best of Kiel's 100 Essential Songs of the 10's | 65-56

[Kiel D-01]

 

Kiel D-01's 100 Essential Songs of the 10's 

 

I will be keeping this decade end nice and simple thus minimal of graphics since I do not really have the time anymore to make one for my best of. The songs will come in blocks of five. The songs that will appear in my best of are merely reflective of what made this decade extra special for me. Each song is dear to my heart as in some form or way, helped shape me up to the person that I am in the past ten years. Songs that make me feel nostalgic, helped me through the hard times, or to all intents and purposes, I simply enjoy. Please stay tuned!  

Spoiler

Honourable Mentions: Madonna -Shanti/Ashtangi, Iron & Wine - Sodom, South Georgia, Bon Iver - For Emma, Janet Jackson - Got Til It's Gone, Led Zeppelin - The Rain Song

100-96: ZHU - Faded, Shawn Mendes - Stitches, Twice - TT, Ty Dolla $ign - Or Nah (Remix), Florence and The Machine - Times Like This (Live at Glastonbury Festival 2015) 

95-91: Chase and Status - Blind Faith f/ Liam Bailey, Jay-Z and Kanye West - N***** in Paris, Kelis, Acapella, Sleep Party People - Chin, Rihanna - You Da One

90-86: Fabbio Rovazzi - Senza Pensieri f/ Loredana Berté and J-AX, Harry Styles - Sign of The Times, Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven, Disclosure - Latch f/ Sam Smith, Katy Perry - Bon Appetit f/ Migos

85-81: Sam Smith - Lay Me Down, Fifth Harmony - Work From Home f/ Ty Dolla $ign, A$AP Rocky - Fashion Killa, Up Dharma Down - Indak, Lorde - Royals

80-76: Miley Cyrus - Adore You, J. Cole - Crooked Smile f/ TLC, George Ezra - Budapest, Kendrick Lamar - Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe, Grimes - Oblivion

75-71: Route 94 - My Love f/ Jess Glynne, Kylie Minogue - Timebomb, Lady Gaga - ARTPOP, Iron and Wine - Claim Your Ghost, Kanye West- Dark Fantasy

70-66: Daft Punk - Get Lucky f/ Pharrell Williams, Clean Bandit - Rather Be f/ Jess Glynne, Rita Ora - Anywhere, Björk - Moon, Angus & Julia Stone - Babylon

65-56: The Magician - Sunlight f/ Years & Years, Beyonce - Blow, Carly Rae Jepsen - Runaway With Me, Florence + The Machine - Ship To Wreck, MIA - Bad Girls, Madonna - Medellín, Lizzo - Juice, f/ Maluma, Selena Gomez - Bad Liar, Kanye West - Monster f/ Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Jay Z, Miguel - Coffee f/ Wale

 

Edited December 27, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[Kiel D-01]

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

 

Since this 'Best of' is essentially a celebration of the songs released only this decade I won't be including songs released from the previous. Instead, below are the honorable mentions of some 'old' songs I fell in love with this decade.   

 

 

Madonna - Shanti/Ashtangi (1998)

One of my personal favourite from Madonna's magnum opus alongside 'Mer Girl'. The only reason I chose this song over the latter is because I remember overplaying this a few years ago and I was living with my Indian friends from uni. I made them listen to it and thought that I was doing something. They ended up giving the song a good lambasting. They criticised Madonna's poor Sanskrit pronunciation and accent. Still absolutely adore the song though, ignorance is bliss. 

Iron & Wine - Sodom, South Georgia (2004)

This song intrinsically introduced me to Sam Beam's insular yet fantastic catalogue of music. I remember playing this song in the background when I was having one of those pillow talks with my ex-partner. His soothing voice and ingenious lyrics really made this song. Best played during summer time. 

Bon Iver - For Emma (2007)

A depressing break-up song. If Lorde were a man, I could see her writing a song similar to this. Emotionally charged and simply heartbreaking. 

Janet Jackson - Got Til It's Gone (1997)

In my opinion, Janet's best song. Beautiful song with the sublime assistance of Q-Tip and legend Joni Mitchell. 

Led Zeppelin - The Rain Song (1973)

This song holds a very special place in my heart. It's a song that you just want to listen to after coming back from a hard day at work and just want to simply unwind. Discovered this song through my first ex-partner. So thanks Steve!  

