25
chairlift - "romeo"


I really was not feeling Chairlift's lead single for this new era, "Ch-Ching", but I am totally digging "Romeo". I love the frenetic energy that the instrumental AND the vocals give off. In the Pitchfork review, they write that the inspiration for this song is Atalanta, some Greek mythology story. I really have no interest in that kinda stuff, but it's cool how Chairlift can translate something nerdy into a marketable, approachable pop song. I interpret the song as a woman who is ready to love and be loved, but she's not going to just settle on the first person that shows interest in her. You gotta really earn it. I feel the same way when it comes to dating and relationships.

24
justin bieber - "what do you mean?"


I must say, I am very impressed by Justin Bieber's transition into an adult pop star who is liked by more than just 13 year old girls. A lot of teen stars can't successfully do it, but he picked the right collaborators to help him cultivate a legitimate sound and image. "What Do You Mean?" is definitely one of my favorite pop songs of the year, and I would get so excited hearing it on the radio the few times that I would listen to radio.

23
disclosure - "magnets" (feat. lorde)


I really miss Lorde. Thankfully, the past two years we've gotten to hear bits and pieces from her in the form of the Mockingjay soundtrack and her wicked Disclosure collab. With "Magnets", Lorde becomes a certified legal teen hottie. She's always had such a mature, adult image for someone so young, so it's no surprise to see her embracing a more sexualized version of herself for this banger of a track. The music video is one of the strongest of the year.

22
empress of - "everything is you"


"Everything is You" is one of the few tracks remaining on the list that was neither a full single or a promo single. That could change in 2016 with a proper single release (I sure hope so!). It is, however, the opening track from Empress Of's debut album, Me. It's quite a way to introduce herself. The song glides along in effortless bliss for two and half minutes, already an eargasm to begin with. But then the beat switches up, and Empress Of redirects it into another beautiful song. It's two distinct, separate halves of one beautiful creation.

21
carly rae jepsen - "all that"


"All That" got kicked out of the Top 20 at the last second by another Canadian, but don't fret, Carly Raezors, there is more of her later on. Let's just set the scene: Carly Rae Jepsen, Dev Hynes, and Ariel Reichshadcgffrgfd gather 'round the studio to create a Pop&B '80s slow jam for the ages. What can go wrong with that? Absolutely nothing, that's what. What a fantastic song this is.

Romeo WILL be on my 2016 list.
I kind of miss Lorde too.
Empress of, Carly

What Do You Mean was my guilty pleasure! Can't believe Bieber released a song as good as that! and Disclosure disappointed me this year but Magnets is amazing! Lorde

Thank you all for your comments. #20-11 later tonight!

Magnets is like unassumingly good I really didn't get the hype at first and then BAM! I feel its pull.

All That is a masterpiece

Carly Rae Jepsen, Dev Hynes, and Ariel Reichshadcgffrgfd really did put together some good stuff there.

20
the weeknd - "can't feel my face"


It took me a while to warm up to this song, but I eventually came around. It's really just great pure pop. The Michael comparisons always come up, but it's not a bad thing. It makes me nostalgic for that great, unique voice. This song is probably the best #1 on the Hot 100 this year for me.

19
florence + the machine - "st jude"


Florence released many great songs this year, including "What Kind of Man" and "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful". My favorite, however, was "St Jude". I think it perfectly captures a bit of a transition Florence made in her music. While she still has her moments of unapologetic loudness, she had many softer moments on this album. "St Jude" is the softest, and it works so well as the penultimate song on her terrific album.

18
major lazer - "lean on" (feat. mø)


MØ makes her second overall appearance on my countdown, after "Slow Love" appeared on last year's list. I'm glad she was able to revive her career after that disaster on SNL and the huge flop "Beg for It". I never would have expected this song to become the huge radio hit that it became, and it was the song of the summer for many people. Thankfully I don't listen to radio that often so I can still jam to the song today and have it sound fresh.

17
years & years - "king"


When Years & Years won the Sound of 2015, I had never heard of them. "King" was my first introduction to them as it was their first proper single after becoming the next big thing. It was definitely a good first impression. They've definitely brought elements from an underground alternative dance scene and popped them up to a mainstream accessible level. The chorus is deliciously catchy and is always fun to belt along to in the car.

16
miguel - "waves"


"Coffee" is great, but this is better. "Waves" is definitely the highlight and peak of the album. Miguel has always had a certain energy about him that is magnetic. Sometimes that energy is hard to harness, as the girl who got kicked in the face can attest to. However, that energy is a lot of fun to listen to on record. Singing the "(Don't stop!) (All night!)" in the background is just such a fun moment. The middle 8 is one of the best moments in music this year. So hot, goddamn, I need a towel, baby.

15
braids - "miniskirt"


This song really is a moment. It's a very jarring experience. I mean, lots of indie artists release socially-conscious songs, but Braids' song about sexism and rape culture really hits a nerve and stands out. "But in my position, I'm the bitch, I'm the ****, I'm the *****, the one you hate"; "It's like I'm wearing red and if I am, you feel you've the right to touch me, 'cause I asked for it!" Even once the song turns into a techno breakbeat hipster dance song, the lead singer sings a message of gratitude about social services in Canada. It's a very bizarre, unique, amazing song.

14
sufjan stevens - "should have known better"


When I was thinking about which Sufjan song to go with in my countdown, it was a tough choice. He had so many great songs on his newest album, both singles and album tracks. I originally decided on "Fourth of July", but ultimately went with "Should Have Known Better". The song, as it starts out, is quite beautiful on its own. It's a gorgeous folk guitar song with a strong chorus melody. The song really takes off for me when it breaks down at the bridge. "My brother had a daughter, the beauty that she brings, illumination." That's such a great line for me.

13
donnie trumpet & the social experiment - "sunday candy"


This is probably one of the greatest feel-good songs of the year. I love how a song titled "Sunday Candy" sounds so sweet. It's such an appropriate title. I hope Jamila Woods gets a lot of work after this feature, because she really is the best part of the whole song. And who doesn't just love that SNL performance from last month? So much good stuff.

All That so high on all these lists

Lean On

12
natalie prass - "my baby don't understand me"


<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Just watch the live video. Thank me later.

11
purity ring - "begin again"


I can understand some people's disappointment with the new Purity Ring album. But I cannot understand the disappointment with this song. This was the first promo single, correct? I can't remember. All I know is I love this song. "You be the moon, I'll be the earth; and when we burst, start over; oh darling. Begin again, begin again, begin again" *INSTRUMENTAL RAGEEEEE* "Not even into another eternity will stop your lovely orbiting" - really beautiful imagery right there.