2018 Favorite Songs (10-1)

And finally, without further ado, my top ten favorite songs of the year:

10. Yves Tumor - "Licking an Orchid"



The dramatic centerpiece to Yves Tumor's masterful record Safe in the Arms of Love. Trip hop beats anchor simple acoustic guitar strains over pillowy synths before descending into oceans of squalling guitars. It's a wonderful exploration of the tension between the beautiful and ugly. It's mirrored in the evocative lyrics which explore a possible S&M relationship, with lines like “Some call it pain/Some call it torture/Baby I enjoy it."

9. Neneh Cherry - "Kong"



Produced by Four Tet and Massive Attack's 3D, Neneh Cherry's "Kong" draws you in closely with its elegant minimalism. Dubby bass, a simple hi-hat, and mournful strings are the simple backdrop to Cherry's aching voice.

8. Ness Nite - "Tightrope"



Ness Nite's tracks effortlessly blur the lines between electronica, R&B, and hip-hop. "Tightrope" is the perfect example.

7. Drake ft. Michael Jackson - "Don't Matter to Me"

A haunting Michael Jackson sample elevates this track to sublime perfection. You can listen to it here.

6. AlunaGeorge ft. Cautious Clay - "Superior Emotion"



This emotionally resonant track from AlunaGeorge will stay with you for days. Aluna Francis' touching vocal hits all the right spots.

5. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - "Hunnybee"



Sexy, slinky, funky, and a little bit goofy, "Hunnybee" was my favorite go-to get a smile on my face song this year. Trust me, you will succumb to its charms.

4. The Amazing - "Benson se Convirtio Completamente Furiosa"



Nine minutes of pure, achingly beautiful guitar soundscapes.

3. Gotts Street Park ft. Celeste - "Both Sides of the Moon (Live)"



You won't find a better vocal performance than this deeply emotional track. It's gut-wrenching.

2. Rosalia - "Malamente"



Rosalia's gorgeous modernization of flamenco is sublime.

1. Rufus Du Sol - "Underwater"



This was a pretty bad year for myself, and this song spoke so specifically to me. Its raw honesty and emotion is difficult to listen to, but impossible to turn away from.