2020 is almost over. Hallelujah. It's about time this wretched year ends. But hey, not everything that happened in 2020 was awful. In fact, a lot of good music came out of this year. So I thought I would talk about my favorite songs to come out of 2020. Welcome to my top 50 favorite songs of the year!
Before we begin, there are a few things to keep in mind. One is that most, if not all, of the songs are singles. The main reason is because I listened to so few full albums during the year that having a mix of deep cuts and singles would be pointless. That philosophy goes to an album list as well, which will not exist. Because of that, this is a singles list. That's not a knock on singles as a lot of great singles came out of the year. Don't expect any deep cuts though. Also, this is entirely my opinion. You might not like some of the songs here and you might prefer other songs to what I include on the list. That is okay! This list is entirely for fun. It's no official list by any means. This is merely the music I personally loved during the year. Also, for variety's sake, I'm only including one song per artist. I got to keep it fresh, you know? Anyways, without further ado, here's the list proper.
50. Enter Shikari: "{The Dreamer's Hotel}"
Album: Nothing is True & Everything is Possible
Genre: Alternative Rock
Enter Shikari's "{The Dreamer's Hotel}" mixes pop punk, hard rock and electronica. It's an odd combination, but it makes for a very fun, energetic rock song. The chorus is catchy, the performances are ferocious and the energy is infectious. It's songs like this that make me appreciate genres I don't normally listen to.
49. Glass Animals: "Your Love (Deja Vu)"
Album: Dreamland
Genre: Psychedelic Pop
I know, the album this song lands on has received rather mixed, maybe even negative, reception. While I can't speak for anything else on the album, I do like this song. "Your Love (Deja Vu)" is a bop, with a great combination of bass, percussion, guitar plucking and that sticky little flute riff. There's a lot of swagger in this song and it's executed quite well. It's gritty and catchy in all the best ways.
48. Khruangbin: "Time (You and I)"
Album: Mordechai
Genre: Funk
The biggest crime this song commits is that it's almost 6 minutes long for some unnecessary reason. Otherwise, this is some great, vibey funk music. The vocal line is great, the bass is groovy, the guitars sound fantastic and the rhythm makes me move. "Time (You and I)" is a great song to bob your head to. Also, it was a complete coincidence that the past three song titles are stylized with parentheticals. The streak ends here, I promise.
47. Bibio: "Sleep on the Wing"
Album: Sleep on the Wing (EP)
Genre: Chamber Folk
One word: tranquil. Bibio captures the essence of peace with the song "Sleep on the Wing." The instrumentation is entirely acoustic guitar and background strings, not even a full orchestra. It makes the song sound elegant and sweeping. By the end, a flute is added, making the entire experience sound majestic and lovely.
46. The Struts: "Another Hit of Showmanship" [ft. Albert Hammond Jr.]
Album: Strange Days
Genre: Glam Rock
There is something euphoric about "Another Hit of Showmanship." The sound of the guitars and the percussions, matched with Luke Spiller's soaring vocals, make this song sound so triumphant and uplifting. It makes me happy listening to this, knowing that anthemic rock music is still being made and still being made well. Also, the addition of Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. was a nice touch.
45. Jockstrap: "Acid"
Album: Wicked City (EP)
Genre: Experimental Pop
"Acid" is truly one of the weirdest songs I've heard this year. After multiple listens since the Pitchfork reaction, I still can't quite describe this song. It's a mixture of electronic, R&B, glitch pop, orchestral, soul and psychedelia. It's really odd. Yet it all comes together with such a cool sound palette. I love it.
44. Wolf & Bear: "Street Rat"
Album: n/a
Genre: Post-Hardcore
I wouldn't consider myself a post-hardcore or screamo fan. However, "Street Rat" is freaking sick. The riffs are groovy and always shifting. Both the clean vocals and the screams sound fantastic. The music has a lot of energy and personality, making the entire listening experience exciting. In just three minutes, the song conveys a lot of emotion in its performances and I can't get enough. I can't wait to see what these guys do next.
43. Taylor Swift: "cardigan"
Album: folklore
Genre: Indie Pop
Taylor Swift released some of her best music ever in 2020 and while "cardigan" isn't my favorite off of her folklore album, it is still a quality song. The piano sounds gorgeous throughout the song. The skittering electronics in the background give the song an ethereal feeling that's enchanting throughout. And on top of that, Taylor Swift's lyricism and performance is on point. I was never a fan of Taylor before this year, but now, I am fully on the T-train.
