50 Best Songs of 2016 | Year in Review Playlist

31. Ariana Grande, “Dangerous Woman”

(Dangerous Woman)

After releasing up-tempo singles throughout her career, Grande switched up the formula on the edgier, slower “Dangerous Woman.” A quasi-ballad driven by sex, Grande showcases she’s no long a child, but a fully-grown woman. “Something ‘bout you / makes me feel like a dangerous woman…”

32. Panic! At the Disco, “Death of a Bachelor”

(Death of a Bachelor)

Only Panic! At The Disco could successfully fuse emo, alternative, pop-punk, jazz, vocal, and easy listening into one. Brendon Urie does just that on the superb title track from Death of a Bachelor. It’s simply gorgeous, thanks to excellent production work, dynamic vocals, and memorable songwriting.

33. Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

(Trolls)

The sunny, feel-good “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” pulls off a rare feat – it transcends the soundtrack from which it hails. It’s not pop’s second coming, but “Can’t” is fun and infectious. Justin Timberlake’s falsetto is on-point.

34. Drake ft. WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”

(Views)

Former Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 “One Dance” endears itself after time. “One Dance” isn’t Drake’s masterpiece.  Throughout the course of his career, he’s had better songs.  Nonetheless, it’s an intriguing, dance-pop, hip-hop hybrid.

35. Maxwell, “Lake By The Ocean”

(blackSUMMER’Snight)

“Lake By the Ocean” superbly reminisces back to neo-soul’s glory days.  Signature Maxwell, the R&B heartthrob flaunts his incredibly, pure vocal tone, drenched in an ocean of SEXY-ness. “Pretty Wings” can’t be topped, but “Lake by the Ocean” is an awesome attempt nonetheless.

36. Young M.A., “OOOUUU” 

“OOOUUU” is a fantastic introduction to Young M.A., showcasing the utmost potential.  Rhyme after rhyme, Young M.A. impresses with her flow, easily keeping the male MCs in check. Ultimately, it’s well-produced, masterfully rapped, and infectious to nth degree.

37. The Lumineers, “Ophelia”

(Cleopatra)

The centerpiece of The Lumineers’ sophomore album, Cleopatra, isn’t the title track, but single, “Ophelia.” Love is a central theme of “Ophelia.”  That said, it masterfully depicts people falling in love with fame.

38. Declan McKenna, “Paracetamol”

(Liar – EP)

The moving “Paracetamol” was influenced by the  death of Leelah Alcorn (an Ohio transgender teen). Up-and-coming teen singer-songwriter Declan McKenna aims to ease the pain, build respect, and show support for the LGBT community.

39. Solange, “Cranes in the Sky”

(A Seat at the Table)

On “Cranes in the Sky,” Solange attempts to eliminate hurtful things by avoiding them.  Despite this, feelings of pain and hurt remain, even as she does any and everything to make them go “away.” According to her, “…it’s like cranes in the sky / sometimes I don’t wanna feel those metal clouds.” “Cranes in the Sky” is one of the best moments from the socially-conscious tour de force, A Seat at the Table.

40. Chance the Rapper ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz, “No Problem”

(Coloring Book)

Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book was filled with sensational songs. “No Problem” pairs Chance brilliantly with Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz for an irresistible “don’t mess with us” joint.  He uses “No Problem” as a forum to flip the bird to record labels.