THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER'S TOP FIFTY SONGS OF 2020

These are my top fifty songs of 2020! Let’s go!

Hi, music lovers!!! It’s that time of the year again! I pick my top fifty songs of 2020. Yes, the one where every publication big or small does the yearly best-of roundup. While It has undoubtedly been a challenging year in and out of the music industry. Most of us having to switch gears finding new jobs, and new lives.


For some of us, the impact of COVID-19 has hit home even more with the insidious virus infecting our loved ones. So for many of us, music has always been that anchor even more so this year. Yet, for me despite the many albums that stood out this year. It has been a mega year for singles, live streams, and artists overall connecting with fans. As I say my lists (speaking of I have two new ones this year) always comes down to what struck my ears and soul the most. Without further ado here’s my top fifty songs of 2020 and in order. I have also included a Spotify playlist.


1. BASTILLE // survivin

“What can I say? I'm survivin'

And I'm gonna be fine, I'm gonna be fine

I think I'll be fine”

Why it's #1 - In addition to it being one of the catchiest songs of the year. Moreover, it pithily encapsulates this year, although written before 2020. They truly have a knack for writing what many of us feel whether acknowledged or not. I also love how the band feels much freer as they explore and experiment with their sound and production. Bastille winds up creating the ultimate lo-fi pop groove taking us all by surprise. While managing to stay true to what is the essence of Bastille in the process.

https://youtu.be/PmPNW1_LuaI

2. Hayley Williams // Simmer

Why it's #2 - Hayley Williams is utterly captivating on her debut solo single ‘Simmer’. It’s a song that’s powerful, tragic and ultimately beautiful. As she battles through myriad of emotions, including anger, anxiety, and even depression. It’s that we hear and feel in ‘Simmer’. It visceral and raw, it’s art. She even delves into her struggle with her feminity. It is all intertwined into a catchy albeit dark electro track. This was my most played track of the year. Hayley gave us light in the darkness.

https://youtu.be/8lSj5k2K7w0

3. Dua Lipa // Break My Heart

Why it's #3 - Whilesurvivin’ perfectly described the anxieties of 2020. Dua Lipa on Future Nostalgia brought forth a plethora of glossy disco-pop escapism anthems. The crowning achievement ‘Break My Heart’ has long been a standout song on Future Nostalgia and constant repeat. The music video is the cherry on top of the cake. It’s ripe with pop art colors lead by fantastic art direction that serves the storyline so well. And yes she did interpolate an INXS hit in the chorus. All I know is that I want to go to Dua’s intergalactic dance party.

https://youtu.be/Nj2U6rhnucI

4. Chloe x Halle // Do It

Why it's #4 - The sister duo honestly came out of nowhere for many this year with this stellar R&B meets pop gem. Yet the duo who signed to Beyonce’s record label Parklane Entertainment has been around a bit. ‘Do It’ is an absolute banger of a track. One that showcases major growth and progression in sound and style from Chloe x Halle. The pair pivot in a fresh direction where they introduced new collaborators & themes. They also amp up the sex appeal something that’s highlighted in the futuristic music video. But it is that massive 808 that kick starts and drives ‘Do It’.

https://youtu.be/a9HIaGcBocc

5. The Weeknd // In Your Eyes

Why it's #5 - Abel perfectly captures his vulnerability amongst this synth-heavy neon bop. One I kept on repeat. It’s also one of the few tracks where we find Abel leaning into that feeling. Through all the super tight and glossy production. There underlies emotion that’s raw, quite beautiful, and strong. Those vibes allow ‘In Your Eyes’ to stand out, on an album where most songs err hedonistic, cynical, and cold in style. Los Angeles seems a bad influence on Abel unless he’s in the arms of his lover. This song also features the most gorgeous saxophone for the outro courtesy of Tomas Jannson. The transition from the mostly synth-heavy song to saxophone outro is flawless. Truly such a great homage to so many wonderful 80s jams.

