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.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be running an on-site feature to accompany the radio show countdown. In Part 2, we run from 33 down to 17.
33. Copyright feat Donea'o – My Desire (Julian Gomes Remix)
The house scene in South Africa is thriving, with Julian Gomes squarely routed as one of the country’s most established producers. His remix of Copyright’s ‘My Desire’ pushes it into a deeper direction while maintaining the impact of Donae’O’s lush vocals.
32. Santos Resniak – A Better Light (Martinez Brothers Remix)
‘A Better Light’ refused to leave the vinyl bags and CD wallets of a host of DJs throughout the Ibiza season this year, the charismatic synth hook and rhythmic percussion rasping through every club on the island.
31. Deetron feat Ben Westbeech –Rhythm (Karizma's Kaytronik Wiv'em Remix)
Both Ben Westbeech and and Deetron have has exceptional years, and their collaboration on the warm, uplifting ‘Rhythm’ is one of many highlights. Remixes came from the dexterous hands of Will Saul & October and Karizma, with the latter adding a signature moody vibe to the cut.
30. Chris Malinchak – So Good To Me
Supported by the likes of Annie Mac and Zane Lowe and championed by Pete Tong as an Essential New Tune, there was no surprise Chris Malinchak’s chilled-out summer warmer achieved No.2 in the UK charts. The pairing of its emotive vocals and soft, soulful chords was beautifully handled and appealed to a staggeringly widespread audience.
29. Tooth Faeries – Dust & Ashes (Crooked Ashes)
Released on Luke Solomon and Derrick Carter’s seminal Classic Music Company, ‘Dust & Ashes’ received a renovation from experienced and longstanding producer Crooked Man who transformed it into a rough-edged cut which saw support from Damian Lazarus, Skream, Waifs & Strays and Flashmob.
28. Jimpster – These Times (Dixon Refix)
Dixon loved the original version so much he said he wished he had signed it to his Innervisions labels. His doesn’t stray too far away from Jimpster’s version, simply adding a few creative touches to take it to the next level.
27. Terrence Parker feat Reno Ka – Finally (Louie Vega Dance Ritual Mix)
Released on Planet E, ‘Finally’ is pure, soulful house and came with remixes from two other longstanding industry legends Carl Craig and Louie Vega – the latter of who adds sci-fi synths and eclectic percussion to create an epic, ten minute masterpiece.
26. Romanthony – Bring U Up (PBR Streetgang Remix)
Originally appearing on his own Blackmale label in 1995, Romanthony’s ‘Bring U Up’ was originally an underground favourite, eventually becoming one of the most-loved vocal tracks of the late 90s. December last year saw a string of today’s acclaimed producers take on the opportunity to remix the classic with PBR Streetgang delivering a particularly deep and bassy refit.
25. Close feat Joe Dukie – My Way (Dusky Remix)
Will Saul has had a busy few years, with labels Simple and Aus Music as well as under his recently disclosed moniker Clos. Dusky’s remix of ‘My Way’ transformed the track from tranquil, soulful and downtempo to rhythmic, energetic and thumping to provide another display of the duo’s incredible production dexterity.
24. Agoria – Scala
Innervisions continue to impress this year, and ‘Scala’ is perhaps the greatest examples of patiently escalating euphoria from French producer Agoria.
23. Chasing Kurt - From The Inside
Refreshingly original ‘From The Inside’ is a indicative of Chasing Kurt’s distinctive modern and deeply personal take on house music. One of the most affecting vocal cuts of the year.
22. Motor City Drum Ensemble – Send A Prayer Pt. 1
MCDE’s Send A Prayer EP was a well-rounded release packed, with this cut boasting futuristic synths, murky moans and unexpected bursts of saxophone. Another winner from one of house’s most reliable exponents.
21. GotSome feat. Get Along Gang – Bassline
Bristol based duo GotSome are promising up-and-comers and their debut track ‘Bassline’ has already earned itself a budding fan base with support from the likes of Annie Mac, Mistajam, Skream, and Toddla T. Annie Mac was such a fan she even featured it on her Annie Mac presents... album, and with the heat just starting to build on this record it’s not hard to see why.
20. Osunlade – Dionne
Osunlade’s ‘Dionne’ is a summery soulful house viber which saw a digital release only after prices for the limited vinyl run hit absurd levels on Discogs. The track is an embodiment of the Yoruba sound and a true reflection of the label founder’s inimitable production prowess.
19. Omar S – The Shit Baby
As the man behind tracks ‘Tonite’ and ‘SEX’ as well as the acclaimed label FXHE, Omar S is somewhat of a legend in electronic music. Responsible for three seminal albums, his most recent titled ‘Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself’ includes everything from deep and dark techno all the way up to upbeat piano ridden house tracks and ‘The Shit Baby’ is one of his stand out tracks from the album capturing old school vibes with its analogue bassline and soulful background piano.
18. Ten Walls – Gotham
Omnipresent is Ibiza this year, Ten Walls’ ‘Gotham’ has garnered immense support throughout the scene. Unconventionally typical of Innervisions in its aesthetic, its release was another marker than 2013 is possibly the strongest year for the label yet.
17. Imany – You Will Never Know (Oliver $ remix)
Oliver $ sinks his teeth into Imany’s original song, transforming the Kenyan artist’s gentle vocal track into a pumping house rhythm which slowly and gradually builds before reaching a colossal drop. Another remix pulled-off in spectacular fashion by the Berlin producer.
