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I listened to a lot of music this year. Approximately 52,000 minutes of music in fact. Lots of Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and other nostalgic listens. Yet, I also tried to broaden my musical horizons and listen to as many new releases as I could. Ultimately, it was a tough decision to boil down this year of new songs and choose just one - so I didn't! Top three.
Song One: Bad Habit
Album: Gemini Rights
Artist: Steve Lacy
Sub-Genres: #Funk #Psychedelia
Label: RCA
Non-Airable Tracks: Static, Helmet, Mercury, Bad Habit, Cody Freestyle, Give You the World
Description:
For my first pick of "songs of the year" it was obvious I had to choose Steve Lacy's, "Bad Habit." This song evokes memories of the summertime - though I hear it at my retail job at least twice a shift. I am not afraid to give this the title of "song of the summer." While this song was the top hit off of Lacy's Gemini Rights, I feel it was for good reason. This song has a catchy melody and a unique sound that is courtesy of Lacy's creativity. This message of the song is one many will relate to, but the sound is what makes the song memorable. Listen to be swept back to six months ago, when life was far, far simpler.
Sounds Like:
Frank Ocean
PinkPantheress
Tyler, the Creator
Recommended Tracks:
Static
Mercury
Bad Habit
Song Two: "Kill Bill"
Album: SOS
Artist: SZA
Sub-Genres: #ChillWave #Indie #PBRnB
Label: RCA
Non-Airable Tracks: SOS, Seek & Destroy, Low, Love Language, Blind, Snooze, Notice Me, Gone Girl, Smoking on my Ex Pack, Ghost in the Machine (feat. Phoebe Bridgers), F2F, Nobody Gets Me, Conceited, Special, Too Late, Far, Shirt, I Hate U, Good Days, Forgiveless (feat. ODB)
Description:
Off of SZA's Sophomore album, SOS, comes "Kill Bill." This song was an unexpected delight and has made it to my top three favorite songs of the year. This album certainly highlights SZA's incredible range and versatility. This album, though highly eclectic, shows the singer's clear growth since her origins and "Broken Clocks" era. "Kill Bill" has a gentle melody that displays SZA's vocals well. The story is one many can relate to. #SZAisthehumanexperience!! SZA's music manages to be relatable and characterize a lot of my recent feelings. I probably should see a therapist. This song has a haunting theme and melody. It also reminded me of 90s R&B, which has a special place in my heart. Though released just a few weeks ago, this song has found its way into my heart - and the top two. Another SZA slay.
Sounds Like:
Omar Apollo
Brockhampton
Phoebe Bridgers
TLC
Recommended Tracks:
Kill Bill
Love Language
Shirt
Good Days
Song Three: "Out of Time"
Album: Dawn Fm
Artist: The Weeknd
Label: XO
Non-Airable Tracks: Sacrifice, A Tale By Quincy, Here We Go... Again (feat. Tyler, the Creator), I Heard You're Married (feat. Lil Wayne)
Description:
My final pick for the top three songs of the year is The Weeknd's, "Out of Time." January brought us Dawn FM, the fifth studio album to be released by The Weeknd. Off of Dawn FM, came "Out of Time," an 80s-inspired synth-pop song. This album heavily featured retro dance songs including this one, which features a city-pop melody behind The Weeknd's vocals. With its dreamy melody and synth, I felt transported to another world - a 1980s club, maybe in Japan or Korea. This album deviated from The Weeknd's typical pop and r&b sound, but the change was welcome. The psychedelic-inspired sound may represent a transitive time in the artist's life and career. The vintage melody lends itself well to the song and to The Weeknd. Thus, rounding out my top three songs of the year.
P.S. Thank you to my beloved friend Mik, for introducing me to this song.
Sounds Like:
Duran Duran
Tyler, the Creator
A Flock of Seagulls
Recommended Tracks:
Take My Breath
Out of Time
Starry Eyes
Reviewer's Name: Sophia Troetel
Date of Review: 12/24/2022
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