1. Contaminated – BANKS
Beautiful, haunting and expertly crafted. Contaminated by Banks is one of several brilliant pieces from her LP III. Banks’ tender voice delivers a heart-wrenching story of infidelity and being the other woman, the simplicity of the instrumental puts the vocal in the spotlight and pulls us into a very personal and tender situation.
2. Fluids – Michael Medrano
A playful, future-pop bisexual anthem from Michael Medrano which boasts a Pharell-like production and provocative lyrics about sexual fluidity, a point of view not often explored in pop music. Potentially the catchiest song released in 2019.
3. So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings – Caroline Polacheck
Straightforward dreamy pop bliss from Caroline Polacheck who explores physical frustration in long-distance relationships. From the catchy hook to the vocal freestyle over the guitar solo, Polachek takes us on a fantastic wild ride.
4. God Control – Madonna
Lawsuits and controversy aside, this is a transformative piece of disco-pop. The best track on Madame X, Madonna’s 14th studio album. Each section of the song elevates and transforms itself from the one before, culminating in a beautiful celebration of LGBT+ culture and a bitter tribute to those affected by gun violence.
5. Shake It – Charli XCX
A tag-team effort from a group of pop music pioneers resulting in a unique and visceral track. Featuring verses from Big Freeda, Cupcakke, Brooke Candy and Pablo Vittar. Every verse has a unique vibe, glued together with an iconic chorus from Charli XCX, this is PC Music at its finest.
6. Traces – Tom Aspaul
Taken from their upcoming album Black Country Disco, Traces by Tom Aspaul is a stunning, dreamy disco anthem that sounds both retro and modern at the same time. The track truly highlights Aspaul’s prowess as a songwriter and is a very strong showcase for this rising star.
7. Every Boy – Miss Benny
Unapologetic in their mission to “kiss every boy in the world”, Miss Benny takes a trap-style beat and applies their fresh perspective and vocal style to a genre that was over saturated in 2019. It’s hard to make a popular genre fresh, but Miss Benny did that!
8. Pity Party – Sakima
Another song borrowing from Trap music, but the production is stripped back to highlight the vocals from Sakima that are so sublime you can’t help but sing along. A great track surrounded by strong contenders on their EP Project Peach.
9. Down With the Clique – Solange
From the first second this track is smooth and funky. Solange’s voice spreads warmly over the production and oozes in cool. A highlight from her magnificent album When I Get Home and a moving journey from start to finish.
10. The Styx – ZLUTZ
ZLUTZ has released a haunting, emotional and beautiful track that feels very reminiscent of The XX. The production is thick and powerful yet never detracts from the vocal that is soft and dripping with anguish.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3bIxbIvh9xaEe1wa9cE16c?si=mjdaYodfSguCBYQfuhGwcw
