Can you believe 2016 is over? Let's take a look at some of the best tracks from the year.
Disclaimer: Based on songs released in the UK from January 1st to 30th December '16, all my own opinions and personal taste.
Here are my 20 favourite songs of 2016, starting with...
20. Mint - Elise
I stumbled across Mint while checking out the New Indie Mix playlist on Spotify and instantly added this song, Elise, to my playlist and from that moment became infatuated. It's catchy, youthful, lively. A proper feel-good song.
19. Låpsley - Operator (DJ Koze Radio Edit)
Låpsley released her debut album earlier this year, and as I'm in HMV on the day it came out with a copy of the album in my hand heading for the queue to pay, a retro disco song starts playing in the shop. It was Operator (He Doesn't Call Me) - the non-DJ Koze version. A while later, I'm listening to Annie Mac's Radio 1 show when she plays the DJ Koze version. What a tune, a proper disco track by a current, upcoming artist worthy of your attention. More from Låpsley later...
18. twenty one pilots - Heathens
twenty one pilots were never on my radar until I heard Stressed Out, I was aware of them but never checked their music out. After Stressed Out released, I became a listener. Then Heathens came out as part of the Suicide Squad soundtrack (one of the best soundtracks of the year, I should add) and I became a fan. The song starts off creepy, slow and foreboding, then gets more and more epic as the song develops. It's a great lyrical representation of the Suicide Squad movie.
17. NAO - Girlfriend
After adding Firefly by Mura Masa and NAO to my playlist, I decided to check out some of NAO's work. Boy, was I impressed. A delicate and tender voice with prowess and subtle power. NAO is definitely worth your attention in the next few years.
16. Sia feat. Sean Paul - Cheap Thrills
How could I not? Perhaps one of the most recognisable songs of the year, Sia pulls it out of the bag yet again with a 'groovy' track accompanied by Sean Paul. I love the video for the song too, it's a great twist and a fun watch. In a nutshell - fun video for a fun song.
15. Matoma & Becky Hill - False Alarm
If I could explain what one of my 'life goals' is, I'd simply play this song. Not the lyrics, although they play a part in the reason, but the general vibe and theme. It makes me feel nostalgic for times that never happened - I'm not sure that even makes sense? This is like an Adele song, with an upbeat tempo and edge. Becky Hill's vocals are great, and this song is great.
14. AlunaGeorge feat. Popcaan - I'm In Control
I listened to this song a lot while procrastinating earlier this year (during the book writing period). It's the ultimate party track, though I've not attended many this year so it's quite ironic of me to say. For when I have attended, though, this has always played and it's pretty obvious why. An infectious beat and stylistic vocals, what more could you ask for?
13. Declan McKenna - Isombard
Declan is younger than me by a year which is infuriating because he is ridiculously talented and has achieved a lot more than me. But, crikey is his music good or what? Indie music at its best, Isombard is catchy, striking and a whole lot of fun.
12. Broods feat. Tove Lo - Freak of Nature
It's 1:40am. I'm wide awake (probably thinking about strawberry squash, my addiction). Time to pretend like I'm in a music video/performing at Wembley stadium. What song do I choose? Freak of Nature. I was obsessed with this during the summer. It's powerful, emotional and heavy-hitting. Right in the feels.
11. Blossoms - Charlemagne
My summer anthem, alongside Freak of Nature and I'm In Control, was Blossoms' Charlemagne. Retro + indie = the perfect song. Hearing that intro will put a smile on my face faster than 10 bottles of strawberry squash. What a song. Blossoms are a class act.
10. Bear's Den - Gabriel
Another heavy-hitting, emotional song from one of my favourite bands of the year. A heavenly chorus with a soulful/folk touch, Gabriel is perfect for a late-night listen. Bear's Den are great.
9. Shura - What's It Gonna Be
Shura's sound is so unique and compelling that it would have felt wrong not to include her on this list. It's catchy, energetic and fun, and the music video is pretty damn good too. What's not to like about Shura and her unique, game-changing sound? Nothing, absolutely nothing.
8. The xx - On Hold
A fairly recent release, The xx returned with On Hold, which instantly became one of my favourites of the year. They've embraced the changing shape of the music industry and its sound and they've masterfully created a song that itself is a game-changer. It's experimental, but it sticks to its roots and The xx's distinguished sound.
7. Catfish and the Bottlemen - 7
Ironically, the song that hits at number 7 on the list is called... 7. Catfish returned for their second album in 2016 alongside tracks like 7, Emily and Heathrow. Perhaps from one of my favourite albums of the year, 7 is indie rock at its prime. Definitely worth checking out.
