The tracks that we’ll probably still be humming into January 2016
Streaming took off more than ever in 2015, allowing music fans even more scope to discover new songs. Pop music has reigned supreme, as has hip hop, while the renaissance of grime continues. We had some phenomenal tracks to keep us entertained last year, including these ten right here:
10. Marvin Gaye – ‘Sexual Healing’ (Kygo Remix)
Originally released in 2013 on SoundCloud, Kygo’s remix of the Marvin Gaye classic ‘Sexual Healing’ was given an official release this year (sneakily entering this list!). Kygo’s trademark chilled-out tropical house beats work perfectly in allowing Gaye’s iconic verses to shine through. Kygo has since gone on to remix several other high profile tracks, as well as breaking out with his own music, which has seen him become one of the biggest producers around.
9. Drake – ‘Energy’
Drake hasn’t sounded this ferocious in a long time. ‘Energy’ saw the megastar rapper take shots at everything from the internet and fellow rappers to pop culture in general, all over a slow-building, intense beat. It was the highlight of his surprise mixtape, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, and has just backed up the theory that Drake can do no wrong.
8. Jamie xx – ‘I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)’ feat. Young Thug and Popcaan
Jamie xx and Atlanta rapper Young Thug created this feel good summer jam along with Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan. As vocals intertwine effortlessly with a sample of The Persuasions’ sweet R&B harmonies, Jamie xx surprises the record-buying public with just how adept he is at creating a scintillating pop banger.
7. Carly Rae Jepsen – ‘Run Away with Me’
Proving she’s no one-hit wonder, Carly Rae Jepsen burst back onto the scene with the annoying catchiness of ‘I Really Like You’. ‘Run Away with Me’ is infinitely better on every level, with an engaging synth reminiscent of M83. Jepsen’s vocals have always been on point when up against a massive chorus.
6. Kendrick Lamar – ‘King Kunta’
‘King Kunta’ was at once angry, defiant, swaggering and insightful on release. Kendrick Lamar blended G-funk, historical and cultural references, and a thinly veiled vocal attack on his peers. Among an album packed full of polemic, visceral tracks, ‘King Kunta’ stood out for its striding confidence and persistent beat.
5. Years & Years – ‘King’
BBC Sound of 2015 winners, Years & Years released this slinky, synth-heavy number in February, and we’ve just about got it out of our heads now! The song charted at no. 1, and deservedly so. ‘King’ is an instantly addictive piece of pop that sees Olly Alexander’s vocals coupling perfectly with the engaging beat.
4. Justin Bieber – ‘What Do You Mean?’
Who would have thought Justin Bieber would be on a list of the most acclaimed tracks of the year? In fairness, he has released a flawless slice of pop perfection. Its catchiness is matched only by the surprise of the song’s source. Justin may have just made Beliebers out of all of us this year.
3. Slum Sociable – ‘Anyway’
Slum Sociable have created an alluring song that neatly contrasts with other tracks released last year, or even the year before. This track will instantly hit you from the moment the glitchy harps introduce the song. Part hip-hop, part downtempo, the dreamy melody of ‘Anyway’ defies categorisation.
2. The Weeknd – ‘Can’t Feel My Face’
Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, became the biggest pop star on the planet last year. This is mainly down to ‘Can’t Feel My Face’, a track that drew instant comparisons to Michael Jackson. The Weeknd subtly likens his love of drugs to a steamy, metaphorical fling over an engrossing beat that had us all hooked.
1. Grimes – ‘Kill V. Maim’
Grimes’ latest album, Art Angels, was filled with wall-to-wall anthems that demonstrate the Canadian electro singer’s skewed, off-kilter approach to writing the perfect pop song. ‘Kill V. Maim’ is all about Al Pacino’s The Godfather Part II character, Michael Corleone, in the form of a gender-changing vampire. As bonkers as that is, it’s barely noticeable against the frenetic tune that sees Grimes’ vocals switch from guttural roars to pitch-shifting squeals. As insane as it is catchy, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better chorus that came out of 2015.
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