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If you’re like us, 2020 was probably the first year you’ve gone without live music since before your mom finally let you go to Warped Tour when you were a freshman in high school. It’s no secret that 2020 has been a hard year for music fans, musicians, and our favorite venues. Yet despite the lack of in-person entertainment, we did our best to support our favorite artists through religiously-watched live streams & spontaneous kitchen dance-offs. Through it all, there were a few songs that really caught our – er– ears? While you dream of the day your favorite venue will reopen, check out our list of songs (in no particular order) that got our team through 2020.
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Gospel For a New Century – Yves Tumor
Yves Tumor (they/them) is one of my favorite new artists of the last two years. I was lucky enough to see them perform at a small festival in the summer of 2019, & had been waiting on new music since. This release in early April got me through the worst of the first months of the pandemic. This and other hits like “Noid” speak heavily to current social issues.
Anna S.
Hole in the Bottle – Kelsea Ballerini
My family loves country music, so when my mom discovered this catchy song, it instantly became her favorite. My sister and I soon caught on and it’s now at the top of our favorites list. This year has been filled with challenges, but this light-hearted tune makes our worries melt away as we dance around the kitchen, singing it at the top of our lungs.
Shannon C.
In the Air Tonight (Nora En Pure Remix) – Nora En Pure & Lika Morgan
The first time I heard this song, I was listening to Nora En Pure live in the middle of a crowd at CRSSD Music Festival in San Diego two weeks prior to the Santa Clara shelter-in-place order. This song will forever remind me of the good ol’ days dancing with my friends under a festival night sky. Enjoy!
Lugo C.
Medusa – Griz (ft. Wreckno)
Earlier this summer, Griz shared with his Instagram followers that a “pride anthem” was in the works. On June 25th he delivered this funky, electronic bop, “Medusa”. This high energy song is sure to have you up dancing and reminiscing Pride.
Josh B.
Forget Me Too – Machine Gun Kelly (ft. Halsey)
Machine Gun Kelly is one of my favorites to begin with, then you add a queer icon like Halsey to the track and you have an instant hit. This Punk/Pop tune is a great song to have on your workout playlist to keep that adrenaline pumping.
Jordan H.
Rain On Me – Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
While I doubt you missed this inescapable this summer hit, its strong and relatable message of perseverance with addictive 90s synth energy could not be left off this list. This first-time collaboration from these two powerhouse singers and queer community icons gives us an uplifting soundtrack to get you through any tough time. And the rest of the Chromatica album did not fail to impress either.
Other notable mentions from 2020 for me include “Trouble’s Coming” by Royal Blood, “Hallucinate” by Dua Lipa, “Lamb’s Wool” by Foster the People, “Vue d’en Face by Yelle, and “Angels Like You” by Miley Cyrus.
Bryan A.
ringtone (Remix) – 100 gecs (feat. Charli XCX, Rico Nasty, Kero Kero Bonito)
Okay e-boys & e-gxrls, this one’s for you. When I needed a reminder not to take myself too seriously this year, this song came through. You literally can’t be sad listening to it (I dare you to try). It fueled a lot of dashboard jam sessions this year, and it’s so weird you can’t help but smile.
Anna S.
Big Gigantic – St. Lucia (Feat. Felly)
I’ve been a long-time, loyal fan of Big Gigantic for their jam band hip hop sound. Big G featured Felly on their new release, “St. Lucia”, and it quickly became the collab I didn’t know I needed. This song brings the funk back in my life; it makes me wanna get up and let the good times roll.
Josh B.
Sad Money x Kaskade – Come Away feat. Sabrina Claudio
Kaskade is my favorite EDM artist. I first heard this song at one of his virtual shows at the beginning of 2020. I fell in love with it instantly. The song is catchy with a nice beat and makes me want to get up and dance every time I play it.
Lugo C.
Modern Loneliness – Lauv
Lauv released this generational anthem in 2020. “Modern Loneliness” is a song that describes how we are “never alone yet always depressed”.
Jordan H.
Strange Froot – TOKiMONSTA (ft. Ambré)
Strange Froot plays soft and easy like chatter in a cafe or falling for a new love, and is paired with a hypnotizing visualizer that unfolds in digital swirls of color and shape.
Elliot
I Hope – Gabby Barrett (ft. Charlie Puth)
I heard the original version of this song at the beginning of the year and loved it. When I discovered the remix, it only made the song better! Although its primary message is about cheating, I think it stands as a reminder to treat other people the way you’d like to be treated.
Shannon C.
No Glory in the West – Orville Peck
In a word: campy. I’m no country fan, but Orville Peck really does it for me. This song came out this year but I’d highly suggest checking out the rest of his discography if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard it yet. He’s here, he’s queer, and, well, you know how the rest goes.
Anna S.
Sunny Side Up – Surfaces
When the sun comes out, you know it’s gonna be a good day. This is a cheerful song and a constant reminder of how happiness can be obtained in its simplest form. You will never go wrong starting your day with this song playing in the background when you’re making breakfast. Just go with the vibe and dance around.
Elliot
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