Yes, yes that is right I went through all the songs posted in the year 2020 and ranked all of them by my own metric. Am I going to miss a few of them, it's very possible because people also post on websites like Soundcloud, Youtube, their own website. But I went through over 100 songs/albums/streaming sites and compiled a list of those songs in a google slide and went through all of them giving it a ranking of 1*(star) to 10*(stars) Spoilers nobody got a 10 or a 1, cause I'm a stiff judge.
Read Hards Down and out 7*
Foreshadowing what the year was going to be like dark and depressing but it gets better if you keep pushing. You know what you get when you listen to a Read Hards single.
Barbie Doll Shut the Fuck Up 6*
Indie Pop isn't my thing, but I been looking at it as music for moods and if that is the case there is a space for this song and I can see it being played in the background. Radio censored version is something that you will catch yourself singing without knowing.
Billy Attention 9* Sultry, hot, dripping with sex appeal. If you want to have a song play in the background to get you ready to put the moves on someone you would want to listen to this. Vocals played in earphones could turn things hot and heavy quickly (Recommended)
The Torchlight Revival 1937 5* the Debut E.P. from a new rock band has some talent there, I can get with the storytelling but I also know I'm not the target audience for it. Favorite song from the EP Tell 'em Song about moving out and getting stuff done in your life going through rough patches but having to tell people back home you are doing better. Interested to see what they do next.
Amy-Jayne Tick Tock (Ft. Cameron Jacobson) 5* Amy-Jayne Tick tock single is okay, Round this time there wasn't a lot of new music so her return was well received, I do like her voice and personality, I would have liked to hear this song by herself and have a guest feature on a remix. Not saying that Cameron sounds off but it comes in a way that slightly throws me off.
Ellie-Grace Summers Monday's Love 6* I'm not a big fan of these types of love songs but the pop/techno/disco in the back makes this better for me. I liked other songs on her album MANTRA better but I can see why this was picked.
Public Warning Ache & Breathe 4* I don't like the music picked for something that talks about relationships the production really takes away what would be a decent song. While Ellie's production was able to pull me in Public Warning music pushed me away.
Stefani Vola Problems 8* Productions make a difference. it doesn't take long for you to bop your head and tap your foot to this song and vocals wise Stefani has the abilities to fill in with the music to makes this enjoyable. I would put this on my playlist anytime and not worry about what setting I'm in. (Recommended)
Nick Urie Cupid 7* Nick can sing play music and with this the beginning of his rollout for his EP "The First Time" this is a good intro. High school feeling to it.
Public Warning A moveable Feast 5* Some song on this debut album is catchy and Beau can really do well with his vocals. You can tell that this was independently done with some choices in production and not enough separations of voices. You can come away thinking that this is Beau and friends and not Public Warning. Beau is a talented singer but the others can sing as well and aren't just there for harmony. Favorite song Pillow talkin Classic see a girl and try to get the girl.
Read Hards - California Streaming 7*
The album for the ever consistent Read hards from serious to playful album is underrated and should be talked about more, a guilty pleasure of mine is listening to their songs. favorite song Takin' out the Trash We all know that girl that is so in love that she doesn't know the guy is a piece of shit. The feels for this hits.
The Torchlight Revival- Jukebox Casanova's -6* it's decent from the ep that came out earlier in the year. Radio and spin-friendly, while personally like other songs this was a safe radio choice and it is catchy enough to make people want to look them up.
Johnny Carter - Back That Up 5*
Johnny is signed to Just Record Records which has the door opens to all kinds of acts but there is a hip-hop flair with TJ Cousins AKA Kidd Amaze running it. Johnny trying to go for a trap sound and it is different, but I like his pop stuff better. I'm not saying it is wrong to experiment with different sounds and not be put in a box but the lyrics seem to have more of a pop feel to them.
Brandon Caulfield - Straight On Out 6*
This song is what it is a song about moving on and knowing that a relationship is over the guitar throughout is nice and it something that you put on when you are in "that" mood.
Deneil -Whistlin 8* (Recommend) Straight out the gate the productions throws me off. the music seems like a throwback and Deneil heavy on the accent in this song. I don't know why I like this song when you break it apart but together the song "hits different", I hate I had to say that to describe this song.
