Associated Press
By Mesfin Fekadu, AP Music Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — If The Associated Press could create its own “NOW” compilation album of 2015, this would be it. Here are the top 10 songs of the year, according to AP music editor Mesfin Fekadu:
1. “Where Are U Now,” Skrillex and Diplo featuring Justin Bieber: “Where Are U Now” not only had a danceable hook juxtaposed with soft verses, it also marked Bieber’s comeback. And where he’s at now is the top of the charts, and thankfully not the top bunk in prison.
2. “Let It Go,” James Bay: This British singer’s burning single, highlighted by the guitar, is just as lovely and passionate as Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking out Loud.” On second thought, it’s slightly better.
3. “Worth It,” Fifth Harmony featuring Kid Ink: Don’t even try to resist this song – Fifth Harmony came out swinging this year with an addictive track that proves they’re unquestionably worth it.
4. “How Deep Is Your Love,” Calvin Harris and Disciples: The king of the club is this song.
5. “Ex’s and Oh’s,” Elle King: King’s scratchy vocals mixed with her badass guitar playing combine to make this tune irresistible.
6. “Trap Queen,” Fetty Wap: “Trap Queen” was just the beginning of Wap’s grungy, melodic style that dominated our playlists this year, along with “679,” ”My Way” and “Again.” We were all screaming “1738.”
7. “Burning House,” Cam: Rising singer Cam’s slow groove was country radio’s most refreshing song, thanks in part to producer Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, fun.)
8. “Rise Up,” Andra Day: R&B’s brightest newcomer brings on the vocals with her anthemic, motivational single.
9. “Runnin’ (Lose It All),” Naughty Boy featuring Beyoncé and Arrow Benjamin: Oh how excited we are for new music from Beyonce in 2016. This thumping house number is helping is us get by, though barely.
10. “Pablow the Blowfish,” Miley Cyrus: Cyrus’ piano tune about her dead blowfish is both silly and deep, and further proves that while she’s wacky and tacky at times, she’s also wacky and talented.
Honorable mentions: “Hello,” Adele; “Classic Man,” Jidenna featuring Roman GianArthur; “Cool for the Summer,” Demi Lovato; “Alright,” Kendrick Lamar; “Yoga,” Janelle Monae featuring Jidenna; “Good for You,” Selena Gomez featuring A$AP Rocky; “Drip Drop,” Yazz and Serayah McNeill of “Empire” cast; “Home Alone Tonight,” Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild; “The Hills,” The Weeknd.