- Opinion
- 19 Dec 19
The Hot Press team has compiled a list of our best tracks of the year. Each day we're revealing ten more tunes, all in the lead-up to our absolute favourite song of 2019.
20. Glen Hansard - ‘I’ll Be You, Be Me’ (Anti)
It's been one hell of a career for Glen Hansard, but in 'I'll Be You, Be Me', his solo career enters uncharted territory. Practically a whisper in the ear of the listener, the track is a dark foray into the mind of the genius himelf.
19. Mango X Mathman - ‘Deep Blue (feat. Lisa Hannigan)’ (Weapon of Choice)
What happens when you bring together one of each of Ireland's greatest folk singers, rappers, and producers? 'Deep Blue' is the crossover we never knew we needed but are so happy it happened. Mango’s lyricism weaves a poetic narrative of the beauty and the flaws of Dublin city and life here for young people while the gentle power of Lisa Hannigan’s haunting vocals cut through in the chorus, making ‘Deep Blue’ a powerful and balanced song.
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18. KNEECAP - ‘H.O.O.D.’ (765211 Records DK)
The West Belfast rap trio responded to controversy and condemnation by the DUP earlier this year in the best way they know how – continuing to break down stereotypes in their playfully satirical fashion with ‘H.O.O.D.’. The bilingual single marks a new direction in KNEECAP’s sound, as they drift towards a high-energy, garage-influenced production style.
17. All Tvvins - ‘No One Is Any Fun (feat. Sorcha Richardson)’ (Faction Records)
Another iconic crossover from some of the best musicians Ireland has to offer, 'No One Is Any Fun' is a bop featuring Sorcha Richardson on guest vocals. The techno beat and electronic effects juxtaposed against the lo-fi tracks make for a refreshing output from All Tvvins.
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16. Taylor Swift - ‘Lover’ (EMI)
How on Earth does Taylor Swift keep churning out such brilliant love song ballads? It's a medical miracle, and we have no complaints. 'Lover' has hints of early Taylor's more country days, but with lyrical and melodical maturities.
15. Dermot Kennedy - ‘Power Over Me’ (UMGRI Interscope)
Dermot Kennedy has blessed us with numerous beautiful ballads this year but few come close to this banger of a tune. Accompanied by a beat that you'd normally find on a hiphop track, 'Power Over Me' is a perfectly-executed pop song with spine-tingling vocals. In this case, Dermot Kennedy has that power over us.
14. Somebody’s Child - ‘Toes’ (Self-Released)
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The second single from Somebody's Child, 'Toes' is a certifiable bop. The pre-chorus build; the syncopation in the chorus; the sweet rasp of Cian Godfrey – it all makes for a beauty of a track.
13. Lizzo - ‘Juice’ (Nice Life/Atlantic)
It's been a historical year for Lizzo, who released her debut album Cuz I Love You which received eight Grammy nominations. Undoubtedly, 'Juice' is the most impactful track, which is an ode to self love and living life to the fullest. We can't wait to bring that juicy Lizzo energy into 2020!
12. Bruce Springsteen - ‘Western Stars’ (Columbia)
He's called The Boss for a reason and 'Western Stars' is no exception. Arguably one of the best songs Springsteen has written in his decades-long career, the warming track is reminiscent of country music but still recognisable as distinctly him.
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11. God Knows feat. Outsider Yp - ‘Clout9’ (narolane)
Released specially for Culture Night, 'Clout9' is a vast social commentary on the all-consuming dangers of social media. The easy-listening track issues a warning of getting caught up in the vanity of the internet age: "You built the world that we got at our finger tips/ Why stack the chips when we know what’s in em." Wise words, lad.
You can read the complete list of Hot Press' Top Tracks of 2019 in one brilliant sweep in the Hot Press Annual – in which we distill the highlights and low-points of the year, across 132 vital, beautifully designed pages. Starring heroes of the year Fontaines D.C. on the front we cover Music, Culture, Sport, Film, Politics, the Environment and much, much more. Buy this superb publication direct from Hot Press here.