There have been many times this year where fans have blasted their favorite songs like “Trap Queen” by Fetty Wap on the way to work, or awkwardly sang along to “Hello” by Adele while possibly shedding a few tears in the shower. Regardless, it’s time to finally put together the best list possible that will properly recap our favorite songs of the year.
25. “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots This song provides what Twenty One Pilots do best: lay down exceptional rhymes and lyrics over a killer melody in the background. These hipster rap artists are a breath of fresh air in rap industry, as they continue to produce unique and catchy songs. A great song to play while you wish you didn’t have to worry about life’s current responsibilities.
24. “Bitch Better Have My Money”- Rihanna What originally started as a catchy song, quickly developed into a party favorite. Rihanna continues to come out with very popular tracks annually. This song is a different flare from Rihanna’s normal music, as it adds attitude and aggression towards the lyrics and beat provided. Rihanna, once again, created a hit.
23. “Here” – Alessia Cara An introvert’s dream of a song, Alessia Cara created an anthem for those who find themselves uncomfortable in drunken social gatherings. This is a song to play while kicking back and having a night of “Netflix and chill” with other introvert friends, or even just by yourself if other people are just not your style. The lyrics are powerful and Cara’s soul is poured into the vocals, leaving many very impressed from the Canadian’s breakthrough hit.
22. “GDFR”- Flo Rida (Feat. Sage The Gemini and Lookas) Flo Rida has been more of a mainstream rapper over the years, making hits that many consider “grade school rhymes.” While this song doesn’t dispute that, it was certainly a great success. For half of 2015, “GDFR” was in just about on every commercial, advertisement and radio station. This song left many dancing freely anytime, anywhere.
21. “Roses” – The Chainsmokers (Feat. ROZES) The Chainsmokers remain an up-and-coming group who continue to quietly make amazing tracks that don’t quite hit the radio very often. A personal challenge is given to those who listen to “Roses” and don’t bob/nod their head in happiness. The synths are masterfully incorporated with the keyboard and base beats in the background. This summer jam served as a smooth, lighthearted hit for anyone who enjoys a laidback, melodic house treat.
20. “Lean On” – Major Lazer (Feat. MØ & DJ Snake) On a lighter note, this spring hit served as an exotic, unique jam allowing many people to dance the night away. Unfortunately, the song was completely overplayed on radio and many people were over it by June. Despite it wearing out, it was fun while it lasted, and the trio of artists made one of the hottest songs of the spring.
19. “Hunger” – Of Monsters And Men Of Monsters And Men easily made one of the most influential, brilliant songs of 2015. “Hunger” is a song about a floundering relationship that is clearly on life support due to two people that have uncharacteristically lost their hunger towards caring for each other. OMAM reminds us that a relationship will bring many good times, but unfortunately the bad ones will ultimately be the ones that could periodically break our spirits. A very deep, yet captivating track that most will thoroughly enjoy to lift their spirits up after a bad day…or year for that matter.
18. “Where Ya At” – Future Future accomplished big things this year by releasing his own hit songs and being featured on others. “Where Ya At” is currently one of the hottest tracks on Spotify and YouTube, providing an up-tempo beat and classic piano in the background. This song remains an anthem for many rap fans out there, providing the perfect pump up for just about any situation. Another honorable mention is “F**k Up Some Commas.”
17. “Cool For The Summer” – Demi Lovato Demi Lovato is quickly becoming one of the most influential female artists in the music industry. Her success story about overcoming depression because of her physical appearance, family life, and pressure from the industry shot her into the spotlight. Lovato’s career continues to take off, with her hit songs soaring to the top of the charts. “Cool For The Summer” is exactly what it sounds like: an upbeat, summer pop hit. The synths, guitar and drum beats mixed together leave people enjoying a song that allows them to rock out and let loose.
16. “Want To Meet Me” – Jason Derulo Another day, another catchy hit. This pop hit is another example of Derulo’s wide range of vocal mastery with instrumentals that compliment his vocal range.
15. “Everyday” – A$AP Rocky (Feat. Rod Stewart, Miguel, Mark Ronson) This remix track of “Everyday” was a hit that served as a nice spring fling for all who enjoyed a relaxing classic with a modern rap twist. Anytime an artist takes on a classic song and remakes it, there’s always a risk factor involved. Yet, A$AP pulled it off flawlessly. Honorable mentions are “L$D” and “Excuse Me” which were also fantastic songs off of an overall impressive album.
14. “Cheerleader” – OMI (Felix Jaehn Remix) Dominating bars, clubs, radio stations and speakers everywhere, it was impossible to avoid having this song stuck in your head for days. The house/deep house genre combination with an upbeat melody allowed many to finally enjoy a day at the beach bar and dance the afternoon away with friends.
