It’s been a weird year, that goes without saying, but amidst the chaos, music became a place of refuge for musicians and music lovers around the world. This month, we’ll be celebrating our favourite releases of the year, starting off with part one of our annual round-up featuring singles that we have loved over the course of the last twelve months. Our editor and content manager, Amy Smolcic, dives into part one below. Stay tuned for part two in the coming weeks, starring even more awe-inspiring tracks.
Porridge Radio – ‘Circling’
Porridge Radio released one of the most mesmerising albums of the year with Every Bad. It doesn’t matter how many times we've listened to ‘Circling’ (which has been a lot in 2020), it still gives us the same rush of emotions — ‘Circling’ is startling yet beautiful in every way possible.
Choir Boy – ’Toxic Eye’
The combination of Adam Klopp’s angelic vocals, the track’s infectious melody and their tender lyrics are absolutely heavenly. ’Toxic Eye’ might be dreamy and charming, but there’s something about the track that’s also quite haunting as well. It’s not every day that you stumble across a song that makes you feel the way that ‘Toxic Eye’ does.
Mysie – ‘Patterns’
Mysie is an incredible lyricist and this is on full display on her stunning single ‘Patterns’. Her mesmeric and self-reflecting number sees her embrace vulnerability and each second of the track is pure magic.
The Ninth Wave – ‘I’m Only Going to Hurt You’
Though Infancy was an astonishing debut album last year, The Ninth Wave decided to mix things up in 2020 with their bold and experimental EP Happy Days! Appearing on the release is their hypnotic and addictive single ‘I’m Only Going to Hurt You’. The track is powerful and anthemic and one that will leave you with goosebumps from head-to-toe.
Sorry – ‘Snakes’
In all honesty, any one of Sorry’s tracks from 925 could have featured on this list, but there is something very special about ’Snakes’. It’s enticing, yet eerie and unnerving — it doesn’t matter where you are, it’s the type of song that will make you stop and contemplate every word.
Miiesha – ’Self Care’
It was a big breakthrough year for Australia’s next big thing Miiesha. Her flawless track ’Self Care’ is home to a sea of grooves and vocals that are out of this world — 'Self Care' and her EP Nyaaringu are both a must-listen.
Walt Disco – ‘Cut Your Hair’
There’s a lot to love about Walt Disco — not only are they amazing musicians, but they’re also unique, electrifying and thrilling performers. Their empowering offering ‘Cut Your Hair’ was one of many great tracks released by the up-and-comers this year. We guarantee that you’ll have ‘Cut Your Hair’ on repeat for hours, the song is brilliant.
Rina Sawayama – ‘Comme des Garçons (Like The Boys)'
Rina’s disco-inspired masterpiece is without a doubt one of the best tracks of the year — even if The Grammys don’t think so………
Kwaye – ‘RUN’
Kwaye puts his best foot forward with ‘RUN’. The atmospheric track was worth the wait and if you somehow forgot how wonderful Kwaye is, ‘RUN’ is the reminder you desperately need.
deep tan – ‘deepfake’
Hackney-based post-punk trio deep tan is set to have a big year in 2021 and their entrancing single ‘deepfake’ has us eagerly anticipating their next move. Get ready to hear a lot more from them over the next twelve months.
Sinead O'Brien – ‘Most Modern Painting’
Poet and performer Sinead O’Brien always impresses and her single ‘Most Modern Painting’ (featuring on her extraordinary debut EP Drowning In Blessings) is certainly no exception — the way she’s able to take listeners through different states of consciousness is absolutely exceptional.
Sports Team – ‘Here’s The Thing’
Without their usual heavy touring schedule, it was a different type of year for Sports Team. However, that didn’t stop the dynamic and exciting band from unleashing exhilarating singles like ‘Here’s The Thing’ (as well as their highly sought-after debut album Deep Down Happy). Total madness from beginning-to-end, ‘Here’s The Thing’ is home to everything we love about the untamed six-piece.
Highschool – ‘New York, Paris, and London’
Fellow Melburnians Highschool proved why they’re ones to watch with ‘New York, Paris, and London’. They bring something very unique and different to Australia’s post-punk scene and we can’t wait to hear more from them next year.
Black Country, New Road – ‘Science Fair’
South London experimental rock band Black Country, New Road will have you on the edge of your seat with their startling single ’Science Fair’, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next turn they’re about to make.
Happyness – ‘Vegetable’
Happyness made their re-introduction in 2020 and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Their nostalgic number ‘Vegetable’ has the energy of an Elliott Smith song with an upbeat twist.
Written by Amy Smolcic (@amysmolcic)
Listen to our best tracks of 2020 playlist below:
