near the half-way stage and things get real interesting:
41. Against The Day (Wolf Parade):
we may be waiting in vain for another great album from the band but Krug gives us a stunningly sad epic here as only he can.
42. God Is Perfect (Freddie Gibbs & The Al-Chemist):
Gibbs' collab super streak continues.
43. AUATC (Bon Iver):
while the jury is out over which cake Vernon is singing about, there's no doubt about the solid folksy production that he's onto these past few years.
44. St. Sebastian (Of Montreal):
a biting commentary about snobs who really should be looking out for their own bottom lines.
45. Tipsy (Chloe X Halle):
men, you have been warned!
46. Spring Kick (Marlowe):
it's heartening to see new artists add their own fresh take on hip/hop and no one succeeded at that more this year than Marlowe, as is made evident here.
47. Shots Fired (Megan Thee Stallion):
we all know the drama behind this saga so there was no way Megan was gonna miss with this tale over a 90s throwback groove.
48. Savage Remix (Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyonce):
Beyoncé really adds that special oomph the original missed.
49. 34 + 35 (Ariana Grande):
Grande's incredible pop run continues with her filthiest: "34 +35" sweeps a lot by you with it's lush arrangement but delve deep and you'll end up blushing more here than reading any of the Christian Grey novels.
50. Good Mood (Jim Noir):
Noir has been doing immaculate pop for many a year now but here is his finest yet: everything is neatly sewn in tight and right and you'll be surprised to find yourself humming along as the beats swirl along.
51. Still I Wonder (Protoje):
Protoje hefts closer to 80s pop with a song that he slyly croons the chorus while subliminally mouthing "still I want her".
52. Say So (Doja Cat):
it's a long way from "Moo" and thank God Doja has finally lucked into a clear winner here. Not even I can deny it.
53. WAP (Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion):
the year's most talked-about song and for good reason. Trust Cardi B to take whsat men desire most and turn it into not only female empowerment but also the ultimate bargaining chip in the unending battle oof the sexes. One day they'll study it's sheer explicit lyricism as well as the cultural check how women have reacted vis-a-vis men.
54. Crash (Nilufer Yanya):
Yanya knows how to deliver her simple vocals over huge guitar riffs with such skill/
55. Ohio (King Princess):
who knew we needed this throwback good old rock crunch?
56. 911 (Lady Gaga):
details in depth her anxiety and medication involved...all lusciously put over a fantastic groove.
57. Sugar (Brockhampton):
four of the band members spend time giving their own take on love and mash up so many elements into the mix. A risk that pays off.
58. Rosie (LoveLeo):
one of the new wave of underground super-talented, LoveLeo discards every notion of pop in his quest to shock: it's a good thing that he brings the goods to back it up.
59. Become A Mountain (Dan Deacon):
“I rose up, tired in my flesh; getting old now/I’m so lucky, yet I forget/I’m still hungry for the future,” he gently sings over choppy piano chords. “On this day before me, will I seize it or scroll? All of time is right here, is right now.” The track builds with layered keys, crescendoing as synthesizers rise into a symphonic swirl. (ROLLING STONE)
60. Bald (JPEGMafia):
it's not often receding hairlines get a shout out in rap but that's what inspired this hodgepodge.
