Favourite songs of 2020
As at the end of every year I like to keep track of all the new music I’ve listened to over the course of 12 months. This year I didn’t have a standout song so haven’t ranked them. If you want some new music to listen to then give them a try.
Californian Soil — London Grammar
An eagerly anticipated third album from London Grammar drops in early 2021. If it’s anything like the first two singles: the piano led Baby It’s You and the rich and elegant Californian Soil it’s going to be worth the wait. The live version of Californian Soil with its orchestra is a beautiful production.
Fortune — Laura Marling
Laura Marling’s Song For Our Daughter was one of my favourite albums of the year and perfectly suited for those early spring lockdown days. A return to her best with sweet folk melodies and acoustic guitar taking the forefront.
AUTC — Bon Iver
A cheerful, upbeat song with great instrumentation and multiple layers of vocals. Nothing more needs to be said.
Who’s To Say — Chance the Rapper
Probably the most laid back rapper out there. Not much bravado, aggression or arrogance from Chance the Rapper who released a Christmas album in December. He picked Who’s To Say — the story of a family reconciliation as his favourite song with its orchestral beat and candid lyrics.
No Place Like Home — Murmurs
A bespoke song edit made for Chelsea’s kit launch video. Happy, catchy and summery in a year which needed it.
The Truth — Kygo
Kygo knows how to produce infectious melodies which can capture audiences across the world and The Truth (along with Higher Love) are the best two on his latest album.
Leaning on you — HAIM
Somehow you can tell HAIM are from California just by listening to their music. This Paul Simon-esque summer tune is the highlight from Women in Music PT III.
Hit My Line — Logic
As he announced his retirement from music (surely not forever), Logic released No Pressure, his fourth album in three years. On opener Hit My Line he questions everything; from fame and performing to racism and politics.
Caution — The Killers
A classic Killers hit and the best from Imploding The Mirage, with a driving verse and big chorus. Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham adds his expertise on guitar.
Run Away With Me — Sufjan Stevens
In a departure from his folk ways Sufjan Stevens brings mostly electronic production to The Ascension, an album about his unease and worries about the future. It takes a few listens to appreciate some of the songs but Run Away With Me is the highlight with its soft synths and melancholy lyrics.
Just Like A River Does — Birdy
If this collection of beautiful ballads only counts as Piano Sketches then Birdy must have some incredible songs ready to release next year. An elegant chorus on Just Like A River Does makes it the standout from this short EP.
Kissing in the Wind — Travis
The heyday of 2000s indie is long over but some of its most iconic artists still linger on. Travis won’t ever capture public attention like they used to but their 2020 album 10 Songs has some wistful moments that fans will enjoy. Kissing in the Wind is the song most reminiscent of their glory days with a full band and strings backing Fran Healy’s hushed vocals.
Selfless — The Strokes
Like Travis, The Strokes have spent the last decade trying to relive past glories. The New Abnormal is a much improved effort and Julian Casablancas showcases his best vocals on Selfless. Lyrics of self-reflection add feeling to the music.
Night Rider — Joshua James
One of America’s lesser known folk artists but Joshua James has an ear for melody and this western sounding ditty has some great instrumentation with trumpets and guitars.
Discombobulated — Eminem
A bonus track released this month, its old school beat is a throwback to his 90s/00s heyday.
