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Best Songs of 2020: #100 - 76 (Pt. 1) [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Pixabay]100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 100 โ€“ 76 ๐ŸŽง features bops courtesy of Aloe Blacc, Big Sean, Demi Lovato, Jason Isbell & Shawn Mendes.

Itโ€™s always a daunting task to select the best songs of the year.  Itโ€™s fun mind you, but also extremely difficult.  In any scenario, there are going to be great songs that are omitted.  Also, a song that you consider the best subjectively is likely panned by someone else.  The good news is, when youโ€™re the person selecting the ๐ŸŽง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020, IT IS A PERSONAL OPINION โ€“ not the end all, be all. 

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There have been a number of great records, singles, and album tracks in 2020 โ€“ far too many to cover in one list, even when there are legitimate 100 songs selected in total. But some of the many highlights have been selected, after much back and forth. On ๐ŸŽง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 100 โ€“ 76, we examine songs ranked from nos. 100 to 76 in the overall ๐ŸŽง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020.  Among artists appearing on the first part of the list are ๐ŸŽ™ Aloe Blacc, ๐ŸŽ™ Big Sean, ๐ŸŽ™ Demi Lovato,๐ŸŽ™ Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and ๐ŸŽ™ Shawn Mendes among others.  So, without further ado, here are the ๐ŸŽง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 100 โ€“ 76. LFG!

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100. AJR, โ€œBang!โ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œBang!โ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท AJR / BMG Rights Management โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

AJR, "Bang!" [๐Ÿ“ท: AJR Productions / S-Curve]โ€œBeen a hell of a ride, but Iโ€™m thinking itโ€™s time to growโ€ฆโ€ Thatโ€™s that millennial spirit ๐ŸŽ™ AJR๐ŸŽต โ€œBang!โ€ is pretty explosive โ€“ well โ€“ in certain parts to a certain degree.  The chorus is quite infectious, backed by the typical big, dynamic production the bro trio are known for.  โ€œSo put your best face on, everybody / Pretend you know this song, everybody,โ€ ๐ŸŽ™ Jack Met sings, continuing, โ€œCome hang, letโ€™s go out with a bang! / Bang! Bang! Bang!โ€ Even if the โ€˜millennialโ€™ angle perturbs you, the chorus and the production is certainly worthwhile.


99. Jonas Blue & MAX, โ€œNakedโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œNakedโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท A Positiva / Virgin โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Jonas Blue & MAX, "Naked" [๐Ÿ“ท: A Positiva / Virgin]โ€œHourglass shape for a figure / Silhouette send me off like a trigger / Goddamn, Iโ€™m the man when Iโ€™m with her, yeah.โ€ Sigh, ๐ŸŽ™ Jonas Blue and ๐ŸŽ™ MAX assemble a superb pop song in ๐ŸŽต โ€œNakedโ€, which is sensually charged and suggestive, yet never crosses the line.  The most offensive thing said is the aforementioned โ€˜goddamnโ€™ by MAX, who never even utters the word sex!  Besides delivering perfect sexual innuendo, โ€œNakedโ€ shines thanks to great production (Blue), awesome vocals (MAX), and catchy, relatable songwriting.  Furthermore, the centerpiece is the infectious, irresistible, sexy chorus (โ€œYou only say you love me when weโ€™re naked / When youโ€™re banginโ€™ on my bedroom doorโ€).

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98. Ryan Beatty, โ€œFlowers at the Doorโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Dreaming of David โ€ข ๐Ÿท Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 51 โฌ‡

Ryan Beatty, Dreaming of David [๐Ÿ“ท : Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope]โ€œDraw on the pages, I wonโ€™t erase it / I want your mark on me, eternal.โ€ ๐Ÿ’ฟ Dreaming of David, the sophomore album by openly gay pop singer/songwriter ๐ŸŽ™ Ryan Beatty didnโ€™t get much buzz.  Regardless, ๐ŸŽต โ€œFlowers at the Doorโ€ is a pretty โ€˜hotโ€™ (and definitely horny) record worth mentioning โ€“ starting things off on ๐ŸŽง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020 with a โ€˜BANG!โ€™ Beatty totally โ€˜feels some type of wayโ€™ about this particular guy, enjoying a hot, freaky, and steamy sexual experience (โ€œOur heads connected, I got the message / You had your hands around my skull /โ€ฆI look up to you when Iโ€™m belowโ€). That sexual experience is artfully executed sans profanity, but definitely โ€œnot that innocent,โ€ Britney!

