Hi everybody, and welcome to a new Something Different Sunday, in which I talk about, well, something DIFFERENT than books.
Since we’re in the last month of they year (when did that happen?) it’s time for lists! And because this blog is already filled with lots of bookish lists, for this post it’s time for my other love to take the spotlight: MUSIC!
One thing I’m always excited for at the end of the year is my Spotify Wrapped playlist, because for some reason I love it when Spotify gives me a list of the songs I listened to the most (which I then excitedly play on repeat because I love all these songs. Obviously). Also, I now have scientific-ish confirmation that 2020 was the year I listened to a lot of Disney, musicals and pop. Basically, the best soundtrack to get through a year like 2020… And yet, there’s still a difference between the songs I LISTENED to the most, and the songs I LOVED the most. So I wanted to highlight my favorite songs of 2020 and decided to collect them in a post.
Now, since I of course couldn’t contain all this in just one post, this is actually just the first of TWO posts. Today, I’m talking about all my non-kpop faves. Tune in next week for my kpop faves!
Also, making this post made me a little more aware of my uber chaotic music tastes, but I wouldn’t trade my eclectic playlists for anything! So without further ado, let’s get into my ten favorite songs of 2020:
THE ABSOLUTE FAVORITE:
Against The Current – That Won’t Save Us
I’ve been a fan of Against The Current for a few years now. But it’s been a year or two since their last single and I was getting curious whether they were still making music. So one day, I thought to check their website and just on that day they had announced new music. IT WAS MEANT TO BE. This song lived up to all of my expectations and I still love them so much.
How did we become so numb?
We just let it come undone
And I just started giving up
But that won’t save us
Halsey – Still Learning
Manic is the album of the year for me, though it has some tough competition! But I love Halsey’s songs and lyrics so much. It’s hardto choose a single favorite from the Manic album, but from the beginning I’ve been especially drawn to Still Learning.
Oh, I try and I try
to remember sometimes
If I breathe, it’s alright,
but some things don’t change
The Pussycat Dolls – React
I never thought I would hear from The Pussycat Dolls again. They are such a nostalgic group for me, because my dance group used to do so many of their choreos and I always liked their fun, poppy songs. I was hesitant about a comeback, but I’ve been loving React!
Maybe I should count my blessings
That you’re just that type
So call me masochistic
But sometimes I want to fight
Little Mix – Wasabi
Little Mix is one of those groups that have been consistently releasing songs that I ended up loving. It was a tough one to choose a favorite 2020 Little Mix release, and it was a close call between this and Sweet Melody, but in the end I’m a sucker for a power jam, so Wasabi it is.
Love to hate me,
praise me, shame me
Either way you talk about me
5 Seconds of Summer – Old Me
Truthfully, I didn’t really know 5 Seconds of Summer that well before 2020. I heard them on the radio and liked their songs, but I never really paid them much attention either, you know? But I had tickets for a festival where they were playing so I looked them up and discovered I actually quite loved a lot of their songs. The festival didn’t happen because of Corona, but at least I discovered this band!
Shout out to the old me
And everything you showed me
Glad you didn’t listen
when the world was trying to slow me
R3HAB ft Zayn & Jungleboi – Flames
Sometimes Spotify recommendations are spot on, and that was the case for this song, which I fell in love with at first listen.
Even if your heart can’t take it
Light me up in flames
Yungblud – Weird!
Is there any song more fitting of 2020? It perfectly embodies the weirdness of 2020, while still being somehow uplifting and hopeful.
Only those who are asleep don’t make mistakes, get no critique
Pvris – Gimme a Minute
I missed Pvris so much and I love their comeback! I can’t believe they’re not more widely known, because this album and this song deserve so much radio play.
Just gimme a minute,
Gimme a minute
Thought I got through it,
maybe I didn’t
Bring Me The Horizon ft Yungblud – Obey
Another amazing album because every song on POST HUMAN: SURVIVAL HORROR was a banger to me, but I love the heavier sound of Obey.
Whatever you do, just don’t wake up and smell the corruption
Taylor Swift ft Bon Iver – Exile
And while we’re talking about epic albums, is there anyone who didn’t listen to Folklore this year? Taylor’s album with the cottage witch aesthetic was amazing from beginning to end, but I’ve always loved her duet with Bon Iver especially. (In the meantime, Taylor also released A SECOND ALBUM! Girl’s been busy this year.)
I think I’ve seen this film before
And I didn’t like the ending
Evanescence – Use My Voice
Oh hi, another nostalgia band that made a comeback! I especially adored Use My Voice because, as I said, I’m a sucker for power jams.
Drown every truth in an ocean of lies
Label me bitch because I dare to draw my own line
Tell Me:
What were some of your favorite songs of 2020?
Do we have any in common?
I need to check out the new music from Against the Current and Pvris. I really like both of them. Great picks!
Thanks! Hope you’ll enjoy both of their new music!
I loved Taylor Swift from your list Lindsey!
Taylor Swift definitely released some amazing music this year! 🙂
Exile is one of my favorite songs of the year too! And I didn’t know the Pussycat Dolls were back?! 😮
Exile is so good! Though I love Taylor’s new album too, I still think Exile remains my favorite.
I know, I never expected a Pussycat Dolls reunion either!
I do like what I know of 5 Seconds of Summer, so I really need to listen to them more. I need to listen to Little Mix more as well. Love seeing what music people listened to and enjoyed. I love Halsey and listened to her a lot this year, along with Maren Morris, Dua Lipa, and Kelsea Ballerini (when it comes to solo female artists).
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
5SoS and Little Mix are definitely bands that have been releasing songs I like consistently, so I need to check out more too 🙂 Oh, I love Dua Lipa, but I don’t know Maren Morris or Kelsea Ballerini so I’ll need to check them out!
Oh, I really enjoyed this posts because, for one, I now have a handful new artists to follow. And, because of your post, have order myself 3 new albums! Halsey, Pvris and Taylor Swift! Thanks!!
Ah that’s so great, glad you find some new artists and happy listening with your 3 new albums! (off to listen again myself now, haha 🙂 )
Ooh, I haven’t heard that Little Mix song but it’s definitely going on repeat now! I LOVE IT! Manic and folklore are two of my favourite and most listened to albums this year. I’m obsessed!
Ah so glad I got to introduce you to Wasabi, it’s been my jam for most of 2020 haha 🙂 Oh yes, Manic and Folklore have been on repeat here too!
Love these picks! Especially Taylor Swift, but I also love Halsey and Little Mix as well. Honestly, folklore was my therapy this year, although my favourite song is probably august! Hopefully in 2021, we will have more good music.
Folklore is definitely one of the albums that saved 2020 🙂 Indeed, hope 2021 will be just as good music-wise!