Matthew's Personal Top 100 of 2002

[matthew_dixon]

6 people thought it was Avril Lavigne. I can confirm, you are all wrong!

3. Avril Lavigne - Complicated
The biggest find of 2002 would have to be Avril Lavigne. I have mentioned above about the wealth of talented girls-with-guitars this year, and Avril surely has to come top of the pile. Complicated is one of the catchiest popular rock tunes of recent times, and I have to say that my top 3 were all pretty close.

This year has seen an abundance of female pop/rock stars, but none of them can quite match the quality of Avril Lavigne. Taking the musical style of Alanis Morissette and revamping it into a slightly more accessible form, Avril has produced what will surely be one of the biggest hits of the year. Without much shelf space, it's already had several weeks inside the Top 75 on import, and songs like that normally go to No. 1. The only exceptions this year have been from Ashanti and Nickelback, who both missed out due to clashing with a Pop Idol. Sadly the same will be true of Avril, though I predict a massive No. 2 for her.

[Deadman]

Wow - i thought that Avril, Nickelback and Elton would make your top 3 as well!

I would say the order would be:

1. Elton John
2. Nickelback
3. Avril Lavigne

I'm right so far!

[Terence]

Ok Deadman, you're with Elton and I'll bet on Nickelback ok?

[Deadman]

Yeah okay but could you change the wording slightly?

[Muzikritik]

^^ LOL at jlo's funny wording!

[Terence]

Are you referring to this:

you're with Elton

? - I just realized this now!

Ok then - you will be happy if Elton is #1 and I'll be happy if Chad Kroeger and co are #1, happy?

[matthew_dixon]

At 2, I never made it as a wise man. I tried to cut it as a poor man stealing. This is

2. Nickelback - How You Remind Me
The greatest rock track of the year came from grunge rockers nickELback (whom for most of the year, I couldn't spell the name of!) It was stuck at number 5 on release (behind Lasgo and three of the year's top 10 selling tunes!) It hung around for ages, rather like most of the songs I like. It fulfils everything a good rock track should be - although I'm not sure on what the specific criteria are. The top three were very close, but Nickelback are the runners up.

This will be a massive seller. This will be in the Top 40 of the year. Sadly, however, this won't get to No. 1 - due to a certain Mr Will Young standing in the way. It has been massive in America and No. 1 across the globe. Nickleback are a Canadian band, rather like crossing Bon Jovi and Nirvana, with a pinch of Staind, and it works very well. It's the biggest rock anthem of quite a few years - easily this year's "Teenage Dirtbag". The only problem Nickleback may have is following it up.

and wasn't I right about the last line!

[matthew_dixon]

I would say that your favourite track this year was probably Elton John's "This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore" Matthew.

I am thinking that Elton is your fave too.

Can I change my mind and say Elton!

1. Elton John - This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore

Well here it is, my favourite song of the year. It was back in 1992 that I first got into Elton John (please, no silly jokes on wording!), and have never looked back since. He has produced high quality and unique music throughout a career that spans for three decades. He "used to be the main express, all steam and whistles heading west". He has reached the West coast, and his album "Songs From The West Coast" is arguably some of his greatest work ever. This track is the ultimate highlight - and showcases just what a talent he has. He has had a massive year, notching up this farewell single, and then a second top 40 success to finish off his last album... followed that by going top 5 with Alessandro Safina and more recently capping it off with a No. 1 hit with Blue (which is notably absent from my list here!). This train may not stop here anymore, but this song is an amazing single to leave on.

At a recent American gig, Elton John said that "Songs From The West Coast" was to be his last record (something he later claimed as 'him having a bad day'). If this is true, then he leaves us with one of his best singles ever. It looks back over what has been an amazing career, with lines like "I used to be the mad express, all steaming whistles heading west". The video features Justin Timberlake as Elton and shows his more youthful era. A quality single from one of the greatest ever performers.

[eamezey]

Thought it would be! Must give that song a listen as I have to admit to only hearing it a couple of times. Well done Matthew, my list will be finished soon.

[Deadman]

Are you referring to this:

you're with Elton

? - I just realized this now!

Ok then - you will be happy if Elton is #1 and I'll be happy if Chad Kroeger and co are #1, happy?

Yeah thats what i meant - thanks for changing it! I don't mind really if either of the two win - Avril didn't so i'm happy!

[Deadman]

Yeah great work Matthew - there was a few surprises lower down the chart it was mainly as i thought it would be.

[SeaBass]

interesting mix of musical genres on your best-of list for 2002. i like that you're not afraid to admit you like a few artists who are not considered "cool" by most UKMixers, like gareth gates and ronan keating. you seem to have a bias towards modern rock acts, but that's okay, i enjoy listening to that type of music. although, i think you should have included one of the many great tunes by natalie imbruglia, possibly beauty on the fire! and not enough dance music, but that's my opinion.