Top 10: The Musical Hype by Stats, 2020

Reading Time: 11 min read

After a highly successful 2020 on The Musical Hype, we crunch the numbers, highlighting the most successful playlists, track & album reviews.

Ah, we’ve reached the end of another year – 2020! 2020 was something else globally, with COVID-19 being utterly devastating. There wasn’t lots to cheer for in the year of coronavirus, but, here at The Musical Hype, we had one of our most successful years ever. How do we celebrate our accomplishments? Well, we crunch the numbers, and we count down our most successful posts – playlists, track- and album reviews. So, what got the views in 2020? Well, a playlist about disasters did quite well, as did an album by a former American Idol finalist, just to name a few. So, without further ado, here is Top 10: The Musical Hype by Stats, 2020.

Top 10 Playlists (10-6)

10. 12 Simply Terrific Before or After Songs

Published: 5/22/20

12 Simply Terrific Before or After Songs features six before-themed songs and six after-themed songs. Musicians with songs that grace this 12-song affair include Billie Eilish, Black Atlass, Grimes, Meghan Trainor, and Moses Sumney among others.

9. 13 Scrumptious Songs About Candy & Dessert

Published: 6/19/20

The criteria for 13 Scrumptious Songs About Candy & Dessert is simple. The songs reference candy, treats, or some sort of dessert (cake, cookies, pies, etc.). It features music by a diverse slate of artists including BAEKHYUN, JoJo, Lady Gaga (with BLACKPINK, of course), Melanie Martinez, and Trey Songz among others.

8. Infernal Songs That Capture the Horrors of Jeffrey Dahmer

Published: 1/1/20

On this update to An Eerie soundtrack to Jeffrey Dahmer, Infernal Songs That Capture the Horrors of Jeffrey Dahmer doesn’t retell his horrific story, but rather explores a selection of songs that have been written based on his life and heinous acts. This disturbing list features songs courtesy of Kesha, Macabre, Phoebe Bridgers, Slayer, and Soulfly among others.

7. 13 Wet Songs About Water, Water, Water!

Published: 4/2/20

13 Wet Songs About Water, Water, Water! is focused on water – understatement. It certainly wasn’t the first time that The Musical Hype has been obsessed with water ( 13 Songs That Reference Water, Vol. 1 never got a proper sequel). This WATER³ list features music courtesy of Adele, Bon Iver, Emeli Sandé, Galantis, and Kanye West among others.

6. 15 Songs Where We are in This Together!

Published: 5/18/20

The keyword in 15 Songs Where We are in This Together! is the TOGETHER. This playlist, which borrows favorites from the previous ‘together’ list (11 Songs That Embrace Togetherness) and adds some newbies, is all about embracing togetherness. It features music courtesy of The 1975, For KING & COUNTRY, Jill Scott, Lauv, and RAC among others.

Top 10 Playlists (5-1)

5. 10 Intriguing Songs That Reference the 5 Senses

Published: 8/28/20

Ah, the eyes and the beauty of sight! Oh, that smell – it’s so aromatic! The power of the ears – oh the thing that we hear! That taste – oh it’s so delightfully great! And last but not least, the touch… “the feel, the fabric of our lives!” Okay, hopefully, you get the point with that utterly ridiculous intro. 10 Intriguing Songs That Reference the 5 Senses is all about the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Musicians dropping bops on this sense-driven affair are Billie Eilish, Ghost, Logic, Nirvana, and Ro James among others.

4. 15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation

Published: 4/15/20

On 15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation, the song titles give off a negative connotation. Contributing to the negativity are the likes of Black Pumas, brakence, Bright Eyes, Hayley Williams, and Megan Thee Stallion among others.

3. 13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments

Published: 1/13/20

13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments is all about songs that reference musical instruments. Most of those instruments are mentioned in the song titles, but there is an exception. Songs appear courtesy of Alt-J, Behemoth, Jason Derulo, Jeezy, and Taylor Swift among others.

2. 11 Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself

Published: 3/13/20

11 Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself merely required songs to reference loving yourself and self-love in some capacity. It featured music courtesy of Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, Kesha, Louis Tomlinson, and Myylo among others.

