Top 100 Songs | bestmusic2019

TOP 100 SONGS OF 2019

As with any year that ends a decade, 2019 did its best to end things on a high note. Some artists became next level, while others returned to center. Fears were inoculated, meanings were left and rats' nests were infested. We had Ghost, we had Ghosteen, and we had "ghostin". We had welcome returns (Chromatics, Vampire Weekend), sad goodbyes (Ric Ocasek), and in some cases, both (David Berman). And somehow, I feel like I'm still waiting for Jesus Is King. In the end, these are the 100 songs from this year I couldn't get enough of.

100

WJSN

"Luckitty-cat"

With an immediate language barrier, you gotta have a popping beat to captivate an American audience. It seems like WJSN specializes in nothing but the best of k-pop instrumentals, and "Luckitty-cat" is the best from the prolific group's latest. It's a better pop instrumental than many US acts produce, and even without understanding the lyrics, WJSN's vocal chemistry is easy to follow along. No k-pop group had a better 2019 than WJSN, and this song is one of the many reasons why.

99

Karen O &

Danger Mouse

"Ministry"

With one of the slowest burning instrumentals on Lux Prima, "Ministry" takes its time to evolve but is never dull. Danger Mouse's lush, expansive use of strings gives the song a cosmic feel as Karen O guides you through the landscapes. The entirety of Lux Prima is unlike anything Karen O has done before, yet her voice calmly shepherds you through unknown territory like she's done it a million times. Her lyrics are as mysterious as the lands she leads you through, making it all the more interesting to wander through.

98

Lizzo

"Like A Girl"

More than proud of herself and her image, Lizzo's gonna let you know about it. "Like A Girl" features a bangin' pop rap beat, and Lizzo's fiery bars about female positivity are enough to make anyone feel great. The fun she has with the lyrics makes the message of the song feel much more genuine than past efforts at pop positivity. Let's all hope we can one day have as much gusto as Lizzo does.

97

Confidence Man

"Does It Make You Feel Good?"

Throwing it back while still keeping it fresh, Confidence Man makes some of the most fun dance music around. Their brand of goofy dance music simplifies the formula even more on their comeback single, but that's definitely a good thing. Even without the humor from their great 2018 LP Confident Music For Confident People, "Does It Make You Feel Good" grabs a throwback dance floor jam and hits you with lyrics that would've been fitting for the time. It's a fun niche that Confidence Man has carved for themselves, and Janet Planet's sublime vocals will keep you grooving. So of course, it'll make you feel good!

96

BLACKPINK

"Kill This Love"

The Korean wave is still in full effect, and it delivers highlights from the Far East year in and year out. "Kill This Love" has everything that makes k-pop enjoyable mixed with US radio ready beats. Like a march to the top of the charts, the horns around the chorus beckon you to romp along with BLACKPINK as they sing about getting out of toxic relationships. Even with a language barrier, the impact of their words is hard-hitting and the banger beat is undeniably fun.

95

100 gecs

"stupid horse"

Glitch ska. About assaulting a jockey and stealing his horse because you lost money on a bet. Such is the norm for a 100 gecs song, and it's that strangeness I find myself coming back to again and again. The goofy premise, the earworm hook and the unique production even for 100 gecs make "stupid horse" a highlight from their debut album.

94

Holiday Sidewinder

"Baby Oil"

"Baby Oil" makes for a playful, sexually charged pop song on first listen. It still makes for that on subsequent listens, but by that point you've uncovered the real meaning behind some of the lyrics. It's borderline disgusting, but dammit if the charming throwback instrumental and Holiday's performance don't keep me coming back for more. Much like her compatriot Alex Cameron (more on him later), Holiday doesn't hide much, and that keeps every song she puts out fun.

93

Foals

"Wash Off"

Sometimes you just want to forget things you can't and move on, right? "Wash Off" is an anthem for such things, forgetting your stresses and powering forward. Once the song gets going it never stops, a hallmark of any great Foals song. You'll be hearing Yannis' "ooh's" for days, as they fit over the melody to a T. His lyrics match the jittery energy you love from Foals, and it presses you to move past things that pain you. A sure highlight from Foals' almost excessive output from 2019.

92

Bruce Springsteen

"The Wayfarer"

50 years into a legendary career, The Boss is still a wordsmith wise beyond his years. "The Wayfarer" vividly paints him as the title would suggest, wandering through Western landscapes, never looking to stay anywhere for long. His age only gives him an aura of experience, like a veteran cowboy from... New Jersey. The instrumental is a grower, slowly adding layers of strings, horns and guitars until it finishes in a gorgeous, country-tinged flourish. Even a dirty Yankee like Springsteen can find a place in the West.

91

Julia Jacklin

"Don't Know How To Keep

Loving You"

Heartbreak is at the core of Julia Jacklin's music, and she's capable of presenting it many ways. "Don't Know How To Keep Loving You" tackles the tough realization that you don't love someone anymore, and no matter what you do, you can't bring the sensation back. Over a chilling acoustic instrumental, Julia cries out for ways she could change herself to make things go back to the way they once were. The emotions Julia sings about are hard to swallow, but her mastery of indie rock and delicate voice make it must-hear music.

90

LCD Soundsystem

"Seconds"

LCD Soundsystem’s greatest influences reside in 80’s synth pop and new wave. Their choice of covers on electric lady sessions were pinpoint to their style, and “Seconds” was the best one. This faithful update adds an energy that’s signature to LCD’s live performances, and the lyrics still sting all these years later. It’s chillingly relatable to today’s world full of gun violence for a song released in 1981. A great way to pay respect to their influences while still remaining conscious of modern issues.

89

Alex Cameron

"Stepdad"

One of Alex’s more sentimental turns on Miami Memory still mixes in his trademark humor. He turns the oft-maligned role of a stepfather into a noble one, a man who’s trying his best to be a good dad. Even through his (amusing) personal and parental failures, Alex wants his kid to be respectful to him and his mother. With a charming synthpop instrumental, it makes for a great opener to Alex’s newer, more earnest work.

88

Young Thug

"The London" (feat. J. Cole &

Travis Scott)

Thugger is great at pulling together huge names and fitting them snugly into the same song. Travis Scott provides a serviceable chorus, with his typical psychedelic vibes flowing freely with the trap beat. J. Cole gives one of his better performances in recent memory. And, oh, Thugger does his thing too, delivering a typically unorthodox but memorable verse. He remains one of the most entertaining hip hop artists today, and it's even more fun when he brings his friends into the mix.

87

Crumb

"Fall Down"

Crumb's calm brand of bedroom pop made their debut album an effortless breeze. It's easy listening, and any song from it would've been worthy of my top 100 song list. I chose "Fall Down", which has some of the crispest drumming of the whole record. There's always a haze surround the song, making it a fitting soundtrack for a midday nap. The sensation is similar to waking up from a nap and not knowing where you are, only a lot more catchy.

86

Vampire Weekend

"Stranger"

Much of Father Of The Bride is about the inevitable change of adulthood. Ezra is a father now, not a preppy twenty-something singing about obvious bicycles. Things have never been stranger for Ezra, but he approaches it with that same youthful twinkle in his eye. "Stranger" has one of the most joyous instrumentals on FOTB, with pianos, sax, twangy guitar and more coming straight from the school of Paul Simon. Danielle Haim provides excellent interplay with Ezra, and when the two leave on a fade out, it's as if they're a couple ready to combat this coming change together.

