best of Oni's Best of 2020 | SOTY & AOTY Revealed!

[potent]

I only know Overwhelmed by R&TS since I'm basic lol, but I am definitely interested in hearing more!

[Ewan Chaos]

I REALLY wish Niki's album was as good as Selene is. Great write-up!

 

I actually kinda like the Better Off Alone cover more than their album nnnn

[Oni]

15 hours ago, rvx said:

Midnight Sky 

Period 

 

15 hours ago, Insanity said:

I like Shy Martin but not sure if I've heard that song.

I'm pretty sure you'll like the song, I mean it's SHY Martin, the standards aren't very high to begin with  

 

13 hours ago, K$Ellie said:

Selena an absolute STUNNER, the production is soooo pretty

 

 

Love La Di Da as well, as for Momoland... haven't used them since Baam

 

Selene really did that, better than most 80s inspired junk on radio lbr!

 

If you stopped using MOMOLAND after BAAM which is better than BBoom BBoom, there is no hope for you.

 

 

13 hours ago, potent said:

I only know Overwhelmed by R&TS since I'm basic lol, but I am definitely interested in hearing more!

 

Weddings and Funerals, Choke and MMXX are my favorite songs by her, should definitely check 'em out.

 

8 hours ago, Ewan Chaos said:

I REALLY wish Niki's album was as good as Selene is. Great write-up!

 

I actually kinda like the Better Off Alone cover more than their album nnnn

 

Wait at you being so correct on both of your statements!

 

NIKIs album was a whole ass letdown. Where did the production value and wonderful melodies go? Idk, but it was a really dull album otherwise.

 

And same thing with Purity Ring, oh my god! The album was not it for me, but the Better Off Alone is fire. Maybe it's a pleb opinion but I think Purity Ring should try to incorporate more pop and dance into their music while retaining they sound like they did in BOA, but I guess that would be selling out and they would face the same wrath as Grimes did when she released Go, which is still to this day one of her best songs. 

 

[Sunderland 4ever]

I appreciate the YT/Spotify links. Let me try that out on my YECD too.

[Oni]

2 hours ago, Sunderland 4ever said:

I appreciate the YT/Spotify links. Let me try that out on my YECD too.

It's definitely convenient for those who are browsing these lists in order to find new music!

[madonnas]

The momoland song was such a disappointment to me :(.  Baam remains their masterpiece.  
 

 

I know la di da is just a blinding lights ripoff but I also don’t care.  It slaps

[Oni]

 

54. BiSH - スーパーヒーローミュージック(Youtube | Spotify)

In terms of idols, BiSH definitely sticks out, in the most wonderful way possible. I love the incorporation of energetic pop rock and different aesthetics that the members have. It's so wonderful to see something else than just carbon copies. The song reminds me of early 2000s pop-rock, in the best way possible. I also adore the different types of vocal tones in the group, to me they work really well together and make songs more versatile and interesting. Definitely check them out if you want something new from idol groups, because BiSH are definitely bringing something fresh and different to the idol sphere of music.

 

53. Fujii Kaze - へでもねーよ (Youtube | Spotify)

Fujii Kaze is definitely one of the breakthrough artists of 2020 in Japan. This song in particular cemented him as an artist to watch. The song has a good balance of rock and hip-hop influenced pop music, with wonderful, pleasant vocals. I feel like a lot of idol groups is Korea specifically has tried this combination of genres, only to come out with something messy and that lacks good direction, but Fujii Kaze is showing everyone how it's done well. I am looking forward to how he is going to develop as an artist, and if he'll crack the mainstream for good in 2021. He is really close to that I feel. Also he is hot. He is really hot. Yeah. Sexy.

 

52. Ingrid Andress - Christmas Always Finds Me (Youtube | Spotify)

What is a Best Of 2020 list without a Christmas song? I wasn't expecting to fall in love with a Christmas song this much? I mean I love Christmas, and I love Christmas songs but this one in particular is very special, and it has everything to do with the production and lyrics. It has a very Christmas-y vibes to it and the lyrics of course reference Christmas a lot, but the underlying message behind the lyrics is very clever. Regardless of the issues, ups and downs and stress you've accumulated during the year, time still goes onward and eventually, Christmas is there again, and it often catches you off guard like oh ****, it's Christmas again, already!? And that's very, very true to life. The song is detached from the '' Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays '' vibe, and I think a lot of people who don't feel much for Christmas would probably enjoy a Christmas song that isn't so... merry? Either way, it's a great song with relatable lyrics, definitely my it-girl in terms of Christmas songs. Mariah Carey better watch out!