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97. Black Atlass, โ€œLie to Meโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Dream Awake โ€ข ๐Ÿท Republic โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 49 โฌ‡

Black Atlass, Dream Awake [๐Ÿ“ท: Republic]On ๐ŸŽต โ€œLie to Meโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ Dream Awake), ๐ŸŽ™ Black Atlass (Alex Fleming) perfectly captures the plight of love. ๐ŸŽ™ DANNYBOYSTYLES and ๐ŸŽ™ Oligee provide Fleming with a mighty backdrop to paint his colorful, expressive, and sexy vocals upon including lush keyboards, synths, and anchoring beat.  Throw in a minor-key, and the vibe is absolutely electrifying on โ€œLie to Me.โ€ The listener is most blessed by Fleming on the chorus, where the lyric, โ€œlie to me,โ€ features epic, falsetto treatment. Besides the chorus, there are plenty alluring moments regarding the songwriting. Fleming experiences heartbreak, and as he sees his ex, he doesnโ€™t want to know about her current relationship.  Therefore, she should โ€“ wait for it โ€“ LIE.  Clearly still in love, Fleming admits he is to blame for their break-up, admitting, โ€œI fucked this up / You know I can be brave / I can be kind / I can be yours / Just give me timeโ€ฆโ€ Ultimately, โ€œLie to Meโ€ is a treat, with relatable songwriting and theme perfectly tailored to his strengths artistically.

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96. Logic, โ€œCelebrationโ€

Ft. Silas

๐Ÿ’ฟ No Pressure โ€ข ๐Ÿท Def Jam โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Logic, No Pressure [๐Ÿ“ท : Def Jam]โ€œAyy, itโ€™s a celebration, bitches / Came a long way from bus stops and washing dishes / From rags to bitches / Stovetop to Mastroโ€™s, man, this shit is delicious.โ€ For ๐ŸŽ™ Logic, the pressure is off, or so the title of his purported final studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟNo Pressure (2020), informs us. One of the best songs from the album is ๐ŸŽต โ€œCelebration.โ€ the fourth track. โ€œCelebrationโ€ features three verses. Two of those verses โ€“ the first and third โ€“ belong to Logic, while the second comes courtesy of rapper ๐ŸŽ™ Silas. Silas gets a full verse, but concludes his bars mid-phrase, allowing Logic to segue into a briefer third verse. The transition is pretty smooth mind you and definitely a cool effect. Indeed a โ€˜celebration,โ€™ the record is a flex-fest in just about every way, including agile, exuberant rhymes, and sample-laden, old-school production (No I.D and Logic). Celebration indeed!

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95. AC/DC, โ€œShot in the Darkโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Power Up โ€ข ๐Ÿท Leidseplein Presse, B.V. โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

AC/DC, Power Up [๐Ÿ“ท : Leidseplein Presse, B.V.]โ€œMy mission is to hit ignition!โ€ Iconic Australian hard rock band ๐ŸŽ™ AC/DC returned with brand-new studio album in 2020, ๐Ÿ’ฟ POWER UP.  Promoting the new LP was the fantastic, hard rocking ๐ŸŽต โ€œShot in the Darkโ€. The guitars roar and the drums pound (with ample cymbal) throughout. The signature, high-pitched vocals by ๐ŸŽ™ Brian Johnson are potent as always. Heโ€™s incredibly assertive, never afraid to dig in. The lyrics are pretty simple and straightforward, with the best moment arriving via the epic chorus, with memorable, sing-along lyrics (โ€œA shot in the dark make it feel alrightโ€ฆโ€ The veterans may not bring anything particularly innovative to the table, but โ€œShot in the Darkโ€ is simply a good, hard rock record.

