All is Full of Love - Björk
A much needed reminder. In the midst of a Björk hyperfixation after watching “Dancer in the Dark,” I found a home in her work and solace in her words. This song is proof that there really is so much love, even when you might not see it – it’s all around you.
Megan Hein
Summer Rain - HTRK
So in love it feels like heartbreak - on the M train during winter, going over the bridge and trying to remember what the warm sun feels like, and in your memory it is literal heaven.
Willa Rudolph
Pain - Pink Pantheress
This definitely felt like another big year for Tik Tok and one of the biggest outbreak artists from that platform would have to be to Pink Panthress. I feel like this song is an obvious choice if we are talking about 2021. This song is so unique and it’s super refreshing to hear someone integrate so many different genres and inspirations into their sound.
Mitchell Connell
Too Bad - Show Dem Camp, Amaarae, Tems
This song makes me happy. Finishing another year that felt so unreal and at times difficult, listening to a track about love, being bad, and looking towards the future is what I needed.
Michael Hall
JUST LIKE WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE - SOPHIE
The year started off tragically when we lost SOPHIE in January. She was a guiding star for me and I felt disoriented for a while. I dived back into all of her work and the depth and richness of it is truly endless. It made it clear to me that she would always be with us. I have a lot of hope for future generations of artists who have the opportunity to be influenced by her greatness. I know I was, and it's something I’m going to carry with me into the new year and many more to come.
Deren Owji
MSQ No-Extra - Black Marble
This song has been in my playlist for years now — It’s the perfect song for any mood that I find myself in. I play it when I’m crying, when I’m excited, when I’m absolutely obliterated from a wine night. The beats coupled with the artists soft melodic tones are what brings me back to this song each and every time and I share this song with anyone that I can.
Ronald Kahihikolo
Meet Me At Our Spot - The Anxiety
This song makes me want to hang out with friends when I’m feeling down. The lyrics jump out to me in a way that makes me feel seen when it comes to having anxiety and sometimes that can be such an isolating feeling but when a friend is able to meet me in the midst of my low times it’s a vibe.
Kerane Marcellus
新しい人 - Ogre You Asshole
The year was comfortable and numb. Dragging my feet on the cold walk from my apartment to Lake Michigan and back again, it felt pretty in the pins and needles. P.S. One of my favorite band names.
Kenna McCafferty
You’re a Big Girl Now - My Morning Jacket
This year was growth and accountability. Listening to this song helped me to embrace some of the most difficult decisions that only I could internalize. This song stayed with me on some melancholy Tuesdays and I give this song away to those in need of warmth and truth.
JoliAmour DuBose-Morris
Too Late To Turn Back Now - Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
My best friend showed me this song in college and I fell in love with it instantly. When I put it on my stomach gets this warm rush of nostalgia, which is a feeling I’ve been longing for recently. It’s happy, a bit cheeky, and makes me want to dance whenever I hear it.
Oona Oglesby
Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing - Stevie Wonder
I definitely spent a lot of this year worrying. And I can’t say next year will be worry-free either, but when I want to instill a little bit of sunshine into my day and focus on the good, I’ll play this song. How can you not crack a smile when you hear that piano intro? Also, you should hear my boyfriend and I try to harmonize on the high notes — it’s pretty impossible not to laugh.
Kayla Curtis-Evans
Everybody Loves The Sunshine - Roy Ayers Ubiquity
I love the sunshine! And I love classic music. This track makes me sad and smile at the same time. It’s not just a happy song - the sound has something melancholic and sort of real about it that reflects my life and my emotions.
Simon Rasmussen
Hey — Pixies
For me, this song is the ultimate “windows down driving on a summer afternoon” song. The Pixies can do no wrong and I’m a sucker for a steady drum beat mixed with timeless bass riffs. I can listen to this song when I’m happy, or upset and it still hits the same way. Sometimes when I have pent up energy it's great to release any emotions and just belt out this song!
Cassie Jekanoski
Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser - Quarteto Em Cy
I’ve always had an affinity for Brazilian jazz, and this song is super defining for this year because it was used in the last show for Louis Vuitton that Virgil touched. He always had amazing musical taste as well. This year belongs to Virgil!
Tiana Randall