100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 100 โ 76 ๐ง features bops courtesy of Alicia Keys, Bad Bunny, Childish Gambino, Omar Apolloย & The 1975.
Itโs always a daunting task to select the best songs of the year.ย Itโs fun mind you, but also extremely difficult.ย In any scenario, there are going to be great songs that are omitted.ย Also, a song that you consider the best subjectively is likely panned by someone else.ย The good news is, when youโre the person selecting the ๐ง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020, IT IS A PERSONAL OPINION โ not the end all, be all.ย
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 ๐ง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 75โ 51, we examine songs ranked from nos. 75 to 51 in the overall ๐ง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020.ย Among artists appearing on the first part of the list are ๐ Alicia Keys, ๐ Bad Bunny, ๐ Childish Gambino, ๐ Omar Apollo, and ๐ The 1975 among others.ย So, without further ado, here are the ๐ง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 75 โ 51. LFG!
75. Maluma & The Weeknd, โHawรกi (Remix)โ
๐ต โHawรกi (Remix)โ โขย ๐ท Sony Latin โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐ย
Remixes donโt tend to eclipse the original. โHawรกi,โ which appears on the 2020 ๐ Maluma album, ๐ฟ Papi Juancho, was sweet originally.ย That said, ๐ต โHawรกi (Remix)โ is quite strong and incredibly enjoyable. Maluma enlists ๐ The Weekend, who brings the heat, complementing him incredibly well.ย From the start, the remix contrasts the original. The Weeknd draws first blood, dropping an intro and following up with the pre-chorus and chorus (performed in English). On the chorus, however, the Spanish returns, with Maluma joining in on the second half.ย Here, the artists reference their respective former flames supposed faux happiness via a vacation in Hawaii, intact with cute IG pics. From there, the sole verse arrives, courtesy of Maluma, reprised from the original.ย He discusses his ex-lover and these things sheโs doing post-relationship, again, particularly via IG. He can see through the faรงade. Definitely entertaining.
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74. Pop Smoke, โMake it Rainโ
Ft. Rowdy Rebel
๐ฟ Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon โข ๐ท Republic โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐ย
โI make it rain on whoever / I make it rain, that Woo weather / Bitch, Iโm a dog, a blue devil / I got the hoes like Hugh Hefner.โ ๐ Pop Smoke is on autopilot on ๐ต โMake it Rainโ, the promo single from his posthumous debut album, ๐ฟ Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon. What stands out about the late rapper is how he was a proponent of bring drill music to the mainstream.ย The banger โMake it Rainโ reflects such.ย โMake it Rainโ features banging production by ๐ Yamaica โ The synths are hellish, while the beat anchors things down superbly. Pop Smoke is tough AF.ย His rhymes are hard-nosed and unapologetic.ย โLook, ainโt no apology / These niggas doubted me, I keep a pole tucked,โ he raps on the first verse, continuing, โRun up, catch a cold cut / Put his head on his shoulder.โ Wowโฆ ๐ Rowdy Rebel guests on the second verse, recorded via phone from prison.ย Obviously, the quality isnโt great because of this, but Rowdy is certainly just that โ rowdy. Itโs really a shame that Smoke is gone. Clearly, he was an artist with ample potential.ย Besides the toughness he brings on โMake it Rain,โ gotta love his distinct vocal tone.