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94. Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber, โ€œMonsterโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Wonder โ€ข ๐Ÿท Island โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber, "Monster" [๐Ÿ“ท : Island / Def Jam]It finally happened โ€“ a collaboration between two former teen heartthrobs.  Thatโ€™s right! ๐Ÿ† Grammy-nominated Canadian pop artist ๐ŸŽ™ Shawn Mendes and ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning Canadian pop artist ๐ŸŽ™ Justin Bieber join forces on ๐ŸŽต โ€œMonsterโ€, which appears on Mendesโ€™ fourth studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Wonder. Sleekly produced, ๐ŸŽ™ Frank Dukes, ๐ŸŽ™ Matthew Tavares, and ๐ŸŽ™ Kaan Gunesberk give Mendes and Bieber a sweet backdrop to work with.  Thereโ€™s a soulfulness about this pop track, starting with the production.  Of course, with two skilled, soulful vocals, itโ€™s reflected within the vocal performances.  Mendes kicks things off, impressing with his gorgeous, vulnerable pipes, singing about the ups and downs of fame and superstardom. Bieber takes a similar perspective on the second verse, mentioning the mistakes heโ€™s made and adds on the bridge how hard itโ€™s been to redeem himself. The centerpiece, the chorus, is quite powerful and emotional. Both artists marvelously, and both do a fine job capturing the plight of fame.

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93. Marvin Sapp, โ€œThank You for It Allโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Chosen Vessel โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Marvin Sapp, Chosen Vessel [๐Ÿ“ท: Provident / Sony]โ€œI thank you for it all / The good, bad, the ugly, great and small / The times of victory when I fall / Iโ€™m so grateful that Iโ€™m still standing tall.โ€ Amen, ๐ŸŽ™ Marvin Sapp๐ŸŽต โ€œThank You for It All,โ€ The opener from ๐Ÿ’ฟ Chosen Vessel just feels totally right.  Sapp emphasizes giving God gratitude for all situations, including those that are the most difficult and uncomfortable.  Why, you ask, would you ever be thankful for the bad? Well, per Sapp, it is because God has blessed us with life itself, as well as surviving the storms, turbulence, and tribulations that come with it. The songwriting is simple, yet, perfectly executed.  Sappโ€™s choir amplifies his emotional highs, taking โ€œThank You for It All,โ€ to the next level.  Whether youโ€™re religious or not, you should appreciate the spirit exhibited โ€“ the deference Marvin shows to The Most High.

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92. Big Sean, โ€œDeep Reverenceโ€

Ft. Nipsey Hussle

๐Ÿ’ฟ Detroit 2 โ€ข ๐Ÿท Def Jam โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Big Sean, Detroit 2 [๐Ÿ“ท: G.O.O.D. / Def Jam]On ๐ŸŽต โ€œDeep Reverenceโ€, ๐ŸŽ™ Big Sean enlists an assist from the late, great Grammy-winning rapper, ๐ŸŽ™ Nipsey Hussle. Although not everyone wanted him to release it an advance single, โ€œDeep Reverenceโ€ ends up being quite special.  Nipsey takes first blood, kicking off his verse with a bang, followed by the sole chorus, derived from the opening lines of Nipseyโ€™s verse. Sean continues to be a force on his fifth studio album ๐Ÿ’ฟ Detroit 2, notably delivering agile rhymes and continuing to be honest and incredibly transparent.  Throughout his honest verse, he reflects on life including a beef with Kendrick Lamar, a miscarriage with his ex-girlfriend (Jhenรฉ Aiko), anxiety, and depression.

