50 Best Songs of 2016 | Year in Review Playlist

21. Kanye West ft. Rihanna, “Famous”

(The Life of Pablo)

No stranger to controversy, Kanye West promotes it with “Famous,” the polar opposite of the angelic “Ultralight Beam.” “Famous” feels hellish, crude, and disgusting, truly capturing the pitfalls of fame.  The cockiest, most controversial lyric:

“I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b*tch famous.”

22. Maren Morris, “My Church”

(Hero)

“Can I get a hallelujah” for the superb “My Church?” Crossover, feel-good country records only come so often. Morris’ “Church” exemplifies this as she touts driving in the car turning the music up.  Sure, everyone won’t be on board with her musical tastes, but the can relate to the vibe.

23. Emeli Sandé, “Hurts”

(Long Live the Angels) 

 Pain electrifies on the passionate, love scorned record, “Hurt.” Emeli Sandé expresses her grief like a champ, conveying her heartbreak after a broken relationship.  The authenticity is never in question as Sandé uses this quick-paced, energetic cut to vent frustration, regret, and disappointment.

24. David Bowie, “Blackstar”

(Blackstar)

“Blackstar” became overshadowed by “Lazarus” given the unexpected death of David Bowie two days after releasing Blackstar.  It shouldn’t be overshadowed – it’s a formidable juggernaut. 10 minutes in length, “Blackstar” is enigmatic, dark, and in a league of its own. Bowie at his best.

25. Bruno Mars, “24K Magic”

(24K Magic)

 “24K Magic” isn’t the most profound or deepest song of 2016, but it is a record steeped in 80s funk and a boatload of swagger.  Bruno Mars has written more meaningful songs, but his incredible artistry and showmanship shines through “24K Magic.”

26. Sia, “Bird Set Free”

(This Is Acting)

There’s nothing better than an empowering, uplifting record, especially when it’s memorable.  The opener from This Is Acting, “Bird Set Free,” is not only one of the best songs on the album, but among her best ever.

27. Zayn, “Pillowtalk”

(Mind of Mine)

On “Pillowtalk,” 23-year old Zayn sings about how it goes down.  In other words, the former 1D member expresses how he enjoys sex. Using commanding, lustful pipes, he holds nothing back. Ultimately, in his hands, it goes down dirty:

“F*cking and fighting on / it’s our paradise and it’s our warzone.”

28. The 1975, “If I Believe You”

(I Like It When You Sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it)

“If I Believe You” is arguably the best song from the 1975’s sophomore album.  On the gorgeous, skeptical, gospel gem, secular humanist frontman Matthew Healy addresses his atheism. Interestingly, in some regards, he seems closer to believing than not.

29. Mike Posner, “I Took a Pill in Ibiza”

(At Night, Alone.)

With “I Took a Pill in Ibiza,” many reference the electro-based Seeb Remix. Mike Posner released the original in 2015, reprising it on his 2016 sophomore album. The original is best, with Posner sounding incredibly authentic as he reflects on past fame.

30. Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

(Ripcord)

Keith Urban is a well-established presence in country music. Nonetheless, his soul-infused record “Blue Ain’t Your Color” upped the ante for the Aussie musician.  The vibe is throwback, old school country.