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73. Moses Sumney, โCut Meโ
๐ฟ Grรฆ โขย ๐ท Jagjaguwar โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 40 โฌ
โMight not be healthy for me but seemingly I need / What cuts me, cuts me, cuts me, cut me, cut me, cut me.โ ๐ Moses Sumney ranks among the more distinct musicians, unafraid to try new things.ย Sumney is a blend of multiple styles, best placed under the umbrella of alternative. The superb ๐ต โCut Meโ appears on his 2020 album, ๐ฟ Grรฆ. โCut Meโ specifically could be described as an experimental soul song.ย The backdrop definitely hearkens back to the past, and Sumney has made clear his intentions to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin.ย Even though the sound is vintage to an extent, itโs not straightforward. There are plenty of surprises, even with horns, piano, and standard soul instrumentation.ย As interesting as the backdrop is, nothing tops Moses, who delivers an incredibly colorful, playful performance.ย Sure, he ascends into a gorgeous, ripe falsetto, idiomatic of R&B and soul, but he takes ample risks, creating something thatโs actually much newer than it is so much nostalgic. The lyrics are poetic; thoughtfully and carefully penned.ย There is no shortage of highlights, whether itโs โThatโs when I feel the most alive / Masochistic kisses are how I thrive,โ โEndurance is the source of my pride,โ or the personal โGuess Iโm a true immigrant son / No vacancies, no vacations.โย
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72. Omar Apollo, โStaybackโ
๐ฟ Apoliono โข ๐ท Warner โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
Gifted Mexican American musician ๐ Omar Apollo captivates on the short, but sweet and incredibly soulful ๐ต โStaybackโ, from his 2020 mini album, ๐ฟ Apolonio.ย The recurring lyric, โI canโt help that you been on my mind, confirms the love-centric nature of the record. 2:40 is ample time for him provide us with a soulful hit, diving into R&B, alternative R&B, and neo-soul. Amongst the cool sounds are distorted guitar, a rad guitar solo, and a robust bass line. The groove is simple but incredibly effective, anchoring the record down superbly. Vocally, Omar sounds utterly sublime; he excels in this vibe, without question.ย His falsetto is ripe, while his playful delivery is incredibly alluring.ย As far as the songwriting, the catchy chorus is definitely the centerpiece: โYou know I been feeling you since way back / But I couldnโt even make the words to say that, say that /โฆBut you could never love me so stay back, stay back.โ He remembers a relationship from the past but also seeks to move past it, having his former lover โstay back.โ Essentially, his love issues/pain/plight are our listening pleasure.
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71. Jack Harlow, โTyler Herroโ
๐ต โTyler Herroโ โขย ๐ท Generation Now / Atlantic โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
โI brought a gang to the party with me / Five white boys, but they not NSYNC.โ ๐ Jack Harlow is โinstant offenseโโฆ at least when it comes to rap.ย 2020 saw the rapperโs star rise exponentially, and for good reason.ย Keeping his game in tip-top shape, Harlow dropped an instant hit, ๐ต โTyler Herroโ, named after Kentucky Wildcat standout and NBA baller, ๐ Tyler Herro. โTyler Herroโ may be short (not the player, who is 6โ5โ), but itโs definitely a sweet banger from Jack.ย โMy homeboy Tyler, he play in South Beach,โ Harlow asserts on the verse, continuing, โHe told me this summer he gonโ fix my jumper.โ Herro would definitely be the one to do so given his skills from beyond the arc.ย Additionally, Harlow shouts out producer Boi-1da, who, alongside a list of producers, stitches up the track nicely.ย #BANGER
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70. Ariana Grande, โPositionsโ
๐ฟ Positions โข ๐ท Republic โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
๐ต โPositionsโ was the sole single issued in advance of ๐ฟ Positions, the surprise 2020 studio album by ๐ Grammy winner ๐ Ariana Grande.ย ย While some folks were mixed to some extent, itโs a cool, sensual jam overall.ย โPositionsโ checks off many of the expected boxes: fiery vocals, sound production (๐ Tommy Brown, ๐ Mr. Franks, and ๐ London on da Track) balancing R&B and pop, and of course, sexy songwriting. That said, โPositionsโ thrives more on vibe than being a lyrical/songwriting tour de force.ย The chorus is the catchiest, most recognizable section of the song. The verses are relatively short and lack transcendence.ย That said, theyโre a vibe, while the pre-chorus and that standout chorus shine brightest.
69. Teyana Taylor, โWe Got Loveโ
Ft. Ms. Lauryn Hill
๐ฟ The Album โข ๐ท Def Jam โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐ย
The crown jewel of ๐ฟ The Album by ๐ Teyana Taylor is ๐ต โWe Got Loveโ, featuring ๐ Ms. Lauryn Hill. ย โWe got love, love, love / You better believe it.โ The biggest takeaway from โWe Got Loveโ is how reflective and thankful the record is.ย Taylor counts her many blessings, none of which are about clout or drip of any sort. She focuses on family, self-love, and positive, uplifting vibes. Hill doesnโt have a gargantuan role on โWe Got Love,โ but her interlude adds some spice to this love-centric, socially conscious, and reflective number (โYou keep your focus / You keep your sense of love / And you keep your sense of purposeโฆโ).ย Ultimately, โWe Got Loveโ is great way to conclude a great album, as well as one of the best songs of 2020.