6. HONNE & Izzy Bizu - Someone That Loves You
I came across this song when it first came out and became obsessed. I love it. A lot. It's elegant, it's stylish and it's contemporary. Izzy Bizu's vocals in particular stand out, but when the two of them sing together it's euphoric, it's exciting and sounds perfect.
5. Dua Lipa - Hotter Than Hell
One of the breakout pop artists of the year, Dua Lipa started off in style with Last Dance, followed by mega-hit Hotter Than Hell. Hotter Than Hell is the best pop song of 2016. It has everything you need: catchy chorus, upbeat tempo, killer vocals, but it gives so much more. It's edgy and fresh, Dua Lipa is a star in the making.
4. Beyoncé - Formation
If you spent your entire year on Earth then you'd know that Beyoncé returned with Lemonade, but first dropped Formation just before appearing with Bruno Mars and Coldplay at the NFL Superbowl. Formation is unapologetically black and necessary, reflective of where we are as a society and the increasing racial tension.
3. Bastille - Fake It
Fake It is the ultimate Bastille song, the culmination of their new, edgier sound. As soon as that high note plays out, you know you're listening to something special. Putting aside the music videos incredible social commentary on lying, deceitful politicians such as Farage and Trump (sorry, getting political here. My left-wing is showing), the song resonates so strongly, and not only because of it's intense chorus.
2. Christine and the Queens - Saint Claude
The French singer Christine and the Queens released Chaleur Humaine in February 2016 after its original French version released in 2014. Songs were updated and translated, but the style of her music and her tenacity stayed the same. I first found out about Christine and the Queens while watching The Graham Norton Show, I then watched her fantastic set at Glastonbury and went out the next day to buy Chaleur Humaine. Christine's stage presence is like no other, she channels Michael Jackson while adding her own unique style, she isn't just a singer, but a true artist. She tours with her backing dancers, putting in just as much effort as they do in performances while also delivering pitch perfect vocals.
1. Låpsley - Love is Blind
My favourite song of the year is, without a doubt, Låpsley's Love is Blind. Dare I say it, also my favourite song of all time. It's extraordinary. So expertly crafted by Låpsley and Rodaidh McDonald, Charlie Hugall and ROMANS, Love Is Blind tells such a clear and powerful story accompanied by one of the best music videos to date, directed by Cherise Payne. Låpsley is such a promising talent deserving of so much more recognition. Her production skills and technical abilities aren't to be questioned, she owns her music in a way other artists tend not to. Låpsley showcases her ownership in such an influential way that, at such a young age (just a year older than myself), she's changing the game. Her vocals on the ballad Love Is Blind are breathtaking, accompanied by the airy, electronic instrumental which sustains the song so well, one can't listen to this song just once. It's a song you play on repeat and never get bored of - because it is simply so good, and so heartfelt in its delivery that it can't be ignored. If Love Is Blind, and the aforementioned Operator (He Doesn't Call Me) and other tracks like Station and Seven Months, are anything to go by, Låpsley is one to watch in the upcoming years.
And one more for good luck, enjoy -
The French singer Christine and the Queens released Chaleur Humaine in February 2016 after its original French version released in 2014. Songs were updated and translated, but the style of her music and her tenacity stayed the same. I first found out about Christine and the Queens while watching The Graham Norton Show, I then watched her fantastic set at Glastonbury and went out the next day to buy Chaleur Humaine. Christine's stage presence is like no other, she channels Michael Jackson while adding her own unique style, she isn't just a singer, but a true artist. She tours with her backing dancers, putting in just as much effort as they do in performances while also delivering pitch perfect vocals.
1. Låpsley - Love is Blind
My favourite song of the year is, without a doubt, Låpsley's Love is Blind. Dare I say it, also my favourite song of all time. It's extraordinary. So expertly crafted by Låpsley and Rodaidh McDonald, Charlie Hugall and ROMANS, Love Is Blind tells such a clear and powerful story accompanied by one of the best music videos to date, directed by Cherise Payne. Låpsley is such a promising talent deserving of so much more recognition. Her production skills and technical abilities aren't to be questioned, she owns her music in a way other artists tend not to. Låpsley showcases her ownership in such an influential way that, at such a young age (just a year older than myself), she's changing the game. Her vocals on the ballad Love Is Blind are breathtaking, accompanied by the airy, electronic instrumental which sustains the song so well, one can't listen to this song just once. It's a song you play on repeat and never get bored of - because it is simply so good, and so heartfelt in its delivery that it can't be ignored. If Love Is Blind, and the aforementioned Operator (He Doesn't Call Me) and other tracks like Station and Seven Months, are anything to go by, Låpsley is one to watch in the upcoming years.
And one more for good luck, enjoy -
That's all for now.
I'll be back with Best of 2016 - Albums and Films.
Bye for now.
Totally Culture
Curtis
✌
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