This year has been a good one in music across the board. So many songs that were released became so many people's favorites. Truly an iconic year, in my opinion.
These songs are songs I found this year that really became staples in my life and pretty much ruled my Spotify playlists. Most of these songs were not released in 2019, but a lot of them did become more popular this year, or they're just songs I have come to love. These are totally my opinions and do not dictate what the best songs ever are (maybe I will write that article next). These also are not the only ones I found this year. I could go on and on and on about what songs really ruled the year. I did my best to be sure there was a rather wide variety of songs on here, but song preferences come and go like seasons, and I recognize that not every genre was represented. This is some of my own taste, after all.
"Lover" by Taylor Swift
Let's start with the one that I'm pretty sure one, caught your attention and made you maybe want to read the rest, or two, you have definitely heard. I have to admit, T-Swift has fallen a bit off my radar these past few years, but she absolutely killed this album. "Lover," however, takes the cake for the only song off the album I have on repeat 24/7.
"Double Knot" by Milkkid
When I first heard this song, I looked at my friend and said, "I want to feel how this song makes me feel always." I have done some research on the artist, and he only currently has two songs, but he is killing it with both. This song, in particular, has such dreamy vibes and it is perfect to listen to on a rainy day, or when you're in a sappy state of mind.
"it's not u it's me" by Bea Miller
This is the second song I have heard by Bea Miller and I am so in love with her style. I think if I made my own music, this is a style I would like to try. It's pretty unique (or maybe it's just that I haven't heard it).
"IGOHOLIC" by PLT
PLT is a bit of an odd group. It is a project that consists of R&B and Hip Hop Korean solo artists from Planetarium Records. They're all so talented and have such unique songs.
This song is one of the many by them that had me hooked right from the beginning. "IGOHOLIC" is an intense song with a very heavy beat, mixed with rapping and soulful vocals. It's a 10/10 in my book.
"Love Me Less" by MAX (feat. Quinn XCII)
This is a song I sing to a lot in the car. It was also my introduction to Quinn XCII, who I now love a lot as an artist. This song reflects on the fear of chasing someone away once they know what your past is like and hides a little pain behind the upbeat tempo.
"All the World" by Tedeschi Trucks Band
You know that feeling you get when you're driving on back roads in the country with "Take Me Home, Country Roads" blasting through your speakers? This song gives me that feeling, but with more sorrow. Not necessarily for the lyrics, but I get a blast of unknown nostalgia when I listen to it. I definitely recommend this one.
"Hola SeƱorita" by Maitre Gims (feat. Maluma)
I heard this song in my French class this semester and have been obsessed with it ever since. I even considered it my favorite song for a while. The mix of French and Spanish languages and music styles is just perfect. This song was pulled off flawlessly.
"All Night" by BTS (RM, Suga) (feat. Juice WRLD)
I could put the entire soundtrack on here, honestly. If you know me, you know I'm a HUGE BTS fan and I really love Juice WRLD, as well. This song is absolute fire and you can't change my mind. 50000/10 recommend.
"Whiskey and Morphine" by Alexander Jean
I actually only found this song recently, but I have been listening to it a lot. Especially in the car and when I want to relax. It has a very chill vibe and is good as a song to sing along or just to have as background music.
"Writing's On The Wall" by Sam Smith
I have no idea how I just now have heard this song. It is so beautiful and honestly makes me very emotional. It pretty much gave me whiplash because of how good it was. Sam Smith never disappoints.
"Highway to Heaven" by NCT 127
So this song is by a Kpop group whom I love very much, but surprisingly, my favorite version of this song is in English (probably because I can easily sing along). The theme of this song is a typical love song, laced with many rhythm change-ups and full of unique voices from all the members. The Korean version of this song is just as amazing and the lyrics are even more meaningful.
"Truth Hurts" by Lizzo
I think it's no surprise this would make it on the list. I have had an obsession with Lizzo this year, and I'm sure everyone else has, too. It's no wonder this song has charted so much this year: it's relatable and extremely catchy.
"Fear" by Seventeen
Kpop is not everyone's taste, but I think regardless of taste or not, this song can get everyone hooked. Even further, this song is choreographed and produced amazingly. Seventeen, another favorite of mine, is a self-producing idol group and are known well for their music and synchronization. Just give it a listen or watch the music video, you won't regret it.
"Intro" by M83
I can't really explain the reason I like this song. I don't exactly think anyone else will be in love with it and listen to it often, or at all after this, but I really like it. Anyway, who knows? Maybe you will, too.
"Lookin 4" by Crush (feat. Joyce Wrice, Devin Morrison)
This song is extremely catchy and it is stuck in my head all the time. Crush is already a great artist, but the edition of Joyce Wrice and Devin Harrison really made this song for me. The female vocals really hit me, not going to lie.
"Te Olvidare" by MYA (feat. Pedro Capo)
I found this song on accident when going through a friend's playlist earlier this year and then had it on repeat for like a week. I had a kick this year where I listened to a ton of Latin pop and this is what started it all.
"Action!" by DPR LIVE (feat. Gray)
I think this song is super sweet, talking about all the little habits and actions a girl makes that can make a guy fall in love with her. Pretty much, just everything there is to like about her. It's a really cool, modern sounding song and is an easy listen.
"Champion remix" by Fall Out Boy (feat. RM)
When I was younger, I was a really big Fall Out Boy fan, but over the years, I didn't listen to them a lot. Once they started to take another rise and get popular once again, I discovered "Champion" and was so stoked to find out they made a remix version with one of my favorite artists. It slaps, not even kidding.
"you should see me in a crown" by Billie Eilish
What would 2019 music be without some Billie Eilish? She rocked this year and brought us so many amazing songs. but one of my favorites she released (even though it was in 2018) was "you should see me in a crown". It's just so unique (like the rest of her music) and is often stuck in my head (but I'm not even mad about it).
"Maze of Memories" by Stray Kids
Stray Kids have done so amazing this year and have overcome so many obstacles. all while releasing hit album after hit album. This song is most certainly one of my favorites. This rap-heavy track is so encouraging and really helps me get my day going.
"Lonely" by Noah Cyrus
This song is so heartbreaking. It totally ripped my heart out with the lyrics and with the soul in the vocals. I actually have it on a playlist specifically for when I'm sad and need to cry for a bit.
"Changes" by Charles Bradley
Another song that is guaranteed to put you in your feels. I actually found this song in one of those POV TikToks (weird, I know) and I knew I had to find it immediately. It's such a sorrowful song, in my opinion, and I promise everyone will find part of themselves in it.
"Make It Right" by BTS
Map of the Soul: Persona is the best album of the year, you can't change my mind. This album has it all: rock, pop, EDM, and everything in between. "Make It Right" is my favorite, I have decided, and means so much to me and most people who listen to it.
If you would at all be interested in the other songs that took over my year, here is a playlist I made.