42. Porter Robinson: "Something Comforting"
Album: Nurture (2021 release)
Genre: Electro House
This is genuinely one of the most beautiful club bops I've ever heard, and no, I'm not being facetious. "Something Comforting" has gorgeous pianos, a satisfying, bouncy electronic beat, nice vocals and relevant lyrics about that strive to find exactly what the title suggests. Well, good job, Porter Robinson. You gave me something comforting: this song. I'm sorry, that was cheesy.
41. Oliver Tree: "Bury Me Alive"
Album: Ugly is Beautiful
Genre: Alternative
"Bury Me Alive" is one of Oliver Tree's kookiest songs to date, harkening to the rap stylings of the 90s. The production slaps and Tree's over exaggerated rapping about depression makes for something really groovy and really fun. It shows a lot of potential for the artist. It's goofy, vibrant, angsty and very entertaining.
40. NIKI: "Selene"
Album: Moonchild
Genre: Pop
When it comes to pop music, I always prefer songs that have a solid groove. "Selene" has an amazing groove. The use of live instruments, along with Niki's understated yet sultry voice, makes for something truly infectious. This is one of the strongest head bobbers of the entire list.
39. Nothing But Thieves: "Is Everybody Going Crazy?"
Album: Moral Panic Genre: Alternative Rock
The Queens of the Stone Age influence is very strong here, but, like with all of the other artists NBT pull from, they do a great job of making it their own. "Is Everybody Going Crazy?" is another example of this, with fuzzy guitar riffs and a pulsing rhythm on the drums. The chorus is where NBT set themselves apart from QotSA, with an anthemic vocal line and synths backing up the rock instrumentation. It's a very enjoyable rock song with great performances and yet another stellar vocal performance from Connor Mason. Seriously, this guy is one of the most underrated singers working today.
38. Jazmine Sullivan: "Lost One"
Album: n/a
Genre: R&B
There is beauty in simplicity and Jazmine Sullivan proves this with her song "Lost One." The song only consists of a guitar with a filter and vocals, as well as backing vocals. The emotion conveyed is so palpable because of how raw and intimate the performance is. On top of that, the song just sounds great. This is one of my favorite vocal performances of the entire year and the song is worth hearing just to listen to Sullivan sing. It's that good.
37. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: "Honey"
Album: K.G.
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
"Honey" is a cool piece of acoustic psychedelic rock with microtonal tuning, Arabian sounding riffs and a sweet as honey (get it?) chorus. It's got a really nice groove and the experimentation with other instruments at the tail end of the song is a nice touch. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard is one of the most creative rock bands out there and this song is yet another notch on their already extensive belt.
36. Igorrr: "Camel Dancefloor"
Album: Spirituality and Distortion
Genre: Experimental Metal
Speaking of Arabian guitar riffs, up next is "Camel Dancefloor" by avant-garde metal outfit Igorrr. This song is weird. It mixes metal, electronic and Arabic music to make for one odd yet highly compelling piece of instrumental metal. The riffs are heavy, the bursts of dubstep wubs in the background are really cool and the random touches of bass and electronics spliced here and there add a lot of quirkiness. And the outro is rad. The ending is the song at its heaviest and it's a lot of fun. This song is a blast from start to end.
35. Destroyer: "Cue Synthesizer"
Album: Have We Met
Genre: Indie Rock
I want to marry the groove of this song. The rhythm of "Cue Synthesizer" makes for something truly head bobbing. I also love the percussion and how it kind of clicks at certain points. The lyrics are also compelling, as well as really strange. I'm still not entirely sure what it's about. But it's fascinating. This song is fascinating because the lyrics actively go against what's happening in the music. It's really neat. This song is neat. It's good.
34. Tame Impala: "Lost in Yesterday"
Album: The Slow Rush
Genre: Psychedelic Pop
The bass and the drums on this song are incredible. They give this song an amazing beat for the synths and the vocals to just soar over. The production of "Lost in Yesterday" is incredible. There is so much space in the mix being filled and it all sounds like psychedelic goodness. It's dreamy, it's trippy and it's oh so good.
