Starts January 2016, just in case something amazing comes out in the next 18 days. But I'm starting the thread now.
Somebody's waiting on Rihanna!
But your approach is the right one. I'm sick of these best-of lists coming out starting at the end of November, especially when the last two years have proved that approach obsolete.
What better way to start the countdown than with this British deep house dance extravaganza. Hot Chip's first single from the new album, "Huarache Lights", didn't really do it for me. This is more my style. In a way, it's a throwback, all the way down to the sample. The booming black lady voice over a house beat is such a throwback to so many great 90s dance hits. The lead singer's vocals are a bit forgettable, which is probably why this track isn't higher on the list.
Nao is one of the most promising acts of 2016. Her February 2015 EP and her Disclosure collaboration show that she is definitely on the up-and-up. "Inhale Exhale" is a great mixture of funk and hip-hop beats, with soulfully smooth vocals that get rough and gritty at all the right times. Can't wait to hear more from Nao in the new year.
Matthew E. White was part of a group that led a resurgence of 70s-inspired, live instrument, classic pop, along with Natalie Prass and Tobias Jesso Jr (both of whom will be seen later in the countdown). His new album, as a whole, was not all that great for me, but "Love is Deep" was definitely a standout. The first thing that directs your attention when you listen is that deep voice, and how nicely it blends with the groovy bass. You think he's going to deliver a sweet sentiment when he says "Love is deep", but he follows it up with "Love is deep shit." How romantic.
When I learned that Dornik was a frequent collaborator with Jessie Ware, I had to listen to his new album immediately. While I wouldn't quite call him the male version of Goddess Ware, his album was still strong. There's definitely a lot more funk inspiration, and "Drive" is a key example of that.
When Ellie Goulding first came out, I could have never predicted this type of career for her. I didn't think she would become the singer of a huge hit single for a big Hollywood movie. It took me a while to warm up to this song, but I finally came around with the hook halfway through, "I'll let you set the pace, 'cause I'm not thinking straight." The song is kinda just cruising along up until that point. That line represents the turning point, where the song becomes magical.
I probably never would have known of this song without Pitchfork. I guess it was just a one-off single and we shouldn't be expecting an album from Samantha? Urbani is the girlfriend of Dev Hynes and it's obviously one of his productions once you press play. She also did a lot of guest vocals on his last Blood Orange album. Hopefully she'll actually make an EP or an album soon because there's obviously a lot to offer here.
44
hudson mohawke - "very first breath" (feat. irfane)
The production on this track reminds me so much of Graduation-era Kanye West. I miss him SO much. I wish he'd come back. But I'm afraid that will never happen. Just big beats with charming electronic quirks and big pop hooks. Irfane (I have no idea who that is) gives a great vocal performance. It's a shame Hudson's album was not more like this song, because it might have made my album list if it was.
I'm not much of a fan of Kendrick Lamar, but I really love this song! As I go through the early part of my list, I notice all of the funk influence in a lot of these songs. This vibe is just so chill. Kendrick obviously has such an aggressive flow and a lot of times it's just too much for me, but I love the bassline so much that I'm able to overlook this time. "We want the funk!"
This song is definitely a little out of my comfort zone. I'm not the biggest fan of this sorta punk-ish stuff, but this song is a definite earworm. I love the woman's voice. It's a bit nasally and annoying, but it helps the vibe that she's trying to give off. It's a shame the song is only 2:14, but it seems to be common for punk songs to be short. Short and sweet can be good though, I guess.
I love this song because it reminds me so much of the band that dominated my countdown last year, A Sunny Day in Glasgow. There's definitely a shoegaze feel, but the vocals are less distorted and the instrumentation isn't as kitchen-sinky. The chorus is particular strong, with the dramatic drawn out enunciation. Also, I'm pretty bummed that I couldn't find a live performance of this song!
The more Nao on lists the better
LMLY just might be one of my faves from Ellie in a while.
I've been meaning t check out Dev his wife.
King Kunta
Bend To Break sounds cool, I'm gonna add Twin River to my queue.