Cinzia x Sabina Strength 8* (Recommend) two talented singers on a good clean beat, if you listen to this song once the hook will be stuck in your head for at least the next few minutes.
Stephanie Fierce Psycho Love 8* (Recommend)
Credit miss Fierce with the vocals here that give this song a higher score than just the music. The music is alright but how her voice fills in brings it up a notch.
The Harlots - None Given
7* The project is short but it is interesting. I'm a fan of off the wall stuff so this is right up my alley. Favorite Song Just the frosted tip. Nothing like expressing your love to Guy Fieri food town is already great.
Cristina Lake Show Your Scars 9* (Recommend) When you have a voice like Cristina you don't have to do much, the guitar, a drum. Simple, great songwriting, and a killer voice and you have one of the best songs of the year.
The JOLLiES - Meet Me At Soda Pop 6* Poppy, bubbly, what you expect when you drink a soda. Has the feels of an old school meets new school vibe.
Chicago Nobody -Bubblegum 7* The production is crazy and the Chicago has put some flair in the vocals. It is really just too busy sound-wise for me to really hear what he saying. The music at times overtakes his voice but this is a good song no less.
Tika Mays Ready to fly 5* Debuts goes this is pretty standard nice club beat to get people to listen. This goes to the clubs and bars to get your name out there her album Strictly Business coming up later people will be interested knowing "Oh that's the song."
Den - Uncover it 5* I don't know about this being "controversial" A song about past relations and what it was really like with the ex. This might have been dark and edgy if Joshua didn't do what he did. Points for having a flow towards the end.
Diego Lopez Goodbye 5* another sad love song, Diego has a soothing voice and this is okay for what it is, a debut single.
Joshua Grimmie Surprise 8* (Recommend) While the song is in a few places vague like the Uncover it single from Den, it is also straight to the point. "Fuck 'em" mentality that you feel instead of the soft wistful melody of Den.
Payton Goofy 7* Payton has made a name for himself as that braggadocious rapper. Some get rubbed the wrong way but you can't deny the skill and talent and this song is one of those where you listen and nod your head to it.
Stephanie Fierce Lost in Electronica Album 8* (Recommend) for those that don't know disco is dead. Sorry to be the keeper of bad news, I mean is it really dead if it has grown to be something different, Still Stephanie takes on this retro disco, house, the vibe is interesting and it is a welcome to see that a lot of effort as gone into this. Give it to the person in your life that hated the disco fact so they can rub it in my face. Favorite song psycho love
Sabina- Electroheart album 8* pop beats and good vocals plus some features that really enhance the project without taken away from the main singer. Great work was done on this, favorite single I'm surprised myself but Get Outta the way is a great track.
Tika Mays Strictly Business album 6* You know Tika has the making of a star. She has a good work ethic and you see it later but she is a hard worker and talented. For a debut album, it was a good intro. favorite song Could & Couldn't Do. I like the product and like the lyrics for this one personally.
Tisha Jackson, It's My House 8* (recommend) I actually had to pull the dictionary out for this one to find out what "parvenus" mean but bold, proud, has a dignity to it. great song.
Kara Romero Cruel as shit 6* Talks about broken hearts and the bad relationship was heavy this month but instead of the typical let's break up, let's say in this fucked up relationship cause this was what I wanted and I refuse to give up. A lot of people feel that way.
Tika Mays Ready to fly Remix 7* The beat was the same but there is a featured artist Payton and he does bring that swag to it.
Public Warning Art of Letting Go 3* I'm not a fan of slow songs like this One voice outshine again and the music seems to drag on for me. Didn't like it.
Paige Wesley Dirty 5* I like those strong vocals and this is DJ's hurricane debut as well Production-wise props to the DJ.
Diego Lopez Long Time Progress 6* this is a decent duet, I can see this as a nice single to do for award time. The falsetto is a little high for me but it was not too hard.
Kara Romero The Therapy Sessions EP 8* (Recommend) This ep lyrically wise the best I heard all year it is no wonder she won for Best Female Artist. harsh, gritty, cold reality. Favorite song Regrets
Read Hards - Not on my watch Taking out the trash 7* I don't really like the taking out the trash but Heidi is hiding something is a song that I vibe with on a personal level.