85

Taylor Swift

"Lover"

Though her overall sound has moved on to poppier pastures, Taylor hasn't forgotten where she started. "Lover" is a country pop ballad on tier with masters of the style like Kacey Musgraves, and Jack Antonoff's hand in production brings out the most of the sweet instrumental. It's a lovestruck song, but one that's concerned with what comes after you tie the knot, the forever kind of love. If Taylor could be this mature in all aspects of her music, perhaps she'd shed that pesky snake image...

84

Weezer

"The End Of The Game"

More so than their recent streak of meme-y cover songs, "The End of the Game" gets Weezer back to the basics that make them so great. Big, crunchy guitars, clashing drums, and classically youthful lyrics about relationships are what Weezer does best, and the inspiration from acts like Van Halen fits well with their sound. Are we in store for another White Album with the upcoming Van Weezer? Please tell me it'll be another White Album...

83

The Weeknd

"Blinding Lights"

What might be cooler than the 80's? The neon-drenched synthesized fantasy of the 80's concocted by artists who didn't even grow up in the decade. The Weeknd's newest single is perfectly suited for cruising down a bright city at night with the top down. The intense synths and kick-drum make for one of the shiniest beats of any pop song this year. Abel's smooth, sweet delivery was made to sing amazing hooks over synthwave such as this. If The Weeknd is truly going to embrace 80's fantasy, we might be in for his best material yet.

82

!!!

"Serbia Drums"

!!! (aka chk chk chk) were at the forefront of the vibrant dance-punk in the mid-2000's. More than a decade later, they're about the only ones left. "Serbia Drums" is the band's meditation on the fact, and it has them wondering if they really won. The beefy rhythm is filled with great drumming and jangly synths, pretty standard fare for !!!. The real appreciation is for their continuation of the genre, even when their peers have all fallen to the wayside.

81

Kim Petras

"Do Me"

A sex anthem for the ages, Kim kills it over one of her most dynamic beats yet. The synths are razor sharp, sliding up and down and always staying potent, while Kim sings about, well doin' it. Her style is always pretty overt, but she's not out there sleeping around. She's doing it with her man, and she's more than proud to tell the world about it. It's an explicit love anthem, but a love anthem nonetheless, and an electric synthpop jam as well.

80

Ariana Grande

"bloodline"

thank u, next found Ariana dealing with her personal tragedies in titanic musical form, but it wasn't without some straightforward pop bangers. "bloodline" takes inspiration from the growing Latin pop trends in modern music, with a catchy horn section as the song's backbone. It's a bop of an instrumental, one that doesn't place Ari too far out of her comfort zone. She's definitely in that zone while dumping whatever fool she's singing about, and with great hooks and choruses, it's some of the most fun you can have with pop's new princess in 2019.

79

Coldplay

"Arabesque"

Coldplay's recent output has been defined by the trends of the time, which makes "Arabesque" such a breath of fresh air. Featuring elements of afro-pop and Middle Eastern music, the horn melody throughout the song is phenomenal. It thumps along, with Chris Martin singing about how all humans, no matter their color, share the same blood. It's a positive (if naive) message, and using world music in a tasteful way sells his point. Throw in a mesmerizing sax solo in the middle that leads into a dramatic finish (SAME FUCKING BLOOD), and it appears that Coldplay might be worth your time again.

78

Clairo

"Softly"

“Is it alright to feel this way so early?” are Clairo’s first words on the lovely “Softly”. It’s as soft as the title would suggest, the bedroom pop beat making for smooth listening. Clairo’s verses are very sweet, eschewing sexual desire for just spending good time with the guy she likes. She’s young but writes with finesse. It’s a bright song now, and she’s sure to be writing many more bright songs in the future.

77

Beck

"Super Cool" (feat. Robyn &

The Lonely Island)

Unbelievable! Super cool! Outrageous! Amazing! Phenomenal! Fantastic! So incredible! All fitting descriptors for this unlikely collaboration. It's the song that plays over the end credits for The Lego Movie 2, but even without seeing the movie this song is undeniably peppy and fun. Beck sounds more inspired here than on his recent garbage solo album, and Robyn and The Lonely Island give it their all. It's a perfect fit for a movie as lively and energetic as The Lego Movie 2 is.

76

Destroyer

"Crimson Tide"

Dan Bejar could sing about paint drying and make it sound fun. "Crimson Tide", a sure highlight from the forthcoming Destroyer LP Have We Met, is about much more interesting things than paint drying. Those interesting things might all be esoteric bullshit, like chicken-shit singers and vile promenades, but Bejar's unique voice and the strong bass guitar keep the song swirling. Maybe we'll eventually get a Destroyer song about drying paint, but for now this is a fine substitute.

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75

Kero Kero Bonito

"Battle Lines"

As the world gets worse around them, KKB only gets better and better. "Battle Lines" sees the trio mixing their first two albums' sound into one great track. There's fun, bouncy synthesizers abound, but a complex rhythm and much more charged lyrics about perpetual war and people suffering call back to Time 'n' Place's more adult content. Ending with an absolutely thunderous finish of synths and drums, "Battle Lines" charts a new path for the band, one that's mature while still making you want to groove along.

74

DIIV

"Skin Game"

Coming off a trip to rehab for drug addiction, the singer of DIIV recounts his struggles in the harrowing "Skin Game". Sung over a gorgeous shoegaze instrumental, the lyrics go in deep detail about such a dark topic. "They gave us wings to fly/but then they took away the sky" is one of the most poetic lyrics about addiction I've ever heard, and the singer's subtle delivery emphasizes he's been through a lot. He's persevered and hopefully overcome his addiction, and that's allowed him to create a great track like this one.

73

Purple Mountains

"Nights That Won't Happen"

Now one of the most painful songs on Purple Mountains, "Nights That Won't Happen" captures David Berman's inner-conflict with notion of death. He claimed in his final days the song was related to the death of his mother, but with piercing lyrics like "The dead know what they're doing when they leave this world behind", it's hard not to think he was think about himself as well. Context is everything, and after Berman's untimely suicide, Purple Mountains is a tough listen. But even with such sad circumstances, you get the sense listening to this that the music came before the depression. It's lovingly arranged and poetically delivered, and I hope it made a great coping mechanism for one of the best songwriters of our time.

72

King Gizzard and the

Lizard Wizard

"Self-Immolate"

After Fishing For Fishies' throwback fun, a song like "Self-Immolate" was the sharpest 180 possible. Even so, King Gizz' commitment to shredding makes this switch-up work. A ridiculous drum solo at the beginning is just the start of this helter-skelter thriller, followed by crunchy, manic guitar work and lyrics about burning alive on the surface of Mars. Few bands can combine such insane concepts and sounds, but for King Gizz, it's just another day in the office.

71

Carly Rae Jepsen

"Julien"

On Dedicated, Carly gives us some of her most personal and relatable love anthems yet. "Julien", the highlight opener, speaks to someone specific, the Julien of the title. She keeps hearing his whispers in her fantasies and dreams, and she just can't shake his image. With a sizzling synthpop beat to back her, she pines for this mystery person til the end. It's an affirmation that she's dedicated (title drop!) to this person, even if it's just an idea. That's a broad enough feeling to reach the masses, all while dancing along whether with friends or in your room alone, thinking of your own Julien.

70

CHAI

"I'm Me"

CHAI's brand of noisy punk rock isn't meant to be solely loud. Their idea is to redefine what cute it, calling it neo-kawaii, and "I'm Me" is a great example of their intentions. The vocals are mostly in Japanese, but you get English phrases like "Everybody's special girl" or "What a cute girl you are". They're simple but effectively positive messages, delivered with charisma by the lead singer even though it's not her first language. Throw in a great rhythm and fun hooks and "I'm Me" is a great introduction into CHAI's world.

