2020 Year End Lists Chapter 6: The Top 100 (+1) Songs Of 2020
2020
was the year where the only thing anyone could talk about was how bad 2020 was. Journalistically it was disappointing to see so many dive headfirst into the cliche slightly self-absorbed reactionary notions of writing about the modern day. Ultimately though I have no choice on this list but to recap the last 12 months of music as best I can, but here on the Songs list I try to take in as little outside noise as humanly possible. Regardless of where an artist is in their career, how popular or successful a song was or how critically acclaimed it is, these are my 101 favorite songs of the year as of December 30th, 2020. A year from now, month from now or even a week from now my opinions could change but as the door closes on this curious year I did everything I could to paint a truthful list of the best tracks I heard on any EP or album this year, and here it is. <3
101. Kinda Dark - Destroyer
Dan Beyar's sophisticated indie pop has never sounded as nocturnal as it does across his new record Have We Met. One of the tracks that most directly embraces that aesthetic is the blurry but incredibly charming Kinda Dark. With loose almost spoken word refrains and rich echoing synths the track has a distinct atmosphere that is just as intoxicating now as it was when I first heard it back in February.
100. Burden - Amine
The slick and dazzling opening cut to Amine's wonderful sophomore album Limbo is both a personal statement on his own prescence in the music industry but also a strong display of the talent that drives that very prescence. With an array of slick references smoothly delivered over an infectious piano led instrumental the song is comfortable in all the right ways and serves as a great opening moment on the album.
99. betty - Taylor Swift
After over a decade of singles that ranged from forgettable to flat out annoying, betty sounds like the genuinely good song that Taylor has been trying to make for her entire career. With poignant detailed storytelling, a memorable hook that is multi-faceted rather than disgustingly basic and an instrumental that has a pop styling but shares the rest of the records indie flare Taylor dropped one of the better songs of her entire career with betty.
98. Running Red Lights - The Avalanches (Feat. Rivers Cuomo & Pink Siifu)
On this dreamy, neon pop anthem The Avalanches show off their versatility blending Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo with experimental rapper Pink Siifu. The track uses Siifu's mysterious spoken word verse as the perfect bridge between Rivers infectious hook and anthemic California referencing bridge yet none of it ever feels to compositionally muddled. To take a song with this premise and make something so instantaneous is a wonderful achievement.
On The Neverending Story Jay Electronica and Jay-Z paint themselves as soldiers of their faith fighting against temptations of the world around them. The song has a stark minimalist beat courtesy of The Alchemist that makes use of vocal samples at the perfect transitional points on the song. While the highlight is no doubt the lyricism and performances from both MCs it's hardly over a blank slate and the completed final product is an incredibly impressive one.
96. Take Yourself Home - Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan's indie pop turned electronic dance song Take Yourself Home proved to be a unique single that drummed up a lot of hype for his EP this year. While very little on that project was as exciting or refreshing as this track it still stands as one of my musical highlights of 2020. Troye further proved his songwriting credentials by molding his very familiar sound with something entirely new and doing so with peak efficiency. If Troye wasn't already on your radar as a pop artist to look out for this song should have you keeping tabs on him.
95. Ativan - Sufjan Stevens
On Ativan Sufjan details a dependence on medication to combat his increasing anxiety and paranoia. Despite the sensation of feeling tranquilized he returns again and again making for a catchy but subversively tragic tune. While the story is great what actually makes the song is Sufjan's fragile vocal performance and one of the most memorable single refrains I've heard all year on the hook. Sufjan has always been one for relentless creativity and this track is no different.
94. Ghost Rejoins The Living - Freezepop
Even though I wasn't in love with Freezepop's return record this year I am very glad I gave it a chance because I got to hear this strange catchy little synth pop wonder. With a dynamic hook and a range of great vocals across the track its best achievement may be the creative lyricism on display throughout the songs narrative. Synth pop tracks aren't known for their storylines often but Freezepop manages to pull off an incredibly unique one without sacrificing any of the catchy features that have always made their music so enjoyable.
93. might bang, might not - Little Simz
Little Simz turned heads last year with her true international breakout record and didn't waste any time following it up with a quarantine EP highlighted by the explosive opening track might bang, might not. With a dark rumbling hip hop beat and fiery fast paced flows Simz doesn't hold anything back in a short to the point song that I couldn't get out of my head all year. Simz has already established herself as one of the premiere artists in contemporary rap and this was just the icing on top.
For an album primarily built on intimate tear jerking ballads to close with a song like I Know The End is certainly a bold proposition, but this one pays off. The song begins with an uncharacteristically dreamy instrumental backing another slow developing ballad but the entire track bursts into a roaring almost dissonant anthem in the second half that sounds unlike anything else I've ever heard Phoebe do. Such a bold decision paying off so well is a credit to Phoebe's talent and versatility, as well as a great closer to the record.
91. Waves - Hum
From a great closer to a great opener, the first new material we heard from the noise rockers in 20 years was a home run track that showed they hadn't missed a step. Fuzing shoegaze, doom metal and musings of noise rock Waves is a loud and impassioned introduction to the bands new record. From the tracks first moments to its closing seconds it employs waves (sorry) of sound rushing in and out with an overwhelming sensation of epic bliss each time.
90. The Valley Of The Pagans - Gorillaz (Feat. Beck)
I can definitely see a lot of people seeing that Gorillaz collaborated with Beck and thinking, "wow if this was like 2004 I would be really excited about this track" and that is totally understandable. The thing is both Beck and Damon turn back the clock and make the exact collaboration that anyone could have possibly hoped for, full of Beck's kooky lyricism and Damon's lo-fi infectious production. The combination is golden and it feels like this is a collaboration that should have happened at some point before, regardless I'm happy it did because the song rules.
89. Scram! - Jeff Rosenstock
"I've been told for most my life, to try and see the other side, by people who have never tried to see the other side" is a lyric that's so Jeff Rosenstock it almost hurts. His pointed societal critiques pair with a fiery punk flare for a formula that's been successful since the 70's. On Scram! Jeff elevates it even further by implying so much with how little he says and doing so in a very catchy fashion. The song is an anthem for the oppressed that's as easy to sing along to as it is to agree with, and it's really easy to sing along with.
88. my hair - Ariana Grande
Ariana recruited the legend Scott Storch for production on this surprise 90's R&B throwback deep cut from her new record. For an album that deals so much in sex rarely does it aim to be genuinely sensual but on my hair she not only aims for it, but thoroughly succeeds. With absolutely buttery lead vocals and a warm groovy instrumental supporting her Ariana delivers a gracious and immaculate performance and crafts a wonderful and already brutally underrated deep cut.