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91. The Rolling Stones, โ€œLiving in a Ghost Townโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œLiving in a Ghost Townโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Promotone B.V. โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 35 โฌ‡

The Rolling Stones, Living in a Ghost Town [๐Ÿ“ท: Promotone B.V.]โ€œOnce this place was humminโ€™ / And the air was full of drumminโ€™ / The sound of cymbals crashinโ€™ / Glasses were all smashinโ€™.โ€ The key takeaway from the chorus of ๐ŸŽต โ€œLiving in a Ghost Townโ€: everything is dead.  Honestly, this ghost town that ๐ŸŽ™ The Rolling Stones describe perfectly captures the way life feels during the coronavirus pandemic. ๐ŸŽ™ Mick Jagger makes it clear โ€œLiving in a Ghost Townโ€ wasnโ€™t inspired by the pandemic but feels appropriate for times such as those. Just as he told Apple music, the lyrics perfectly capture โ€œa place which was full of life but is now bereft of life.โ€ โ€œLife was so beautiful / Then we all got liked down,โ€ he sings on the first verse, continuing, โ€œFeel like a ghost / Living in a ghost town.โ€ The second verse is also very representative of the times: โ€œSo much time to lose / Just starinโ€™ at my phone / โ€ฆ Please let this be over, not stuck in a world without end, my friend.โ€ Adding to the excellence are vocals infused with ample personality, and an instrumental comprised of ripe guitars, a robust bass line, groovy drums, and harmonica.  Just what the doctor ordered!

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90. Perfume Genius, โ€œOn the Floorโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Set My Heart on Fire Immediately โ€ข ๐Ÿท Matador โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 47 โฌ‡

Perfume Genius, Set My Heart on Fire Immediately [๐Ÿ“ท: Matador]๐Ÿ’ฟ Set My Heart on Fire Immediately is a superb album by ๐ŸŽ™ Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas).  What makes Set My Heart on Fire Immediately stand out are the vocals and songwriting by Hadreas, as well as the variety of contrasts that appear from start to finish.  An art-pop project to the core, the album still manages to provide variety from more intimate to more energetic and overt performances.  One of the reasons why Set My Heart on Fire Immediately is so ๐Ÿ”ฅ is ๐ŸŽต โ€œOn the Floor,โ€ where desire is clearly โ€˜doing a numberโ€™ on Hadreas.  โ€œOn the floor / I pace, I run my mouth,โ€ he sings, continuing, โ€œI pray, and wait / I cross out his name on the page.โ€ Geez Louise! The excellent single gets more vivid, with the ultimate goal being fulfillment through love. In the context of Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, itโ€™s quicker, more energetic, and more commercial than most of the album. It also marks one of the best produced efforts.

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89. Bruce Springsteen, โ€œLetter to Youโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Letter to You โ€ข ๐Ÿท Bruce Springsteen โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Bruce Springsteen, Letter to You [๐Ÿ“ท: Bruce Springsteen]๐ŸŽต โ€œLetter to Youโ€ appears as the second track off of ๐Ÿ’ฟ Letter to You, the 20th studio album by rock icon, ๐ŸŽ™ Bruce Springsteen โ€“ THE BOSS baby! โ€œLetter to Youโ€ kicks off with an unapologetic rock intro; thereโ€™s definitely some spunk! The production (Springsteen and ๐ŸŽ™ Ron Aniello) is great overall. The musicianship exhibited from start to finish is awesome, including strong vocals by Bruce, who doesnโ€™t miss a beat in his early 70s. As always, the songwriting is solid. Itโ€™s relatively simple but ultimately telling and thoughtful. The chorus is strong, highlighting the titular lyrics four times (โ€œIn my letter to youโ€). An instrumental follows the chorus bringing contrast and a great opportunity for the band to flex.

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88. Justin Bieber, โ€œHolyโ€

Ft. Chance the Rapper

๐ŸŽต โ€œHolyโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Def Jam โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Justin Bieber, "Holy" [๐Ÿ“ท: Def Jam]On ๐ŸŽต โ€œHolyโ€, the ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning pop superstar ๐ŸŽ™ Justin Bieber taps ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning rapper ๐ŸŽ™ Chance the Rapper for the assist with positive results. A number of songwriters in addition to Bieber and Chance, make โ€œHoly.โ€ Furthermore, five producers are attributed to the record. They definitely craft the many things to like about the record, particularly the blend of blend of pop, soul with some gospel cues. Early on, Bieber provides us with beautiful vocals showing off his lovely tone and soulful vibes. He sings two verses, supported by choral vocals on the catchy chorus that follows each.  As for Chance the Rapper, his verse is lengthy, beginning with melodic-driven rap before he opts for straight, agile, un-pitched rhymes.  Heโ€™s the perfect fit. One final note, must shout-out how rousing โ€œHolyโ€ becomes towards the end, amplifying the gospel sensibilities even more. Praises!

