Category: Playlists

Great tunes to add to your own playlists

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Playlists

Playlist of the Week

New year, new show! This semester, I decided to branch off from Daytime Rock. The Tangerine Hour (which is on Fridays at 11:30am, and you should totally listen to) is my new show dedicated to deep cuts from the 60s and 70s. If you’ve read any of my blogs, you know that I’m a geek for that era, especially the music. I wanted to explore the songs and artists that didn’t quite make it out of the Age of Aquarius, but are fantastic nonetheless. It’s been SO FUN to dig into weird, obscure artists and explore songs that were relatively forgotten by the mainstream, even if they were released by popular artists. Here’s an inside look at some of the tracks I’ve played already and what you can expect to hear in the upcoming weeks!

1. Pretty Big Mouth – Count Five

Count Five was a band that peaked around 1966, as they were only able to release one album, “Psychotic Reaction,” before they broke up. Only one of their songs made it onto the charts. Despite their relative lack of notoriety, “Pretty Big Mouth” is a great song.

2. Paul – The Pyramids

The Pyramids were one of the last successful surf rock bands to emerge in the early 60s. Their one hit, “Penetration,” is heralded as a classic, but the rest of their discography was forgotten. “Paul” is a fantastic instrumental, especially if you’re into that California sunny surf vibe.

3. Eddie’s Rush – Ultimate Spinach

Ultimate Spinach is a weird band. Their psychedelic song, “Mind Flowers,” is usually what people remember them for, but in 1969 they transitioned to performing the blues and garage rock, as such was the trend. “Eddie’s Rush” is another great instrumental from their last album.

4. Psycho Daisies (Single B-Side) – The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds are one of my favorite bands, simply because their history is fascinating. Three of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, passed through the band at some point or another. “Psycho Daisies” is off “Roger the Engineer,” the only album that featured Beck as the sole guitarist.

5. Path Through the Forest – The Factory

The Factory is another band that didn’t quite make it out of the 70s, but “Path Through the Forest” is a superb psychedelic rock ballad.

6. Ease Back – The Meters

The Meters were possibly one of the best funk bands to walk this earth. Their work served as the foundation for the birth of hip-hop in the 80s! “Ease Back” is from their self-titled album, “The Meters,” released in 1969.

7. Soul Sanction – Booker T. & the M.G.’s

Another classic funk band, Booker T. & The M.G.’s showed the world how powerful Southern soul could be. With Booker T. Washington’s cutting organ lines, “Soul Sanction” is absolutely unreal.

8. Let Me Ride – Ginger Baker’s Air Force

Ginger Baker was most known for his role as the drummer in Cream, but god, do I wish he had done more with Ginger Baker’s Air Force. Branching off of the classic rock sound, Baker aimed to combine funk, soul, blues, and African music in his new project. Unfortunately, they only ended up releasing one album, “Do What You Like.”

9. Paranoia – Yesterday’s Children

Another band lost in the explosion of music in the late 60s was Yesterday’s Children. Combining heavy metal, glam rock, and that signature garage sound, they’re a true hidden gem.

Like what you see? Make sure to tune in to the Tangerine Hour every Friday!

– DJ Butter

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Band/Artist Profile Classic Album Review DJ Highlights Miscellaneous Playlists

Chip’s Picks

Album Cover for Jurassic Shark

You know those times when all of a sudden it feels like you’ve been hit with a wave of new, really good music out of nowhere? It’s the best feeling in the world. Finally, you can get yourself out of the same five-song rotation and expand your music taste, treating your ears to the soothing sounds of something new. I just recently happened upon this feeling for the first time in a while, and I would like to share it with you all. So, here is what I’ve been listening to lately. 

“My Cousin Greg” by Houndmouth 
You might know this band from the song “Sedona,” but if you dig deeper into their discography you can find that they actually have an array of songs that match “Sedona’s” energy. “My Cousin Greg” is like one of those songs that starts out smooth but eventually gets more and more exciting as it goes on. Perfect for any car ride with friends. 

“Evil Ways” by Santana
I heard this song for the first time in a while last weekend while I was in Wilmington. It was a beautiful day and I was driving to the beach with friends when this song came on. The sun was shining through the Spanish moss and illuminating the car as a wild guitar riff spun through the car. And now I think of that every time I listen to this song. 

