So again I've had a tight squeeze with my EOY but it is pretty much ready for tomorrow! I have done a top 333 again like I did last year. As Plug is no longer available I have decided to use Beatsense this year - more info about that in later posts
Broadcast times:
Monday 15th February - countdown of #100 to #51 with a pre-broadcast Tuesday 16th February - countdown of #50 to #1 with a pre-broadcast
I intend to start my pre-broadcasts around 7-8pm AEDST on both nights. I'll post in the thread when the pre-broadcast is about to start
♪♫ Yeah, I got fifty thousand ways to make your eyes roll back. Have you talkin' to yourself like, "How she ride like that?" ♪♫
Unfortunately Amber Mark does not continue her pattern of placings in my EOY that was established in 2017, 2018 and 2019. This is a really lovely song though. A highlight is definitely the above lyric.
♪♫ I've been on my own too long. Way too way too long ♪♫
Another from a consistent string of releases from Foley. Health Club inject a bit of a different sound to Foley's other songs with this, but it's well suited imo. The first of numerous songs to come that were written because of or connecting to the COVID life.
♪♫ Push, press, more, less. Here together, what's your pleasure? ♪♫
While she hasn't had any massive hits, Jessie Ware's music since 2017 has been very consistent in quality. "What's Your Pleasure?" was one of three Jessie Ware songs to make my chart in 2020. It's pretty similar to "Save A Kiss" for me.
#107 Run To You - Maya Jane Coles featuring Claudia Kane
♪♫ I don't know about you but I would give you all that I got one more time ♪♫
Still a bit of a surprise to me how high this has ended up but it really is consistently a great listening experience. It has a darker vibe to it which is really appealing. Claudia Kane's voice suits the production really well.
Me enjoying this is not a surprise at all. It has that sound that does well on my chart. I can definitely see how it could annoy people but there's something about that here's! to! the! weekend! baby! that I really like. Also having Jade here is a nice way to break things up.
#104 Commes des Garçons (Like The Boys) - Rina Sawayama
♪♫ Can I just record you doing that? Is it on? ♪♫
Rina Sawayama had a really good 2020. She started off the year with this song named after a Japanese fashion label that is an absolute banger. A few things I really like are the production and that woo at the beginning of the chorus.
Leftprojects have amassed numerous entries on my chart and EOY placings don't give enough justice to my enjoyment of their music. Sadly "Flow" falls just short of making the top 100, which was a very tough choice for me to make. I do think this is either their best or second best, Jono Graham and Sarah Corry work well together and you can see it here.
♪♫ I really like you baby. I'm dancing in between ♪♫
I've always found this rather odd but I ended up enjoying a lot so that's not a bad thing. It's really well crafted - with this part of a review I found summing it up well: "Whereas I Am Boleyn’s sultry echoing tone, stands out as being a little haunting. You WILL notice, the bubbling bassline strikes a passing resemblance to Kylie’s “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.”
♪♫ I get that dopamine like angel cake bites. Feeds my appetite ♪♫
Making a #101 choice in a list is always difficult. This was definitely one of the most difficult #101 decisions I've ever had to make. Au/Ra had surprisingly never made my chart prior to "Ideas". I really like her voice and how it goes with the production, and I love "I get that dopamine like angel cake bites". It's such an oddly specific lyric but an impressive one. I didn't even know what angel cake bites were until yesterday
♪♫ Just another world that I gotta get a grip of and hold onto (ooh) ♪♫
This is interesting as a collab. Previously ("Rushing Back" being the most notable example) I have had moments where a new Flume song involves a first time collaborator which is totally not a surprise, if anything more a surprise that there wasn't a prior collab. I actually like this more than his three 2019 charters. It possibly has something to do with Toro y Moi. I like a lot of Toro y Moi's music and I think he and Flume have done well here together, with Flume exploring new territory with drum and bass production but making it sound so great. Would love to see more collaborations from the two in the future.
One of the newest songs to make my EOY top 100. I've always admired Nicole Millar's knack for crafting quality electronic indie/pop tracks, whether on her own our with other artists. I actually was a bit hesistant of that chorus at first but I have come to enjoy its simplicity.
♪♫ I'm clumsy, made friends with the floor. Two for one, you know a bitch buy four ♪♫
I hadn't heard of Doja Cat prior to 2019, with "Cyber Sex" being the first songs of hers I got into. This song is really fascinating in a few ways. After I got into "Cyber Sex", "Say So" as making waves as what's probably Doja's equivalent to "Super Bass" if we're comparing to Nicki Minaj. That was a smash, doing as well as appearing in the top 10 ARIA EOY. What was Doja Cat's next top 20 hit in Australia? It is in fact "Boss Bitch" which is so weird to think about. This is one of the shortest songs in my EOY but in that short amount of time it truly makes an impact. My personal favourite line is "I'm clumsy, made with friends with the floor" but it's not the only memorable part.