68. The Neighbourhood, โCherry Flavouredโ
๐ฟ Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones โข ๐ท Columbia โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐ย
Though a bit quirky, ๐ Jesse Rutherford and ๐ The Neighbourhood deliver quite the alluring, charming, vibe-laden record with ๐ต โCherry Flavouredโ, ย the sixth track from the bandโs fourth studio album, ๐ฟ Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones. With The Neighbourhood songs, youโve got to appreciate that aesthetic and vibe are quite important.ย Thatโs the case here on โCherry Flavoured,โ where we have a detuned pad and acoustic rhythm guitars that help establish a โdruggyโ sound.ย That druggy sound appears to be by design as โhighnessโ is mentioned throughout the record.ย We get the first taste of it on the very brief first verse when Jesse sings, โSweet and sour motivation / Wish I could keep concentration.โ Of course, he doesnโt as the chorus addresses his unhealthy highโฆ That said, the refrain, a distinct section that follows the post chorus speaks of a more positive high. It seems as if Rutherford and company could be referencing fans and those who love them as opposed to potentially destructive drugs.ย An outro, an about face, concludes this intriguing, unique record.
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67. The Chicks, โMarch Marchโ
๐ฟ Gaslighter โข ๐ท Columbia โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐ย
โMarch, march to my own drum / Hey, hey, Iโm an army of oneโฆโ โMarch Marchโ marks one of the best moments from ๐ฟ Gaslighter, the first album by ๐ The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) in 14 years.ย Beyond the aforementioned simplistic yet telling chorus, the lyrics on the verses of โMarch Marchโ definitely speak volumes.ย โBrendaโs packinโ heat โcause she donโt like Mondays,โ references the infamous 1979 school shooter, Brenda Spencer.ย The first verse references Emma Gonzalez, a Parkland survivor. On the second verse, ๐ Natalie Maines criticizes conservative stances regarding abortion, climate change, and is skeptical of Trumpโs Helsinki summit with Putin. From a production standpoint, Jack Antonoff works his magic, ย giving us a dark, minimalist, contemporary country joint unlike anything else The Chicks have released. Ample cues โ violin in particular โ solidify its country status, yet it feels like a fresh, modern take.ย Woke lyricism and the spirit of protest carry the most weight, but the sound is ripe as well.
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66. Alicia Keys, โGood Jobโ
๐ฟ Alicia โข ๐ท RCA โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
โYouโre the engine that makes all things go / And you’re always in disguise, my hero / I see your light in the dark / Smile in my face when we all know itโs hard.โ There are lots to like about ๐ต โGood Jobโ, the fourth single from ๐ Alicia Keysโ 2020 album, ๐ฟ Alicia. First and foremost, it is incredibly thoughtful, giving thanks to everyone affected and helping to combat the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.ย Keys is being encouraging and uplifting, providing that positive reinforcement that educators seek to give their students. โGood job, youโre doinโ a good job, a good job,โ she sings on the chorus, continuing, โDonโt get too down / The world needs you now / Know that you matter, matter, yeah.โย Essentially, lyrically, she says all of the right things.ย Also, as she sings, she infuses her soul into it, given it that next level of authenticity.ย While the production eschews a bunch of bells and whistles, it suits the tone of this record.