69

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

"Crime Pays"

When Freddie and Madlib announced another album together, people freaked. Listen to a song like "Crime Pays" and it's easy to see why. Madlib is a legendary producer for beats like this one, with a dreamy feel and picture-perfect samples placed at every turn. Freddie goes hard as he usually does, always keeping a sense of humor while spitting bars. Generally a producer and a rapper seem to be working on different levels, but this tandem are the yin to each other's yang.

68

Nick Cave & The

Bad Seeds

"Ghosteen"

It takes almost four minutes into the title track of Ghosteen before you hear Nick Cave’s weary voice. By that point, the scene has been set. The instrumentation is rich but not overdone, creating a verdant forest of synths, strings, bells and more. Cave is, of course, still dealing with the loss of his son, and his pain is palpable. At 12 minutes, the song allows Cave to drift through anecdotes about fairytales and his own grief. It’s hard, beautiful and necessary listening.

67

Hot Chip

"Spell (Superorganism Remix)"

Hot Chip's calm yet catchy "Spell" gets a remix that's a picture-perfect combination of both groups. Superorganism makes an already catchy song even better with their signature brand of quirky, busy production. The addition of lyrics about a seance giving it a new sense of fun, and I love interplay between Alexis Taylor and Orono Noguchi. The pair's dueling lyrics from "Spell" and lyrics from classic Hot Chip songs are just the cherry on top of the best remix of 2019.

66

Rina Mushonga

"Glory_"

Rina is great at dramatizing the little things in life, but standout "Glory_" doesn't need any dramatizing. With simple piano chords and string elements, Rina sings about a failed relationship and how they must move on. Her vocals seem strained, as if she's singing after a yelling match with the person in the song. But there's a certain strength she achieves in telling this person that it's not their story anymore. This is Rina's story, and she's going to tell it in her own way.

65

CupcakKe

"Squidward Nose"

Is CupcakKe really done with music? If so, she's left a hell of a mark during her brief run. "Squidward Nose" highlights all of her best qualities. It's disgusting, hilarious and has a legitimately great flow on a solid beat. Some of her best zingers ever reside here, like "At the Drake Hotel so you know we on dirt/call it Views From the 6 when he lookin' up my skirt". There's plenty more that I can't repeat, so just give CupcakKe a listen and give her the love she deserves.

64

Pond

"Hand Mouth Dancer"

Absolutely dripping with synthesizers, "Hand Mouth Dancer" is the most immediately rewarding track from Pond's excellent new LP. It's not a political track, per se, but Pond smartly comments on the overt politicization of the world within the lyrics. The production takes cues from Tame Impala's Currents, and the crescendo towards the end sounds like it could've been recorded underwater. No matter how aquatic it sounds, the synths and rhythms are catchy as hell, and a great appetizer for more Tame Impala (and Pond!) to come.

63

Tool

"Fear Inoculum"

Tool's long awaited return was uneven, but still yielded some moments worthy of their reputation. "Fear Inoculum" is one of the moments, incredibly consistent throughout and always brewing with a monstrous energy. The guitar play and drumming are top notch, while the esoteric lyrics are perfectly fitting for such an instrumental. If not the return many were hoping for, a track like "Fear Inoculum" will certainly keep Tool fans excited for more (hopefully in less time than 13 years).

62

Hannah Diamond

"Invisible"

AI on par with human intelligence isn't so far off as it seems. Hannah Diamond's music is like a peek into how those robots will deal with things like heartbreak. Her flawless front never breaks, but it's clear her robotic persona is struggling with emotions she's never felt before. No amount of perfectly produced vocals or beats can disguise her confusion on why she's feeling this way about a certain someone. With a fairytale-like rhythm and gorgeous synth beats, Hannah powers forward mechanically, through the emotion that would crush a normal human. Perhaps one day, this song can serve as a learning experience for the robots who take over the world.

61

Anamanguchi

"Air On Line"

Much of [USA] is great modern dance music infused with elements of chiptune, rather than the opposite. A song like "Air On Line" is a glorious example of how well the two can mesh. Something about the rhythm is undeniably sweet, like a great theme song to a classic game that never existed. The Porter Robinson-esque vocal snippets substitute for lyrics, as such a great melody and instrumental don't need someone mindlessly singing over it. The tune does more than enough to captivate, and it brings back a whimsy only memories of playing Zelda as a child could.

60

Taylor Swift

"Paper Rings"

Taylor is still writing music for teenagers as an almost 30 year old, but as she's grown older, her ability for writing those pop tunes has only gotten better. "Paper Rings" is one of the sweetest songs she's ever written, one that comes from the perspective of a dreamer but the mind of a veteran writer. Jack Antonoff's magic touch turns a good pop instrumental into a great one, while Taylor's verses and hooks about genuine love for her partner are so delightful lovey-dovey, it's impossible not to smile. Though her songs are meant for high schoolers, the sentiments she's so good at bringing out are relatable for any age.

59

Danny Brown

"Best Life"

Danny's veteran status is cemented with "Best Life". He sounds right at home over the throwback Q-Tip produced beat, rapping about his rough upbringing blossoming into a life he is happy in. It took the man until he was 30 to break out, but after a decade of critical and commercial acclaim, Danny deserves to be happy. The upbeat instrumental feeds into this, as the soul samples bring the joy. We all deserve to be as happy as Danny sounds on this track.

58

Billie Eilish

"bad guy"

Has an artist ever entered stardom with such an understated bop of a song? "bad guy" encompasses everything Billie is about. Almost-uninterested yet domineering vocals that sound like she's singing into a desk fan. Finneas' sparse but immediately grabbing instrumentals. Low key flexes about seducing your dad and wearing your man's cologne. A outro that beat-switches the hell out of the song in a good way. Does this 17 year-old phenom have more bravado than most popular MC's right now? Duh.

57

WJSN

"OH MY SUMMER"

K-pop's brand is fun, and "OH MY SUMMER" is no different. However, you can feel the sunny vibes emanating from the backing horns and strings in the instrumental, and with a hook like "This one's for the summer", this was primed for poolside parties everywhere. Yet again the chemistry between the girls is excellent, and even without understanding the lyrics, they guide you along the song with ease. The best type of music is that that transcends language, and WJSN's producers are doing everything right to ensure I keep listening.

56

100 gecs

"ringtone"

The advent of the internet and cell phones have radically changed the way humans date. It's become a quick-paced, immediate gratification sort of thing, where you can play God and choose who and what you want easier. That being said, it doesn't change what you get, or the fact that these relationships still must be fostered with love and care. Everyone's favorite trash pop duo 100 gecs took a more-poignant-than-expected look at this world through "ringtone", a simple pop song that lyrically could've been a Charli XCX song. It's cute to set a ringtone for the one you like, but the lyric's obsession with this person through the internet and not receiving the attention they crave hits close to home for many young people. The chunky beat and bite-sized runtime are perfect for the internet age, and it's a surprisingly relatable bop for a duo usually obsessed with being repulsive.

55

C Duncan

"Impossible"

“Impossible” drives right down the line of baroque and pop. It's sonically ornate, full of string melodies fitting of a Victorian opera house, but the lyrics and hooks scream Top 40. C Duncan’s rasp similarly goes down the line, vintage but with a modern appeal. He’s a talented dude, for sure, and “Impossible” would absolutely top the charts in an alternate universe where baroque pop is king and Ed Sheeran works at a gas station Subway.

