oasis man’s first musical endeavour since the break-up of his band has been a hugely successful one.
5. Elbow – With Love
Nominated for: British Group
They’ve worked long and hard to win themselves a place in the big league, and now Elbow are showing no sign of going anywhere.
6. Anna Calvi - Desire
Nominated for: British Breakthrough Act
Given the nod from the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, Anna Calvi arrived in 2011 with a stunning debut album that proved rock is far from dead.
7. The Vaccines - Post Break-Up Sex
Nominated for: British Breakthrough Act
One band who proved that internet hype could translate into commercial success, The Vaccines’ guitar-pop really struck a chord with the masses in 2011.
8. PJ Harvey - The Last Living Rose
Nominated for: British Female Solo Artist, British Album of the Year
Her eighth album Let England Shake caused a massive stir, packing an intellectual and political punch as well as delivering yet another striking musical reinvention.
9. Fleet Foxes – Battery Kinzie
Nominated for: International Group
Everybody’s favourite American folkies returned this year with another album of haunting harmonies from the ancient Appalachian mountains.
10. Feist – Bittersweet Melodies
Nominated for: International Female Solo Artist
Canada’s first lady of stripped-back, soul-bearing indie released her fourth studio album, Metals, to universal acclaim.
11. Laura Marling – Night After Night
Nominated for: British Female Solo Artist
Last year’s shock winner of this award, Laura Marling released yet another album of beautiful folk this year with A Creature I Don’t Know.
12. Michael Kiwanuka – I’m Getting Ready
Awarded: Critics Choice, 3rd Place
Kiwanuka’s simple approach to the classic soul sound has seen him tipped to be one of 2012’s runaway success stories.
13. Coldplay – Us Against The World
Nominated for: British Group, British Album of the Year
A headline slot at Glastonbury 2011 and their fifth consecutive number one album confirmed Coldplay as one of the biggest bands in the world.
14. Lana Del Rey – Video Games
Nominated for: International Breakthrough Act
Few new artists have caused quite as much excitement in recent years as Lana Del Rey, and if her early popularity continues through 2012 it’s sure to be a huge year for her.
15. Kate Bush – Wild Man
Nominated for: British Female Solo Artist
A true musical legend, Kate Bush’s 50 Words For Snow was her first album of new material for six years, but was well worth the long wait.
16. James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream
Nominated for: British Male Solo Artist
Blurring boundaries between genres with his innovative production and soulful vocals, Blake’s self-titled solo album was a contentious but brilliant debut.
17. Bon Iver – Calgary
Nominated for: International Male Solo Artist, International Breakthrough Act
Long a cult favourite, Justin Vernon’s Bon Iver found themselves embraced by the mainstream in 2011 following their souped-up second album.
18. Rihanna – Man Down
Nominated for: International Female Solo Artist
No introduction is needed for 2011’s most prolific pop artist, with enough chart-topping singles in the last twelve months to last anyone else an entire career.
19. Beyoncé – Love On Top
Nominated for: International Female Solo Artist
Possibly in possession of the most stunning set of vocal chords in pop today, Beyonce’s latest album, 4, was yet another triumph.
20. Emeli Sandé – Daddy (feat. Naughty Boy)
Awarded: Critics' Choice. Nominated for: British Breakthrough Act
Already well on her way to establishing herself as a major player in mainstream music, Emeli Sande’s debut album promises to be one of 2012’s finest.
