Top 100 Songs of 2018 - #30 to #21

Courtney Barnett, Kimbra, Liza Anne + JOY.!

#100 - #91

#90 - #81

#80 - #71

#70 - #61

#60 - #51

#50 - #41

#40 - #31

#30. LOVELY

by Billie Eilish and Khalid

Tear me to pieces, skin to bone

Hello, welcome home.

Isn't it lovely? Well... yeah. It's so lovely that Billie Eilish and Khalid's 'Lovely' is the pop collaboration of the year. From the simple piano and strings introduction, the song welcomes first Eilish and then Khalid. From the first chorus, we find their voices circling and complimenting each other, with Eilish's ethereal and haunting tones sitting perfectly alongside those of Khalid. Both the song and the video tackle the inability to get out from under, so to speak, for those battling depression. You don't even need the video for that to be made clear, but the beautifully shot clip captures the idea of being trapped in your own head in an exceptional way. If you're lucky enough to be heading to Florence + The Machine's Australian tour next month, you'll get to see Billie Eilish performing as support. Since that's going to be oh so lovely, you'd better make sure you're getting there early to enjoy all that she has to offer. (Matt Bond)

#29. HUNGER

by Florence + The Machine

Tell me what you need, oh, you look so free

The way you use your body, baby, come on and work it for me.

I read something Florence Welch said, where she said something like; “Sometimes when you can’t say it, you can sing it”. Which is interesting, because here is this song, making all the sounds, saying all the words about filling one’s life with things in the search for the ultimate things, Florence doing that in her own way, but something which we all do in our own ways, consciously or not, every minute of every day, in an attempt to make sense of it all. Which brings me to here, writing all the words about all the songs, for reasons only Florence is strong enough to sing about. (Jo Michelmore)

#28. NAMELESS, FACELESS

by Courtney Barnett

I'm real sorry

'Bout whatever happened to you.

I think we've covered a couple of times on here that we can't wrap our heads around what is it about Courtney Barnett that ignites such a rage in a particular group of listeners over at triple J. So we're not going to look at that. I'm also not going to preach to you about things like statistics, online trolls and violence against women. These are all things that Courtney Barnett addresses in a superb way throughout 'Nameless Faceless.' Instead, I'd like you to listen to the song and read some articles: Eurydice Dixon and the myth of women "being careful"
'Disturbing Details About The Incel Community And Their Warped View Of The World'
We really need to do something about making the world a better place for everyone. Because when a show like The Handmaid's Tale seems more like reality than fantasy, there's something very, very wrong. (Matt Bond)

#27. I'M TIRED, YOU'RE LONELY

by Liza Anne

And if I was a softer person, I could give you the kindness you are deserving

But I'm not and maybe that's just it.

Has a song ever made you feel a bit sick? Not in a 'Blurred Lines' or Charlie Puth/Meghan Trainor 'Marvin Gaye' kind of way. More in a 'this is all just a little too real right now' kind of way. As in, the song is playing and Liza Anne is singing about looking at who's calling on her phone and she just lets it ring out and you're looking at your phone at that exact same moment as it's ringing and you know you're not going to answer it because of who's calling. It's not Liza Anne calling, but if it was I would be answering and be all like, "same, Liza Anne. Same. Big mood. Yeah I don't really know what that means either." And we'd laugh and laugh and be best friends forever. Liza Anne, call me. (Matt Bond)   

#26. LABRADOR

by WAAX

You must be high if you think that you're gettin' ahead

No, it never begins, no, it never begins.

I’m fairly certain I’ve driven through Labrador once or twice, but I couldn’t tell you much about it. WAAX’s Marie DeVita spent a bit of time there and her ode to the old Labrador days speaks volumes to what I’ve been told about the Gold Coast destination. I believe the words shit and hole might have been used in describing it, but my memory isn’t what it used to be for I am old now. I wouldn’t use the words shit or hole to describe WAAX’s ‘Labrador’.  For the former I’d use whatever the exact opposite word is and for the latter I’d add a ‘w’ at the start and say it’s a whole lot of fucking awesome, subdued disdain and rage from WAAX on a song that’s going to get stuck in your head whether you like it or not. And why wouldn’t you want it to? Are you from Labrador or something? (Matt Bond)  


I’m just so all about WAAX. They never fail to deliver all things I love. Loud, dirty classic guitar riffs, drums pleading to be smashed and bounced around to, basslines that make you wanna mix with all the treble and bass in your speakers, vocals that demand listening to and a lyric straight outta my own head, or someone else’s, or my own again, in this case. One note and suddenly I’m twenty one again and not happy with the world, or myself, or the world, and it’s taken a few years but WAAX make me feel happy about feeling unhappy then and happy now. Whoever ‘they’ were, they were right all along then, WAAX, but then you wrote the song and proved them wrong. It’s not just in your head, now you are more. (Jo Michelmore)

#25. CHANGE

by JOY.

