AH Chooses Their Best Releases Of 2020

By Manasi Joshi and Nikil Sivakumar

It is wise to say that 2020 was somewhat a tumultuous year, but looking on the bright side, not all was hopeless! It was the year where many artists explored their music and branched out to different paths: many well-known artists entirely changed their style of music, while others made memorable albums with their signature style.

So, in order to find out how likable the songs of 2020 were, we asked AHHS students to take a short survey, where they could vote on the songs they liked! And so, we present to you, the Best Releases of 2020:

5th place (3 ties):

Ariana Grande - “pov”

Ariana has proven once more that she can skillfully weave difficult emotions into her songs through “pov” from positions. Put together during quarantine, she reveals through the R&B ballad all of the hidden insecurities she holds deep within, as though seeking herself through the perspectives of those who love her. The slow, self-love centered song is another that makes use of string instruments like viola in this album, closing it off on a satisfyingly calm and thought-provoking note.

Taylor Swift - “willow”

Already topping the charts with the best albums of 2020 and 2021, Taylor Swift wrote her newest album evermore during quarantine with a multitude of magical yet equally meaningful songs. One of her most personal songs in evermore, “willow,” has broken many records and debuted at No. 1 in the Billboard Hot 100. Among the many imaginary tales that constitute the album, this love song was meant for her beau Joe Alwyn—a song about wanting and loving someone dearly.

Selena Gomez - “Lose You To Love Me”

Selena Gomez came back strong in 2020 with her new album Rare, where her lead single “Lose You To Love Me” became a smashing comeback from her previous string of singles she has been releasing since 2015. After Revival, Selena’s Rare took a smooth turn from heartbreak to slow revival in various ways. The wistful pop ballad takes things slow and impressionable, rather than being fast, catchy or hype; it is just Selena and her vocals in this song, with her relatable melodrama.

4th place (4 ties):

Tones & I - “Dance Monkey”

The billion-streamed hit from 2019 and 2020, “Dance Monkey” by Australian singer Tones & I has reached No. 1 in more than 30 countries all around the world, becoming one of the highest charting songs ever on Spotify, YouTube and other platforms. This dance-pop brought immense success to Tones & I (Toni Watson), who, before her music career as a celebrity, spent her time doing street performances to earn money. Riding the wave of great success, “Dance Monkey,” with its keyboard hooks and upbeat bops, makes anyone want to break out into a dance because of its repetition, energetic beats, and playful touch.

BTS - “Dynamite”

Achieving a new record with a whopping 101 million views within 24 hours for this music video, BTS definitely cemented their position as THE global K-pop boy band this year with their recording breaking single “Dynamite” from their album BE. The song has a delightful disco-pop flair to it along with upbeat and fun lyrics, making the group’s first English release that much more enjoyable.

Taylor Swift - “cardigan”

From her bombshell release Folklore back in July, “cardigan” almost confirms the direction that Swift wants to lean towards from now as seen from 2019’s Lover. Completely composed in a mere five hours, this folk music and indie-rock mix delivers Taylor’s own life experiences as a tale of discovery through the lyrics and music video.

Dua Lipa - “Break My Heart”

Continuing with the strong streak of songs from her 80s-inspired album Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa’s “Break My Heart” was definitely one of the most popular songs of 2020, having been played on radios consistently since its March release. The deep bass, reminiscent of Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust'' and more works well with the disco-inspired instrumental to provide quite the fun and whimsical experience for listeners.

3rd place

Conan Gray - “Heather”

Conan Gray held back nothing in Kid Krow, releasing sleeper-hit after hit leading up to his debut studio album all about human struggle, emotion and relationships. The album is truly stirring as inspired by his childhood, and this is especially true in “Heather.” In the pop song, Conan takes listeners through flashbacks of his high school years, reminiscing about and wishing to become like the perfect girl who had stolen the heart of the person he liked. The raw emotions he is unafraid to expose inspired relatability within countless people, in turn fueling insane amounts of traction for the song on TikTok.

2nd place (tie)

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande - “Rain On Me”

Another retro song off of 2020’s playlist, “Rain On Me” is arguably the most awaited song off of Lady Gaga’s even more highly anticipated Chromatica. One of the most iconic collabs of the year without a doubt, both Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga released an amazing 90s inspired electropop, techno dance song that still manages to hold somber undertones in its equally deep and personal meaning of perseverance in life.

Ariana Grande - “positions”

Taking quite a fun and new path in her new album, Ariana Grande’s “positions” is an R&B inspired pop song that means just that: being willing to take new directions. It is somewhat more... chill compared to her previous releases, all while maintaining her iconic energy and holding intimate messages, which could signify reassurance that her signature touch will always stay even though her musical direction seems to be taking a different but welcomed path!

1st place

The Weeknd - “Blinding Lights”

From his chart-topping album After Hours, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is the number one single of 2020 as voted by AHHS students! Taking after his signature synthwave and R&B style as well as 80s inspiration, “Blinding Lights” references past relationships by analogizing the dangers of drunk driving and more. It is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic songs of the year!

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