27 Best Songs From 2020
Contents
“To Hell & Back” by Maren Morris
Song Year: 2020
Marren Morris is one of the great country-crossover success stories. The singer-songwriter crafts tunes that appeal to the pop mainstream without betraying her country roots.
“To Hell & Back” is Morris’s tribute to warts and all love. The lyrics express gratitude towards a partner who embraces the singer’s flaws.
Morris released this song as the third single off her second album, Girl. It was moderately successful, charing in America and Canada.
“Serpentine Prison” by Matt Berninger
Song Year: 2020
Matt Berninger’s been writing great music for sad dads with his band, The National, since 1999. In 2020, the gravel-voiced singer-songwriter set out on his own, releasing his first solo album.
“Serpentine Prison” is a difficult song to parse. Berninger sings stream-of-consciousness lyrics over a lush, aching melody. Berninger’s lyrics are erudite and highly open to interpretation.
“No Time To Die” by Billie Eilish
Song Year: 2020
The Bond theme song is as central to the success of a Bond film as the Bond girl or the Bond villain. No film franchise puts greater effort into attracting talent to compose dynamic tunes. Bond pulled off a coup in 2020 by snagging Billie Eilish.
She “No Time To Die” in the vein of other Bond classics. The lyrics detail a fraught relationship, one riddled with betrayal and intrigue. Eilish layers her signature ghostly vocals over r&b orchestration.
The song won multiple awards, including a Grammy and an Oscar. Moreover, it was an international success, charting globally.
“Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga
Song Year: 2020
“Rain on Me” paired two generations of pop powerhouses on one monster hit. Lady Gaga enlisted the help of Ariana Grande for the anthem to empowerment and resilience.
“Rain on Me” is a dance track with a big heart. The lyrics, performed over a driving beat, explore surviving difficult circumstances and growing stronger through adversity.
The song was an unqualified success, delighting listeners and critics. “Rain on Me” earned spots on myriad “Best of 2020” lists, including Slate and Vulture. The tune won multiple awards, including a Grammy. “Rain on Me” dominated the international charts.
“The Birthday Party” by The 1975
Song Year: 2020
The 1975’s unique fusion of multiple genres has earned the band a slew of fans. The band’s delicate country-indie song, “The Birthday Party,” borrows from folk, country, and indie-pop.
The song’s lyrics unravel like a Raymond Carver short story. The narrator attempts to stay sober at a house party. He stumbles through a series of bring interactions with party guests, each of which tests him in some capacity.
Critics were mixed in their reactions to the track, released as the fourth single off The 1975’s album Notes on a Conditional Form. Fans reacted positively, however, landing the song on several charts.
“W.A.P.” by Cardi B
Song Year: 2020
“W.A.P.” is undoubtedly the song with the hardest R rating on this list. The song was controversial due to its frank approach to female sexuality.
The song paired Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, two rap powerhouses, for a catchy collaboration that became ubiquitous during the summer of 2020.
Various publications, including Rolling Stone and Pitchfork, named “W.A.P.” one of the best songs of 2020. The single earned multiple awards and charted across the globe.
“Are We Alright Again” by The Eels
Song Year: 2020
The Eels zig when you expect most bands to zag. While 2020 was full of songs lamenting isolation and loneliness, “Are We Alright Again” found indie rock royalty, The Eels, singing hopefully about circumstances improving.
It’s a jangly pop song with cautiously optimistic lyrics. The singer suspects good things are around the corner. The Eels even managed to wrangle an alley-oop from a super fan and noted Mad Man, Jon Hamm, for the song’s video.
Top Songs From 2020, Final Thoughts
2020 may have been a difficult year for world events, but it was a great year for music. Every genre contributed hits for every mood. Whether life had you hopeful, despondent, or mischievous, 2020 had a song for you.
What are your top songs from 2020? We’d love to hear in the comments.