♪♫ How to get physical when you're not made for dancing. How, how to let you know I really wanna take you home ♪♫
Magdalena Bay had a big year in 2019, achieving their first top 100 EOY placer (with "Venice") and a further five entries in the lower regions of the top 333. This doesn't deviate much from their usual style but it doesn't matter to me when it's this fun.
sorry for the inconsistent posting, hadn't completely finished everything before the broadcast so ended up having to juggle multiple things at once. Will get them all done before tomorrow night's broadcast
The Merindas went to #1 with their first ever entry on my chart in 2020, and managed to follow it up with another top 10 hit not long after. Whereas "I Feel It" is an upbeat good vibes song, "Déjà Vu" is about the constant experience of The Merindas women being knocked back. About the impact that has had on them and how they have to keep fighting to achieve their dreams in spite of this.
♪♫ In class I'd pass the time drawing a slash for every time the second hand went by. A group of five done twelve times was a minute ♪♫
I'm not great at listening to new albums so I have not listened to Fiona Apple's album. But thanks to the ACI I heard "Shameika" and I ended up enjoying it a lot, more than I expected. I have a lot of admiration for how Fiona can come up with such an odd bunch of lyrics, matched with chaotic production and it all comes together well. Of particular note is that I love the quoted lyric above
♪♫ If I could I would I'd run I'd run right back to you ♪♫
My EOY top 100s are increasingly getting filled with previously no name Australian artists. Korky Buchek is the latest addition to that. This is very much up my alley. I do like that despite the sad lyrics, it maintains that funky vibe. Credit to Fossy for that vocal performance too.
♪♫ In your eyes. I see there's something burning inside you ♪♫
It's no surprise that The Weeknd executes this sound well and that I fall for it instantly, with previous top 5 hits "Can't Feel My Face", "I Feel It Coming" and "Blinding Lights" proof of that. Doesn't really tread new ground but this is just too funky and catchy to resist.
♪♫ Why don't you just speak your mind? Always saying that you're hyperfine ♪♫
Perhaps surprising that G Flip has never featured in an EOY of mine, in fact "Hyperfine" is the first time she'd even made my chart! I like how direct G Flip is with dealing with relationship problems and how she turned it into such a bop. It's a pretty good single cover art too. Also respect to G Flip for taking a photo with my doppelgänger friend when the two came across each other in a 7/11 in Perth.
♪♫ Life is a fairy tale. 'Til I'm preying for safety screaming ♪♫
Ekali and Elohim have collaborated before but I think this has outdone their previous effort in "Forever". This is much more EDM than most of Elohim's solo releases but I think she does well here with that sound. Lyrically it has that dark sound and despair as many other Elohim tracks. Also dayum that drop.
#90 Susie Save Your Love - Allie X featuring Mitski
♪♫ Susie's riding shotgun. Saying that I'm no fun ♪♫
Twerk it etc. I and many other pop fans were stoked to see this collaboration happen. This song is so gay and I'm so here for it. Also love a good rant song about awful men. Allie X and Mitski do really well together. More Allie X/Mitski collabs please.
Sycco has been one of the biggest surprises of 2020 for me. She's improved with each new release of hers that makes my chart and I'm excited for what she's going to bring in 2021. Anyway that chorus made me a bit unsure at first but it really grew on me and I'm fascinated that she wrote a song trying to understand what someone who was sleep talking was saying. Also: https://twitter.com/lushlinguistic/status/1352866146660175872
#88 Bummed - Chet Porter featuring Alison Wonderland
♪♫ And I try to pick myself back up. But sometimes I feel like giving up, oh-oh, oh-oh ♪♫
I did get a little sick of this eventually, and it shows with its relatively lower position for a song with this peak. Sure Alison Wonderland is what brought me to this song, but Chet Porter is good too. I like how they take turns on their vocals, and the production in that bridge is very good and kinda Flume esque as some others have pointed out.
Although it's unfortunate for Jono Graham, Sarah Corry is fortunate enough that her other project Carersorry has managed to make it into the top 100 instead. This was always going to get comparisons to leftproject's music and there's definitely similarities there. Although this switches out the chill indie electronics for a house vibe and I appreciate that. There's something I really love about when it transitions into a slower spoken word around the 1:30 mark.
♪♫ When you step to ascend don't imagine the fall ♪♫
I've liked KUČKA ever since first hearing her music so I'm really glad she's managed to make her way into an EOY top 100 of mine with her solo material. This isn't a drastic departure from previous music, but there's something extra special here.
♪♫ Once in a lifetime (You'll be right beside me, I'll be right beside you) ♪♫
I really appreciate that Romy has gone for a danceable club track with this release, a deviation from what I'd expect based on her work with The xx. It's really nice to hear how Romy had in mind her favourite club classics when writing this, as well as the feeling of wanting the rush of euphoria from the outside world that was unavailable during lockdown.
♪♫ Every time you're touchin' me. You're lovin' give me energy, you (hey) ♪♫
Initially I was disappointed with this. And sure, it's not even my favourite KLP song released in 2020. But the energy and joy here is so hard to resist the more and more I listen to it. This isn't the first time Stace Cadet and KLP have worked together and hopefully won't be last, as this is their best collaboration yet. Watching KLP's video demonstrating the process of recording the stacked vocals for this also made me appreciate the effort that went into crafting the song.
When I found out that Reuben from Peking Duk produced this, it made so much sense. AYLA sounds great here and I love how the production bounces around and doesn't just repeat the same thing over and over.
