Best Songs of 2016

1 Starboy - The Weeknd

 I just love how Abel dominated pop music with his previous record, and now with the whole world on him he goes back to his original style. I don't mean musically, because going from grunge R&B to pop to electronic is a huge switch-up, I mean his lyricism. BBTM had good lyrics and all, but it didn't offer nearly as much as this track does. Rhymes are on point, flow is on point, cleverness is on point, and that cocaine metaphor in the pre-chorus pulled it off more than CFMF wishes it did. Props to Daft Punk, too, for an awesome production. In general, Starboy is a big laugh in the face to everyone
who tests him or tries to end him, because no matter if you're a hater or someone who adores him, you make him more famous. 
 2 Heathens - Twenty One Pilots
For me this song is worth much more than first place, because it is inspiring, energizing, positive and all the good a person remembered! So thank Tyler Joseph and Josh Dunn song that was headed for the trailer which is recreated song for "Suicide Squad"! Twenty One Pilot - Heathens remember this song! Good song. Twenty One Pilots were one of the few mainstream pop bands I could stomach this year, and this song is a good reason as to why. The mostly minimalist and slightly subtle approach of the verses definitely create a strong atmosphere and provide a good build up to an entertaining chorus, and on the whole is very memorable.

  3 Blackstar - David Bowi
Probably the best of the year. The distinct production that mixes electronica, jazz, rock and orchestral elements is a one of a kind and sounds extremely unique, but it's Bowie who truly sells it. The lyrics about death and fame are well written and more poignant after his unfortunate passing, and he gives one of his best and most emotive vocal performances in his history, creating something that is both very sombre and very haunting. One of the best and most unique tracks in some time, this is arguably one of Bowie's finest and definitely one of 2016's finest too.

  4 Don't Let Me Down - The Chainsmokers
 I love this song, but for some reason while I was listening to it I was reading a book, so I always associate the book with the song.

  5 Cheap Thrills - Sia
The beat is based around one melody that is very light and bubbly, which fits with Sean Paul's voice, and SIA actually sounds good over it (mind you she's the same person who did the heavy-hitting Chandelier and Elastic Heart). SIA's harmonizations, while they have nothing on, say, early Destiny's Child, they still fit within the song, and Sean Paul's verse is definitely complementing that.

  6 Sucker for Pain - Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons
Lil Wayne kills it in this song, his verse is not profane for a soundtrack song, and doesn't distance himself from his roots by staying with that Hip-Hop style. Wayne absolutely delivered an astonishing performance in this song, nobody can doubt that, & Dan Reynolds vocal performance was great, alongside the acts like TY$ & Logic who both also had great verses. The only exception I make with this song is how garbage Wiz Khalifa's verse was.

  7 Ride - Twenty One Pilots So many songs that are popular right now sound very similar to one another. I think people need to branch out and improve lyrics, as well as change musical and melodic trends. This song isn't one I love, but I think Twenty One Pilots doesn't fit themselves into the box this current time in music forces artists to go into. This song sounds different while still maintaining popularity, whether it be sung by ten-year-olds or teenagers.

  8 24k Magic - Bruno Mars I like how Bruno is switching it up this time. This reminds me very much of Daft Punk with the funk, synths, and vocoders and it's an all around fun song. Better than Uptown Funk in my opinion With this perfect slice of Uptown Funk-lite chillness, which honestly has better synths than Uptown Funk, color me intrigued for the new album, don't screw it up.