Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #40 to #31

Alexander Biggs, Janelle Monae, Baker Boy + Eves Karydas!

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80 - #71

#70 - #61

#60 - #51

#50 - #41

#40. WITH OR WITHOUT

by Tired Lion

Take me away with you I'll be your come down

I'll be there for you now.

When an announcement came across the Facebooks that Matt Tanner was leaving Tired Lion, I had a bad feeling Tired Lion was about to go the way so many of my fave bands had gone before. Dropping a banging debut only to fade away, like so many young AUS bands do. Luckily for us, Sophie Hopes and the rest of the band took some time to regroup and have come back sounding as full of energy and attitude as ever with their most immediately engaging track yet. ‘With or Without You’ has one of the funnest, most loveable choruses of the year and you know you want to be shouting along with Hopes as she promises she’ll be there for you. Written in response to the band’s line-up changes and an uncertain future, ‘With or Without You’ acts as a riotous send off to the first Tired Lion era and promises an exciting second. Bring it on. (Matt Bond)

#39. WHITE DRESS

by Dunes

I forget, what were my dreams?

Come to the end, what have I seen?

It is surprisingly hard to find out a lot about New Zealand’s sisterly duo Dunes using generic searches like Dunes/Dunes Music/Dunes Music New Zealand/Dunes Album and so on and so forth. Sure they’re generic searches, but when your an act with a song as good as ‘White Dress’ you should be getting bombarded with search hits relating to how amazing said act is. Those words, those dreamy vocals, the hopeless romanticism of it all... they need to know the air you breathe, people. Why won’t you let them? Dunes count Florence Welch amongst their growing fan base and if it’s good enough for Florence it’s good enough for us all. I'm pretty sure that's international law. (Matt Bond)

#38. CLOSE ENOUGH

by Alexander Biggs

You're making sense to me

Feels like I can see, the forest for the trees...

Oh my gosh this is lovely. This is just lovely. The twisting and turning guitars, the percussion that drives but doesn’t overtake, the swing along sing song melody and the sweet, sweet lyrics; “feels like I can see forest for the trees and they grow in your vicinity”. Alexander Biggs manages that magical balance between confident yet humble throughout his music and he somehow makes it seem so easy to get lost within the storybook feel of his songs, if I could literally step inside any song on this countdown, this could be the one. (Jo Michelmore)

#37. MR LA DI DA DI

by Baker Boy

God dam, not breaking a sweat

Walking with a bounce in my step.

There’s about a billion things I want to write about Baker Boy and how important he and artists like him are to the Australian music landscape, and, as music is pretty much everything, how important he and artists like him are to Australian society in general, but then I always come back to that exact point, which is that music is pretty much everything. Which means that I can say or write a bazillion things about the impressiveness and importance of Danzal Baker, aka Baker Boy; but the most important thing is this. He writes and performs really good songs and if you’re not moving by the end of ‘Mr La Di Da Di’, you may want to check your pulse. You feeling ok? (Jo Michelmore)

#36. PYNK

by Janelle Monae ft. Grimes

Let's count the ways we could make this last forever.

No, it’s not just that song with the vagina pants video. Yes, it is that song. But Janelle Monae’s ‘PYNK’ is so much more. No, it’s not just about lady parts, but sure there is a delightful amount of time dedicated to female anatomy in the verses and that’s totally fine considering a whole bunch of us were brought into the world via lady business, yeah? Even if 'PYNK' was just that vagina song with the vagina pants video, that would be okay too. In 2018 we can listen to a great pop song about vaginas and the world won't fall apart. On a reasonable list of all the things that are making the world fall apart, this song wouldn't be on it. Janelle Monae wants to make the world a better, more inclusive place through her art and music and she's doing a mighty fine job of achieving her goals. Oh, and about those vagina pants (technically vulva trousers), you might find it as lovely as I do that some of the dancers aren't wearing them because Monae doesn't believe, "that all women need to possess a vagina to be a woman," and if that's not a lovely shout out to those that identify as women then I don't know what is. The part of the song including the following words is just the bestest thing ever too. “I wanna fall through the stars, getting lost is my favourite part, let’s count the ways we could make this last forever.” (Matt Bond)

#35. DOWNTOWN SHUTDOWN

by The Presets

Downtown shutdown, I can feel it

It's coming over, turnin' my lights out.

Take your standard/amazing Presets brand of eclectic, electronic soundscapes and throw in a gospel choir from Shepparton and you get the magical ride that is 'Downtown Shutdown'. Like the majority of their most memorable tunes, The Presets want you to take more from the song than just a strong desire to get wasted and dance the night away. You could totally do that with 'Downtown Shutdown', don't get me wrong, but you can do that while also remembering this was written in reaction to Sydney's controversial lockout laws that have essentially killed off the Kings Cross entertainment district. You want to enjoy the music for what it is, go for it. You want to enjoy the music for the message and the protest party vibes, you can do that too. The Presets continue to cater to all. (Matt Bond)


Firstly, let me get my rant out of the way: lock out laws are ridiculous. They are a bandaid solution. I've more to say on that, but I've got words about songs to write, so; end rant. Now to the song, which is a healthy reaction to said lockout laws. One of my closest friends saw The Presets play earlier this year, and enjoyed it immensely, but I cannot listen to this song, or any of The Presets 2018 album, Hi Vis, without thinking of my beautiful friend, who sent me a message days later, stating; “I just realised why so many people were wearing tradie shirts at that gig”. Did they start a revolution of tradie hi visibility safety fashion with this album? I’m not sure, but this is probably my favourite track from said album. (Jo Michelmore)

#34. I LIKE IT

by Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny and J Balvin

They call me Cardi Bardi, banging body

Spicy mami, hot tamale.

I couldn't tell you all that much about Cardi B. I've listened to some interviews and she is laugh out loud funny with a larger than life personality. From those interviews you can tell she's worked very hard for a very long time to get to where she is. I believe she was on a reality show (?) featuring emerging rap acts. There was a fight between Cardi and maybe Nicki Minaj or Minaj's security guard at a fashion (?) show. She's recently split with a fella called Offset (?) and they had a little one named Kulcha (?). There's a lot of questions there, but there's no question about how infectious her music is. She's been the hottest rap act in all of music this year and a lot of that has to do with her worldwide star-making turn on 'I Like It' featuring Bad Bunny (?) and J Balvin (?). Cardi kills it on her opening verse and the choruses. Misters Bunny and Balvin (?) are there too, but 'I Like It' is all about the lead artist and I think we'll find that the rap game is going to be all about Cardi B for a long time to come. (Matt Bond)  


It’s a countdown of all of 2018. Of course Cardi B was going to feature. I can’t say I know much about her, as I probably don't follow the right celebrity accounts on the socials, or many for that matter, but she's made enough of an impact this year that I know it wouldn't be a 2018 countdown without her. I'm not sure Bad Bunny or J Balvin would have made it without her though. I don’t know who they are. To be honest, I don’t know much about anyone anymore, but I know I’d enjoy a beverage as I listen to this track, because I like it like that (obvious what I did there) and as Matt said to me, we like ALL of the beverages, I mean musics. Damn right we do. (Jo Michelmore)

#33. LADY BLUE

by Emily Wurramara

I wish I could swim here forever

Miss Lady Blue, me and you.