I keep running back to you, I don't know what for

I just cannot seem to find my peace.

There’s some power in acknowledgment of the fact that sometimes one isn’t going to feel great about someone or something else, and there’s real power in admitting one’s need to feel despair. I’m sure there’s a million self help books about that exact topic, but my self help routine always involves music, which brings me to JOY and that lyric; “these books I read don’t have the answers I need”. They rarely do, but music so often does, like this one; a stunning song, a stunning clip, and such a beautiful low tempo ode to melancholy. (Jo Michelmore)

 

#24. MOLOTOV

by Kira Puru

 Rolling through the front door six drinks in

Point me at the dancefloor, throw me in.

I (almost) didn’t want to write words about this song, because I knew once I hit play it was going to be another couple of days of “m m m m m molotov” and while I really don’t mind singing about Soviet statesmen and nasty (amazing) cocktails, I’m not sure my housemates and work colleagues are as appreciative. It’s one of those songs though, once it’s heard it ain’t leaving and by the time it leaves you’re pretty much ready to hear it again, and so on and so forth and the vicious cycle begins and ends. Also, one of my favourite lyrics of the year/ever; “I can’t find a fuck to give...” because so often. Yes, so, so often. Kira Puru, so strong, secure, bold, beautiful, brave; she’s had my heart for such a long time now, I couldn’t be happier that this song and this year finally had her placed into so many more hearts as well. (Jo Michelmore)

#23. SANCTIFY

by Years and Years

So don't break

Sanctify my body with pain.

If you google the word sanctify alone, you run the risk of coming up with all sorts of religious links and pages, which is fine if that’s your thing, and have a nice day, but if you’re looking for the song, maybe follow that Sanctify with Years & Years, or you’ll be spending that much time trying to get out of an internet black hole of judgement. If you google Sanctify plus Years & Years, you end up with some sweet beats, a whole lot of manically choreographed incredible movement, a feeling of old school pop with a hint of rnb updated and some powerful lyrics with a killer vocal track, and that’s much more my kind of religion. (Jo Michelmore)

#22. LIGHTYEARS

by Kimbra

As long as we're together

We could go wherever you like.

How do you digest an album when you first get it? Hopefully you don’t actually eat it, if you’re still on the physical form of albums and continue to resist the digital age. Me, I do a quick listen to the start of songs that haven’t already been released as promo or singles. It’s like slightly spoiling yourself on what’s to come. Anyway, when I downloaded (I did join the digital age FYI) our lady love Kimbra’s third album Primal Heart I was scanning through those unheard songs and I got to the third one (the album’s seventh track) and it was so good I forgot about that whole quick scan thing and listened to it in full and then I listened to it again. And again. And again and again and again. If you haven’t figured out how this whole countdown thing works yet, the song I’m talking about it ‘Lightyears.’ I’m here for the imagery created by the opening lines, for the explosion of energy and joy that comes with the chorus and I’m always going to be here for the musical wonder that is Kimbra Johnson. (Matt Bond)

#21. MIRACLE

by Chvrches

Ask me no questions, I will tell you no lies

I'm not asking for a miracle.

Chavurches, how I love you so. And if you’ve read through a couple of these posts you’d know I also love a good build throughout a song. You know, it starts off a bit slow... the focus on the singer and the words. Then more and more elements slowly get added until the music unleashes about halfway through and then it’s on, oh is it on, and you know you’re going to have to go back and pick up on all those little pieces of the puzzle that you missed. That’s when you know you’ve got a good build. Chvrches mastered the build a long time ago, but on ‘Miracle’ they owned it. (Matt Bond)


I hear all the things I love about the group that are probably my favourite electronic outfit; I hear the familiar delirious keys of Martin Doherty and I hear that strong stamp of Iain Cooks in production, I hear all the customary boldness in Lauren Mayberry’s vocal; but it wasn’t until I realised where the influence came from that I knew why I loved it so much; it’s the harshness of a 90s kind of influence, a feeling of full with an overpowering wall of sound that’s makes it so satisfying, bursting with confidence and demanding to be heard. I’m taking back my first sentence. Not probably my favourite electronic outfit – ARE my favourite electronic outfit. (Jo Michelmore)

                 

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 - #50 to #41

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90 to #81

#80 to #71

#70 to #61

#60 to #51

#50. LET'S CALL IT A DAY

by Alex Lahey

I kinda like you, but I don't like you

You like yourself too much.

