Well, well. It's been an unpredictable year, hasn't it? I think we can all agree 2020 hasn't panned out the way we had all hoped. With COVID-19 dominating a large chunk of this dreadful year, I, for one, can't wait to see the back of these past twelve months. With various entertainment outlets such as cinemas closed or releases delayed, I and others haven't seen many new releases this year. Though, I can honestly say one of the best things that came out of 2020 was its music. This was a fantastic year musically. Of course, events like live tours haven't been occurring, but speaking from a strictly-releasing schedule, there were countless fantastic songs (both mainstream and unknown) that came out of this year. Join me as I list my personal top 25 favourites.
25. White Flowers - Night Drive
A soaring synth that chills you to the bone opens this haunting track that lingers in the mind long after it ends. The lead vocals by Katie Duszynski add to the extremely creepy yet melodic atmosphere this track constructs. Fitting given the song's title.
24. TWINKIDS - Feeling Small
I get oddly nostalgic listening to this track. The arpeggiated blips remind me of video games I used to play as a kid. Add Matt Young and Gene Fukui's elegant vocals and you have a recipe for a tasty track.
23. PRXZM - What It Means to Win
A lovely ballad that's an instant mood-booster, this song is so sweet it's almost sickly. It's a song about hope beautifully performed over a shimmering neon instrumental. What's not to love?
22. Heartour - Brain
Bouncy and catchy with a simple but effective presentation, this is a fantastic song that, if you think about it, the brain wrote about itself.
21. The Bad Dreamers - Let Go Of Me
After a brief hiatus, The Bad Dreamers are back with this emotionally-heavy song that takes its time to creep under the skin of the listener and chill them to the bone. I particularly love the subtle guitar-line throughout the song that adds so much resonance and weight to an already great song.
20. prettyboyshav - is it raining where you are?
If you're looking for the perfect song to throw own when it's raining outside and you want to get lost in thought, then prettyboyshav has got you covered with soft melodies and calming basslines.
19. Porter Robinson - Get Your Wish
Triumphant and infectious, Get Your Wish is a unique blend of acoustic and electronic mixed with pitch-shifted vocals that actually works.
18. Deep City - Joyride
With its transcendent riffs and relatable subject matter, Deep City really knocked it out of the park with this one. (Shout-out to Stan, Lewis, Stephen, and Alex for absolutely killing it <3 )
17. PRIZM - Can't Bring Me Down
Not to be confused with PRXZM who featured earlier on this list, Can't Bring Me Down is a joyful ballad filled with a cocksure confidence that you can't help but get drawn into.
16. Moonrunner83, N A T V E S - Dreaming Again
Dreaming Again edges into corny territory but redeems itself by being so damn catchy and with an impeccable vocal performance. This is definitely one to dance to.
15. Great Good Fine Ok - 2020
This poor song hasn't aged very well given how awful 2020 was. Still, this doesn't stop it from being emotionally resonant and effective at hitting you right in the feels.
14. Jessie Frye ft Ollie Wride - Malibu Broken
This song is already pretty funky and irresistible by itself, but throw in Jessie Frye's delicious vocals and Ollie Wride (one of the best best vocalists in the industry), and you have a sun-soaked experience all packed in within 3 and a half minutes.
13. Calica ft Magdalena Bay - Superficial Love
Calica and Magdalena Bay make for a heavenly vocal pairing in this one. (Keep an eye out for Magdalena Bay making a reappearance later in this list.)
12. Humanist ft. Dave Gahan - Shock Collar
Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode unsurprisingly performs incredibly well over this more visceral, guitar-driven track.
11. Pendulum - Nothing For Free
Pendulum finally made their long-awaited return with socially relevant lyrics and a heavier take on the drum and bass sound they're known for. Not everyone will appreciate that, but I personally think Pendulum are at their best when they stray from the norm and develop their own identity more like they did with 2008's In Silico. This song has me eagerly awaiting the next album.
10. Trevor Something - Living to Die
This guy usually pops up in my best songs lists, and 2020 was no different. Trevor is such an enigmatic, ethereal artist and that is perfectly reflected in this song.
9. Grimes - Delete Forever
I've got to admit, I really can't jump onto the Grimes hype train. I don't know what it is, but I just can't get into a lot of her music or her style. Delete Forever, however, marks a nice change of pace for the eclectic musician, opting for a more relaxed, acoustic approach and even throwing in a few strings at the end.
8. The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
This was probably THE biggest song of 2020, and for good reason. Easily one of Abel Tesfaye's best songs, Blinding Lights launched the nostalgic 80s-inspired sound style into the mainstream for good.
7. The Midnight - Deep Blue
The Midnight's 2020 album Monsters was an incredibly disappointing effort from the synthwave pioneers. However, credit where it's due, this is a fantastic song. It features all the hallmarks of a great Midnight song with a new, darker twist that is extremely alluring.
6. Krewella - zer0
Krewella's album zer0 was a pretty shoddy album, however I cannot say the same about the title track. It lingers slowly and builds to an insane crescendo that effortlessly blends EDM-production with sounds linked to the duo's Pakistani roots in a very clever and surprisingly bittersweet way.
5. Valley - nevermind
Valley always manage to capture that unmistakable sound of eternal youth, and nevermind has that in spades with its bouncy melodies that evoke endless charm.
4. Troye Sivan - Easy
Troye Sivan just gets better and better with every release. He has such a unique, distinctive sound and a certain vulnerability that entices the listener. Easy showcases Sivan in complete command of his craft and it's a thing of electronic beauty.
3. Magdalena Bay - Live 4ever
Here's Magdalena Bay again, coming in at number three with a really bizarre but insanely fun track. The song starts out mostly restrained before going in HARD in the final segment and it's utterly badass.
2. Super Duper - We Had Everything
We Had Everything, like a lot of Super Duper's music, fills you with infectious joy and wonder. This song shimmers from start to finish with masterful vocal-sampling and a hook that is so irresistible that you can't help but chant along to every word.
1. The Chain Gang of 1974 - Champagne Saturday
I had to restrict this list to one artist per entry. If I hadn't, then most of the songs off The Chain Gang of 1974's Honey Moon Drips would have made it into the top 10 at least. It's an incredible album from start to finish that tugs at the heart-strings with its tried-and-true musings over relationships and love stories. My number one song of the year perfectly encapsulates all of this, that being Champagne Saturday.
Its buzzing synth bassline is ominous and brooding to start off with, before skittering hi-hats and riff guitars enter the scene as icing on the cake. Kamtin Mohager gives a one of a kind vocal performance, putting his all into belting out that insane chorus melody. "Slow nights fading. Head in hands. I hope I'm not jaded.", he sings with an air of vulnerability and a wistful longing in his voice. This song, and indeed this album, was one of the best things to come out of 2020. Throw this on and get hazy on a Champagne Saturday.
Its buzzing synth bassline is ominous and brooding to start off with, before skittering hi-hats and riff guitars enter the scene as icing on the cake. Kamtin Mohager gives a one of a kind vocal performance, putting his all into belting out that insane chorus melody. "Slow nights fading. Head in hands. I hope I'm not jaded.", he sings with an air of vulnerability and a wistful longing in his voice. This song, and indeed this album, was one of the best things to come out of 2020. Throw this on and get hazy on a Champagne Saturday.