87. telepatia - Kali Uchis
This year Kali musically expanded her horizons with a primarily Spanish album that added a number of new conventionally latin sounds into her repertoire. While their are some major highlights in this lane my favorite song of the bunch is a track that could have fit in comfortably on her great previous record. telepatia has a rich jazz and funk inspired pop instrumental and some incredibly hooky songwriting throughout. As Kali continues to flex her vocal range and talent as a songwriter she takes on new genres and sounds with ease making her even more of an artist to look out for going forward.
86. BLOODMONEY - Poppy
In 2020 Poppy completed her bold transition from sugary synth pop into nu metal. With her absolute rager of a single BLOODMONEY she proved that she made the right decision and it comfortably lands as one of my favorite tracks of the year. With roaring guitar leads and a pounding explosive hook the song doesn't disguise itself as anything else. Poppy's confrontational aggressive lead vocals are the perfect accompaniment for a song that just flat out rips.
When you release a 25 track 90 minute record that also happens to be one of the best albums of the year you are sure to find some wonderful deep cuts, and Requiem Of Blue is just that. With a warm jazzy instrumental and thematically strong verses the track highlights exactly what both Blu and Exile do so well. The combination has always been an intriguing one but they proved in 2020 to have talent well beyond their contemporaries with tracks like this.
84. The Bakery - Melanie Martinez
While Melanie's K-12 B-Sides EP wasn't necessarily a hit, it's lead single The Bakery stands among the best tracks of her career so far. With an involved snappy beat and totally intoxicating hook Melanie delivers on all the best elements of her music. Once again blending childish content with adult themes she doesn't break stride on a song with quick and catchy pop songwriting that spawns one rewarding refrain after another.
83. For Sure - Future Islands
Whenever Future Islands release an album there's no guarantee it'll be great, but there is a guarantee that at least one song will be a borderline masterpiece. While For Sure may not be the single best song the band has ever written it is certainly among the best with a soaring hook, rich synth pop instrumental complete with catchy bassline and those now classic Sam Herring vocals. Future Islands may have an easily definable formula but when they execute it to perfection there's hardly anything better.
82. Pussy Talk - City Girls (Feat. Doja Cat)
Every year seems more full of ass shaking bangers from female rappers than the last and they continue to get better and better. City Girls already have a strong resume in the genre and with Doja Cat lending an absolutely killer feature to the song they rounded out a confident and hard hitting anthem. The circular driving hook is just as memorable as the constant stream of quotables coming from each artist and the result is a bad bitch masterpiece for the ages.
81. Borderline - Tame Impala
Last year Tame Impala's second single Borderline sort of got outshined by the bands other releases. But in 2020 with the release of The Slow Rush the song got a flashy remake with a more detailed instrumental and more involved mixing that made great strides for the track. It's punchy percussion and smooth bassline sound better than ever in this rendition and recontextualized the track within the context of the record. Kevin Parker's attention to detail is always on display but this reworked version of Borderline shows just how much of a difference it can make.
80. The Steps - HAIM
On their third album HAIM proved they had catchy indie songwriting down to a science and nowhere is that more apparent than on The Steps. With its snappy two-step drum kick and lyrics about a not quite broken relationship they pen a smooth and exciting tune. The song is polished in the way contemporary rock music often is but leaves in just enough space for the sisters to show off the raw personality and charm in each of their performances which made for a great track and single this year.
79. Model Village - IDLES
Next up is another big single that rocked the indie world this year, this time from the post punk realm with IDLES ruthless takedown of small town ignorance on Model Village. With a tight series of hard-hitting verses that erupt into an absolute rager of a chorus the song is comfortable within the bands discography but takes a completely distinct thematic approach. The track sticks tightly to its messaging and once again proves the bands unique ability to make passionate and intense punk music with strong thematic detail.
78. Chosen Family - Rina Sawayama
This year was full of bold decisions for Rina and releasing her personal starry ballad Chosen Family as a single for her debut record. As it turns out her confidence was well placed because the song is a personal tale of found friendship that's all her own. She throws nuance out the window and gives away the angle straight up on the hook. With lyrics like "We don't need to be related to relate" Rina pens a passion fueled tribute to friends that feels so fitting of the internet age.
77. Steppin On N****s - 21 Savage & Metro Boomin
On their trap flavored 2nd collaboration Metro and Savage don't tend to leave their comfort zones much but on Steppin they throw it all the way back to golden era hip hop for what may be the best track they've ever made together. The song has a glittery hard-hitting beat dusted with a killer drum loop over which 21 Savage channels old school hip hop flare with his winding narrative verses. The song overflows with the swagger of both artists involved who show off not only their veteran status but new found versatility.Iit's the type of track I would love to hear more of from both Metro and Savage going forward.
76. Reminders - Touche Amore
Touche Amore have never been afraid to dive into serious and personal subject matter but on Reminders it gets personal in a very different way. With a strikingly optimistic chorus musing on needing reminders of "the love I have" the song is a sonically explosive exploration. The raw production and gritty instrumental sound great given how familiar territory it is for the band but they once again evoke strong emotions with powerful lyricism and dynamic, memorable performances all around.
75. Cenizas - Nicolas Jaar
On Nicolas Jaar's 2nd album of 2020 he dabbled experimentally in dark ambient music with a number of fascinating results. As it turns out the title track Cenizas is the best and most memorable of those experiments with a chilling distant atmosphere and short piano loop. The track is inherently minimalist but manages to extract so much emotion from the short key phrase and how the sound around it adapts and evolves over the course of the song. It's a bold track despite a quiet demeanor and the results are a mix of melancholic and heartwarming.
74. 327 - Westside Gunn (Feat. Joey Badass, Tyler The Creator & Billy Essco)
It was a great year for Buffalo's trio of Griselda rappers which included a number of great tracks and some legendary posse cuts. My favorite of all these songs is Westside's star-studded 327 which grabs Joey and Tyler to make a meditative introspective hip hop tune. The track has a dark eerie hook and one unique performance after another. From Westside's unmistakable vocals to Joey's braggadocious woke raps this is a combination that works better in execution than it possibly could have on paper and I'm glad all these artists had the ambition to see it through.