“Blue Magic” by Kelly Hogan and Bill Taft 
This is one of those songs that is perfect for laying in bed at 3 AM and staring up at the ceiling. It has an echoing guitar with a vocalist to match it perfectly. It sounds very similar to “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane.

“Miracle” by Jurassic Shark 
Jurassic Shark is a nice little surf rock band that came out with the album “Miracle” back in 2014, however I’ve only just recently been getting into them. My favorite song off of the album is “Summer.” The sound of the song definitely lives up to its name. 

“Above Water” by Felly 
This song encapsulates the feeling of trying to make it through the first week of classes. No matter how stressful it gets to keep everything up to date, you just have to keep your head above water. 

Well I hope you guys enjoy the tunes,
-The DJ Formerly Known as Chippypants 

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Playlists

Best Spotify Playlists: Hip-Hop Edition

Ever at a loss to find new music? Fret no more sweet readers, because this week I’m going to cover some of my favorite rap and hip-hop Spotify playlists. When I first started at WKNC, I actually did an Underground show every Saturday night. It was super fun and I’m absolutely stoked that we’re extending Underground to play all day on Mondays too! These playlists are where I dug around to find new music, back then and now:

QUARANTINA – Flatbush Zombies

“QUARANTINA” was gifted to us in the Spring of 2020, right as COVID was starting to get really bad. The members of Flatbush Zombies, Zombie Juice, Meechy Darko and Erick the Architect, made this playlist filled with uplifting rap and r&b tunes to help out our anxious spirits. It’s a sample platter of different eras and genres of hip-hop from artists like Outkast, D’Angelo, and Mac Miller.

Spilled Ink – Spotify

This playlist is one of the best Spotify has to offer. It’s filled with the perfect mixture of underground and notable artists, including Freddie Gibbs, Deem Spencer, and LUCKI. Extremely lo-fi and very lyrical, it’s a great playlist to turn to for some nice ambiance music.

boom bap/chill rap – Dadswell

A bit more on the mainstream side of things, this playlist features artists like J. Cole, Joey Bada$$, and Kendrick Lamar. Nevertheless, the songs it does include from those big names are some of my favorites.

I Love My West Coast Classics – Spotify

WARNING: This playlist is only for people who can handle time traveling back to the 90s.The name says it all, but this Spotify curated playlist is a fantastic collection of some of the biggest hits in West Coast rap. If you’re into songs like “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube and “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz, you’re gonna love this one.

black creativity – Nej

You might recognize Raleigh-based rapper Lesthegenius on this playlist. With more of a softer tone, “black creativity” is something really worth sitting down and enjoying. It’s a beautiful collection of thoughtful r&b, soul, and rap.

– DJ Butter

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Playlists

Aging Up Playlist

Written By Miranda

Since my seventeenth birthday I’ve collected songs about the age I was turning for every birthday and made a playlist each year to assist the transition between my ages. There’s something comforting about knowing that the artists you identify with have also gone through the same things you are currently going through. This playlist is a collection of all the songs about being between the ages of seventeen and twenty-three. You can listen to the playlist here. 

  1. Seventeen by MARINA
  2. Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks 
  3. Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl by Broken Social Scene 
  4. Seventeen by Kevin Abstract 
  5. Dancing Queen by ABBA 
  6. 8TEEN by Khalid 
  7. Eighteen by Joyce Manor 
  8. 18 by One Direction 
  9. I’m Eighteen by Alice Cooper 
  10. Reinventing the Wheel to Run Myself Over by Fall Out Boy 
  11. Nineteen by Tegan and Sara 
  12. Perfect Places by Lorde 
  13. Pushing 20 by Sabrina Carpenter 
  14. 20 Something by SZA 
  15. Twenty One by Khalid 
  16. 21 and Invincible by Something Corporate 
  17. Leaves That Are Green by Simon & Garfunkel 
  18. 22 by Taylor Swift 
  19. What’s My Age Again? by blink-182
  20. Maintain Consciousness by Relient K
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Playlists

Friday Favorites (1/22)

Written By Miranda

Girl Like Me (feat. H.E.R.) – Jazmine Sullivan 

This track from Sullivan’s new album, “Heaux Tales,” is my favorite. If you love this song, check out my review of the album also on WKNC’s blog. 

The King of Carrot Flowers. Pt. One – Death Cab for Cutie 

Death Cab’s new “The Georgia EP” was released last week and features very well-done covers in the classic Death Cab style. I particularly like their Neutral Milk Hotel cover as their style complements the original song and definitely does it justice.  