54

Jenny Lewis

"Wasted Youth"

The subject matter of “Wasted Youth” is pretty grim, but rather than wallowing in sorrow, Jenny Lewis paints a vibrant, funny, drug-fueled portrait of her late mother. She wasted her addicted to heroin, but not before leaving a lasting impact on Jenny and her sister. Addiction is a permeating theme, which is the only way using Candy Crush as a lyric works. The song’s country rock vibes are lush, and the sound of the song is as vivid as her late mother was. It’s a great way to cope with loss, poke fun of and pay respect in the same track.

53

Kirin J Callinan

"Life Is Life"

Fun fact: every instrument used to make Return To Center was returned within the warranty date, so Kirin & co. got their money back. They basically made an album for free! It explains why "Life Is Life" sound a bit cheap, especially the horns. But that quality can't take away from the absolutely spirited performance Kirin delivers. His golden pipes are on full display, and the exclamations of "LIFE IS LIFE" are as joyous as any hook you'll hear in 2019. And even with the instrumental sounding a bit cheap, it's so triumphant you can't help but beam along with it.

52

FKA twigs

"fallen alien"

FKA twigs doesn't express her rage in conventional rage. Her voice on "fallen alien" has a definite anger to it, but she lets the instrumental do a lot of the emotional talking. It's mechanical in nature, like grinding gears but as a captivating piece of art pop. In this age of Satan, twigs has been mentally beaten and bullied by tabloids and Twilight fans alike (thanks to her former partner Robert Pattinson). As shown on "fallen alien", she'll use that as ammo to tear into her doubters like they tore into her.

51

Alex Cameron

"Divorce"

Finding the best way to songify his worst tendencies, "Divorce" is a piercingly funny look at the title subject. He's got friends in Kansas City with a mother-fucking futon couch he can sleep on than if she'll just say the word, and the rest of the lyrics are some of his funniest to date. The wonderful instrumental is his best answer to the glorious soft rock on Forced Witness. It's a great song with a golden hook, but also a sense of regret. He's grown out of his loser persona enough to want to make the relationship work, but if it won't, he's got a great attitude about the end of it.

50

King Gizzard and the

Lizard Wizard

"Cyboogie"

Fishing For Fishies didn't just take it back to blues rock heaven. The latter half of the record shifts towards 70's prog, culminating in the near 7 minute "Cyboogie". It's a rollicking odyssey of a track, a loving ode to music of the past that still feels distinctly King Gizzard. The abundance of Moog synths and vocoder distortion don't take away from the technical precision you'd expect from the group. It's slower than much of their other material, which I feel allows you to take it in easier. It's yet another testament to Gizz' ability to take any genre and make it their own.

49

The Japanese House

"Maybe You're the Reason"

For music that's about failed love and bitter memories, The Japanese House's sound is quite welcoming. The mix of indie/folk guitars and drums with electronic landscapes is a match made in heaven, vast sounding but soothing. Amber Bain sounds distant, but it's probably due to the broken she's experienced in the lyrics. She finds more comfort in the landscapes around her, and the landscapes she creates as a result are deserve exploration.

48

Two Door

Cinema Club

"Talk"

Two Door Cinema Club came at us this year with great indie pop tunes like it was 2010 all over again. “Talk” is about as effective as indie pop can get. A strong bass, a heavier emphasis on synths, and a suitably catchy melody are what you need, and “Talk” has em. Everything is so great, you can sing along with the almost meaningless lyrics and still get your time’s worth. Indie pop doesn’t need to come back in vogue if groups will put out music this good in the background.

47

Vampire Weekend

"Flower Moon"

Vampire Weekend and Autotune? Not something I would have wanted combined, but after hearing "Flower Moon", I wouldn't mind more. Over a harmonious instrumental, with plucky guitars, light drums and vocal coos from heaven, Ezra sings how change won't come unless you make it happen. The light bits of alteration for his voice stand out, while album guests Steve Lacy and Danielle Haim harmonize with Ezra over the peak of the song for a really beautiful moment. Plenty has changed in the course of Ezra's career, from Rostam leaving VW and Ezra becoming a father. The way he weaves these changes into broad musical statements made the band's comeback a smashing success, and "Flower Moon" is a prime exmaple why.

46

Lana Del Rey

"The greatest"

Lana's all-encompassing poem towards modern America, "The greatest" has some of Lana's best Lana-isms on an album full of them. "The culture is lit, and if this is it, then I've had a ball" is a line only Lana could deliver and it not be corny, and she makes multiple uses of it throughout the track. "The soft-rock, Laurel Canyon aesthetics are as strong here as they are on the rest of NFR!, but Lana's lyrics are what make this song so great. Her final words, couplets about Kanye gone blond, live streams and life on Mars, are firmly planted in 2019's pop culture but you get the sense they won't be dated in a few years. The world around her is in flames, but "The greatest" is Lana waltzing through the fire with a calmness all to herself.

45

Chromatics

"Whispers In The Hall"

If Closer To Grey plays out like a film soundtrack, "Whispers In The Hall" is the tension leading up to the film's defining moment. With a twinkling but insanely sinister instrumental pulse, Ruth Radalet warns you to stay strong in the face of evil. Her whisper may be light but her warnings ring loud, as powerful as any shout. The final instrumental portion could signal a breakdown in willpower, or a breakthrough in heeding Radalet's warnings. Either way it's an important and excellent moment on this Chromatics return effort.

44

Friendly Fires

"Silhouettes"

Years away from music allowed Friendly Fires to take in even more influences on their new album. They turn Todd Terje-esque vocal bops into an absolute bop of a song on "Silhouettes". Though nothing lyrically deep or progressive, the rhythm at the core is one of the best and catchiest of the whole year. The mix of synths and guitars, along with the vocal bops, will grab you from the moment you first hear it and never get out of your head. It's the most colorful moment on an album full of them.

43

Stella Donnelly

"Tricks"

Everyone's known that guy who had to be the life of the party. The one who put you and others down to bring himself up, be it in a relationship or as an acquaintance. "Tricks" is a simple but effective take down of that douche through indie rock form. Stella's lyrical wit is on full display, stripping off the man in question's braggadocio outer layer to reveal an insecure fool who screams for attention. The rhythm is everything you'd want to match Stella's songwriting, chipper and upbeat while tearing into this clown. Reference this great track when you decide to rip into the person you can't stand.

42

Tame Impala

"Patience"

Kevin Parker knew he kept us waiting too long, so how better to come back with the tongue-in-cheek "Patience"? His love of disco has never been stronger, with ABBA-esque pianos and glittering synths peppering the beat. The lyrics about ending relationships are classic Tame Impala, familiar but welcome. You know this song was meant to tease, as it's not even on the track listing for Tame Impala's long anticipated The Slow Rush. But as a return, it's everything you could've asked for from one of music's most enigmatic and special talents.

41

The 1975

"People"

No band captures millennial angst quite like The 1975. On "People", that angst turns into a fury unlike anything else the band has done. Matty Healy's shrieks "WAKE UP WAKE UP" over the shrill guitars and punk-y drums, which power forward at a breakneck pace. His furor about climate change and binge-watching complacency while the world's burning is palpable. Is it a rage that'll result in change? Probably not, but in this brutal system the world's built on, sometimes all you can really do is scream.

40

Tyler, the Creator

"EARFQUAKE"

Not only has Tyler shed his violent teenage skin, he's become a premiere writer of emotional love songs. He's begs, almost pathetically, for the one he loves to stay in a magnetic falsetto, over a synth-y combination of jazz, soul and funk. The overall sound of "EARFQUAKE", and IGOR as a whole, is new for us to hear from Tyler, but he makes it seem like a walk in the park. Tyler's always been a low-key amazing producer, and his ear for beats has never been sharper. It's one of many moments during a breakup that Tyler turns into art on the ambitious IGOR. And don't sleep on that almost unintelligible Playboi Carti feature!

39

Hot Chip

"Hungry Child"

Featuring one of their danciest beats ever, Hot Chip beckon you to the floor with "Hungry Child". The group is no stranger to catchy synthpop, but the way the beat pulses, it's begging you to find a floor and a partner to dance with. It finds an excellent balance between catchiness and Hot Chip's usual smooth lyricism. Alexis Taylor's croons are some of the easiest on your ears while you're partying away.

38

Red Velvet

"Sunny Side Up!"

Focusing on the "velvet" side of their artistic split, "Sunny Side Up!" is the best ride from Red Velvet's 'ReVe Festival' series of EPs. If bouncy synth that backs the track doesn't get your body moving, the great vocal flow between the five members will. You don't have to understand the lyrics to understand the great rhythm behind this track, the best case scenario for any k-pop song. Even RV's prolific output can hid this gem, a real case of velvet perfection.

37

Nick Cave &

The Bad Seeds

"Waiting For You"

Ghosteen is brighter and more hopeful than its predecessor, but the stunning "Waiting For You" shows how the pain of his son's death still haunts him. His voice is ready to break at any moment, but he powers on. His lyrics bring imagery of Jesus being reborn, but he's aware his son will never return. The piano chords and ghostly synths tug at your heartstrings as much as Cave's voice, but never enough to put you down and out. The message of Ghosteen is knowing that you will heal, and no song toes the line between Cave's emotions better than "Waiting For You".

36

Foals

"In Degrees"

Foals are at their best when they're at their most frenetic. "In Degrees" wastes not time in introducing you to its jittery beat, and the energy only goes up from there. Yannis' vocals turn into yelps as the world around him spins at a dizzying pace. Though it slows down enough to allow him to get in one final round of thoughts, it quickly turns up the pace before abruptly halting. It's the only way such a great, fun, energetic synth-rock rager could finish: as quickly as it started.

35

Caroline Polachek

"So Hot You're Hurting

My Feelings"

The first thing you hear on this standout track from Pang is Caroline's voice bouncing around. Her smooth voice is at the epicenter of the song, leading to a section towards the end where multiple layers of her voice jitter around your ears. Combined with an excellent synthpop beat and some subtly funny lyrics about regretting a past relationship, Caroline has a grasp on her brand of synthpop like not many others in the industry have. She's a unique voice, and it makes everything she touches better.

34

Angel Olsen

"All Mirrors"

As an introduction to the black & white world of her album of the same name, “All Mirrors” positions Angel as indie royalty (if she wasn’t already). She sounds as if she’s singing from a high throne, dominating the song as she’s enveloped by strings, synths and a drum with crazy reverb. As the song gets bigger, Angel rises to the occasion, her voice getting wavy with effects but no less commanding. It culminates with every element in sync, a testament to Angel’s absolute power when it comes to making symphonic indie rock.

33

Swans

"It's Coming It's Real"

No other band can build a song to a threatening climax quite like Swans. Even at their most serene, with "It's Coming It's Real" sounding more ethereally country than experimental rock, the band maintains an unsettling nature. As the verses get bigger and louder towards the end of the song, the instrumental becomes more and more sinister. Gira’s vocal register climbs and climbs, and without turning to the rage of past efforts, he ensnares you in his brutal but entrancing world. It’s like riding horseback through a desert landscape as the universe around you slowly dissipates.

32

Ghost

"Kiss The Go-Goat"

Ghost is gladly embracing the sillier side of their music, going back to Woodstock-era rock music and infusing it with their theatrical, "satanic "overtones. "Kiss The Go-Goat" is as colorful as the cover of the EP it's on. The band continues to focus on great rhythms, and the slide guitars and drums could've fit right in on the main stage back in 1969. Tobias Forge's signature cheese in the lyrics includes kissy noises and the phrase "You've been daddied". This is definitely their most campy song yet, but no other band could make this work like Ghost does.

31

BROCKHAMPTON

"NO HALO"

Now that the boys have had a year to deal with the fallout from losing Ameer, they've channeled their collective feelings into GINGER. "NO HALO" deals with depression in a calm, collected way they never could on iridescence, and the results are fantastic. With a catchy hook tying all the boys' verses together, you get bar after bar of BROCKHAMPTON rapping better than ever. Coupled with a twangy guitar beneath the beat and you've got a strong contender for BROCKHAMPTON's best song to date.

30

Thom Yorke

"Traffic"

"Traffic" sees Thom wobbling like he's never wobbled before. With one of the more grabbing instrumentals on his latest album, it thrusts you into Thom's apocalyptic vision of the future. You can't help but get a sense of grayness, from the cryptic lyricism and the instrumentals sonic palette. Handclaps and bouncy synths have never been so sinister, with Thom's cry of "I'm free" feeling swallowed by everything around him. A fritz of vocals at the end bring the song to a suffocating climax, Thom's voice again disappearing into the maelstrom of electronic whirr. The very notion of traffic is apocalyptic, a solvable problem that society lets get out of hand for the benefit of few. It's one of many signs we live in dystopia, and Thom's bleak but captivating music makes for a fitting soundtrack.

29

Bon Iver

"Naeem"

i,i is Bon Iver's fall album, and in that regard, "Naeem" is a ray of morning light on a crisp autumn day. Featuring some of the most scintillating production of any Bon Iver song ever, the pianos, strings, drums and more gleam with a bright sheen. The overall rhythm just screams of positivity, and Vernon's lyrics about finding hope in the finite world further embrace this sense of joy. On an album full of happy vibes, "Naeem" is the brightest light, leading us into the unknown of the future with a hell of an outlook.

28

Weyes Blood

"Andromeda"

With the advent of online dating, the pool of people seems as vast as a galaxy. If we’re meant to drift through it aimlessly, let us do it to Weyes Blood. She looks at modern love through the lens of 70’s soft rock on the gorgeous “Andromeda”. The instrumental is one of the best of 2019 from a pure sonic perspective, with the Laurel Canyon vibes creating a celestial feeling unlike any other artist. As the drums and steel guitar drift along, so does Weyes Blood. She muses on what she wants in love in spite of her own shortcomings. Treat her right, lazy heart and all, or she’ll be doomed to float through space forever. Such a pretty song almost makes the meandering through single-ness almost worth it. Almost.

27

Sturgill Simpson

"Sing Along"

Summoning his inner ZZ Top, Sturgill Simpson hits you with a guitar so jagged it'll slice you up if you aren't careful on "Sing Along". It's a throwback in the best way possible, scuzzy synth rock with a Western touch. "You better carve my name in the barstool baby/because you know I'm gonna be here a while" is one of my favorite lyrics from the year Simpson's outlaw country roots make every turn he takes entertaining, and though it's dirty, "Sing Along" is a ride worth taking.

26

FKA twigs

"sad day"

Not many can string together such an eclectic mix of sounds and graceful vocals to make such beautiful results like FKA twigs can. Her voice is beautiful, and the refrain of "Would make a wish on my love" will haunt your loveliest nightmares. Once again, I find myself struggling to come up with words to describe FKA twigs' music. Just know that once you hear it, you're gonna be as mesmerized and speechless as I am. Listen to "sad day" and you'll have a good day!

