Best Songs of 2019: 100-51

It's about time I talked about music I actually loved in a year-end list! 

Out of all the year end lists, this was undeniably the most difficult for me to narrow down and order. I began with over 2000 potential "candidates" and after a month of eliminations and cuts, I finally brought it down to a number I was satisfied with. Last year, I was satisfied with a concise Top 50, but I'm afraid the volume of music I consumed in 2019 was too much for me to bear losing that many of my favourites, so I decided to allow myself the space to go for the big three digit number. In terms of any rules, any song released as a single or in an album between December 1st 2018 and November 30th 2019 is applicable, and there is a three-song limit per artist. Without further ado, I am proud to present my personal Top 100 Favourite Songs of 2019...

100

"BURN IT"

FEVER 333

Kicking off both the year and my list with a bang, Jason Butler's supergroup bring their heaviest artillery to the forefront of their album.

99

"Death Pillage Plunder"

Mellah

I'm very excited to see what Mellah has to bring on his debut album, as he's easily one of the best up and coming songwriters in the indiesphere, with this being a very relatable song about struggling to accept people's love as genuine.

98

"Wildfire"

Nocturnal Sunshine

ft. Catnapp

As far as beat-driven, night-time electropop goes, Nocturnal Sunshine's new album and in particular this song really effectively shows off what this young producer is capable of. Fun, dark and very catchy.

97

"I Don't Think I Can Do This Again"

Mura Masa

ft. Clairo

After a refreshing, solid debut in 2017, Mura Masa's new singles have built and improved upon the best qualities of his music. This single blends rough, punklike instrumentation with the explosive electronics of his usual music to poppy heights.

96

"Mile High"

James Blake

ft. Travis Scott, Metro Boomin

Sweet, minimalist R&B that, whilst not particularly creative in comparison with much of James' work, delivers a quaint psychedelic beat that along with the fantastic tone set by the three people is a big reason this has stuck with me through so much of the year.

95

"All For You"

Wilkinson

ft. Karen Harding

Another great single from Wilkinson, I can always count on him to release such strong drum'n'bass oriented dance music.

94

"Syrups"
Foals

As disappointing as the second part of their Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost album duo was, the former half is still something I come back to, if only for a handful of songs. This is one of the most experimental from that album, and easily my favourite.

93

"Harmony Hall"
Vampire Weekend

This song may just win the prize for best lyric of the year award with the impassioned exclaim of "I don't wanna live like this/but I don't wanna die". That paired with gorgeous piano lead instrumentals left me stunned from first listen, and the beauty of this song has not waned.

92

"The Hunger"

Bat for Lashes

I was very impressed with Bat for Lashes' newest album, and this song helped to consolidate that album as worthwhile in my memory due to its haunted, foreboding tone created by swirling synths and Natasha's cold yet massive vocal delivery.

91

"Selfish"

Little Simz

ft. Cleo Sol

In one of the most chilled yet potent hip-hop songs of the year, Little Simz laments over the selfish attitude she possesses having earned her success. It's got perhaps the strongest hook of any of her songs, and came close to being my favourite from Grey Area.

90
"Piece Of Your Heart"
Meduza
ft. Goodboys

He set out to revive deep house as a viable mainstream genre and the UK dance scene is definitely responding! For the sort of song this is I'm always surprised at how intelligent it is, both in its lyrics and production, as I find myself enamoured with the simple but effective structure of the song.

89
"Awake"
YONAKA

Both introspective and explosively defiant, Yonaka are not a band that want to be pinned down. This is exactly the sort of music I'd love to hear more of on the radio, in the place of Catfish & The Bottlemen or similar bands that don't add anything to indie rock.

88
"One Last Night On This Earth"
Sundara Karma

An absolute delight to listen to, like if David Bowie crossed paths with The Killers.

87
"Lack Of Love"
Friendly Fires

The standout moment from Inflorescent and the only song I'll be coming back to, this cover is a deep house dive into funk and I love every second of it.