Atomic Vomit – Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy’s recent album, “The Lo-Fis,” is filled with groovy alt-R&B, with this song in particular being especially appealing. I love the beat and vocals on this track and definitely recommend it. 

Good Days – SZA

SZA recently confirmed a new album release coming in 2021, and delighted fans with the drop of “Good Days” which seems to blend together her style from 2017’s “Ctrl” with her older projects such as “Z.” We’re all looking forward to her newest project. 

He Said (feat. Miguel) – dvsn

R&B fans will love this slow-jam from the very new release by dvsn on “Amusing Her Feelings.” 
To listen to this week’s Friday Favorites and every song from the past weeks, check out my playlist on WKNC’s Spotify.

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Playlists

WKNC’s top tracks of 2020

WKNC's Top Tracks of 2020

We reached out to our DJs and staff members here at WKNC and here are their responses for their top 3 songs of 2020. Every song named was released in 2020 so there’s no better way to find new music than to skim through this expansive list. These songs have also been added to a playlist on WKNC’s Spotify account.

Laura/DJ Beowvlf; GM

  • Deftones – “Genesis”
  • Oneohtrix Point Never – “the Whether Channel”
  • The Garden – “Fool’s Expedition”

Jamie Lynn; Station Adviser
Jamie was allowed more than 3 songs but she only gave us 2. We’ll allow it. 

  • Kississippi – “Around Your Room”
  • Tune-Yards – “nowhere; man.”

Molly/DJ Cicada; Program Director

  • Arca – “La Chiqui (ft SOPHIE)”
  • Shygirl – “Freak”
  • Yung Lean – “Dogboy”

Erika/The Saw; Chainsaw Rock Music Director and Content Manager

  • Boundaries – “Behind The Bend”
  • Upon A Burning Body – “Chains of Agony”
  • Ingested – “Black Pill”

Becca/M’Lady; Promotions Director

  • Oklou – “Gods Chariots”
  • Oneohtrix Point Never – “No Nightmares”
  • Monolithic – “Alone With You (Computer Data Remix)”

Gab/Beefless Poison; Sponsorship Director and Assistant Afterhours Music Director 

  • Magdalena Bay – “Good Intentions”
  • Coco & Clair Clair – “TLG”
  • Jessy Lanza – “All The Time”

Liz; Afterhours Music Director and Graphic Designer

  • Magdalena Bay – “Airplane”
  • Planet 1999 – “Party”
  • Kitty – “12th House”

Makayla; Underground Music Director

  • Loving – “Nihilist Kite Flyer”
  • Thundercat – “Funny Thing”
  • Cookiee Kawaii – “Rather Be”

Maddie/Buzz; Daytime Music Director

  • Fiona Apple – “Shameika”
  • Mamalarky – “Fury
  • Arlo Parks – “Black Dog”

Romir/THE FUNKY BUDDHA; Local Music Director

  • Thundercat – “Dragonball Durag”
  • Jrusalam – “DN&”
  • Metallica – “All Within My Hands (Live)”

Chip/the DJ formerly known as Chippypants; Assistant Daytime Music Director and Content Creator

  • Sir Chloe – “Sedona”
  • Papi Shiitake – “Sleepwalk”
  • Felly – “Weak Hearts”

Miranda; Blog Content Creator

  • Freddie Gibbs – “Scottie Beam”
  • Amaarae – “HELLZ ANGEL”
  • Joji – “MODUS”

Kyle/DJ Mango; Assistant Underground Music Director and Content Creator

  • Gabriel Garzon-Montano – “Everything is Everything”
  • D’Angelo – “Really Love”
  • Mac Miller – “Everybody”

Minh/Cozy P – Multimedia Director

  • Spillage Village – “Ea’alah (Family)”
  • Phoebe Bridgers – “Savior Complex”
  • Woodkid – “Pale Yellow”

Jaylan; Podcast Content Creator

  • The Weeknd – “After Hours”
  • Nothing But Thieves – “Phobia”
  • Pop Smoke – “Got It On Me”

Raney/DJ Butter; Blog Content Creator and Graphic Designer

  • Frank Ocean – “Dear April”
  • Greta Van Fleet – “Age of Machine”
  • Mac Demarco – “Here Comes The Cowboy (demo)”