If I knew nothing about Emily Wurramara then with the first notes of ‘Lady Blue’ I may be forgiven for thinking she’s some kind of blues or jazz singer from another time, her stunning voice is from somewhere else, and as it washes over the instrumentation, those constant repeated beats create the exact feeling of the constant rhythm of the ocean that ‘Lady Blue’ is written about. Is this onomatopoeia in a musical sense? Is that how one spells onomatopoeia? I’m unsure if there is such a thing what that would be called, but I do know when I listen to ‘Lady Blue’ I’m sitting by the seaside, I’m watching the waves, and I’m feeling…good. Good. You can’t ask more of a beautiful song than that. (Jo Michelmore)

#32. FURTHER THAN THE PLANES FLY

by Eves Karydas

Shoot, shoot, shoot

I'm so bored of all the talking.

Dammit. I like to be really positive about these songs, because after all they’re a representation of our faves of the year, but I’ve got a problem with this song. Eves Karydas has a voice that is too good. How am I meant to hit those high notes when I’m singing in my car? Huh? I sound like a bad, bad ringtone wailing ‘shoot shoot shoot…further than the planes fly” in my highest squeaky mouse tone, which Miss Karydas hits with not a concern in the world and sounds more magnificent than mouse. This kind of confident pop is going to take Eves K a long long way. Planes fly a long way but Eves Karydas voice flies higher. (Jo Michelmore)

#31. ALL THE STARS

by Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA

Love, let's talk about love

Is it anything and everything you hoped for?

Or do the feeling haunt you?

I know the feeling haunt you.

WAKANDA FOREVER... part 2! I think it's universally acknowledged that Kendrick Lamar is brilliant and that's exactly what he was throughout the entire Black Panther soundtrack. But especially on 'All Of The Stars'. So yeah, Kendrick Lamar's awesome. But let's talk about SZA, who completely owns every moment she appears throughout the track. The second half of the song really belongs to her and as that booming SZA delivered chorus finishes up the track, you're left wanting to hear so much more from her. The shots of SZA dancing her way through the stars in the video are gorgeous too. I just want to keep saying SZA. Is that because I was only recently told it's pronounced 'sizza'. Yes. Yes it is. (Matt Bond) 

                   

Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #50 to #41

The Paper Kites, OKENYO, Kendrick Lamar + Emily Wurramara!

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80 - #71

#70 - #61

#60 - #51

#50. PRAY FOR ME

by The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar

I'm always ready for a war again

Go down that road again, it's all the same.

Ah, all the films I’m yet to see, all soundtracks I like. I’ll get to the moving images when I stop loving the music so much, which pretty much means never, sorry films. It pretty much wouldn’t be the latter half of this decade without The Weeknd or Kendrik Lamar appearing somewhere in the countdown. In the future they won’t mention these years without mentioning one of these artists, and in years and years to come they’ll be sampled in other songs and the kids will say who was this by and the old people will talk about the way things used to be, and how good films were back in the day and then the kids will be like oy vey, I’m going to listen to The Wknd, pronounced the weekend, because by then we won’t need any e’s in the alphabet anymore. Or something like that. Great song. (Jo Michelmore)

WAKANDA FOREVER! Kendrick Lamar put together an incredible soundtrack for Black Panther aka the highest grossing movie of the year in the United States (beating out the global champ, Avengers: Infinity War). Like an old fashioned superhero team up, Lamar and The Weeknd work their magic on 'Pray For Me', with a fist pumping intro from the latter leading into the former pulling off a verse that features the word fight about a million times. Now that's a heroic feat. (Matt Bond)  

#49. LIKE THEY DO ON THE TV

by Kimbra

I'm older now, but I feel my time

Start to begin.

For any younger readers, I’d like to give you a small history lesson and introduce you to the TV. You see, once long before you watched your favourite shows and things in the palm of your hand while lying in bed/on the train/walking the streets (please be aware of your surroundings young and old readers alike), the moving images used to appear on glass fronted boxes, much like the one that appears in Kimbra’s clip. Who is Kimbra you ask kids? She’s an incredibly talented pop singer who appeared on a song that was super popular all over the world about seven years ago, and now she makes excellent pop songs, just like this one, full and bouncy and fun and imaginative. Her audience may be smaller than it was seven years ago, but we’re a very appreciative one.  (Jo Michelmore)

#48. FLASHES

by The Paper Kites

Wait, you're gonna feel something

You're gonna feel something, one day.

You know what, dear reader? You are going to feel something one day and that day is today or any day you choose to listen to The Paper Kites because they were born in a field of feels and have chosen to share those feels with you through the feel-y magic of song. 'Flashes' will give you all of the feels and that includes feels you didn't even know you could feel. It's a four minute, emotional rollercoaster of feelings that will have you reflecting on all the good times, the bad times, the sad times and those times that are any combination of the thre. If you'd like to have your heart broken and put back together in the most truly amazing way, let this be the soundtrack to get you through it. (Matt Bond)

#47. NGARRIKWUJEYINAMA

by Emily Wurramara

Ngogudlangwa enena Angalya

(We all belong to this land)

As soulful as it is peaceful, Emily Wurramara's 'Ngarrikwujeyinama' is the most beautiful protest song you're ever going to hear. The lead single from Wurramara's incredible debut album, Milyakburra, is performed entirely in the Anindilyakwa language. In her own words, the song, "talks about how we all come from the sea and how it's our duty to protect and cherish her, and the pain we cause when we don't." Originally written as Wurramara's response to seabed mining on Groote Eylandt (off the coast of the Northern Territory), it stands as a pointed reminder that there is both an impact and cost to the way we treat our environment. 'Ngarrikwujeyinama' transcends language barriers in its beauty to ensure the message is certainly not lost in translation. Absolutely stunning work from one of the country's most stunning young artists. (Matt Bond) 

#46. THE MESS WE'RE IN

by The Kite String Tangle

There's beauty in total breakdown

There's life behind each shadow...

So I may have got lost in a PJ Harvey/Thom Yorke time tunnel for a minute there when I first searched for this song, but I’m not going to complain about anyone who takes me to that song of the same name, so thank you TKST. Luckily this version is quite good too, so many layered sounds, so much fullness and a crescendo deserving of a soundtrack to a dramatic scene in a Netflix series, it’s very easy to get lost in the world of Danny Harley. I’ve still not figured out the difference between an album and a mini album, but whatever he likes to call it, I’m happy to listen when the music is this easy to get involved in. (Jo Michelmore)

#45. GET OUT

by Chvrches

I left myself behind

Never knowing what I wanted.

