Favorite Songs of 2020 by the Friends of Like Water
2020 was a different experience for many. We sat down and asked some of our friends what songs defined their year, and what each song meant to them.
Top 5 Songs - Jonathan Deams (avid music listener & neo-soul lover)
1. Dead Man Walking - Brent Faiyaz
Brent uses smooth melodic vocals, combined with braggadocios lyrics to create a sound that makes me feel like I’m the man. No doubt a confidence-giving song to listen to before a first date, or a night out on the town.
2. Holy Water - Orion Sun
A song about love. A song about devotion. A song about having someone who reciprocates that love and devotion. Warm lyrics that give you the space to think about your special someone. As always, Orion Sun delivers top notch vocals and production.
3. Drankin N Smokin - Future and Lil Uzi Vert
Released late into 2020 on their collaboration album Pluto x Baby Pluto, “Drankin N Smokin” is titled with two of my favorite activities. The strings in the production can be heard all throughout the track making this song addictive even before the raw and toxic lyrics of the 2 artists.
4. Brandy - Full Crate ft. Kyle Dion
Fun and uptempo production from Full Crate combined with the scintillating vocals of Kyle Dion… Whats not to love? An upbeat, futuristic, and soulful song that just makes you want to drink and dance! I love this song so much and I really wish it got a bigger buzz.
5. Ice T - Tems
Written, produced and performed by the multi-talented Tems, “Ice T” uses soothing instrumentation and vocals to express lyrics are an ode to self-confidence. Her true R&B vocal ability is showcased with this song, and it has consistently given me chills.
Honorable Mention: Snowchild - The Weeknd
Possibly the most underrated song from After Hours, Abel once again delivers dark and gloomy perfection. Without need for any exquisite instrumentals, its the emotional and chilling lyrics that make the song. They feel almost dangerous, yet somehow magnetic & relatable.
Top 5 Songs - Bianca Perez
Don’t Start Now - Dua Lipa
I heard this song a few times in passing earlier this year. However, It wasn’t until a few months ago when I was supposed to be studying that I did a full binge of Dua Lipa’s new album and this song stuck out the most. In addition to the timeless pop sound of the song, the lyrics are reflective of how much has changed for me in the past year. Now I can’t stop listening to it. I highly recommend the disco remixes for a groovy tune.
Los Angeles - HAIM
HAIM really makes this girl who has never been to LA understand why it’s home to them. The chorus is perfect for jamming and also relatable to how I felt this year.
Running - Johnnyswim
Part of an album made with complete strangers, Abner and Amanda Grace Ramirez made a song that helped remind not to lose faith even with the turmoil of this year. Amanda’s vocals never cease to get me either.
Borderline - Tame Impala
If there was a sound I was trying to grab a hold of this year, Borderline definitely was that sound. All of Tame Impala’s new album was a trip, but Borderline helped me groove and forget about any worries.
Exile - Taylor Swift (ft. Bon Iver)
Big oof. It wasn’t 2020 if you weren’t in your feels at one point or another. This song put to words how I felt about something I went through pretty much by myself. Bon Iver on the track also reflects how much of his music I spent hours listening to.
This year was tough to say the least. I’m grateful to these artists for helping all of us get through it and producing music that resonated with with us in our own ways. The music I listened to helped me either escape from the world or feel the weight of it. Anyways, here’s to hopeful days and good music.