Leeann/DJ Psyched; Content Contributor

  • Hayley Williams – “Pure Love”
  • Declan McKenna – “The Key to Life on Earth”
  • Rina Sawayama – “XS”

Caitlin; Content Contributor

  • Phoebe Bridgers – “I Know The End”
  • Rilo Kiley – “A Better Son/Daughter”
  • Maggie Rogers – “Dog Years”

Joey; DJ

  • Des Rocs – “Wayne”
  • Penelope Scott – “Dumpster”
  • Penelope Scott – “Lotta True Crime”

Three Bears in a Coat; DJ

  • Midnight Club – “Close Your Eyes”
  • Glass Cactus – “Anatasia”
  • Waters – “Hypocritical”

Patches; DJ

  • Viagra Boys – “Creatures”
  • Flatbush Zombies – “Afterlife”
  • JPEGMAFIA – “Rough 7”

DJ Sumatra

  • Gorillaz – “Pac Man”
  • Mac Miller – “Hand Me Downs”
  • Car Seat Headrest – “Deadlines”

Juhi; DJ

  • Sofie – “Guest”
  • Momma – “Habitat”
  • Jayda G – “Both of Us”

Museum Maddie; DJ

  • Sun Room – “Just Yesterday”
  • Fleet Foxes – “Can I Believe You”
  • Phoebe Bridgers – “Halloween”

Yung Mattro; DJ

  • 100 gecs – “hand crushed by a mallet remix”
  • Osees – “Scramble Suit II”
  • Aquiles Navarro; Tcheser Holmes – “NAVARROHOLMES”

Flowers McPowers; DJ

  • Habibi – “Angel Eyes”
  • Jeff Rosenstock – “Scram”
  • The Dune Sea – “Summers Over”

T -Time; DJ

  • Touche Amore – “Reminders”
  • Pinegrove – “The Alarmist”
  • snake eyes – “skeletons”

Squat Johnson; DJ

  • 100 gecs – “xXXi_wud_nvrstøp_ÜXXx (Remix)”
  • SLIFT – “Umoon”
  • Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – “Cars in Space”

Rainbow Riot; DJ

  • The Lemon Twigs – “Live in Favor of Tomorrow”
  • Mapache – “Me Voy Pa’l Pueblo”

Delusional Melodrama, DJ

  • Yves Tumor – “Gospel For A New Century”
  • Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B – “WAP”
  • Porridge Radio – “Sweet”

Sycamore Slim, DJ

  • Loma – “Ocotillo”
  • Joy Crookes – “Anyone But Me”
  • HAIM – “Don’t Wanna”

Cookie Cutter, DJ

  • Joywave – “Mr. Eastman”
  • Glass Animals – “Heat Wave”
  • The Strokes – “Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus”

Two -Tone, DJ

  • Hatari – “Klamstrakur”
  • Tupperware – “Blue Sky”
  • Linea Aspera – “Redshift”

Big Sam, DJ

  • RMR – “RASCAL”
  • U.S. Girls – “4 American Dollars”
  • Tame Impala – “It Might Be Time”

Big Hoss, DJ

  • Taylor Swift – “Mirrorball”
  • Bob Dylan – “Key West (Philosopher Pirate)”
  • Beverly Glenn-Copeland – “River Dreams”

DJ Traffic

  • Slow Leaves – “Half of the Bed”
  • Lil Uzi Vert – “Baby Pluto”
  • Tennis – “Need Your Love”

DJ Head Hunter

  • Jessie Ware – “Spotlight”
  • Thundercat – “Dragonball Durag”
  • Roisin Murphy – “Jealousy”

White Tiger, DJ

  • Cub Sport – “Drive”
  • Pinkish Blu – “Watermark” 
  • King Princess – “Pain”

DJ Scratch n Sniff

  • Glass Animals – “Your Love”
  • Sir Chloe – “Too Close”

Lil Witch, DJ

  • Yaeji – “Waking Up Down”
  • Coco & Clair Clair – “TLG”
  • adrianne lenker – “anything”

Deeanthony Jayanthony, DJ

  • Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi Bi – “WAP”
  • Mac Miller – “Good News” 
  • Clipping. – “Say The Name”

young iowa, DJ

  • Lil Uzi Vert – “Bean (ft. Chief Keef)”
  • Loathe – “Broken Vision Rhythm”
  • Deftones – “The Spell of Mathematics”