We clearly like all the music that’s appeared in this countdown, but I feel like I should just set the tone for a minute here and let anyone reading know that I love this band and you’re only going to get words that glow about them from me, so get out if you’re not a fan. Well don’t really, but just accept my bias now and we’ll be friends. It’s just so freakin contagious, it only took one listen before I was chanting “get out, get out, get get out of here…” and it only took two listens before I wanted to do that weird arm dancing that the best electronic music causes. Chvrches are a band I go to when I need to get happy/angry/sad/excited and all of the others. And that’s why they’re so freakin good. (Jo Michelmore)

#44. ARMS

by The Paper Kites

What can I give that is all for you?

These arms are all I have.   

"But I'll hold you like I do love you." Creating a bittersweet sound is nothing new for The Paper Kites. They've been doing it from the first and I hope they do it until the last, which I'm wanting to be a long, long way off. Because when they can make a song like 'Arms', a song that can be interpreted a hundred way and dissected word by word for the true meaning behind what Sam Bentley is singing, you're never going to want to stop listening. From the nineteen songs released across two albums in 2018, it's hard to pick a favourite, but 'Arms' was the song I came back to the most. Perfectly crafted and performed in every single way. (Matt Bond)

#43. ISO

by OKENYO

Looking for the light, now I found it

I think I'll stay and shout it out loud.

OKENYO showed no signs of slowing down the development of her sound this year, pushing it further and further with the release of The Wave EP. Songs like 'Iso' felt incredibly fresh in the way they blended R'n'B/pop and electronic influences into something addictive, exciting and unlike anything else you would be likely to here out there in the music world right now. The way 'Iso' builds up from a tender mystery into an explosive jam when OKENYO finds that illusive light she's searching for provides one of the finest music experiences of 2018. (Matt Bond)

#42. FIGHTING

by Machine Age

Don't want to be here breaking apart

Until I know what I'm fighting for.

I always love the bedroom production sounds of Machine Age and his ability to experiment with his sound, even though he probably makes his music somewhere much more exciting than his bedroom. Who am I to say how exciting his bedroom is? This has gone somewhere I wasn’t planning to go. Good song. Moving on. (Jo Michelmore)

Brisbane's own Machine Age, the Adrian Mauro-led electronic/indie outfit has been drip-feeding us their musical brilliance at the rate of approximately one song a year since 2015. 'Chivalry', 'Don't Look' and now 'Fighting' have all shown slightly different sides of Machine Age, all have been top notch and all have left us wanting to hear a whole album of songs just like them so... all we want for Christmas is news of a Machine Age album that's coming in 2019. We've been pretty/fairly/sort of good this year so can someone (namely Machine Age) make this happen please? 'Fighting' offers the first big singalong chorus from Machine Age that will have you screaming along to Mauro not wanting to be heeeeeere anymore and we want to be screaming along to more and more from Machine Age real soon. If you get a chance, check out the Unplugged clip too, because that Mauro fella can sing yeah? Yeah. (Matt Bond)

#41. SINK IN

by Amy Shark

That I'm weighed down by your beautiful

Collapsing underneath your perfect.

I probably should have seen that Love, Simon film considering how much I like so many of the songs on the soundtrack, but if I saw all the films that had all the good soundtracks, how would I ever get the time to listen to all the soundtracks? Now answer that riddle for me. Another riddle; how does Amy Shark always make creepy kinda stalky lyrics sound so sweet and relatable? “Everywhere I go I’m reminded of you, like the bed, the bathroom floor the bar downstairs at 2am” I guess it’s because she tells the truths that are so familiar, and yes, sometimes the floor has reminded me of someone which maybe says more about me or that person than the floor itself, but there’s something really creepy about saying that but really engaging about actually admitting that to music. Mix those thoughts in with words about being weighed down by someone’s beautiful and you got that sweet balance of creepy and kind. She does it so well, and that’s a sincere compliment. (Jo Michelmore)

                 

Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #40 to #31

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90 to #81

#80 to #71

#70 to #61

#60 to #51

#50 to #41

#40. WOMAN'S WORLD

by OKENYO

 


Wear my heels not to appeal to your senses

I'm not covered up because you're senseless, they can put that shit on the census.

The amount of lyrics that jump out in this song like I could have written them myself is amazing. "You can call me feminazi, go ahead and call me nasty" well that's happened more than once or twice, "wear my heels not to appeal to your senses" well I'm certainly not putting myself through that pain of for anyone else, ain't that the truth...and the words they just go on and on. You put them over a hip hop beat, you match them with a stunning and simply shot clip, and there you have an anthem of sorts, with a powerful message. I guess because it feels like it's true "I'm a very busy woman with a lot on my plate so you better eat it up before I take it away..." (Jo Michelmore) 

#39. HEY LOVE

by Emily Wurramara

 


But the winds will guide you back

To mother, to mother, to mother.

We already knew what a beautiful talent Emily Wurramara has, with songs from last year like 'Black Smoke' and 'Blue Moon, Black Sea' earning the Brisbane-based artist critical praise and the support of triple J. We loved the warmth and positive vibes that radiated from 'Black Smoke' so much, we named it the #1 song in last year's countdown. In 2017, Wurramara grew even more as a songwriter by bringing a voice to the racial and physical abuse her mother endured as a child simply for having a full blood Aboriginal mother. Wurramara has the voice of a true storyteller and her performance throughout 'Hey Love' commands your attention with evocative lines like, "her mum was the skin of the blanket of the night, the stars were inside her so she could follow the light back home to where she belong." Another powerful addition to Emily Wurramara's collection of tracks. We can't wait to hear more from one of our favourite emerging artists and we also wish her all the best and all of the happiness for next year as she welcomes her first bub into the world! (Matt Bond)  

#38. WHAT CAN I DO IF THE FIRE GOES OUT?

by Gang of Youths

 


Can you still show me the way? Can you still show me a light?

'Cause I was only a kid when I fell and you left me behind.

There is a certain kind of controlled mania in those first few notes of 'What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out' that seems to be the perfect musical description of exactly the way I feel about this band. Those quickfire drums echoing my heartbeat and the intense high pitched melodies matching the feelings of happiness and melancholy and recognition and acceptance in my stomach whenever I hear their tones. This is a rock anthem, a combination of desperation and acceptance, a tale of acknowledgement and defeat, a story of bittersweet that these five boys from all over the world tell so well, over and over again. It amazes me that this is a band of boys in their 20s, because within their songs lies a maturity much older and wiser, but I guess that's part of the magic of music. I think I recall hearing one of them recently say they believed in the power of rock n roll, and it's questioning but confident songs like this one that make me still believe in that power too. (Jo Michelmore)

#37. LOVE

by Lana Del Rey

 


You're part of the past, but now you're the future

Signals crossing can get confusing.