73. Scared To Live - The Weeknd
From the moment The Weeknd debuted this stark gorgeous ballad on Saturday Night Live it hasn't left the minds of Abel's fans. The song is glistening despite it's minimalism making for an absolutely soaring hook, one of the most memorable of The Weeknd's career. On After Hours he sought to revitalize the dramatic neon sounds of the 80's and did so in the records quietest moments just as well as its loudest.
72. Out On Bail - YG
YG adopted a classic hip hop equation when he made his own take on the first release out of jail trope. While that isn't exactly the case the song carries all that collective swagger with it as YG flies through a wordy but memorable hook and all the classic gangster lyricism we expect from him by this point. He throws out his recent musings on contemporary trap music and throws it back to some west coast classics with one of the best and truest gangster rap songs you'll hear in 2020.
71. Halloween - Phoebe Bridgers
I may be on an island with this one but my favorite track on the new Phoebe Bridgers record, and maybe ever, is Halloween. The song is beautifully arranged with the touching softness of so many folk classics and rich metaphors in all direction, it's a tune that finds meaning in its words more than most. With fragile but impactful singing and acute lyricism everything about the song is Phoebe at her best as both a songwriter and a performer and compelled me to keep returning to the song over and over this year.
70. Do You Ever - James Blake
On this groovy, sweet electronica fusion track James Blake muses on love, memories and relationships, stop me if you've heard that one before. While its true that this is all familiar territory for Blake he refuses to stagnate and pushes his sound in all sorts of new directions with each new release. From the warping syths to the warm drum patters and smooth vocals this track is almost impossible not to love from its rich sonic palette to the touching and relatable message of its lyrics. Another Songs of the year list and another James Blake appearance.
69. Lexapro Delirium - Sewerslvt
Sewerslvt has an interesting, unique and slightly controversial release earlier this year with the blend of numerous genres of underground electronica with incredibly dark thematic content. While that's where most of the discourse surrounding the music went my favorite of the tracks was Lexapro Delirium a much more straightforward house cut. At the core is a bright synth line so catchy it's impossible not to dance to and across the next 7 minutes the song never breaks stride amounting to one of the best dancefloor cuts I heard anywhere in 2020.
68. Heavy Balloon - Fiona Apple
It seems like every year there is one artist that dominates this list. It isn't always from the best or longest album of the year they just happen to drop a number of great high end tracks, this year that artist is Fiona Apple notching a list high 5 tracks from her new album Fetch The Bolt Cutters. Starting off that selection is the raw and impassioned Heavy Balloon that sees Fiona exploring her depression through a loud quiet loud dynamic. Like so many tracks on the record her raw performance is reflective of the raw emotions on display and when Fiona wears her heart on her sleeve you feel absolutely everything in songs like Heavy Balloon.
67. It Just Doesn't Happen - Destroyer
From last years singles list to this years songs list Destroyer's compositionally immaculate indie piano jam is the gift that keeps on giving. With his veteran poise on vocals and an instrumental unafraid to explore quieter moments the song feels like a conversation with an old friend more than a designed and composed set of sounds. That sensation is often a highlight of great Destroyer tracks and this year it was executed as perfectly as ever on this track.
66. anthems - Charli XCX
Charli's quarantine themed album addressed feelings that a lot of people shared this year. On anthems she not only mourns the lack of anthemic songs this year but also the sensation of everyone experiencing them together. Reminiscing on clubs, parties and the heat from other bodies and with this very track being such a hard-hitting pop banger it's hard to not share her sentiment while listening to it. Charli has been known for her hyper pop parallel bangers in recent years and anthems joins the ranks as one of the best of them.
65. ABSOLUTES - R.A.P Ferreira
Transitioning from Milo to R.A.P Ferreira didn't slow Rory's output of kooky off kilter experimental rap songs on his new record this year. His knack for creative abstract lyricism and comfortability over dinky minimalist beats shines on Absolutes a track that shows off all the things that make him the unique voice in rap music that he is. Full of sharp references and wordplay worked into bouncy, catchy refrains this is a track all hip hop fans owe it to themselves to hear.
64. Babies & Fools - Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist (Feat. Conway The Machine)
Freddie Gibbs went casual and domestic all over his long awaited collaborative album with producer extraordinaire The Alchemist. The track that best embodies the storytelling aspect of the record is Babies & Fools with a great feature courtesy of Conway The Machine of Griselda fame. Freddie muses on his past and what may be potentially waiting for him in the future while Conway discusses the circumstances of his personal life in hilarious fashion. It's a group of talented artists getting together and doing their thing, not much more you can ask for.
63. Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa revitalized 80's synth pop in incredibly catchy fashion with her sophomore record and its title track feels like a synthesis of everything the record seeks to achieve. With a slick synthetic drum loop and an incredibly sticky groove the song is almost impossible to ignore instrumentally. But the slick and confident vocals Dua lends to the track are just as infectious and memorable as she paints the entire futuristic nostalgia concept plain and simple. The track may not have been as big a single as some of the records other bops but quality wise its near the top.
62. 21st Century - La Roux
La Roux's 3rd studio album and second as an Elly Jackson solo project was a pretty major disappointment, but you wouldn't know that if you had only listened to its smooth shimmering opening track 21st Century. It's an upbeat retro pop jam that at least gets the record started off hot and certainly takes the cake for this years great song on a bad album award if such a thing were to ever exist. But more practically its a reason for optimism looking towards the future of La Roux since the track is proof the great core of songwriting they once had in spades still exists in some capacity.
61. Theme For The Cross - King Krule
King Krule's dense and despondent take on indie and electronica has never sounded quite as hazy as it does on Theme For The Cross. I've dished out a lot of criticism towards the projects music over the years but Theme may be my favorite think King Krule has ever released. With hazy isolating vocals and a slurred musical mish mash the whole thing is distinctly unsettling in a fascinating way. As fascinated as I am by the process of making music like this it is even more fun to indulge with as a listener as it works as a fully realized sonic experience.
60. a few words for the firing squad - Run The Jewels
The closing track of the highly anticipated RTJ4 is fittingly re-enacted as if it were Killer Mike and EL-P's final words. They trade verses that reminisce on family, hip hop and their own personal history with both before wrapping up with a skit that adds context to the albums concept. The track is compositionally strong, features excellent production and lyrics and ultimately keeps up the duo's history of great closing tracks.