Edited December 10, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[TheWayWeWere]

we love some acknowledgment for Shanti  

GTIG  CLASSIC

[Kiel D-01]

#100-96

 

 

 

100 ZHU - Faded (2014)

Basically one of the defining songs in my first year at undergraduate. Usually listened to this song with one of my best mates at around 04:00, smoking cigarettes outside and talking about life. Don't smoke anymore but the song still knocks. Fabulous for a throwback!

99 Shawn Mendes - Stitches (2015)

A compelling effort from Shawn. Basically the song that made me fan-girl over him for a few years. It's so good that he kept rehashing this song with his subsequent lead singles. 

98 Twice - TT (2016)

Fun and colourful. What an earworm. It's one of the few K-pop songs I truly enjoyed since 2NE1's discography. 

97 Ty Dolla $ign - Or Nah (Remix) f/ The Weeknd, Wiz Khalifa, and DJ Mustard (2016)

Nasty lyrics coupled with DJ Mustard and Mike's production. I'm sold. Notable lyric: 'P**** so good had to save that **** for later'. I imagine Abel putting a bloody cling film over his woman's goodies every time I hear the aforementioned part of the song. 

96 Florence and The Machine - Times Like This Live at Glastonbury (2015)

Glasto 2015 attendee here! When Florence performed this unexpectedly at the Glasto 2015, I instantly felt cathartic. Cannot really articulate how much I loved her take of the song. It's packed with raw emotions. 

 

 

Edited December 17, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[Kiel D-01]

#95-91

 

 

95 Chase and Status - Blind Faith f/ Liam Bailey (2011)

Nothing like a good heavy drum and bass song. I remember being introduced to Chase and Status back in 2011 when I was kind of talking to this guy who lived in London. We kind of flirted a lot and he was in a relationship at the time as well nn. I really loved his music taste but he sadly stopped talking to me after I told him his dick wasn't big . Anyway, this song in particular, I love playing this song in my car very loudly whilst driving in a motorway. 

94 Jay-Z and Kanye West - N***** in Paris (2011)

I used to go crazy to this song every time this was played in a club. And yes, I always refrained from saying the n word. Notable lyric: 'She said 'Ye can we get married at the mall? I said look you need to crawl 'fore you ball, Come and meet me in the bathroom stall and show me why you deserve to have it all'

93 Kelis - Acapella (2010)

A criminally underrated Kelis song. I remember being mesmerised by the song + video every time it came on the telly. It went top 5 in the UK as well. Our TASTE>>>>>>>  

92 Sleep Party People - Chin (2012)

Welp, I went through a pretentious phase when it comes to music back then where I tried my best to discover really indie artists. I guess Sleep Party People kind of got stuck and ended up genuinely liking him. I even bought his album at an indie music store cos the bloody HMV didn't have him.  Best listened to when you're high. 

91 Rihanna - You Da One (2011)

I mean We Found Love undeniably stomped stomped stomped on this song BUT it was so overplayed on the radio that I ended up low-key disliking it. You Da One is THAT song and I prefer it to WFL just cause. 

Edited December 18, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[JGibson]

You Da One 

[rvx]

Faded +  Stitches 

[Kiel D-01]

#90-86

 

 

90 Fabbio Rovazzi - Senza Pensieri f/ Loredana Berté and J-AX (2019)

A SONG. Was being played on the radio when I was with my mates driving from Lignano to Slovenia to have dinner. Reminds me of that time every time I listen to this bop. 

89 Harry Styles - Sign of The Times (2017)

Really love song and the best effort by any 1D member. PERIOD. I remember being in love with this song and my ex would criticise it by calling it pastiche. He can choke with his snobby music taste. 

88 Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven (2012)

Bruno's best song. The reggae influence is just undeniably infectious. It's fun and funky. Uptown Funk who?

87 Disclosure - Latch f/ Sam Smith (2012)

I usually cannot stand Sam's vocals especially when he goes on a higher register. I find his voice rather jarring but I can tolerate it in this song cos it's a proper bop. Disclosure's production in the song is just too good. The video is cute too, the elevator scene (the guy is just a proper snack) >  

86 Katy Perry - Bon ApeTIT f/ Migos (2017)

Still pressed that Katy didn't perform this live at the Glastonbury festival. Won't ever forgive her for that, I was right at the front row too! Anyway, good bop through and through. Her best song in Witness.

