Why it’s #1 – ‘Distorted Light Beam’ was the surprising first taste from the band’s upcoming fourth album. DLB showcases a band hungry for reinvention and striving to always be the very best version of themselves. Co-written and produced with Ryan Tedder and Maty Maro. It’s the bands’ most pop forward and commanding song to date. Seeing Bastille push themselves & explore more pop sounds, dynamic lyricism, and production more than ever into their “Bastille” soundscape is refreshing. That’s why ‘Distorted Light Beam’ is number one. That and the fact it’s so darn catchy.

Why it’s #2– Boundary pusher and new King Of Pop, Lil Nas X has had one incredible year. One of those things included the debut of my next pick Montero. The music video alone is a work of art. But the fact that a Queer man of color is ruling the pop and rap scene cannot be denied. Not only is Montero also catchy as hell but it’s pushing the boundaries, from the visual imagery he paints lyrically, to the references, truly everything. We have a new King Of Pop and his name is Montero.

Why it’s #3- ‘Bunny Is a Rider‘ has Caroline completely leaving her ‘Pang‘ sound behind and I love it. From the start of the whistle, I was hooked. It’s weird, and it feels like you stepped into some unknown territory, unsure of where you are headed. The sparse yet slick production is a new sound for Caroline as is the syncopated at times almost staccato rhythms her vocals take on. It isn’t until this crazy joyride is over you realize you want more.

Why it’s #4- ‘Hush‘ (and Cinema) was one of the more arresting pieces of music this year. The single was an addicting blend of futuristic pop, a sleek and heady bass line, and edgy alternative guitars. What truly carries makes this song is the vocal interplay between the duo of María Zardoya, and Josh Conway.

Why it’s #5- JoJo let’s go on this beautifully vulnerable track about staying in a co-dependent relationship just because it feels familiar but not happy. Her powerhouse vocals shine throughout. As well as her unmatched ability to emote fluctuating emotions that often come with heartbreak, romance, love, relationships, is why this is #5 and she’s consistently my go-to.

Why it’s #6- Not only does the production on this incredible track go hard, but it’s hard to place genre-wise. The Somerset duo take inspiration from bands Massive Attack or the Gorillaz. They cleverly elevate mixing so many genres and create this all-out creeper of a jam. It slinks along until it finally worms its way into your ear, and unlike anything I’ve heard of late. Even their stop motion meets claymation music video is full of horror and creep.

Why it’s #7- Halsey comes full circle as an artist on this exceptionally powerful track. It’s an absolute banger of a song going full throttle from the start of its two minutes and fifty-six seconds. Underneath the darkened pulsating synths and thrashing guitars. It’s Halsey owning her power and being a badass full stop. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are producers. Their signature DIY style complements a wrought and difficult tale. Halsey’s lyrics on this song and throughout the album tackle difficult themes. She described it as a treatise on childbirth, misogyny, the patriarchy, love, feminism, and even death.

Why it’s #8- This is not only one of the biggest songs of the year but it is from the biggest band & arguably the biggest artist. BTS has slowly taken over the world and not only captured our hearts but our eyes and ears. ‘Butter’ has an undeniable groove that mixes the best of K-POP and American Pop/R&B rhythms. To put it quite simply it’s an earworm, with easy to sing lyrics. The cherry on the top is the bright, and super colorful dance-heavy music video.

Why it’s #9- It Girl Olivia kicked it up several notches displaying a fierce side of herself on this Pop Punk number. Borrowing a thing or two from the badass rock and pop girls of the aughts. It’s fittingly the breakup anthem of this year. Rodrigo had us all spinning over this artful and thrilling takedown of an ex who moves on way too quickly.

Why it’s #10- A gifted songwriter whose ability to quickly tap into emotions is something of a gift. Marina uses that talent to hone in on critics, climate control, and even misogyny. It’s a well-crafted takedown of conspiracies, egos, and how we’re destroying the planet. All set to brash fuzzy guitars, blistering synths, and a raging bass line. Marina ponders the human condition, friendships, witches, and living in Hollywood. It might seem like a lot but Marina ties it all together brilliantly. Her signature husky timbre hit hard almost staccato-like in her delivery.