Lana Del Rey will always be an artist that exists in a romantically melancholic world. Gestures of commitment have been defined by a willingness to die for the one she loves, questions of fidelity as she ages and her looks fade have been raised and she's prone to getting those summertime blues when her paramour goes away for like a weekend or something. But those are all exaggerated stories, a bit of drama... great for a song, but once you're over say the age of nineteen you might be able to appreciate the tales, but you can hardly relate to them. If I told someone they were my 'ride or die', I imagine we'd both laugh and laugh and then never be able to see each other again. We wouldn't want Lana Del Rey any other way than how she's been thus far, but you might have noticed something a little different throughout this Lust for Life era. She's happy. As genuinely happy as I think she'll be able to sound on a record. Perhaps it's because she's in love, but I don't know what gave that away... maybe the lead single being called 'Love'? Reflecting, offering advice and saying love really can be enough. And she's smiling. The incredible cinematography in the video is the icing on the cake for one of LDR's best singles yet. (Matt Bond)  

#36. CILANTRO

by Tired Lion

 


Should of asked you, should of asked you to

Should of asked you to come clean.

Tired Lion more than delivered with their debut album Dumb Days.  They've continuously improved since arriving on the scene in 2013 and I doubt anyone would be disputing the fact they're now one of the best rock outfits in the country. And if you find someone that does dispute that, you just play them 'Cilantro' and then tell them to run away and never return, like you're Scar in The Lion King, but you're totally justified and not evil. Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to why the track is called 'Cilantro', but something about it fits. Maybe it's got something to do with a lot of people really hating coriander or cilantro or whatever you want to call it. It makes people angry and Sophie Hopes is fueling her rage on the track into that epic chorus. As a unit, Tired Lion work so well together that you'll find yourself picking up on so many little things they're doing throughout 'Cilantro' that add up to it being one of their best tracks yet. Was it the best song on Dumb Days? I don't know... maybe we'll see them show up again sometime soon. I do know though. They're showing up again. (Matt Bond)


Tired Lion are a band that make song after song that make me say "YES" in caps with each and every release. Like, it doesn't even matter what the lyrical content is, every dirty guitar and every manic beat makes me wish I was 17 and angry again, which is weird because I didn't particularly enjoy 17 anyway. Oh screw it, it can't be denied, there'll always be a part of me that relates far too well to that line "happy when I'm fucking up..." which means as long as Tired Lion keep writing about such things, I'll keep listening. (Jo Michelmore)
 

#35. I'LL NEVER WANT A BF

by Bec Sandridge

 


I'll never have a boyfriend

Just because you think I should, Just because you think I will...

Same, Bec Sandridge. Same. But enough about me and my troubles, we should be talking about the infectious sounds of Bec Sandridge's 'I'll Never Want A BF'. The timing couldn't have been better for the release of this one, given that it sends a strong message about someone accepting who they are and not taking shit from those around them anymore because of it. I don't even have to imagine, I know it was something that a lot of LGBTI people needed to hear during the same sex marriage postal vote process. I like to think there were some kids (anyone younger than me is a kid) in Australia that turned on triple J in October and heard this song being played and smiled and danced and sang along and forgot how crappy thing can be, if even for a three and a half minute period. Thank you for that, Bec Sandridge. Also, boys are the worst and you're missing out on nothing. (Matt Bond)



Damn right Bec. Who actually wants one? Like seriously, regardless of who you like in life, how much effort are BFs anyway? As much as GFs, I suspect. Enough about my life though. Bec Sandridge's sense of theatre, her ability to flip and turn and spin her voice like vocal gymnastics is enough to love, let alone her ability to to make beats and synths that make me wanna bounce, but her absolute sense of self-assurance was and is the best; especially at a time when lots of people in the country I live in needed someone to say something, anything about being ok with being themselves. And back to my original point anyway. No one want a BF. They're boring.  (Jo Michelmore) 

#34. GROW

by Mark Harding

 


I'm not the man, that I could be

I wish I'd had someone here to break it to me.

If you're adverse to feeling all of the feelings, it's probably best you avoid listening to 'Grow'. Let me tell you though, if you skip over this one you are missing out my friend. Mark Harding has crafted something so pure and honest and absolutely perfect that you can't help but be moved by it. The choral flourishes (not sure if that's the actual term) against the guitar line are a nice touch, leading into Harding's opening lines, "fly through days in seconds, things I thought I'd have done." The emotional hits keep coming from there, as Harding takes a hard look at his life and realises there's so much more he had wanted for himself. It's a position many of us would have found ourselves in over the years, especially in those after school or university when life it at its most uncertain. What are you going to do with your life? Will this make you happy? Do you follow your head or your heart? On his best track yet, Mark Harding chooses the path that allows him to grow as a person. Bravo, Mark Harding. (Matt Bond) 

There was a time a few years back when someone was promoting bands and musicians playing gigs in cathedrals and churches, because, well, it was kind of cute I guess and let's face it, because acoustics. I saw someone once in such a venue. The start of Mark Harding's 'Grow' reminded me of that gig, with those voices almost chanting at the beginning and the simple, humble lyrics seemingly at home in a place of worship. If he keeps writing and releasing songs like this one, I'll be worshipping Mark Harding's talent for a long while yet. (Jo Michelmore) 

#33. OCEANS

by Vallis Alps

 


In the desert I will carry you

 I'll carry you and I'll carry you.

Making a statement in the form of shimmering electronic pop is something Vallis Alps should do all the time if it's going to result in brilliance like 'Oceans'. Envisaged as a track about "the daily sacrifices that women make in the fight for equality," and inspired by Tahirih, a 19th century campaigner for women's rights in Iran, 'Oceans' should be celebrated just as much for the message within as it is for Parissa Tosif's heartwarming vocal tones and David Ansari's party starting beats. It feels like the summer, like you should be in the car and on your way to the beach or dancing by the pool. But there's so much more to 'Oceans' underneath the surface... just like the actual ocean and if I was a better writer I'd be making something awesome out of that revelation. Another missed opportunity for me, another mighty fine song from Vallis Alps. (Matt Bond)

#32. TWO HEARTS

by Phebe Starr

 


Our lives entangled through time

With one desire.