♪♫ I wish in time. That you could change my mind ♪♫
Patawawa's brand of nu-disco has netted them numerous entries on my chart and now a fourth top 100 EOY placer. I think it is a little more mellow than previous solo songs, going for a relatively quiet sound compared to something like "Never Been Better".
*speaking in Donald Trump voice* The Hottest 100 was rigged, rigged I tell you. In all seriousness, Tkay really hit it with this one. In fact it is her first appearance in an End of Year top 100 for me. It has a lot of what I typically love about Tkay here, and also has that extra something too. Certainly I am shook after listening to this.
♪♫ Twenty-two floors up, I'm high it's like a drug ♪♫
This is another really strong release from Shura. I like the decision to have Ivy Sole here, as I think she compliments Shura's soft vocal. I also like how the twenty-two floors is a reference to a real life event Shura experience, with Shura stating “elevator girl” is partly inspired by the time I had to get an elevator to my hotel room on the 22nd floor with a first date who I’d only just met in the lobby. When we entered there were other people already in the elevator so we stayed silent because it felt weird to address the awkwardness in front of strangers." It's not a completely unfamiliar situation to me lol.
♪♫ Dark star, baby come spin me around. Don't leave your loved up lover on the cold cold ground ♪♫
I'm delighted that she's matched the quality of "Later Flight" so quickly. There's certainly a lot to like here but my favourite part is certainly the chorus.
♪♫ I never had this rush in my body. I never thought I'd feel something new ♪♫
After a big 2017 Dagny disappeared from my radar until the release of "Come Over" and "Somebody". I really like that she's done here - it's nothing revolutionary but she's hit all the right buttons and crafted one catchy tune.
♪♫ All night, I'll riot with you. I know you got my back and you know I got you ♪♫
This was unfortunate to drop quickly on my chart because it deserved so much better. At least its End of Year placing will give it justice. Being squeezed between "Don't Start Now" and "Break My Heart" certainly made it easier to be overshadowed, but this is a really strong release too. So damn catchy.
Genesis Owusu has appeared in numerous lists lately but "I Am" seems to be ignored. Which I think is a shame since it's easily my favourite from him. Genesis Owusu is great, and what I love about "I Am" in particular is the funky sound and the inclusion of the female vocals towards the end.
♪♫ I can't be saved tonight. I just know what I like ♪♫
This became Kiesza's seventh top 10 hit. I like how she's made a ballad like track but given a funkiness to it that saves it from being dull. Kiesza's voice is fantastic and I love the contrast in her voice between the verses and the chorus.
♪♫ Money, cash, clothes, fast cars (fast cars). Better ask 'em, I'm a little rascal ♪♫
Tinashe is back and she has brought the goods. This is a different style to her previous top 10 hit "Player", but it's appealing in its own ways. That production is fantastic and I do like that lowkey chorus.
I really like how massive the production sounds here. Especially for Woodes, an artist that I've tended to associate with releasing and being featured on chill dance tracks. It doesn't really let up either which is great. Perhaps that can be attributed to The Kite String Tangle who has a production credit here.
♪♫ Pick it up. Dust it off. Time to show what I'm made of ♪♫
This is fellow Tasmanian Asta's second year in a row of appearing in the 51-100 section. Listening to it really does make me want to go to a disco party. Or perhaps just have a lonely disco party by myself.
♪♫ The venom in my blood is burning up and I might. Crash into the reflections of the stars in your eyes ♪♫
One thing I noticed quickly about this is that the production oddly sounds a bit like Elohim's "Vacuum". Well played. This is definitely one of Magdalena Bay's most fast paced and least conventional songs, it really feels like it doesn't stop. After an almost whisper for two thirds of the song, the way it explodes for the last 50 minutes is such a good feeling.
♪♫ Changing when my heart froze, can't help where my mind goes ♪♫
TSHA first made my chart with "Sister", but has since had two songs reach a higher peak than "Sister", including this one. Four years after "Miss You" went to #1 on my chart, Gabrielle Aplin scored a second top 10 hit on my chart. What really makes this so special compared to "Sister" is Gabrielle Aplin. I just love what she's done here and it's interesting to hear her sing on this kind of electronic track.
♪♫ Boy, do you believe in magic? Do you, do you, do you ♪♫
The second of a trio of fantastic releases from Kylie this year. It clicked with me instantly. Just so joyful and I love that she's still making music this late into her career that has been consistently good.
♪♫ Why do we fall fall in love? We did we go this far? ♪♫
The third top 15 hit on my chart for Ivey. I've been really enjoying Ivey's brand of pop music and "Fall Apart" really encapsulates that. Although this is definitely more of a sad banger than "Talk Talk" but it's certainly done well.
♪♫ Follow me on everything or you'll be fucking sorry ♪♫
2020's answer to "Internet Friends" and I'm so here for it. But not only does it hit you with those lyrics about the way social media impacts our lives, it's also a drum n bass banger.
♪♫ I got love up in my rocket and I don't know what to do with it ♪♫
88rising has helped bring fantastic music to our ears, and this won't be the last of their artists music to appear in my 2020 EOY. Listening to an interview Rich Brian did for this song really made me appreciate it even more. I just find this really cute and I really do enjoy the versatility when he switches from his singing voice to the rap so seamlessly.
