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Friday, January 01, 2016

The Record Blog: Pop Disqus | TRB's Best Singles of 2015

By Vimal Esvaren


Like every other year, 2015 has proved to be an eventful one for music artists. Some had mega successful comebacks after long hiatuses, some elevated their sound to the next level, some made marked crossovers from their traditional genres to the mainstream while some were simply one-hit wonders (so far). 

Without further ado, let's take a look at the Top 10 Singles of 2015 that were not only the talk of the town but also had significant impact on the artists and their fans.

10. 
'Bills' – LunchMoney Lewis


This feet-thumper may not have been much of a hit stateside but it sure was on this side of the globe. Released during a time of grave financial concern due to rising cost of living, the track became a personal anthem for every working adult with bills to pay. Plus it also helps that the track is real catchy and LunchMoney Lewis is really adorable to watch in the video in his bathrobe and the multiple jobs that he has. #2Kerja

09. 
'Biscuits' – Kacey Musgraves 


An earnest country number with well-meaning lyrics, Biscuits is one of the more successful crossovers of the year. The banjo-backed number with a simple message is delivered in a memorable way using clever language and imagery so that we can always remember that you should "mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy."

08.
'See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth)' – Wiz Khalifa


Arguably the most successful rapper + singer combo of 2015, the global hit and annoying ringtone-maker is a dedication to the late Paul Walker and is part of the soundtrack for the vehicular action fim Furious 7. The song not only propelled Wiz's career and helped put Puth on the map, but also helped fan around the world to remember and cope with the tragic loss of an iconic actor.

07.
'Let It Happen' –  Tame Impala


This tame number enchants not because of a raucous production or vocal acrobatics but due to its subtlety and playfulness. Australia's foremost psychadelic act still stay true to their rock essence in this number but managed throw in a little something for everyone to groove to when this comes on.

06.
'Can't Feel My Face' – The Weeknd


A Michael Jackson prodigy if you will, Abel Tesfaye or The Weeknd took his music to new heights with his second studio album effort, Beauty Behind the Madness. This oddly-titled song is off that number one LP and soon after its release the hipster R&B crooner quickly hit mainstream, becoming an everyday singer. A remarkable vocalist, it is exciting to think about what else the Canadian will be releasing moving forward.

05.
'What Do You Mean' – Justin Bieber


2015 has been a good year for the Biebs - he's built a stronger rapport with his fans, released decent music and became a sex symbol with his CK ads and some leaked pictures of JB Junior. A poppy tropical house-inspired released right after the success of the hit collabo with Skrillex and Diplo, this song cemented the fact that the once-baby-faced 'Baby' singer (no I won't let it die) means serious business with his comeback this time around.

04.
'Good For You' – Selena Gomez


Selena's wake up call to all the naysayers and even her fans, this torch song was the singer's big 'Fuck You' to everyone who have been body-shaming her throughout her career. A mature sound matched to even more mature lyrics, the sultry slow jam made clever use of Selgo's breathy vocals (she was never known for her chops anyway) to present us with the perfect love-making jam of the year.

03.
'Bitch Better Have My Money' – Rihanna


'BBHMM' was the year's anthem for debt collectors everywhere - just like 'Bills' was for the debt payers. Rap-sung with so much conviction, the trap-hop track lent its title to be used as a catchphrase for any occasion. Besides, it also gave us an excuse to say *BITCH* more often. And who could forget that epic emvee too.

02.
'Hotline Bling' – Drake


The most-memed music video of the year hands down! What was Drizzy even thinking? The song itself is a slow-burner but the accompanying emvee is most definitely epic and will haunt Drake for the rest of his career. Or bless. You pick.

01.
'Hello' – Adele


Adele. Came. Back. Isn't that reason enough?

Special Mention:
'Lean On (feat. MØ)' – Major Lazer & DJ Snake



The most-addictive dance track of the year! A collaboration like no other, this dancefloor magnet is easy on the ears and simple to sing-along (and to dance-along too thanks to MØ's peculiar moves). Plus another reason to ogle at Diplo!