SURPRISE!!! This year, I’m not gonna half-ass my annual Music Highlights post!
🦗🦗🦗

Since we were ALL pretty much lazy in 2020, I thought it was important to whole-ass this series for the new year.

So, I’m here to bless y’all with some tunes you may have missed out on during the dump-fire year, known as 2020!
—and yes, I say “blessed” now. IDK what to tell ya. Weird year. Not Proud.

Queso🧀

FAVORITE NEW ARTIST

Model Man
SONG: The Hill

I discovered Model Man earlier in the year, and from what I gathered: they’re a Dance/Electronic duo from the UK. That’s it.

I literally could not find much about them, just their social accounts with pics of two dudes and links to their music…haha. But, it adds up.

Spotify’s wonderful algorithm suggested Model Man’s “The Hill,” from keeping track of me listening to related artists like: Maribou State, Four Tet, and Tourist. So if you’re into any of those, check ‘em out!

I love a good instrumental track while I work, to vibe and not totally distract me. This one I would play, feel relaxed, and not even notice it’s been in repeat for an hour(+) . . . so you’re welcome, Man.

That’s probably how it ended up making my #3 Top Song this year.

More Model Man
worth checking out:
“Beta” || “Running” || “Ketones”

Favorite Remixed Track of 2020

Beck
SONG: No Distraction (Khruangbin Remix)

The award for ‘I didn’t realize I liked this song so much / Can’t believe I didn’t include it in my Best 2020 Remixes blog’ goes to… [⬆] BECK! 🤦🏻‍♀️

I still stand by my choices in that post, just surprised I missed the one by Houston, TX natives Khruangbin (!!!) in honor of Beck’s 50th, that ALSO happened to make it pretty high in my Top 2020 Songs list.

*exhales*

I have justified this #fail by saying it also was early in the year; shit was crazy. Also, had more time in my rotation. But whatever.

Anyway, I learned a lot (musically) in a previous job working at a production music company. And since that, I have been more appreciative of instrumental music and its power creatively. [see: your senses]

When in my creative bubble, seeking no distractions 😉— ambient music is my go-to.

*MORE AMBIENT / TRIP HOP TRACKS THAT MADE MY 2020 LIST:
- “Exodus [Instrumental]” — De La Soul (2016)
- “One Last Time” — Moby (2020)
- “Why Do Cowboys Never Die In The East [Ambient Version]” — Laurence Guy (2019)
- “May the First” — Royal Yellow (2020)
- “It Ain’t Easy” — Hidden Spheres (2017)

*these made my [2020] Top 100 Songs,
but I still HIGHLY recommend checking out more from all these artists!

Noticing a pattern here?
I am. NOW.

Makes sense since in this FN chaos of 2020, one needed to find peace.

I see my Top Songs 100% reflected that with genres like Low-Fi / Trip hop / Downtempo / Ambient / Chillwave Music leading the board.

Good job, Spotify …I think?? (It might know me TOO well)

—————
OK, since I know you all are wondering…
(JK, I don’t care)
Here’s my…

Top Artist of 2020!

*drumroll*

✨🏆✨
James Blake!

Looking back, I’m like… why so sad? KIDDING. He legit had some amazing songs this year.

Example: Though I was in lockdown alone, James made me feel in love…
—specifically with his gf, Jameela Jamil 😍 #GOALS

[Y’all, I even watched his Insta live performance at home; I never click on those ON PURPOSE.]

You can truly feel the love in his new tunes (and that voice! JEEZ. Always gently taps my dead heart).

I don’t know what else to tell ya. But “I Keep Calling” freakin’ SLAPS* —as does “You’re Too Precious” 💘

Fun Fact: James Blake was in my Top 10 songs 3x this year!

• #4: I Keep Calling

• #5: You’re Too Precious

• #9: Are You Even Real?
  
  
  

Last, but not least…

THE COMEBACK KID 🏅

A tip of the hat to my fave,

The Cure
SONG: “Disintegration”

If you’ve kept up with me, this is not a shock. What is funny is that it landed at #2 for the second year in a row!

So now I guess it has officially surpassed my other personal favorite: “3 Libras” by A Perfect Circle.

And if that doesn’t tell you anything about me, then you ain’t been paying attention, son.

To view my entire 2020 Top Songs, click here.

And to view all songs I’ve featured through the Music series, follow this playlist:

Also, I love checking out new music, so please drop ANY favorites below!

Honorable Mentions

still played in 2021, but didn’t make the cut last year:
_______________

• “feel away” — slowthai (feat. James Blake and Mount Kimbie)

  • with lyrics like: “But truthfully, ain’t quite the bitch you could’ve been”
    (LOL ok ladies, c’mon… a man admitting something 🤪)

  • ANDDDD!!! [For real] the nod to the ‘high notes from Mariah,’ then followed by Mount Kimbie sampling that lil’ bit of “Dream Lover” to end on good ‘NOTE’ (hehe) …ugh. I WANT MORE!!

[ Side note: Because of this song, I now say “that’s bollocks!” ]

• “WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던” — Yaeji

  • another constant rotation jam. No idea WHAT is said. But it’s so FN good. The production🔥🔥🔥
    
    

• “body cast” — Dua Saleh

  • Also check out: “cat scratch” …and “warm pants” 🙌🏼…OK, I just love her.

    
    

• “ONCE UPON A TIME (FREESTYLE)” — IDK, Denzel Curry

  • with lyrics like: “Remember to remember; matter fact, remember the 5th of November” —BRO. AHH!!
    (Okay, that may be cuz that is also my birthday lol. But still. FIRE!!!)

  • there’s also: “…Isn't it ironic the younger me is the older me?” 🤯
    
    This is one track I could NOT get enough of. Especially when needing some energy! IDK **wink** why! 😉
    
    

• “These Days” — St. Panther

  • Just beautiful. You FEEL it. I was obsessed. Ask my friends. That’s it.

    P.S.: You’ll definitely hear this on a show or something this year. Quote me.

…AND NOW,
A Question for the Youths:

#QuarantineThoughts #TweetedIt #IKnowHashtagsDontWorkThisWay
– lmk, kids! ☺️