This is a good example of what a catchy pop song should be. Genes is fantastic and I love that Brendan Maclean was also on the writing team here. Ticks all the boxes
It is interesting seeing Sparrows connect what she's singing about to the experience of sexual frustration and isolation from physical intimacy during the lockdown period. It was initially written about contemplating crossing the line with a best friend but took on a new meaning during 2020. Her voice is perfectly suited to a laid back R&B song.
♪♫ When did everything here get so fucking complicated? ♪♫
Was kinda surprised at how much it blew up compared to previous releases, maybe people just really like their choruses to have f bombs It has also become my favourite from Eves so I'm not really complaining with that attention. For sure one of the catchiest songs to make my chart in 2020.
♪♫ I wanna see the light with no light switch. Pretending you is nice, you ain't nice bitch ♪♫
This is again proof of the talent that is coming out of New Zealand. I love that it follows NZ artist naming conventions but sounds nothing like any of the other NZ artists that have graced my EOY. CHAII is such a captivating performer. Absolutely full of energy and that title lyric gets stuck in my head so easily.
♪♫ We used to roll like the light of your flame. Now you're lost in a one-player game ♪♫
I definitely think this was crafted to be similar to "About Us' but it stands up on its own merits. I like that a different style of vocalist was chosen for this to switch things up. I like the way the vocals in the verses are normal but become distorted in the pre-chorus and chorus. The production in the chorus parts especially is great too.
♪♫ I could show you all my icky blacky yucky. I can show you all my sticky tacky crazy ♪♫
It was a good decision to have this in my mid-year top 50 as it meant that my tweet about struggling to find Megan Washington's twitter handle led to me almost giving up before I did eventually find it. Megan replied with 'I appreciate your tenacity'. Megan had a few good releases in 2020 and "Dark Parts" was my favourite. Appropriately has a bit of a dark vibe to it, with Megan absolutely shining here with her vocal performance. I also appreciate the lyrical theme that contributes to that vibe.
♪♫ So come back. And give me a sign of your love ♪♫
Roosevelt's collective output in 2020 is definitely his best since 2016. This has a lot of the elements of what I usually enjoy about Roosevelt. I do like that it gets louder about halfway through, with the second half of the song offering a change up from the first half.
♪♫ And you may have to listen through gritted teeth, gritted teeth. 'Cause you don't always see it when boys cry, boys cry ♪♫
I do appreciate Kiesza's dedication to saying it's okay for boys to cry. I also find the choice of production to be a bit different but I like it. This was a very good taster for what to expect from Kiesza in 2020 and has become one of my favourites from her whole career.
♪♫ It’s crazy how you had me feel like all the gaps had mended through. Like a million shiny miles had just turned into a step or two ♪♫
This was certainly an unexpected release. It starts off acoustic sounding with Elohim's voice, before abruptly changing to the 'let's go the rave' lyric. After that the 'I can't find my way home' sung over the electronic beats gives an interesting vibe. What lets it down though is that it feels too short and a bit too empty. There are parts - particuarly the last 30 seconds where there's no content and I feel like something else could've been done with that. It would've been top 50 if this parts had been changed to something better.
♪♫ Say you want no lips but mine. Save the thought of me tonight ♪♫
After having charted many times previously, Jessie Ware finally reached the top 10 of my chart with "Save A Kiss". Still not sure whether it's my absolute favourite of hers but absolute favourite or not this is fantastic. Jessie's voice is fantastic and again goes well with this kind of production.
♪♫ Have you got room for love, have you got room for me? ♪♫
The first Ekkah song to make an appearance in my 2020 EOY. This is definitely one of their most out and out upbeat bangers. Nothing but funky goodness.
♪♫ We're not getting any younger, baby. I don't want to spend my whole life waiting ♪♫
Peking Duk's consistency for almost a decade has been really fascinating. Funnily enough this has become my favourite Peking Duk track since "Fake Magic". I think enlisting Alisa from The Naked And Famous was a fantastic choice. I wasn't 100% sure at first but it grew on me so much and I think the whole song is put together really well. Also well done on having those chorus lyrics but not coming across as extremely seedy.
♪♫ Lay down your fear. We can find a way for one more song ♪♫
A collaboration that just seems really natural. It didn't take long for this to really click with me. For some reason the original version of this was pulled from YouTube and Spotify, so in my broadcast the Lazywax Remix was played instead. The Lazywax Remix isn't bad but definitely not my preferred listen
♪♫ Uh-uh, I'm all bikini porn. Uh-uh, layin' out in the sun ♪♫
Interestingly this is produced by FINNEAS aka Billie Eilish's brother. 2020 probably wasn't the most relatable year to release this, considering so many people have been inside and unable to be all bikini porn (Tove's way of saying that she’s full of tan lines by “laying out in the sun”). But regardless of timing this is a bop, it's classic Tove Lo and doesn't sound much like anything else in my EOY top 100 which I admire.
