The top singles of 2015 across all genres in some cases aren’t very obvious. There is a huge difference between the top ten best singles and the top ten best selling singles. If one is looking for the top ten selling singles, then that information is not hard to find as it can be found in every single entertainment publication whether online or in print. They will undoubtedly all contain either the exact same or close to the same information all containing some sort of poll for the best of the year. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good. Just because something is good doesn’t mean it is popular.
The top ten momentous singles of 2015 can be found here and only here. Some have received their due credit. Some have not.
Leon Bridges’ “Coming Home”
Leon Bridges made 2015 sound like it was 1964 again with throwback soul reminiscent of Sam Cooke. Even the album cover looked like it was fifty years ago. As long as Bridges does not get pushed into making dance pop, he has a very bright future. Welcome to the club Leon!
Mumford & Sons’ “The Wolf”
Mumford and Sons returned from a hiatus and caught the music world off-guard with a completely new plugged-in sound. Known for acoustic folk, Mumford and Sons took a wide right turn with an electric guitar driven almost Brit-punk anthem. The vocal delivery in The Wolf finally displayed the raw emotion in Mumford’s voice that we always knew was there – and it was brilliant.
Brian Fallon’s “A Wonderful Life”
Brian Fallon is arguably the best songwriter of this century. His previous success fronting The Gaslight Anthem is being followed by his first solo album entitled Painkillers, which is due out in March of 2016. “A Wonderful Life” is the lead single from that forthcoming album. Lyrics such as I want a life on fire, going mad with desire – I don’t wanna survive, I want a wonderful life continue his traditional heartbreakingly romantic lyrics delivered in an uplifting and happy way.
Lindi Ortega’s “Ashes”
Being forgotten is a fear that everyone holds within. Ortega captures that fear with “Ashes” as well as she taught us all we could either fall down or fly several years back. Don’t leave me in the ashes of your memory is delivered as sincerely and as somberly as anything you will hear in 2015.
Adele’s “Hello”
Adele’s return to music taught the record executives an important lesson in 2015 – if you release music worth hearing consumers will come out on droves and buy it. 2015 will be known for “Hello.” It has received massive airplay thus far that it has almost become what people consider overplayed. All of that aside, Adele’s performance is flawless. If you happen to be one of those that consider it lame, try holding those vocal notes yourself and you will be able to quickly appreciate that Adele is more talented that all of us.
Kacey Musgraves’ “Dimestore Cowgirl”
It seems that every song Kacey Musgraves writes is a handbook for growing up in the South a free-thinking individual. She is spot-on. “Dimestore Cowgirl” is a perfect example. It is OK to be where you are from and to be proud of it, but it is also OK to venture out into the world and grow as a person.
Dead Sara’s “Something Good”
Dead Sara’s second album, Pleasure to Meet You, is so good we could have mentioned at least six songs as top singles of the year. “Something Good” is a fun song that tells us all what Janis Joplin would have sounded like with a band that could harmonize. The end result is literally something good. Let’s give credit where credit is due – something exceptional.
The Foo Fighter’s “Saint Cecilia”
The title track of the EP Saint Cecilia is a reminder of what makes this band great. It is edgy, hard, but at the same time sentimental. It was a great free gift to the world following the tragedy in Paris on November of 2015. It is OK to heal – and music is the best medicine.
Meg Myers’ “Lemon Eyes”
From her full-length debut album, Sorry, it’s a song that addresses the insecurities in a relationship from the one who is completely secure. She is so secure, it is in the other party’s best interest to not attempt to go anywhere. It is a fun song that isn’t quite as dark as some of her other work and definitely one of the best of the year. Whether it is dark subject matter or happy thoughts, Myers is one of the best artists out there right now.
Sleater-Kinney’s “No Cities to Love”
Sleater-Kinney returned with a new album in 2015 for the first time in a decade. Carrie Brownstein, Corin Tucker, and Janet Weiss come together like in a weird way that is like a spark of fire rarely found in music. The title track, “No Cities to Love,” was accompanied by a music video of celebrities singing along from Andy Samburg to Ellen Page.
