Mid-Point: 25 Singles We Love So Far This Year
These jams made our 2016...so far.
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All Summer '16 - The power of the single is still felt in today’s digital world. A hit single says a lot about an artist’s current mission and aesthetic — just think about Bey’s “Formation” and her follow-up “Sorry” — both of which made this countdown. Debut singles from new artists were sprinkled in this year, but not as much as comebacks from seasoned recording veterans. We’re only at the halfway mark, but so far, here are our top 25 singles of 2016. – Jon Reyes
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25. Ghost Town DJs, 'My Boo' - To think that this mid-'90s classic founds its way to us in the millennium is mind-blowing. Not only does the internet make magic sometimes, but over the years “y boo” is still that name we call those we love; oftentimes now known as "bae."(Photo: So So Def)
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25. Ghost Town DJs, 'My Boo' - To think that this mid-'90s classic founds its way to us in the millennium is mind-blowing. Not only does the internet make magic sometimes, but over the years “y boo” is still that name we call those we love; oftentimes now known as "bae."(Photo: So So Def)
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24. Alicia Keys, 'In Common' - This mid-tempo banger by Keys infused with Afrobeat, Latin and Caribbean sounds was a surprising release for the piano-playing balladeer.(Photo: RCA)
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23. Zayn Malik, “Pillowtalk” - This chart-topping solo debut from the 1D graduate wasn’t a surprise success but its modern R&B-inspired lyrics and sound was. Lush lyrics and a sensual build up make the greatness of this bedroom jam.(Photo: RCA)
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22. Ariana Grande, 'Dangerous Woman' - From demure Disney star to unapologetically sexy vixen, Ariana Grande has grown up right before our eyes. This shining single that discusses bedroom antics errs on the side of menacing. Grande's "grande" vocals alone make this a major hit.(Photo: Republic)
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21. Fantasia, 'Ugly' - The former American Idol winner has come a long way from her beginnings and still enjoys the fruits of her 12-year career. “Ugly” is packed to the brim with fantastic Fantasia vocals tinged with a note of country, making this a power ballad that can’t be missed.(Photo: RCA)
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20. DJ Khaled Featuring Drake, 'For Free' - Thanks to DJ Khaled, we get an appearance from Drake’s alter-ego Champagne Papi. With a sample of Akinyele's "F**k Me for Free," we get a much-needed party anthem for the summer.(Photo: Epic Records)
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19. Chloe x Halle, 'Drop' - The princesses of Parkwood Entertainment give us a glimpse of what’s to come in the form of “Drop,” where they correlate a vicious man’s allure to that of contagious beat dropping. The sisters ride the line of ethereal and tangible effortlessly on this one.(Photo: Parkwood Entertainment/ Columbia)
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18. Sampha, 'Timmy's Prayer' - Sampha’s already thrown his achingly soulful vocals into tracks like Drake’s “Too Much” and Kanye West’s “Saint Pablo.” His catalog is all about collaborations, but “Timmy’s Prayer” leaves no doubt that he commands the spotlight alone.(Photo: Young Turks Recordings)
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17. French Montana Featuring Kodak Black, “Lock Jaw” - One of the year’s best trap anthems came in the form of French and Kodak stacking each of their respective bars on top of one another, abandoning the separate verse formula. Over the Ben Billions production, the duo wax poetic about the loyalty needed to ride in the streets.(Photo: Coke Boys)
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16. Brandy, 'Beggin & Pleadin' - Brandy delivered what might be her most soulful effort since her 1994 album debut, Brandy. The blues guitar coupled with the video’s visuals give us all the Brandy life we ever wanted.(Photo: Slayana)
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15. Justin Timberlake, 'Can't Stop the Feeling' - This disco-plated and Michael Jackson-influenced song is one of Justin’s stellar party tracks. With its horns and funk roots, the song’s live performances have been incredibly reminiscent of old-school funk bands.(Photo: RCA)
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14. Maxwell, 'Lake by the Ocean' - After a seven-year hiatus, Maxwell returns with this arousing ballad about jumping head deep into something new after being put through the wringer. There’s no other singer that can make you forget past relationship battles and fall back in love like Maxwell.(Photo: Columbia Records)
