42. My Heartbeat – Annie
Not actually released as a UK single until February or March of this year – but some promos and remixes are already out, which is good enough for me. Besides which, when this turns out to be the huge hit which it manifestly deserves to be, then I’ll be able to say, all nonchalant-like: Oh, that old thing? It was actually in my “best of 2004” list, actually actually I think you’ll find.
Just as Gwen Stefani may be the continuation of Madonna by other means (and my, what a heated debate you’ve been having about that one), so My Heartbeat is a continuation of Saint Etienne (and Dubstar) by other means. It soars, it glides, it bills and it coos. Dream-eh!