Edited December 19, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[rvx]

Locked Out of Heaven + Latch + Sign of the Times 

 

Bon Apetit 

[TheWayWeWere]

N in Paris still snaps  

Kelis is such an underrated arist, entire Flesh Tone is masterpiece  

YDO was a bit messy single choice to me  

Bon Appetit praise we love that!

[Kiel D-01]

#85-81

 

 

85 Sam Smith - Lay Me Down (2013)

One of the songs (well the whole album really) that comforted me when I was going through my first break-up. Samantha did that with this song. Intimate and soulful, a perfect combination. Was actually set to see him live in London back then for the tour of his debut album but the bloody tix never came and was refunded instead.

84 Fifth Harmony - Work From Home f/ Ty Dolla $ign (2016)

For some reason, the beats just remind me of the Rugrats theme song. I know many people irl will give me the side eye for genuinely enjoying this song but idc. It's not a guilty pleasure of mine since I ain't ashamed of the things that I enjoy.

83  A$AP Rocky - Fashion Killa (2013)

Low-key one of his best songs. The music video with Rihanna as well whew chile. Anyway, I even made the effort to memorise the lyrics of this song back then cos I really loved it. Notable lyric: 'Her attitude Rihanna, she get it from her mama , she jiggy like Madonna, but she trippy like Nirvana'

82 Up Dharma Down - Indak (2012)

I think this song is my most played song on my iTunes. Just absolutely divine. My favourite band did that.

81 Lorde - Royals (2013)

Lorde is probably one of the very few artists that I really relate to the most both personality and music wise. This song introduced me to her greatness, but wow what a moment I will never forget, a moment that is most pleasing to me in my career.

Edited December 18, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[TheWayWeWere]

I used to LOVE Fashion Killa  thanks to Rih for introducing him to me  

Royals  

[Kiel D-01]

#80-76

 

 

80 Miley Cyrus - Adore You (2013)

Deserved Wrecking Ball's success to be honest. The GP slept on this and shamelessly demonstrated their lack of taste. Anyway, a solid song from Miley, it felt as though she's completely in touch with her emotions when she sang this. 

79 J. Cole - Crooked Smile f/ TLC (2013)

A bop and a half. My Polish uni housemate low-key made me sick of this song though cos she always played this non-stop. A self-love anthem  

78  George Ezra - Budapest (2013)

This song is personally problematic for me now. Firstly George Ezra has the same first name as my ex and the song title is the city he temporarily lived in when we broke-up. Anyway, I still like this song and still remember when I saw him live performing this song. I don't let all the negativities affect how I feel towards this song.  

77 Kendrick Lamar - B****, Don't Kill My Vibe (2013)

The song that really got me into Kendrick back then. I'm glad he didn't go for the version with Gaga in it cos it's clearly inferior to the released version.  

76 Grimes - Oblivion (2012)

I used to overplay this song when I was still obsessed with Grimes. Thank you @Gagasm for low-key introducing me to her back then. I don't know what you have been up to irl now but I hope you're experiencing a lot of success. I miss you sis  

Edited December 18, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[JGibson]

Locked Out Of Heaven + Royals + Budapest 

[Into The Void]

Not sure what songs from the 90s are honorable mentions 

Anyhow, Stitches, Work from Home, SOTT,  Adore You, Latch, Bon Apetit. Royals, LOOH. Taste is served 

[TheWayWeWere]

kinda forgot how great Adore You is  

Oblivion + Genesis used to be my 1-2 gems back then  

[Kiel D-01]

#75-71

 

 

75 Route 94 - My Love f/ Jess Glynne (2014)

I remember seeing his live and eagerly waiting for him to play this song, he never did. He instead proceeded to play a bunch of house songs catered to coke heads. Oh well. Nonetheless, this song is a topnotch bop. 

74 Kylie Minogue - Timebomb (2012)

People are disgusting for letting this flop. She gave all the gays they wanted that year. Catchy infectious chorus, a craft that Ms. Minogue perfected.

73  Lady Gaga - ARTPOP (2014)

One of the very few listenable songs in ARTPOP nowadays. It's a personal favourite of mine. The cute lyrics are what made this song too  

72 Iron and Wine - Claim Your Ghost (2017)

A perfect album opener for Sam's latest offering. I had to see him live after listening to Best Epic. Such a mesmerising and down to earth artist through and through. 

71 Kanye West - Dark Fantasy (2010)

Welp...Nicki high-key killed the of intro of this song, in a good way obviously. I even memorised it line by line cos I thought it was so cool back then. nn. Back when Kanye was still relatively sane he made undeniably good music. This song is an example of it. 