I'm so sorry i missed it Zacco. I'm just soooo busy these days. Could I ask that you post your list here so I can have a look? I always rate your EOY's highly and pick up some new music i missed through the year
That's okay PMC. And sure, I was a bit rushed last night so decided to wait until today to add the posts to the thread, should have them all done by the end of today
♪♫ Lost in a world of darkness, everywhere you've been I've been there too ♪♫
GRMM and *redacted* both made comebacks in 2020 after numerous tweets of me wishing they'd release new music. 2020 wasn't all that bad. I was actually kind of worried that I wouldn't dig this which would've been so underwhelming. But I ended up enjoying it a lot. I don't think it deviates much from past GRMM songs but I'm fine with that.
♪♫ There is no world without you in it. I'm not afraid to just admit it ♪♫
Satin Jackets have been pumping out quality tracks since 2018 and "I'm With It" is up there as one of their best. Metaxas was a fantastic choice for collaborator, I love his voice
#44 Be Mine Tonight - Breakbot featuring Delafleur
♪♫ Let's dance to the beat. Can't believe you're so sweet ♪♫
This was Breakbot's first big hit on my chart since 2016. At this point I shouldn't be surprised when artists have a few years between big hits on my chart, but this was still unexpected. This grew to become one of my Breakbot favourites. I love the funky production, the strings and Delafleur's voice.
♪♫ I'm telling you just open your eyes. It's green lavish love, honey you'll see the colours ♪♫
What, more NZ pop? New Zealand sure is good at producing pop stars and artists that do well on my chart, what with Lorde, Thomston, Broods, Yumi Zouma, BENEE, RIIKI, CHAII etc. and now Amila. I didn't initially realise Amila was from New Zealand though, perhaps because of the lack of all caps and double letter. Maybe she could've called herself AMIILA instead. This is incredibly catchy and funky, it sounds like it was catered to me specifically.
♪♫ That girl is on fire, you know. Always stay bringin' them vibes, you know ♪♫
Absolutely one of the best song titles of 2020 and that is not the only thing banging about this. I once used a link to this song in response to a question my friend asking me about a date I was about to go on. Certainly one of my proudest song link as comment moments. Anyway, Little Simz is fantastic here and it's just one non-stop burst of energy that I can't help but love.
♪♫ Gimme just a little bit (more). Little bit of (excess) ♪♫
Rina Sawayama has had numerous strong releases, and this one became my favourite. It's very 2000s R&B/pop with dashes of Britney Spears and I'm so here for that. It does so in a way that doesn't sound dated, with enough of Rina's own charisma and personality oozing out during every second. Also I do really appreciate the way she went into the deeper meaning of the song:
"“XS” is a song that mocks capitalism in a sinking world. Given that we all know global climate change is accelerating and human extinction is a very real possibility within our lifetime it seemed hilarious to me that brands were still coming out with new makeup palettes every month and public figures were doing a gigantic house tour of their gated property in Calabasas in the same week as doing a ‘sad about Australian wild fires’ Instagram post. I mean I’m guilty of turning a blind eye too, because otherwise it makes me depressed. We’re all hypocrites because we are all capitalists, and it’s a trap that I don’t see us getting out of. I wanted to reflect the chaos of this post-truth climate change denying world in the metal guitar stabs that flare up like an underlying zit between the 2000s R&B beat that reminds you of a time when everything was alright."
♪♫ I could pretend that I'm just praying now. But I'm only on my knees ♪♫
I definitely think is one of Allie X's strongest releases and the best from "Cape God". I also did find it amusing that this debuted on my chart the same week "Devil You Don't" by CXLOE left. I really that post-chorus moment, it has always stood out to me as a highlight.
♪♫ You can't believe you'll never love again. You can't just keep on giving up on everything ♪♫
The first 2020 release for Ekkah after a big 2019 for them. This is in a similar style to their 2019 material, although the addition of the horns in this one is a nice switch up. Also like the uplifting message.
I remember I only heard this because of that online live set that both Owl Eyes and KLP did at Poof Doof in June this year. Did Owl Eyes know that KLP would lure me into watching this set so she decided to play this Zacco catered song from her new EP that I might not have otherwise heard? Probably just a coincedence but a funny one nonetheless. Anyway, this continues on the same path she paved with "You And I", a formula that clearly works for me.
♪♫ Now I'm gonna give it all up, gonna love not being in love. So baby, bye, bye, bye, bye ♪♫
Foxes did really well on my chart with numerous top 10 hits from 2013 to 2015. She completely disappeared after that, until returning with "Love Not Loving You" in 2020. It was a solid comeback track, and very appreciated after the absence of music from her. Clearly she saw my tweets.
♪♫ Oh, lately there's something in the atmosphere. Telling me things that I don't wanna hear ♪♫
"Supervision" is a solid album. "Everything I Live For" is my favourite from the album. This fits in the album well and also as a standalone track. I do enjoy how cruisy it is, and how unlike a lot of songs in my EOY it draws things out a little instead of offering it so compactly.
♪♫ Can you feel the love? Cause I can feel the love ♪♫
But even in a year where KLP releases by far her most successful song, it's not even my favourite of hers for that year. I gravitated more towards this perhaps because it has that chill electronic sound thatI think goes very well with KLP's voice. I do also really like that build up to the chorus about 2 and a half minutes into the song.