1. 11 Colorful Songs That Reference Devastating Disasters

Published: 1/27/20

Published in late January, 11 Colorful Songs That Reference Devastating Disasters ranked among my personal favorite lists to write. I love full-fledged, conceptual lists, and this was a prime example, featuring songs referencing the likes of avalanches, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Top 10 Track Reviews (10-6)

10. Trey Lewis, “Dicked Down in Dallas”

Published: 12/4/20

Not to be taken seriously, country musician Trey Lewis shocks and entertains on his utterly filthy single, “Dicked Down in Dallas”. Of course, I’m not shocked this ended up being one of the most popular track reviews on The Musical Hype, making a late, December charge!

9. Jack Harlow, “Whats Poppin”

Published: 1/27/20

Louisville, Kentucky-bred rapper Jack Harlow serves up ample drip on his short, entertaining banger, “Whats Poppin”, which appears on his debut studio album, Thats What They All Say.

8. Powfu, “death bed (coffee for your head)”

Published: 2/19/20

Canadian rapper Powfu, assisted by a memorable beabadoobee sample, shines on his authentic, thoughtful single, “death bed (coffee for your head)”.

7. Ricky Dillard, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Published: 4/9/20

Grammy-nominated gospel artist Ricky Dillard, joined by a mass choir and an anointed countertenor ( Thomas Allen), delivers a record for times like these [aka COVID-19], with “Let There Be Peace on Earth”.

6. Joji, “Run”

Published: 2/10/20

Perhaps Joji’s lover (or ex-lover) is running away, and he is too, but you won’t want to ‘run’ away from “Run” itself. This is quite the intriguing track. It’s gorgeously performed, features a memorable chorus and emotionally charged, relatable lyrics, and it is superbly produced.

Top 10 Track Reviews (5-1)

5. Marilyn Manson, “WE ARE CHAOS”

Published: 8/5/20

“WE ARE CHAOS” marks a departure for Marilyn Manson. There’s more optimism, even with the depths of darkness still engrained you might say. It’s a contrast that does shake up the formula, while preserving the doomed lyrics that have consistently characterized the band’s music.

4. Drake, “Toosie Slide”

Published: 4/6/20

While “Toosie Slide” was tailor made to be the next trending rap and dance song, Drake doesn’t end up delivering a game changing single [Note: Worth noting, “Toosie Slide” earned a spot on my 10 Worst Songs of 2020].

3. Machine Gun Kelly, “Bloody Valentine”

Published: 5/6/20

“Bloody Valentine” is definitely interesting an interesting track from Tickets to My Downfall. There is speculation who this song is about… From my perspective, I’m mixed on this record. The ideas Machine Gun Kelly explores are fair. He seems to be blindly hooking up, and while he wants something more, he knows this is doomed from the start. My guess is some will hate it, some will love it. I’m somewhere in between.

2. Justin Bieber, “Lonely”

Published: 10/19/20

Admittedly, given Justin Bieber’s age and how bad his downward spiral was years back, it’s been tough to like him or relate to him. That said, on “Lonely”, I appreciate the fact that he is so honest. He sings with incredible authenticity, and this song, albeit it so short, works incredibly well.

1. Madison Beer, “Selfish”

Published: 2/19/20

“Selfish” is successful because it’s personal, hence quite authentic, well-performed ( Madison Beer can ‘sang’), well-written, and well-produced ( Big Taste does his thing).

Top 10 Album Reviews (10-6)

10. Ro James, MANTIC

Published: 6/2/20

Ro James does the damn thing on MANTIC. This is an enjoyable, well-rounded contemporary R&B album. He successfully balances and bridges old- and new school, while always remaining idiomatic of R&B in general. The assortment of producers ensures that MANTIC never gets stale, always engaging the lister.

9. Eminem, Music to Be Murdered By

Published: 1/23/20

Keeping it 100, Eminem albums – at least contemporary ones– are difficult to review. Music to Be Murdered By is no different. That said, Music to Be Murdered By is definitely a step up from Revival and Kamikaze. There are some definitely highlights worth revisiting, as well as some songs that you’ll have no issue skipping. Sure, some of the skip-worthy songs just aren’t as strong as the highlights, but also, the length of the album also contributes. As is often the case, there’s a lot of Marshall Mathers – more than an hour’s worth. We didn’t need that much. Still, the good outweighs the bad.