33. Hayley Williams: "Roses / Lotus / Violet / Iris"
Album: Petals for Armor
Genre: Art Rock
Hayley Williams channels her inner Radiohead on "Roses / Lotus / Violets / Iris." As a massive fan of Radiohead, I am in love with the direction that Williams took this song. The music sounds melancholic and dreary, yet so relaxing and engrossing. I love the concept of gardens and flowers acting as metaphors for feminism. It makes for compelling lyricism throughout the track. It's absolutely lovely.
32. The Killers: "Caution"
Album: Imploding the Mirage
Genre: Rock
I've never been a huge Killers fan, but there's something about "Caution" that makes me so happy. The anthemic, soaring chorus pairs well with the Bruce Springsteen influenced instrumentation, with that rocking beat and that triumphant synth lead. This is an excellent modern rock song. Energetic, nostalgic, uplifting and beautiful, this song has it all.
31. Little Dragon: "Hold On"
Album: New Me, Same Us
Genre: Art Pop
"Hold On" mixes pop, funk and neo-soul to make something truly funky. There is so much color in the mix, even though it's not super dense. The chorus is infectious, the bass and drums make me dance and the vocals are full of personality. This song makes me so happy and I'm glad we have music like this being made.
30. YG: "Out on Bail"
Album: MY LIFE 4HUNNID
Genre: Hip-Hop
"Out on Bail" is an absolute banger. The production is so colorful with the watery synths, the subtle guitar riffs and the bassy trap beat. YG's lyricism is compelling throughout as he raps about his arrest and discrimination from the police. It's gangster rap for a modern audience done well.
29. Chloe x Halle: "Do It"
Album: Ungodly Hour
Genre: Contemporary R&B
"Do It" has some of the best production I've heard all year. The synths are shimmering, the trap beat bangs and the vocals are so good. It's an infectious little banger with some nice vocal moments, especially the "tonight we keeping it 100" part. I love the delivery of that line so much. And the song just sounds fantastic. If more contemporary R&B sounded this good, then I would be more into the genre as a whole.
28. Run the Jewels: "ooh la la" [ft. Greg Nice & DJ Premier]
Album: RTJ4
Genre: Hip-Hop
Run the Jewels is one of my favorite rap outfits working today. They do an amazing job making aggressive, hardcore rap bangers with politically/socially charged lyrics. "ooh la la" is no exception. The off kilter piano loop, along with the thick drum beat, sounds so good, and Killer Mike and El-P are on point with their flows and lyricism as well. And the hook is so stupid that it works. It gives the song such a "fuck you" attitude that I just love.
27. Blu & Exile: "Miles Davis"
Album: Miles
Genre: Jazz Rap
By sampling an actual Miles Davis performances, "Miles Davis" creates a dark, 90s vibe with jazz piano, trumpets and turntables. Blu's flows are on point and the production is amazing. The song sounds like it would fit perfectly in an underground jazz club full of smoking, jazz, gambling and wearing sunglass indoors. It's a creative piece of jazz rap that I highly recommend to anyone that likes jazz and/or rap. Wow, I wrote the word "jazz" a lot for this one, didn't I?
26. Loathe: "Two-Way Mirror"
Album: I Let It In and It Took Everything
Genre: Alternative Metal
How can a song be so heavy yet so relaxing all at the same time? I have no idea, but Loathe managed to pull it off with "Two-Way Mirror." With an obvious Deftones influence, the song manages to tow the line between metal and shoegaze perfectly, with heavy, distorted guitars, deep bass and pummeling drums. However, they let the notes ring and bleed into each other, making for such a calming, ambient effect. It's truly peaceful despite the metal instrumentation and the overbearing production. This is a great song to headbang to with your eyes closed.
25. Fleet Foxes: "Can I Believe You"
Album: Shore
Genre: Folk Rock
Shore saw the band going in a groovier, folk rockier territory. The song "Can I Believe You" is a great example of this, as the mixture of electric and acoustic guitars make the rhythm of the drums and the groove of the bass feel alive. Pecknold's voice is as gorgeous as ever and he once again proves why he's one of the best, most underrated lyricist of the modern era. This is a beautiful song from one of my favorite bands of all time. Check it out.
24. Dua Lipa: "Break My Heart"
Album: Future Nostalgia
Genre: Dance Pop
Dua Lipa's approach to dance pop and disco is so good. "Break My Heart" sounds fantastic. The bass slaps, the disco guitars are bouncy, the string samples are awesome and the percussion gives the song such an amazing groove. Dua Lipa's vocals are killer, providing a boss bitch energy that I adore. Also, the chorus is stellar. It's quite possibly my favorite chorus of the entire year. This is top 40 pop music I can get behind.