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87. Aloe Blacc, โ€œMy Wayโ€

All Love Everything โ€ข ๐Ÿท BMG Rights Management โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†• 

Aloe Blacc, All Love Everything [๐Ÿ“ท: BMG Rights Management]Thankfully, the talented ๐ŸŽ™ Aloe Blacc returned in 2020, following a six-year hiatus.  Ushering in his comeback album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ All Love Everything, is the marvelous single, ๐ŸŽต โ€œMy Wayโ€.  If you were all-in on โ€œThe Manโ€ in 2014, well, youโ€™ll feel the same about โ€œMy Way.โ€ The sound and vibe are very similar.  First and foremost, Blacc sounds absolutely amazing with his voice sounding as elite, polished, smooth, and soulful as ever.  Next, the production manages to brilliant fuse pop, contemporary R&B, and soul.  Thereโ€™s classicism, yet โ€œMy Wayโ€ never sounds anachronistic either. The third component that makes โ€œMy Wayโ€ a bop-and-a-half โ€“ one of the 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020??? The songwriting! Itโ€™s relatable, simple yet thoughtful. The chorus is catchy and uplifting (โ€œI can make it through this / You can throw the world in my face / But the fear gives me life / And I swear โ€˜til I die / Iโ€™m gonna do it my wayโ€). 

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86. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, โ€œWhatโ€™ve I Done to Helpโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Reunions โ€ข ๐Ÿท Southeastern โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†• 

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Reunions [๐Ÿ“ท: Southeastern]โ€œWhatโ€™ve I done to help? / Whatโ€™ve I done to help? / Somebody save me / Whatโ€™ve I done to help? / Whatโ€™ve I done to help? / And not myself?โ€ ๐Ÿ’ฟ Reunions, the 2020 studio album by ๐ŸŽ™ Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, kicks off in truly epic fashion with ๐ŸŽต โ€œWhatโ€™ve I Done to Help.โ€ The six-and-a-half-minute-plus juggernaut features a heaping dose of rhythmic acoustic guitar (electric too), strings, and ample soulfulness from ๐ŸŽ™ Jason Isbell.  Further contributing to the epic nature of the opener is a simple but incredibly catchy and effective chorus (aforementioned), and strong, personal and introspective songwriting overall. Notably, Isbell speaks about his past missteps (But I cut anchor and I drifted out to sea / And you found me busted and somehow you trust / I was not what I could beโ€).

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85. Gregory Porter, โ€œRevivalโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ All Rise โ€ข ๐Ÿท Decca โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 50 โฌ‡ 

Gregory Porter, All Rise [๐Ÿ“ท: Decca]๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning musician ๐ŸŽ™ Gregory Porter certainly โ€˜brings the spiritโ€™ on ๐ŸŽต โ€œRevivalโ€ from his sixth studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ All Rise.  This Porter, ๐ŸŽ™ Oliver Rockberger, and ๐ŸŽ™ Troy Miller co-write is epic! Focusing on Porter, heโ€™s an incredibly gifted, versatile musician with absolutely stunning pipes. On โ€œRevival,โ€ he expands beyond a jazz script infusing blues, soul, and gospel.  The anchoring rhythmic groove is hip enough for 2020 without compromising or sacrificing the sanctity of jazz.  Vocally, Porter gives a balanced performance, not revealing all his cards initially.  He saves some of his soulful nuances and runs until the โ€œRevivalโ€ percolates.  Furthermore, heโ€™s accentuated by an epic sounding gospel choir, and punchy horns.  The spirit is definitely patterned after the high-flying feel of a church revival or โ€˜tent meeting.โ€™  Musically, Troy Miller delivers an awesome arrangement and production with all musicians excelling in their respective roles.  The songwriting gets an enthusiastic thumbs up.  Whatโ€™s not to like about โ€œRevival?โ€