 

51. Margaret - Fotel (Youtube | Spotify)
Another pop girl I know nothing about, but the song goes off hard. I'm really feeling the Slavic vibes in the song, the instrumental is fire, also love love loove the pre-chorus during the first verse, and the whole second verse is spectacular. The chorus is definitely a bit weird, but when you get used to it, it definitely works, but the highpoints of the song are definitely the verses. Sometimes that happens I guess. I'm also kind of loving the language being sung, I think it's Polish? I'm kinda loving how it sounds. The song is very addictive, and her live performance of the song sounded very promising too, and I'm definitely looking forward to Margaret's, whoever she is, upcoming album, if this is the type of music she'll deliver.

 

 

50. Flownn - Illuminate (Youtube | Spotify)

Like I've probably mentioned before, there's definitely an overabundance of 80s funk and disco inspired songs in pop music right now, Flownn manages to release something that stands out. I think the sort of minimalism really helps with standing out from the crowd of others 80s inspired pop music, it's not overproduced and it doesn't try to do too much. It works for me, and while the chorus just repeats the words '' Illuminate-luminate-luminate me '' it's a perfectly catchy earworm of a chorus. Flownn has released two songs this year, and her other release, Sugar Rush, follows the same sound as Illuminate, which works equally as well, with it's 80s inspired minimalist pop sound. Illuminate is just catchier and more interesting to me, so it got the spot in the list. Flownn is someone to watch out for if you enjoy this current trend of 80s inspired music.

 

49. Balming Tiger - Kolo Kolo (Feat. Omega Sapien, wnjn) (Youtube | Spotify)

I don't even know what to say about this, but in a really good way. I just really love the song, it's fun, wacky and gives me everything I need from a rap song. What really elevates the song for me is the music video. The aesthetic is on point and it kind of turns me on. Am I the only one? Probably. I can't really find the words for this song, I just know I love it. Whatever song Omega Sapien puts his talent, effort and name into, it usually turns out all kinds of amazing and often futuristic. This song is no different.

 

48. Babet - Chameleon (Youtube | Spotify)

Who are these random irrelevant ladies doing the pop music in 2020, I don't get it?! How does this song only have 3.3k views on Youtube, it's criminal. The instrumental, the vocals, everything is so perfect, yes it is. She also released another single, Third Eye, this year, which is very nice too. I really don't want to expect much from these new girls because they always end up disappointing me at some point, but I'm very intrigued by her. If her releases this year is anything to go by, I won't be disappointed. Chameleon is a banger that sounds like it should be played constantly on pop radio. If you have the time, please give Chameleon a listen, the song is a major bop.

 

 

47. ITZY - Not Shy (Youtube | Spotify)

And here it is, the best k-idol group song of the year for me. When I pushed play for the first time on this bad boy, I wasn't expecting to like it at all. But it worked so well. It's not doing too much, which I often find k-pop groups are guilty of. The verses are great, the chorus is catchy, the pre-chorus is great, the bridge works well, and the choreo is very fun. I think everyone can agree that the '' ITZYYYYYYY '' just makes the chorus hella enjoyable (BLACKPINK in your area found shaking somewhere). Wasn't following ITZY before, now I'll have to keep my eyes open for future singles, and maybe go backwards on their discography as well. Good job girls!

 

46. AUDREY NUNA & DJ Snake - damn Right Pt. 2 (Youtube | Spotify)

This is a remix of Audrey's damn Right, which already was a very nice song, but this remix just gives it an extra boost of oomph and edge that I need. The beat really comes at you hard and fast and like, aggressive punches you and violates your space. And I really like that in electronic music, I want to be punched by the face by blaring aggressive beats, thank you very much. Some people be out there whining about '' loud songs '' and I'm sitting here like no, you're wrong, shut your mouth, you don't know anything. The song is fire, the beat is banging, and I really enjoy AUDREY's rapping.