Anyone who knows Matt or I, will have guessed there's another Alex Lahey song coming up later on. Anyone who knows anything about Alex Lahey will know there's another Alex Lahey song coming up later on. But enough about later on. Here we have a brilliant indie rock pop song from a brilliant indie rock pop artist, it's 60s arrangement feel a stark contrast to it's "I don't wanna see where this could go" this is not a love song theme, and having taken many listens to her debut album I Love You Like A Brother, that juxtaposition is no accident. It's brilliant is what it is. (Jo Michelmore) 

'Let's Call It A Day' had me hooked from the wonderful opening lines, "you're on my nerves and I'm three drinks in." Alex Lahey has a way with words that has you feeling everything she's feeling and in this case you feel like you're right there with her on one of those dates you can't wait to be over. You're sitting there and forcing your face not to scrunch up in pain because of every unnecessary word pouring out of the mouth of the creature sitting opposite you. You might disassociate and think about all of the Netflix you're going to watch when you get home. You might knock back those drinks a little bit faster in the hopes that the sweet, sweet alcamahol will make everything better. But you've already made your mind up... you don't want to see where this could go. Because you already know. This is going nowhere. Fast. (Matt Bond) 

#49. DO WHAT YOU WANT

by The Presets

I'm feeling technicolour

Oh, go on, have another.

So I see on The Presets' Facebook page that they've just finished up a new album, so 2018 is looking better already knowing that. With The Presets you always know what you're going to get. Fun music to dance to that's got just the right amount of darkness lurking under the surface... perfect for those nights you find yourself out and about in the seedy parts of town at some ungodly hour. Also perfect for the gym, the car, walking to work, eating a sandwich or cleaning the house. The Presets know what they're about, they've been around long enough to know what their fans want and they deliver again and again. 'Do What You Want' follows The Presets formula in line with what's come before, but really, would you want it any other way? (Matt Bond) 

I feel like I wrote my review of this song via text to Matt at the beginning of November, when this was first released. It was simple; "The Presets play The Presets really well". Harsh? Well I've always been known for my lack of subtlety, but harsh was never my intention. The Presets do play The Presets very well. They call it pub rock techno, I call it a masterpiece of their electronica; a thumping, pounding three minutes that is bound to get stuck in your head, it's exactly as The Presets have always been and should be, and that's a Presets I'll always really like. (Jo Michelmore)

#48. MISTAKES

by Basenji ft. Tkay Maidza

Falling out of place never felt so good 'till I met you.

Tkaaaaaaaaaaaaay. Slay. Basenjiiiiiiiii. Word that rhymes with Basenjiiiiiiii. Tkay took over the music world's consciousness in November, dropping 'Bom Bom' and 'Mistakes'. Both collaborations that are hopefully just a warm up for what's in store for Ms Maidza next year. While 'Bom Bom' was the reminder that Tkay is one mighty fine rap superstar, 'Mistakes' reminds us once more that she's no slouch in the singing department either. Another ready for the floor banger that will only serve to win her even more fans around the world, because this has worldwide club hit written all over it. Basenji delivers his best production yet with 'Mistakes' and if he wants to bring back Maidza for rounds two, three or four over the next couple of years, I'd be all for that. And I don't think I'd be alone there. (Matt Bond) 

#47. BIG CITY

by Kingswood

You took my love and you took it all

How can you be so big and yet you feel so small?

I love it when this happens. A song that sounds like the country; that brings visions of long lonely roads, sunsets over deserts and sitting on steps in front of houses in the middle of nowhere and yet the clip inspires a whole different set of images in my mind. New Yorkers being New Yorkers, in the city of millions of stories, shot with a sepia tone to match the sounds Kingswood have made of yesterday. Apparently they have a way with visuals as well as sounds that I haven't appreciated until now, but I'm going to be making up for lost time and watching over and over again. (Jo Michelmore) 

#46. SAY SO

by Ariela Jacobs

I've got a one way ticket and a one way flight

For I got high hopes for you and I.

Things that should be studied; the way Ariela Jacobs' music can walk the finest line between heartbreaking and heart warming, finding the perfect balance of both that leaves you in awe of her talent. 'Say So' is another addition to a catalogue full of tunes that pulls this feat off. You can feel as hopeful as Jacobs does as she sings about journeying into the unknown with a belief that everything will work out. At the same time you'll find yourself thinking about the odds of this happening. More often than not, things don't work out the way we want, especially when it comes to love. But you've got to take the risk, right? While we as listeners don't know how this particular risk paid off for our leading lady, we can only hope the best for her. (Matt Bond) 

#45. LIABILITY

by Lorde

Baby really hurt me, crying in the taxi, he don't wanna know me

Says he made the big mistake of dancing in my storm...