Phebe Starr continues to astound and amaze with her brand of larger than life and out of this world pop. In 2017, Starr released the Chronicles EP, comprised of six tracks that showcase all that she has to offer the musical world. You should already know the explosive first single, 'Feel My Love' (#17 - Top 116 Songs of 2016). Hopefully you've already fallen in love with the follow-up, 'Two Hearts'. If not, get on board. Right now. Listen and love. Because this is epic super-pop that should be dominating the Australian airwaves and then the rest of the world and then the galaxy. Written as a take on Starr's self-doubt (nope, this is not a love song folks) and the internal battles she goes through as she creates her art, 'Two Hearts' nails it in every aspect. The writing, the performance the build to the final chorus... how is this not the number one song in the country right now? Please explain. (Matt Bond)


Ohmygoodness from the very first note this makes me happy. The synths and the beats, it takes me straight back to a time when I was much shorter than I am now, sitting in the backseat of my parents car while my Dad is tapping away on the steering wheel and I am staring out the window; imagining myself on stage with a bevy of back up singers, a band all dressed in well fitting pants, with a whole lot of spotlights and pyrotechnics. I'm not sure why my band are wearing such well fitting pants, but it was my childhood dream. The fact that Phebe Starr has written a song that immediately takes me back to my dreams of filling a stadium of fans means my Dad listened to great music when I was a child, and Phebe Starr has a way of making big 80s inspired pop music filled with big dreams, big vocals and big beats. (Jo Michelmore) 

#31. LOW BLOWS

by Meg Mac

 


You see I don't like it

Don't wanna be anyone again.

I heard my neighbour recently telling his teenage daughter he had a new favourite song by "some girl named Meg Mac, you should go Spotify it" to which I heard his daughter kind of grunt, then mutter "Daaaaaad" under her breath, which kind of made me smile, because Meg Mac has really swung full circle since her first upload to JJJ's unearthed almost five years ago, and now people are 'Spotifying' her (not an actual verb, by the way, for those interested) and uninteresting teenagers are rolling their eyes about her. 'Low Blows'; the title track from her debut album, is a bluesy, poppy track that sucks you in with her always soulful vocal and spits you out with it's punchy rhythm. It also has an incredible way of making it's way into and around and around your head, which might be just what my neighbour's daughter needs. (Jo Michelmore)

                  

Top 25 - 2 April 2017

Tired Lion, Amy Shark, Gretta Ray!

1. Gretta Ray - Towers

2. Amy Shark - Weekends

3. Gorillaz - Andromeda

4. Gorillaz - We Got The Power

5. Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE.

6. San Cisco - Hey, Did I Do You Wrong?

7. Lorde - Green Light

8. Tired Lion - Cinderella Dracula

9. Phebe Starr - They Keep Telling Me

10. Oh Wonder - Ultralife

11. Meg Mac - Low Blows

12. Emily Wurramara - Hey Love

13. Vallis Alps - East

14. Lorde - Liability

15. Gang of Youths - What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out?

16. Ali Barter - Cigarette

17. Airling - Not A Fighter

18. Major Leagues - It Was Always You

19. Saskwatch - December Nights

20. Bleachers - Don't Take The Money

21. Babaganouj - Star

22. Lana Del Rey - Love

23. Bad Pony - Deficiency





24. London Grammar - Big Picture

25. Paces ft. Nyne - Savage

2016 Scene Awards - EP of the Year

So, so, so many EPs, so little time. Actually, all year really, so lots and lots of time to enjoy lots of sweet new music. Choosing our two favourites was hard. But obviously not that hard, because here they are.

EP OF THE YEAR

Runner-up: Let Me Be Clear - Gang Of Youths

Have you ever put an album on for the first time and known from the first note that you're going to love it? One little piano note is all it took as 'The Good Fight' welcomed me to Let Me Be Clear for it to be known that this was going to be oh so very good. Sure, Gang of Youths had earned a whole lot of trust going in after their stellar 2015 LP, The Positions. After something like that comes out you know what comes next will not disappoint. But any lingering doubts (that didn't exist anyway) would have been eliminated with that one little piano note. Over the next six songs, Gang of Youths remind you once more that they are the future of Australian music. A band destined to be known around the world and it's going to happen sooner than later. Frontman, David Le'aupepe, doesn't stray far from the source of the incredibly strong storytelling that drove The Positions, but you shouldn't expect him to only a year later. And you wouldn't want him to when the stories take you to the places they do on tracks like 'Still Unbeaten Life' and 'A Sudden Life'. 'Strange Diseases' and 'Native Tongue' are essentially locks for the Hottest 100. And where do you even start on a cover as perfect as their take on Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now'. Just go listen to it. And love. (Matt Bond) 

Winner: Black Smoke - Emily Wurramara

Finding out who Emily Wurrumarra is has definitely been one of my musical highlights of the year and if my life was a radio station, then the Black Smoke EP would have been considered a high rotation play for the last six months. A masterpiece of sweet indie pop tunes, it's brilliant feel is underlined by Emily's incredible ability to blend her connection to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia, while creating an emotionally gorgeous sound. Her performance at BIGSOUND this year was an indication of where she will be heading and just how far this EP will take her, her pure joy at performance made it obvious that she was made for music. While I keep reading things about her upbringing, her incredible stories and her heritage which she so perfectly brings to each and every song on Black Smoke, I think her sound is far beyond any political statement; she is clearly an artist doing what she was born to do, which is to create beautiful sounds for everyone and anyone who loves them. I hope I am only one of many, many, many people who will be loving them for a long time to come. (Jo Michelmore)

2015 Winner

Only When Flooded Could I Let Go
by Jack Colwell

Runner-up: Figurine by Tired Lion

2014 Winner

Monsters by Thelma Plum

Runner-up: Little May by Little May

2013 Winner

Rosie by Thelma Plum

Runner-up: The Love Club by Lorde

2012 Winner

Told You So by Cub Sport

Runner-up: Love Lost In Design by Lone Wolf

2016 Scene Awards - New Artist of the Year

And so kids, friends, readers, our Mums, welcome to the 2016 Scene Awards. Yep, after that incredibly long countdown we've thrown ourselves into a lot of food, probably too many beverages and now back into the words and now we have that crazy time of year where in between eating, drinking and sitting, we also decide to celebrate our favourite artists, albums, EPs, groups, womens, mens, Australians and  videos. Sometimes we wonder how we can possibly have a favourite new artist of the year, because how can we fit any more new music into our lives when it's so full of fabulous already? Then along came this year and artists like these two, who created all the sounds we didn't know we neeeded, who we adore and who both fit in perfectly with everyone and everything we've ever loved. Welcome to New Artist of the Year!