59. 4AM - Grimes
After years of rising expectations for Grimes follow-up to her art pop classic Angels, Miss Anthropocene wasn't what many were expecting, 4AM however was. The nocturnal pop banger that tributes being wide awake at 4 in the morning sounds like a Grimes song picked out of a hat. The instrumental is killer and fits the track thematically as well making for a well thought out, exciting rager of a futuristic pop tune.
58. Penny - Against All Logic
A wiry percussion loop and icy synths that sounds like echoing alarm chirps combine together for a killer house and industrial fusion on Penny. On top of AAL being underrated at large in the house music world Penny is one of his most underrated tracks likely due to a lack of accessibility. Gone are the soul sampling groovy jams of the first AAL project and in their place are fuzzy industrial clashes and nowhere do they create more of a challenging but rewarding blend than on Penny.
57. Last Forest - Torres
On her last two records Torres has abandoned the cut and dry run of the mill world of singer-songwriter music and emerged into an explosive and challenging realm that I've found extremely gratifying. Her intimate and emotional songs feature a mix of stripped back ballad like moments and rushes of roaring rock instrumentation. Last Forest features this exact blend with a completely intoxicating chorus that mirrors the songs emotional strain.
56. Jason - Perfume Genius
Jason is a brilliant portrayal of raw sexuality that comes out of nowhere in the stacked tracklist of Set My Heart On Fire. The song is a completely unashamed and unwavering in its details and intimacy resulting in a remarkably compelling tune. Even with all the great songwriting Mike does so much vocally to enrich the tracks story and is even further helped by an exquisitely arranged instrumental courtesy of Blake Mills. I can't even come up with enough adverbs to describe how good it is.
55. Read My Mind - Lianne La Havas
On her first album in 5 years Lianne channels 90's R&B with rich and detailed instrumentation and warm touching vocal performances. While people have attached to a number of different songs on the record I can't help but admire the Aaliyah channeling Read My Mind. Her tales of blissful romance sound at home alongside the buttery smooth instrumental and intoxicating vocals to create a distinct sensation musically that I just can't get enough of.
54. Violent Sun - Everything Everything
Everything Everything have settled down a bit from jittery futuristic pop music of a few years ago but they haven't lost their touch when it comes to slick hooky songwriting. With great lead vocals and catchy rising synth lines the song never settles down but never feels cluttered or overwhelmed and its that tight driving focus that gives the hook so much impact. Make no mistake about the bands ability to write mostly synthetic music but give it an emotional touch, perfectly executed on Violent Sun.
53. Miles Davis - Blu & Exile
On an album that is named after Miles Davis, repeatedly samples his music across its tracklist and even features a song dedicated to telling his life story it would make sense that the song bearing his namesake is the best of the best. This lovely tribute to jazz and rap sees Blu methodically comparing his life and personal experiences to those of Miles Davis with a remarkable lyrical poise. Just as well done is Exile;s instrumental which pulls from the worlds of rap and jazz independently and blends them together expertly. The tribute works because its done by two people who so clearly admire the work of Miles Davis and everything it stands for resulting in fireworks.
52. Fetch The Bolt Cutters - Fiona Apple
The title track to Fiona Apple's amazing new record dives into detail on the expectations she has consistently faced throughout her life and career. Her repeated calls of the tracks title evoke the very sensation of breaking free from it all that she craves. As great as it is from a songwriting perspective it may be even better as a performance where Fiona repeatedly puts dense emotion behind her singing. While every song on the record makes an impassioned statement the title track feels just a bit more personal and that impact is felt in waves.
51. Dotted Line - Pinegrove
If lo-fi indie folk made for white teenagers is you thing there's no doubt you've heard a few Pinegrove tracks in your day. Depending on who you ask they are the greatest modern songwriters of all time or nothing more than an indie meme and their new record Marigold has songs that help argue for both. Dotted Line is an infectious piece of blissful indie rock with a memorable hook highlighted by the strained vocals that so many have come to adore from the band. It's a blend of songwriting, vocals and instrumental performances that are all pitch perfect and a highlight of how great their very specific genre labels can be when all is put together so well.
50. It Might Be Time - Tame Impala
It Might Be Time is a unique and wonderful blend of Kevin Parker's ability to craft detailed punchy instrumentals with a very clear thematic concept told through the lyrics. Many songs on The Slow Rush deal in Kevin's mixed feelings about aging and changing times but none do so quite as directly as this one. Thankfully Kevin doesn't sacrifice an inch of compositional density as the song has rigid and infectious percussion as well as soaring synths that sound brilliantly melancholic in contrast with the songs lyrics. It is pop sentimentality mixed with rock instrumentation and detailed songwriting that results in a massive success.
49. Black Light - Bumper
Bumper was a short EP that showed off a meeting of the minds between Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner and Crying guitarist Ryan Galloway. The simple catchy pop songs are a pretty good bunch but the best track is far and away the flirtatious girl next door anthem Black Light. The charming track sees Michelle watching someone up late at night with their lights flashing pink and blue if you follow what she's implying. We know that when she gets involved in sensual topics its often hilarious and occasionally inspiring but this track decides to go headfirst into a disgruntled obsession that is quite funny. This is all wrapped up in a simple to the point composition with bright synths and a pitch perfect vocal performance. Bumper didn't take long as a project worth looking out for in the future with tracks like Black Light.
48. PGT - PARTYNEXTDOOR
Big picture on his new album PND's lustful trap flavored R&B tunes didn't connect with people quite as much as they once did but PGT proved to be a big surprise I haven't been able to get enough of since it first came out. Rather than a slow developing track with some abstract R&B muttering PND actually gets upbeat with some steady up-tempo bars that make it one of his most memorable songs in ages. I definitely didn't expect to love a PND song as much as this in 2020 but it was a year full of surprises and this is one I was happy to indulge with.
47. Black Qualls - Thundercat (Feat. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington & Childish Gambino)
The enriched album version of this It Is What It Is single turned out to be one of the most infectious and well put together Thundercat songs to date. With Flying Lotus on production and a bevy of vocal talent all around this 3 verse posse cut has a bassline so fat you'd think it was straight out of the Funkadelic era. From Thundercat himself bragging about success and money to Gambino warning about the dangers of technology the track overflows with personality throughout and slowly climbed up this list all year.
46. Maestranza - Fleet Foxes
This dramatic indie folk cut sees Fleet Foxes at their most dramatic and life-affirming, which is saying something. The always contemplative songwriting of Robin Pecknold once again shines but it's the impactful and impassioned hook that really ties the whole song together. While the instrumentation is just as rustic as ever the song never quite feels like standard Fleet Foxes which is a credit to its proposed bliss. Dramatic is the key word here but it also feels like a break from Robin's existential nihilism that the band pulls off surprisingly well.
