This year has not exactly been the best year for, well, anything really. However, the music industry, despite everything, has had artists producing some incredible songs to lift our spirits.
So here is the Kingston Courier’s guide to the best songs from a variety of genres.
This list details some of the best releases this year with just a hint of regret that we did not get the chance to enjoy any concerts or festivals to really experience the music.
5 Seconds of Summer – Easier
The Australian foursome released yet another incredible song, with thought-provoking lyrics, a catchy tune and incredible vocals. Their fourth studio album charted at number two in the Billboard Top 100, a controversial point for the fan base as it was ruled sales were not counted for albums that had been distributed early mistakenly.
For fans of One Direction, All Time Low, and The 1975.
Architects – Animals
The heavy-metal band returned to the music-scene with Animals, the first release from the group of five since their 2018 album Holy Hell. It quickly became a fan favourite when they played it live for the first time at a special livestream event from the Royal Albert Hall in November.
For fans of Bring Me The Horizon, Parkway Drive, and While She Sleeps.
Ariana Grande – Positions
Pop-princess Ariana Grande proved once again to fans why she is so successful with Positions, the title song of her sixth studio album. She voices her experiences in life, particularly her love life, with the album featuring a number of homages to Mac Miller, her ex-boyfriend who overdosed in September 2018.
For fans of Selena Gomez, Lorde, and Taylor Swift.
Bring Me The Horizon ft YUNGBLUD – Obey
British-metal group Bring Me The Horizon joined forces with rising star YUNGBLUD to produce Obey, an angsty take on society. Very apt given the year 2020 has been.
For fans of Linkin Park, PVRIS and Enter Shikari.
BTS – Dynamite
The K-pop megastars wowed fans with this being their first all English song. It was so popular it was nominated for a Grammy, making BTS the first K-pop artists to achieve this.
For fans of Red velvet, Stray Kids and Exo.
Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar
A feel-good summer anthem, that definitely made the summer nights in lockdown more bearable. A song that will stay on peoples’ playlists for a while yet.
For fans of Declan McKenna, James Arthur, and (of course) the One Direction boys.
Jason Derulo ft Jawsh 685 – Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)
A viral TikTok dance saw one part of this song played everywhere. The backing track is arguably even more catchy than Jason Derulo’s vocals.
For fans of Flo Rida, Drake, and Justin Bieber.
Joel Corry ft MNEK – Head and Heart
Summer club anthem. Can definitely imagine dancing on the beach in Ibiza with a group of strangers and having the time of your life to this song.
For fans of Becky Hill, Jax Jones, and Sigala.
Lady Gaga ft Ariana Grande – Rain On Me
Described by Lady Gaga herself as being able to keep going despite the hardships of life, Rain on Me could be the soundtrack for 2020.
For fans of Gwen Stefani, P!nk, and Lily Allen.
Lovelytheband – Loneliness For Love
A lesser-known trio in the UK, Lovelytheband’s loneliness for love really shows off their musical capabilities and quirky style with the music video.
For fans of Walk the Moon, As It Is, and 5 Seconds of Summer.
Shawn Mendes ft Justin Bieber – Monster
The two young men reflect on their rise to fame from a very young age, and question whether their mistakes growing up in the limelight make them monsters.
For fans of Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Jason Derulo.
The Rolling Stones – Living In A Ghost Town
The 58-year-old band proved to audiences both young and old that they still have what it takes to be producing music in 2020, more than worthy of a listen. The guitar strum opening really sets The Rolling Stone Mood.
For fans of The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Fleetwood Mac.
The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
Used for yet another TikTok viral dance, Blinding Lights blends The Weeknd’s soulful and gentle voice with a funky and catch beat. It prompts dance vibes, a sure-fire club song had the clubs been open this year.
For fans of Drake, Ne-Yo, and Frank Ocean.
