19.

S stands for “Sorry Not Sorry” by Demi Lovato.

Album: Tell Me You Love Me

Hollywood / Island  

“Sorry Not Sorry” kicks off Tell Me You Love Me with a serious bang.  This is a slick, urban-pop joint with crossover written all over it.  There are pitch-shifted vocals, hard anchoring drums, soulful, gospel-tinged piano, and of course synths. Demi Lovato shows off her chops throughout, soaring to the highest of heights.’ Her best moments come on the chorus, where she’s supported by backing vocals.

20.

T stands for “Too Good at Goodbyes” by Sam Smith.

Album: The Thrill of It All

Capitol 

Initially, Sam Smith is accompanied by piano on opener and promo single, “Too Good at Goodbyes.” One lonely chord precedes the beginning of Smith’s vocal performance. As always, he sounds absolutely gorgeous, showing off his unique vocal tone and brilliant falsetto.  Like his best work, “Too Good at Goodbyes” is (1) a ballad and (2) centered around love.  Structurally, the pre-chorus serves as a key section:

“And every time you hurt me, the less that I cry / And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry / And every time you walk out, the less I love you / Baby, we don’t stand a chance, it’s sad but it’s true.”

21.

U stands for “Unforgettable” by Thomas Rhett.

Album: Life Changes

Big Machine

While “Unforgettable” seems a bit underwhelming at first, there’s magic with successive listens.  Arguably, “Unforgettable” doesn’t win over a crossover audience or build the Thomas Rhett country base, but it’s thoughtful. There is, however, a bit more country-ness here. Notably, thematically, Rhett reminisces on his courtship and eventual marriage.

22.

V stands for “Vacation” by Superfruit.

Album: Future Friends

RCA

The backdrop of “Vacation” borrows cues from the 80s, while maintaining a contemporary sound.  Here, both Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying take their share of lead. Mitch kicks things off on the first verse, with Scott adding a deeper, more robust sound on the second.  They sing in unison on the chorus and the bridge.  Foot tapping is unavoidable –four-on-the-floor gets you every time.