The Feeling
I had a hunch early on that British band The Feeling would be something special, and I wasn't disappointed. Their debut single, "Sewn," however, didn't at all indicate the direction most of the band's music would take. While "Sewn's" piano balladry evoked Coldplay and Keane, the rest of the band's 2006 singles, "Fill My Little World," "Never Be Lonely," and "Love It When You Call" showcased the band's knack for catcy, joyful retro pop/rock. They're my pick for best new artist of 2006.
Orson
Orson was the other hot new band of the year. Despite being quite popular in the UK and still unheard in the US, they hail from Hollywood California. "No Tomorrow" remains their best release, but "Bright Idea" and "Happiness" weren't bad. Like The Feeling, Orson never heard a pop hook they didn't like.
Lily Allen
Lily Allen was this year's hottest new solo artist. She burst on the scene during the summer with #1 hit "Smile," about taking pleasure in an ex's folly, followed quickly by "LDN," her ode to London.
James Morrison
I had a hunch early on that British band The Feeling would be something special, and I wasn't disappointed. Their debut single, "Sewn," however, didn't at all indicate the direction most of the band's music would take. While "Sewn's" piano balladry evoked Coldplay and Keane, the rest of the band's 2006 singles, "Fill My Little World," "Never Be Lonely," and "Love It When You Call" showcased the band's knack for catcy, joyful retro pop/rock. They're my pick for best new artist of 2006.
Orson
Orson was the other hot new band of the year. Despite being quite popular in the UK and still unheard in the US, they hail from Hollywood California. "No Tomorrow" remains their best release, but "Bright Idea" and "Happiness" weren't bad. Like The Feeling, Orson never heard a pop hook they didn't like.
Lily Allen
Lily Allen was this year's hottest new solo artist. She burst on the scene during the summer with #1 hit "Smile," about taking pleasure in an ex's folly, followed quickly by "LDN," her ode to London.
James Morrison
James Morrison and Paolo Nutini were the male troubadour singers duking it out this year for James Blunt's crown. James Morrison won, at least in my book. "You Give Me Something," "Wonderful World" and "The Pieces Don't Fit Anymore" were all great soulful pop singles, each one better than the next. I almost bought his album...almost.
Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley
The Danger Mouse / Ceee-Lo combination was this year's Gorillaz; the alt pop/rock/rap group that defied genre categorization while delivering the critics' favorite track of the year in "Crazy," (this year's "Feel Good Inc.") also the biggest selling single in the UK of the year. I guess it comes as no surprise that Danger Mouse was also the producer of Gorillaz's 2005 album, Demon Days.
Corinne Bailey Rae
The other fresh female voice from Britain was far more sincere, and garned a lot of attention for her breezy debut single, "Put Your Records On," which received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.
The Kooks
The Kooks
UK rock band The Kooks had big hits this year with "She Moves in Her Own Way" and "Naive," both great tracks. Another act whose album I was this close to purchasing.
Arctic Monkeys
Admittedly, the Arctic Monkeys' debut album just didn't do it for me, but that doesn't mean I don't recognize they were an important force this year, picking up the Mercury Music Prize and landing on a slew of critics' year-end lists. My favorite release from them so far was the post-album (non-album) summer hit, "Leave Before the Lights Come On," so perhaps they're second album will be even better.
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