23. Yung Gravy: "yup!"
Album: GASANOVA
Genre: Trap
Some might call this a guilty pleasure or a joke pick for the list, but not me. I genuinely love "yup!" I love the tropical beat. It's so much fun and it sounds great. Gravy's lyrics are hilarious and his flow is genuinely pretty solid. This is one of my most replayed songs of the year and I'm not even ashamed. Okay, maybe a little, but I digress. This song is a lot of fun. It never takes itself seriously. It knows exactly what it is and it makes the most out of its joke. Quality meme.
22. Adrianne Lenker: "anything"
Album: songs
Genre: Folk
Adrianne Lenker has captured love at its most intimate and personal with "anything." With lyrics about wanting to be a part of this person's family, sleeping in this person's car, listening to this person's heart beat and more are so pure and so lovely. Her lyricism and storytelling gives me a warm feeling inside that makes me feel comfy and cozy. On top of that, the arpeggiated acoustic guitar sounds beautiful. This song has grown on me with each listen and I can't wait to keep listening to this song in the future.
21. Dirty Projectors: "Lose Your Love"
Album: Flight Tower (EP)
Genre: Art Pop
"Lose Your Love" probably grew on me more than any other song on this list. At first listen, I thought it was okay but kind of annoying. However, I kept getting drawn back because of how sticky, earwormy and creative the song is. The different uses of percussion throughout the song are really cool and vocal samples are great. The actual vocals themselves do a great job giving this lively production such an uplifting vibe. And that post-chorus... my god. That is euphoria right there. Well done, Dirty Projectors, for turning me into a fan of this song through time and replayability. Good job.
20. Disclosure: "My High" [ft. slowthai]
Album: ENERGY
Genre: UK Garage
This song gets me HYPED. "My High" is a club banger with a bouncing beat, some insane flows from Amine (who I didn't even know was on this song track holy shit he is amazing on here) and slowthai and an overall fun and energetic vibe. This song makes me want to dance down the street and sucker punch every single person I walk pass. And honestly, that's probably the highest compliment and can give it. It's so good it makes me want to commit acts of violence. Don't worry, I won't actually commit acts of violence. I promise.
19. Anderson .Paak: "CUT 'EM IN" [ft. Rick Ross]
Album: n/a
Genre: Hip-Hop Soul
Anderson .Paak is one of my favorite performers working today. He is so charismatic with his singing, his rapping and his drumming, and "CUT 'EM IN" is a brilliant combination of all three. His performance is electrifying throughout. And the beat is amazing, containing soul instrumentation over a thick drum beat. The numerous switch ups in the beat make the song feel fresh throughout, as you never know what to expect. And Rick Ross did a great job in his featured role. Truly one of the most fun songs of the year.
18. The Weeknd: "Blinding Lights"
Album: After Hours
Genre: Electropop
I'm kind of cheating here as this song was released in 2019. However, it was released near the very end of the year and it really got big in 2020. Plus the music video was published in 2020, so I think it qualifies for this list. Anyways, "Blinding Lights" is a fantastic pop single. It's dark, moody, 80s infused production matches perfectly with Abel's passionate crooning. It is the perfect late night drive song. It also happens to be the best top 40 pop song of the year. It's great stuff.
17. Lianne La Havas: "Bittersweet"
Album: Lianne La Havas
Genre: R&B
"Bittersweet" is a powerhouse of an R&B cut. The instrumentation is smooth and luscious. Lianne's vocals are gorgeous. The song as a whole has an amazingly sad yet sensual vibe that I cannot get enough of. The lyrics of a relationship that has run its course are compelling, the chorus is gripping and the last section of the track is truly powerful, especially in the vocals. This is a lovely, lovely song. I can't wait to listen to more of this artist.
16. Tkay Maidza: "Don't Call Again" [ft. Kari Faux]
Album: Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 (EP)
Genre: Hip-Hop
I don't think I heard a single in 2020 exude as much swagger as "Don't Call Again." The beat is smooth yet gritty, spacey yet grounded, funky yet silky. It's all set around the foundation of that dirty as hell bass guitar slapping away. The performances are phenomenal and the hook is one of the best of the year. This song is like watching stars explode in the night sky. I can't describe it any better than that.