45. Held Down - Laura Marling
This was always a track I appreciated from the moment I first heard the record and published my initial review but it took me a while to unpack just how much I enjoyed the song. It doesn't have tons of bells and whistles or an overbearing composition but Laura does everything the right way and crafts a legitimately wonderful song on Held Down. Even in the crowded and often homogenized singer-songwriter realm she manages to stand out with pristine quality and execution.
44. Ohio Tpke - Jeff Rosenstock
Ohio Tpike is the longest track on Jeff's new album and the closer, but it also shows off just how much he has learned and added to his repertoire over the years. The track has a legitimate air of authentic good feelings but with that classic Rosenstock snark preventing it from ever feeling truly blissful. It's a wonderful song about someone Jeff clearly loves and ends a pretty despondent album out on a high note. Jeff's versatility continues to impress not only taking on a variety of thematic topics but doing it really well.
43. Dance And Sing - Bright Eyes
Conor Oberst coming back with a new Bright Eyes record was right at the middle of my 2020 bingo and I couldn't be happier it came true. The one track on the record that sounds the most like Bright Eyes throwing it back to their early days was obviously Dance And Sing an indie folk anthem for the ages full of fluid emotional songwriting and lead vocals. Conor's emo meets folk style is so distinct and instantly recognizable he could have easily coasted but instead they penned a song that holds its own with their classics both sonically and lyrically which is as big a compliment as I can offer it.
42. Breathe Deeper - Tame Impala
There's only so much time I can spend on this list talking about Kevin Parker's knack for amazing instrumental detail but every single Tame Impala song sort of demands that you talk about it. While Breathe Deeper is certainly another killer arrangement of instrumentation it is also benefiting from some excellent composition work that glides these groovy refrains in and out of each other with ease. The track uses it's tempo changes and transitional moments to highlight one great catchy passage after another and the result is one of many tracks from the bands new record I really enjoyed.
41. The Adults Are Talking - The Strokes
When The Strokes finally announced they were returning with their first studio album in 7 years it got off to a pretty good start with a few singles. But the album itself got off to an even better start with sparkling guitar leads and slick refrains from Julian Casablancas on this track. It's an off kilter slightly experimental cut from the band but it maintains the inherent coolness and catchy rock edge that The Strokes have had since day 1. This is a combination of truths that pops up all over the record and is set up from this songs very first seconds of impeccable swagger.
40. Overlord - Dirty Projectors
It's hard to find a band that has succeeded more with complex instrumentation in recent years than Dirty Projectors. That's exactly why it was so surprising and refreshing to see the band strip it back to basics and still maintain all of that great success. Overlord is a sweet jangly indie ballad that doesn't waste a moment on anything but lovely refrains and blissful instrumentation. Compared to the kooky indie experiments of the two previous Dirty Projectors records as Longstreth solo projects the ability of the band as a unit to adapt and maintain their quality on a song like Overlord is nothing short of awesome.
39. Ju$t - Run The Jewels (Feat. Pharrell & Zach de la Rocha)
Run The Jewels have never shied away from politics which has made their collaborations with Rage Against The Machine's Zach De La Rocha so great on previous records. Throw Pharrell into the mix for a killer hook and what you have is their most conventionally sounding collaboration to date, but one that establishes its dominance lyrically. It's hard to say everyone isn't totally on point all across this track even Pharrell on the hook manages to work in his angle while staying super catchy. They deal with money, business and touch on a number of social justice matters in the process but never step lightly. The four of them crash through one issue after another on this explosive politically charged banger of a track.
38. Spotlight - Jessie Ware
All across What's Your Pleasure? Jessie Ware revitalized the sounds of the 1980's better than any of her contemporaries in 2020 and that was all forecasted by the killer disco and new wave infused single Spotlight. While sounding theatrical and confident throughout the track she is particularly on point when it comes to its smooth danceable hook. It's a glistening pop experience that indulges while leaving just the perfect amount of space for her mature songwriting to breathe, exquisite.
37. There Must Be More Than Blood - Car Seat Headrest
I hate being the person that says a track or album is good because "it sounds like the old stuff" but on There Must Be More Than Blood Will Toledo and company channel the wandering conceptual songs of their past few records perfectly. With simple but memorable guitar work Will muses for over 7 minutes with narrative and metaphor heavy lyricism that delivers one highlight after another. With lovely group vocals and angular guitar lines the song is indie rock at its most homely which feels both familiar and new for Car Seat Headrest and perfect for 2020.
36. Fantasy - Against All Logic
While transitioning from a more accessible soul sampling sound into something more distorted and bold on the second Against All Logic record, Nicolas Jaar certainly surprised by kicking off with a driving Beyonce sampling house tune. Not only is the sampling uniquely pointed but its incredibly catchy and never loses its poise as the song goes on. It's dancy, catchy and fills out 5 minutes of totally dancefloor ready electronica.
35. New Jade - Caribou
Dan Snaith has used the Caribou project to repeatedly push the envelope on electronic music. On New Jade he blends rapid fire arrangements of percussion and synthesizers with his high pitched vocalizing for a song that feels busy but maintains its calm. For something so jittery and complex to come out on the other end so sweet and easily digestible is a remarkable achievement that's instantly appreciable but repeatedly rewarding.
34. Snow Angel - Braids
This one really came out of nowhere. Not that Braids have never experimented before in their career but unpacking a 9 minute all-encompassing statement of political meaning from the perspective of frontwoman Raphaelle Standell-Preston. Initially starting out in a place that feels comfortable fpr the band before extending into a long and indulgent second half diatribe featuring nearly spoken word style vocals from Raphaelle. It's the kind of thing that could be done wrong but the band pulls it off perfectly touching on one meaningful topic after another as she explores her place in the world and the effects her decisions have. They also manage to do all this while maintaining a composed and driving instrumental that never feels routine or boring. Braids showed a ton of songwriting creativity and personality on this track that I didn't know they had in them, and the results are stunning.
33. Hardest To Love - The Weeknd
The Weeknd has always been one for making songs about his own dealings with intimacy and often his own shortcomings. Hardest To Love takes a much more ballad like approach to the subject than his normal R&B flavors but that doesn't mean the song is without a great instrumental. The rich atmosphere of the track is punctuated by driving synth lines and an absolutely harrowing lead vocal performance by Abel. The song is sweet but inherently tragic in Abel's portrayal of himself and the instrumental is complicated enough to match. One of the softer but more impressive successes on After Hours.
32. Forced Convalescence - Bright Eyes
This is the single that felt like a definitive moment in the return of one of the 2000's most acclaimed bands. It's expansive, modern and poised in a way that the bands music has always been, but a decade later they're doing it with a slightly new and updated sound that I just couldn't get enough of. One of my favorite singles of the year is also one of my favorite songs of the year and the proof we all needed that Conor Oberst hasn't missed a step in all these years of releasing great music.
31. Cosmonauts - Fiona Apple
On Cosmonauts Fiona Apple muses on the concept of monogamy but brilliantly disguises the track as a genuine love song. From her gruff impassioned vocals on the back end of the track to the simple charming hook the versatility on display here is wonderful. It's hard to make a track standout on a record this good but Cosmonauts became an instant favorite to so many for a good reason and it's stuck with me ever since first hearing it earlier this year.
30. Sit/Stay - Poppy
Poppy full completed her divulsion into nu metal music on I Disagree earlier this year and nowhere is that more apparent or better pulled off than on the absolute rager of a track Sit/Stay. From the explosive and roaring guitars to Poppy's overwhelming and intense vocals the song is an intense headrush that comes out of nowhere to knock me off my feet every time. With an instrumental this driving and singing this hard-hitting the track is no doubt a musical force.
29. Ghosts Of Soulja Slim - Jay Electronica
When Jay Electronica dropped his long awaited debut album with frequent collaborations from Jay-Z there were expectations that they would unite on lyrically heavy methodical songs. Ghosts Of Soulja Slim is absolutely not that track. This song sees the pair teaming up for a surprising banger that doesn't skip out on good lyrics entirely but focuses more than I would have expected on crafting a cathy and hard-hitting hip hop tune. In retrospect it should have been clear that these were talented enough artists to pull it off but it continues to sound great 10 months after the original release.
28. Break My Heart - Dua Lipa
While most years there are at least a couple of the mega hits that turn out to be actually good songs this year most of those were contained on the singles list. As far as the songs list goes Dua's Break My Heart is the best we've got. But it's a pretty great consolation because the song is a punchy retro pop affair that I couldn't get enough of in 2020. Her musings on heartbreak are flirtatious in the way that only pop music can be and turned out to be one of the best true to form pop tracks I heard all year.
27. I Keep Calling - James Blake
Only James Blake could make a tract this abstract, intimate and emotional into an absolute banger. From the repeated refrains to the distant echoing melodies and not to mention the smooth keys and drums that give the track its core. The song has a textured ethereal atmosphere that is completely intoxicating from start to finish and completely unique to Blake's music. This is the best track I heard on any EP this year and it comes from the best EP I heard this year, which feels fitting.
26. America - Sufjan Stevens
One of the boldest singles I've heard this year was certainly enough to warrant being on the songs list too. The focal point of Sufjan's new album is also its best moment where he pulls off a grand statement both lyrically and sonically. The song is an electronic indie divulsion with strong political themes and meaningful metaphors, which sounds like a randomly generated Sufjan sentence but there's a reason he has a reputation for pulling stuff like this off so well. It's the longest song of the list at 12 and a half minutes but the grand nature of the statement feels worthwhile through and through.
25. Me In 20 Years - Moses Sumney
Moses Sumney's melancholic warning to his future self is among the best songs of the year primarily because its a masterful vocal achievement. Moses Sumney delivers a versatile performance with absolutely stunning high notes all across the song. Not only is it well written and meaningful from a lyrical standpoint but the execution of those writings is utterly immaculate.
24. Relay - Fiona Apple
Another day, another uniquely incredible Fiona Apple track. This time we're dealing with the groovy winding Relay which features one of the most notable refrains and one of the most aggressive vocal performances on the entire record. Fiona makes no compromises in her aggression and the specific person at whom it is directed. The song features a driving percussion led instrumental with natural planky keys that is impossible to resist for indie music lovers.
23. Desert Rambler - Hum
Hum's blend of atmospheric rock influences was a very welcome one in 2020 and nowhere was it more impressive than on the bands 9 minute winding Desert Rambler. The track impressed me with a sound reminiscent of shoegaze, noise rock and doom metal but with a composition that sounds like 90's slowcore. The track is meditative and indulgent but in the absolute best way and stuck with me as one of the most impressive pieces of experimental rock music I heard this year.
22. Moment - Pinegrove
Unlike the last track we talked about from the band which followed the Pinegrove formula to success, Moment was a single from last year that totally transcends their genre limitations. Moment features a touching sentiment and emotionally raw performance that requires no other context to enjoy. With such an impressive and interpersonal display it was hard for me to even judge Moment in context of other songs but I did my best and it landed here, if you asked me tomorrow I may feel totally different.
21. 34+35 - Ariana Grande
As badly as I wanted to put this track at #69 fortunately it is way too good for that. From the sensual hook to the charming girlish vocals and lyricism and to the smooth memorable instrumental everything about the track is perfectly aligned to back up how hilariously horny Ariana is acting. While I wouldn't call the song sexy in a sense it does display genuine feelings of lust that go beyond appearances. With a track so catchy and memorable that also feels so genuine its safe to say Ariana added another great track to her ever growing pantheon of great pop tracks just over the past few years.
20. Aries - Gorillaz (Feat. Peter Hook & Georgia)
Listening to this track a couple things are very clear. Damon Albarn has a strong appreciation for the music of New Order, and in an attempt to write a song channeling their sound he recruited New Order bassist Peter Hook himself to craft this masterful tribute. With that in mind Aries is not just worship of the band but a remarkably impressive recreation of what the group strived for in their songwriting. The song is a wonderful composition with rich emotional performances and sonic elements that reminds me of so many classic favorites of the British new wave era. The song is without a hint of burdening nostalgia and shows off just how strong Damon's appreciation for music truly is.
19. Check The Lock - Clipping
On Clipping's new horror themed record they explore some pretty brutal territory and stories in the lyrics. While Check The Lock certainly isn't one of the more horrific narrative points from the band it does show off a remarkable knack for storytelling. Daveed fires through a detailed story of Goodfellas like paranoia from the perspective of a mob figure. Not only is he able to tell a great story on the track but he does it with an impeccable flow that never breaks across the track. It's a remarkable achievement to craft a song so narratively perfect without breaking stride musically and it feels like the sort of song that only Clipping could pull off.
