xxyyxx - Red
I had just randomly found this a couple of weeks ago and was instantly hooked. Most of us know him from producing a remix on Troye Sivan's album, but his solo material is fantastic too. Just a really kewl beat.
Tinashe - Player
Ignoring the haters, this song is such an incredible bop I can't even begin to hate on it. At this point I basically adore everything she does, but honestly I feel like it was a good move for her to experiment with full dance pop, and she pulls it off SO well. Now I need her to win all the Grammys/#1s.
Kanye West - All Day
Fun story time! I first heard this song... at the 1989 World Tour. Waiting for Taylor. But I was instantly hooked since it knocks. It was only later that I found out it was Kanye and honestly I am just ready for that album, I don't even care.
Nina K - Impossible
Super spacey and atmospheric ballad that still manages to hold its own weight. Her vocals kind of meld into the production and give me strong '90s pop vibes which is great.
Tobias Jesso Jr. - Without You
There weren't many good white guys with [insert instrument] this year . Thankfully Tobias released his debut which also experiments with '70s sentiments (Ms. Prass did it better, but that's for later). This song is just beautiful, his lyrics are simple but still strong and his voice calls great influences.
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Originally posted by lovesong
EXID - Ah Yeah
A sexier, more refined version of "Up & Down". I love the little digs towards the censorship through the video and the twisty sass in the chorus.
Lim Kim - Awoo
I feel like her vocals can get a bit tiring sometimes, but I appreciate their uniqueness. Everything works for this song though.
GaIn - Paradise Lost
Just a bit low because I kind of overplayed it tbh. I love the concept and its executed so well. She isn't afraid to explore different ideas and question things through her music, but the best part is she keeps the #quality.
St. Vincent - Teenage Talk
Maybe its just an obligatory inclusion of St. Vincent, but I really liked the way she set up the nostalgia for this song. Its more deep than just reflecting or reminiscing, and there is actually some interesting commentary. Apparently its for a show called Girls or something that I haven't watched n.
Jessy Lanza/DJ Spinn/Taso - You Never Show Your Love
Sleek, refined, and perfectly smooth. Three players come together for a really cool R&B-esque track. I think Jessy Lanza is probably one of the most underrated indie girls, even I often forget about her.
Cousin Stizz - Dirty Bands
It's just... that beat.... is... too much. This will not leave your head, even after just one listen.
Drake - Energy
nn okay that was my first time watching this video. Anyway Drake kind of owned this year, and he didn't even release an actual album! This mixtape was pretty well done, I ended up being addicted to it for a good three months. "Energy" is very... Drake, and he obviously pulls it off.
Julia Holter - Feel You
Beautiful. She really paints the scenery through her songwriting and then her voice just adds even more of the colour.
Apink 에이핑크 - Remember
Kind of like SISTAR, I find it hard to get into Apink (for different reasons). I really think this song is super cute though. I love the bubbly feel to the production, and the entire song feels like a Disney soundtrack.
Red Velvet - Automatic
As far as their R&B goes, I much prefer Be Natural from last year. However, this song is still very smooth and their voices are really well suited for R&B. I am just a bit skeptical if they keep releasing songs like this. An entire album (The Velvet)? I would like to see them pull out something different for that sound.
きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ - Mondai Girl
I'm just so fascinated by Kyary and her particular brand/interpretation of "kawaii". The music itself is also quite daring and hypnotic, just like the visuals!