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84. Brakence, โ€œfuckboyโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Punk2 โ€ข ๐Ÿท brakence โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 39 โฌ‡ 

brakence, Punk2 [๐Ÿ“ท : brakence]โ€œFuckboy tryna play my homie / But 2020 Iโ€™ma take time on me / Out the window where my mainline goes / This is sacrilegious how Iโ€™m gonโ€™ fade off IG.โ€ What better than a teenager (๐ŸŽ™ brakence) who is able to express pain? Angst is a potent and powerful thing! Even better is the fact that he not only reflects on loss (โ€œHeartache comes in many formsโ€ or โ€œThis shit ainโ€™t the same if I canโ€™t breathe your airโ€) but strives to be a better person.  That means, some tough decisions, which he opens up about on the second verse (โ€œShouldnโ€™t fall in love and I shouldnโ€™t go to college.โ€ Besides the honest, and โ€˜swagger-ladenโ€™ lyrics, โ€œfuckboyโ€ features unique production work.  Itโ€™s best characterized as pop, but not straightforward.  The beat adds a hip-hop sensibility, as do the pitch-shifted vocals.  A fuckboy definitely has a negative connotation, but this ๐ŸŽต โ€œFuckboyโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ Punk2) is pretty sweet!

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83. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, โ€œDreamsicleโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Reunions โ€ข ๐Ÿท Southeastern โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 28 โฌ‡

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Reunions [๐Ÿ“ท: Southeastern]๐ŸŽ™ Jason Isbell is one of the best singer/songwriters of modern times, period.  Alongside ๐ŸŽ™ The 400 Unit, he continues to excel at his craft on ๐Ÿ’ฟ Reunions, among the best albums of 2020.   Among the gems from Reunions is โ€œDreamsicle,โ€ where Isbell delivers a marvelous, poetic chorus. In addition to the chorus, there are three thoughtfully penned verses, capturing some truly sad situations.  On the first verse, it comes from the perspective of a frequently moving child. On the second, Mama is sad, and the child wants Daddy to come home โ€“ โ€œWe need help.โ€ On the third, final, and most accomplished verse, the escapism is real (Isbell has always had a knack for this). The child looks forward to freedom from this unfortunate tale: โ€œBroken glass and broken glass / Iโ€™ll be 18 four years from now / With different friends in a different town / Iโ€™ll finally be free.โ€

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82. Isaac Dunbar, โ€œIsaacโ€™s Insectsโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Isaacโ€™s Insects (EP) โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: 36 โฌ‡

Isaac Dunbar, Isaac's Insects [๐Ÿ“ทt: RCA]โ€œWhy are all of Isaacโ€™s Insects insane? / Terrorize his life and pick apart his brain.โ€ Good and quite intriguing question, by all means โ€“ thought provoking! ๐ŸŽ™ Isaac Dunbar showcases his  incredible talents on the unique ๐ŸŽต โ€œIsaacโ€™s Insectsโ€ from his 2020 EP, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Isaacโ€™s Insects. Apparently, the โ€˜insectsโ€™ know too much about Isaac, something he emphasizes throughout the course of the song.  From the onset of this minor key cut, he sings, on the first verse, โ€œInsects know my secret life / They on my walls only at night / To judge me / Oh, how they judge me.โ€ On the second verse, the โ€˜creepy crawlersโ€™ are even worse. As much as he tries to rid of them, they simply wonโ€™t go away, best exemplified by the crowning achievement, the chorus where โ€œIโ€™ve had enough of beady eyes /And men in black who know my liesโ€ฆโ€ Obviously, via the compelling lyrics, Dunbar isnโ€™t talking about literal insects, but fans who go to the absolute extreme.  He sounds fantastic, whether heโ€™s singing in harmony, falsetto, or even dabbling in autotune/pitch shift.  The backdrop is also pretty sweet, with the synths and the infectious, enigmatic groove. 