There is a person. A person with a heart bigger than you can imagine, a mind deeper than you have seen, a story more intense than you suspect. There are the invitations, there are the memories, there are conversations, there is rejection, there is a heart, lying on the floor. There is a piano, there is a voice, there is Lorde, telling tales, asking a question and saying the words. And the answer is that anyone who tells you that you are a liability is probably actually the liability themselves. (Jo Michelmore) 

Don't you wish you could write a song like 'Liability'? Seriously, the lines about going home to the only person Lorde can depend on and dancing with them, but to a stranger all they'd see if a girl dancing alone and your head explodes as you scream, "SHE'S DANCING WITH HERSELF BECAUSE SHE IS THE LOVE OF HER LIFE," are as good as it gets. I also wish I could find whoever hurt Lorde enough to write something so dangerously reflective on her life and make them pay. Who hurt you, Lorde? Where do they live? What's their pattern of life? What would hurt them the most? Okay... going too far haha. Totally wouldn't hunt them down and make them suffer in the name of our Lorde. Ah well... another supporting piece of evidence to make the case that Lorde will be knocking our socks off for a long, long time to come. (Matt Bond)

#44. TOP OF THE WORLD

by Kimbra

We go so good together

Search all my life to find better.

Yes, Kimbra... get it! Take us all to the top, to the top, to the top of the wooooorld. If this didn't get you so pumped for the release of Kimbra's third album, Primal in 2018, I just don't know what to say to you. I'm sorry? I'm disappointed? Who hurt you? Why you gotta be like this? 'Top of the World' is ambitious, out of this world pop that shows one of our fave Kiwi songstresses is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to exploring and developing her sound. I genuinely love it more and more with each listen and maybe we're going to have to put it in next year's list too, because give it a couple more months and this is going to be one of my most listened to and loved songs of... well, ever. Don't even get me started on the video. Daaaaaaamn girl. LOVE. (Matt Bond)  

The first time I heard this song, I'm going to admit I had no idea who it was. I had visions of hearing something new, discovering some sounds by some up and coming. But then something clicked, something sounded strangely comfortable and I actually looked at my phone to find that so familiar name... Kimbra. Ah yes, I should have guessed, because these days, one doesn't hear her voice on all the radios like we did five years ago, one finds Kimbra experimenting and playing with her sound, forging new and alternate paths to where her previous incarnation was leading her. I'm still happy to follow her along, because her confidence in her ability is so alluring and while her sounds seem to be slightly different with every new release, they've all got the stamp of Kimbra amongst them, which makes new discoveries wonderfully comfortable. (Jo Michelmore)

#43. RUN

by Foo Fighters

They say that nothing's free, you can run with me

If you wanted to.

It's funny, because every now and then for the past hundred (give or take a few) years, the cool music people and the words I read about all the songs and the bands (and maybe because I have an opinion) all the people make me feel like I should always be on the lookout for new things, or indie things, or cool things when sometimes the thing I like is right in front of my face, being pushed down my throat by the TV and the radio and the record company with all of the ads. And even though the members of the Foo Fighters don't need another two hundred of my dollars to fill a stadium, does that mean I shouldn't like them? No, it doesn't. Because even though they have all the luxuries and all the commercial success, they still write music I like, and I'll never apologise for what I like. And this? I don't just like this, this is rock and I fuckin LOVE this. (Jo Michelmore) 

#42. GHOST

by Husky

It's these moment in-between that I need the most.

Who doesn't love a bit of Husky on the daily? The Melbournian indie outfit returned earlier in the year with their third album, Punchbuzz, with 'Ghost' earning a ton of well deserved play on the j's. It could be the group's best track yet and certainly their catchiest. 'Ghost' has been a bit of an ear-worm for me since first hearing it and I'm really not complaining about that. I'd rather have this than 'Coco Jambo' or Paris Hilton's 'Nothing In This World'. With smart writing and a very nice blend of rock and light electronic touches, 'Ghost' gives us a Husky at the top of their game. Surely there's a place in the Hottest 100 for this one? (Matt Bond)

#41. AMATEURS

by Holy Holy

And I couldn't find the words I needed

I needed nothing.

Think of a list of all the greatest Australian bands you know. There are hundreds of them, thousands, and a lucky few have made it into the echelons of legendary status. They've played and played and played and if you're lucky enough, you will have seen some of them in tiny clubs or bars and if you're really lucky you'll have seen them grow with thousands of others at festivals and stadiums. Some cities claim them as their own, some cities name bridges after them, some cities steal them from other cities. Now name those bands. And place Holy Holy right at the top of the list. Amateurs they are not, legendary is what they will be. (Jo Michelmore)

           

       

Top 117 Songs of 2017 - #90 to #81

#117 to #101

#100 to #91

#90. LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO

by Taylor Swift

I don't like your perfect crime

How you laugh when you lie.

