2019 was much of the same as the past few years: dominated by political turmoil, dividing the nation and even our own families. Music was there, however, to alleviate the pain in one of its best years in a long time. Ranked below are 10 songs by 10 different artists that stood out among the rest for their soothing nature, eloquent lyricism, breathtaking vocals or flat out good vibes.
- “It All Started With A Feeling” by Jai Wolf
On his debut LP, The Cure To Loneliness, electronic artist Jai Wolf didn’t hold back. Though all but one slip-up — “Half Hearted Interlude,” which sounds just as the title promises — were worthy of making this list, “It All Started With A Feeling” takes the cake. In just under three minutes and with no other lyrics besides restating the title several times, the track methodically transforms the synth buildup into a narrative of a growing love for someone. It then fades out, seemingly showing the falling action of the relationship. It’s simply mesmerizing and paints a beautiful picture of the fluctuations that come hand-in-hand with love.
- “Only Friend” by Wallows
Wallows delivered a nearly flawless debut LP with Nothing Happens, a title that’s almost contradictory because so much beauty happened. “Only Friend,” the album’s opener, was the perfect way to start the album, especially if it’s the listener’s first taste of the indie rock trio. The track only has four stanzas, but its infectious guitar riff, transfixing synths, ravishing lyricism and overall catchiness are irresistible and will leave everyone wanting more. Co-vocalist Dylan Minnette, who also stars in the Netflix hit 13 Reasons Why, takes the track to explain he misses some girl, perhaps a past lover or just a friend, and he doesn’t feel he can continue without her. Every aspect of the track is masterful, as is just about everything Wallows has put out.
- “Daddy” by Coldplay
After most people thought the iconic group was ready to call it quits, Coldplay released an intricate, stimulating surprise album that further cemented why the four-piece, fronted by Chris Martin, achieved stardom in the first place. The best among the 16-track, genre-fusing album is “Daddy,” a narrated tale of a son who has a neglectful father, someone he hasn’t seen in an insurmountable amount of time. The track is guided by desolate keys and a steady yet dejected heartbeat, and it’s among the saddest in all of Coldplay’s massive discography. All there is to say is if this is how Coldplay plans to end its incredible run, this was the best possible way to do so.
- “Worms” by The Japanese House
2019 really was the year of dazzling debut LPs, and The Japanese House helped that come into fruition with the release of Good at Falling. The one-woman-show of Amber Bain delivered a synth-pop dream all throughout, but the exemplary segment is “Worms,” produced in part by The 1975’s George Daniel. The track reflects on feeling the need to find lifelong love because of outside pressures, but Bain wants to make sure you “invest yourself in something worth investing in.” Thought-provoking synths help carry the insightful words, and it’s a track that deserves a lot more attention.
- “It’s Not All About You” by Lawrence
After joining Jon Bellion for the North American stops on his Glory Sound Prep Tour this past summer and being the first signee under his label, Beautiful Mind Records, the eight-piece, soul-pop band Lawrence still hasn’t slowed down. Led by brother-sister duo Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, the band has released two tracks this year, but the latter, “It’s Not All About You,” just barely outshines the other. Guided by an infectious trumpet from Marc Langer, outlandishly incredible vocals from Clyde and Gracie, especially, and a catchy piano riff, the track is about telling that one person who only talks about their self to zip it. It’s too brilliant all-around to not earn a spot on this list.
- “Honeymoon” by The Shadowboxers
The Shadowboxers have had a very similar past couple years to Lawrence: being signed to the label of a superstar — this time, Justin Timberlake — and opening for him on his 2018 Man of the Woods Tour. The Atlanta-based, R&B group is honing its craft, and its latest release, “Honeymoon,” shows nothing but immense promise. Intricate synths, gorgeous harmonies and mesmerizing layered vocals in the chorus help flawlessly tell the story of what seems to be a perfect love and the yearning for it to never cease. If the group keeps churning out tracks like this, there’s no doubt it’ll soon be a household name.
- “Uncomfortably Numb (feat. Hayley Williams)” by American Football
On LP3, rock band American Football produced some emo anthems and made one specific track, “Uncomfortably Numb,” even better than humanly thought possible by adding emo icon Hayley Williams of Paramore. Williams and frontman Mike Kinsella harmonize as they explore the melancholy feelings that come alongside growing older. With lyrics like “I’ll make new friends in the ambulance,” meshed with an irresistible guitar line, the track has engraved American Football’s name onto the list of rock artists to keep an eye on.
- “Let It All Out (10:05)” by COIN
The Nashville-based indie pop trio COIN’s 2020 LP Dreamland is bound to be spectacular. Why? Its closer, “Let It All Out (10:05),” released in November, has already solidified it. Boasting dreamlike synths, an uplifting acoustic guitar, inexplicably soothing harmonies from frontman Chase Lawrence and a choir in the bridge, the track discusses catharsis and liberating any and all previously withheld emotion. Lawrence said this track is his favorite from Dreamland, and though the whole album isn’t out yet, we can all see why.
- “Leave Me Alone” by NF
Rapper Nathan Feuerstein, otherwise known as NF, has been compared to the likes of Eminem. His latest LP, The Search, ensures he’s his own person, using his personal experiences to cultivate a game-changing form of rap. “Leave Me Alone,” the second track, combines his impassioned lyricism, intriguing instrumentation and absolutely absurd flow. Though NF talks about his mental health in all his work, he opens up even more about it here, discussing his OCD and how it affects even his simplest thoughts. It’s as real of a track as they come.
- “Queen Songs / human.” by Judah & the Lion
On Judah & the Lion’s soundtrack of a life otherwise known as Pep Talks, the trio created a form of solace, with “Queen Songs / human.” being the epitome of all 17 tracks. On the eight-minute showpiece that blends two tracks into one, frontman Judah Akers captures the essence of the troubles that life entails. He describes the decline of his mother, and backed by a mandolin from Brian Macdonald, provides the most profound lyrics on the album, including “They say you’re a disease / You look so human to me / I’m trying so hard to see / You’re trying hard to break free.” The track is simply how music is supposed to make people feel, and it was undoubtedly the best 2019 had to offer.
Bre Callahan 