 

45. GOLDHOUSE - Wait for Hell (feat. Page) (Youtube | Spotify)

I don't really follow any EDM producers closely, I just tend to find these songs browsing the internet. I love the airiness and lightness of this song, the summer vibes are legit and I get so positive and happy when listening to this. It's definitely an addictive song that I just grew to love more and more as I kept listening to it. It's been a pretty '' meh '' year for EDM, and this is one of the few songs that have really stuck with me and that I've found enjoyable. Maybe my taste is just changing and western EDM just isn't innovating enough anymore for me. Thankfully I can find gems here and there, and this one is definitely a gem.

 

44. Marina Kaye - Visions (Youtube | Spotify)

This song is very up my alley. The song gives me very '' rainy autumn/winter night, driving/walking through streetlights '' kind of a jam that's perfect for that kind of atmosphere and pretending you're in a music video lmao. I feel like this has a very nostalgic kind of instrumental and beat to it, but I can't really place whether it's early, mid, late 90s or early 2000s kind of sound (and it's possible it's none of those),  but I'm loving every second of it. Wish this sound was more popular. Sadly rest of Marina Kaye's album didn't live up to this one sole fantastic album track, but it's fine, the song feeds me enough as is.

 

8. ALMA - Have You Seen Her? (Spotify | Apple Music)

I think a lot of people were maybe a bit disappointed with ALMA's debut album, and I won't lie, I was a bit as well. The album rollout was a mess with the damn EPs, and I was expecting something a bit more out there like Cowboy and When I Die (they weren't even included in the album, why!?), but majority of the album just didn't reach those levels of '' huh, interesting. '' In the end, it was just a very decent pop album, albeit a bit bland and lacked personality. But the more I've listened to the album, the more I've grown to enjoy it. With a lot of artists, they peak with their debut and fall fast and hard after. I think ALMA's peak is still coming, and Have You Seen Her? will just be remembered as a good first effort. There are songs I enjoy immensely, and I kind of find more and more enjoyable moments within the album after each listen. And honestly, ALMA has a great voice, one of the most pleasant tones in modern pop music. Overall, Have You Seen Her? isn't bad at all, but the high expectations I had for the debut really screwed with my initial impression. Now I can enjoy the album for what it is, and I'm very hopeful for ALMA's future. 

 

7. Remi Wolf - I'm Allergic To Dogs! EP (Spotify | Apple Music)

When you release a 5 track EP; you better make sure every, single, song is great, and I think Remi Wolf really pulled it off with her newest EP. Every song is AT LEAST a 8/10, with some 10/10 moments included in as well. Remi Wolf's quite kooky aesthetic and sound are all interwoven into this very funky EP that is a lot of fun to listen to, and the lyrics aren't super serious either that's really refreshing at this age of either depressive or cocky/egoistical songwriting. I kind of miss pop music being kind of positive, fun and silly, and the EP really pulls off that feeling well. I honestly don't have much bad to say about any of the songs, it's a very good effort, hoping for a full album next time so we can truly see what she can pull off. 

Edited December 3, 2020 by Oni

[mokitsu]

i only know ITZY, but im checking out some of these and bopping. the Audrey Nuna song sound like a SOPHIE track

 

[mokitsu]

i liked them all, especially the hip hop tracks, but chameleon is just incredible wtf im living for how eclectic your taste is nnn.

[madonnas]

not shy isn't even my top itzy song this year... or the best on the EP.  its a good choice though, as there was a lot of bad stuff in kpop gg music this year so yyou at least chose a GOOD song  

[Oni]

43. Miss Li - Therapy (Youtube | Spotify)

What really makes this song is the lyrics and vocal delivery. The lyrics are very honest if the songs is meant to be more biographical, and the lyrics are very much relatable to younger generations despite Miss Li is almost 40 years old. Still making great relatable modern pop music though, but that's no surprise really, she is a Swede after all. What I also really enjoy is the buildup of the instrumental to the last chorus. Nothing is more blueball-y than a pop song that doesn't build up at all to the last chorus, but this song definitely nails that buildup, even if the instrumental is pretty simple honestly. 