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Runner-up: Amy Shark

Earlier this year, I had one of those weird moments music lovers have where you've found an artist somehow on your own that you are sure is your little secret (ok, Matt introduced me to this one, but that's a technicality) and then one day you're just innocently minding your own business when you hear their voice in some unexpected place, like where I did, in a fish and chip shop, being played on some commercial radio station and you get that weird moment of pride, like your little discovery has grown into something bigger and better than you ever expected, even though you really had nothing to do with said growth. That was me and Amy Shark this year and after that fateful moment buying my chips wrapped in paper, I haven't stopped hearing that 'Adore' track everywhere I go, not just takeaway food outlets. I first fell for her talent when I was smashed in the face with the brash honesty of those lyrics "don't be the boy that spits on girls, everybody hates that guy" and while she's new to me, it's obvious Amy Shark has been living her craft for many years, because that uniquely sweet voice singing those words "just so I can adore you" is the sound of an artist with many years of feels and sounds behind her and many years of awesome in front. Pretty glad me, that fish and chip guy and the rest of the world get to live and enjoy her sounds and journeys now. (Jo Michelmore)

Winner: Emily Wurramara

 

We have so much love for Emily Wurramara. After seeing her perform at the 2016 Queensland Music Awards and receiving a copy of her debut EP Black Smoke, we've spent a lot of time listening to her beautiful voice and taking in all that her music has to offer. Songs like 'Black Smoke' will warm your heart, while 'Blue Moon, Black Sea' has no problems breaking it into a million little pieces. On 'Ementha-Papguneray (Turtle Song)' Wurrmara performs exclusively in the Anindilyawka traditional language from where she called home in the Northern Territory. You don't need to speak the language to understand the story being told to you or to feel the bright and sunny vibes that the song is putting out there. Proudly embracing her culture on 'Stomping Ground' is a moment in Australian music that deserves to be celebrated. "Black, yellow, red are the colours I see, defining the culture that's inside of me." There's still so much to come from Emily Wurramara and we already know that what comes next is going to be just as amazing as what has come before.  (Matt Bond)
 

2015 Winner

WAAX

Runner-up: Life Is Better Blonde

2014 Winner

Tkay Maidza

Runner-up: JP Klipspringer

2013 Winner

Little May

Runner-up: Michelle Xen

2012 Winner

Curxes/Kira Puru (tie)

Runner-up: Nick and Liesel/Laneway (tie)

2011 Winner

Lana Del Rey/James Blake (tie)

Runner-up: Emma Louise

2010 Winner

Ellie Goulding

Top 116 Songs of 2016, #10 - 1

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80 - 71

#70 - 61

#60 - 51

#50 - 41

#40 - 31

#30 - 21

#20 - 11

#10. MONKEY MIND

by Ella Hooper





Is it wrong
To hold on, child?

Kicking off our top ten songs of the year is one of our all time faves, Ella Hooper! With 'Monkey Mind', the first song released from her New Magic EP, Hooper put out what's quickly become my most loved work of hers. After 2015's Venom EP took her down a dark and lonesome (and musically brilliant) road, 'Monkey Mind' was like the bright, shimmering counterpart with a driving beat and delicious synth-y goodness. The complex nature and depth that comes with Ella's songwriting didn't get lost amongst the feel-good nature of the track though, with her internal struggles taking over the narrative of 'Monkey Mind'. All the little things you fight off during the day that you just can't keep away at night, those are all the things the monkey mind brings with it. Questions that should have simple answers like, "if I can't make you love me, is it wrong to hold on child?" You know the answer's yes, but what if? Damn that monkey mind. But praise Ella Hooper. As the song builds to the final chants of 'monkey mind', your desire to dance all those thoughts away peaks and you can get on with you day. Hooper totally killed it again this year and now she's doing a bit of a reunion tour with Killing Heidi and if they come to Brisbane the excitement may kill me. Just so you know. (Matt Bond)  

Music was an integral part of my childhood. There was always an artist I liked, always a song I was singing, always a tune in my head. I was always wondering what my brothers were listening to and would spend hours listening to things with my Dad, one of my very favourite memories watching my Dad tapping in rhythm on the steering wheel as we drove so many road trips to places far and wide. So when I found myself on the highway in my car, tapping my fingers to the fabulous beats in Ella Hooper's 'Monkey Mind', I smiled as I thought of all the sounds that have come in and out of my life and the artists who've shaped my opinions and feelings. I suspect Ella may have had some of the same influences, with a track that takes me to the record collection in my family home, and a sound that feels comfortable with a lyric that brings questions to mind and the chords that remind me so much of so many of the amazing musicians of the 70s and 80s that my Dad ensured I was raised on. It's a song that takes me to happy places like my childhood did, where my own monkey mind can rest and that is a rare and special place, so there's pretty much no greater compliment than that. (Jo Michelmore) 

#9. CARRY ON

by Tkay Maidza ft. Killer Mike





They say they're coming for you, but I don't want none
'Cause I really don't care and I'm still kinda young.

Yeah so admittedly, I had one of those proud Mumma moments Matt described back in number 20 en I heard Tkay had collaborated with Killer Mike and more so when I realised Mr K Mike was featuring on a Tkay track and not the other way around. Yes T-kaaaaaaayyyyyy, as we like to say around these parts. 'Carry On' is everything we've come to expect from her, all punch and pop with a big dash of future superstardom thrown in for good measure. Killer Mike knows it, we know it, everyone needs to know it. Tkay isn't that next big thing anymore, she is the big thing. (Jo Michelmore)

Many a kingdom seemed to fall over the course of 2016, but one ascension to the throne that made me insanely happy was Tkay Maidza's elevation to worldwide rap royalty. That's right peasants dear readers, bow down to your Queen. Each year we have to find new ways to express how amazing and crazy and AMAZING it is to see how Tkay has grown in the past twelve months. Last year she established herself as Australia's finest rapper. This year, she took on the world and she kicked the world's butt with the debut album TKAY that makes one word come to mind as soon as you hear it and that word is slay. It's what Tkay Maidza does best. 'Carry On' was the first taste of what TKAY would be and it set the tone for chaotic brilliance to follow. An absolute banger of a track, 'Carry On' saw Tkay keep the spotlight firmly on her talent on a track that featured Killer Mike and that is not an easy task. And check out that video... ridiculously good, yes? Yes. The coolest of the cool, the baddest of the bad. From the bopping girl blowing up speakers at BIGSOUND to the single most exciting rapper in the world. Tkay, you've come such a long way in such a short time. I'll leave the final word on Tkay Maidza to the superstar herself. "I know you feel the heat because I'm nothing less than fire." (Matt Bond)    

#8. THE OPPOSITE OF US

by Big Scary





I'm only doing the best I can, the best I can
I am trying the best I can.

Tom Iansek and Joanna Syme have already proven that they can produce beautiful pieces of work. As Big Scary, they've been doing their musical thing since 2009, with their fan base growing and growing over the years. Their music somehow continues to improve with quality too, with 'The Opposite Of Us' marking their finest achievement yet. Lifted from the must-listen album Animal, 'The Opposite Of Us' is a delicate slice of romantic indie-pop, with Iansek providing an rare honesty that will speak to all of us when he says he's, "trying the best I can." Already established as top notch storytellers, with swoon worthy lines on this track like, "and every kiss is a count in time to the next one," Big Scary are almost showing off just how good they really are. In a year full of incredible love songs, 'The Opposite Of Us' could be the best of them all. It has a genuine sweetness to it that doesn't waste time with the fantasy of what love is supposed to be. Raw and honest, with music from two of the world's best music makers. (Matt Bond)   

I was in a shopping centre recently that had one of those pianos in the middle of an aisle, inviting people to play. I wanted to sit down and hit some keys and have some magic appear, but alas, I am no public pianist, so I wandered by with thoughts of having to listen to some keys as soon as possible. And then life handed me our number eight and here are some of my favourite keys in this whole big, long list of songs. Smash those chilled keys together with some quickfire beats and you have 'The Opposite Of Us', which is as calm as it is slightly manic and as reflective as it is noddable. Did I just make up a word? You can use that, you're welcome. See how life hands you things some days? Whatever you want to call them, you can't deny how good Big Scary are. (Jo Michelmore)

#7. IN THE DARK

by Montaigne





What if I am a liar?
What if I don't control desire?

