Top 10 Songs of 2020

2020 has been a rocky year for the music industry. Festivals and tours being called off, albums being delayed and even drive-in ‘social-distanced’ concerts being cancelled. It’s times like this when we really have had to rely on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music more than ever. If there was ever a better use of these kinds of platforms, it’s been to allow artists to get their music out there to their loyal listeners even during a worldwide pandemic, and this year we’ve certainly had some gems come through. We’re carrying on our look back over the past year with the Top Ten Songs of 2020.

Do bear in mind that I haven’t heard every song released in the last year, so if you don’t see your favourites here, it’s probably because I haven’t heard it!

Honourable mentions: ‘Lovers’ – Lawson, ‘Kyoto’ – Phoebe Bridgers, ‘What a Man Gotta Do’ – Jonas Brothers, ‘Midnight Sky’ – Miley Cyrus

10. ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ – Dua Lipa

On an album full of bright and bold pop gold, this came out of nowhere with a huge hammer blow. It’s one of those songs you feel everyone should listen to; telling a message in a very straightforward and meaningful way. Dua Lipa ends her incredible ‘Future Nostalgia’ album with a beautiful song about sexual harassment and the constant misogyny that women have to go through every day. This really struck me and I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind ever since. The lyrics aren’t full of fear or hiding away; they’re defiant and brave, an anthem for all young girls living in what is unfortunately still a man’s world.

9. ‘Caution’ – The Killers

Is there a better band in the world for a huge stadium-filling anthem than The Killers? Similarly to previous hit ‘Miss Atomic Bomb’, ‘Caution’ describes a young, small-town hopeful with ‘Hollywood eyes’ and how she’s going to throw caution to the wind and make that leap of faith to try and become something she’s always wanted to be. Like all their best songs, this has a chorus full of raw energy and passion, fuelled by the ever-amazing vocal talents of Brandon Flowers who sounds just as good as ever. Listening to it, it’s so easy to imagine yourself side by side with thousands of people in a packed-out stadium, with this fitting in so neatly amongst The Killers usual setlist.

8. ‘Wild Life’ – OneRepublic

2020 was a mixed year for OneRepublic. Whilst their album was delayed and their tour postponed, they still managed to release some new material, including this latest single that was written for the Disney+ original movie ‘Clouds’. Mixing an orchestral backdrop with a mellow electronic beat, ‘Wild Life’ talks about the chaotic and magical nature of life and to make the most of it, we just need to dive in and live every bit of it, the ups and the downs. Ryan Tedder’s incredible vocal range is on full show here as he transcends from a more fragile verse to a strong, powerful chorus. OneRepublic have always been strong with ballads, and this is no different.

7. ‘People, I’ve Been Sad’ – Christine and the Queens

This title doesn’t lie. The direct and pronounced message of ‘People, I’ve Been Sad!’ is beautifully mixed up in layers of emotion as songwriter Heloise Letissier reveals her hidden pain of loneliness. What’s most brilliant about this song is how she brings the listener into the universal feelings that she talks about, breaking the fourth wall as she sings “you know the feeling”, almost in a call-and-respond fashion. Singing in her native French is the cherry on the cake as Christine and the Queens sums up everyone’s rough year of sadness and pain, whilst making us feel a little better at the same time.

6. ‘You Should Be Sad’ – Halsey

Ever since she’s hit stardom, I’ve been in awe of Halsey’s striking lyrics that make her powerful ballads consistently feel genuine and honest. ’You Should Be Sad’ carries on where ‘Without Me’ left off, as a stinging attack on an ex-lover who has been keeping her in a toxic relationship. Infused with a country music influence, Halsey holds nothing back whilst showing her versatility as an artist, easily able to switch up her style, and her bravery as a songwriter. Her ability to bare her soul to all is admirable and sets her apart in the overcrowded break-up song market.

5. ‘No Time To Die’ – Billie Eilish

Whoever had the genius idea of getting Billie Eilish to do the next James Bond theme deserves a promotion. Her dark and ghostly tone fits in perfectly with the most recent 007 films, turning away from the old campy movies of the 80’s and 90’s to a more serious and sinister feel. Eilish pulls inspiration from Adele and Sam Smith’s previous takes on the franchise with another dramatic ballad that tells of lies and betrayal. ‘No Time To Die’ feels very simple and stripped-back, especially in comparison to the large powerful symphony of ‘Skyfall’, but it’s Eilish doing what she does best; bringing an intimate and personal take to something that still feels cinematic and worthy of the big screen.

4. ‘Didn’t I’ – OneRepublic

I genuinely believe that Ryan Tedder is the best songwriter in the world at the moment. His genius is that he can take themes, emotions or stories that may have never even affected him and make them into something that feels so personal, for him and the listener. ‘Didn’t I’ is the perfect example of this as he sings of a couple who have been long split up but can still look back on the amazing memories they had together. Whilst there may be a hint of celebration and optimism in the lyrics, the haunting backing vocals and melancholic chorus reach out in a lovesick sucker-punch to the heart. Tedder’s masterful lyricism reaches a climax as the narrator struggles to come to the realisation that his love is lost, and he heartbreakingly tries to convince himself that surely it can’t be over, “we’re the type of melody that don’t fade out, don’t fade out, can’t fade out.”

3. ‘If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know) – The 1975

This has The 1975 written all over it. It feels like uptempo 80s euphoria mixed with a new-age neurotic twist, complete with saxophone solo and lyrics right out of a millennial's inbox. It’s everything that songwriter Matty Healy does so well and ‘If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)’ is not only the standout hit of their most recent album, but also a standout of their back catalogue for live shows. Maybe the impact of the song should be diminished when you realise it’s just about a horny guy trying to flirt over facetime, but it’s the intelligence of the songwriting that means that it isn’t. The 1975, more than anyone else, are the voice of this generation and never has immaturity and playfulness sounded so good!

2. ‘Physical’ – Dua Lipa

I doubt there’s a gym across the world that doesn’t have this right at the top of their playlists! This is pure and utter adrenaline, you can feel the sweat and the heat pouring off it, and one can only imagine how good this would be in a loud, lights show nightclub (when they finally reopen!). Dua Lipa’s second album is full of hits, but this is a standout as she continues to prove to be one of the most impressive pop stars of the decade. Along with a riotously sing-along chorus, she gets to stretch her vocal chords during a powerful bridge that’s enough to make anyone long for a dance floor or provide motivation for one last push-up. ‘Physical’ is ferocious, intense and huge fun. The perfect work-out song!

1. ‘Blinding Lights’ – The Weeknd

This is The Weeknd at his very best. He’s continued to develop and evolve his sound from his first album, and now he feels like he’s found an area that he can master and make completely his own. ‘Blinding Lights’ takes a synth hook straight out of the 80s and creates something that not only feels modern and innovative, but will most likely still feel modern in 10 years time. Whilst its lyrics sing of a melodic romance, the powerful electronic riff and sparkling choruses conjure up complete euphoria in the listener. Combined with a punchy and pulsing neon beat, The Weeknd’s smooth and sultry voice has never sounded better as he reinvents himself to stunning effect. This explosion of energy has set the tone beautifully for the rest of the decade and is most certainly the best song of 2020.