25

BTS/Charli XCX

"Dream Glow"

Charli XCX is ever the collaborator, but who could've seen a collab with the biggest k-pop band on the planet coming? Taking an incomplete idea she previously had called "Glow", she teams with Jin, Jimin and Jungkook to fill the gaps and create a swirl of k-pop/EDM greatness. The trio of BTS members bounce off Charli without skipping a beat, effortlessly going back and forth between their Korean verses and Charli's English lines. It's purposefully vague, allowing you to sink into the glittery beat and get lost in the dream glow itself.

24

100 gecs

"money machine"

Talk about a glitched-up power trip. Featuring some of the most brazen lyrics and abrasive electronic production this year, "money machine" is an unexpected head-turner of a pop song. It follows conventional pop structure with layers of glitchy noise, all while blitzing you with insults like piss baby and comparing your arms to cigarettes. Purposefully obnoxious to the highest degree, it's a great riff on the glut of self-righteous EDM and hip hop acts out there. Such a high concept, high octane act shouldn't thrive like this, but 100 gecs continues to simultaneously insult me and captivate me.

23

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

"Mars For The Rich"

Space is supposedly the final frontier, but how many people will that frontier be for? King Gizz seem to think only the rich and powerful, leaving us plebeians on Earth to rock out to "Mars For The Rich". With the most rollicking-good rhythm on Infest The Rats' Nest, Stu Mackenzie rages along to one of the best metal rhythms of the year. Powerful drumming, a slick bassline and great lyrics all around makes "Mars For The Rich" as a highlight on one of King Gizz' best albums yet.

22

Metronomy

"Salted Caramel Ice Cream"

Love is weird. Love is silly. Love is "Salted Caramel Ice Cream". With one of the most undeniably catchy grooves on any song I heard this year, Joe Mount makes pun after pun about his infatuation, only for you to find out he can't handle the real thing. It's ridiculous, ridiculously fun and as sweet as the title would suggest.

21

Rina Mushonga

"Atalanta"

With such a swirling mix of sounds on Rina’s excellent new album, the music could get overwhelmed if put together by a lesser artist. But Rina is no lesser artist, and she weaves all of her influences into the brilliant synthpop number “Atalanta”. Sounding like an update to a lost Phil Collins track, a great bass and killer hooks as the keys to the track. Rina sings about how the breakdown of relationships won’t stop her. “I’ll be the fire/ I’ll get up I’ll get up/When you walk away” she sings as the synth lines get louder and prouder. The production around the hooks twinkles thanks to the synths and the prominent kick drum. Rina looks to the goddess Atalanta for strength, and we can look to her music to find strength ourselves.

20

Lower Dens

"Young Republicans"

Overt politicking generally turns me off in music, and in life in general. That’s not the case for the blatantly titled “Young Republicans”, Lower Dens’ most glitzy, politically charged and potentially best song yet. The song lampoons snobby suburbanite conservatives as cannibals, eating the flesh of their enemies as a delicacy. It cleverly mirrors politicians buying up or overpowering smaller challengers to keep their crusty asses in power, refusing positive change for their own greedy sake. The rhythm and production is gloriously 80’s, and it’s so 80’s the 80’s might get jealous if it could hear this. Uber catchy and on the nose to a fault, it’s nevertheless a hilarious take on those self-important folk who think they deserve to run the world and somehow have ended up in that position.

19

Kanye West

"Use This Gospel" (feat. Clipse & Kenny G)

Even at his most scattershot, Kanye is always capable of creating a true showstopper. The simple but instantly impactful beat, embellished by haunting vocal harmonies, is a real highlight even amongst Kanye standards. Ye's verses are fine, but it's the guests that really sell it. A reunited Clipse sound like they never left, particularly a rejuvenated No Malice. Kenny G's unexpected sax solo could've flopped but the texture it provides ends up tying the beat together. What could've been with JIK is worth wondering about, but what we got gave us "Use This Gospel". For that alone, amen.

18

Lil Nas X

"Old Town Road - Remix"

(feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)

Before Tiktok memes, before Thugger, RM and the Walmart yodeling kid joined in, and before the record-setting 19 weeks of Billboard domination, there was a kid who just wanted to ride 'til he can't no more. Lil Nas X's nonchalant rhymes about horses, wranglers and lean combined with a simple but serviceably catchy (and cheap!) beat make it no wonder why the song blew up. It's instantly repeatable and endlessly remixable. My favorite version remains the Billy Ray Cyrus remix, not because it makes the song more country (it already was), but because it makes Billy Ray Cyrus listenable in the year 2019. That alone is worth all the awards.

17

Charli XCX

"Gone" (feat. Christine and

the Queens)

Who hasn’t been around people who make you uncomfortable? Who hasn’t wanted to unleash your feelings on them at full volume? That’s essentially what Charli XCX does in song form on “Gone”, a highlight from an album full of them. “Gone” finds a way to channel Charli’s insecurities into a no-fucks given anthem. “I feel so unstable/fucking hate these people/how they making me feel lately” both Charli and killer guest Christine and the Queens sing over an underground thriller of an electropop instrumental. A.G. Cook’s beats, especially around the chorus, empower both ladies to levels beyond human comprehension. They’ve transcended the shackles of their problems, turning their insecurities into beacons of light in the darkness. Much like on the cover for the album, Charli has nothing to hide, but on “Gone”, a lack of armor becomes armor itself.

16

Chromatics

"Twist The Knife"

"Twist The Knife" might be the most familiar song on Chromatics' long-awaited return, but that familiarity is what makes it so great. Chromatics' grasp on their synthwave aesthetic is ironclad, and the simple synth line to start the song is everything it needs. It's a mesmerizing little beat that could hold my attention for hours. Ruth Radalet's vocals are perfect for the track, fitting in snugly and never overpowering the fantastic instrumental, or vice versa. It's like a bear hug from a long lost friend, one so warm and tight you hope they never let go.

15

CHAI

"This Is Chai"

You can tell CHAI are having a ton of fun playing together. Sometimes, that fun turns into an absolute carnival of noise and chaos. "This Is Chai" is mostly lyric-free, save for a few oft-repeated chants, allowing you to get lost in the bonkers but catchy instrumental. This song has some of the most clangorous drums of 2019. For something with seemingly no rhyme or reason to it, you get the sense that CHAI are in 100% sync with one another, and their collective frenzy is ridiculously enjoyable. It might not be about creating a new perception of cuteness as much as the rest of PUNK, but "This Is Chai" is absolutely adorable in its own crazy way.

14

Sharon Van Etten

"Seventeen"

"Seventeen" has all the hallmarks of a great closing song for an 80's movie that doesn't exist. A fade-in to a driving kick drum. Sharon musing on her 17 year old self, and what she'd tell her now that she's older. A great instrumental that builds towards a passionate climax. A passionate chorus worthy of any age. Much like album compatriot "Comeback Kid", this pop-influenced style sounds like it was always meant to mix with Sharon's indie rock. When it does, it creates magic like "Seventeen".

13

Billie Eilish

"bury a friend"

No other pop album was as fresh as Billie Eilish's debut in 2019. It stripped away all of the excess and her captured the anxiety of Gen Z like no other. She turns the monster under her bed into her personal demons on "bury a friend", a prime example of what I'd call terror pop. Sharp screams, glass breaking and a sleazy voice beckoning her are par for the course as Billie goes through the rounds with her own struggles to run away from her monsters. The beat does so much with so little, and the elements like the high pitched whistle and distortion on Billie's own voice further this sense of unease. It never skimps on the catchiness, and all the little elements add up for a spectacularly unique song. "bury a friend" positions Billie as an unlikely voice for her generation, with a sound unlike her peers and a willingness to break the mold.

