This has been a weird year for me. There was a blitz of new music, and keeping up was a bit tough. Listening to the new big releases makes me want to stop and listen to things I've heard already, or discover classics I had no idea about. I was going to do a regular year-end album recap, but I think just sharing my favorite songs I listened to this year would be better.
Djo - End of Beginning
Djo's "End of Beginning" is a late addition for me personally. I probably heard this one in passing on a TikTok edit by someone from Naperville, but it does make me nostalgic for my homeland. Keery's vocal layering on the hook is great, and the overall tone makes you feel like you're receiving a hero's welcome home. 2 billion streams on Spotify alone makes sense. Sometimes the popular stuff is popular for a reason.
Magdalena Bay - Image
Magdalena Bay's "Image" is a perfect pop song. The production is crisp and hard-hitting, exactly what's needed for an 80s throwback, and the simple lyrics aren't a negative. The musical soundscape that's created for this song is the main character, and Mica's voice acts as a pad or sound synth in this case. Incredibly well done.
Tricot - Pork Ginger
The 2017 release "3" from Japanese math rock band Tricot is one of my favorites ever. The song "Pork Ginger" has always held a spot in my heart. The guitar tones on the song are fantastic, the singing is pleasant, and it's very nice to listen to. It has a non-traditional structure which can make listening to it not as tedious as some other rock songs that employ such speed.
The cherry on top for me is the previous song "Pork Side," as it acts as an intro/interlude to "Pork Ginger." It sets up the controlled chaos of what we are about to hear perfectly, and while it's not necessary listening, I think both should be enjoyed together, as they work as one song. I've compiled both songs below for your pleasure.
Bôa - Duvet
Another song I'm incredibly late to is Bôa's "Duvet." If you've watched Lain, or have scrolled any short-form content, you have heard this song. It's more melancholy and a bit slower, but it was the math rock-type instrument playing that I enjoy. On top of that, Jasmine Rodgers has a great voice and doesn't overshadow the rest of the sounds happening. I'm late, but it's a great song.
Esdeekid - 4 Raws
I didn't want to like Esdeekid, but he cannot be denied. For me, Wraith9 is a huge part of me liking his music, but Esdeekid is a rapper, and he's not afraid to rap. "4 Raws" is a great rap song. I almost want to have this slot shared with his other song "Rottweiler," as it's that good.
I get the accent isn't for everyone. If you struggle with the generic UK posh accent, this rugged scouse accent is going to be off-putting. But that's the reason it works so well. These raps would not work with anyone else doing them. The production on "4 Raws" is hard-hitting and simple. It's exactly what it needs to be, and that's why it works.
Che - Hood Famous
The Rest In Bass album was my favorite from this year. "Hood Famous" is incredibly hard-hitting and in your face. As soon as you press play, it does not stop. Rok's production is constant, and as per the namesake of the album, you will die from the bass. Che's energy is much needed on a song like this, and it's a perfect energy song. If I had to show anyone Rage music, this is one I'd consider.
Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Skinny Suge II
I had a tough time deciding my favorite from Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist's Alfredo 2 album, but upon re-listen, it's clear. The beat on "Skinny Suge II" is perfect. The Alchemist was in his bag the entire album, but something about this one is different. There's maybe three sounds in the entire beat—why make it complicated? Freddie of course delivers a fantastic verse. That's expected at this point, but for me, the reason I came back to this song so often is that beat. I love a lot of music, but shit like that is why hip hop is king forever.
Isaiah Rashad - R.I.P Kevin Miller
Super throwback on this one, but Isaiah Rashad is a lowkey legend. This song in particular shows exactly who he is as an emcee. Black Metaphor lends an incredible beat, and Rashad does what he needs to do. The hook is one of the best I've heard, and it helps that the verses are well-crafted. He is able to flow perfectly over the instrumental, and his overall performance is great. His best song.
Playboi Carti - Pop Out
Starting your long-awaited, five-year delayed album like this is career suicide. This should not work at all. While Che did perfect and hone the rage sound, "Pop Out" is rage music. You do not get a second to breathe at all during this song, and Carti shows exactly why he is the best at this. The raspy voice complements the harsh and almost ear-bleeding sounds within the beat. Even his rapping is pretty good by his standards; he does just enough to continue to push the energy created from the beat.
The album that follows doesn't show the same energy or even artistic direction as this song. The fact that he started his album with this is insane, and should be praised.
Michael Jackson - I Can't Help It
If you know me, you knew a Michael Jackson song would be here. His Off The Wall album is perfect—of course there's no debate there—but what's the best song on it? I was always a "Rock With You" kinda guy, it's too classic, but doing my yearly deep dive into an album by him, I realized how much I've been overlooking "I Can't Help It."
This is a Stevie Wonder song. Everything about it screams Stevie Wonder, and it makes sense as to why it's so well written. It has a classic 70s funk groove that is infectious, and MJ's vocal tone is so good. It's genuinely a beautiful song, not because of lyrical content or theme, but because of the feeling and idea it paints from the music. Jackson didn't have to go nuclear vocally, but he still does; he couldn't help it.
Honorable Mentions
- "Different Day" - Playboi Carti
- "Rock with You" (Live) - The Jacksons
- "So Be It" - The Clipse
- "Still Praying" - Westside Gunn
- "Claustrophobic" - Future, Metro Boomin
- "Trippin on a Yacht" - Cash Cobain
- "double whammy" - xaviersobased