Year in Review: The Best Songs of 2016

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Morgan Hotston 
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Song: “Don’t Hurt Yourself”
Artist: Beyonce
Album: Lemonade
Label: Parkwood/Columbia
Released: April 23

It was very difficult to choose just one Beyonce song as the best of the year, because Lemonade contained so many powerhouse jams. I love “Don’t Hurt Yourself” because it is one of the most triumphant and powerful on the album. Jack White’s brilliance shines through at just the right times. It’s raw and hard hitting, exactly what she was going for near the beginning of this record.

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Song: “Figures”
Artist: Jessie Reyez
Released: August 24

I’m super excited to see where Jessie’s career goes from here. Toronto-based Jessie Reyez should definitely be on everybody’s radar for the coming years. This is her first official single release, and I cannot wait for a debut album.

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Song: “On Hold”
Artist: The XX
Album: I See You 
Expected
Label: Young Turks 
Released: November 10

Although I’d consider this to be one of the most accessible songs by The XX, it definitely does not fall short on being incredibly dynamic. This is a huge teaser for what’s to come in the new year.

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Song: “Drug Dealer (feat. Ariana Deboo)”
Artist: Macklemore
Released: October 11

Macklemore always tackles some of the hardest, most relevant topics of our generation. He’s really putting the toughest part of his life on display in this song, and the video is equally as powerful. He triggers necessary conversations that are often avoided in popular music.

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Song: “Die Trying”
Artist: Michl
Album: Michl – EP
Released: August 12

This is one of the catchiest, easy going songs of the year in my opinion. I’ve been introduced to a lot of great new music through streaming apps and always love to see the growth of independent artists.