100 Best Songs of 2020: 100 – 76 | Playlist 🎧

100. AJR, “Bang!”

🎵 “Bang!” • 🏷 AJR / BMG Rights Management • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

“Been a hell of a ride, but I’m thinking it’s time to grow…” That’s that millennial spirit 🎙 AJR!  🎵 “Bang!” is pretty explosive – well – 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.  “So put your best face on, everybody / Pretend you know this song, everybody,” 🎙 Jack Met sings, continuing, “Come hang, let’s go out with a bang! / Bang! Bang! Bang!” Even if the ‘millennial’ angle perturbs you, the chorus and the production is certainly worthwhile.

99. Jonas Blue & MAX, “Naked”

🎵 “Naked” • 🏷 A Positiva / Virgin • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

“Hourglass shape for a figure / Silhouette send me off like a trigger / Goddamn, I’m the man when I’m with her, yeah.” Sigh, 🎙 Jonas Blue and 🎙 MAX assemble a superb pop song in 🎵 “Naked”, which is sensually charged and suggestive, yet never crosses the line.  The most offensive thing said is the aforementioned ‘goddamn’ by MAX, who never even utters the word sex!  Besides delivering perfect sexual innuendo, “Naked” shines thanks to great production (Blue), awesome vocals (MAX), and catchy, relatable songwriting.  Furthermore, the centerpiece is the infectious, irresistible, sexy chorus (“You only say you love me when we’re naked / When you’re bangin’ on my bedroom door”).

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98. Ryan Beatty, “Flowers at the Door”

💿 Dreaming of David • 🏷 Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 51 ⬇

“Draw on the pages, I won’t erase it / I want your mark on me, eternal.” 💿 Dreaming of David, the sophomore album by openly gay pop singer/songwriter 🎙 Ryan Beatty didn’t get much buzz.  Regardless, 🎵 “Flowers at the Door” is a pretty ‘hot’ (and definitely horny) record worth mentioning – starting things off on 🎧 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020 with a ‘BANG!’ Beatty totally ‘feels some type of way’ about this particular guy, enjoying a hot, freaky, and steamy sexual experience (“Our heads connected, I got the message / You had your hands around my skull /…I look up to you when I’m below”). That sexual experience is artfully executed sans profanity, but definitely “not that innocent,” Britney!

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97. Black Atlass, “Lie to Me”

💿 Dream Awake • 🏷 Republic • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 49 ⬇

On 🎵 “Lie to Me” (💿 Dream Awake), 🎙 Black Atlass (Alex Fleming) perfectly captures the plight of love. 🎙 DANNYBOYSTYLES and 🎙 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 “Lie to Me.” The listener is most blessed by Fleming on the chorus, where the lyric, “lie to me,” 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 doesn’t want to know about her current relationship.  Therefore, she should – wait for it – LIE.  Clearly still in love, Fleming admits he is to blame for their break-up, admitting, “I fucked this up / You know I can be brave / I can be kind / I can be yours / Just give me time…” Ultimately, “Lie to Me” is a treat, with relatable songwriting and theme perfectly tailored to his strengths artistically.

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96. Logic, “Celebration”

Ft. Silas

💿 No Pressure • 🏷 Def Jam • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

“Ayy, it’s a celebration, bitches / Came a long way from bus stops and washing dishes / From rags to bitches / Stovetop to Mastro’s, man, this shit is delicious.” For 🎙 Logic, the pressure is off, or so the title of his purported final studio album, 💿No Pressure (2020), informs us. One of the best songs from the album is 🎵 “Celebration.” the fourth track. “Celebration” features three verses. Two of those verses – the first and third – belong to Logic, while the second comes courtesy of rapper 🎙 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 ‘celebration,’ 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, “Shot in the Dark”

💿 Power Up • 🏷 Leidseplein Presse, B.V. • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

“My mission is to hit ignition!” Iconic Australian hard rock band 🎙 AC/DC returned with brand-new studio album in 2020, 💿 POWER UP.  Promoting the new LP was the fantastic, hard rocking 🎵 “Shot in the Dark”. The guitars roar and the drums pound (with ample cymbal) throughout. The signature, high-pitched vocals by 🎙 Brian Johnson are potent as always. He’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 (“A shot in the dark make it feel alright…” The veterans may not bring anything particularly innovative to the table, but “Shot in the Dark” is simply a good, hard rock record.

