The 16 Best Songs of 2016
Each artist is included once only.
16 - BANKS - **** With Myself
Even Banks agrees that this song has many meanings and is open for interpretations. But for me, itâs symbolizes self love and acceptance. Rather than being consumed by the opinions of others, you only need your stamp of approval.
15 - Nick Jonas - Under You
I cannot comprehend how this song was not a single. It was produced by Max Martin and if that doesnât scream single I donât know what does. At least we got a video featuring Shay Mitchell, it isnât entirely being payed dust.Â
14 - AURORA - Running With The Wolves
AURORAâs debut album âAll My Demons Greet Me As A Friendâ is an excellent effort and this song is one of the standouts. It gives me some electropop vibes but also alternative-rock vibes as well. AURORA is a star on the rise.
13 - Alicia Keys - In Common
This song is everything, itâs simple, fresh and a new side of Alicia Keys. Thereâs no big chorus or any vocal runs in this one, but there is an insanely catchy feel good Caribbean dance beat. With the black and white aesthetic, Alicia nails this one.
12 - The Weeknd - Starboy
Hands down, this song is one of the best singles that were put out this year. Who knew Daft Punk & The Weeknd make such a good collaboration. I love when he says âYou talkinâ bout me, I donât see the shadeâ. I relate on such a deep level.
11 -Â Tove Lo - True Disaster
Tove Loâs the kind of gal that always sounds perfect in her own unique sound. While her album âLady Woodâ was a miss, âTrue Disasterâ was definitely a HIT. This is exactly what you can expect from the Swedish starlet, great beat, great vocals, great catchy chorus.
10 - K. Michelle - Not A Little Bit
Think I need any of the people that have betrayed me in the past? No I donât and this song just reassures me. If they think I need themâŠ. not a little bit.
Oh my god I canât help but smile while listening to this song. Itâs so sweet, Iâve written about this in the albumâs review. It was and remains my favorite track on the album.
8 - Lady Gaga - Million Reasons
I didnât love âPerfect Illusionâ when it came out, but then it grew on me. The same canât be said about this one, instantly I loved it. Itâs such a raw, beautiful, meaningful ballad. Might I add, Iâm not very fond of country music but Gaga brings out the best in everything.
7 - Kanye West - Ultralight Beam
The little child in the beginning saying âwe donât want no devils in the houseâ, thatâs me right there. Hallelujah, Kelly Priceâs vocals take me to church on this one and Kanye is my favorite rapper. What more does one need?
6 - Solange - Cranes In The Sky
I never gave Solange a chance before critics were praising her for the body of art that is âA Seat At The Tableâ and she deserves every bit of that praise. What an excellent album. This song is one that I relate to so much, itâs about sadness that wonât go away. It has simple production and vocals for days, preach Solange!
5 - PARTYNEXTDOOR - Not Nice
This was the first song I ever heard by PARTYNEXTDOOR and itâs absolutely amazing. It has the same vibe as âWorkâ by Rihanna, which they made. Everyone was so focused on âCome and See Meâ that they couldnât focus on this gem. Whereâs the recognition?
This is better than âPILLOWTALKâ, âItâs Youâ, âLike I Wouldâ and every other song on âMind Of Mineâ. I also donât know how this wasnât chosen as the lead single, wouldâve given Zayn a longer reign at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
3 - Rihanna - Love On The Brain
Rih was like âtake thatâ to all the critics who thought she couldnât sing. She could sing and wonderfully too. Iâm over the moon excited for this song, itâs rising on the charts and is officially a single but still no video? Iâm hoping she does a visual for the whole album.
2 - Keke Palmer - Hands Free
Keke Palmer is this yearâs biggest breakout star for me, not in terms of success because she deserves to hit those charts but in terms of quality. Her EP âLaurenâ and sporadic singles âEnemiezâ, âReverse Psychologyâ and âYellow Lightsâ were all out of this world, she is serving Beyonce & Rihanna quality songs this year.
I donât know what it is with the Knowles sisters, I just canât get enough of them. What an outstanding song on my personal favorite album of the year âLemonadeâ. After singing about a destructed relationship on the whole album, she finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel and itâs so heartwarming.