A bit of explanation, as always - these are all songs that have had some sort of mainstream release; no b-sides or non-single tracks from albums. These are the ones that the labels and artists saw fit to push the most, and that I personally saw fit to invade my ears on repeat throughout the year.
As per tradition, on this New Years Eve, let's kick things off with 15 Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order by artist):
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10. Wiz Kalifa feat. Charlie Puth - "See You Again"
How can we not talk about family when familys all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side And now you gon' be with me for the last ride... It's been a long day without you, my friend And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
I had a major internal debate about including this. I haven't been able to sit through the entire song without tears forming this year. It came out when my mom passed and obviously strikes a chord. But that's the thing, isn't it?
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9. Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend - "Like I'm Gonna Lose You"
Like a scene from a movie that every broken heart knows
We were walking on moonlight, and you pulled me close Split second and you disappeared and then I was all alone
In one of the saddest, sweetest songs of the year, Meghan Trainor shows us a very soft side. The fear of loss does seem to motivate the work of keeping. Melodically and vocally, they have something very beautiful.
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8. Hop Along - "Sister Cities"
Every other day the same long road
to the old man down the street Do you think someday, through all the flowers, your eyes finally will meet?
I got turned onto Hop Along by one of my best friends at work, and they are one of the best music recommendations I've gotten in a while. Seriously - check out this voice. This is good stuff and I can only hope for more amazingness from them.
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7. Rachele Lynae - "Quicksand"
He's got the smooth talk
Whiskey on the rocks Kinda slick intoxicating
I'm biased, a little, but Rachele returned to us after her debut album year with a rocking new single. It's catchy and fun and everything country rock has been looking for lately. Be sure to come back on January 11th - the full video is coming out that day and it's sure to be incredible!
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6. Major Lazer & Dj Snake, feat. MO - "Lean On"
Do you recall, not long ago
We would walk on the sidewalk? Innocent, remember? All we did was care for each other
This is so. Damn. Catchy. And you know what? It's not a bad concept at all. The song has worked for this year, and been an oddly gentle background soundtrack to a lot of moments. And Wakey!Wakey! did an amazing cover when I saw him live. Just saying.
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5. Rudimental feat. Ed Sheeran - "Lay It All On Me"
If it hurts and you can't take no more
Lay it all on me
Oh you know Ed was going to make this list somewhere. Really, this was the year of necessary uplift songs. These guys nailed that feeling everyone wants that someone cares and will take the pain away And hell, Ed Sheeran isn't exactly a bad choice to help with that.
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4. Brothers Osborne - "Stay A Little Longer"
I tell myself I'm not in love
But one more time is not enough One last kiss and then you're a goner And I'm here wishing you could stay a little longer
The beat. The lyrics. The good looking men singing it. These guys broke onto the country scene this year with such a blast and I love everything about this song. It's not about her legs or truck or fishing. This one's about the feeling. Damn good.
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3. Walk the Moon - "Shut Up And Dance"
Just keep your eyes on me.
I said you're holding back, She said shut up and dance with me!
Oh come on. COME ON!!! This song is ridiculously fun and catchy, and who was not in need of that this year? It'll just get you moving and happy. I'd bet everyone out there has had some vision of someone just grabbing them to dance. No words. Just move!
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2. Ellie Goulding - "Love Me Like You Do"
You're the fear, I don't care
'Cause I've never been so high... So love me like you do
Forgetting the situation between her and Ed Sheeran, I love the song itself. I've actually heard some beautiful renditions of this by other artists as well. The song itself is gorgeous and somehow really relaxing. I have not gotten sick of this the entire year, earning it one of the top spots in things enjoyed in 2015.
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1. Elle King - "Ex's & Oh's"
Well folks, it's NYE 2015. I am trying like hell to remember the good times from this year and... well, folks, they're hard to find. Losing my mother and figuring out life after was more than a little difficult. Every moment was weighed with this sadness and stress and unbelievable difference in mood.
But... I did get a promotion. And I did meet Dean Ambrose. My concert numbers were into the double digits, as well as my WWE attendance. I completed one of the biggest projects of my professional music career (it wasn't making a movie, but man, it was 100x better).
I hope each and every one of you has had a rewarding year. I do hope it had ups and downs that have taught you more and brought you out on the other side a stronger, better person. I know I'm right there with you.
Thank you all for your patience with me this year. I promise (resolve, even) to bring us all more music every day. I love you all so much. Happy New Year. :)