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65. Jonas Brothers, โWhat a Man Gotta Doโ
๐ต โWhat a Man Gotta Doโ โข ๐ท Republic โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 30 โฌ
๐ Jonas Brothers (๐ Nick, ๐ Joe, and ๐ Kevin) remained on track in 2020 with their infectious 2020 B-O-P, ๐ต โWhat a Man Gotta Doโ. โWhat a Man Gotta Doโ commences with intense, rhythmic guitar, setting the assertive tone of record.ย This is a nice lead-in and accompanying backdrop for Nickโs commanding lead vocals.ย On both of the verses, he gives us a nice blend of chest vocals, as well as a dash of falsetto. Joe gets his vocal opportunities on the chorus, clearly the centerpiece, best described as incredibly catchy and chocked-full of attitude and energy. As the song progresses, it only grows more soulful.ย When both Nick and Joe sing together itโs pretty sweet.ย Of course, they owe plenty of love to their co-writers (๐ Dave Stewart, ๐ Jess Agombar, and ๐ Ryan Tedder), as well as producers (Stewart and Tedder) for conceiving such a fun, energetic, and irresistible piece of pop music. Hate on the bros if you want, but you wonโt be able to get โWhat a Man Gotta Doโ unstuck out of your head.
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64. Omar Apollo, โBi Frenโ
๐ฟ Apoliono โข ๐ท Warner โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐ย
๐ต โBi Frenโ marks one of the most captivating moments on ๐ฟ Apolonio, the 2020 mini album by gifted Mexican American musician, ๐ Omar Apollo. Apolloโs style is quite eclectic (R&B, pop, rock, Latin), best characterized under the alternative umbrella. โBi Frenโ drips in swagger.ย Also, it raises speculation regarding the musicianโs sexuality, which he doesnโt really address (nor does he have to). Regardless, Omar had a clear connection with this guy, cool โmumbleโ approach to performing or not. On the second verse, he asserts, โI still like him, I still like him / I used to drive around your block without no license / Separate you and your bitch, Iโm not no hypen /โฆ He talking โbout hi friend, Iโm talkinโ bout โbiโ friend.โย Itโs definitely intriguing โ incredibly entertaining. That groove is ๐ฅ.
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63. The Kid LAROI, โGOโ
Ft. Juice WRLD
๐ฟ F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) โข ๐ท Columbia โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
๐ต โGoโ is definitely a rad song by ๐ The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard), who doesnโt depict childish happenings in the least.ย The teen focuses on the issues that plague many a manโs brain โ girls on the ๐ฟ F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) standout. โYou fuck up my brain, you donโt know no better, yeah / Wish I knew you better, shit, but I donโt know no better,โ he raps melodically on the first verse.ย Heโs quite confident โ filled with swagger from the start.ย His delivery is syrupy, which is quite popular in modern hip-hop.ย Prior to dropping the first verse, we get a pretty catchy chorus as well. Setting him up for success is sleek production (electric guitar, awesome beat) by ๐ 24Degrees, ๐ Omer Fedi, ๐ Nick Mira, and ๐ Tito.ย This same backdrop also complements the late, great ๐ Juice WRLD, who delivers the goods on second verse both complementing and contrasting his mentee.ย They join forces on the final chorus of this once-in-a-lifetime, surefire gem.
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62. Childish Gambino, โ53.49โ
๐ฟ 3.15.20 โข ๐ท mcDJ Recording / RCA โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 34 โฌย
The jubilant ๐ต โ53.49โ closes out ๐ฟ 3.15.20, the adventurous fourth studio album (dominated by time-stamped song titles) by ๐ Grammy-winning musician ๐ Child Gambino (Donald Glover). On this splendid joint, Glover is aggressive AF โ turned up from the onset as he raps intensely on the verses (โIโm just tryna put the spirt in your Yeezy Boosts / Get your cup, it runneth over once I got the juiceโ). Then, he contrasts, singing absolutely gorgeously on the chorus (โThere is love in every moment / Under the sun, boy / I did what I wanted toโฆโ). On the first chorus he showcases restraint, while the second finds him digging in, flaunting that otherworldly grit and ripe falsetto.ย Ultimately, he speaks about how great his life is.ย โ53.49โ = Awesomeness exemplified.