86
"I THINK"
Tyler, The Creator

"I THINK" is a window into a moment of euphoria and naive optimism, delivering some of the most upbeat and lovestruck vibes of any of Tyler's songs. Its positive energy is incredibly uplifting, and in the context of the album serves as a brief moment of bliss mostly devoid of the confusion and emotional clutter that gives so much substance to the rest of the album, a surprising moment of clarity.

85

"We Made It"
Louis Tomlinson

After the somewhat directionless wandering of his early career and a break, Louis seems to have found his footing and the place he wants to occupy for the time being. It's infectious and emotional, catchy and self-aware and it's the best thing he's done.

84
"Wide Awake"
Petit Biscuit

The kind of off-the-wall, "wonky" dance music makes for a jaw-dropping listen and Petit Biscuit demonstrates the extent of his producer capabilities as he blends in a rather more typical, glossy piano middle section not dissimilar to what Avicii did back on "Levels", only with much more ambitious and wild instrumentals either side.

83
"People"
The 1975

Noone expected the lead single for The 1975's upcoming fourth album Notes On A Conditional Form to pack this much of a punch... the raw, post-hardcore nature is a compelling riot and I'm much more onboard with this sort of fiery declaration as a lead single than I was with "Give Yourself A Try" from their last album.

82
"Wild Roses"
Of Monsters & Men

After being thoroughly let down by the album Fever Dream, I definitely neglected this song for a while until I saw to my surprise that the music video for this was trending on YouTube. Out of curiosity, I made the right choice and listened to it again, causing me to fall completely and utterly in love. From the subdued calm of the gorgeous verses to the mild explosion of the chorus, I found myself entranced by a song I had completely and unfairly overlooked. The lines "before I closed my eyes I saw a moth in the sky/and I wish I could fly that high" really get me, and it's a shame the rest of the album didn't strike the same chord with me.

81
"Movies"
Weyes Blood

Just astoundingly beautiful, an ode to film from one of 2019's most competent and poetic songwriters and the most striking composition Weyes Blood has to offer. In the spirit of the subject matter, I'll choose not to spoil what happens in the last third of the track but I highly recommend this as not only one of the best baroque pop songs I've heard all year, but also as a work of art.

80
"Gorgon Madonna"
Yugen Blakrok

Every time I revisit any of Yugen's music I'm struck by just how complete the songs are. As opposed to going for an excessively polished or trendy lofi sound, the beats that she raps over are dusty and timeless, pulling inspiration from the jazz-rap of the 80s as much as the classic cosmic instruments of Deltron 3030; it's a wonderfully unique sound that in today's modern hip-hop landscape perfectly suits the more untrodden path Yugen takes.

79
"Ain't Together"
King Princess

After breaking out with her single "1950" back in 2018, King Princess has proved to be a formidable force of witty songwriting and catchy alt pop that has dominated conversation outside of the mainstream. It was a difficult choice deciding which of her songs I found the most compelling, the most entertaining, the most emotional. I could only ever land on "Ain't Together" as the pinnacle of these elements.

78
"I Feel Love"
Sam Smith

I am still in shock at just how good Sam Smith's cover of the Donna Summer classic is. This is from the same guy who released "How Do You Sleep?" and "Dancing With A Stranger" this year?! Some of the worst, most insufferable pop songs... and then this... What is happening with the world.

77
"Adore You"
Jessie Ware

Just a sweet, sweet pop song with a shimmering post-chorus that blows the entirety of her last album out of the water.

76
"Teeth"
5 Seconds Of Summer

I have no qualms admitting to liking this song. It's not that I didn't expect this, more that I didn't expect to like it so much but 5SOS have finally released a song I have no glaring issues with. From the lightning bassline to the more than welcome guitar solos in the song's coda, this is a thrilling pop rock song that I wish had been a hit.

75
"Inside Out"
shey baba

This relatively unknown singer grabbed my attention from the danceable single "I Want It All", but it wasn't until I heard this song on the album that I realised how adventurous shey's outdoor-sounding bedroom pop was. When the song transitions after the second chorus, the man's amazing songwriting becomes insignificant against the phenomenal lead synth and samples that give the track the necessary punch to put it above so many of the album's other songs.