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94. Shawn Mendes & Justin Bieber, “Monster”

💿 Wonder • 🏷 Island • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

It finally happened – a collaboration between two former teen heartthrobs.  That’s right! 🏆 Grammy-nominated Canadian pop artist 🎙 Shawn Mendes and 🏆 Grammy-winning Canadian pop artist 🎙 Justin Bieber join forces on 🎵 “Monster”, which appears on Mendes’ fourth studio album, 💿 Wonder. Sleekly produced, 🎙 Frank Dukes, 🎙 Matthew Tavares, and 🎙 Kaan Gunesberk give Mendes and Bieber a sweet backdrop to work with.  There’s a soulfulness about this pop track, starting with the production.  Of course, with two skilled, soulful vocals, it’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 he’s made and adds on the bridge how hard it’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, “Thank You for It All”

💿 Chosen Vessel • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

“I thank you for it all / The good, bad, the ugly, great and small / The times of victory when I fall / I’m so grateful that I’m still standing tall.” Amen, 🎙 Marvin Sapp!  🎵 “Thank You for It All,” The opener from 💿 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.  Sapp’s choir amplifies his emotional highs, taking “Thank You for It All,” to the next level.  Whether you’re religious or not, you should appreciate the spirit exhibited – the deference Marvin shows to The Most High.

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92. Big Sean, “Deep Reverence”

Ft. Nipsey Hussle

💿 Detroit 2 • 🏷 Def Jam • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

On 🎵 “Deep Reverence”, 🎙 Big Sean enlists an assist from the late, great Grammy-winning rapper, 🎙 Nipsey Hussle. Although not everyone wanted him to release it an advance single, “Deep Reverence” 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 Nipsey’s verse. Sean continues to be a force on his fifth studio album 💿 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 (Jhené Aiko), anxiety, and depression.

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91. The Rolling Stones, “Living in a Ghost Town”

🎵 “Living in a Ghost Town” • 🏷 Promotone B.V. • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 35 ⬇

“Once this place was hummin’ / And the air was full of drummin’ / The sound of cymbals crashin’ / Glasses were all smashin’.” The key takeaway from the chorus of 🎵 “Living in a Ghost Town”: everything is dead.  Honestly, this ghost town that 🎙 The Rolling Stones describe perfectly captures the way life feels during the coronavirus pandemic. 🎙 Mick Jagger makes it clear “Living in a Ghost Town” wasn’t inspired by the pandemic but feels appropriate for times such as those. Just as he told Apple music, the lyrics perfectly capture “a place which was full of life but is now bereft of life.” “Life was so beautiful / Then we all got liked down,” he sings on the first verse, continuing, “Feel like a ghost / Living in a ghost town.” The second verse is also very representative of the times: “So much time to lose / Just starin’ at my phone / … Please let this be over, not stuck in a world without end, my friend.” 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, “On the Floor”

💿 Set My Heart on Fire Immediately • 🏷 Matador • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 47 ⬇

💿 Set My Heart on Fire Immediately is a superb album by 🎙 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 🔥 is 🎵 “On the Floor,” where desire is clearly ‘doing a number’ on Hadreas.  “On the floor / I pace, I run my mouth,” he sings, continuing, “I pray, and wait / I cross out his name on the page.” 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, it’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, “Letter to You”

💿 Letter to You • 🏷 Bruce Springsteen • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

🎵 “Letter to You” appears as the second track off of 💿 Letter to You, the 20^th studio album by rock icon, 🎙 Bruce Springsteen – THE BOSS baby! “Letter to You” kicks off with an unapologetic rock intro; there’s definitely some spunk! The production (Springsteen and 🎙 Ron Aniello) is great overall. The musicianship exhibited from start to finish is awesome, including strong vocals by Bruce, who doesn’t miss a beat in his early 70s. As always, the songwriting is solid. It’s relatively simple but ultimately telling and thoughtful. The chorus is strong, highlighting the titular lyrics four times (“In my letter to you”). An instrumental follows the chorus bringing contrast and a great opportunity for the band to flex.

