LOVE: All That, Breathing Underwater, Crosswords, both Nao songs, Where Are U Now, You Know You Like It, Trap Queen, Magnets, Flesh Without Blood, Ice Princess, waves, and Good For You.
LIKE: Don't
Not sure why I felt the need to divide it up that way. Really agree in particular with your write-up for both Nao tracks, Crosswords, and Breathing Underwater. Seeing them live would be killer!
I was team "Earned It" when the soundtrack singles were out. I didn't even touch "Love Me Like You Do" because I was completely over Ellie and her music at one point until I finally gave in. Ellie's ethereal vocals capture the atmosphere of the songs production so well.
47. Empress Of, "Kitty Kat"
The more I listened to the song, the more I notice the powerful meaning to match its powerful production. It becomes more than a cool track to listen to.
46. Ciara, "Dance Like We're Making Love"
Her team sure knows how to make an obvious hit go to flop waste. Ciara delivers a breathy vocals, harmonies, and a catchy hook over some finger-snapping drum beats, 808s and synths. It's all so simple but packs so much punch. This is one of her most seductive pop offerings. The video slays as well.
45. Florence + The Machine, "What Kind of Man"
I feel like this song is underrepresented among the single discography from HBHBHB. But Florence always starts off her eras so big. The chorus alone hangs with some of the best pop hooks. I'm also a sucker for songs with build ups.
44. Foals, "What Went Down"
They took their sentimental lyrics and went beast mode. One of the most hard-hitting track I've heard from the band.
43. Beach House, "Sparks"
42. Tame Impala, "Cause I'm A Man"
This is so clever. If you didn't catch it you would think this is sexist, but it's actually a feminists wet dream.
He had such a tough act to follow coming from his 2012 acclaimed album. But Wildheart is BOTH one of 2015's best R&B albums and psychedelic rock albums as well." This genre mix suits his music, style and persona so well. He pretty much said F' all that PBR&B stuff, I wanna take it back to the good ole' days. We also get to know more about his sex (typical) and personal life.
the valley
waves
leaves
face the sun
11. Sufjan Stevens, Carrie & Lowell
I don't have too much to say. The album is gorgeous from top to bottom, it's just that other albums had more replay value. Saying that most of the album sounds like one long song just isn't shade when it comes to Carrie & Lowell. Yes, it's samey but it works. He deserves much respect for dedicating this whole album to his parents.
Lots of stuff so far that's definitely going to be on my list. Poor "WTF (Where They From)" and "All Hands On Deck," which are probably top ten for me.
God FROOT is just perfection. All the singles are great. I particularly agree with your Kitty Kat and What Kind of Man descriptions. They're both my current number 2s from their respective albums.
Miguel's album was good and you have perfect picks. I thought Sufjans album was good and the samey feel is what makes me not really listen to it much but it doesn't make it bad!
Great albums picks! Loved Wildheart for sure, and even though I haven't gotten through the entire Sufjan album, I've loved every track that I've heard from it so far.
These Walls, Sparks, and Kitty Kat are all brilliant picks for songs too. Also here for those Ciara/Tame Impala picks! I think "Dance..." was my favourite from Jackie.
What’s up! I’ve been meaning to comment on your Best of, but you know I’m behind and try to get my Best of out ASAP. Plus, on commenting on other Best ofs and that takes time because half of them are almost done and other stuff I’ve been doing. Dem da breaks. Anyway, I see a recap in the OP! Nice banner, BTW.
HM: California Nights is the standout for me. Man, this song takes me back when I like to chill at the beach. Too bad it only made my On Deck.
140-101: All Day is rough and I like it. It goes hard and gets done like it has all day. How Deep is My love for Calvin/Disciples and Majid Jordan/Drake? I get my life in different ways from those two songs. Pay No Mind is such a fun song to sing along. Passion Pit’s music has me going to the happy place all year long. Madeon’s music is good too. Good collabo between the two. Years & Years has Shine for me this year. They’re good. Mmm. Yoga! Like everyone and their mothers, I enjoy Hello. Adele her comeback impact. There was a different Lianne La Havas song I like that was my On Deck.
100-41: Missy’s back and I’m liking this. There are ships build to wreck because I’m not some getting Champagne Kisses. Truffle Butter is my jam. That Urban Dictionary definition tho. We all know what a Truffle Butter not that nasty definition they tryin’ to make. Lean On is such an annoyance and hurts my ears. I like Love Me, I’m used to be Cool for the Summer, but I realized the song doesn’t do it for me. Sexy Demi tho. My hands are on deck for Tinashe! I Love You, Honeybear is good and I’ve been told that it is not on a lot of Best ofs so you got that going for you. Talking Body is my least fav single from her album. Hotline Bling is on fire! You also like The Way. It’s on my On Deck. Trap Queen, Where Are U Now, Love Me Like You Do, and Good for You don’t do it for me though I used to almost like Good for You. Don’t, Magnets, Ice Princess that likes to get into trouble, These Walls, Dance Like We’re Making Love, What kind of Man, What Went Down, ‘Cause I’m Man, The Hills are the rest of the songs I like so far. Damn, they’re so good.
Good Best of so far. I’ll check back on here soon.
39. Tennis, "Needle and a Knife"
If you know me well, you know that I'm a Tennis stan. Releasing their third studio album Ritual in Repeat last year, husband-wife duo Tennis shared their last single in 2015. The breezy piano keys, effortless vocals and harmonies, this would be a hit in the 70s.
38. Jazmine Sullivan, "Let It Burn"
Time for some real R&B. "Let It Burn" is throwback-leaning, it borrows from After 7's "Ready or Not" and it was an instant favorite from Reality Show. Great vocals and very nostalgic, one of my favorite R&B songs this year.
37. Ciara, "I Bet"
36. Kendrick Lamar, "The Blacker The Berry"
This is Kendrick's most focused and most striking track yet. In just five and-a-half minutes K. Dot sheds light on the Black experience in America, police brutality and black-on-black crime in the inner city. Are ya'll listening?
35. Shura, "2Shy"
Sounds straight out of the 80's with this glistening synths, groovesome bass and soothing vocals and soaring chorus. Shura has been bringing heat since "Touch". Excited for an actual album.
34. Tame Impala, "The Less I Know The Better"
33. The Weeknd, "Can't Feel My Face"
Like "Blurred Lines", people will pretend like this wasn't a BOP. I was skeptical about this mainstream/Michael Jackson approach The Weeknd was taking, seemed desperate, but aye. This was a fun record regardless.
32. Post Malone, "White Iverson"
"White Iverson" is so relaxing, I wish I was into weed man, I could only enjoy where else this sound would take me. His delivery is the kind that makes people question whether to call him a rapper or a singer - kind of like Future and Fetty Wap with less autotune. This is the type of record and sound Drake will steal for his next album.
Really agree in particular with your write-up for both Nao tracks, Crosswords, and Breathing Underwater. Seeing them live would be killer!
I love her voice on this track