 

42. MY FIRST STORY feat. chelly (EGOIST) - 1,000,000 TIMES (Youtube | Spotify)

What a shot of adrenaline this song is. I love this type of faster, action-packed rock/metal, and MY FIRST STORY is great at doing those types of songs. What I really love in this song outside of the great instrumental and infectious melodies, is the vocals and the combination of the vocalists. Both chelly and Hiro's vocals sound superb here, and the combination of their voices really work. Hiro has always had a very interesting tone that is probably not for anyone, but I love it a lot because it's kind of unique, and chelly's tone is very pleasant as well. This song is excellent if you need a good adrenaline boost.  

 

41. Ninajirachi & Kota Banks - Opus (Youtube | Spotify)

I'm honestly surprised this song has so little views, it feels very trendy, with the times, both sonically and lyrically. This is just a very sexy, fun songs that's hard for me to skip when it comes on shuffle. The instrumental is great and Kota Banks talk-singing, idk if you could classify it as rapping but nevertheless, sounds appropriate for the beats. My favorite part of the lyrics '' In the shower, boy focus '' because it makes even me feel a little sexual and dominant. Ninajirachi and Kota Banks is a great combo, and this is not the last time you'll see them on this list.

 

40. ALMA - Stay All Night (Youtube | Spotify)

Of course, because HUSH? was one of my favorite albums of the year, some songs would make into the list as well. Stay All Night is a very clean pop song without much going on, but that's what I like about it, it's very pleasant to listen to. I was debating whether to add Bad News Baby or Stay All Night here, but I decided with the latter, just because I think the kind of hopeful, optimistic atmosphere of the song, even if the lyrics are kind of heavy. I recall ALMA writing this about herself and to herself, so I can kind of hear the therapeutic elements of the song.

 

39. Vickeblanka - ミラージュ (Youtube | Spotify)

The chorus in this song gives me legit shivers. Japan really knows how to create these immensely beautiful rock-pop ballads like no other country, and Vickeblanka continues that tradition. I was actually extremely surprised by his vocals being that good. I've heard some songs before, and I've never really though much about his vocal capabilities, but this song really highlights that yeah, he can like, sing sing. The chorus is extremely cathartic.

 

 

38. Elliphant & Vera Hotsauce - Lick Me (Youtube | Spotify)

Elliphant is finally releasing music again, and it's been pretty hit or miss. Lick Me is definitely a hit for me though, and it does remind me of the sound of her first album which is an underrated masterpiece. The lyrics for the song are actually really wonderful, and I think Elliphant has always had a pretty good knack with releasing light sounding pop music with a good underlying message that you wouldn't notice first because how the songs is sonically. You might think this song is like a sexy, horny, thot song but it's not, as '' wounds and scars, lick me lick me lick me '' go the lyrics. I hope there's more stuff like this coming our way from Elliphant.

 

37. Mili - Static (Youtube | Spotify)

Speaking of shivers.. Mili's Static is easily one of the most beautiful songs released this year that I've heard. The lyrics are amazing, the vocals are amazing, the instrumental is amazing. The whole song is a journey, it's very cinematic and that's no surprise since the song is made for a movie. I have to say the song is A LOT though, and you kind of have to be in the right mood to listen to it, and that's probably why it's not higher in the list despite me singing it's praises so much. It's still an amazing, amazing song that I often cry listening to. Yeah I'm a crybaby, but come on, the song is so pretty?! 

 

36. Vesala - Me Tanssitaan Liian Vähän (Youtube | Spotify)

Now I'll be completely honest, this is not the best song from the album, but since it was released with the album in 2020 and it wasn't a single prior to it, and the better songs were released beforehand, so it's the only song I'm allowing on the list. Not to say that the song is bad though, no, but it's not my favorite from the album. The absolute favorite part for me in this song is the instrumental and buildup. It's INSANELY GOOOOD. From 2:08 onwards, it's just pure perfection. Go listen to it right now, RIGHT NOW. An album highlight, a 2020 highlight, yup yup.