https://youtu.be/dqRZDebPIGs

6. The Marias // Hold It Together

Why it's #6 - Even though ‘Hold It Together’ vocally melts into one’s ears like a gorgeous fever dream. ‘Hold It Together’ itself comes from a place of anxiety, fear, and loneliness. Lead vocalist Maria Real co-wrote the song with fellow member/partner Josh Conway. It’s a track stemming from dealing with a long arduous tour and the anxieties of being the only female in the band. Maria felt the need to decompress and to spend time with Josh something that wasn't possible. Besides it being an incredibly relatable relationship song about the highs & lows. The Marias capture a vintage sound amongst all the layers of velvety guitars and luscious sauntering basslines. Everything put together is pure magic.

https://youtu.be/zoDv_Z68Dao

7. Niall Horan // Dear Patience

Why it's #7 - One of the singers’ more emotionally inviting songs on Heartbreak Weather. It sees the singer looking inward. Evoking the right imagery with melancholic guitars, keyboards, and the fiddle. Originally written to be a track about being patient when falling in love. All those nervous jitters one gets. It somehow manages to fit lockdown feelings and fears. The patience we all must have in this trying unprecedented time. I must say that this was a song that certainly helped me.

https://youtu.be/2yydOtiz4B0

8. Arlo Parks // Eugene

Why it's #8 - Arlo Parks was one of the biggest breakout acts this year. At only 19 her candid, rueful, and beautiful storytelling stood out. The track ‘Eugene’ is what put her on the map. It’s a painfully honest tale of love and heartbreak. Parks use of clever yet mournful wordplay easily puts us the listener in her mindset. Her golden almost butter like vocals are the icing on the cake.

https://youtu.be/ikwBBNnn2gI

9. Allie x & Mitski // Susie Save Your Love

Why it's #9 - Allie X and Mitski comes through with the ultimate girl power duet of the year. In a year of powerful female collabs this one stands out the most despite being super underrated. Two of pop’s most unique and intrepid voices trade verses atop the most arresting slinky synth beat. It’s Their voices blend and match so well they almost fold into one. On the surface the song is a peculiar song but dive deeper it’s a tale of love and heartbreak similar to ‘Eugene’. ‘Susie Save Your Love’ is one of the many tracks off ‘Cape God’ that’s not to be missed.

https://youtu.be/xRPyeNt5Wdg

10. Roddy Ricch // The Box

Why it's #10 - Rapper Roddy Ricch legit ruled this entire year with numerous hit songs and features. Although it was the out of nowhere monster banger ‘The Box’ set him up on the world stage. Ricch on the song uses ‘The Box’ as a metaphor anything that boxes someone in... particularly black people. In some of the rap verses Roddy makes direct mentions to guns and jail which hold the black community back. The song spent eleven weeks at number one on the Billboard charts. Then subsequently became a Tik Tok mega hit due to a last minute addition of a distinctly peculiar sound of “EE ER”. All the mixings of a hit but a viral hit. Roddy tapped into an intoxicating mix with this song. It’s engaging storytelling and viral sound creating one of the most surprising hits of the year.

https://youtu.be/UNZqm3dxd2w


...And the rest of the best!