The big wheel that is Taylor Swift's mission to become the most polarising figure in all of the music lands kept on turning in 2017, and I don't know about you, but I found it fascinating. Whether you believe the "feuds" are real or manufactured, they certainly lead to some expert manipulation of the masses by Swift's camp. Every line in 'Look What You Made Me Do' is designed to be critically analysed. Is this line about Kanye Kardashian? Is this one about Calvin Harris? Surely that one isn't about that dude that plays Loki in the Marvel movies. Or is it? They spark debates between rabid fans of Kimmy K, apparently in emoji form where Team Swift uses the rat emoji because rats eat snakes and the Kardashian clan think Tay Tay is a snake and I can't keep up. Or care. But I do like my catchy pop tunes and this right here is catchy. And made for those moments when you're at the fridge getting your midnight snack on and as you put that fourth row of chocolate into your mouth you start singing to the darkness, "look what you made me do, look what you made me do, look what you just made me do." (Matt Bond)  

#89. TOTAL MELTDOWN

by DZ Deathrays 

You know that when you are feeling down

Someone else is always feeling more.

When you read words about DZ Deathrays, the description that pops up over and over again is 'party-thrashers', which suggests they are the words used in their press releases, or they are actual thrashers of parties, which could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on said party. 'Total Meltdown', released late this year, is probably more a raw rock gathering than a thrashed party; its smashing drums and dirty guitars drive it straight into a summer rock sweaty mess. Also, how can you not love a band that name their album exactly as it will be described when it's released in February next year? 'Bloody Lovely' mate! Bloody lovely. (Jo Michelmore)  

#88. LIKE GOLD

by Vance Joy

Everything we've done, is there on our faces for anyone willing to

Read between the lines.

So this is pretty much a wet dream for whoever the people are that pick songs for TV shows (side note, that is my dream job and if anyone in the "biz" wants to offer me one of these positions I'll take it right now thanks) and Vance Joy knows it. He's got a knack for making these types of songs that are made for those moments when Drama with a capital d is unfolding for all of your favourite characters and in the final three to four minutes of an episode you get to check in like the five main characters as they look all reflective and a couple breaks up or something. Anyway, I look forward to hearing this on Grey's Anatomy. Let's not get me started on Grey's Anatomy... (Matt Bond)

Is Vance Joy Australia's Ed Sheeran? Quietly charming, a master of eloquently humble lyrics and delightful folky pop melodies, as well as being king of the awkwardly cute curly haired market, Vance Joy can do no wrong. This makes me like him as much as I dislike him, much like Ed. That's a compliment though, so fans of mild mannered catchy pop can settle down. 'Like Gold' is the perfect summertime singalong song, it's designed for reminiscing and reliving long days and old times over summer sunsets, and it's just another reason he will be revered as one of Australia's greatest, now and for years to come. (Jo Michelmore) 

#87. THERE FOR YOU

by Eves Karydas

It could be, it could be a waste of time

But it's gonna be, gonna be worth the fight. 

Hannah Karydas may be Hannah Karydas one minute and then Eves The Behaviour the next and then reappear a couple of years later under supposedly her real name Eves Karydas, but we're going to forgo asking any questions about this and just focus on the fact that no matter what name this young music maker is going by, that music is always of a consistently excellent quality. That was quite the sentence. 'There For You' keeps Karydas on the electronic indie path that brought her a whole lot of attention as Eves The Behaviour and keeps her in standing with contemporaries like Vera Blue and Wafia. Romantic in an almost naive, youthful way, 'There For You' will work its way into your head and have you singing along before you're even through the first listen. It will be the first of many listens. (Matt Bond) 

#86. PRECIOUS

by British India

If everything could stay the same as it is right now.

Six albums in and British India continue to be one of the hardest working and most reliable acts in Australian music. Now, some might think 'reliable' is a lame compliment. I happen to think being reliable is a huge compliment. You don't get disappointed by someone that's reliable. Someone reliable will put in effort. And British India are yet to disappoint and always deliver the goods. One might say they're precious but that would just be ridiculous given the name of the song, right? Right? Doesn't mean it's not true though. Stellar rock from a band that remains very, very good at doing their thing. (Matt Bond) 

#85. HOTEL

by Kita Alexander

One day you'l meet me and you'll know it's not a dream

It won't be hell or heaven, we'll be somewhere in-between.

Let's just get straight to the point. This is a stunning piece of music. Kita Alexander has created a dreamy piece of desperation, a subtly strong but sombre sound, that gently swings from synth pop glory to total introspection, and all of this while having her first baby, travelling and she's only in her early 20s. I'm going to sound like an old person now, but I don't care. 20s? In most of my early 20s I was busy eating junk food and attempting not to be hungover. My gosh I'm glad for people more productive than me. (Jo Michelmore)    

This should have been a big hit for Kita Alexander. It's genuinely pop perfection. Gorgeous vocals, dreamy musical soundscapes and lyrics that send your imagination into overdrive. What more do you want? The answer should be nothing. You want nothing more than what Kita Alexander is giving you right here. "Someday you'll find me where the champagne's always free, when you check into the hotel where the skyline meets the sea." Lana Del Rey, eat your heart out. Kita Alexander might just have you beat on the Americana (or in this case I guess Australiana) dreaming lyrical front. I see that Apple Music are loving 'Hotel' on their new music lists, so there's still time for this to hit it big on the charts. If not, it's only a matter of time before Alexander takes off. She's far too talented not to. (Matt Bond)

#84. FRIENDS

by Justin Bieber

Know you wondering why I been calling

Like I got ulterior motives.

