2016: TOP 20 SONGS

DISCLAIMER: I did not choose a song from an album that I have already mentioned in my previous post in order to keep it #diverse and more fun (for me at least hehe). Tbh if I allowed myself to do that, my SOTY would be Chance the Rapper's "Finish Line/Drown." 

SOMEDAY, WE'LL ALL BE FREE!!!!

20. Prism – SHINee

Me?? Listening to K-pop???? Yes. I, too, am surprised. My Twitter timeline was raving on SHINee's new album and so I decided to give it a go. This album opener is an irresistible bop even though I understand none of it.

19. Dahil Sa 'Yo – Iñigo Pascual

K-pop and then Iñigo Pascual???? You must be thinking I don't have good taste in music (and you're probably right jk) BUT HEAR ME OUT OKAY. This song is insanely catchy and you should also try listening to it. Just don't mind the hilarious choreography in the music video.

18. monsoon – Hippo Campus

My top band discovery this year. The context of the song is also a recurring feeling in my life, and that feeling peaked this year. While this #relatability may have pushed me to place this at a higher position, the lyrics are slightly pretentious tbh haha but the sentimental music makes up for it anyway.

17. False Alarm – The Weeknd

I haven't finished listening to it yet but Starboy is a mess. A very, very long one. This track is a standout for me because, well, I just like it when singers do vocal tantrums.

16. Hey Crush – Joshua Garcia

If I'm going to be completely honest about it, I find the vocals horrible. I didn't even get halfway through it when I first listened to it. Admittedly, I only liked it after watching Vince and Kath and James. Joshua's skills lie in his charm, not in his singing, as displayed well by his moving performance in the movie. The song is compact: like with all good pop songs, every second counts. It perfectly works as an uber-cheesy public serenade and nothing could be more youthful than that.

15. Crave – Pharrell Williams

I thank the budget version of Skins (i.e. Skam) for introducing me to this song. I haven't fully Absorbed it yet so this is a last-minute addition to this list, but that retro scat-like singing is a plus for me. If you know me, then you know that I despise "Happy" by Pharrell. But this one? [100 emoji]

14. Sabi-Sabi – Kris Angelica

It looks like no one can stop Thyro Alfaro from writing jams one right after the other. Aside from the other Thyro-penned energetic earworm, this song represents his playful songwriting well. Kris Angelica shows off that Sarah G. spunk. R&B goodness right here.

Erratum: Apparently, this song was released in 2015???? Oops. UGH it's so annoying because the MV was only released in August 2016. Anyway, in this case, I would have to replace this song with "Vowels" by Capital Cities. Oh well.

13. What Do You Mean It's 1985? – TRONICBOX

Is it possible to improve upon the greatness of that ubiquitous Justin Bieber jam? CHVRCHΞS' attempt was nice. However, this 80s reworking, complete with the mellow intro and all that cheesiness, is the best one yet. With that electric guitar coming after that eargasmic saxophone solo, it's not that hard to imagine this song as the soundtrack to your parents' lovemaking sessions. (OR NOT. Don't... imagine that. Please.)

12. Versace on the Floor – Bruno Mars

Ladies and gentlemen, this right here is a Grade A baby-making anthem. Just do it. By "do," I mean listen to the song... not the other stuff.

11. The Governor – Nicolas Jaar

Tbh I only liked 2 songs from Jaar's debut LP. With his second album, this was the only song that I liked (I haven't listened to it enough though). Anyway, it's fun to listen to him Keeping Up with that urgent beat and then softening it in the latter half. As usual, Jaar's music isn't my cup of tea, but I have to commend the guy because he always knows how to keep you on your toes.

10. y e / / o w – Alyson

Not much to say here except for the fact that it’s a simple song: its chill atmosphere leads to a falsetto that’s adorable and playful. Oh, and I LIVE for that tempo change!! Its simplicity is its most attractive feature.

9. Wasting Time – Day Wave

This. This is the kind of synthpop that I really, really like. The hazy voice accompanied by the synthesizers is a match made in electronic heaven. The guitars make the sound whole and fuller, thus creating the perfect road trip anthem.

8. On Hold – The xx

Like what most people are saying, this is, for all intents and purposes, a Jamie xx track. But it's okay, really. If they are leaving their old sound behind (I read a YouTube comment that says they're "phone sex music" LOL) and transitioning into this more funky one, I'm all for it.

7. Tinatangi (feat. The Benjamins) – Cooky Chua & Bayang Barrios

This was my pick for this year’s PhilPop but it only won first runner-up. (On the other hand, “Di Na Muli” by Itchworms, my pick for first runner-up, won the competition, so Aal Izz Well.) Anyway, the folksy sound was very refreshing. I don’t mean to sound fetishistic but I hope this kind of music gets more recognition and a wider audience. It has a hint of nostalgia to it while having a timeless vibe as well.

6. Gravity Don’t Pull Me – Rostam

Hello, Rostam. I hate you for leaving Vampire Weekend, but I hate you more for making such a beautiful song. His vocals, as usual, take a little time to get used to; the pain grows on you. It just asks you to listen to it again and again, a static-like production at the background. Ironic, considering the title of the song. Always beautiful to hear a breakup be translated well into music.

5. ‘King Inang Bayan (feat. Reese Lansangan) – Abra

A shame that this song was released after the national elections, but nonetheless, Abra attacks from all sides, covers a lot of ground (SONA, Yolanda funds, the #BigasHindiBala issue, a seeming diss at Gloc-9, etc.), and leaves us all in awe. The song doesn’t seem to end, and by the time we get to his two-and-a-half-minutes final verse—that’s twice as long as normal rap verses are—we never want it to. Also, a refreshing appearance by the self-proclaimed Savior of Good Grammar.

4. Sin Rumbo – Arca

This is Arca at his most accessible since his time as a DJ/producer called Nuuro. Alejandro Ghersi rarely sings in his music but here we are with a full, almost normal song (but alas, it’s in Spanish, the translated lyrics of which are heartbreakingly exquisite). He Has The Range.

3. Shelter – Madeon and Porter Robinson

As you’ve probably noticed, glitchy synth/electro stuff is what I listen to the most. When I first listened to this song, I immediately knew I would love it. I have always been a fan of the insanely talented Madeon and this song introduced me to the sometimes great Porter Robinson. The lyrics also surprisingly hit hard: “Well, it’s a long way forward so trust in me/ I’ll give them shelter like you’ve done for me.” In the context of being a collaboration, it is like a way of giving back to the fans of both artists and I am extremely happy about that. However, the melody suggests something more somber and it almost made me tear up (even before the poignant video came out huhuhu).

2. Indak/Tayo (Up dharma Down x Peryodiko) [with Bryan Macaranas] – Yara

FACT: Up dharma Down’s “Indak” and Peryodiko’s “Tayo Lang ang May Alam” are two of the saddest songs in the world, and so doing a mashup of them should be illegal. This should not have been done in the first place but at the same time, I am thankful that this exists because only a great duet cover like this can express and cleanse a sadness this immense, albeit too cathartic.

1. Walang Hanggan – QuESt

Honestly, this song is… a lot to digest. It’s too much. I don’t know what to write about it. I can’t relate to it, nor do I want to. Let’s just leave it at that.