Every year we countdown the 50 Most Rated records of the year in the Defected Radio show, with hosts Copyright running through the cuts that have made the most impact from a year in house.

With so much incredible music released over the last 12 months it’s almost an impossible task to boil the list down to a mere 50, and while we’re in no way saying that this is a definitive list, we hope that it’s at least representative of house music in 2013.

In the final part of our countdown, we run from 16 down to 1.

Listen to the radio show


16. Storm Queen – Look Right Through (MK Dub III)
This remix is a perfect example of Marc Kinchen’s ability to take an underground track, chew up its vocals and spit out a smash hit. Originally released on the Deep, Down & Defected series back in 2012, the track had an explosion in views on YouTube and near-fanatical crowd reactions when played by the legendary producer. A year later and it achieved number five in the Top Shazamed Songs of 2013 as well as topping the UK Singles Chart, an incredible achievement for MK and house music.


15. NR& (Nomi, Rampa, &ME) – Enemy
NR& is a soulful three-piece composed of Keinemusik regulars Rampa and &ME alongside New York singer Nomi. ‘Enemy’ has been supported by the likes of MANIK, Tensnake, Axel Boman, Catz ‘n Dogz and Daniel Bortz and is one of many quality releases to come out of the fresh and exciting Berlin based imprint.


14. Marlon Hoffstadt & Dansson – Shake That
One of the underground feel-good hits of the year, ‘Shake That’ layers the catchy vocals of Nate Dogg on top of a punchy beat and bouncy bassline for hip shaking results. The track is due to be released again early next year accompanied by a remix from Shadow Child which has just been featured as Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune.

13. Jazzanova – I Can See (Konstantin Sibold Remix)
Breach AKA Ben Westbeech is known for both his voice and production prowess which is why its unsurprising that he has become so sought out by other artists for his vocal talents. The original ‘I Can See’ appeared in 2008 but it was not until this year when Konstantin Sibold sunk his teeth into it where it developed into a pumping modern house track equipped with warm bass and Xylophone sounds.


12. Disclosure feat. Aluna George – White Noise
Disclosure has seen tremendous commercial success particularly with their debut album Settle being nominated for Best Dance Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. Their second single of the album, ‘White Noise’, peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart blasting them into the spotlight and setting them up nicely for a busy worldwide touring schedule.


11. Cajmere, Dajae, Oliver $ - We Can Make It
The longstanding companionship between Cajmere and Dajae becomes a threesome with Oliver $ joining in to add a touch of Berlin flavour. Released as part of Cajmere’s highly acclaimed Too Underground For The Main Stage album, the track encompasses everything from soulful vocals to heavy, rhythmic percussion to create a distinct sound at the centre point of three extremely talented artists.


10. Midland – Trace
Mixmag have labelled Midland as one of their Stars of The Year; unsurprising considering the producer’s percussive and rhythmic signature sub-genre of house has taken the scene by storm throughout 2013. Released on Will Saul and Fink’s Aus Music imprint, ‘Trace’ is a dark and decadent cut possessing an analogue bassline, booming kicks and an indistinguishable vocal exemplary of the producer’s inimitable sound.


9. Kings Of Tomorrow feat April – Fall For You (Sandy Rivera's Classic Mix)
Under his Kings Of Tomorrow moniker, Sandy Rivera teamed up with UK singer April Morgan for their third reunion to create this superbly soulful track. ‘Fall For You’ is sultry and emotive with a wandering bassline, warm piano chords and beautifully romantic vocals which merge to create a stunning release reflective of the legendary producer’s talent.


8. Hot Natured feat Anabel Englund – Reverse Skydiving (Shadow Child Remix)
Super group Hot Natured has just been chosen as Mixmag’s Act of The Year having had a massive 2013 with both an album and a string of commended releases under their belt. ‘Reverse Skydiving’ was one of their stand-out anthems with Anabel Englund’s catchy vocals consistently on everyone’s lips throughout the summer. UK based producer Shadow Child stepped up to provide a contrasting rendition in a striking display of his bass-led characteristic sound which has kept dancefloors grooving throughout the duration of the year.


7. Guti – Hope
‘Hope’ spearheaded the arrival Defected’s promising sub-label DFTD in spectacular fashion at the start of the summer in the first of many exciting releases from both Guti and the imprint. Its mellow vibe and atmospheric synths complete with enchanting gospel vocals formed a warm sunshine anthem which soon became the soundtrack to the white isle.


6. Green Velvet – Bigger Than Prince (Hot Since 82 Remix)
Green Velvet AKA Cajmere first released the original of ‘Bigger Than Prince’ on Yousef’s Circus X album but with such promising potential it was later released again with Leeds-based artist Hot Since 82 tapped to remix the track. Upon release ‘Bigger Than Prince’ shot up the Beatport charts to claim the number 1 position and had such an influence on fans that festivals were amass with people wearing “walk around like you’re bigger than prince” t-shirts throughout the summer.


5. FCL – It's You (San Soda's Panorama Acca Version)
One of Defected’s greatest vocals anthems of the year, ‘It’s You’ saw remixes from a variety of talented producers including the likes of industry legends MK, David Morales, Flashmob and Mr Fingers. San Soda’s Panorama Acca Version is the original mesmerising accapella of which its limited vinyl presses saw it reach up to $500 on Discogs which is a true reflection of the quality of the stripped back vocal.


4. Dennis Ferrer – Mind Ur Step (Original Mix)
A highly regarded producer in his own right and the man behind massive hit ‘Hey Hey’, Dennis Ferrer knows how to produce soulful house and ‘Mind Ur Step’ featuring Janelle Kroll is further addition to his already commendable discography. The track comes complete with deep throbbing bass, rhythmic percussion and synth stabs which altogether forged a colossal summer smash hit.


3. Dusky – Careless
Dusky are no doubt two of today’s paramount producers who possess remarkable flair in churning out back-to-back releases which become gigantic underground floorfillers. Another track from the reputable Aus Music imprint, ‘Careless’ flew up the Beatport charts in September to knock Hardwell clean off of the top spot in a true display of the strength of the deep house movement against the monolith many refer to as EDM.


2. Breach – Jack
One of this year’s most seminal tracks from Ben Westbeech, ‘Jack’ is 2013’s most iconic crossover house anthem making waves in both the underground and the commercial sphere and peaking at number 9 in the UK Singles Chart. The vocals belong to the producer himself who edited them to create the most infectious vocal lead to come out of the scene this year – not bad for a track which was initially a B-side.


1. Ninetoes – Finder
Released on Kling Klong in April, ‘Finder’ soon became THE summer hit with its Caribbean vibes and steel drums warming up revellers across the globe. The track was championed by the likes of Carl Cox, Mark Knight and David Squillace as well as being featured in Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune which is some incredible support for the mysterious German producer. A worthy Most Rated track of 2013.