74
"Arabesque"
Coldplay

Coldplay... making music that's not only good but adventurous and diverse... in 2019?! I don't think I have ever liked a Coldplay song more than this one and it's a love I will cherish. Bombastic and bold, explicit and socially relevant... the surprises don't stop with this amazing track.

73
"Serenity"
Drahla

Not only is this song one of the band's most ferocious and unforgiving, but it also boasts perhaps the most rollercoaster-like ride in terms of the pacing and tone, taking you on a chaotic journey at breakneck speed with maximum saxophone impact. In short, how could I say no to this?

72
"Quick Fix"
CUT_

The album explores many avenues of modern electronic music, and this song is the most plosive and powerful example of what they were able to achieve. Fun, well-written and hard-hitting? Sign me up.

71
"Perennial"
Jinjer

Speaking of hard hitting, this is definitely the most underrated and best track of Jinjer's experimental Micro EP, taking inspiration and musical elements from classical music to elevate the otherwise typical metalcore sound the band have. It's a harrowing listen.

70
"Inglorious"
Slowthai

Firing on all cylinders and delivering some of the best bars I've heard all year is "Inglorious" by Slowthai, the highlight of his fantastic debut album due to the subdued but undeniably intense and focused aggression that fuels some of the tightest flows he's ever had.

69
"Ludens"
Bring Me The Horizon

Their contribution to the Death Stranding: Timefall album is the best music inspired by the game, the sound a magnificent amalgamation of the band's sonic palette over the last 7 years that results in one of their best, most ambitious songs to date. The hard, abrasive, stop-start guitar and synth combination that tumbles in now and then throughout the song leaves me anticipating a climax that they nailed, the payoff an incredibly engaging guitar-driven section that drives home the point of the song, the announcement of the need for new leaders, new icons and new heroes.

68
"Battle Lines"
Kero Kero Bonito

Every body of work from this band has its own styling and sound, and their brand new EP Civilisation I is no exception. Opting for a more dance-oriented lane somewhere between Charli XCX and The Knife, this song is the best offering from their current direction thus far and I'm very looking forward to hearing more either in this style or wherever they decide to go next.

67
"Juice"
Lizzo

The funk stylings and poppy appeal make this the most fun Lizzo song to listen and dance to, a single that has remained a consistent favourite of mine throughout the year.

66
"Fuzzy Tree"
The Amazons

In my opinion the most prominent and best song on the band's new album, "Fuzzy Tree" is the best offering of classic rock revival The Amazons have been endeavouring to reintroduce. It's loud and proud to be this way, and their writing is at its best.

65
"The Seed"
AURORA

A huge statement that deserves a much bigger audience to hear it, Aurora jumps on board the climate and social change awareness train with her grandest song to date. The power behind that chorus is breathtaking, sensational and one of my favourite lyrics of the year: "You cannot eat money", indeed you can't.

64
"a lot"
21 Savage
ft. J Cole

I adore jazz rap and in spite of my scepticisms at the possibility of a great 21 Savage track I was proven completely wrong. This song is incredible and although I was somewhat late to the party, it's a classy and thoroughly enjoyable affair I'm glad a gave a chance.  This is exactly what J Cole's last album tried (and mostly failed) to be.

63
"Looking/Passing"
JAWS

A band I only discovered this year, JAWS have left such an impression on my from their fantastic album "The Ceiling", a marriage of dream pop and indie rock that boasts some serious melancholic vibes. In many ways this track is the centrepiece of the album, indeed it comes across as the most personal and honest and there's nothing I don't love about the sentiment and tone.

62
"Dead Boys"
Sam Fender

The primary problem I had with Sam Fender's debut album was his tendency to overwrite and overstate things unnecessarily, the latter a problem shared by his idol Bruce Springsteen. The former was the larger issue, and the reason "Dead Boys" works so well and triggers such emotion and empathy is how simple the writing is in comparison with something like the title track. I think the message is incredibly important and he deals with the subject matter incredibly well, having a greater impact by saying less.

