As always, there are a lot of good singles out there every year and picking just twenty to highlight is difficult, but here goes.
#20 – Andre Bratten – “HS”
Good heavens, the opening bass on this cut from Pax Americana is alone worth the purchase price. It’s one of the hottest house music singles I’ve heard in years.
#19 – BODEGA – “Shiny New Model”
“You will be replaced by a shiny new model” is the first lyric in this sharp single, and on the album of the same name, by these NYC post-punkers who remind us that not only are we replaceable, but we often encourage others to forget us and don’t even realize we’re doing it.
#18 – Durand Jones and the Indications – “Morning in America”
Speaking of songs that throw a heavy punch at modern times, this soul cut is beautiful and brutal. “It’s morning in America, but I can’t see the dawn” might be the hardest-hitting lyric of the year on the most soulful record of the year.
#17 – CHAI – “Fashionista”
It’s difficult to pick a favorite part of this post-punk jam from Japan. Is it the fun vocals? The fat bass? The sizzling high hat? The message to be yourself and not care what others think of you? It’s probably all of it.
#16 – L7 – “Stadium West”
This song was a triumphant return for L7, who blessed us all with their first new album in 20 years – Scatter the Rats. The track is a solid rocker that keeps their snark and shreds.
Who’s in the top 15? Come back later today to learn!
Keep your mind open.
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