18. Ode To The Mets - The Strokes
The best way to end off one of the best albums of the year was with an experimental impassioned and powerfully raw closing track like Ode To The Mets. From Julian's crass shouted vocals on the soaring hook to the distant crashing synths and guitar lines on the verses there is so much to love about the track. It's an emotional high point for a record and a band that has been coy at showing a sensitive side at times but this is The Strokes sounding their most mature to date as songwriters and performers and the result is an instant classic.
17. Out Of Control - Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade found success in the 2000's making rustic, instrumentally dense and off kilter indie music with frontman Spencer Krug's unique vocals and songwriting on full display. Out Of Control proved to be one of the bands best songs in years as it features a wonderful impassioned vocal performance from Krug backed by a rich array of naturalistic instrumentation. The band achieves this throwback without sounding like they're retreading old ground because the songwriting is so fresh and new. Everything about the song says indie music from 2005 but it simultaneously feels like something that has aged so well. I haven't seen nearly enough people giving credit to Wolf Parade for their new record or for this track and I hope the next time the band shows up they can keep up their hot streak and earn their fair share of recognition again.
16. walking in the snow - Run The Jewels
During one of the biggest individual moments of 2020 when the worlds eyes were turned on social politics and a mounting desire for tangible change, Run The Jewels had just the song for the moment with Walking In the Snow. The track deals entirely in the constant injustices of the system surrounding us and does so with a fiery grit from start to finish. The highlight of the track as is so often the case when the pair go heavily political is on a brash and uncompromising Killer Mike verse that was recorded months ahead of the BLM protests but felt like a reflection of the movement itself. It was an example of the depressingly predictable cycles in which injustice occurs wrapped up in a hard-hitting explosive experimental rap song that put the sheer power of the genre on display.
15. If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know) - The 1975
Even when they don't put out one of the best albums of the year Matty Healy and company get away with releasing one of the best songs of the year with their youthful pop anthem If You're Too Shy. Sounding like a spiritual successor to their classic track Sex the song is flirtatious, catchy and memorable for a number of reasons. From Matty's always present charm as a frontman and lyricism to the explosion of shimmering sound onto the hook there is a lot to like about the track from front to back. While it exists firmly in the pop rock realm during a year we saw the band pushing in some other directions, it shows that they haven't lost any of their fundamentals and should expect to be seen on this list again in years to come.
14. On The Floor - Perfume Genius
One of the most instantly acclaimed songs of the year lands at #14 on my list with a Blake Mills and Perfume Genius collaboration unlike any other. While the pair have made tracks that range heavily in emotion and instrumental density I don't think they've ever made a song so infectiously catchy and easily danceable. While reminiscing about the 80's is very in vouge right now Perfume Genius sounds maybe the most authentic of anyone doing it with a catchy direct instrumental and instantaneous hook everything about the song demands to be appreciated immediately. For an artist who has never been known to take shortcuts with his sound this is a spectacular achievement on his part and one I've come back to over and over again all year.
13. 12.38 - Childish Gambino (Feat. 21 Savage, Ink & Kadhja Bonet)
Earlier this year Childish Gambino decided to rollout his highly anticipated new album in strange fashion. After it streamed live on a website for about a week it dropped onto streaming services with a blank cover and song titles that plainly displayed timestamps. Even with some fan favorite tracks finally seeing the light and a high profile Ariana Grande feature the one song that instantly inspired more musical discourse was 12.38 and there's a really good reason for that. The track sees Donald telling a charming slightly obtuse story about a night he spent with a woman and consumed some substances over a wandering pair of great verses. Instrumentally the song blends hip hop with R&B and an experimental electronic flair with vocal manipulations and bouncy keys but the songs shining moment came on an all time great 21 Savage feature. From the slick Popeye's double entendre that trended on Twitter to the to the hilarious bars about talking proper to a girl from Harvard Savage is making an undeniable case for most improved with a features that just works perfectly from top to bottom. The whole thing adds up to a strange, relentlessly charming song that never left my rotation all year.
12. Deeeeeeefers - Against All Logic
If house music is your thing Against All Logic may have confused you over the past few years. While tracks like this are technically house music it is a driving, pounding and absolutely relentless industrial house song that doesn't leave any room to breathe, or for that matter to dance. With shrill synths and dominating crashes of percussion you definitely couldn't get away with this track in a club but it was clearly never meant for that. The song is dirty, hard-hitting and absolutely nonstop in its assault on the senses and emerged as one of the best tracks I heard this year from early on. Without many public places to dance in 2020 it was as good a time as any to push boundaries in conventionally danceable genres and nobody did it like Nicolas Jaar on Deeeeeeefers.
11. Sunblind - Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes got their 4th studio album going early with this gorgeous immaculate tribute to musical figures who have influenced frontman Robin Pecknold in a mythic like way. The band paints a lyrically dense and meaningful track but you wouldn't know it from how catchy the track is throughout. The song is sheer indie bliss with a summery shining hook that lands as one of the most dramatic and impactful of their entire career and sets the tone of shimmering highs across the record. Sunblind is a gorgeous tribute to musical legends wrapped up in a beautiful, touching little indie track that threw it back to the bands earliest material while working in some of the veteran songwriting traits they've picked up since.
10. claws - Charli XCX
Kicking off the top 10 is one of the best singles of the year that sees pop master Charli XCX pairing with producer of the year Dylan Brady for a hyperpop dream team. The results are straight fireworks as Charli delivers sweet lovelorn lyricism over Dylan's jagged hard-hitting production. The combination explores the exact formula at the core of Hyperpop's recent rise and dominance on the internet, overflowing with Charli's personality and pop sentimentality while pushing the envelope with an unconventional and uncompromising instrumental. It's experimental but catchy, loud but beautiful and digital but distinctly human, a futuristic pop triumph.
9. Shameika - Fiona Apple
The final Fiona Apple song on the list proved to be an indie phenomenon earlier this year that had legs stronger than anyone could have predicted. Spawning music videos, remixes and a global search for the songs title character one thing was clear, fans couldn't get enough of Shameika. From the unique and personal narrative standpoint Fiona takes on the song to the rumbling complex but catchy indie folk instrumental over which she details the story. One of the things that really stood out to me about the track was the refrains throughout which sound so unconventional but are so memorable. I guess you could say that about the entire album or maybe Fiona's entire career but on Shameika in particular she sounds in a league of her own from a songwriting perspective. Between the rich instrumental, great storytelling and vulnerable performance Shameika is comfortably among the best songs of 2020.
