Making playlists has always been a random hobby of mine. I have been making my own playlists ever since I was a kid; when I learned where to download music in the 2000s era of peer-to-peer file sharing on the Internet. Over the years I have been in awe of how much music has gotten through my toughest times. This past year has not been an exception. 2020 has been exceptionally hard for many of us. 

While music can’t solve all of our problems, there’s definitely certain aspects of music that can prove to be healing. The rhythm, the beat, the melodies, the lyrics, and even the emotions of the singers speak to different aspects of ourselves and our experiences. It’s also just fun to listen to music.

 According to Apple Music, these were my top 20 songs played throughout 2020. I’m here to share them for anyone looking for some new artists or tracks to get into.

1. “Freefall (ft. Durand Bernarr)” – Kaytranada 

Kaytranada’s godly, top-tier dance and house groove with Durand Bernarr’s flawless and heavenly vocals? This song takes me to Club Church. I have had this on repeat for DAYS in 2020. It is still on repeat to this day.

2. “Go DJ (ft. SiR)” – Kaytranada

I feel like this is the perfect song to hype myself up like I’m at an outdoor party. Another godly Kaytra beat.  It gives me: outdoor patio, live DJ, and brunch buffet vibes. Pass the lemonade iced tea, please. 

3. “Fkn Around (ft. Megan Thee Stallion)” – Phony Ppl

I just want to clarify that I do not condone the message of this song. However, the chorus is infectious and Megan’s featured verse is perfect like always. The music video is great, too.

4. “Things Won’t Go My Way” – Peach Tree Rascals

This song combines the stylings of some music genres that I listened to growing up as a kid: acoustic/pop rock mixed with a crisp hip-hop verse. I also appreciate the discussion about feelings of hopelessness amidst one’s struggle. I like that they’re being vulnerable and honest.

5. “ADHD” – Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar songs hold up in any era for me. The beat is godly, the storytelling is compelling and profound, and it stands the test of time. I just listen any time I want to feel like I was born in the 80s.

6. “Cool Enough” – Teamarr 

Teamarr calls out someone who plays too much with her time and emotions, and many people who deal with such a person can relate. I can sense the betrayal she sings about, after she nearly gives all of herself to please this person. She is direct and open with her disdain, and it sounds great.

7. “The Nerve (ft. Foggieraw)” – Dave James  

Foggieraw gives us insight into his history of captivating the ladies, while Dave James worries about how he would feel when his ex moves on. I think that juxtaposition of how a man can both exhibit confidence and insecurity when it comes to relationships is realistic, and refreshing.

8. “BMO (ft. Doja Cat)” – Ari Lennox

This beat is on fire, along with Ari Lennox  and Doja Cat’s pairing. I can’t get over how perfect this sample works as an R&B song and with Ari’s voice. The perfect song to improve your mood or to hype you up for your late night partying on Zoom (or Clubhouse).

9. “Vibration” – Fireboy DML

I admire Afrobeat artists’ ability to create such bright and upbeat music, effortlessly. The instrumentation on this track doesn’t come off overwrought or overdone. Fireboy’s voice blends nicely into the instrumental; he sounds comfortable and at ease.

10. “Artificial Lover” – Abby Jasmine

While quite a few singers have adopted a similar singing style, there’s something about Abby Jasmine that makes her songs standout. I like how this song is produced, and I just ended up playing it a lot without even realizing it. It’s one of those songs that embody the exasperation of dealing with frustrating situations.

11. “Amnesia” – Bas

Afrobeat day party at an island, beach resort is definitely what this song gives me. Much like the video, it makes me think of people in colorful clothes dancing and having a good time. Definitely lifts my spirits, and makes love feel grand.

12. “Getaway” – Full Crate 

For the times that I wanted to escape uncomfortable situations, this song definitely provided a “getaway.” While I couldn’t really get too far away from my situations, considering my responsibilities and the current pandemic, this song proved to suffice in place of a getaway.

13. “Space (ft. Santi and Preye) “- Tay Iwar

I love how this song has a slower tempo and doesn’t overwhelm me with its production, yet rhythm and danceability is not forsaken. It’s also talking about taking space for one’s self, which I can appreciate, since I am an ardent supporter of taking time and space to myself. I also love Preye’s verse; I, too, am a complex entity.

14. “Toast” – Koffee 

While Jamaicans are not obligated to like reggae or island/dancehall music, I personally feel like I’m partial to it because of my heritage. The fact that this song is great in and of itself because of what Koffee shared with us is besides the point. She chose to infuse Jamaican cultural sounds into it, which automatically improves it for me.

15. “Icy” – Pink Sweats

I can’t help that I love funk or funky-sounding music. Much like reggae music, I’m partial to it, and if a song has these elements, the chances of me liking it vastly increases. This is the case with this song. I’ve played it so much that I’ve yet to explore other songs by this artist, which I hope to fix, soon.

16. “Sparky” – Santi 

The amount of times I’ve played this in just one day has been excessive, and I don’t regret it. The sparse and mellow structure of the beat works well with Santi’s voice. To be honest, I’m not exactly sure what he’s talking about, even though I have an idea. All I know, for now, is that I don’t skip this song when it comes on. I have yet to get sick of it.

17. “Islands” – Bxhxld

As noted earlier, I’m partial to dancehall/island influences in songs. I think it’s criminal that this song is hardly known, because its danceability and message could definitely resonate with so many. Bxhxld no longer goes by that name, he goes by his given name Tony Thames. I must add that I’m also partial to people named Tony/Toni.

18. “Jade (ft. Blood Orange)” – Lolo Zouaï 

I love mellow songs with a very clear melody and rhythm. This song is one of many. Lolo Zouaï harmonizes well with Blood Orange on this track. While other artists sing in a similar style, the way the production is made to highlight and complement her voice helps her standout—much like with Abby Jasmine. 

19. “Midsection (ft. Pharrell)” – Kaytranada

Who told Pharrell to do this song with Kaytranada? They need to be thanked, immensely. Pharrell sounds great here, especially considering he has kind of struggled vocally in other songs, like “Get Lucky” (in my opinion that you vehemently disagree with). This song gives me Kaytranada’s iconic Boiler Room set in Montreal vibes.

20. “Attention” – Bosco 

This song effortlessly balances the nostalgic sounds of the past with contemporary stylings of the present. Bosco asserts herself and honestly asks for what she wants and she doesn’t overextend herself for someone who won’t meet her where she is. Very much something to learn from.

Here are the songs all together in a playlist: