Songs released, whether commissioned as an official single or featured on a parent album, between January 1 and December 13, 2019 were considered for this prestigious honor.
As with all year-end lists, this list encompasses the music that helped make the last year a bit easier to swallow. Most songs definitely went unheard or were simply not as greatly appreciated as others thought. Priority given to music actually purchased, not just streamed.
Many singles that were officially serviced in 2019 from a parent album released in 2018 were not included, as they were likely included on last year's list (ex. "Rainbow" by Kacey Musgraves).
#50. "Live Forever" by Liam Payne & Cheat Codes
Liam Payne took some scorching heat for his just-released debut album LP1. Many labelled it a failure. That's quite harsh. Case in point: his "Live Forever" collaboration with electronic trio Cheat Codes, a radio-geared pop effort that highlights the positive reinforcement we receive and feel when we have another advocating for us. When the artist felt at his lowest, ready to give up, a significant other helped change his trajectory. “All that runnin', gonna give it up for you, nothing ever get me high like you do, some way, somehow, you and I, we're gonna live forever,” he infectiously celebrates on the chorus. It kicks off the list as the most recently released track to make an impact.
#49. "Tread Lightly" by Kyra Mastro
I thank Toronto-native Kyra Mastro for popping up in my email this year. "Tread Lightly" touches on the uncomfortable feeling of not fully knowing the person closest to you. Though just a dream, the image of a loved one is altered for the worse, allowing unfounded panic cloud one's train of thought. Ominous production heightens the urgency and conflict at hand, leaving Mastro to wonder if her nightmares actually shed light on her own fears and insecurities. Produced by Jonathan Karkar, the single relies heavily both on the harmony and contrast between Mastro's worried vocal performance and that of Karkar's infectious, finger-snapping production.
#48. "Wave" by Meghan Trainor feat. Mike Sabath
Meghan Trainor unfortunately encountered some difficulty in getting an audience to connect with her strings of releases in 2019. With that aside, "Wave" featuring rapper Mike Sabath was an innovative, creative, sharp turn for the artist. Presumed to be a hint at a new direction for upcoming third album Treat Myself, the effort is one of Trainor's strongest yet simplistic releases since 2018. The artist sings with sorrow in her voice of an unhealthy relationship she cannot seem to escape. Over bouncy, electropop beats and a gorgeous backing choir, Trainor rises up and reignites interest for any future career plans. Sabath's addition is the cherry on top.
#47. "Hey Why (Miss You Sometime)" by P!nk
Though it may have suffered at times from uneven songwriting, "(Hey Why) Miss You Sometime" is a fun, surprising, 2000s R&B throwback with enough energy and sass to make up for its slight missteps. It was also one of the highlights off the P!nk's more optimistic eighth studio album Hurts 2B Human. As the artist throws an under-performing lover to the curb, she still can't seem to escape the lingering feelings that came with when the bond was at its strongest. "Thousand nights I've said goodbye, almost lost my mind, so hey, why do I miss you sometimes?," she questions on the chorus. The song stuck out like a sore thumb, but was also the most memorable album offering.
#46. "Sidekick" by Julian Daniel
"Sidekick" details those pesky high school romances and one's feeling of regret that comes with not following through on something you desired. Accompanied by Phil Collins-esque drums, Julian Daniel weaves through tranquil production as he pushes rewind on life to redo and alter certain important decisions. Strengthening and finding confidence in his vocals, the young artist makes a convincing case for a previous suitor to want to reignite the flame. That possibility doesn't come without hesitation and nerves though. "If only you were psychic, I'd never be alone, wishing, hoping, waiting, you'd call me on the phone," he sings on the hook.
#45. "Imperfections" by Celine Dion
As her twelfth English-language album Courage became her first chart topper in 17 years, Celine Dion was most vulnerable on "Imperfections", where the songstress admits to being flawed just as she is starting to love another. The internal criticism puts the potential relationship in jeopardy as Dion sings of focusing on her own betterment before she can devote her full self to a new partner. Wounds are still hearing following her husband's passing in 2016. "They make me who I am today, and they will never go away, can you love them the way that I love you?," she questions on an emotional and honest mid-tempo ballad co-penned by Lauv.
#44. "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi
Few ballads experienced success in 2019, but after waiting patiently for 24 weeks, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi found himself sitting atop the Billboard Hot 100 with the tender, heart-wrenching “Someone You Loved”. After putting his all into a previous relationship, the significant other still left him behind with a broken heart incapable of mending. Now, longing for a similar bond, Capaldi’s only requirement for another relationship seems to be someone that will just love him back. The vocals, the songwriting, the simple instrumentals highlight that talent wins over noise any day.
#43. "Sweet Spot" by Kim Petras
Transgender pop princess Kim Petras released both her second Halloween-inspired extended play AND her official debut album Clarity this year. Within the mix of edgy, infectious pop was Petras’ disco-influenced, sex anthem “Sweet Spot”. While the track may not carry as heavy songwriting weight compared to other entries on this list, just try to get the bold bop out of your head after the first listen. Spoiler alert: you can’t. Petras teases and tempts potential one-night stand suitors while advocating for her right to be as provocative and innocent as she wants. Still holding out for an official single release in 2020.
#42. "Go Fish!" by Manila Luzon
Say what you will about music from the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race… honestly, most is hit or miss. But Manila Luzon, one of the first to burst through the reality competition door and find promising opportunity in the music industry, shared “Go Fish!” from her Rules! album early this year. Inspired by her shocking elimination at the hands of Naomi Smalls on All-Stars 4, Manila inspires the masses with advice of never giving up and giving it your all within the context of casino-inspired songwriting and her usual flare for synth-pop aesthetic. "I don't need solitaire because I found you, and now that I have you here, you know we can't lose," she sings.
#41. "Slide Away" by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus touched on her publicized separation from husband Liam Hemsworth by sharing "Slide Away", a 90s alternative pop/rock effort with heartbreaking, personal lyrical content. The song is a devastating affair that finds Cyrus realizing that natural growth comes with some unfortunate changes. Comparing and contrasting the then vs. now, the artist comes to an understanding that turmoil and heartache are simply part of life. Carried by guitars, and then delicate strings similar to "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve, the release soared thanks to Cyrus' emotive vocal performance and songwriting that hit very close to home.
0 Comments