**8. Ariana Grande, K by for now (swt live)**

Published: 1/2/20

One word best describes K bye for now: awesome. Ariana Grande definitely comes through on this live album, that’s honestly entertaining (for the most part) from start to finish. More often than not, the songs that appear on this effort are the best of the best, with no unforgivable omissions. There are enough bops over the course of this 90-minute-plus album to satisfy.

7. Trevor Daniel, Nicotine

Published: 4/2/20

So, how does Nicotine, the debut album by Trevor Daniel stack up? The biggest takeaway is – it’s a vibe! While the brief, 25-minute album isn’t a game changing project per se, it’s consistently entertaining, relatable, and well-rounded. There’s something special about Daniel’s instrument – that smooth, easygoing sound – delish!

6. Ricky Dillard, Choirmaster

Published: 5/4/20

Ricky Dillard has done it once more with Choirmaster. Dillard delivers a compelling, meaningful, and spiritually rewarding listening experience. The messages are timely, the music and musicianship are skillful, and to quote a LaShun Pace song, “All Things [are] Working” on this terrific gospel album. Bravo Ricky, bravo!

Top 10 Album Reviews (5-1)

5. Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG

Published: 3/5/20

All in all, there’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into on YHLQMDLG. Bad Bunny continues to make Latin music, particularly the urbano Latino style, appealing to the mainstream. There are a number of highlights, and even those not selected as outright gems are worthwhile. If you enjoy incredibly confident, frank, and sexed-up urban Latin music, YHLQMDLG will certainly tickle your fancy.

**4. The Kid LAROI, FCK LOVE* (SAVAGE)**

Published: 11/10/20

After failing to review F*CK LOVE when it first arrived, I knew I didn’t want to neglect the deluxe edition. Ultimately, F*CK LOVE (SAVAGE) shows ample potential and a bright future for The Kid LAROI. Yes, I’m a guy who’s twice his age, but I definitely find The Kid to be charming, chocked-full of swagger, and quite talented.

3. Ryan Beatty, Dreaming of David

Published: 2/4/20

Boy in Jeans was an excellent album by Ryan Beatty. The same can be said about Dreaming of David, which amazingly, manages to separate itself from Boy in Jeans. Both efforts explore gay love – irresistible songs about boys. That said, Dreaming of David feels more ambitious and more left of center. Arguably, nitpicking, Dreaming of David gets a bit too slow, and perhaps, at times, one longs for more predictability, but all in all, Beatty outdoes himself.

2. Bob Dylan, Rough and Rowdy Ways

Published: 6/26/20

All in all, Rough and Rowdy Ways is by far the best Bob Dylan album in years. Perhaps that goes without saying considering his last album of originals prior to this was Tempest (2012), but Rough and Rowdy Ways just feels special. If this is the last album Dylan ever releases, it feels like the perfect way to cap off a legendary career. Why? Great songwriting and storytelling, first and foremost, but also, great productions the fit the icon well. Also, the order of the track list flows well, commencing with “I Contain Multitudes” and closing out with “Murder Most Foul”.

1. Adam Lambert, Velvet

Published: 3/24/20

All in all, Adam Lambert delivers the goods on his fourth studio album. Velvet is well-rounded from start to finish, with its retro sensibilities boding quite well in the singer’s favor. Even as Lambert seeks to showcases the brilliance of the music of past decades and movements, Velvet never feels anachronistic. If anything, it’s refreshing, and definitely reminds us why we loved him in the first place.

Top 10: The Musical Hype by Stats, 2020 [: 12Tone Music, 88rising, Alamo, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Boy in Jeans, Brent Faulkner, ByStorm Entertainment, Columbia, Def Jam, EMPIRE, Epic, Friends Keep Secrets, Generation Now, Interscope, Mad Love, Milwaukee Police Department, More is More, Motown Gospel, The Musical Hype, OVO, People Magazine, Pexels, Pixabay, Public Domain, Revere Senior High School, RCA, Republic, Rimas Entertainment, Robots and Humans, Trey Lewis, Unsplash]