Lomain, DJ

  • Sylvan Esso – “Rooftop Dancing”
  • Anderson .Paak – “JEWELZ”
  • eevee – “Serenity”

Clearly, the tastes of our staff are all over the place. In all honesty, we originally intended to highlight a few albums that popped up several times across the spectrum, expecting a few to do so. This… did not happen but it’s actually rather exciting to see how far spread our genre influences are (wonderful for students working at a radio station). However, it should be noted that both Phoebe Bridgers (“Punisher”) and Mac Miller (“Circles”) were listed three times with Deftones, 100 gecs, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Hayley Williams following with two acknowledgments each. With 39 contributing students and 118 songs total this playlist is sure to cover every major genre and have hidden gems tucked in every corner. Give it a spin, let us know what you think on social media (@wknc881 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). Cheers to the New Year with hopefully another great line-up of releases to come.

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Playlists

Songs that got me through 2020

2020 Cover

As 2020 comes to an end (thank God), it’s time to review my favorite songs of 2020! Even though 2020 was not so great for some of us, there has been some great music released! Here are some of my favorite songs: 

Behind the Bend – Boundaries 

Okay, let’s be real. The song that this album is off of, “Your Receding Warmth,” is by far my favorite release of 2020 and will always be one of my favorites. It was hard for me to choose just one song BUT this song has always stood out to me. It has everything that is great with Boundaries – breakdowns, spoken word, and the riffs. Absolutely iconic. 

He Say She Say – Mulatto 

You all know I love me some bad bitch music and this was my number one song of 2020. No surprise that I literally had this song on repeat all the time! Mulatto just has this energy that I really connect to and she’s very upfront: she’s pretty and sweet but she will throw hands. That’s the type of energy I’m talking about!! Her voice in this song is powerful and strong; you can sense that she means what she raps about. I love music that shows raw emotions and isn’t just a front. 


Pretty Bitch Freestyle – Saweetie 

Another bad bitch song! Who would’ve thought? I love Saweetie and her freestyles are my personal favorite because she is really showing her personality and attitude. She talks about staying on “Hot Girl Energy” even through quarantine and honestly, I think every girl should stay on their “Hot Girl Energy.” 

Chains of Agony – Upon A Burning Body

We all know that I love Upon A Burning Body. I had to put a song off of their EP. UABB brings the riffs and pure aggression to their music and they have really improved their sound from their previous records! 

I hope you enjoyed a snippet of the songs that got me through 2020!! 

Stay Metal, 

THE SAW 

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Playlists

Friday Favorites 12/18/20

  1. Show Out (feat. Skepta & Pop Smoke) by Kid Cudi: After 10 years, Kid Cudi has followed up MOTM II with the third installment, The Chosen. Keep your eyes peeled for my review of the new album!
  2. SLIME by Shygirl: UK artist Shygirl perfectly captures the grime of the nightclub with “SLIME.” Produced in part by SOPHIE, the track combines rumbling sub bass with futuristic synth effects and, of course, Shygirl’s primal vocals.
  3. Quiche by Chukwu: This cut by Chukwu features an eerie percussion loop and foreboding bass – the perfect foundation for his gruff delivery and cold-blooded bars.
  4. The Other Lover by Little Dragon and Moses Sumney: Moses teams up with Little Dragon to bring us “The Other Lover,” a meditation on love triangles complete with synth swells and horn lines.
  5. Watch Me (feat. Joey Bada$$) by Statik Selektah: Statik Selektah’s new album The Balancing Act is packed full of features from some of the biggest names in hip-hop like Nas, 2 Chainz and Killer Mike. A personal favorite is “Watch Me,” featuring Joey Bada$$.
  6. JOURNEY by Tobe Nwigwe: 2020 saw the release of Tobe Nwigwe’s THE PANDEMIC PROJECT. “JOURNEY,” with its gospel/hip-hop crossover appeal is a highlight for sure.
  7. What It Feels Like by Potatohead People: This track features a sticky guitar loop, horn sections and verses from T3, Illa J and Kapok.
  8. SUPER TUESDAY! by JPEGMAFIA: EP!, Peggy’s latest offering, is a collection of singles released throughout the year, with “SUPER TUESDAY!” being the latest. This one finds him rapping with a measured flow over a soulful string sample.