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88. Justin Bieber, “Holy”

Ft. Chance the Rapper

🎵 “Holy” • 🏷 Def Jam • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

On 🎵 “Holy”, the 🏆 Grammy-winning pop superstar 🎙 Justin Bieber taps 🏆 Grammy-winning rapper 🎙 Chance the Rapper for the assist with positive results. A number of songwriters in addition to Bieber and Chance, make “Holy.” 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.  He’s the perfect fit. One final note, must shout-out how rousing “Holy” becomes towards the end, amplifying the gospel sensibilities even more. Praises!

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87. Aloe Blacc, “My Way”

All Love Everything • 🏷 BMG Rights Management • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕 

Thankfully, the talented 🎙 Aloe Blacc returned in 2020, following a six-year hiatus.  Ushering in his comeback album, 💿 All Love Everything, is the marvelous single, 🎵 “My Way”.  If you were all-in on “The Man” in 2014, well, you’ll feel the same about “My Way.” 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.  There’s classicism, yet “My Way” never sounds anachronistic either. The third component that makes “My Way” a bop-and-a-half – one of the 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020??? The songwriting! It’s relatable, simple yet thoughtful. The chorus is catchy and uplifting (“I can make it through this / You can throw the world in my face / But the fear gives me life / And I swear ‘til I die / I’m gonna do it my way”). 

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86. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “What’ve I Done to Help”

💿 Reunions • 🏷 Southeastern • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕 

“What’ve I done to help? / What’ve I done to help? / Somebody save me / What’ve I done to help? / What’ve I done to help? / And not myself?” 💿 Reunions, the 2020 studio album by 🎙 Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, kicks off in truly epic fashion with 🎵 “What’ve I Done to Help.” The six-and-a-half-minute-plus juggernaut features a heaping dose of rhythmic acoustic guitar (electric too), strings, and ample soulfulness from 🎙 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 be”).

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85. Gregory Porter, “Revival”

💿 All Rise • 🏷 Decca • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 50 ⬇ 

🏆 Grammy-winning musician 🎙 Gregory Porter certainly ‘brings the spirit’ on 🎵 “Revival” from his sixth studio album, 💿 All Rise.  This Porter, 🎙 Oliver Rockberger, and 🎙 Troy Miller co-write is epic! Focusing on Porter, he’s an incredibly gifted, versatile musician with absolutely stunning pipes. On “Revival,” 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 “Revival” percolates.  Furthermore, he’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 ‘tent meeting.’  Musically, Troy Miller delivers an awesome arrangement and production with all musicians excelling in their respective roles.  The songwriting gets an enthusiastic thumbs up.  What’s not to like about “Revival?”

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84. Brakence, “fuckboy”

💿 Punk2 • 🏷 brakence • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 39 ⬇ 

“Fuckboy tryna play my homie / But 2020 I’ma take time on me / Out the window where my mainline goes / This is sacrilegious how I’m gon’ fade off IG.” What better than a teenager (🎙 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 (“Heartache comes in many forms” or “This shit ain’t the same if I can’t breathe your air”) but strives to be a better person.  That means, some tough decisions, which he opens up about on the second verse (“Shouldn’t fall in love and I shouldn’t go to college.” Besides the honest, and ‘swagger-laden’ lyrics, “fuckboy” features unique production work.  It’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 🎵 “Fuckboy” (💿 Punk2) is pretty sweet!

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83. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Dreamsicle”

💿 Reunions • 🏷 Southeastern • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 28 ⬇

🎙 Jason Isbell is one of the best singer/songwriters of modern times, period.  Alongside 🎙 The 400 Unit, he continues to excel at his craft on 💿 Reunions, among the best albums of 2020.   Among the gems from Reunions is “Dreamsicle,” 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 – “We need help.” 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: “Broken glass and broken glass / I’ll be 18 four years from now / With different friends in a different town / I’ll finally be free.”