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13. Rihanna, 'Kiss It Better' - The sweltering '70s guitar brings a level of sensuality to this shoe-in hit off Rihanna’s ANTI album. The added bonus? The video featured some of Rihanna’s top career visuals. Just epic.(Photo: Roc Nation/Westbury Road)
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12. Pusha T Featuring Jay Z, 'Drug Dealers Anonymous' - The G.O.O.D Music leader and godfather of the Roc join forces on this one, proving that an ode to past lives can effortlessly translate into future dollars. (Photo: GOOD Music, Roc Nation)
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11. Chance the Rapper Featuring 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, 'No Problem' - This unstoppable joint is one of many highlights on the rapper's latest mixtape, Coloring Book. While the project is well on its way to being regarded as Chance's most impactful project to date, this cut is indicative of the rapper's fighting his way to the top. The cameos on the track are a plus, but the real star of the party is the Coloring Book author.(Photo: Apple Music)
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10. Gucci Mane, 'First Day Out tha Feds' - With the help of Mike WiLL Made-It, the freshly released Gucci Mane dropped a much-anticipated single that was streamed 1.1 million times within a day of its release. The Atlanta rapper let it be known that, release aside, he’s ready for what’s next.(Photo: 1017 Records)
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9. Desiigner, 'Panda' - The single by the Brooklyn newcomer has been irresistible and omnipresent this past year. As an ode to the luxury of a BMW coupled with credit scams, it caught Kanye’s ear and became the No. 1 hit that it is. (Photo: GOOD MUSIC/Def Jam)
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8. Kanye West Featuring Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, Kelly Price and The-Dream, 'Ultralight Beam' - When Kanye tweeted that The Life of Pablo would be a gospel album, a collective eye roll happened throughout the land. But as this first track on The Life of Pablo magnificently unfolded, it was clear that it wasn’t hyperbolic. Alongside a lush choir, Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, Kelly Price and The-Dream assist our favorite ranting rapper as he muses over his faith in God. It is absolutely riveting.(Photo: GOOD MUSIC/Def Jam)
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7. Drake, '4PM in Calabasas' - With “4PM In Calabasas,” Puff Daddy, Meek Mill and Joe Budden all walk the Drizzy line as the rapper's metaphors might as well all be name checks. When it comes to targeting people on the track, Drake's like a lawyer when he's passing the bar.(Photo: OVO Sound/Cash Money/Young Money)
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6. Beyoncé, 'Sorry' - All the Beckys with the good hair of the world weren’t ready for this one. This unabashed and irreverent anthem had the world at large singing, “Tell him, boy, bye,” and was one of Lemonade's standout moments. The track even gifted the world with Bey wondering why she even put her wedding ring on. Is she really sorry, though?(Photo: Parkwood Entertainment/ Columbia)
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5. Fat Joe and Remy Ma Featuring French Montana, 'All the Way Up' - This track is a homecoming of sorts for Remy Ma and Fat Joe, as the Terror Squad got a small reunion on this one. Plus, from one track we’re getting a slew of remixes that are equally epic. Not since “Lean Back” has Terror Squad had the potential to move into our summer soundtrack.(Photo: Terror Squad/ EMPIRE)
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4. Kanye West, 'Famous' - This is a track riddled with as much controversy as its video, inducing some celebrity beef again with Taylor Swift. With one of the year’s best hooks that consists of Rihanna singing Nina Simone classic “Do What You Gotta Do,” Kanye dissects fame. Considering who he is and who he’s married to, he’s an authority on the subject.(Photo: GOOD MUSIC/Def Jam)
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3. Rihanna, 'Work' - ANTI’s first official single spent eight weeks at No. 1 and became a phenomenon. Oh, yeah, and thanks to this we got a video of Rihanna grinding on Drake, which we welcomed with open arms.(Photo: Roc Nation/Westbury Road)
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2. Drake, 'One Dance' - October’s very own delivered on this one. The feel good track that’s equal parts dancehall and house is a testament to the kind of artist Drake is – world-influenced and fearless.(Photo: OVO Sound/Cash Money/Young Money)