Downloads have affected the charts more than ever, meaning tracks now linger around for longer. Our team at Playlist have cast our minds back over the past 12 months and narrowed down our picks of the year… SINGLE OF THE YEAR Reverend And The Makers – Heavyweight Champion Of The World “I could be a contender,” declares Jon McClure, 25, on this, his band’s first single. With his mission statement out there, Jon has fast become a fabulous mouthpiece for indie.

He reckons there are not enough bands willing to speak their minds. True. And few could deliver such swagger, charm and utter dancefloor wonder as this beast of a tune. Hail The Rev. RUNNERS-UP Rihanna – Umbrella When the 19-year-old R B starlet returned with a third album no-one expected her to oust Beyoncй from her throne. But Rihanna did more than that – she stomped all over the genre in her spiky heels and gave it a much needed fresh lick of gloss.

Umbrella stayed at the top of the charts for what seemed a lifetime while the country was deluged with endless downpours of rain. An utterly class pop song from an equally splendid album. Good Girl Gone Bad boasts some stellar moments, including the lush ballad Rehab, which was penned by Justin Timberlake, 26. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black The album may have came out last year but 2007 really was all about Amy.

Sadly it wasn’t always her music that was being talked about but there’s no denying this is one class title track. The haunting look into 24-year-old Amy’s heart connected with people all over the world as her stunning voice wobbled with emotion. Powerful, moving and sublime. The Hoosiers – Worried About Ray Tipped first by this paper, The Hoosiers had a sensational launch year.