It's finally happened. There's a Justin Bieber song that I like and the world hasn't ended and everything is how it should be (except for like so many things). So that's something. I guess. Maintaining my immense dislike of all things Bieber has been a thing since the 'Baby' days. Yeah, I didn't like 'Sorry' and I'm not even sorry about it. But then 'Friends' came along and maybe I'm just tired these days and I can't resist the pull of a damn good dance track. I don't know what it is, but I don't hate this and maybe I hate myself a little bit for that instead? Okay, I'm being over the top (or OTT as the kids would say lolz), but this is for real the first Bieber track I'm able to get through from start to finish and enjoy. Is it because he's being the ultimate fuck boy on this track? Probably. You don't agree? You don't think he's got ulterior motives? Enjoy fantasy land you sweet, sweet fool. (Matt Bond)     

Don't worry, we've got 80 odd songs to go, there's still time for 'Despacito'. I was joking about hell freezing over back at number 95, but I'm pretty sure that's exactly what's happened now at number 83, because a few years ago I'm sure the ice would have had to have started forming for Bieber to have been included in one of our end of year lists. I guess that's one of the things Matt and I love about music though, you can just never tell which beat is going to get you, which voice is going to get stuck and which song is going to become a favourite. Sometimes it takes one listen, sometimes it takes a hundred. However many Justin had to release, it's nice to finally have him here. Yes JB, we can still be friends. (Jo Michelmore)  

#83. EVERYBODY KNOWS

by Kimbra

I was young and gullible, but baby I grew

Now the whole world's watching you.

It's so nice to have lil Kimbra here in our list, as she's appeared on and off for years now. What a wild ride it's been for her, a super pop start turning into a couple of minutes of real life superstardom and then an artist of super talent who I think is sometimes now a little overlooked and misunderstood, but I'm using those words in an incredibly complimentary manner, because they so often describe an artist dedicated to their craft and a sound dedicated to its listener. 'Everybody Knows' is a gloriously slow burn and just another piece of Kimbra's story, which is nothing less than super. (Jo Michelmore) 

#82. DROWNING IN THE SOUND

by Amanda Palmer

South by south west, two miles from town

I can't get out, I can't look down.

"You worship the sun...but you keep feeding the dark" I write all these words about all of this music, and in one song, in one lyric, Amanda Palmer describes how I came to start writing all these words on the internets all those years ago, why I came back to writing about another 117 songs this year, and why I have spent all my life listening to, loving and needing all the music. (Jo Michelmore)   

Sometimes it's hard to listen to a song and not take it for what it is. Usually there's a lot of bullshit and metaphors and delusional lines of what love is and you can critique it, love it or hate it. But then sometimes one of your favourite artists is singing lines about watching everyone she loves drowning in the sound and that just makes you sadder than you expected. And then you remember this is Amanda Palmer and she has this way with words that can sometimes make you feel like you've actually been punched in the face. Take it as a metaphor for the insanity in the world around us or as a reflection for the victims of Hurricane Harvey (which profits of the track went to) or take it however you want. That's the fun thing you get to do with music. Take from it what you will. And Amanda Palmer always gives so much. Here's hoping there's much more to come in 2018. (Matt Bond)

#81. HALLOW FATE

by Gin Wigmore

Do I pretend to play your ways

That I always stay inside the lane.

Ms Wigmore has had a big year. She created a much needed female focussed art and music collaboration project called GIRLGANG, she worked on creating her fourth album and she created a new human, her first baby Ivory, which is a person as well as the title of her next album. Amongst all of that, she released this haunting little track 'Hallow Fate', her super sweet gravelly vocal as strong as ever, her sense of soul as important as ever and her general fabulousness is as fabulous as ever. It will never feel good to be without you Ms Wigmore. (Jo Michelmore) 

 

Top 116 Songs of 2016, #80 - 71

#116 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80. INDIGO CLUB

by The Montreals





I don't want you to see what I've done...

'Lo-Fi' grabbed our attention, but it was 'Indigo Club' that really made us stop and take notice of The Montreals. Representing (r)Adelaide in the indie music stakes I just made up in my mind, The Montreals do the city of churches proud with huge hooks and summery rock vibes. I don't know much else about Adelaide except the 'rad' and churches thing, but I want to know a lot more about The Montreals. (Matt Bond)  

#79. SELF TALK

by Olympia





In the night, you drive, taking in, it all
When you talk, to her, lonely hearts, will call. 