– DJ Mango

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Playlists

December 2020 Sample Platter

  1. Suzie Thundertussy by Junie Morrison: The Madlib-produced song “No More Parties in LA” heavily samples this song’s intro to create the backdrop for Kendrick and Kanye’s spectacular verses.
  2. What More Can I Say by The Notations: This song was looped by Knxwledge in the song “What More Can I Say” by NxWorries, where Anderson .Paak sings about his unfaithful disposition.
  3. Huit octobre 1971 by Cortex: Fans of MF DOOM will recognize the soaring vocals of this track from “One Beer,” a highlight on his MM…FOOD album.
  4. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach: Busdriver’s “Imaginary Places” samples the flute motif from this Bach suite and speeds it up to a feverish pace, making for one of the most creative and unique samples in all of hip-hop.
  5. Love Theme from The Robe by Yusef Lateef: Nujabes’ brand of laid back, sample-driven beats were a predecessor to the lo-fi hip-hop genre. “Feather,” which samples “Love Theme from The Robe,” is a great example of this.
  6. Ten Et Tiwa by Alain Goraguer: Flying Lotus flipped this one into what we know as “Black Balloons Reprise” featuring Denzel Curry, which has a eerie flute lead and trunk-knocking drums.
  7. Why Not by Yoko Ono: JPEGMAFIA sampled the intro of this song to make the best for “3 Tearz,” a Danny Brown joint featuring Run the Jewels.
  8. In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington: Mac Miller chopped up the main piano motif from this classic jazz standard to make “Diablo,” which is one of his best beats.

– DJ Mango

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Playlists

DJ Mango’s Top 10 Songs of 2020

Album art for Bishouné: Alma del Huila by Gabriel Garzón-Montano
Album art for Bishouné: Alma del Huila by Gabriel Garzón-Montano

It’s that time of year again! The days are getting shorter, hyperconsumerism is at a seasonal high, and Spotify has released its annual Spotify Wrapped – a look back at your streaming habits throughout the year. Here are the ten songs I listened most this year, in order. Be warned – the list is a little stacked.

10. Sugah Daddy by D’Angelo: From the catchy piano vamp to the bouncy horn sections and quirky vocal scatting, this song is sure to have your head bobbing – just as mine was all year.

9. Everybody by Mac Miller: This cover of Arthur Lee’s “Everybody’s Gotta Live,” with its group vocals and steady drums, is a perfect fit for Mac Miller. Like the rest of his posthumous album Circles, it is simultaneously melancholy and uplifting.

8. Agüita by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: GGM’s first official foray into Latinx hip-hop pays off with “Agüita,” a rapid-fire track that explores the different meanings of the word. Check out my review of Agüita here!

7. Plastic by Moses Sumney: From 2017’s Aromanticism comes the ethereal “Plastic,” a guitar-driven ballad that explores unrequited love and unrealistic expectations. The sparse instrumentation allows Moses’ fragile and angelic voice to take center stage.

6. Really Love – Live from Spotify NYC by D’Angelo: “Really Love” is possibly my favorite D’Angelo song. The Live from Spotify NYC performance is my favorite version thanks to the extended string intro and jam-session outro. Check out my thoughts on D’Angelo’s album Black Messiah right here!

5. Good News by Mac Miller: Gently plucked strings and understated drums serve as the backdrop as Mac explores how the people around him only want to hear “good news.”

4. Keep On Running by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: “Keep On Running” opens with two simple piano chords and builds with drums and bass, and before you know it the song is a full-fledged funk feature.

3. Crawl by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: “Crawl” makes codependency catchier than ever before, thanks to its bouncy bass and earworm of a chorus.

2. 6 8 by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: This song, which was sampled in “Jungle,” is a great example of the Drake Effect – that is, the tendency for artists to blow up after being featured on a Drake song. But regardless of its sample status, “6 8” remains a simple, yet beautifully crafted song.

1. Everything is Everything by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: Last but not least, my top streamed song of 2020 was Everything is Everything by Gabriel Garzón-Montano. I knew from the very first time I heard it that I would be hooked.  The syncopated vocal harmonies, unique percussion, and catchy melodies come together in a way that never fails to flood my brain with serotonin every time I hear it. I could go on for hours about how much this song means to me, but I won’t. But I could. You can read more about my thoughts on this song – and the rest of the EP – right here.

That’s the list! What were your top songs of 2020?

– DJ Mango