61
"Right Round The Clock"
Sorry

With the announcement of their debut album came the release of this smashing new single, a track that grew on me immensely after several listens and a song that can go toe to toe with some of the band's rougher, older work and even come out on top in some cases. If "Starstruck" had been released this year it would be higher than this song, but I'm still more than happy raving about this amazing track. Fans of Wolf Alice and The Orielles should have this band on their radar.

60
"Hallelujah"
Oh Wonder

This duo can always be counted on when it comes to releasing a good single, and I'm astounded at how much this grew on me over the months since its release. What's more, they seem to be straying ever further from their debut's piano-driven alt pop into an altogether more expansive direction, embracing more pop but also the freedom to experiment with some heavier synths that contribute to the magnificent contrasts in this song. The writing is super uplifting and fun, and the verses and prechorus are actually much smarter than you might expect.

59
"Perfect Magnitude"
Roses Gabor

An unknown act that has spent far too long uncredited in the shadows of alternative and electronic music from her feature on the Gorillaz classic "DARE" to featuring on a couple of SBTRKT songs, Roses Gabor's transition into solo material has been incredibly graceful and for me this was the best (and probably most musically interesting) song from her debut album.

58
"Seventeen"
Sharon Van Etten

Sharon's move away from the constraints of singer-songwriter indie folk into the rougher, more full sounding synthrock of Remind Me Tomorrow is bold, and I am thrilled it has garnered so much acclaim this year. This is considered by most to be the best song on that album, and I definitely concede to that widespread opinion. The songwriting is the foundation here, and unlike on a track like "Hands" the overcrowded instrumentation doesn't obstruct from that focal point. It is uncompromised passion passed through the reminiscent filter of hindsight, and it is beautiful.

57
"Vitality"
Flume

A jaw dropping track from a jaw dropping album. I can't really describe what it's like to listen to this past that.

56
"Fast Cars"
Connie Constance

Connie's voice and music both share some sort of magical quality that elevates it so far above her peers, perhaps due to the immaculate production courtesy of Jim Abbiss. This song suits literally any setting, and I've been holding onto it for so long now it's like a close friend I never want to forget.

55
"Old Town Road"
Lil Nas X
ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

Arguably the biggest meme of the year, "Old Town Road" is the ultimate hit single for the modern day and in its own special way it's a slice of perfection that lit up the charts from the start of 2019, allowing for a rather interesting year for pop music. It became the biggest song ever in America, and to be honest it deserves it. Sleek, fun and memorable, Lil Nas X has created a pop masterpiece. Amusingly enough, the immense amount of context surrounding the song transcends the track itself, but this version is still great.

54
"A Palé"
Rosalía

After an incredibly inconsistent year, Rosalía concluded 2019 by releasing one of her best and most experimental songs yet. It's a truly epic, strange song that sounds, like her last album, as though it really could be the future of pop music. I hope to hear more of this on future releases, it's an immersive and attention-grabbing joy to listen to.

53
"Typical Story"
Hobo Johnson

Yes, it's not for everyone; yes, some of the lyrics can be perceived as incredibly cringy and yes, his voice can be grating at times...however, once you get past that this is not only some of the most fun and emotionally raw music of our time but also some of the most fantastically genreless. Hobo Johnson is a genius, and this track is absolutely riveting.

52
"Where's The Catch?"
James Blake
ft. André 3000

The best song off of Assume Form and an immediate highlight in both artist's careers, "Where's The Catch?" shows off the best of James' current production style as he blends the fantastic lofi hip hop beat with some of his weirdest vocal manipulations and most exciting production choices to date. The groove is undeniable, and the poetic lyrics make for yet another reason this is a truly fantastic song that sticks in my mind all the time.

51
"Be Someone"
Camelphat
ft. Jake Bugg

Camelphat are a most reliable source for fresh new house music, and it seems they've only improved since their breakout single "Cola". Severals singles on and this might just be my favourite of any single they've released thus far, the beat on point as always and the surprising feature working wonders over the top. No dance music fan should miss out on this, go listen to it right now.

That's all for the first half of my list, 50-1 will follow very soon. Thanks for reading!
Edit: The Top 50 is out now!

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