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61. The 1975, โJesus Christ 2005 God Bless Americaโ
๐ฟ Notes on a Conditional Form โขย ๐ท Interscope โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
โIโm in love with Jesus Christ / Heโs so nice.โ On ๐ต โJesus Christ 2005 God Bless Americaโ, a highlight from ๐ฟ Notes on a Conditional Form, atheist/secular humanist front man ๐ Matthew Healy and ๐ The 1975 tackle faith and sexuality. Itโs among the deepest songs featured on ๐ง 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020.Following the โChristian affirming opening lyric, the band highlights the clash between faith and sexuality (โIโm in love with a boy I know / But thatโs a feeling I can never showโ)ย Uncredited featured guest ๐ Phoebe Bridgers has her own moment where sexuality comes to the forefront (โIโm in love with the girl next door / Her nameโs Claire / Nice when she comes โround to call / Then masturbate the second sheโs not thereโ).ย Again, โJesus Christ 2005 God Bless Americaโ intentionally highlights trying to balance of two opposing forces. You can argue that Healy desires faith that he doesnโt possess, while simultaneously capturing the plight of the gay Christian who is essentially a walking contradiction. The song has a lot to unpack, but itโs definitely a worthwhile listen and discussion piece.
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60. Troye Sivan, โRager Teenager!โ
๐ฟ In a Dream [EP] โข ๐ท Capitol โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
๐ต โRager teenager!โ is arguably the crowning achievement from ๐ฟ In a Dream (EP), the 2020 EP by South African/Australian pop sensation ๐ Troye Sivan. ๐ OZGO (Oscar Gรถrres) spoils us with his production skills with lovely warm pads, big, pummeling drums, and a great harmonic progression. Troyeโs sound is โliberatedโ throughout, particularly the pre-chorus and chorus. His vocals are top-notch, sounding incredibly masculine, expressive, and sexy simultaneously. The pre-chorus section might be the best.ย Itโs more dynamic than the chorus, and establishes the โliberatedโ sound, intact with a dose of profanity (โI just wanna go wild / I just wanna fuck shit up and just ride / In your car tonight / In your bed tonightโ). The pre-chorus is varied each time, while the chorus remains the same each time with no variation. Calmer, itโs potent as well: โHey, my lilโ rager teenager / Tryna figure it outโฆโ. Besides those two sections, the instrumental outro is a nice touch. Great singing, great writing, and great production makes โRager Teenager!โ a gem.
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59. Lil Uzi Vert, โLo Meinโ
๐ฟ Eternal Awake โขย ๐ท Atlantic โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 43 โฌ
โYeah, chopstick came with a large lo mein / Extra clip in it, nigga, I ainโt got no aim / Balmain pocket filled with fresh romaine / And I stay with the cash like a XO chain.โ ๐ต โLo Meinโ is not really about lo mein, of course. ย ๐ Grammy-nominated rapper ๐ Lil Uzi Vert is potent as hell on the record, which ranks among the crรจme de la crรจme of ๐ฟ Eternal Atake. โLo Meinโ kicks off with the aforementioned chorus, which begins enigmatically before the knocking backdrop is fully realized.ย The chopstick referenced is a gun, if you couldnโt quite decipher the lingo.ย Furthermore, Balmain is a lux brand. Anyways, besides the sick chorus, the post-chorus is pretty rad, particularly the dripped-out ending end where Lil Uzi asserts, โWhen it come to the drip, not in front of me / Wearinโ Balenciaga on my jacket, my shirt / And my pants, and my socks, and my undies.โ
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58. The Scotts, โThe Scottsโ
๐ต โThe Scottsโ โข ๐ท Epic / Cactus Jack / Wicked Awesome โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 20 โฌ
Thereโs nothing sexier than a superstar collaboration, right? Right.ย With ๐ต โThe Scottsโ, the world was introduced to ๐ The Scotts, a collaboration between ๐ Travis Scott and ๐ Kid Cudi.ย Both rappers are intriguing in their own right, so, together, they must be unstoppable, right? It didnโt top the Billboard Hot 100 ๐ for nothing.ย Vibe is the biggest selling point, with producers ๐ Take A Daytrip, ๐ Dot Da Genius, and ๐ Plain Pat establishing that vibe clearly. Travis Scottโs ad-libs are as ripe as ever, while Kid Cudiโs hums are prevalent. When it comes to assertiveness when rapping, Cudi has more bite.ย The contrast to Travis is pretty cool. Travis is more chill.ย Neither raps particularly long, and โThe Scottsโ clocks in under three minutes.ย โVibeโ comes into play even more towards the end, where the producers shine brightest with a colorful instrumental outro. Ultimately, โThe Scottsโ is definitely intriguing.