We've loved Montaigne and everything she does over the past couple of years, but there was something that made me really appreciate her as an artist this year and it was the discovery of her adoration of one of my favourite artists, someone I do not compare to many others, because his talent was so great, very few even dare to reach his height of genius. That person is Freddie Mercury and Montaigne's love of his is worn on her sleeve and when she writes and performs songs like this, I totally appreciate and admire her talent and confidence to aspire to be like one of the greats. The twists and turns 'In The Dark' takes are unexpected and perfectly placed, her voice so strong and her lyrics so powerful, it's an experience, not just a pop song, like her idol would have created. It's also an indication of the places she plans to go, which are so much bigger and grander than you or I can imagine, but I really look forward to watching and hearing it happen as she starts to take over the world. (Jo Michelmore)

Well... Montaigne had a pretty great year didn't she? She featured on the monster Hilltop Hoods hit '1955', scored a ton of commercial radio play with her own 'Because I Love You', made it all the way to #4 on the ARIA charts with her debut album Glorious Heights, won a flipping ARIA Award for Best Breakthrough Artist and she went on a huge national tour. We couldn't be happier for all of the success that has come Montaigne's way and we couldn't love the music she's released anymore than we already do. Glorious Heights was one of the best debuts I've ever heard. Maybe even the best. Our first taste of the album, 'Clip My Wings' took out the #1 spot on last year's songs of the year countdown and with good reason. The follow-up track, 'In The Dark' packs just as mighty a punch. Montaigne makes an analytical review of the world she exists in while part of a relationship and out of one in the verses that build to a manic bridge that examines her views on love and why she feels the way she does. An explosive finish sends us home, but really, it just sends us back to the start of the track. I'd write some more, but *spoiler alert* I've got to write a bit more about Montaigne in a bit, so... (Matt Bond)   

#6. THE GOOD FIGHT

by Gang of Youths





So we leave home
They won't see us go. 

I don't know how the Gang of Youths do it. How do they break your heart and put it back together over the course of a song, time and time again? Maybe it has a little something to do with them being really fucking good at making the musics, writing the words and singing the songs that are going to bring you to your knees and have you waving your hands in the air. They'll bring a smile to your face with bittersweet melodies and tales of triumph against impossible odds and the heaviest of heartaches. You'll take a moment to block out the bad and appreciate all of the good. Because if you look for it, there's going to be more good than bad. With songs like this one right here, they'll make you dream big and bold dreams, they'll make you dance, they'll make you should and they might even make you cry. The Gang of Youths are fighters. And they're darn good ones too. (Matt Bond)

When Gang Of Youths started on the journey they are now so gloriously walking through, I'm sure they had no idea where they would go, what they would see, who they would meet. When they wrote all the songs, I'm sure they weren't seeing all the faces that would adore them and when they recorded all the sounds, I'm definitely sure they didn't understand the path that life was about to take them on. When I first heard their hearts I had no idea how much they would come to mean and when I listened to the humble hurt, the loss of love and the determined need for hope, I had no idea how much I would relate. When I saw them live, I had no idea just how many others had seen all the things and felt all the things and needed all the things that these five boys would give to them. When 'The Good Fight' builds and turns from the gentle story into a controlled mania about three quarters of the way through, I never imagined how much of myself I would see in those notes and when I started writing all the words all those years ago about all of the songs I have heard and all of the music I have loved over the years, I never knew how much some of it would come to mean. Which is to say, to me, almost everything almost every day. (Jo Michelmore)   

#5. YOU'RE A FUCKING JOKE

by Bec Sandridge

And break, these columns down...

I don't mean to blow my own trumpet or anything, because honestly, I don't actually have a trumpet, but this countdown was good, then we got to the top ten and things got very good and now we have Bec Sandridge starting off the top five and it's pretty much the best. I liked Bec Sandridge until the first time I saw her live, at BIGSOUND, and after that, well, after that I decided I love her. One of those artists that just has that 'thing' - an undefineable quality they named an entire talent show about, as soon as she hit the stage I couldn't stop smiling, her presence was magical and her performance was just everything. One of the songs in that performance was this one, which is so fucking good it's difficult to know what to say about it without just saying "GO LISTEN. NOW!" and if you don't like it, then it's pretty simple, maybe you're the fucking joke. Boom. (Jo Michelmore)

Bec Sandridge is the master of the build up. Do you need evidence of this? Do you?! I've got your sweet, sweet evidence right here, mofo's! Press play on the gorgeous, Robert Palmer-ish video above my friends and experience the joy that Bec Sandridge can bring to your life with a tale of love and loss and telling that former special someone that they are 100% a total fucking jooooooke. You're already tapping your feet along at the start of the track, the piano and bass lines will allow no less than some form of body movement, so might as well start with the toes. Sandridge's words create stunning images in your head as she sings about not letting some fucker in and you're all, "I'm liking where this is going and I'm right there with you, sister." And then after two verses we get to what we'll call the chorus and all hell breaks loose and magic is real in the world and Bec Sandridge is the master of the build up. The pay off in 'You're A Fucking Joke' is spectacular, the chorus or section B or whatever you want to call it is EVERYTHING... one of the finest moments in music this year or any year. It's a moment of victory, it's pure joy in musical form and you'll want to experience it again and again. And again and again and again. I'm not even joking. (Matt Bond)  

#4. HOUSE ON A ROCK

by Ngaiire





Living on I love yous and recycled prayers.