12

Carly Rae Jepsen

"Too Much"

Always one to be giving her love away, Carly finds herself realizing she has no limit. "Too Much" is absolutely sublime, both on the instrumental and lyrical front. The mid-tempo synthpop instrumental is so easy on the ears it'll never leave you, the bouncy synths a perfect compliment to Carly's voice. She's gonna give it her all, even if it's too much for those around her. In that sense, "Too Much" almost plays like a warning, albeit a loving one. You need no warning for Carly's music itself, and "Too Much" is my favorite moment on one of the most consistently great pop albums of the year.

11

Ariana Grande

"ghostin"

Ariana Grande is no stranger to turning tragedy into triumph. "thank u, next" and "no tears left to cry" are two of the biggest songs of the past few years and both turn Ariana's tragedy into broad pop anthems. But "ghostin" eschews her usual pop intentions for an ethereal and personal ballad. The wispy production envelops you in Ari's emotions, working towards to a breathtaking climax of strings, synths and oohs and ahhs. She's struggling to cope with the loss of her previous lover, all while comforting her current partner, telling them everything's ok. Ariana usually masks these complicated emotions over huge pop songs, but "ghostin" is a beautiful peek into her most personal thoughts.

10

Julia Jacklin

"Pressure To Party"

When newly single, the thought of mingling with strangers to rekindle some romance is near vomit-inducing. "Pressure To Party" is a masterstroke of indie rock emotion, capturing the stomach-churning feelings of being forced to get over it. More upbeat in its country-tinged rhythm than the rest of Crushing, the jaunty tune is like your head spinning at a party you don't want to be at. Everything around you reminds you of the relationship you just ended, and no amount of nice people can change that fact. "Pressure to go strike out on your own/Pressure to learn from being alone" are things that are hard to adjust after being with the same person for so long, but in the end, Julia will power through. "I'll open up the door and try to love again soon" she sings, voice almost breaking. It's a tough pill to swallow, but one better taken in superb song form like this.

9

Purple Mountains

"All My Happiness Is Gone"

The most thrilling depression anthem of all time, and the crown jewel of David Berman’s final masterpiece, “All My Happiness Is Gone” sounds unlike what you’d think if you read the lyrics first. It sounds more like “Melt With You” than “The Sound Of Silence”, but the lively instrumental serves as the perfect opposite to Berman’s wordplay. His limit was nearing its end, and the lyrics would be darkly funny if they weren’t so real. “I keep stressing, pressing on” and “Friends are warmer than gold when you’re old/keeping them is harder than you might suppose” are two of the more piercing lyrics, and there’s far too many to list. But in spite of what drove him to his eventual death, he kept stressing, pressing on to make genius folk rock while he could. His final gift is more than a warning about depression, it’s a showing of what you can do when you fight it. Rest In Peace, Mr. Berman.

8

Lana Del Rey

"Doin' Time"

Lana Del Rey is the fantasy of 70's California perfection boiled into one pop star. Her songs are immeasurably connected to the dream of the American West, and in retrospect, it's a surprise she hasn't covered someone like Sublime sooner. This dreamy update to the Long Beach legends fits perfectly into Lana's canon, pillowy soft yet immaculately catchy. The Jack Antonoff produced beat shuffles along over one of Lana's most commanding vocals ever. It's a picture perfect mixture of her lull, her aesthetics, and her influences, and all on a cover song to boot. If "Doin' Time" isn't the most lavishly written song on NFR!, it's the best proof that she can take anyone else's work and implement into her world.

7

Vampire Weekend

"This Life"

What makes "This Life" work is not that it's new and unique, it's that Ezra can take his influences and make them into his own. You've heard songs like it before, but only Ezra can take an iLoveMakonnen song's hook and turn it into the chorus of one of the best tracks of the year. Positively sunny and Paul Simon-esque, as a lot of FOTB is, the lyrics are anything but. Growing up and dealing with relationships is hard, but even as he sings about how he's cheated and been cheated on, Ezra realizes life will only go on. It's a bright outlook when pain is as natural as the rain, and it's approached with a maturity that Ezra's garnered as he has inevitably grown up. The dichotomy of happy sound and sad lyrics are nothing new, but when Vampire Weekend adds their magic touch, you can't help but know life will go on too.

6

Angel Olsen

"Lark"

"Lark" is like a dormant volcano, ready to burst at a moment's notice. The song leads you to think it peaks early, with a stirring section of powerful vocals and string swells in the first leg of the track. It calms down from there for a time, but Angel's emotions in the lyrics only grow. She yearns for proper communication in her relationships, but the disconnect is too real to bear. As she chants "dream on, dream on, dream on", the instrumental grows and grows until the real climax appears. The lyrics "WHAT ABOUT MY DREAMS/WHAT ABOUT THE HEART" boom over one of the most dramatic string sections you'll hear in your entire life. It's a truly stunning moment, something that will make you stop what you're doing in awe of what Angel has put before you. She's doing her thing bigger and better than ever before, and sometimes, it's ok to just sit and listen.

5

Lizzo

"Juice"

The feel good anthem of the year, hands down. You’re not allowed to feel bad while listening to “Juice”, it’s just fact. Whether it’s the jubilant production that finds a perfect balance of 80’s grooves and modern pop, Lizzo’s verses that not only empower herself but also the listener, the absolutely addicting hook, or anything else you can find about it, there’s something for everyone. Lizzo has had quite the meteoric rise to pop stardom, and though “Good As Hell” and “Truth Hurts” get more radio play, “Juice” remains the best example of why she rose so fast. It’s fun, it’s funny, and most of all, it’s fantastic.

4

Charli XCX

"Shake It" (feat. Big Freedia, CupcakKe, Brooke Candy &

Pabllo Vittar)

Though she's been blasting towards the future of pop music for a while now, Charli XCX is never one to forget her past. Her teen years were spent in after-dark raves, where the line between reality and fantasy wore extremely thin. "Shake It", the wildest and best moment on her self-titled album, turns her past and pop's future into an underground club thriller. A.G. Cook's mind-bending beats wrap themselves around Charli's voice, turning Charli herself into a robotic DJ for her own party.

But what's a party without memorable guests? Charli knows how to curate, and she brings in underdog artists who have beaten the odds and become stars in their own right. A gay man (Big Freedia), female rappers (CupcakKe, Brooke Candy) and a drag queen (Pabllo Vittar) come in and absolutely dominate, masterfully morphing their own styles into Charli's party. Big Freedia's verse in particular will make you move. It's an earth-shattering moment for Charli, one that'll stop you dead in your tracks if you aren't already partying along.

3

Weyes Blood

"Movies"

Film offers a glimpse into perfection. Everything is scripted to happen the way it was meant to happen, and whether that’s to a happy or sad ending, there’s comfort in knowing what’s coming. Natalie Mering wrestles the magic of movies into one of the most compelling and beautiful songs of 2019, the aptly titled “Movies”. Over slowly spreading arpeggiating synths and extravagant strings, she struggles with the realization that her life will never amount to the story told in film. But she doesn’t dwell on what can’t be. It’s a better use of time to profess her love of the stories and emotions movies can evoke, and just when you think she’s finished, the song kicks into a higher gear. The melody briefly stops, but picks up stronger than before. A swirling blend of synths, strings, drums and ethereal noise envelope Weyes Blood, as her simple professions of love for film soar to their highest peak. Whether you look at it as a love letter to film or a desire to be like them, “Movies” tells just as strong of a story as the movies Mering sings about. It’s the most melodramatic moment on Titanic Rising, yet it never succumbs to corn. That alone is testament to Mering's ability.