♪♫ Cause every time you sing a paradise. Forget the world just to get inside ♪♫
Because I'm lazy I just copied Villages' commentary because I think it sums it up well:
"Always fun to discover music through other people’s lists (a mid-year in this case), especially when it’s something that I very likely wouldn’t have come across otherwise. Follow hits that very specific niche of ‘pop music that is a bit weird but not too weird to not still be considered pop music’ for me. It’s possible there’s an accidental double negative in there. My favorite bit is that cheer sound effect that also ends up getting played backwards before the start of the second verse."
♪♫ Moving fast to nowhere, nowhere. Clouds pass, days last forever ♪♫
Just imagining the thought of the title being Scream! Drive! Faster! because it's what came to mind initially when I saw the title. Surprisingly for a song with such a title it sounds fairly restrained. Still, I do love the vibe that guitar riff creates and LAUREL sounds fantastic. I do like the transition between verses and chorus too.
♪♫ Promise me they’ll all fall onto their knees for you. And just make sure they bask in the view ♪♫
I wasn't expecting this to do so well when it was first recommended to me. I guess a name like 'Supathick' is eye catching, and its funkiness with Kaitlin's fantastic voice is too hard to resist.
♪♫ You make me high (High as fuck). I lo-love you 'til I die ♪♫
It's amazing how Burial has gone and sampled four songs, interwoven them with dubstep/electronic beats and created this 12:31 length track. I was fascinated on first listen and it has only continued to grow. Just impressed at how well the various samples work together well. I didn't think I'd ever be hearing a Ne-Yo song and a Wolf Alice song sampled together but that's 2020 for you.
♪♫ You say that I'm a mess whenever I try my best. We both know I'm not the best for you ♪♫
Charting a lesser known song by an artist that had an ARIA hit but not charting the ARIA hit? What a surprise. Anyway I first heard this in NMF on release but it didn’t make much of an impact. Almost a month later, while at a pub in Launceston, I not only heard Surf Mesa’s hit “ily (I love you baby)”, but also this song. Also noteworthy is that I heard “Supalonely” that night for a double double artist appearance. I got into this instantly after hearing it there. I think it does a great job at being a sadboi song while not being boring or dull.
♪♫ Leave my man like Dolly. Beg Jolene just 'cause you can don't take him please (please, please) ♪♫
It's always interesting to me when artists have some time between their highest peaking songs. RAYE was most successful for me in 2017 with "The Line" getting to #3 and placing #14 in my End of Year. "Natalie Don't" became RAYE's first top 10 hit since "The Line" and also peaked at #3. I never asked for "Jolene", with "Jolene" replaced with Natalie and set to a '70s style disco arrangement but now that RAYE has brought it into existence I can't do anything but endorse this.
♪♫ I wanna live like we're dancing, baby. I wanna feel like I felt it, honey ♪♫
This is certainly in the pre-COVID basket as dancing in public venues was illegal for most of 2020 in Tasmania. Not a very COVID safe message. Seriously though I just adore this. This is a bit different to Georgia's usual pop style but I think she works well with Mura Masa here.
♪♫ It's a cold place, it's a rat race. It's a long face in the dark ♪♫
I was very excited when I saw that new Alison Wonderland was coming out and it didn't disappoint. It starts off surprisingly subtle which is nice but that drop comes in and completely changes that. It's very impressive.
♪♫ Once I'm spinning. I can't stop spinning, I can't stop spinning ♪♫
A title like "Lick In Heaven" was sure to make me pay attention. Also how relatable is not being able to stop spinning once you've started spinning? I remember when I was about eleven years old I continously span around on my computer chair and ended up falling off the chair, hitting my elbow and leaving a scar. Do not recommend.
Back onto the song, it's interesting how she makes a chorus out of that spinning lyric. But that's not all, the verses are very substantial. Also I love her voice and the production stuff.
♪♫ I'm getting all of the feelings back. You make me believe in love again ♪♫
It does still amuse me that Kiesza now has seven top 10 hits, with only one of those being from 2014 - her biggest hit "Hideaway". This is my favourite of her songs from 2020 and the only way it could be more obvious as a Carly Rae Jepsen inspired track was if it was called "Cut To All Of The Feelings". I was sold on it quickly. Fellow Canadian Kiesza sounds so joyful and I'm not going to complain with Carly inspiration if it's done well.
♪♫ I see you holding on for dear life, but honey that's not right ♪♫
It was interesting reading the story of how Chase Zera came up with "Saving Bugs".
"I was really inspired by BENEE and Aurora writing about animals and turning them into metaphors. I was floating on a lilo of in my pool. There were tiny little bugs in the water, and I was picking them up and putting them back on the tiles so they could scurry away and not drown. I sound like I’m on acid or something. I promise I wasn’t! I just looked at that situation and turned it into a metaphor about watching people go through situations or things that are burdening them and wanting to help them through it because you know what it feels like to be in that situation. So it’s a real tough love thing, helping the bugs out of the pool represents me helping friends get through things and maybe wanting them to realise how special they are. "
♪♫ S-s-s-say something, say something. Tell me how you're feeling ♪♫
I do like Kylie Minogue a lot but this still came as a surprise to me. I didn't latch onto anything from "Golden", so I wasn't sure if this new era would be the same. But I grew to love "Say Something". Kylie is as fantastic as she's ever been and this is a fantastic pop song.