 

35. Kujah & EQRIC - Psycho (feat. FJØRA) (Youtube | Spotify)

I don't have much to say about this song. I've mentioned I love really loud, hectic EDM, and this is just that. The last bit of the song sounds kind of like BLACKPINK's How You Like That and it's last dance 35 seconds or so, except, you know, good.  This is just the kind of adrenaline boost I need sometimes, and I hardly ever skip it when it comes on shuffle. Sometimes I'd be laying down and the song comes on shuffle, and I'll just have to get up and you know, vibe a lil' because it's so infectious with it's loud bass. 

 

34. ALMA - Final Fantasy (Youtube | Spotify)

The closing song of HUSH? and I gotta say, it's perfect for that. Nothing is better than a fitting closing track. The song is rather bittersweet lyrically, and the instrumental reflects that as well. What are the chances the song title isn't influenced by the video game series with the same name? I certainly hope it is. Again, it's not exactly groundbreaking in any way, but ALMAs vocals and that very clean production (well, clean for me) is just great pop goodness. What more could you want? 

 

 

 

 

6. Becky And The Birds - Trasslig EP (Spotify | Apple Music)

Becky And The Birds was a very recent and fresh find for me, and I fell in love instantly. The sound she is going for is very much fitting for my own tastes, and her vocals are angelic and superb. Ariana Grande who? Jk. I feel like this is the kind of artist I was really hoping to discover, so I'm very excited to what Becky is going to do next! Trasslig EP has some fantastic songs, but why the EP is not higher on in the list is because how are you going to have an outro and two songs with a duration of 1+ minutes? If you create an EP, you have absolutely no room for intro, outros and songs that are less than 2:30. Still, the high points for the EP are really, really high and I'm just generally really looking forward to whatever she is going to release next. The electronic, mellow, angelic, ethereal R&B mixed with those heavenly vocals is just sublime. Give me more, now, but hopefully a full length album with no freaking intros and outros, geez!

 

5. Vesala - Etsimässä Rauhaa (Spotify | Apple Music)

Vesala released one of my favorite pop albums early this year, and it ended up being great. What was kind of bothersome that she had released like 3 songs prior to the album release and the album only has 11 tracks. Also, some of the songs she released prior to the album didn't make it into the full album which I think was a huge bummer because some of them, namely Monta nimee, would've fit PERFECTLY into the album. My favorite song, Mul ei oo lapsuudensankarii, would've easily made it to top 10 of the top songs list if it wasn't released last year, it's so mindblowingly good. But thankfully the album wasn't released without new tracks that were almost as amazing. There are some skips on the album, and some really embarrassing lyrics and songs, but most of the album is fantastic. I would've liked the tone of the album to be more cohesive, because the album can go from very dark to very cheerful in a second, and that's a bit offputting. Still one of the best full length pop albums released this year.

[Oni]

1 hour ago, mokitsu said:

i only know ITZY, but im checking out some of these and bopping. the Audrey Nuna song sound like a SOPHIE track

 

 

Glad you are liking the stuff I post!!! 

 

And yeah, it does sound like a SOPHIE track, except good

 

 

1 hour ago, mokitsu said:

i liked them all, especially the hip hop tracks, but chameleon is just incredible wtf im living for how eclectic your taste is nnn.

 

Chameleon is major. If it was released by a MPG it would blow up. 

 

Yeah, I kind of have a varied taste and my top albums and songs list don't necessarily include a lot of MPGs and artists that are talked about ATRL, which is why I'm glad at least someone posts in my threads to comment 

 

51 minutes ago, Madame X said:

not shy isn't even my top itzy song this year... or the best on the EP.  its a good choice though, as there was a lot of bad stuff in kpop gg music this year so yyou at least chose a GOOD song  

I didn't really like the EP, but Not Shy is definitely top tier. Glad you agree it's at least a GOOD song 

It's just... a lot of kpop songs can be unnecessarily messy and just too much, and Not Shy is pretty streamlined all things considered and that's why it's so good to me! 

[perpetual novice]

Loving the graphics 

[Oni]

1 minute ago, perpetual novice said:

Loving the graphics 

Thank you, I put a lot of time and effort into them! 