2

Tyler, the Creator

"GONE, GONE/THANK YOU"

IGOR is a breakup album, and as such, it explores the various stages of the inevitable. The attempts at reconciliation, the anger at your opposite, the confusion on what comes after it happens. But still, after so many listens, the most affecting moment is when the breakup occurs. “GONE, GONE/THANK YOU” is a three suite epic that covers all the bases of the big moment.

Each part meditates on the immediate aftermath, from the confusion to the anger to the acceptance. Part 1 is the confusion, unsure of what you’re going to do without that special someone. Part 2 finds Tyler reveling in their relationship’s end, but eventually coming to terms that it’s over. Part 3 continues the acceptance, but with the realization that he’ll never really get over what has happened to him. The three sections are some of Tyler’s best written ever (especially the stream-of-consciousness of Part 2), and his performance in multiple pitches is just astounding.

The sound is in line with the rest of IGOR, a perfect combination of jazz, funk, soul and more. Subtle additions from Cee Lo Green at the chorus and interlude make the song even more amazing upon closer inspection. “GONE, GONE/THANK YOU” is the moment Tyler’s artistic vision aligns, his flower blossoming even as the relationship ends.

1

Kirin J Callinan

"The Whole Of The Moon"

Cover songs are hard, as you’re taking another person’s work and trying to make it your own. They’re amusing, but rarely have a lasting impact. Kirin’s album from this year, Return To Center, jumps all of these hurdles, but none more than his masterful rendition of The Waterboys’ 1985 song “The Whole Of The Moon”. The instrumental adds stronger synths to form the rhythm, and the backing guitar helps add texture and make it great. It’s a faithful update already on the production side, but this song couldn’t be what it is without Kirin. What he does on “The Whole Of The Moon” is nothing short of magic. It’s the most spirited, most passionate, and most moving vocal performance I have heard in a long time. He belts out the lyrics about a friend whom he greatly admires, who saw the world better than anyone he knew. They were already really great and imaginative lyrics, but Kirin takes them to a whole other level. From the get go he's giving it his all. He never lets up either, building up to the final verses detailing all the esoteric but beautiful things this person makes Kirin think of. At this point, the passion is practically overflowing from his voice. Kirin’s taken a relatively obscure song and turned it completely into his own, and it’s everything a cover song should be and more. It’s my favorite song of 2019, hands down. Now go listen to it.

The Full List

1. Kirin J Callinan - "The Whole Of The Moon"
2. Tyler, the Creator - "GONE, GONE/THANK YOU"
3. Weyes Blood - "Movies"
4. Charli XCX - "Shake It" (feat. Big Freedia, CupcakKe, Brooke Candy, and Pablo Vittar)
5. Lizzo - "Juice"
6. Angel Olsen - "Lark"
7. Vampire Weekend - "This Life"
8. Lana Del Rey - "Doin' Time"
9. Purple Mountains - "All My Happiness Is Gone"
10. Julia Jacklin - "Pressure to Party"
11. Ariana Grande - "ghostin"
12. Carly Rae Jepsen - "Too Much"
13. Billie Eilish - "bury a friend"
14. Sharon Van Etten - "Seventeen"
15. CHAI - "This Is Chai"
16. Chromatics - "Twist The Knife"
17. Charli XCX - "Gone" (feat. Christine and the Queens)
18. Lil Nas X - "Old Town Road - Remix" (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)
19. Kanye West - "Use This Gospel" (feat. Clipse and Kenny G)
20. Lower Dens - "Young Republicans"
21. Rina Mushonga - "Atalanta"
22. Metronomy - "Salted Caramel Ice Cream"
23. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - "Mars for the Rich"
24. 100 gecs - "money machine"
25. BTS/Charli XCX - "Dream Glow"
26. FKA twigs - "sad day"
27. Sturgill Simpson - "Sing Along"
28. Weyes Blood - "Andromeda"
29. Bon Iver - "Naeem"
30. Thom Yorke - "Traffic"
31. BROCKHAMPTON - "NO HALO"
32. Ghost - "Kiss the Go-Goat"
33. Swans - "It's Coming It's Real"
34. Angel Olsen - "All Mirrors"
35. Caroline Polachek - "So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings"
36. Foals - "In Degrees"
37. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Waiting For You"
38. Red Velvet - "Sunny Side Up!"
39. Hot Chip - "Hungry Child"
40. Tyler, the Creator - "EARFQUAKE"
41. The 1975 - "People"
42. Tame Impala - "Patience"
43. Stella Donnelly - "Tricks"
44. Friendly Fires - "Silhouettes"
45. Chromatics - "Whispers In The Hall"
46. Lana Del Rey - "The greatest"
47. Vampire Weekend - "Flower Moon"
48. Two Door Cinema Club - "Talk"
49. The Japanese House - "Maybe You're the Reason"
50. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - "Cyboogie"
51. Alex Cameron - "Divorce"
52. FKA twigs - "fallen alien"
53. Kirin J Callinan - "Life Is Life"
54. Jenny Lewis - "Wasted Youth"
55. C Duncan - "Impossible"
56. 100 gecs - "ringtone"
57. WJSN - "OH MY SUMMER"
58. Billie Eilish - "bad guy"
59. Danny Brown - "Best Life"
60. Taylor Swift - "Paper Rings"
61. Anamanaguchi - "Air On Line"
62. Hannah Diamond - "Invisible"
63. Tool - "Fear Inoculum"
64. Pond - "Hand Mouth Dancer"
65. cupcakKe - "Squidward Nose"
66. Rina Mushonga - "Glory_"
67. Hot Chip - "Spell" (Superorganism Remix)
68. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Ghosteen"
69. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - "Crime Pays"
70. CHAI - "I'm Me"
71. Carly Rae Jepsen - "Julien"
72. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - "Self-Immolate"
73. Purple Mountains - "Nights That Won't Happen"
74. DIIV - "Skin Game"
75. Kero Kero Bonito - "Battle Lines"
76. Destroyer - "Crimson Tide"
77. Beck, Robyn, The Lonely Island - "Super Cool"
78. Clairo - "Softly"
79. Coldplay - "Arabesque"
80. Ariana Grande - "bloodline"
81. Kim Petras - "Do Me"
82. !!! - "Serbia Drums"
83. The Weeknd - "Blinding Lights"
84. Weezer - "The End of the Game"
85. Taylor Swift - "Lover"
86. Vampire Weekend - "Stranger"
87. Crumb - "Fall Down"
88. Young Thug - "The London" (feat. Travis Scott and J. Cole)
89. Alex Cameron - "Stepdad"
90. LCD Soundystem - "Seconds"
91. Julia Jacklin - "Don't Know How To Keep Loving You"
92. Bruce Springsteen - "The Wayfarer"
93. Foals - "Wash Off"
94. Holiday Sidewinder - "Baby Oil"
95. 100 gecs - "stupid horse"
96. BLACKPINK - "Kill This Love"
97. Confidence Man - "Does It Make You Feel Good?"
98. Lizzo - "Like A Girl"
99. Karen O & Danger Mouse - "Ministry"
100. WJSN - "Luckitty-cat"