Smooth vocals? Check. Burgeoning electronic touches, ready to unleash in a frenzy at a moment's notice? Check. Lyrics you want to shout along to? Check. A gorgeous video filmed on location in Tel Aviv? Check. What more do you want from Ngaiire? Nothing. You want nothing more from Ngaiire because she is music perfection, as flawless as she is fearless. With Blastoma, she built on her already unique sounds, shooting herself into the sonic stratosphere in the process to hit us with tracks like 'House On A Rock'. There were a fair few songs that came from a place of, shall we say romantic confusion (?) this year, but none examined the fragility of modern love in as memorable a way as 'House On A Rock'. That's where Ngaiire separates herself from the pack. She looks at things from a a place that others might not dare to go to. And she does it in a way that sounds like she's having the time of her life. So we have the time of our lives to. That's the kind of musical transference we can all love. And we've got a lot of love for Ngaiire. (Matt Bond)   

I like to send Matt a little text every now and then with a song name or an artist name and a little heart emoji, just to let him know what I'm hearing at the time. Having said that, there were a few weeks earlier this year that had my social media accounts filled with references to lemonade, the album, not the drink, and at one point I'm sure if I saw another lemon emoji I would have thrown my phone in a bucket of said lemonade. There's no denying that was a great moment in music, but there's another album that was released this year which had me using all the heart emojis, repeated. That album was Blastoma and here is where I declare the answer to that Queen B/bee/bae and all of the titles people like to bestow upon Ms Beyonce. That answer is Ngaiire. With more sass in her little finger than I could ever imagine owning and more talent in her other little finger than I've ever dreamed of having, she is one of the most underrated artists I know. Living on the outskirts of the accolades she deserves for far too long, she is an artist that manages to tread lightly around the concept of all the musical fame she should have, but stomps straight into your heart with her tunes. While the album was so honest, so raw, so danceable and so emotional all at once, 'House On A Rock' was unapologetic in it's subtle brashness, a track that oozed sincerity with its words and demanded movement with it's unconventional beats. It's a song that put her at the top of my list of favourites for 2016, that had me knowing she is destined for so much and had me using all the heart emojis, over and over again. (Jo Michelmore)

#3. TILL IT KILLS ME

by Montaigne





It is bizarre that we're taught to hate ourselves for our flaws.

For those with a keen eye and ear, you would have noticed there are numerous artists that appear numerous times in our countdown. It's not because we're not imaginative, you should have seen how long the shortlist was (ie; not very short) but because the artists we admire the most just keep writing and singing and playing things we can't seem to get enough of. Glorious Heights, Montaigne's debut album,  was everything we expected, every track another piece of Montaigne's intriguing and awesome thought process, every sound a piece of creative genius and 'Till It Kills Me' is almost the greatest example of that creativity, a track filled with dark and light, dancing and life, it's exactly everything we love about Montaigne, which is everything about Montaigne. (Jo Michelmore)

One of the things that I loved most about Montaigne's Glorious Heights was its clear message on a couple of tracks about being there for others. To celebrate the things that make us unique, to be a good friend to those we love even when it's hard to do. There's so many anthems in pop music that preach empowerment from a place that doesn't seem real at all. But 'Till It Kills Me' isn't one of those songs. It is the pop anthem of the year, a highlight of an album full of brilliant pop songs and it's speaking to each and every listener in a way that so many pop stars can only dream of. "Everybody says that we get better, get better later, we can try, we can try through whatever. But the feeling that you feel feels heavy, I will be ready, I will try, I will try, I will keep on fighting till it kills me." This is the message we should be sending to people, young and old, over the radio. Something positive and powerful and kind. Sure, maybe it would be totally boring if every song was coming from a place like that. But it's also why 'Till It Kills Me' stands out so much in 2016. Because there aren't songs like this. Oh, and it's also just an incredible piece of pop perfection that you'll play to death... and then you'll play it some more. (Matt Bond)  

#2. SIMULATION

by Tkay Maidza





'Cause I keep moving, I keep moving, I keep moving along
And will you be here when we start finding what we're searching for?

When we saw Tkay Maidza at BIGSOUND this year, her third year in a row at the festival, it was during her performance of 'Simulation' that everyone in The Flying Cock in Brisbane knew it. That Tkay Maidza had become a world class performer. One of the country's finest exports. Someone that you could be proud to know is representing Australian music overseas and absolutely killing it in the process. It was a performance that we'll remember forever, with jumping and dancing and rapid-fire rhymes. Tkay was having fun and the crowd was having the time of their lives. Afterwards, Jo turned around and said we'll likely never see Maidza in a small venue like the one we were in ever again and I couldn't agree more. I was desperate to hear the recorded version of 'Simulation' since BIGSOUND and dreams came true a couple of days before the release of the debut album TKAY. I couldn't have been more impressed with every aspect of the song. It's the definition of a jam. It's lit. It's fire. It's cool. It's ice cold. For those of us that also like normal words, it's all kinds of fun. And if there's something we can all have a little bit more of these days, it's fun. Tkay. Slay. (Matt Bond)

Well here we go, pretty sure this is one you would have been expecting, had you read or heard either of us going on about our beloved Tkay Maidza over the past year. Make that two years. Or is it three? I think it's three, but it's hard to imagine there was ever a time before that first foot stomping track forever ago. You would have known she was going to be back had you read any of this countdown. Had you read about number nine, a few songs back. I know, we're all busy, but here we are at number two and you've almost reached the end, so you can go back and catch up later. 'Simulation' is the epitome of Ms Maidza; it smashes it's into your mind with that super catchy chorus, it demands you move with those beats and it showcases Tkay's uber lyrical skills, all the while getting itself caught up in that little part of your brain that catches songs and won't let go of them. She's come a long way since almost literally blowing up BIGSOUND all those years ago and she's still blowing our minds with every single song. Tkay? You're the best. (Jo Michelmore)   

#1. BLACK SMOKE

by Emily Wurramara 





I'll be sleeping under stars tonight

Not sure exactly where I'll be.

Some days I'm not really sure how things work. I mean, I understand the actual way things work, like how people play instruments and write songs and companies sign artists and someone somewhere in an office is sitting down right now watching some numbers and deciding on some figures and next thing you know there's the world's next Beyonce advertising perfume on the side of buses driving past you on your way to work. I get all of that, but all of that isn't the important part. The important part is finding the things that make your heart sing, that make you breath a little deeper and listen a little harder and the things that make the days worthwhile. Which brings us to our number one. Emily Wurramara. A simple song, written and performed from her heart, a song that welcomes you with every note and a sound that has wrapped itself gently around my life. I don't know how things work, but I don't really care, because I have found my little piece of the world, with the music that makes everything seem a little more than alright. (Jo Michelmore)

We've written about a lot of songs over the past week and a bit. Counting down all our favourite songs in a year that was rich in music that moved us in different ways. But when it comes down to it, no song moved us in the way that Emily Wurramara's 'Black Smoke' did. In a world that moves further and further in an electronic direction, it still amazes me that a talented young performer can come along with not much more than a guitar and a beautiful voice, some words that will put a smile on your face, a song in your heart and make you fall in love with music all over again. Emily Wurramara stepped into the spotlight in 2016 with 'Black Smoke', capturing the attention of triple J and listeners around the world with a song full of dignity and hope. It's a song that makes you feel like better things are just around the corner. It will make you believe in so many things, but the most important thing it will do is make you believe in Emily Wurramara. The future is so very, very bright for her. This is a song taken from her debut EP of the same name and with one listen, you know there's so much more to come from our favourite find of the year. We're very excited to follow Emily Wurramara on her journey. (Matt Bond)