11. Harry Styles // Adore You

https://youtu.be/VF-r5TtlT9w

12. Cyn // Drinks

https://youtu.be/YQbpkaTIQ2M

13. James Blake // Are You Even Real?

https://youtu.be/_AYrcgkqMUE

14. Blackpink // How You Like That

https://youtu.be/ioNng23DkIM

15. Glass Animals // Heat Waves

https://youtu.be/mRD0-GxqHVo

16. Megan Thee Stallion & Beyonce // Savage [Remix]

https://youtu.be/lEIqjoO0-Bs

17. Laura Marling // Held Down

https://youtu.be/dLL1KAc18hs

18. Fletcher (feat. Kito + Trevor Daniel) // Bitter

https://youtu.be/VDriZp6dTic

19. EVERYTHING EVERYTHING //Violent Sun

https://youtu.be/LVrDAmH_kPQ

20. The Japanese House (feat. Justin Vernon) // Dionne

https://youtu.be/qzxObzCLb6k

21. ONR & Sarah Barthel of Phantogram // Must Stop

https://youtu.be/wNeyh_pfd8Q

22. The Killers // Caution

https://youtu.be/WrpBgN_iUnA

23. Celeste // Stop This Flame

https://youtu.be/UE3sTF3oj6w

24. Bastille (feat. Kenny Beats) // Goosebumps

https://youtu.be/n2oGLO_9Bpw

25. Anderson .Paak // Lockdown

https://youtu.be/TgItkJCm09c

26. Blake Rose // Gone

https://youtu.be/sX71natX0Qk

27. Rina Sawayama // XS

https://youtu.be/TO2c06p6m5w

28. Betcha // July

https://youtu.be/bHpsX3blL1Y

29. Love Fame Tragedy // 5150

https://youtu.be/de1Njln_kr4

30. Skott // Kodak & Codeine

https://youtu.be/O_R-PXhMrhw

31. CHIKA // Industry Games

https://youtu.be/loowVwE4wVk

32. Conan Gray // Heather

https://youtu.be/24u3NoPvgMw

33. Charlie Barnes // Last Night’s Glitter

https://youtu.be/0AhQ7ylZHv0

34. Aluna // Body Pump

https://youtu.be/HZCSDg1jtUg

35. All Things Blue // Dicking Around

https://youtu.be/6G5X-58_fxM

36. Victoria Monet (feat. Khalid & SG Lewis) // Experience

https://youtu.be/sJGSU0nXd-w

37. Miley Cyrus // Midnight Sky

https://youtu.be/aS1no1myeTM

38. Beabadoobee // Worth It

https://youtu.be/OUEkLq0apwY

39. Beyonce // Black Parade

https://youtu.be/PGzR13uYqmc

40. Saint Clair // goddess

https://youtu.be/fs49MDXGb2U

41. Mickey Guyton // Black Like Me

https://youtu.be/BKximTk8JCM

42. Grandson // Identity

https://youtu.be/5q2qRuLGlU8

43. Billie Eilish // Therefore I Am

https://youtu.be/RUQl6YcMalg

44. Doja Cat // Say So

https://youtu.be/pok8H_KF1FA

45. Katy Perry // Smile

https://youtu.be/vZA5heWazIQ

46. Noname // Song 33

https://youtu.be/NFp1eW2bihg

47. Ayelle (feat. Rationale) // Choice

https://youtu.be/cVip7won7Uk

48. DaBaby (feat. Roddy Ricch) // Rockstar

https://youtu.be/mxFstYSbBmc

49. SZA (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) // Hit Different

https://youtu.be/qJlMkMtK7-8

50. SAULT // Wildfires

https://youtu.be/N1_rQXOQLA8


Well, there you have it! In a year that has taken us all through the ringer. So I had to do a supersized list. As, yes, music has undoubtedly gotten me through the year. Let’s get vocal about this list. Please tweet or comment in the comment section on all your favorites. Either from this list or just 2020 in general. What did you agree or disagree with on my list? Don’t forget to hit that follow button on my blog and subscribe to my emails. I want to end this list on a positive note and thank everyone who continues to support and read. I hope everyone has a great holiday and new year. Many blessings for 2021 and hopefully we can all at least have one wish come true.

My favorite track of 2020 is...

Last, but not least I like to thank all the artists that released music this year. The ones that did shows online and connected with fans, and found ways to cope with what happened this year. I want to send a gigantic thank you to everyone I have continued to work and connect with. It hasn’t been the easiest year in 2020 and every single person has been incredibly kind.

You can listen to the top fifty songs of 2020 playlist here or below. To support my blog and independent music journalism go here. To check out my merch store which I launched this year go here. Any help is much appreciated. Keep an eye out for my top ten albums of 2020 list, out soon!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1rbBZDWEwGyLXMyWAoPer4?si=9h6k6fZ2QvqTUR5POagoYQ

Much love and light, Brittney x


Until then,

Brittney x

Previous
Previous

INTERVIEW WITH… TREASVRE MUSIC THE SAN FRANCISCAN POST PUNK BAND

Next
Next

INTERVIEW WITH... ART POP ARTIST EMPARA MI