BY TAMARAH WALLACE
While most may say that 2016 was an interesting and sometimes deplorable addition to the history books, we can all agree that the year was home to a great selection of music. From pop and alternative to rap and R&B, artists showed us the sound of the future and left us with earworms that lasted months at a time. In order to commend these songs and take a trip down memory lane, below lies a list of the 10 most influential songs of the past year.
Not listed in any particular order.
“One Dance”- Drake
With a Caribbean dancehall beat and the sly addition of melodic vocals by Kyla, this song instantly makes you want to dance as Drake explains his frustrating clubbing experience.
“Panda”- Desiigner
It is very hard to believe that this song was written about a white BMW X6 and its resemblance to a Panda but it’s true. However, the innovative rapping style and catchy lyrics, rather than it’s purpose, was the catalyst for its easy shoot to the top of the charts.
“Cake by the Ocean”- DNCE
Even though it was released in late 2015, this song found success in the following year and left us all singing along to this upbeat party single. It was even the inspiration behind CCHS Senior Dawson Worley’s Halloween costume.
“Starboy”- The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk
The first song of the Weeknd’s album of the same name, “Starboy,” the Jamaican slang term for someone seen as cool or important, supplies the background behind a public figure that is the subject for the rest of the soundtrack. The song presents a futuristic, pop beat coupled with the Weeknd’s soft, hypnotic voice and speaks to the pressures of fame.
“Lemonade” (Album)- Beyoncé
Early this year, Queen B stunned with the release of her album as most of her fans had no clue that she was working on it. It featured hits such as “Formation,” “Freedom,” and “Sorry” and spoke about issues in today’s world as well as Beyonce’s personal life.
“Heathens”- Twenty One Pilots
Released on the soundtrack of the 2016 summer blockbuster, Suicide Squad, this song’s haunting yet comforting melody allowed it to quickly become a worldwide favorite.
“Work”- Rihanna ft. Drake
This Caribbean inspired tune featured the most misheard lyrics of the year, however, that did not stop its dancehall beat from enticing anyone with ears to listen.
“Down in the DM”- Yo Gotti ft. Nikki Minaj
This song’s catchy lyrics were the source of constant Twitter jokes as people tried to “get down in those DMs,” or start a romantic conversation with someone on the popular social media site, Twitter.
“Pillow Talk”- Zayn
It was one of the most anticipated singles of 2016, as lost One Directioners were curious to hear Zayn’s new solo sound. Evidently, he didn’t disappoint. With his inexplicable high notes as well as the sultry aura of the song, listeners were left satisfied with Zayn’s decision to leave the popular boy band.
“Juju on that Beat”- Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall
It was the dance craze that swept the nation and continues to inspire many online videos. This song’s electronic beat and quirky lyrics made it an easy dancing inspiration.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: “Treat you better” by Shawn Mendez, “Don’t Let Me Down” by the Chainsmokers ft. Daya, “The Sound” by the 1975, “Work from Home” by Fifth Harmony, “Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande, and “Famous” by Kanye West.
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