[mokitsu]

saved some songs that Vesala song was great, let me check out her album, the excellent nordic production

 

psycho sounds like a BLACKPINK song dd but im bopping. i had written off ALMA's album but the two songs were good

 

[Oni]

2 hours ago, mokitsu said:

saved some songs that Vesala song was great, let me check out her album, the excellent nordic production

 

psycho sounds like a BLACKPINK song dd but im bopping. i had written off ALMA's album but the two songs were good

 

Nordic pop has really stepped their game recently. Love that for them! 

I'd definitely recommend Mul ei oo lapsuudensankarii, Meillä kummittelee, Nyt on lähtö and Monta nimee (that isn't on the album but could very much fit into the album sonically)

 

Even if ALMA's debut album wasn't as good as one would've hoped, she still has a very strong discography right now for a newbie. Cowboy is a bop of the century. 

 

 

 

[Delta]

Have You Seen Her 

Love the paint inspired concept for the layout and the 69 countdown 

[Oni]

49 minutes ago, Delta said:

Have You Seen Her 

Love the paint inspired concept for the layout and the 69 countdown 

It's very aesthetic, isn't it?

Glad to see more HUSH? fans 

[madonnas]

ahhhh so much to research.  which songs are more artsy fartsy / synthy?

[Oni]

17 minutes ago, Madame X said:

ahhhh so much to research.  which songs are more artsy fartsy / synthy?

 

I guess I would pick out these ones for you

I don't have much artsy fartsy stuff in (yet..) 

 

Royal & The Serpent - Choke (Youtube | Spotify)

NIKI - Selene (Youtube | Spotify)

Noga Erez - VIEWS (feat. Reo Cragun & ROUSSO) (Youtube | Spotify)

Lucky Kilimanjaro - SAUNA SONG (Youtube | Spotify)

Purity Ring - Better Off Alone (Youtube | Spotify)

Flownn - Illuminate (Youtube | Spotify)

Babet - Chameleon (Youtube | Spotify)

AUDREY NUNA & DJ Snake - damn Right Pt. 2 (Youtube | Spotify)

Marina Kaye - Visions (Youtube | Spotify)

Vesala - Me Tanssitaan Liian Vähän (Youtube | Spotify)

Ruusut - Avaimet avaa ovii (Youtube | Spotify)

Edited December 5, 2020 by Oni

[madonnas]

33 minutes ago, Oni said:

 

I guess I would pick out these ones for you

I don't have much artsy fartsy stuff in (yet..) 

 

Royal & The Serpent - Choke (Youtube | Spotify)

NIKI - Selene (Youtube | Spotify)

Noga Erez - VIEWS (feat. Reo Cragun & ROUSSO) (Youtube | Spotify)

Lucky Kilimanjaro - SAUNA SONG (Youtube | Spotify)

Purity Ring - Better Off Alone (Youtube | Spotify)

Flownn - Illuminate (Youtube | Spotify)

Babet - Chameleon (Youtube | Spotify)

AUDREY NUNA & DJ Snake - damn Right Pt. 2 (Youtube | Spotify)

Marina Kaye - Visions (Youtube | Spotify)

Vesala - Me Tanssitaan Liian Vähän (Youtube | Spotify)

Ruusut - Avaimet avaa ovii (Youtube | Spotify)

wait im skimming through and my fave is the vesala song kinda slaps.

 

is niki from the niki & the dove?

[Oni]

Just now, Madame X said:

wait im skimming through and my fave is the vesala song kinda slaps.

 

is niki from the niki & the dove?

I wish, when is that group making a new album, it's been too long.

 

This is my fave from Vesala's album. When the chorus hits it's like

 

[Ewan Chaos]

Wait, Miss Li AKA the girl who made that song from the iPod commercial still makes music??? I LOVED that album and haven't listened to it in years. Lemme listen to it again and check out this new stuff...

[Post Malone]

Perched, I only know Midnight Sky so far though nn

 

[BlackoutZone]

NOT MY POLISH GIRL MARGARET MAKING IT  She is so confusing honestly, from the beginning of her career she constantly keeps trying to find her own sound that would be centered in pop, but unique to her? and she is kinda failing? She jumps on trends and adds some own experimental flare to it, but it never really works. Lately she is trying more electronic and hip-hop stuff. I'm glad you enjoy her new output, but to me her music was more pleasant (at least) when she was just serving catchy basic radio fodder nn