It was hard enough narrowing down the top albums of the year, but picking out the best songs is even worse. Since I got a bit wordy with my top albums posts (part 1 and part 2) I’m going to keep each review down to one sentence. Let’s see how this goes.
10. Kanye West & R. Kelly – To The World
Yeezy describes this one best: “R. Kelly and the god of rap, shittin’ on ya HOLY CRAP.”
9. Jason Molina – Sad Hard Change
Jason Molina uses home, lo-fi recording and the creakiness that comes with it to its full capacity of reflecting heartbreak.
8. Sharon Van Etten – Give Out
“Give Out” is the painful gulp you take before leaving something (or someone) you know is bad for you but with uncertainty if it’s the right thing to do.
7. The Men – Open Your Heart
Sweaty basement thrashing takes a surprisingly melodic direction.
6. Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
Funeral crashing is done better with crooner dance moves and electrifying reverb.
5. Kendrick Lamar – Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe
If ever there was a “motto” or mantra to describe how most of us want to live, Kendrick has coined it in this song.
4. Cloud Nothings – Wasted Days
Epic thrashers don’t have to pointlessly meander to the point of boring; Cloud Nothings have revived the instrumental build-up.
3. Frank Ocean – Bad Religion
Taxi cab confessions aren’t new, but Ocean’s insights on spirituality and love bring new school cool with old school sensibilities.
2. Japandroids – The House That Heaven Built
LETS DRINK BEER AND CARPE DIEM BECAUSE WE ARE YOUNG AND THIS IS THE NEW ANTHEM FOR ALL OF US WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT WE’RE DOING.
1. Dum Dum Girls – Lord Knows
It’s easy to play the victim, but instead Dum Dum Girls take the perspective of the harmer and do so with a timeless melody and wistful instrumentals.
To see my whole list of top songs (not in order, organized to flow together the best) check out my Spotify playlist:
My Effin Life 