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82. Isaac Dunbar, “Isaac’s Insects”

💿 Isaac’s Insects (EP) • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 36 ⬇

“Why are all of Isaac’s Insects insane? / Terrorize his life and pick apart his brain.” Good and quite intriguing question, by all means – thought provoking! 🎙 Isaac Dunbar showcases his  incredible talents on the unique 🎵 “Isaac’s Insects” from his 2020 EP, 💿 Isaac’s Insects. Apparently, the ‘insects’ 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, “Insects know my secret life / They on my walls only at night / To judge me / Oh, how they judge me.” On the second verse, the ‘creepy crawlers’ are even worse. As much as he tries to rid of them, they simply won’t go away, best exemplified by the crowning achievement, the chorus where “I’ve had enough of beady eyes /And men in black who know my lies…” Obviously, via the compelling lyrics, Dunbar isn’t talking about literal insects, but fans who go to the absolute extreme.  He sounds fantastic, whether he’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, “As Long as You Care”

💿 Bright Lights, Red Eyes [EP] • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

“I’m sun-dried, my lips are high on overdrive / I’m so tired,” 🎙 Ruel sings on the first verse of 🎵 “as long as you care” (💿 Bright Lights, Red Eyes [EP]), continuing, “I’m sorry if I’m low on confidence… / I’m sorry, but my brain is fried.” 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 🎙 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 (“But don’t cry, I know that you care / You have no idea / It’s all bright lights and red eyes / Bright lights and red eyes”). Ruel = musical godsend.

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80. Keedron Bryant, “I Just Wanna Live”

💿 Reunions • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

“I’m a young black man / Doing all that I can / …I’m being hunted as prey / My people don’t want no trouble / We’ve had enough struggle.” A moving, viral clip can indeed do big things.  🎙 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 (🎙 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 🎵 “I Just Wanna Live” itself. His debut EP, 💿 I Just Wanna Live, features three versions of his viral hit. The main version commences the album.  Here, Bryant sounds absolutely amazing – 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, 🎙 Dem Jointz gives him a soulful backdrop that’s both modern yet throwback.

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79. Ledisi, “Anything for You”

💿 The Wild Card • 🏷 BMG Rights Management • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B singer 🎙 Ledisi has one of the most powerful voices in the game.  For years, Young has been preserving the ‘sanctity’ of old-school, grown-folks R&B. Young ‘brings the heat’ on her soulful single, 🎵 “Anything for You” (💿 The Wild Card). 🎙 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 can’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 ‘let her rip.’  The nuances and the runs are absolutely everything.  Furthermore, the songwriting is on-point. Here, she’s willing to do anything for you, best exemplified by the memorable, emotional chorus (“I’ll do anything for you / Heart and soul…”). Lovers of vintage, retro-sounding music, this is everything.

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78. Nas, “Ultra Black”

Ft. Hit-Boy

💿 King’s Disease • 🏷 Mass Appeal • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕 

🎵 “Ultra Black” finds 🎙 Nas exuberant in celebrating blackness. On this gem from 💿 King’s Disease, the rapper is backed by ‘old-school’ production (🎙 Hit-Boy), which always seems to suit him. Interestingly, for a man not known for hooks he drops one here and it’s moderately catchy. Nas cites specific notable blacks and things associated with ‘the culture.’ One truly clever lyric comes near the end of the second verse: “Hall & Oates, I can’t go for that / Motown Museum, Detroit, I’m ultra black.” Essentially, the rapper doesn’t want the ‘culturally appropriated’/whitewashed version – no disrespect intended – he wants the legit, black and proud version. Got it Nas – got it!

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77. Demi Lovato, “Anyone”

🎵 “Anyone” • 🏷 Island • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕 

“I tried to talk to my piano / I tried to talk to my guitar / Talk to my imagination / Confided into alcohol…”With her powerful, honest, incredibly vulnerable single, 🎵 “Anyone”, 🎙 Demi Lovato was part of one of the most moving moments at the 🏆 62^nd Annual Grammy Awards.  “Anyone” keeps things simple from a musical perspective – 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 – 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, “Blueberry Faygo”

💿 Certified Hitmaker • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2020

Previous Rank: 🆕

There’s plenty of pros that make the relatively short 🎵 “Blueberry Faygo” by Pacific Northwest artist 🎙 Lil Mosey worth your while.  One of the first reasons why “Blueberry Faygo” earns ‘bop status’ is thanks to the production by 🎙 Callan.  It’s quite lush, further fueled by a 🎙 Johnny Gill sample (“My, My, My”).  This is the perfect backdrop for Mosey to drop his agile, easygoing flow. No, he’s not the most ‘lyrical’ – “Three more hoes, pull up, I’m fucking shit” – but there’s a clear draw.  While the lyrics are shallow, he manages to drop some memorable lines. The crème de la crème is the chorus, of course, especially when he “Poured up a four, now that blueberry Faygo.”

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