I was alive in the 80s, but I don't really remember any of them. If the 80s were my time, I would have been all shoulder pads and bigger than you hair and pink stilettos and electric blue drinks and I would have had some kind of glamorous job and a sports car with a mobile phone as big as a house and I would have listened to synth laden pop songs like 'Self Talk' while living my fast life and people would have thought I was so fabulous and so successful, but after it was all done they'd hear the words of the songs I was listening to and suddenly it would all make sense. "There's just self talk...when all you want is love". It's not the 80s, but Olympia makes the visit there an awesome experience. (Jo Michelmore) 

Olympia put on one of our favourite sets at BIGSOUND and 'Self Talk' was one of the live highlights. Which makes sense, it's one of the highlights on the debut album of the same name. The music is infectious (in a good way, not an itchy bits way), easily winning 'automatic replay' status for its 80s charms and Olympia's equally detached and inviting vocal quality. I don't know exactly what it is about the lyrics that makes me curious about the way Olympia's Olivia Bartley sees the world, but I'd be fascinated to see things the way she does. When your writing's this good, you're seeing things the rest of us might be missing. Luckily for us, we get the benefits of listening to music of this quality. (Matt Bond)    

#78. BEFORE, I AM

by The Belligerents





Take my hand and pull my heart
Don't be mad, I'm all you've got

2016 was like a coming out party for The Belligerents. Yes, just like debutantes of days gone by or teen dramas of today, The Belligerents stepped out into the world as the band they were meant to become. They've gone from Brisbane rockers to a band that can step onto any stage in the world and kill it. Which is hopefully what the near future's going to bring them; more stages to play on in more parts of the world. Because the music they released this year is ridiculously good. 'Before, I Am' is an exotic riot that will leave you tapping, humming and singing along until you find yourself wanting to jump around and scream along to your new favourite song. It must be time for a full album from these guys. (Matt Bond) 


To be belligerent, one would probably need to be fairly hostile and almost aggressive, so the name of this band has always amused me, because their brand of rock isn't anywhere near offensive, but it is good. I'll be honest and say I'm not even sure what all the lyrics really are, because I'm so caught up in the manic guitars and the quick drumbeat that I've got no time to be worried about belligerence. I have got time for some head nods though, of which there are a lot required in this track. Before I am belligerent, I am a big fan. (Jo Michelmore) 

#77. SWEET RELIEF

by Kimbra





You know I want skin to skin
So gimme that sweet relief.

Matt messaged me one afternoon this year with the news Kimbra had dropped a surprise track and a message saying something along the lines of "WTF?" because Kimbra was pretty much the last person we were expecting a track from that day. Any day really. Therefore, it turned into a good afternoon with the sound of 'Sweet Relief' as a constant reminder of who Kimra was, who she is and all the places she has to go. We'll always have a sweet spot for Kimbra and this track was such a nice way to remind us not to forget her talent while she prepares us for all the awesome to come. (Jo Michelmore)

Kimbra is ready to make it a night, to remember, from January, to December. I can't be the only one getting those vibes from 'Sweet Relief', right? Maybe not in the words of a Bryan Adams song, but you're definitely getting what Kimbra's getting at here. She wants to talk about all the good things and the bad things life can bring, she wants to talk about... getting that sweet relief. Released as something to satisfy any hunger for new material as she heads into the studio once more, 'Sweet Relief' was an unexpected Kimbra release that was greatly appreciated all the same. It's a musical fit for the brilliant era that was The Golden Echo and will likely bridge the gap to however Kimbra reinvents herself for her next album. You already know it's going to be brilliant. You already know it's going to give us all that sweet relief. (Matt Bond)  

#76. GET MY BANG

by Wild Beasts





No getting it right, no getting wrong
Just getting it on.

When I first wrote about this song earlier in the year, I said something about it not being something I expected from a band I never really knew what to expect from, which meant it really should have been something I expected from them, if you see what I mean. What I didn't know was that six or so months later I continue to find things in this track that surprise me, like the odd back and forth vocal in the chorus, which I still love each time I listen and the sudden end, which shouldn't really be a sudden end, considering I know when the song ends. Also, there is a lyric about eating cake, which means no surprise, I'm a fan. (Jo Michelmore)
 

#75. 1993 (NO CHILL)

by Paces ft. Jess Kent





There's always calm in the storm
Time is now, yeah, the time has come.