15. The Weather Station: "Robber"
Album: Ignorance (2021 release)
Genre: Art Folk
"Robber" is absolutely enchanting. It's a beautiful piece of art folk with a crisp piano at the forefront, playing all of these lovely jazz chords. The horns and the strings surrounding the piano add a nice mysticism to the song and the drums always keep the instrumentation fresh. The song does a great job at subtly building and taking the musical intensity away. And the vocals, while subdued, mix with the music brilliantly. This song combines chamber pop, folk, jazz and orchestral into something that is captivating from beginning to end. I cannot wait to hear what else this band has to offer because this is excellent.
14. Feng Suave: "Maybe Another Time"
Album: Warping Youth (EP)
Genre: Alternative Indie
No song in 2020 has captured the essence of romance with their sonic palette like Feng Suave's "Maybe Another Time." The music is dreamy, magical, sweeping and just plain gorgeous. I like how the song starts with simple acoustic guitar but then expands into a psychedelic R&B jam. The guitar riff is wonderful and, mixed with the crooning backing vocals, the music hits this palpable euphoria that I adore. And the vocals... holy crap. I think I might be in love with the vocals. The singer sounds like an indie version of Michael Buble. Trust me, that is a compliment. Feng Suave is a highly underrated group that I just discovered this year and I can't wait to see them grow in the years to come.
13. Lomelda: "Hannah Sun"
Album: Hannah
Genre: Indie Rock
There is something about "Hannah Sun" that feels so comforting. Part of it has to do with the lovely acoustic guitar backing the entire song, using a bunch of 7th chords, flat chords and minor chords to give this song such an intimate feel. I love the passages of synths blooping throughout the song as well. It gives the music a quirky yet solemn, almost dejected feeling that hits me hard. I also love how the song slowly builds to a nice climax near the end, only to cut all of the instruments, ending with guitar and the repetition of the line "Hannah, do no harm." Speaking of which, vocalist Hannah Read sells this track. The lyrics are smart and captivating throughout and her vocals quiver with intimate passion. This song feels warm and comfortable. This song feels like home.
12. Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats: "DIET_"
Album: UNLOCKED (EP)
Genre: Hip-Hop
Denzel Curry is one of the best rappers working today. Kenny Beats is one of the best producers working today. Together, they created a damn solid EP with one true standout: "DIET_." This song is an absolute banger, with a beat that sounds like it came straight out of the jungle. It's primal and bassy without assaulting the ear drums. Curry's flow is electric as always. His personality is so charismatic and entertaining to listen to and his aggressive, DMX style delivery on the hook is killer. The two artists have come together to make a dope as hell rap song on a dope as hell EP, along with a dope as hell short film. This song goes hard and I love it.
11. Faye Webster: "In a Good Way"
Album: n/a
Genre: Indie Pop
Smooth as butter. That's what "In a Good Way" is. Faye Webster's romantic ballad contains a lovely guitar captivating the room, strings swelling throughout the track and an organ playing a beautiful collection of riffs. This song is a wonderful mixture of indie pop, R&B, jazz and folk. It's gentle in its delivery, yet it leaves such a musical statement. Webster's vocals execute this intimacy wonderfully, and the line "you make me want to cry in a good way" is a fantastic hook. This is one of my most replayed songs of the entire year. There is an elegance to this song that I simply cannot get enough of. The one thing that's holding this song back from a spot in the top ten is that I'm not a fan of how Webster sings certain words in the verses. That's it. Otherwise, this is truly one of the prettiest songs I've heard all year.
10. Joji: "Run"
Album: Nectar
Genre: R&B
Joji really outdid himself with "Run." This is a truly amazing R&B jam. The production is fantastic throughout, with a beautiful arpeggiated guitar riff in the foreground and these dark, swelling synths in the background. Joji also gives his best vocal performance ever on this song. His voice sounds so full in the verses and his falsetto in the chorus sounds really nice. And the guitar solo that closes out the song is my favorite solo of the year. There is so much passion played in the guitar and it acts as a nice climax for the song. This song is only three minutes long, yet it conveys so much in such a short amount of time. I really wish more of his stuff was of this quality because this is truly outstanding. It's hard to believe that this man once created songs like "Nickelodeon Girls" and "Gays 4 Donald" back when he was Filthy Frank and Pink Guy. How time flies.
