Half-Way Hits: Best of 2011 So Far

So, we're half way through 2011 already and it's been a great year for music. Guitar bands have made their comeback in force, new bands are making their impact and some titans in the music world have exploded back onto the scene. So, here's my favourite twelve songs of 2011 so far:

1. Bridges Burning - Foo Fighters

The only way that this could possibly open is with this raucous rocker from Dave Grohl, and the opener for album 'Wasting Light'. The perfect way to signal in possibly their finest effort; robust, masculine, bold and driven rock from the five-piece, with guitars wailing and careering throughout and a fine vocal as well.

FIND ON: 'Wasting Light' - Foo Fighters

2. The Ballad of Mona Lisa - Panic! At The Disco

The return of Panic! At The Disco was made phenomenal by this track, classic Panic stylings with a amped buzz and a jubilantly swelling chorus. Bringing back memories of the mid-2000 emo boom, this is the best track on their solid comeback record.

FIND ON: 'Vices and Virtues' - Panic! At The Disco

3. Under Cover of Darkness - The Strokes

Squealing guitars, a bouncing drumbeat and an electric performance show that The Strokes were well and truly back on form for their infectious fourth album 'Angles'. They may have made it in troublesome times but the end product speaks for itself; ten tracks of the highest quality and this breezy indie-rock gem sets the standard.

FIND ON: 'Angles' - The Strokes

4. If You Wanna - The Vaccines

The first of a bout of promising new bands comes in the form of the saviours of rock 'n' roll, The Vaccines. Their fantastic debut album has led a revitalised rock scene, and 'If You Wanna' is the heralding track. Honest lyrics, a fast pace and hooking chorus see the newbies take the hottest new band title for 2011.

FIND ON: 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?' - The Vaccines

5. A Heavy Abacus - The Joy Formidable

An early album from the Welsh rockers but one that still stands out as one of the best, with 'A Heavy Abacus' being the highlight from their brilliant debut record. Heavy and innovative at the same time, this track sees their punkish side burst through and Ritzy Brian's floating vocals power through.

FIND ON: 'The Big Roar' - The Joy Formidable

6. I Just Had Sex - The Lonely Island (feat. Akon)

The undisputed kings of musical comedy proved they weren't a flash-in-the-pan with this infectiously brilliant number. 'Incredibad' set the standard and new album 'Turtleneck & Chain' has furthered it with this the calling card - jubilant, better R'n'B than most 'R'n'B' stars and the performance of Akon's entire career.

FIND ON: 'Turtleneck & Chain' - The Lonely Island

7. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People

Another new band to make an impact this year are Foster The People with their MGMT-brand of synth-happy pop, and 'Pumped Up Kicks' is one of the tracks of the year so far. It may be about a high-school shooting but it's happy, hooking and infectious from first listen and a perfect taster of a good album.

FIND ON: 'Torches' - Foster The People

8. Lippy Kids - Elbow

The melancholies from Manchester may well have written many people's album of the year with their sombre and sorrowful effort, of which 'Lippy Kids' was the best on show. An ode to the chavs on your street corner, Guy Garvey's dulcet tones are the perfect tonic to any sore head and make for a gently soothing epic.

FIND ON: 'Build A Rocket, Boys!' - Elbow

9. Atlas Hands - Benjamin Francis Leftwich

In the over-saturated field of the acoustic singer-songwriter, Benjamin Francis Leftwich ticks all the boxes for perfection - soft guitar, heartfelt vocals and touchingly personal lyrics, and all put together it makes for a brilliant album. 'Atlas Hands' is the best of a good bunch.

FIND ON: 'Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm' - Benjamin Francis Leftwich

10. The Morning Son - Beady Eye

The surprising element of Liam Gallagher's new guise was the touching melodies of some of Beady Eye's songs, with mellow effort 'The Morning Son' the best. Acting as his band's 'Champagne Supernova', the chilled feel and acoustic strums show to everyone that there was more than one talented songwriter called Gallagher in Oasis.

FIND ON: 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' - Beady Eye

11. Time Machine - Viva Brother

The most talked-about new band, alongside The Vaccines, with their infectious and hooking brand of Britpop-esque guitar pop. There are numerous candidates for their best song, 'Darling Buds Of May' runs it close but the immense release of the chorus just about takes the prize for 'Time Machine'. Look out for the up-coming album.

FIND ON: 'Famous First Words' - Viva Brother (due August 1st)

12. That's Where You're Wrong - Arctic Monkeys

There's no other way this collection could end without mentioning the all-conquering return of Britain's finest - Alex Turner and Co. did it again and showed everyone how it is done. Melodic, bright, ranging from raucous sing-a-longs to delicate pleas to lovers, lyrically extraordinary and musically outstanding, it's all in a days work for Arctic Monkeys. And album ender 'That's Where You're Wrong' is the perfect way to end this set.

FIND ON: 'Suck It And See' - Arctic Monkeys

There you go, and we've still got six months to go. That will include records from Kasabian, Noel Gallagher, Viva Brother, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay and others to come. Boom. And to leave you, here's a little nibble of what's to come - Kasabian with 'Switchblade Smiles'. Tasty.

NWR