Nick Urie Cliche Love *6
Cliche is about right with this. Urie can sing, we know he has talent but this doesn't blow my socks off. Production is alright but not great or pulls me in.
Samantha Stevens - Give me everything 6*
This has a flare to it but this is a good start nothing too flashy but is talented nonetheless.
Nick Urie -The First Time 7* There is a pop icon in here somewhere, and I can hear flashes of great talent when listening to this, It's good but I feel like this is scratching the surface of something better. I hope that as time goes by this was the weakest album Nick will do so part of this grade is projecting into that could be Favorite song: Skin sounds funky and good lyrics but I would have liked this even more if this was a house remix with beat switch-ups and beat drops.
Teethdevoursnake - Abhorrent Carnivore 6* Sick beat, I been listening to pop music a lot so this comes in and back you bang your head with your fingers up. More, please.
The Jollies - Squad Goals 6* Ah more pop music, okay, it was fine. There was one song that I really like that I like to imagine a grandpa and grandma put on and they start dancing to it. Album has something for the whole family. Favorite single: Emotions in the moonlight, listen to it and close your eyes tell me who do you see dancing to this.
Silver Spoons - New Thang 7* Before you can see his cheeks in the photo you can hear his cheeks on the radio. I really like this, the music was funky and it was a whole vibe. Good Job mister cheeks.
Tika Mays - I wanna Love you More 7* The music video was nice and slick, I'm always impressed when people put out nice visuals, I guess this was the month for that?
iCandy- Crazy Shit 6* I remember that there were a lot of k-pop groups and acts, well iCandy is here and this was good.
Trinity Love - I ain't Know You (Like That) 8* (recommended). It has been a minute since I recommended something but like all-girl groups, you need to hit it off with a bang and this was a bang with the music to vocals and music video, Shades of SYNCO and GirlSpice.
Gemma Kane Sinner 8* (recommended) Gemma has been consistent with her work but this feels big a special for her return, lyrically great and the video sets this over the top. This is starting off strong.
Chicago Nobody Feat Suzie -Sticky'n'sweet 7* Still not much of a fan of Suzie, but it works in this context. Chicago is coming in with a vibe and Suzie fits that vibe and he carries the single.
The Jollies - Emotions in the moonlight 7* my favorite single off their album, I just like the mood and the music and it gets me to dance.
Kara Romero Are We One Feat. Jay-C & Stephanie Fierce 8* (Recommended) Oh okay we are getting deep, political, and questioning government sign me up.
Orion- Fuck me Over 9* (recommended) This top the charts for a reason I like Kara Romero EP and Orion was a big part of that project and this single shows that they have talent more than I can hold. Super excited.
Trinity Love Crazy Horse 7* This album is a mixed bag I either jam on the song like "I got it going" or I don't like it at all "Good man" Some of the songs will be on my playlist.
Stardom Boys- I do 7* the beat is nice the boys sound well. For a debut, this was pretty polished.
iCandy More Kisses 9* (Recommended) come for the song stay for the visuals. the music video is stunning a sight behold. If you don't do anything else watch the music video and you will not be disappointed.
Keshia Love - I have to let you go 6* it was fine, kind of generic, it's going to be hard to follow iCandy up and this was fine, that's it.
The Stat Nerds 8* (Recommended) Hi boys, fancy meeting you guys here, just sneak in and drop a banger I see. Such good chemistry
Nichole Shade - Die Kicking 9* (Recommended) first off I'm shocked Nichole pick something Funky? and the indie-pop fusion of this blew my mind seriously. This was like a scary good combo.
Ada- I'm Yours 6* Meh, Kind of a let down next to Nichole. it's typical so it isn't that bad it is what I expect. It was just a tough act to follow for real.
Johnny Carter Feat Deneil Take It Home 6* It's fine, I'm not spoiled and needed to take a break. Deneil brings a nice addition and Johnny has a smooth sound with the beat. It just doesn't Pop but it isn't bad.
Blake - Rewrite 5* If you just read the lyrics this is a more enjoyable experience, but listening to the music feels off. Blake has a talent for songwriting but I question his choice of music, like Roses, HARD pass. He doesn't have the chops to do other things besides pop music. Favorite Song. Fixer upper Pop and R&B this is your bread and butter keep it here.