What were you doing in 1993? I was in grade 1. Life was pretty good... Power Rangers was a thing, I was loving 4 Non Blonde's 'What's Up' something sick. I'd like to think I was pretty chill, but the reality of that is probably something very different. I'd like to think I'm pretty chill now, but the reality of that is also probably something very different. IS THAT OKAY WITH YOU?! Sorry... sorry. Two artists that are the definition of chilled are Paces and Jess Kent. So even when they're putting out a song together about 1993 and having no chill, they're still the most chilled combo you're going to come across. 2016 was a breakout year for both artists, who've created a healthy amount of buzz around them over the past 12 months. I hope they carry that into 2017 and move onto even bigger and better things. (Matt Bond)  


Oh my gawd I love the chorus in this song. Like when I say love, I'm talking mad crazy repeat that bit again type love. And it's my favourite kind of chorus, because the words and the musics are so polar opposite they work perfectly together. The bouncy beats make every minute feel like summer on a beach but the words "no chill no chill" are hilarious, because chilled is exactly what these three minutes are all about. (Jo Michelmore) 

#74. JUNGLE

by Tash Sultana





Welcome to the jungle
Are you gonna dance with me? 

Right, well apparently Tash Sultana is 21. Maybe she's 22 by now, I'm not sure. Either way, early 20s? Are you actually serious Tash? How can it be possible you're this talented at such a young age? It's like those memes about "all my friends out getting married and I'm just over here (insert verb here). And that's exactly what I'm doing. Sitting in front of my laptop writing words while Tash Sultana is out there somewhere being amazing and writing songs about jungles. It's not all hopeless though. At least I've been listening to incredible songs this good all year.  (Jo Michelmore) 

I didn't know much about Tash Sultana until I saw Facebook blowing up about Jetstar losing some of her equipment/instruments while she was heading off on an overseas tour. Loving nothing more than people having a go at Jetstar, I read through my fair share of articles and got the impression that Tash Sultana was pretty rad. And then I heard this song 'Jungle' on the j's and was like, "who be this?" "This be Tash Sultana," said Shazam. Her radness confirmed, I got myself a copy of the Notion EP and I've been loving her music ever since. 'Jungle' is the track I keep coming back to. The level of musicianship is incredible, Sultana's performance riveting. I missed my chance to see her at BIGSOUND this year, but I won't make that mistake the next time she comes to Brisbane. I'll pay for some Virgin tickets myself to make sure she has a comfortable journey. (Matt Bond) 

#73. LET'S GO OUT

by Alex Lahey





Let's go out and have fun tonight
Let's go out and get drunk tonight.

Yes. Let us all go out and have fun tonight and get drunk tonight and I'm really not going to do that because I totally love bed and sleep. Something else I totally loved in 2016 is the music of Alex Lahey, she of the quirky/classic lyrics and shout-a-long choruses. I love her dry delivery that's neither apathetic or enthusiastic. And I love that there's nothing even remotely pretentious about her music. Through songs like 'Let's Go Out', Alex Lahey comes across as a totally normal person, just like you or me. She's totally that friend that you'll go out on the town for, even though you value those precious bed/sleep times. And this isn't even our favourite Lahey track of 2016. We'll get to that later. Much, much later. (Matt Bond)


This super bouncy number needs no words, the energy kind of speaks for itself, but I can't quite figure out when Alex Lahey started stalking me so she could represent my entire life in her clip for 'Let's Go Out'. She has my slippers, she knows my bank balance, she ignores text messages, she burns unhealthy snacks and she keeps money under her furniture. The only bit she got wrong was the running out the door. Find fifty bucks? I'm getting Uber Eats and staying in. (Jo Michelmore)

#72. GIVE ME SOMETHING TO LOVE

by Kid Runner





There is no box to put me in
You can't close me up, no not again.

So in that award winning film that I'm going to write, direct and and play the lead in, there is going to be an amazing scene at the end where I have defeated all the villains and a smouldering dusty city awaits behind me while I embrace the long lost love of my life. 'Give Me Something To Love' will be playing because it's a song made for glory and the camera will pan back on an orange sunset and everyone will smile and cry because love is  exactly what my character has been fighting for during the whole film, while also combating evil villains attempting to take over the world, of course. We're going to win an Oscar, baby. Ok, we may not, but Kid Runner will, definitely. Oh my gosh, regardless of how ridiculous my imagination is, I really love it if that last bit happens. But for real. (Jo Michelmore) 

#71. TIME

by Sarah Belkner 





Time is what you make of it
Time has let you down.

Sarah Belkner kept herself busy this year. She spent some of the year supporting Sarah Blasko and the rest of it supporting Olympia. And when I say supporting, I believe she pulled double duty for a lot of these shows as an opening act as well as playing in Blasko/Olympia's bands. She backed up Elk Road for Like A Version last month too, no biggie. On top of all that, Belkner has managed to put out the best music of her career and that's exactly what 'Time' is. 'Time' has a maturity, depth and level of class that will leave you in awe. Backing up Belkner on the track is a who's who of local legends, with Brendan Maclean, Ngaiire, Elana Stone and Billie McCarthy featured. But it's Belkner that stars on 'Time' and it will hopefully be Belkner starring in her own headline tours going forward. Hers is a rare talent to be celebrated. (Matt Bond)