8. One More Hour - Tame Impala
With a laundry list of great singles, a few surprise favorite deep cuts and even some acclaimed interlude tracks, my favorite song on all of The Slow Rush turned out to be a dramatic, anthemic closer that sees Kevin turning back the clock on his career in an immensely satisfying way. As always the percussion is a major highlight with an unstoppable force of drums absolutely crashing their way into the song serving as significant transitional moments for the albums most compositionally rich song. With just over 7 minutes of runtime Kevin Parker pulls one stunning punch after another using great sonic passages to set up for even more great sonic passages for the songs entire runtime. It works brilliantly as a closing track and stands tall on its own alongside Tame Impala's best compositional experiments of the past.
7. Say The Name - Clipping
Clipping's Geto Boys sampling candyman themed lead single to their second horror themed rap record was one of the best songs of the year from the moment I first heard it. Whether it's the mesmerizing way the sample is made into a hook or Daveed's confident imposing lyricism and unmistakable performance style Clipping continue to be leaps and bounds above everyone else in hip hop at the moment. From the raw punchy percussion laced into the instrumental to the illicit horror themes a track like this entails, Clipping have never been afraid to make bold decisions and approach experimental song topics and the result is once again a piece of experimental hip hop masterwork from a band who does it time and time again.
6. XS - Rina Sawayama
My favorite single of the year lands just outside the top 5 in one of the most competitive years to date for high end songs on this list. If you've heard XS even once this year you know exactly why it is so great top to bottom as Rina brings a confident 2000's pop inspired songwriting style and beaming personality to an explosive and complex Clarence Clarity instrumental and each side supports the other perfectly. It's nostalgic without a hint of retreading and experimental but still remarkably accessible and turned out to be the perfect internet pop song that 2020 needed.
5. Fetus - Amine (Feat. Injury Reserve)
Getting the top 5 started off with a track that absolutely blew me away the first time I heard it feels right. In the wake of Groggs passing earlier this year I was excited and incredibly curious about what their appearance on this record could possibly be like but nothing could have prepared me for this. Starting with Parker Corey's incredible instrumental that completely changed my perception of what rap instrumentals can be. But Amine and the IR boys were certainly no slouches over top of it as they explore the theme of children present and future with a sometimes funny and sometimes deadly serious demeanor. Groggs passing aside his verse musing on his own daughter would have been impactful but given the circumstances it is just heartbreaking and highlights the fragility of everything the song dives into thematically. If you aren't afraid to hear rappers getting personal and incredibly emotional on their tracks Fetus has far and away the strongest argument for best rap song of 2020 and is a track I'm sure I'll never forget about.
4. After Hours - The Weeknd
If you had told me going into 2020 that The Weeknd was finally going to release a track throwing it back to his 2011 mixtape days I would have been pretty excited. If you had also told me it would be the title track and centerpiece to his new record, and a 6 minute long direct sequel to one of those mixtapes, I wouldn't have been able to control myself. After Hours is the best song I've heard in years from an artist who has had a constant stream of excellent tunes. With his beautiful angelic refrains and intimate calls out into the spacious R&B instrumental he crafts a uniquely beautiful sound that is absolutely intoxicating. The dark muttering atmosphere is a fitting attachment to his simple but incredibly effective lyrical concept and the whole thing feels like the song Abel has been capable of for years finally full realized. Going forward I'm sure Abel will continue to push his sound in new fresh directions but he proved beyond any doubt on After Hours that when its time to throw it back he hasn't lost a step writing wandering nocturnal R&B epics.
3. Remember Where You Are - Jessie Ware
There are a lot of great closing tracks on this list as artists made grand final statements all year but Remember dwarfs them all. With her grand calls of "The heart of the city is on fire" Jessie encapsulates everything about the sound of her new record that made it intoxicating. With a rich grand instrumental and performance theatrical enough to match Jessie is as mature and confident an artist as you'll hear anywhere in the realm of pop music. The track will never overwhelm you with sound or dominate you with its composition even on a soaring hook, rather it allows listeners to take in the beauty of the song on their own time. Full of rewarding details and beautiful passionate refrains its pop music at its most immaculately reserved and a caliber of triumph the genre rarely sees.
2. The Divine Chord - The Avalanches (Feat. MGMT & Johnny Marr)
The Avalanches really rocked all of my year end lists when they dropped an incredible record in late December after I had already started working on them. While a few of their tracks just narrowly missed the list this year it was obvious right away that The Divine Chord was gonna be among the best tracks of the year. The Avalanches team up with synth pop icons MGMT and Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr for a simple, dreamy and impassioned fusion of genres that I haven't been able to stop listening to since it came out. With only two core verses coming from MGMT vocally they still manage to make a mark delivering some of the most beautiful and impactful singing I've heard anywhere this year backed by an immaculate and detailed instrumental that adds to the tracks uncompromising beauty. From the spacey synths to the sweet vocal samples the track paints a perfect atmosphere over a short 3 minutes. Even with such high profile names and the great history of The Avalanches I couldn't have possibly expected something as excellent as this and I wrestled with making it my #1 song of the year for a long time before placing it here.
1. At The Door - The Strokes
The more I thought about it the more I realized nothing was better in 2020 than hearing The Strokes come back with a bold, beautiful, experimental and passionate new song. The song displays an icy minimalism that I've never heard before from the band yet they execute it like veterans giving Julians soaring impassioned vocals a chilling space to echo into. Interspersed are moments of genuine catchy and cool refrains that remind me of how great the band can be making alternative rock, but the tracks highlights come when the band is unafraid to push the envelope. The bands long awaited return had massive expectations but still managed to soar over them with a fabulous, strange and completely mystifying blend of old and new. With rock music sounding more dry and overproduced than ever before The Strokes chose to get weird and raw resulting in one of the best songs of their entire career, one of the best rock songs I've heard in a long time, and the best song I heard in all of 2020. At The Door is a major, unmistakable success for a genre that has desperately needed it for a long time and sets an incredibly high bar for what rock bands will be releasing for years to come. In a word, excellence.
Thanks for reading!
This is the 2nd biggest list of the year and the biggest list of the year is coming tomorrow so stay tuned for my favorite albums of the year. You can check out some of these songs and plenty more on my Singles Of The Year List here as well!
Finally here's the Spotify playlist of all 101 songs featured in this list.