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81. Ruel, โ€œAs Long as You Careโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Bright Lights, Red Eyes [EP] โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Ruel, Bright Lights, Red Eyes (EP) [๐Ÿ“ท: RCA]โ€œIโ€™m sun-dried, my lips are high on overdrive / Iโ€™m so tired,โ€ ๐ŸŽ™ Ruel sings on the first verse of ๐ŸŽต โ€œas long as you careโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ Bright Lights, Red Eyes [EP]), continuing, โ€œIโ€™m sorry if Iโ€™m low on confidenceโ€ฆ / Iโ€™m sorry, but my brain is fried.โ€ The Australian teen heartthrob has a truly rich, soulful, and expressive voice.  He sings with incredible authenticity, expression, and nuance on this co-write with producer ๐ŸŽ™ M-Phazes. M-Phazes production delivers some sensational throwback vibes from the R&B of the past, yet the sounds are also fresh. Matters of the heart take front and center. Furthermore, the catchy, memorable chorus serves as the centerpiece (โ€œBut donโ€™t cry, I know that you care / You have no idea / Itโ€™s all bright lights and red eyes / Bright lights and red eyesโ€). Ruel = musical godsend.

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80. Keedron Bryant, โ€œI Just Wanna Liveโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Reunions โ€ข ๐Ÿท Warner โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Keedron Bryant, I Just Wanna Live [๐Ÿ“ท: Warner]โ€œIโ€™m a young black man / Doing all that I can / โ€ฆIโ€™m being hunted as prey / My people donโ€™t want no trouble / Weโ€™ve had enough struggle.โ€ A moving, viral clip can indeed do big things.  ๐ŸŽ™ Keedron Bryant, a Florida teen R&B/gospel singer is a living testament to this. The 13-year old went viral thanks to a song written by his mom (๐ŸŽ™ Johnnetta Rayshele Bryant) that perfectly captures the feelings of the black community, particularly black males, given so many incidents of racial injustice, inequality, and police brutality.  Bryant would land a major-label record deal with Warner, which is absolutely impressive given both his age and the impact of ๐ŸŽต โ€œI Just Wanna Liveโ€ itself. His debut EP, ๐Ÿ’ฟ I Just Wanna Live, features three versions of his viral hit. The main version commences the album.  Here, Bryant sounds absolutely amazing โ€“ much more mature and seasoned beyond his youth.  His tone is gorgeous, while the ad-libs and runs only amplify the authenticity, emotions, and investment into the record.  Additionally, ๐ŸŽ™ Dem Jointz gives him a soulful backdrop thatโ€™s both modern yet throwback.

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79. Ledisi, โ€œAnything for Youโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ The Wild Card โ€ข ๐Ÿท BMG Rights Management โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Ledisi, The Wild Card [๐Ÿ“ท: BMG Rights Management]๐Ÿ† Grammy-nominated R&B singer ๐ŸŽ™ Ledisi has one of the most powerful voices in the game.  For years, Young has been preserving the โ€˜sanctityโ€™ of old-school, grown-folks R&B. Young โ€˜brings the heatโ€™ on her soulful single, ๐ŸŽต โ€œAnything for Youโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ The Wild Card). ๐ŸŽ™ Rex Rideout produces alongside Young, with excellent results.  No, the wheel is not reinvented on this throwback, adult contemporary R&B record, but the nostalgia of that gospel-tinged, highly soulful sound canโ€™t be written off.  Adding to the allure of course is none other than Ledisi, who sings like a beast. Always a powerhouse, she gives us a little bit of everything here.  She exhibits vocal control, but also knows when to โ€˜let her rip.โ€™  The nuances and the runs are absolutely everything.  Furthermore, the songwriting is on-point. Here, sheโ€™s willing to do anything for you, best exemplified by the memorable, emotional chorus (โ€œIโ€™ll do anything for you / Heart and soulโ€ฆโ€). Lovers of vintage, retro-sounding music, this is everything.

