50 Best Songs of 2016 | Year in Review Playlist

11. D.R.A.M. ft. Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”

(Big Baby D.R.A.M.)

“Veggies” never sounded so appetizing until D.R.A.M. came along.  “Broccoli” gives the Virginia rap newbie a breakthrough hit, not to mention his youthful compadre, Lil Yachty. The whole package establishes the appeal: excellent production, major key, and positive vibes.

12. Yo Gotti, “Down in the DM”

(The Art of Hustle)

 Although it grew old after a while, Yo Gotti had us all addicted to “the gram” – Instagram that is. In the southern MC’s hands, his love for DMs was completely sexual. “Snapchat me that p*ssy…mood / or Facetime me that p*ssy if it’s…cool.”

13. Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla Sign, “Work from Home”

(7/27)

Innuendo was clearly pop’s best friend in 2016. That’s the case with Fifth Harmony hit “Work from Home.” “Work from Home” doesn’t have paying the bills in mind whatsoever.  The girls’ idea of work is equivalent with sex. Indeed, that work is much more exciting…

14. The Chainsmokers ft. Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”

(Collage)

“Closer” was the ace-in-the-hole for The Chainsmokers.  Even so, “Don’t Let Me Down” came first.  Another well-produced number the duo, they tapped teen-pop newbie Daya to handle vocal duties.  Ultimately, the results are golden.  “Don’t Let Me Down” is dope…fresh…ripe.

15. Beyoncé “Hold Up”

(Lemonade)

“Hold Up” gives Beyoncé one of the best, eclectic moments Lemonade.  Produced by Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend), Beyoncé, and Diplo, the results yield one of the more intriguing songs of her career. Aggressive to the nth degree, Beyoncé is pissed that he cheated on her, making it clear that no woman “don’t love you like I love you.”

16. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Dark Necessities”

(The Getaway)

“Dark Necessities” brilliantly captures the “dark side” in funky fashion. The fantastically produced single from The Getaway arguably references Anthony Kiedis overcoming drug addiction (“Tell the world that I’m / falling from the sky / dark necessities are part of my design”).

17. Sia ft. Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills”

(This is Acting)

 Arguably, there are better songs from This is Acting than “Cheap Thrills.” That said, “Cheap Thrills” is a savvy, guilty pleasure.  The ear candy is simply too good to resist, amplified by the tropical pop production, not to mention a lift from the resurrected Sean Paul.

18. Desiigner, “Panda”

 Every year, a new, trendy rap joint comes out of nowhere.  In 2016, that joint was “Panda.” A flex track, 19-year old rap newcomer Desiigner masterfully raps about a BMW X6.

“Black X6, Phantom / White X6 look like a panda/…Panda, panda, panda, panda…”

19. Beyoncé ft. Jack White, “Don’t Hurt Yourself”

(Lemonade)

Beyoncé has NEVER rocked harder than she does “Don’t Hurt Yourself?” Even the Recording academy voters took notice, nominating her fiery collaboration with Jack White for a Grammy – in the rock category! On “Don’t Hurt Yourself, Beyoncé is pissed, singing a litany of profanities.

20. Rihanna, “Kiss It Better”

(Anti)

Ballad “Kiss It Better” has an argument as the best song from Rihanna’s Anti. It exceptionally balances sensuality and sheer beauty.  Rihanna sounds smooth – coarse pipes and all – expressing her desires for him to “kiss it better” aka make passionate love.