2019 was a big year for music. Rock, pop, hip-hop and
R&B all had their big moments in the spotlight. Billie Eilish and Lizzo
bolted onto the scene with incredible, unique takes on what popular music could
be. Taylor Swift, Eilish, Post Malone and more dominated the airwaves and the
charts. Genres intersected to come up with some interesting and groundbreaking
collaborations.
There have been some great songs to come out of this
prosperous year in music. With 2019 almost at its end, Vinyl Bay 777, Long
Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite tunes.
Here are nine (and a bunch more) that made us think and feel this year.
1.
Vampire Weekend, “Harmony Hall”: Vampire Weekend
made their big return this year, releasing an amazing album of alt-rock hits. I
love the 90s-meets-current style the band has cultivated on the album, mixing
in fun melodies with serious, thought-provoking lyrics. “Harmony Hall” is on
another level though. Its mix of 90s melody, 70s flower-power and modern day
worry. It’s upbeat and contemplative at the same time and political without
being overtly political. (video)
2.
AJR, “Dear Winter”: AJR had another great year
in 2019, releasing ‘Neotheater’ in the second quarter of the year. While “100
Bad Days” is a standout single with a big sound, I’m going to go with “Dear
Winter” as one of my favorites. The vulnerability in Jack Met’s voice and words
as he sings to his future child is palpable. You sympathize with how in his
head he is and the loneliness he feels and how excited he is to one day have
kids. It’s an emotional song and you’re there for every moment of it. (video)
3.
Finneas, “I Lost A Friend”: Not just the
producer of sister Billie Eilish’s music, Finneas put out some fantastic music
of his own this year. “I Lost A Friend” is a minimalist, piano &
snare-driven track is well-written and brimming with emotion. With every
plunked note and vocal strain you hear his pain as he sings about having a
falling out with his friend. (video)
4.
The Highwomen, “Redesigning Women”: Girl power
was prevalent in country music in 2019, and no supergroup encompasses that more
than The Highwomen and their debut single “Redesigning Women.” The quartet of Brandi
Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires joined together this
year as an answer to the Highwaymen. “Redesigning Women” is an anthem for hardworking
women everywhere who break the mold, acting as both homemaker and breadwinner
and then some. (video)
5.
Ice Nine Kills, “IT Is The End”: After seeing
the video for “IT Is The End,” I was hooked on the creativity that is Ice Nine
Kills’ music. The song, as well as the video, is based off the film ‘IT,’ and
does a really good job of retelling the film’s plot in an interesting and
entertaining way. (video)
6.
Lizzo feat. Missy Elliott, “Tempo”: While many
are putting “Juice” or “Truth Hurts” on their year-end lists, I’m going with
the Lizzo song that first caught my ear, “Tempo.” What made it for me was the
beat, pacing and the body positivity of the lyrics. I also enjoyed Missy
Elliott’s appearance on the song because both artists’ styles meld so well
together. This generation needs a Missy Elliott and Lizzo is her. (video)
7.
NF, “The Search”: Music about mental health has
been a big theme in 2019 as the stigma and curtain hiding it has started to
lift. NF’s “The Search” confronts the effects of anxiety and OCD head on in
beautifully crafted verse. He’s candid about his struggles and what he’s
feeling, giving listeners an outlet to feel less alone with their thoughts. (video)
8.
Ozzy
Osbourne, “Under The Graveyard”: This year brought the return of the Prince
of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Despite having to postpone his farewell tour due to
a string of injuries, the former Black Sabbath frontman released his first new
music in a decade this year. His first single, “Under The Graveyard” proves
that he hasn’t lost his edge. The song features Osbourne’s characteristic
haunting vocals and instrumental-heavy melody, as well as contemplative, dark
lyrics that take inspiration from his life. (video)
9.
Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”: Despite not having
featured Billie Eilish’s breakout track on any of my previous weekly lists, I’d
be remiss if I didn’t include “Bad Guy” on this year-end one. Usually songs
with whisper-sung vocals don’t go as viral as this track, especially ones where
the vocal is just so creepy (sorry, it just is). Then you also have the upbeat,
zany bridge, which is completely different from the rest of the song (“duh”).
This eclecticism is what makes “Bad Guy” one of 2019’s standout tracks, whether
you’re sick of hearing it or not. (video)
Further Listening:
·
I Prevail, “Hurricane”: (video)
·
Waterparks, “Turbulent”: (video)
·
Charly Bliss, “Capacity”: (video)
·
Meg & Dia, “American Spirit”: (video)
·
Set It Off, “Dancing With The Devil”: (video)
·
The Darkness, “Rock and Roll Deserves to Die”: (video)
·
We The Kings, “Turn It Up”: (video)
·
Simple Plan feat. State Champs & We The
Kings, “Where I Belong”: (video)
As 2019 comes to a close, it’s compelling to take a look
back at the year that was, including the music that brought us so much joy over
the last 12 months. Check out some of our favorites in the list above and let
us know what some of your favorite songs from the past year were in the
comments below.
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top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in
a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new
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store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re
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covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you
never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.
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