13. “Good For You” – Selena Gomez (Feat. A$AP Rocky) Speaking of A$AP, he was featured in another summer hit by Selena Gomez. Remember when she used to be on the Disney channel? Easily the sexiest song and music video of the summer, “Good For You” showcases Selena’s hot and smooth voice that put you in a trance. This song served as a hypnotic summer song that every confident girl, or casual music fan blasted at any chance.
12. “Where Are Ü Now” – Jack Ü (Feat. Justin Bieber) Don’t look now: Justin Bieber is growing up. This track was a unique style for Bieber, as he stepped into the genre of Moombahton/Electronic, and really expressed himself in a different way. Diplo and Skrillex created the beats and produced this catchy tune while Bieber, of course, provided the vocals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maxPTHLe1uE
11. “Watch Me” – Silento This song has taken over the nation throughout sports, music and entertainment. It’s a top five song on Spotify, and one of the most played songs on YouTube. Needless to say, you’ll soon find yourself performing the “whip” and “nae-nae” even if you don’t want to.
10. “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift (Feat. Kendrick Lamar) A bit of a different side from Taylor Swift, she steps away from her normal ex-boyfriend break up songs (finally). This song possessed an edgy energy that Swift typically doesn’t produce in her songs, and of course Kendrick Lamar did phenomenal with his part on the track.
9. “See You Again” – Wiz Khalifa (Feat. Charlie Puth) Typically, summer’s songs are usually uplifting and bright, but not in this case. This song hit home for just about everyone in the world, rightfully claiming its top spot on the “Billboard Hot 100” for three consecutive months. Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth produced one of the most moving songs that artists could dream of making as a tribute to the late actor, Paul Walker. With over 1.2 billion views on YouTube, “See You Again” is one of the most viewed videos of all time.
8. “What Do You Mean?” – Justin Bieber Another example of how Bieber is turning the corner in not only his maturity, but also his career. A sophisticated track that isn’t just a basic R&B pop song, this makes two songs for Bieber in the top 25. This fall hit has already dominated radio stations everywhere, as Bieber has produced a truly fresh, exuberant track that has many excited to see the talented artist finally create music in the way that justifies his work. No more “Baby” cringing, elementary school songs anymore, as Bieber is finally growing up.
7. “Shut Up And Dance” – Walk The Moon Flying under the radar with this hit, Walk The Moon has produced a hipster’s dancing dream, with its high pitched, jangly guitars that has synths and fun hooks through out the song take listeners back in time to any club in the 1980’s. A smashing success that was made in late 2014 finally broke through in 2015 as one of the spring and summer’s hottest songs..
6. “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd The Weeknd’s step into mainstream was very successful with this late summer/early fall hit. His usual, overly sexualized lyrics, layered with his drug references and downward spirals, gave fans a pop-filled, toe-tapping track and encouraged several listeners to pull out a few retro dance moves.
5. “Hotline Bling” – Drake Drake’s sensual side showed in this track. “Hotline Bling” can currently be found on any radio station, at almost any given time. Not only was this pop sensation loved when it was released, but the music video has gone viral, blowing up the Internet with creative memes and Vines. Drake has simply dominated the music industry this year.
4. “Alright” – Kendrick Lamar Speaking of mixed results, Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly” still remains either loved or hated by most. An album meant to show Lamar’s artsy side truly did just that. This shows that the rap game isn’t always about glitz and glam, or money and women. Kendrick Lamar created a jazzy, rap sensation with “Alright” which just outlines his album’s anthem for how flawed the world is. Lamar produced award-winning material with not only “Alright” but the entire album.
3. “Trap Queen” – Fetty Wap If you were not called a Trap Queen, did you really exist in 2015? Fetty Wap’s infectious song tops the the charts and our list of one of the top songs of 2015. The good-vibe beat and iconic hook into the chorus, leaves “Trap Queen” blasted by any D.J. in any environment. Needless to say, it’s really hard to dislike this song.
2. “Jumpman” – Drake (Feat. Future) Following the theme of Drake’s 2015 domination, “Jumpman” is easily the hottest rap song out there right now. A distinct, unique beat used in the background with a heavy bass and Drake’s awesome rhymes forces this song to be set on repeat.
1.”Hello” – Adele After a four-year absence from the spotlight in the music industry, Adele has come back stronger than ever. After releasing the single track and music video in late October, “Hello” has had a powerful influence to just about anyone who has listened to the track. Not only has Adele ruled every form of social media, but she has taken over the radio and any music application that her song can be played on. Whether you’re a fan who loves the song for it’s powerful and masterful instrumentals, or simply to use Adele’s voice as an aid to let the tears roll down your face, it’s nearly impossible to ignore the beauty of this song. “Hello” produces one of the most dynamic, iconic songs of our generation.
Brandon Carusillo is a senior majoring in public relations and minoring in psychology. He’s from Coral Springs and wants to work as an entertainment agent when he graduates. He loves music, sports, writing and photography.