9. Fiona Apple: "Shameika"
Album: Fetch the Bolt Cutters
Genre: Alternative Art Pop
When I first heard "Shameika," it kinda blew me away. The technical skill of the piano playing is incredible. It's so fast and so intricate that I was genuinely not expecting it. On top of that, the song is structurally odd, as the paces of the verses and the choruses are so different. This song is really strange, yet it works. There is a blooming chaos that this song brings about, almost as if it's recreating the chaos of life. The songwriting is some of the best of the year, as well. Fiona Apple talks about how she was bullied as a kid and how this one person that she barely knew in school would give her moments of support and words of encouragement. It's an interesting song concept of how the kindness of strangers can help us in our times of need. I absolutely adore every aspect of this song.
8. Thundercat: "Dragonball Durag"
Album: It Is What It Is
Genre: Alternative Funk
A song with the name "Dragonball Durag" should not be this good. However, Thundercat pulled it off. His bass playing is tasty throughout and the music as a whole gives this tastefully sexy yet romantic vibe that I just can't get enough of. Thundercat's falsetto vocals add a lot to that vibe. And this song has some of the funniest lyrics I've heard all year. My favorite line, without question, is "I may be covered in cat hair, but I still smell good." This song is, almost quite literally, about making love to someone while wearing a dragonball durag. But more than that, it's about acceptance and doing everything you can to be accepted by a girl. It's earnest in its intentional corniness, and its infectious groove always keeps me coming back for more. That's what she said.
7. Laura Marling: "Held Down"
Album: Songs For Our Daughter
Genre: Singer-Songwriter
"Held Down" feels like a 70s folk song for the modern era. It's acoustic guitar fronted instrumentation and rustic yet soulful vocals are spiritual successors to artists like Joni Mitchell and Stevie Knicks. That's not a knock on this song by any means, because this is a fantastic song. The music is beautiful, executing a calm, yearning feeling. Marling's vocals are full of emotion and her songwriting is out of this world good. This also has one of my favorite choruses of the year. I love the vocal delivery of the lines "and we all want to be held down" and "say what you mean," among others. This is a lovely song that has helped me through some rough times during this pandemic year, and it continues to give me a sense of peace to this day.
6. Jessie Ware: "Save a Kiss"
Album: Whats Your Pleasure?
Genre: Synth Pop
Now THIS is how you make a pop song! "Save a Kiss" mixes synth pop and disco to make this absolutely electric gem. The synths sound good as they arpeggiate throughout the verses and grow distorted in the post chorus. The addition of the fluttering strings make this song sound vintage and I appreciate that. Jessie Ware's lyrics on love, while simple, convey a lot of emotion, especially paired with her vocal delivery. And that hook is sticky as hell. Anytime I hear this song, I picture someone radiating light. This song glows with life from beginning to end and I can't help but move every time I listen to it. Few songs from 2020 make me as happy as this one.
5. Spanish Love Songs: "Beach Front Property"
Album: Brave Faces Everyone
Genre: Emo
"Beach Front Property" is far and away my favorite rock song of 2020. The fact that it's not bigger than it is is a huge shame, as it's also one of the most well written songs of the year. The quiet verse/loud chorus dynamic sounds amazing as each instrument sounds crisp and clear. I especially love how the chorus just explodes. It sounds like a release of pure despair and frustration. Speaking of pure despair, let's talk about our singer. Vocalist Dylan Slocum has such a unique voice. With every line he sings, he sounds like he is on the verge of tears. His vocals give the song such a gut punch of emotions. And that's not even taking into consideration the lyrics. Lyrically, this song is about the depression one feels due to the state of the world. It's so relevant, relatable and written in such an artistic and poetic way. And in the bridge, the belting of the line "I'm tired anyways, why the hell would I care" hits like a freight train. A lot of emo music sounds whiny, but the sadness of this song is pure poetry. Do not miss out on this, especially if you like your rock music sad.
4. clipping.: "Say the Name"
Album: Visions of Bodies Being Burned
Genre: Experimental Horrorcore
clipping. released two back to back horrorcore albums in 2019 and 2020. "Say the Name" is one of the best songs the group released in this horrorcore direction, as well as ever. The hook sample is infectious as hell. The droning beat that loops throughout the track is so unnerving and dirty yet it sounds so cool. Daveed Diggs's flow is as on point as ever. His delivery is ice cold, as if he's a mastermind killer. His bars of a demonic pregnancy and a Picasso painting stained with blood paint such a grim, horrifying picture. This song is, according to producer William Hutson, a "Dance Mania Chicago ghetto house track about Candyman." That is such a creative premise for a rap song and these guys pull it off marvelously. And that outro is quite possibly one of the most satisfying soundscapes clipping. has ever pulled off. This track is creepy, dark, gory and an absolute banger. Do not miss out on this. This will be on my Halloween rotation for many years to come.
