Top 50 Songs Of 2020

2020 has been a legendarily shit year, so it is frankly going to be a pleasure reminiscing about one of the only good things from the past twelve months: the music which was produced during it. 

There were new releases from rap giants Public Enemy, Bob Dylan provided yet another opus, there was nostalgia driven 90s revivalism, the forming of a new supergroup, and the defiant soundtracking of the social injustices which continued to stain our world. 

So, let’s get to it. These are my top 50 favourite songs of 2020. 

50. 

Public Enemy

State Of The Union (STFU)

Def Jam | Hip Hop

Kicking things off is this DJ Premier produced single from the hip hop greats Public Enemy. It was really great to hear Chuck D and Flavor Flav again, as they perform together on this hostile, politically charged takedown. 

49. 

Tierra Whack

Peppers And Onions

Interscope | Hip Hop

One of the few new singles to be released this year by the versatile talent of Tierra Whack. By far my favourite of the four, Peppers And Onions is a quirky hit that uses whistling and mouth clicks to showcase the playful appeal of the track. 

48. 

Drug Store Romeos 

Frame Of Reference

Fiction Records | Synth Pop

This single is a perfect little slice of synth pop, and it comes from the Hampshire based trio Drug Store Romeos. The whole thing creates a mood of late, rainy nights spent dancing around a lonely bedroom. 

47.  

Matt Berninger

One More Second

Book Records | Singer-Songwriter

Taken from The National frontman’s debut solo album, Serpentine Prison. Matt Berninger employs those familiar, comforting vocals along with pleading lyrics over the top of solid instrumentation and Booker T. Jones’ production. 

46.  

beabadoobee

Care

Dirty Hit | Indie Rock

This single is taken from the Filipino born, London based songstress’ debut album, Fake It Flowers. beabadoobee partakes in the revivalism of the pop and rock sounds from the nineties and aughts, and she does so with immense style. 

45.   

Homeboy Sandman

Waiting On My Girl

Mello Music Group | Hip Hop

Once again, Homeboy Sandman uses his wit and humour to create one of the funniest tracks of the year. Against the production of Quelle Chris, we hear the New York rapper hilariously describe long nights waiting for his girl to get ready. 

44. 

Nadia Reid

Oh Canada

Spacebomb Records | Indie Rock

This is taken from the Kiwi singer-songwriter’s latest record, Out Of My Province. With pining and searching lyrics, this is a bright and wistful track which walks along at a chipper pace, inviting you to join in on its travels. 

43. 

Drug Church

Bliss Out

Pure Noise | Post-Hardcore

A crushing bit of post-punk from the New York based group, and it features the greatest lyrical parting shot of the year, when lead singer Patrick Kindlon offers the words in a bellicose tone, “with so many reasons to hate me, why lie?!”

42. 

Jean Dawson & A$AP ROCKY

Triple Double

P+ | Indie Rock

L.A. artist Jean Dawson teams up with New York rapper A$AP ROCKY, on what is a stylish collaboration. Found on Dawson’s newest album, Pixel Bath, this is an electric pop/rock and hip hop hybrid. 

41. Victoria Monét

Dive

Tribe | R&B

What is perhaps the most seductive track of the year, is this highlight from Victoria Monét’s EP, JAGUAR. A smooth and sensual, R&B hit; Victoria performs like a star; her delivery is cool whilst wrapped up in the enveloping production. 

40. 

Mal Blum

Nobody Waits

Saddle Creek | Indie Rock

Easily one of the most potent and emotive tracks that I heard all year is this sterling new release from singer-songwriter Mal Blum. It’s both a pensive and relatable new single, and has a great, slow building finale.

39. 

Taylor Swift

the last great american dynasty

Republic | Chamber Pop

This deep cut from Taylor Swift’s latest LP, folklore, was co-written by The National’s Aaron Dessner and has expectantly great vocals and production. But, it also has a fantastic lyrical narrative that is expressed throughout. 

38. 

Perfume Genius

On The Floor

Matador | Indie Pop

Showcasing his versatile talents, Michael Hadreas returned this year under his Perfume Genius moniker, and continued to move in an even poppier direction. On The Floor glides with such ease, it distracts from the lovesick yearnings of the lyrics. 

37. 

The Weeknd

Save Your Tears

Republic / XO | Synth Pop

The latest single to be taken from The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, After Hours. The synth heavy music is reminiscent of 1980s pop, it almost acts as a time portal to the finest music that the charts would have had to offer back then. 