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78. Nas, โ€œUltra Blackโ€

Ft. Hit-Boy

๐Ÿ’ฟ Kingโ€™s Disease โ€ข ๐Ÿท Mass Appeal โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†• 

Nas, King's Disease [๐Ÿ“ท: Mass Appeal]๐ŸŽต โ€œUltra Blackโ€ finds ๐ŸŽ™ Nas exuberant in celebrating blackness. On this gem from ๐Ÿ’ฟ Kingโ€™s Disease, the rapper is backed by โ€˜old-schoolโ€™ production (๐ŸŽ™ Hit-Boy), which always seems to suit him. Interestingly, for a man not known for hooks he drops one here and itโ€™s moderately catchy. Nas cites specific notable blacks and things associated with โ€˜the culture.โ€™ One truly clever lyric comes near the end of the second verse: โ€œHall & Oates, I canโ€™t go for that / Motown Museum, Detroit, Iโ€™m ultra black.โ€ Essentially, the rapper doesnโ€™t want the โ€˜culturally appropriatedโ€™/whitewashed version โ€“ no disrespect intended โ€“ he wants the legit, black and proud version. Got it Nas โ€“ got it!

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77. Demi Lovato, โ€œAnyoneโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œAnyoneโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Island โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†• 

Demi Lovato, "Anyone" [๐Ÿ“ท: Island]โ€œI tried to talk to my piano / I tried to talk to my guitar / Talk to my imagination / Confided into alcoholโ€ฆโ€With her powerful, honest, incredibly vulnerable single, ๐ŸŽต โ€œAnyoneโ€, ๐ŸŽ™ Demi Lovato was part of one of the most moving moments at the ๐Ÿ† 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.  โ€œAnyoneโ€ keeps things simple from a musical perspective โ€“ Lovato singing, accompanied by piano.  This stripped sound is perfect for such a personal song, putting more weight on the vocal and lyrics.  Vocally, Lovato is as potent as ever.  Her range and her sheer power are nothing short of awesome, as she exhibits spirit, soulfulness, and channels a cry for help musically. The other selling point beyond the vocals are the lyrics.  Apparently, she searched everywhere for help โ€“ music, alcohol, God, you name it, feeling all alone. She makes this crystal clear on the chorus. Ultimately, this is an incredibly moving and powerful record.

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76. Lil Mosey, โ€œBlueberry Faygoโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Certified Hitmaker โ€ข ๐Ÿท Interscope โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Previous Rank: ๐Ÿ†•

Lil Mosey, "Blueberry Faygo" [๐Ÿ“ท : Interscope]Thereโ€™s plenty of pros that make the relatively short ๐ŸŽต โ€œBlueberry Faygoโ€ by Pacific Northwest artist ๐ŸŽ™ Lil Mosey worth your while.  One of the first reasons why โ€œBlueberry Faygoโ€ earns โ€˜bop statusโ€™ is thanks to the production by ๐ŸŽ™ Callan.  Itโ€™s quite lush, further fueled by a ๐ŸŽ™ Johnny Gill sample (โ€œMy, My, Myโ€).  This is the perfect backdrop for Mosey to drop his agile, easygoing flow. No, heโ€™s not the most โ€˜lyricalโ€™ โ€“ โ€œThree more hoes, pull up, Iโ€™m fucking shitโ€ โ€“ but thereโ€™s a clear draw.  While the lyrics are shallow, he manages to drop some memorable lines. The crรจme de la crรจme is the chorus, of course, especially when he โ€œPoured up a four, now that blueberry Faygo.โ€

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100 Best Songs of 2020: 100-76 ๐ŸŽง [๐Ÿ“ท: AJR, A Positiva, BMG Rights Management, Boy in Jeans, brakence, Brent Faulkner, Bruce Springsteen, Decca, Def Jam, Interscope, Island, Leidseplein Presse B.V., Listen Back Entertainment, Mad Love, Mass Appeal, Matador, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Promotone B.V., RCA, Republic, Southeastern, Unsplash, Virgin, Warner]


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.