Haim - Don't Save Me

It's that time of year, so just brace yourselves, 'cause everyone and their mama is gonna be talking about what up-and-coming acts you should watch out for in 2013. I'm going to throw my support behind the three LA born and bred sisters that make up Haim. I first discovered Alana, Danielle, and Este's music this summer as I traveled through Europe and was immediately captivated by their debut EP, particularly the track Go Slow, which just simmers with retro goodness. I imagine that their debut album, which should be out in '13, will be filled with similarly remarkable cuts like the aforementioned and new single, Don't Save Me.

Mika - Underwater

Underwtaer is the 2nd single taken from Mika's new and third album The Origin of Love which is out now. I love the way the song builds up to that really powerful chorus. The video find Mika on top of and underwater, so I'd say that they've remained true to the song's title.

Icona Pop - We Got The World [SWE]

Swedish duo Icona Pop caused a stir last year when they released their debaucherous anthem I Love It. Caroline & Aino, the two talented ladies who compose the band, have jusrt released their self-titled debut album in their native land. Like their name suggests, their music is Pop with a capital 'P', but still very clever. Songs like We Got The World are absolutely ready for radio.

Non Tiq - Love Machine [SWE]

Sweden's legacy as the home of stellar pop music continues with this new track and video from singer, Non Tiq (stage name of Nora Lindkvist). It's oozing with cool sex appeal and the video features some remarkable gesticulations.

Ansiktet - För Stor [SWE]

Last winter I fell head over heels for the song Äckligt by newcomers, Ansiktet. The duo are inspired by 80/90's pop boybands in their lyrics and overall sound, but visually they completely veer from the bubblegum mold. They released their latest single För Stor (Too Big) late this summer and I've been listening to it constantly. The video, like their last, will leave you guessing.

Mutine - Pose tes mains [FRA]

Mutine are a French duo who have a penchant for pop. Their 2nd single Pose tes mains (lay your hands) is a romantic and simple track that goes from mild to just a little bit wild.

Olly Murs feat. Flo Rida - Troublemaker

Borrowing from the musical stylings of Maroon 5, Olly looks to return to the UK charts with his single Troublemaker. It also serves as another attempt by the successful X Factor alum to score a hit Stateside with help of marmite rapper Flo Rida.

Girls Aloud - Something New

Once upon a time there were five little girls who won a TV talent contest and went on to have six years of consecutive top 10 singles in a magical kingdom called Britain. But then the Dark Days came, and the girls decided that they had to go their separate ways. Three of the girls tried solo efforts, one went to rehab, and the other presented on telly. Then they realized that it was 10 years since they first came together and a proper reunion was necessary. The people of the kingdom cheered and the flame was reignited that no man could extinguish. The End.

Ashley Walters feat. Alesha Dixon - Your Love [UK]

Ashley Walters, formerly of the UK's So Solid Crew, has teamed up with chanteuse Alesha Dixon for Your Love which is both a sweet and particularly catchy piece of radio pop. It's out November 11th.

Lisa Mitchell - Bless This Mess [AUS]

When Lisa Mitchell decides to make a video, she and her crew seek to make a strong visual impact each and every time (see: Coin Laundry & Spiritus). Bless This Mess is the title track from Lisa's upcoming sophomore album which is a follow-up to her debut Wonder, a work of art that received heavy play on my iPod back in 2009-2010.