36. 

Jamila Woods

SULA (Paperback)

Jagjaguwar | Soul

Jamila Woods released two versions of this single, both ‘Paperback’ and ‘Hardback’ editions, with the former being the one I loved the most, as it’s got to be one of the prettiest and most elegant songs of the year. 

35. 

Laura Marling

Held Down

Chrysalis / Partisan | Folk Rock

Appearing on the English singer-songwriter Laura Marling’s seventh album, Song For Our Daughter. This is a folk rock single which has a forceful presence and rhythm, yet the harmonising vocals create a subdued ambiance. 

34. 

Waxahatchee

Fire

Merge | Indie Folk

I was completely torn on which track to include from Waxahatchee’s excellent new album, Saint Cloud, but ultimately settled on this one. There is so much to love from such an unassuming little track, from its slight intro, to Katie Crutchfield’s heartfelt performance of the earnest lyrics. 

33. 

Conway The Machine

Juvenile Hell (feat. Flee Lord, Havoc & Lloyd Banks)

Drumwork / Empire / Griselda | Hip Hop

A gritty and intense cut from the debut studio album of New York rapper, Conway The Machine. With Havoc at the helm of its production, Conway and company deliver a track that could’ve easily fit onto any old Mobb Deep classic. 

32. 

Khruangbin

So We Won’t Forget

Dead Oceans / Night Time Stories | Alternative

These guys have been real favourites of mine from the past couple of years. The Texan trio Khruangbin offered a dulcet single from their sophomore album, Mordechai, complete with a groovy rhythm section, and light, drifting vocals. 

31. 

Mac Miller

Good News

Warner | Hip Hop

What was one of the most bittersweet tracks of the year, Jon Brion’s production was so fun and relaxed, matching the casual flow perfectly, that it was almost enough to distract us from the painful reminder of the late Mac Miller, and what an immense talent he was. 

30. 

Billie Eilish

my future

Darkroom / Interecope | Alternative

Billie Eilish kept busy this year with a slew of new singles, this one being my favourite. A self love anthem, her vocals are understated and sublime, while older brother Finneas’ production is also great, with that flawless switch up at the midway point. 

29. 

Bartees Strange

Far

Memory Music | Indie Rock

This has been my personal favourite track from the great new Bartees Strange album, Live Forever. A haunting, folk influenced banger, with a thoughtfully strummed guitar, an extraordinary vocal performance, and a rocking crescendo. 

28. 

Adrianne Lenker

anything

4AD | Folk

One of the busiest artists in music right now, - and definitely one of the best - the Big Thief frontwoman was back with new solo material in 2020.  This beautiful lead single was a coy, and quiet reminder of her grace and endearing delivery. 

27. 

Busta Rhymes

Look Over Your Shoulder (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Conglomerate / Empire | Hip Hop

Admittedly, I agree with the lukewarm reception to the rap legend’s newest LP, but this single from it was simply unforgettable. Great production (with that sweet Jackson 5 sample), a nice Kendrick feature, and Busta Rhymes himself absolutely kills it. 

26. 

Dehd

Loner

Fire Talk | Indie Rock

A track that is indicative of the Chicago based three piece’s uniquely sentimental sound. This track combines various sub-genres of rock and is led by the charismatic Emily Kempf, whose vocals hop and jump throughout this tribute to isolation. 

25. 

Shamir

Running

Self-Released | Indie Rock

One of the many catchy pop and rock tracks to be found on the new, self-titled album from the Las Vegas born singer-songwriter Shamir. Running is a superb, shimmering track in which candid thoughts are shared. 

24. 

Special Interest

Disco III

Night School / Thrilling Living | Post-Punk

The most despicable song of the year, and yes, that is meant as a compliment. This wonderfully violent and grotesque track combines a harsh drum machine beat, with the vituperative vocals of Alli Logout. “Sodomy! On LSD!” 

23. 

Jess Williamson

Pictures Of Flowers (feat. Hand Habits)

Mexican Summer | Singer-Songwriter

A gorgeous and idyllic stand-alone single released from the Texas born, L.A. based artist Jess Williamson. Helping out on vocals is Meg Duffy (under her Hand Habits moniker) and some lovely, pastoral instrumentation. 

22. 