Brandon Caulfield When the Fire goes out 6*- I imagine him coming out with a guitar singing this in my opinion the better between the two but it the same old thing.
Brandon Caulfield Sunday Night Blues 6* Meh blues feels to it but it around the same subject matter Bad relationships. The weaker take of it.
Orion - Make America Breathe Again 8* (Recommended) Finally a change-up from relationships songs, I'm all for it. Sadly, someone tell Boa that change is going to come someday but that day isn't coming around that corner any time soon.
Proximo I wanna 8* (Recommended) I'm a sucker for good dance tracks. This single got everyone dancing and for good reason, the boys are back, and there looks like boy's bands come in with some music this year.
Read Hards Trojan Horse 7* I don't really like the lead single, being honest, he doesn't have the same tongue in cheek that I'm used too but ICU I like.
Trinity Love Make it right 7* Like I said Crazy horse was a mixed bag but the pick a good one for the promo track. Good Job team!
Vara Gallo - Princess 8* (Recommended) If there was ever a song that girls were going to catch on to, That "I'm a bad bitch," anthem of 2020 it would be this one. This might have more ego bragging and self-promoting than any rap song out there.
Sophia Delaney -Just Friends 6* I can put it in the background but nothing to pull you in a passable debut.
Blake - Feel 5* Didn't like it on the album didn't like it as a single.
Stephanie Ortiz- Free to Love 6* I'm sure people looked at this as a win for anyone to love anyone, but I'm sure lots of groups that were unintended to play this song as a rallying cry. the song itself is okay.
Sliver spoons Break Your Back Ft. XXX 6* Umm I don't know if this is a serious song you play to get in the mood, of something you just throw on in gentlemen clubs. Seems like mood music but don't listen to the lyrics too closely. I had to and got the weirdest boner.
Nadia Berry Back to Me - 8* (Recommended) another love song, why am I giving this one a good score, music, vocals, and talent that's why. This song is more about a focus on oneself then "He did me wrong time to get back at him"
Christina Mereno Amor Me More 6* Alright lesson time, Christina is okay for a listen but this doesn't grab people to make them interested in your future works.
Read Hards - the Queue at Arby's is too long 7* Some unreleased tracks, some off the wall songs. I enjoyed this.
DJ Rashai -1001 Nights ft. Deneil, Payton & Zafari 6* This is one of those "DJ put us together on a song and mixed it together" I don't think we had stuff like this before but it is decent. For his part, he did great picking something that the artist can vibe with.
Paige Wesley - Good Lover 6* powerful vocals is becoming a trend of hers and I like this song better the last one was kind of a club hit but this one has more depth to me, I was looking for more than just strong singing ability, we have great singers here, you have to bring something else to the table and good songwriting helps that.
Nichole Shade- Anymore 7* First of all it was going to be hard top die kicking personally my favorite song was of right now from Nichole, but this song the frame and the emotion when you hear it. Props to you Nichole.
Billy - Gemini 6* I was expecting a shift in production when talking about Gemini for those two sides of the same coin, but nope this was billy saying "I'm a player I just crush a lot" "don't hate the player hate the game" Solid.
Samantha Stevens - Burning Up 6* This beat goes hard with a middle eastern vibe and Samantha coasts through it. There parts I don't know what she is saying, but I vibe to it.
Tika Mays - I don't Need You 6* Listened to this on the album it was alright. It wasn't my favorite song but I know a radio song when I hear it.
Diego Lopez Get it Up (Pon De Replay) Ft. Slim Money 7* hype dance music. No relationship feels, no getting over hard break, simple classic, "Let's dance" music.
Jade - Like That (7*) I didn't rate this cause I didn't know what was being said so I called in a favor and had someone do the rating and this is what they said. "El ritmo es algo que también se puede bailar, además de que es un ritmo lento que te tiene muy cerca. El club banger seguro" They said it was good so who am I to tell them they are wrong.
Payton - Payton Season 6* Payton season was the album that Payton released this year and to me, he does his best work when their are other people involved. Throughout the year no matter if it is for himself or him being the feature, he seems to shine more when he is with others. Favorite Track At the Top Three hip hop rap artists with different styles and flows that come out so well.
