Mikal's +/- 50 of 2016 [Day 15: 50 Best Albums, 10-01]
Starting December 12
It's a citrusy Christmas season here on the land of hate. And why not? Limes, oranges and lemons have been Christmas staples since the Age of Exploration. Hence, a rather convenient theme for a year we all want to rage-quit.
While this year has been an unmitigated dumpster fire of the highest order, music has been considerably less horribad. Well, country is still horribad and rock has become less and less relevant as electronica, AC, pop and rap continue their merge into the Monoculture. But considering the last few years, it's been rather good. Not great. But I'll take what I can get.
This year I'm expanding most lists to three days. It's just a test, no way am i moving to three songs listed a day for a month. The only catch is in my 50 Songs I Sort Of Like But Have No Home For, which will stay a two-day showing since I'm taking a couple days off thanks to work
So normally I rank 50...ish songs based on order of my embarassment for liking them. But this year? Honestly, I actually am not that embarrased by my picks.
Ok, there is a Meghan Trainor song there only due to the chorus. So that's that.
Instead, I'll list 50 songs I just like. Are they good? Eh? Should they be on the real list? Not really. Well, maybe "Desperado" but we know that single ain't happening now is it RiRi. And to make it more fair, we'll go in alphabetical order by track. (Videos when I suspect the track might be less known on the boards).
"All Four Walls," Gorgon City (ft. Vaults)
By far one of the darker tracks from the Gorgon boys. Which is weird since they are more of dark house boys anyways. Vaults is beyond smooth and really needs to become a bigger thing in the UK scene.
"All The Way Up," Fat Joe (ft. French Montana & Infared (& Lil' MO, really))
Firstly, welcome back Joe! And Mo! And this slinky as hell beat! It's delightfully lazy and breezy for a rap song and perfect to drive around to.
"America's Sweetheart," Elle King
While Elle tries to figure out what's next, her work on the country-tinged number is both pretty and a perfect reflection of her blues-honky tonk-rock astetic even when glammed up.
"Basically Over You (B.O.Y.)," Alex Newell
Alex was a complete unknown to me when he charted on my M40 with Blonde last year. This year, it's been nothing but love for this genderqueer baby and those pipes he brings to the table. The swagger and styings of a diva twice his age, Alex really should be a bigger deal in both the gay scene and in the US Dance, but when you blur the lines the pushback, even with the gays, can be annoying.
"Body," Dreezy (ft. Jeremih)
Look, something Jeremih's uselessness works on! He actually complement's Dreezy's flow and makes the track work far more than it would had it just been her.
Yes, it's 2016 and Jeremih got a compliment. We can go now.
"Body Say," Demi Lovato
Bar none her best single.
"Bon Bon," Era Istrefi "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)," Dua Lupa
The dueling indie Albanian/Kosavar great new it girls of 2016 (sorry Bebe) both gave us some smashing clatter over agressive beats - Era smolders like a star in either language (with the obvious issue in Albanian) in seducing you to her side while Dua gives you Lana-on-speed realness as she smacks you hard for attention. Excited to see where both go.
"Breathe Life," Jack Garratt
Well he was about to be a thing in Britain and this is technically a 2015 track. But his use of British House draws the listener in and makes a more compelling track that, sadly, his other releases failed to capitalize on.
"Broccoli," D.R.A.M. (ft. Lil' Yachty)
This is dumb as hell. Yachty is a horrible rapper. But his own hopes and dreams, and DRAM's damn happiness while getting chased around for weed makes this a perfect end of summer jam. And the recorder on the track? Brill.
"Caroline," Amine
His voice is not really my cup of tea but I'd be remiss not to applaud Portland for finally breaking into the rap game.
"Change Your Mind," Britney Spears
On a shockingly back-heavy 'Glory', Britney crackles and coos her way to her best album track since "Manequin." Who would have thought?
"Colours," Halsey
I'm more entranced by the video but Halsey puts in her best vocal (which is not saying anything since homegirl can barely sing) while dealing with unrequited young love.
"Company," Justin Bieber
Bieber at his least patronizing. I'd like more this and less "Love Yourself."
"Cruel," Snakehips (ft. Zayn)
The best thing Zayn did all year. Granted he still looks like he'd rather do his taxes in the video than anything else but we have some progress at least.
"Damn Baby," Janet Jackson
Yes yes, the video is basically "Make Me." Idon't care. I adore this song and video.
"Desperado," Rihanna
WHERE THE HELL IS THE VIDEO?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
"Don't Be So Shy (Filatov & Karas Remix)," Imany
The original is a folk take on finding heaven through sex. I think. The remix is finding sex through heaven. I think.
"Don't Believe," berrygood
A recent add, the K-Pop scene has caught on to the Norwegian House vibe and seem to be working it well. If we ignore the ballad that starts the track off...
"Fast Car," Jonas Blue (ft. Dakota)
Yes, we know this sucks since it's not Tracey Chapman. But it does a rather good take on the opening two verses and the drop on the chorus is heaven.
"Fxxk Apologies," Jojo (ft. Wiz Khalifa)
It's ok. But hearing Jojo again after so long? Flawless.
"Galaxy," LADIES' CODE
I wondered if their label would allow a three-member Ladies Code after the sudden deaths of Rise and Eun-B. Thankfully for now they have and "Galaxy," as well as the whole ep, allows the three remaining members and chance to breathe, and grieve at the same time.
Also, the new logo (merged L's into a C shape) highlights the missing members and the place they'll never be able to fill, which I also adore.
"Gone Missing," SHIFT K3Y (ft. BB Diamond)
Lovely UK garage. We need more of this.
"Hands To Myself," Selena Gomez
The video is utter trash. But the song is magestic. What do I do?!?!?!?
"Hear Them Calling," Greta Salóme
Really the only robbery of Eurovision 2016 was Iceland missing the final. While Greta's vocals that night were a bit iffy and the camera work was...um...there? (seriously, why was the 3D effect there?), the original English take is lush and interesting and allows Greta to shine when the folk nature could have drowned her out.
All Four Walls is an amazing song Elle King deserves better Colors! I'm in love with that music video and I love the song as well!
Don't Be So Shy! I love that one! and agree, we need more songs like Gone Missing! what an amazing taste
Starting December 12 
6 days to go, I'm ready! 
Colors 
What a trio
I don't love Elle, but this song >>>
ugh, that bop 
sis..
Elle King deserves better 
Colors! I'm in love with that music video and I love the song as well!
I love that one! and agree, we need more songs like Gone Missing! what an amazing taste