 

Edited December 19, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[JGibson]

Timebomb 

[rvx]

Budapest + Timebomb + My Love 

[Kiel D-01]

#70-66

 

 

70 Daft Punk - Get Lucky f/ Pharrell Williams (2013)

It won the award for ROTY for a reason. Catchy, euphoric, and ethereal. Deserved to go to #1 in the US but the lack of taste prevailed. 

69 Clean Bandit - Rather Be f/ Jess Glynne (2014)

Probably Clean Bandit's biggest song ever, not sure if they'll be able to top this in the future, quality and success wise. I remember watching the music video for the first time and didn't have any idea who Jess Glynne was. I thought the Asian lady in the MV was her.  

68  Rita Ora - Anywhere (2017)

Welp FIRO really came through with this song. She didn't really need Calvin Harris after all to provide the bops for the British gays. 

67 Björk - Moon (2011)

A song that's basically about starting afresh amid devastating situations. Her delivery of this song is well...very Björk. Piercing, gritty, and emotional. Notable lyric: 'Best way to start the new is to fail miserably, Fail at loving and fail at giving, Fail at creating a flow then realign the whole, And kick into the start hole'

66 Angus & Julia Stone - Babylon (2007/2010)

I'm cheating here a little bit by including this song in the list since it's originally released in 2007 but rereleased as a part of their compilation album. Radar teas. Well it's one of those cheesy love songs that you can't help but fall in love with and I am a sucker for them. 

Edited December 21, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[JGibson]

Get Lucky 

[K$Ellie]

TT making the top 100  the first k-pop song I loved before fully getting into it this year  I recommend Loona too x

Idk about Moon, it's tolerable but doesn't go anywhere  Work From Home, Locked Out Of Heaven, You Da One and Anywhere

Lowkey hate Oblivion, I'm a Genesis stan so I'm fuming that it's getting snubbed  

Edited December 21, 2019 by K$Ellie

[Jet]

Get Lucky is cute but it gets annoying really quick. Artpop and Royals  and oh wow at TT, we love taste  

[Kiel D-01]

#65-56

 

 

65 The Magician - Sunlight f/ Years & Years (2014)

Bring the memories of camping in Glastonbury Festival. My best mate and I would play this song in the background whilst smoking and drinking some brandy in the sun.  

64 Beyonce - Blow (2013)

The sultry lyrics, the well produced music video, and well Beyoncé being Beyoncé being at her best. I mean sure she released songs much better than this but this list is all about songs that I considered personally memorable.

63  Carly Rae Jepsen - Runaway With Me (2015)

The video of her performing live with the saxophonist's mouth piece being split still sends me. I mean can you see Carly's frustration? No wonder she ditched the live saxophone after that. FIRED!

62 Florence + The Machine - Ship To Wreck (2015)

The emotions that are flowing through Florence's voice in this song whew. You can hear her pain fighting her own demons. What a woman.

61 MIA - Bad Girls (2012)

Bad girls do it well indeed. I was smitten with this song for a very long time. The attitude, the beats. Whew the flavour! Always played this song every time I go for food shopping back them, always put me in such a good mood.

60 Madonna - Medellín f/ Maluma (2019)

This is the first Madonna song in ages that I actually both enjoyed and loved. People often say that she lost her spark a long time ago but I believe that she still got it. If she wants to.

59 Selena Gomez - Bad Liar (2017)

Granted that Selena's not the best vocalist out there, even my ex made fun of her runs (not really good in music theory so correct me if I am wrong) in this song. The part where she's doing the 'ooooh'. He said that it's such a thing that weak musicians do, I ought to believe him cos well he's a classical musician. It didn't stop me from enjoying this song though, I like what I like and don't let anyone influence my judgement with things that I genuinely enjoy.

58  Lizzo - Juice (2019)

Deserves all the success of Truth Hurts. Quality and taste lost this time around.

57 Kanye West - Monster f/ Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Jay Z (2010)

Yeah yeah, it's cliché at this point that Nicki carried this song but the song as a whole wouldn't have been as good if it wasn't for Kanye being a musical genius (well he's not anymore).

56 Miguel - Coffee f/ Wale (2015)

I love love love this song but will not get into detail as to why, just because.

Edited December 27, 2019 by Kiel D-01

[JGibson]

Ship To Wreck + Juice + Bad Girls + Medellín