Lilly Hiatt

Candy Lunch

New West | Alt. Country

From the supremely talented singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt’s fourth album, Walking Proof, is this track which is deep in thought. Downtrodden and contemplative, it’s both beautifully written and brilliantly performed. 

21. 

Lucinda Williams

When The Way Gets Dark

Highway 20 / Thirty Tigers | Singer-Songwriter

The legendary Lucinda Williams was back this year with her latest record, Good Souls Better Angels. This is a deep cut taken from that album, and between its easy melody and encouraging lyrics, it was like a much needed hug in a song. 

20. 

Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist 

Something To Rap About (feat. Tyler, The Creator)

ALC / Empire / ESGN | Hip Hop

The Alchemist, one of rap’s finest producers, provided Freddie Gibbs (and Tyler, The Creator in a feature role) with possibly the smoothest and most mellow instrumental of the year. Freddie Gibbs expectantly shows off his versatility and slays. 

19. 

Future Islands

For Sure

4AD | Synth Pop

No strangers to producing bold and passionate song-of-the-year contenders, North Carolina’s synthpop trio Future Islands came through with this, their best single since the 2014 breakout hit, Seasons (Waiting On You). 

18. 

Childish Gambino

53.49

RCA | Hip Hop / R&B

The unfairly talented Donald Glover was back this year with a new Childish Gambino project, 3.15.20. This closing track was its obvious high point for me, as it glided seemlessly between alternative hip hop, and cool, Summery R&B. 

17. 

Black Thought

Good Morning (feat. Pusha T, Swizz Beatz & Killer Mike)

Republic | Hip Hop

A single that was obviously going to be great, judging by the talents involved; three of hip hop’s current best. Swizz Beatz acts as the hype man, Pusha T is at his braggadocious best, while Killer Mike and Black Thought himself steal the show. 

16. 

Moses Sumney

Bless Me

Jagjaguwar | Alternative

If I had to suggest just one song to the uninformed and uninitiated, to showcase the immeasurable talents of singer-songwriter Moses Sumney, I might just pick this transcendent art pop single from his sophomore album, Græ. 

15. 

Fiona Apple 

Cosmonauts

Clean Slate / Epic | Art Pop

Fiona Apple’s fifth album, Fetch The Bolt Cutters, was rife with options for this list. Cosmonauts secured a spot for the sole reason that I think it contains the most memorable, earworm vocal melody from the entire record. 

14.

Jayda G

Both Of Us

Ninja Tune | Electronic / House

Canadian born, London based artist Jayda G deserves special recognition for this amazing single. Between the piano loop, the soulful vocals, and the irresistible breakdown, this is a song that could prompt dancing from even the most stoic listener. 

13.

Fleet Foxes

Sunblind

Anti- | Indie Folk

Robin Pecknold surprised fans with a new Fleet Foxes album this year, proving that 2020 wasn’t all bad. On Sunblind, he pays tribute to a number of influences, from Richard Swift to Jimi Hendrix, before bursting into an appropriately bright chorus. 

12. 

Bonny Light Horseman

Deep In Love

37d03d | Folk

Taken off the debut album from the new supergroup Bonny Light Horseman. Deep In Love sees the trio being inspired by a traditional folk ballad, as Eric D. Johnson takes lead vocals with an incredible performance filled with a gorgeous, howling refrain.  

11. 

Chiiild

Pirouette

Avant Garden / Island | Neo-Soul

Chiiild is a Canadian project, composing of members Yonatan Ayal, and Pierre-Luc Rioux. This track is featured on their debut EP, Synthetic Soul, and it is a romantic, soulful delight. With the woozy production, sensual lyrics and alluring vocals. 

10. 

Grimes

Idoru

4AD | Electronic / Pop

Closing off her new album, Miss Anthropocene, in style, Canadian artist Grimes delivers an epic ode to love. 

And despite being that album’s longest track (at over seven minutes), this is actually its most accessible number. It’s so incredibly optimistic and radiant, from the birds which sing in the background, to the synths which help to further elevate her ascending vocals, this is immediately on the shortlist of my favourite Grimes songs ever.

9. 

Bob Dylan

Murder Most Foul

Columbia | Singer-Songwriter

Kicking off his seventh decade of making music, one of the greatest artists of all time revealed a brand new epic to add to his already lofty collection, and it’s also his longest track yet at close to seventeen minutes. 