I think she's gonna love them for a long time. I just love the combination of that beat, the fast paced nature of the song, being able to make "Party Pill" references, Daya's voice and those lyrics about love. It can often feel like it's over quickly but Daya makes sure that the 2:27 is worth every second.
♪♫ The truth is I can't resist. Whenever we lie like this ♪♫
"Issues", the debut single from Julia Michaels, became an instant hit for me in 2017 and made it into my EOY top 100. Her output as a solo artist since then had been disappointing, with nothing impressing me as much as "Issues". "Lie Like This" blew that out of the water by becoming her highest peaker and my favourite song of hers. Super catchy and I'd really like to see more of this kind of production from her.
♪♫ And my head tells me to stop. But my heart goes bum bum bum da bum bum, bum bum bum da bum ♪♫
This grabbed me instantly and I was so happy when it became a big hit in Australia too. Always makes me happy listening to it, MNEK is so joyful here and this is Joel Corry's best production to date.
♪♫ I'll love you forever (Ever). Even when we're not together ♪♫
It's hard to know until it happens just how much a musician death will effect you. Avicii really hit hard, especially when I had woken up to the news. The death of SOPHIE hit me really hard, not just because I adore her music but because I appreciate the space she took up as a proud trans woman in a genre that is still hostile to women producers.
I mention SOPHIE even though I am talking about a Charli XCX song. SOPHIE wasn't actually involved with this, but I bring her name up because this is clearly inspired by previous work the two did together. I like that Charli has taken a love ballad and given it this wacky approach. It has become one of my Charli favourites.
Even though they've ended up nine positions apart, I will always associate this with "Bad Things". Both debuted in the top 10 and both became the first #2 peakers for their respective artists. This is really fun and kooky in a way only Elohim could make iy. I do admire the persistent optimism even in the face of very bleak circumstances where plenty of bad days happen.
♪♫ I'm trying hard to keep this under cover. Oh am I just your secret lover? ♪♫
Not to be confused with Yumi Zouma Anyway, this song did bring out some emotions in me. Being gay is challenging for numerous reasons. One big one is that navigating dating can be a challenging experience because not every one is out, some are completely closeted and some are only out to certain people in their lives. When meeting people, sometimes I feel I have to hide who I am as well. So I can be a "secret lover" for the other person. It's not easy at all. I only saw the music video for the first time during the broadcast and turns out Yuma X had the same idea when making the music video! One of the best - but also one of the saddest music videos of 2020. It's also a really great song aside from that too.
♪♫Lie still, don't move. I just want to look at you ♪♫
"Someone Else" made it to #3 on my chart last year following me having seen Eilish Gilligan live as an opener for SAFIA in Hobart, back in those good old days of crowded gigs. In 2020 she went even further with her emotional love song "I Just Want To Look At You" making it to #2 and now with a top 20 EOY position.
♪♫ I just wanna mingle with some people who are just as weird as me. I'm in the mood for group therapy ♪♫
This song gives such weird vibes but I can't help but love it. There's a lot of elements here that could've made this a disaster - such as the clapping throughout the verses, that laugh at the end of the chorus / over the drop and the childlike vocals that appear throughout. But even though sonicaly this is a new experiment for Elohim, lyrically it makes perfect sense for Elohim. It did wear out on me a little as can be seen from it being one of the lowest placing #1s on my EOY.
♪♫ We don't stop! Until mascara's on the dance floor ♪♫
Jumping on the 'Dancefloor' train as it has also always bothered me that 'dance' and 'floor' were two separate words in the title. There are a lot of good elements to this - but my highlights would have to be the build up to the chorus and the chorus itself. Just a really good dancey tune. Wasn't expecting it to hit #1 at all but it just crept up on me and managed to sneak 2 weeks at the top.
♪♫ For you I'll be whoever you want. Whatever ever you want ♪♫
It's interesting that when I was getting a sense of what could make the 2020 Triple J Hottest 100, I noted that "ANIME" was in the top 10 most played songs on Triple J during 2020. Of course, Triple J positions don't always correlate with Hottest 200 positions, with "ANIME" not making it in. Funnily enough, "ANIME" was my most played song of 2020 on Spotify yet has failed to make the top 10 on my EOY.
Anyway, I grew to really love this song. There's something about JOY.'s performance here that I really love, and I think her voices goes well with what she's singing.
♪♫ You'll never stop this flame. I will never let you go ♪♫
This was one of the first hits on my chart in 2020 that was released in 2020. It often feels more like 2019 than it does 2020. You might not have asked for yet another funky song with a soulful vocalist but here it is. Celeste brings a lot of charisma to the table here so well done.
♪♫ I just wanna feel anything. Anything with you, with you ♪♫
This song is still weird to me in that unlike "Bad Things" it wasn't an instant top 10 hit, instead debuting at #90. While it has taken a while to grow, it has ended up as being up there as one of my Alison Wonderland favourites. I think where "Bad Things" sounds more conventional, this one sounds a bit edgier in comparison and it pulls it off well. Alison now has the unfortunate statistic of having placed #11 in two EOYs (#11 with Happy Place in 2017 previously), although Games was #10 in 2015 and Church #6 in 2018.