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57. Bad Bunny & Sech, โIgnorantesโ
๐ฟ YHLQMDLG โข ๐ท Rimas Entertainment โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 26 โฌ
โIgnorantesโ (๐ฟ YHLQMDLG or Yo Hago Lo Que Me De La Gana), a collaboration by Puerto Rican Latin trap artist ๐ Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martรญnez Ocasio) and Panamanian singer ๐ Sech, is a bop for numerous reasons.ย First, the production is quite impressive by ๐ Dimelo Flow and ๐ Soltedo Beats. The beat packs a fair amount of punch, while the keyboards and synths are kinder and gentler in sound. โIgnorantesโ encompasses matters of the heart, specifically heartbreak and a failed relationship. Bad Bunny and Sech capture and convey their feelings regarding the ended relationship well.ย Naturally, as they reminisce, matters of the bedroom come into play, evidenced on the chorus performed by Bad Bunny: โNormal, I know that sometimes peleamo [we fight] / But how delicious when chingamo [fucking] / And I donโt know why we left / If you love me and I love you.โย Sech also recollects intimacy on the first verse, while on the bridge, regrets sleeping with her, but knows the sex was satisfying. Bad Bunny has had a hell of year and โIgnorantesโ is part of the reason why.
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56. Chloe x Halle, โBusy Boyโ
๐ฟ Ungodly Hour โขย ๐ท Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
๐ Chloe x Halle show incredible versatility on their fun, well-rounded sophomore album, ๐ฟ Ungodly Hour. The ๐ Grammy-nominated R&B sister duo has ample talent at their disposal.ย Throughout Ungodly Hour, they show off their incredible versatility including those celestial vocal harmonies.ย Among the best songs from Ungodly Hour is ๐ต โBusy Boy.โ โItโs four oโclock / You sendinโ me too many pictures of yourโฆ (Oh).โ Damn, thatโs those filthy, horn-dog boys! The production by ๐ NASRI and ๐ Jeff โGittyโ Gitelman is fresh, yet also hearkens back to, well, contemporary R&B of old.ย Chloe x Halle really bring the attitude and sassiness, without having to force things in the least.ย The harmonies are sweet, the chorus infectious, and the vibe โ ๐ฅ AF!
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55. Sam Smith, โDiamondsโ
๐ฟ Love Goes โข ๐ท Capitol โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐
โMy diamonds leave with you / Youโre never gonna hear my heart break / Never gonna move in dark waysโฆโ ๐ Academy Award and Grammy-winning nonbinary musician ๐ Sam Smith returned in 2020 with their third studio album, ๐ฟ Love Goes.ย Among the best songs from Love Goes was ๐ต โDiamondsโ, with lovely vocals by Smith leading the charge.ย Smith is supported by sleek production work โ not overdone or overproduced. Matters of the heart rule as Samโs ex- was more about material things where Sam was more relationship oriented.ย Even with lost love, โDiamondsโ is definitely spirited as opposed to downtrodden. Beginning with the first chorus, weโre treated to a danceable groove.ย Furthermore, the catchy chorus instantly gets stuck in your head. On the second verse, we get more melodic variations, while Smith shows impeccable musicianship on the bridge, singing in an undertone before rebuilding the intensity heading into the final chorus.ย The crรจme de la crรจme of Love Goes.