Behind a delicate backdrop of piano and strings, Dylan starts by placing us at the scene of the JFK assassination, and eventually ends with him listing a series of requests to the 60s radio DJ, Wolfman Jack. This is a dizzying display of ambition, and a lyrical mosaic of memories. 

8. 

Run The Jewels 

yankee and the brave (ep. 4)

BMG / Jewel Runners | Hip Hop

Killer Mike and El-P returned with their fourth album together as Run The Jewels this year, and this single was the first taste we got from it. 

Equipped with a thudding, combative beat, both men are at their most aggressive and charismatics bests. They resonate with one another in perfect unison, and their complex flows contain a great punchline towards the end of the scene that they create together, which manages to sound both spontaneous and calculated all at once. 

7. 

Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever 

Cars In Space

Sub Pop | Indie Rock

The first half of this track ensured that it would land somewhere in this list, but it’s the second half that really earned its spot here in my top ten. 

The Australian indie band composed a breezy and fun pop/rock single, before those final two plus minutes arrive. Two plus minutes that boast an incredible instrumental break and harmonising vocals on the outro. It was an absolutely perfect song to listen to while driving around with the volume up and the windows down. 

6.

IDLES

Mr. Motivator

Partisan | Post-Punk

One common topic throughout this list has been perseverance; continuing on in the face of adversity. It’s been something that most of us have needed to hear this year. 

But, from all the songs, by all the artists to offer these encouraging sentiments, not one beat you over the head with the idea more than the English punk rockers IDLES. On Mr. Motivator, these guys don’t gently encourage you to keep going, they demand that you do.  

5.

Arlo Parks

Eugene

Transgressive | R&B

Unrequited love remains a ubiquitous topic in any art form, because it resonates with so many of us on such a deep level. And it does that because it is, unfortunately, just so fucking relatable. 

Eugene is a single from the new London based artist Arlo Parks (and it will feature on her debut studio album), and on it, she tackles this theme with an aplomb and a maturity beyond her years. Her cool, soothing vocals intertwine with the laid back music, which has smooth R&B elements, but with an intimate, bedroom pop twist. 

4. 

Blu & Exile

Roots Of Blue

Dirty Science / Fat Beats | Hip Hop

Featured on Miles, the mammoth new studio album from the duo of rapper Blu and his producer sidekick Exile, is this nine minute long track which acts as both a history lesson, and a tribute to an entire race and culture.  

When the beat kicks into life, it is easily one of the most memorable and attention grabbing moments in music this year, irrespective of genre. And then comes Blu, who takes his time in detailing and paying homage to historical events, biblical stories, politicians and fellow artists, and he does so over the arresting, hypnotic beat. 

3.

Terrace Martin & Denzel Curry

Pig Feet (feat. Kamasi Washington, G Perico & Daylyt)

 EMPIRE / Sounds Of Crenshaw | Hip Hop

Pig Feet came with an accompanying video, and collage of images and footage which had been collected during the aftermath of the George Floyd murder and the ensuing protests. Together, the song and video act as a visceral one-two punch to the gut. 

Collectively, the men involved here capture the growing tensions, passion and anger of the movement, in an epic anthem against police brutality. Terrace Martin’s production is combustible, Denzel Curry and Daylyt’s performances are incendiary, and Kamasi’s saxophone blares and whales over everything perfectly. 

2. 

Fontaines D.C. 

A Hero's Death

Partisan / Rough Trade | Post-Punk

Yet another track where the prevailing theme is one of perseverance. This is both the title track and the lead single to the sophomore studio album from the Dublin based outift Fontaines D.C. 

Throughout, there is the clear aura of post-punk revivalism, but also a polished stylishness. There are crooning harmonies which hang in the background, a gradual progression and growth to the song which is imperceptible, and we are offered some sage advice in the lyrics - which also act as colourful witticisms. “If we give ourselves to every breath, then we’re all in the running for a hero’s death”. 

1. 

Soccer Mommy 

circle the drain

Concod / Loma Vista | Indie Rock 

Sophie Allison dropped this nostalgic, rock flavoured single at the top of the year, and it’s been in constant rotation for me ever since. 

The candor with which she sings is immensely appreciated, especially from someone who can relate to the heavy weight of the words. circle the drain tackles the plight of suffering with mental health issues, as well as the poker face one has to attempt to perfect whilst living with such afflictions, in order to ameliorate the concern of loved ones. And she does this over such a fucking cool and loose track, one that is clearly influenced by the past, without sacrificing any originality.