My 25 Favorite Songs of 2016
These 25 songs got me through the highest of highs and lowest of lows of the past 365 days. I hope you like!
1. “Surprise Yourself" - Jack Garratt
All the feels. Every damn time. This song embodies soul-electronica, if that’s even a genre (should be if it isn’t). Jack Garratt is a tremendous British singer-songwriter and more people should know about him! “Surprise Yourself” is a song I returned to time and time again in 2016. And I think 2016 is a year when we (and by “we” I do indeed mean ‘America’) all truly DID surprise ourselves, for better or for worse.
2. “Run" - Tourist
This song perfects the art of the slow build in every glorious way possible. I can calmly listen to this song alone in my apartment, running along the Hudson River or dancing with friends. It’s truly a song fit for many occasions. And it’s even better live.
3. "Alaska" - Maggie Rogers
If you haven’t yet watched Pharrell Williams literally crying when Maggie Rogers (a music student at NYU) playing her demo of this song during a class, then stop what you’re doing and watch it right the fuq now. This song is life-affirming.
4. "Final Song" - MO
My Danish KWEEN who has yet to disappoint me. “Final Song” is a damn BOP and my personal Song of the Summer 2K16.
5. “Cowards" - Raleigh Ritchie
Leading the pack for 2016’s catchiest song if we’re really being honest here.
6. “Dark Days" - Local Natives
Local Natives used to be one of my favorite bands, and after this year, they’re back up there, after a few years out of the spotlight (or I guess out of my spotlight?)... very much due to this song. It’s calm and subdued and really just a lot of what I want in a song.
7. "Weight In Gold" - Gallant
Perhaps the most earnest and soulful song I’ve heard in years. Truly a high point in music this year.
8. “You're the One" - Kaytranada
A beautiful blend of house and R&B that hits all the right notes.
9. “Waste a Moment" - Kings of Leon
There was a moment this past fall when I think I played this song 20 times in a row on my walk to the subway after work (I walk across town every day to avoid the hell on earth that is the M34 crosstown bus). It really is that good. The Kings do it again.
10. “High and Low"- Empire of the Sun
I don’t always like the entirety of every Empire album (this year is an exception). This song is the pinnacle of a really, really excellent album.
11. “Don't Hurt Yourself" - Beyonce feat. Jack White
Unlike any Beyonce song I’ve heard, which pairs the Queen Almighty with guitarist Jack White for a feisty rock gem. The most unexpected song on Lemonade in all the best ways.
12. "I Need a Forest Fire" - James Blake feat. Bon Iver
James Blake made an unexpectedly delightful return this year, teaming up with fellow indie-folk rockers Bon Iver for this quiet, introspective song that will probably make you cry. Also, just try NOT to hear “mmm Avocado” instead of the actual, legitimate lyric “another shadow” - it’s uncanny how similar they sound when Justin Vernon sings it.
13. "Cute" - D.R.A.M.
You probably know this (Virginia!) rapper’s hit “Broccoli” but this is my personal preference and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
14. “Morning" - Marc. E. Bassey
One of those songs where the title truly feels like it’s giving the song its meaning - listening to “Morning” gives me that feeling of waking up...in you guessed it...the morning! So it got the job done, I guess? Also, it’s a really soulful and beautifully written song.
15. “Somebody Else" - The 1975
Sometimes you want that feeling of being a yearning, careless teenager; being ~young and in love~ this song absolutely gives off that vibe and it’s insanely catchy.
16. “Come Down” - Anderson .Paak
This is a very fun song! I like to tap my feet to it! Yay! Also Anderson .Paak just not nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys so that’s a thing!
17. “This Girl” - Kungs vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners
I want to choreograph a group dance number to this song. I also have worked out to it many, many times in 2016. I don’t know anything about it, the artists or why it’s apparently by 2 artists battling each other (‘Kungs vs. Cookin’ on 3 Burners) but this confusion will not lessen my adoration for this bop.
18. “I Need Your Light" - Ra Ra Riot feat. Rostam
Vampire Weekend is no longer together (which is v v sad) but the bassist from that group joined up with Ra Ra Riot for this pulsing, vibrant indie rock song and I can’t stop listening.
19. “Dancing on Glass" - St. Lucia
St. Lucia are masters of recreating that glorious carefree 80's pop vibe. This song is exactly that and I can't get enough.
20. “Secrets" - The Weeknd
I was a little surprised that The Weeknd was back so soon after his album last year, but Starboy is full of sleek, sultry jams like "Secrets" and I'm really really loving it.
21. “Hold Your Head High" - AlunaGeorge
I was eagerly anticipating this new album based on the singles released last year and this, but this song completely caught me by surprise. I hadn't heard it and then I found myself immediately entranced. It's a perfectly crafted pop song in so many ways.
22. “On Hold" - The xx
I feel so #blessed to have The xx in my life so frequently( Jamie xx's solo album last year and now NEW music from the group!) This is probably the fastest song they've ever created and they're all the better for it.
23. “All Night" - Chance the Rapper
Chance's Coloring Book mixtape is a DOPE album and this is my personal favorite. Maybe because it's produced by Kaytranada but it's also just a really fun song.
24. “Moth to the Flame" - Chairlift
I remember first listening to this song and being immediately taken aback. I didn't know it was possible to like a song THIS much upon first listen. But here I am, almost a year later and still blasting it as much.
25. “Sorry" - Beyonce
Ok, so Beyonce really DID it to it. Each and every song on Lemonade could have filled this list, but let's try to be fair here. "Sorry" is my 2nd favorite song on the album, and it's damn bop. BOY BYE.