3. Rina Sawayama: "XS"
Album: SAWAYAMA
Genre: Alternative Pop
How the hell has Rina Sawayama not taken off yet? She is one of the most talented, creative and forward thinking pop artists out there today and she deserves WAY more success! Her song "XS" is a prime example of how genius she is. This is a song that mixes pop, 90s R&B and nu-metal. Yes, you read that right. Nu-metal. It's a weird combination, but it works so well. The production is immaculate. The synths bounce, the electric guitars crunch and the way they transition into each other is ear catching. Sawayama's vocal delivery is beautiful and her lyrics criticizing hyper consumerism are very clever. Also, that hook is infectious. Throughout the year, I have found myself singing this chorus a lot. This was one of the first songs I fell in love with this year and I am so excited to see where Rina Sawayama will go from here. Remember this name. If you like pop music and want to hear something new, then check this out. Also, check out her album. It's quite literally my favorite album of the year. I love it so much!
2. Gorillaz: "Desole" [ft. Fatoumata Diawara]
Album: Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez
Genre: Alternative Bossa Nova
This is coming from a massive fan who considers Gorillaz to be in their top 3 artists/bands of all time: I think "Desole" is one of the best songs Gorillaz has ever made. No, I'm not joking. A lot of it has to do with the production and the instrumentation. This song sounds impeccable. Every instrument sounds crystal clear and you can easily pick out each detail in the mix. All of those elements come together to make such a lush and lively sound palette. I love the horn section that comes in the bridge and how it transitions into the quiet third verse that slowly builds into the absolute magnum opus that is the final chorus. That last chorus is one of my favorite musical moments in Gorillaz history. It's a satisfying climax with what was introduced in the choruses used to its fullest potential. And all of these praises aren't even taking into consideration the vocals. 2-D sounds great as ever, as his French singing shows a lot personality yet a lot of sadness. However, Fatoumata Diawara is the real star here. Her choruses are incredible. There is so much power in her voice and they shine over the bright instrumentation. She gives one of my favorite feature performances of any Gorillaz song ever. So yeah, this song is incredible. It was the very first song I fell in love with in 2020 and for the longest time, it was my favorite song of the year. Do not miss out on this absolute gem of a song. "Desole" is the biggest reason why Song Machine is the best Gorillaz project since Plastic Beach. And you know what's crazy? The album version is a whole two minutes longer than the single version and it still slaps. That just shows you how amazing this song is.
1. Phoebe Bridgers: "I Know the End"
Album: Punisher
Genre: Indie Folk
I know. I heard this song for the first time about a week ago. However, no song hit me like Phoebe Bridgers's "I Know the End." At the end of the day, the songs I always tend to favor are the ones that take me on an emotional journey. This song gives me that in the absolute best way possible. It starts off as a quiet indie folk song with an acoustic guitar strumming away and these quiet, stuttering synths in the background. Eventually, it turns into a folk rock song that builds and builds and when the horns hit, you know something good is about to happen. And then we have the outro. At the end, the song explodes into this downright orgasmic piece of strings, horns, guitars and it all sounds so satisfying. Then the key switches up, causing the end of the song to have this feeling of fear that just demolishes you. It sounds so good and with Phoebe's blood curling screaming, it makes the song turn chaotic in the best way possible. And that final moment, with Phoebe whisper screaming while cry-laughing, is the best way to close the song. "I Know the End" takes you on such a satisfying emotional journey, making an almost six minute song feel like three minutes. And I haven't even touched on the vocals or the lyrics yet. Phoebe Bridgers's vocals are lovely, providing this quiet intimacy that pairs very well with the music. Her lyricism is very clever, very smart and very sad, as she details the end of the world through her song. Honestly, "I Know the End" is a good song to encapsulate the entire year. Chaotic, sorrowful, full of laughter, full of tears, full of screams, yet there's an overall hope that maybe, hopefully, things will get better. I certainly hope that is the case. And all of that is why "I Know the End" is my favorite song of 2020.
Thank you all so much for reading! Be sure to listen to every song on here as they're all good in their own way. Stay tuned for more. I have some exciting stuff planned for 2021, so please stick around.
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