Read: The 75 Best Songs of 2011

From PopMatters: #1 - M83 “Midnight City” - All it takes is four synthesizer notes. That’s it. Smothered in reverb, coated in ‘80s nostalgia, teetering on the edge of full-on explosion, those four notes pack more heart and energy than most albums released in 2011. But “Midnight City” is more than just a powerful introduction. On this transcendent standout from the sixth M83 album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, Anthony Gonzalez and co-synth-scientist Justin Meldal-Johnsen build layer upon layer of keys, arena-sized drums, and vocal atmospherics (not mentioning one of the tastiest sax solos this side of a Springsteen record). The result? The synth Sistine Chapel. SEE THE FULL LIST HERE