As terrible as 2020 was as a year, we had some good popular music. Let's go over the best. We are still using Billboard's year-end song list for reference.
Honorable Mentions:
- Dynamite by BTS (#38)- I am not a big fan of this group, but they made a fun, catchy pop song that is in a language I can understand. This is what I want from pop music.
- Mood by 24kGoldn feat. ian diorr (#47)- Another catchy pop song. Golden has a lot of promise and I would like to see where he goes in his career. The lyrics, however, could be much better. Still a fun track.
- Supalonely by Benee feat. Gus Dapperton (#84)- Even though I would have preferred "Backyard Boy" by Claire Rosinkranz, TikTok made this song a hit. Benee talks about how lonely and sad she is with bright and happy production. This disconnect works way better than it should.
- Sunday Best by Surfaces (#61)- If you are a snobby music critic, this is the "controversial" pick. I understand that critics hate the flat delivery and the thin production, but I like its laid back atmosphere and relaxed performance. It's chill as hell.
- Even Though I'm Leaving by Luke Combs (#85)- How did a country song get on here? This song has some good emotions I actually felt. If I discovered this song earlier (and wasn't biased against the country), it could have easily made the list.
10. Good As Hell by Lizzo (#31)
Let's point out the obvious. I love Lizzo's personality. She is big and boisterous. This is what I want from pop musicians. We cannot easily replace Lizzo. Also, she is a great singer. I once heard a YouTuber compare her to Aretha Franklin and this is a completely fair comparison. Plus, this song makes me feel hopeful.
9. The Box by Roddy Ricch (#3)
This song has the most interesting production choices. This windshield wiper noise is definitely a gimmick, but it is memorable and sounds great in the song. Plus, Roddy is a charismatic rapper. He raps with real power that you almost notice that the metaphor behind the box does not make sense (He claims it refers to jail.). However, the lyrics still sound cool, which is all that matters.
8. The Bigger Picture by Lil Baby (#76)
Crap, I have to talk about politics. In short, I don't care. I like this song because of Lil Baby's lyricism and flow, not necessarily politics. He came into his own this year and showed that he was more than a simple pop rapper. It goes beyond the mistreatment the police have been accused of doing with minorities and the lower class and tells how racism is an institutional problem with a close friend of him getting life in prison. If you can separate your political views from the music, enjoy this song. If you can't, listen to his song "Emotionally Scarred" and write your own paragraph on it.
7. Dua Lipa- 2 songs: Break My Heart (#33) and Don't Start Now (#4)
Disco is alive and well with Dua. She brought us two hits based on the legendary dance genre. Too bad she did not know the pandemic was coming and all discos would be postponed until further notice. She is also a captivating figure on the microphone. Most disco music was made by one-hit-wonders, but she has the personality to be around for a long time. As well, these songs seem very personal to her in a genre that does not value personality.
6. Say So by Doja Cat (#11)
First off, this is only about the original version. I know it hit #1 thanks to a remix with Nicki Minaj, but that remix is very not good. So we have another '70s inspired track by a female artist with a ton of personality. She starts the track with a beautiful, subdued cooing, but goes into a strong rap verse that shows off who she really is. Plus, the production is phenomenal is creating a breezy atmosphere. Too bad the producer is an accused rapist. A good song nonetheless.
5. Come & Go by Juice WRLD feat. Marshmello (#54)
Juice WRLD delivered this year, and by Juice WRLD, I mean his label(Juice passed away last year.). It's an epic blend of the hip-hop Juice was making with a solid guitar lick. Over the beat, Juice talks about how much the girl means to him. Their love will always be with him. Many people do not like Marshmello's production but I am fine with it. It is sort of cheap-sounding, but I do not mind it. It is a solid drop.
No Video for this pick
4. WAP by Cardi B feat. Megan the Stallion (#24)
Warning: Song is really racy, for the few people who do not know what this is.
I like this song a lot more than I should (Like most of Cardi B's hits). First, let's talk about what this song isn't. This is not a feminist anthem. It's a song about how two women exchange sex for expensive things with their men. I do not think that's feminist, but I am a guy, so my opinion doesn't matter on the subject. On the flip side, this is not immoral, evil, or, worst of all, leftist (To call this leftist means that the right is against women being sexually pleasured). This song is politically neutral and many other songs about sex have been made before it from Prince, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, etc. However, this song is a quotable, ridiculous, over-the-song about how these ladies enjoy sex. It reminds me mostly of "The Bad Touch" by the Bloodhound Gang in that way. Plus, both of the ladies have solid flows with many clever punch lines.
3. Dance Monkey by Tones & I (#14)
Let's get the obvious out first. Her voice is weird. This is not a deal-breaker. Bad or weird singing is an extension of their personality. Look at Bruce Springsteen and the Talking Heads. They use unconventional singing to show that they are a down-to-earth, working-class hero and an artsy nerd, respectively. Tones uses her singing to be pissed about how people look down on the street performer. She also sings with power to back up her anger.2. Watermelon Sugar by Harry Style (#20)
Adore You may have been the bigger hit, but I have always preferred Watermelon Sugar. It is a fun, summery song about his love. Honestly, I do not have much to say about this song. Listen to it yourself and enjoy the three minutes.
Other good charting songs that didn't make Billboard's list:
- My ex's best friend by Machine Gun Kelly feat. blackbear
- Level of Concern by twenty-one pilots
- Run by Joji
- exile by Taylor Swift feat. Bon Iver
- Good News by Mac Miller
- Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus
1. everything i wanted by Billie Eilish (#18)
Billie is the star we need in pop music. Many clever ideas from her and her brother waiting to be mined. Low-key production usually just bores me but it works in this song. The lyrics are also really interesting and introspective as she recounts a nightmare she had and how her brother helped her get through the night. It feels warm and hopeful and caring from a brother who does care for her.
Comments
Post a Comment