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54. PARTYNEXTDOOR, โSavage Anthemโ
๐ฟ PARTYMOBILE โข ๐ท OVO Sound / Warner โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 38 โฌย
โDonโt hold your breath / Donโt wait on my love / Donโt hold your breath / Donโt wait on my love.โ ๐ต โSavage Anthemโ appears as the six-minute penultimate cut from ๐ฟ PARTYMOBILE, the 2020 studio album by Canadian R&B artist ๐ PARTYNEXTDOOR. โSavage Anthemโ features a slow pace, typical of the Canadian brand of R&B.ย Furthermore, the production is incredibly lush, thanks to the skills of ๐ Andrew Cedar and ๐ Noah โ40โ Shebib.ย When PND opts for longer melodic lines, he sounds incredibly expressive and nuanced. The thing is, he doesnโt limit himself to more legato melodic lines.ย He contrasts with more hip-hop oriented lines on the verses confirming the โsavageโ element of this โSavage Anthem.โ A prime example is the third verse (โTucked you, then went to the strip club / VIP, I got my dick sucked / Came back to you and I kissed ya /That led to fucking on the tour busโฆโ). Savage! The gorgeous outro by the choir does provide some atoning grace to PARTYโs sketchy, sexed-up behavior.
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53. The 1975, โIf Youโre Too Shy (Let Me Know)โ
๐ฟ Notes on a Conditional Form โขย ๐ท Interscope โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 25 โฌย
๐ต โIf Youโre Too Shy (Let Me Know)โ marked that seventh single that ๐ The 1975 released ahead of ๐ฟ Notes on a Conditional Form.ย โIf Youโre Too Shy (Let Me Know)โ is truly accomplished in just about every facet. Instrumentally, it serves up some truly decadent ear candy.ย Styled in the 80s vain, itโs quite sleek with its horns and keyboards, complementing the guitars. One of the brightest spots comes courtesy of an electrifying saxophone solo ๐ท.ย Vocally, ๐ Matthew Healy is a compelling front man, doing a fabulous job of conveying the plight of online datingโฆwe think: โI see her online, all the time / Iโm trying not to stare down there.โ Healy is particularly intrigued by her looks and the sexual potential more than an emotional connection.ย On the second verse, he freakily adds, โIโve been wearing nothing every time I call you / And Iโm starting to feel weird about itโฆโ The chorus unsurprisingly is the centerpiece. โIf Youโre Too Shy (Let Me Know)โ is definitely fun and memorable, if a wee bit long running north of five minutes.
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52. Halsey, โYou should be sadโ
๐ฟ Manic โข ๐ท Capitol โขย ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: 27 โฌ
โOh, I feel so sorry, I feel so sad / I tried to help you, it just made you mad / And I had no warning about who you are / Iโm just glad I made it out without breaking downโฆโ Woo! There is no shortage of standouts on ๐ฟ Manic is the best album by ๐ Grammy-nominated alt-pop musician, ๐ Halsey. โYou should be sadโ ranks among the best songs off the album as well as one of the best of 2020. Halsey enlists one of popโs most reliable and successful fixtures, ๐ Greg Kurstin, to construct the background, resulting in pop with a dash of country influence. The biggest takeaway is how superbly she plays the โwoman scornedโ role โ sheโs mad as hell.ย โNo, youโre not half the man you think that you are / And you canโt fill the hole inside of you with money, drugs, and cars,โ she asserts on the pre-chorus, continuing, โIโm so glad I never ever had a baby with you / โCause you canโt love nothing unless thereโs something in it for you.โ Oh snap! The chorus, excerpted at the top, further confirms how she feels post-relationship.
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51. Perfume Genius, โJasonโ
๐ฟ Set My Heart on Fire Immediately โข ๐ท Matador โข ๐ 2020
Previous Rank: ๐ย
โJason undressed me / Lying on his sheets / He did not do the same / Even his boots were onโฆโ ๐ต โJason,โ a highlight from the superb, 2020 ๐ Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) album, ๐ฟ Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, explores sexuality. โJasonโ details a one-night stand when Hadreas was 23. The โhook-upโ occurred with a straight guy (perhaps questioning ๐ณ๏ธโ๐) and apparently, involves some nurturing from Mike.ย โHe was afraid / Tears streaming down his face,โ he sings on the second verse, adding on the third, โI was proud to seem / Warm and mothering / Just for a night.โ Musically, the biggest triumph is Hadreasโ falsetto โ simply amazing.ย From a sexual perspective, itโs awesome to hear a scenario where a man still seems to be in the infancy stages of accepting and understanding his sexuality.
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