Sir, this is a Wendy's Yard, no bad vibes allowed here. Yes I've been waiting a while to make that joke Ekkah had scored many top 10 hits prior to "Wendy's Yard", eight to be exact. None had reached the top spot, with "Homesick" reaching #3 being their highest peak. "Wendy's Yard" became Ekkah's highest peaker on its first week, and on its second week became their first ever #1. I think "no bad vibes at Wendy's Yard" sums up this song well, it's a funky tune in classic Ekkah style with good vibes, a catchy hook and a fun reference to "Last Night A D.J. Saved My Life". If I have a criticism it is that the title lyric is repeated too much at the end, I think it could've done with something different at the end or alternatively being cut down to a shorter song.
♪♫ Oh, the ground underneath my feet was cold. I wasn't looking for you ♪♫
I'd known of Gordi prior to 2020 but only barely, so it was a big surprise when I got into this a lot. I really like Gordi's voice here and I think she's done a great job telling her story here and I love that. Such a satisfying moment every time that chorus comes around especially.
♪♫ 1 a.m when I ask if you are still here. Yeah, I know that I don't have to say much ♪♫
LE YOUTH has been a persistent presence on my chart for many years and in 2020 he reached #1 with "About Us". In a sea of short songs on my chart, the length of this felt like an appropriate way to break things up. It has a very good build up towards the end and it maintains interest the whole way.
♪♫ I want what you're on, come on and give me some ♪♫
This is absolutely one of the most joyful songs in my 2020 EOY. It gives me life. The Merindas have done a fantastic job here, with their voices well suited to the production. I also love that part of the song is sung in Noongar language - Noongar being the language of member Kristel Kickett, a Nyoongar Ballardong Whadjuk woman from Western Australia.
♪♫ I'll be whatever you want, whatever you need. Do you wanna? ♪♫
"Do You Wanna?" is Gavin's one permitted #1 for 2020,with her having achieved one #1 in each consecutive year since 2016 totalling five #1s. This is actually her first #1 where she's not on her own though. This is classic Gavin but with the addition of Dornik. I love the way they have shared vocals on here, Dornik suits Gavin's style well. It’s just a really catchy disco track to add to the collection of Gavin Turek hits on my chart.
#5 Nightcrawler - Duke Dumont featuring Say Lou Lou
♪♫ She's a nightcrawler. Hides in the dark you never caught her ♪♫
Duke Dumont smashed the record for longest time between scoring #1s on my chart in 2020. Was not what I would’ve expected at the beginning of 2020. Anyway, this is his best song since “I Got U”, with Say Lou Lou’s contribution to this funky track making it one catchy release.
♪♫ If it's that easy why'd you leave me?. You know I've no one to rely on, to rely ♪♫
It's hard to pick an exact highlight here because it all works out so well. It's probably unsurprising that the instrumental, which is based on a sample from a '70s disco track, is so appealing as it's not the first time '70s disco has been sampled in hits on my chart. Another highlight for me is that the song has a really good pace to it and although I did think it was too short initially, it does at least captivate me for all of that time and doesn't have any filler.
♪♫ What is this place? The skies are vast and no one's a familiar face ♪♫
Click click click etc. "Switchblade" earned the affectionate name 'Clickblade' for its opening intro with lots of clicks, but that's not the only thing notable. I've definitely loved songs that sound like this before, and that's no shade at all. NIKI is really talented, and after both this and "Selene" I'm looking forward to more from her in 2021. This had one of the slowest climbs to #1 on my chart in 2020, moving up higher and higher until it unexpectedly hit #1 for me. Eventually it ended up with the most weeks in my chart for a 2020 release.
♪♫ New perspective got me thinking I will be alright. Everyone loses their mind ♪♫
Elohim does drum n bass? Clearly trying to make her way onto Ayah Marar’s turf this was quite an intriguing Elohim release for me, as it followed on from her common lyrical themes of depression, anxiety and mental health, but gave me a sound that hadn’t been attempted by Elohim before. It turned out really well. There's a lot to like here, right from the start that first line of the song - “Vacuum stuck to my head” is classic Elohim. I do love the persistent “ooh”s throughout the song and the drum n bass is done well.
♪♫ Am I falling in love with the one that could break my heart? ♪♫
I’ve always enjoyed Dua Lipa ever since “Be The One”. “Future Nostalgia” has seen her do even better than previously for me. “Future Nostalgia” is a fantastic album that’s both packed with hits and a solid listen as a product altogether. “Break My Heart” is my favourite from the album. The interpolation of “Need You Tonight”‘s classic riff, alongside adding another song to the "Seeya"/"Around The World"/"Another One Bites The Dust"/"Good Times" list is really attention grabbing. Dua is perfect here, with her voice being such a delight to listen to alongside a catchy chorus and some cute love song lyrics.
Thanks all that tuned in on Monday and Tuesday night to listen to my EOY. I really appreciate it Will get around to adding the 101-333 in the thread within the next week, will take a little break from EOY stuff for a day or two after being flat out with it for days on end
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