Favorite Songs of 2019 (So Far)
2019 has been a great year for music thus far, offering plenty of excellent new releases with even more promising material to come in the next several months. As we’ve passed the halfway point of the year, here are some of my favorite songs of 2019 as of September.
Pond - “Goodnight, P.C.C.”
The new record from Australian psychedelic rock group Pond is a vibrant collection of melodic compositions and rich, textured production, and the beautifully trippy “Goodnight, P.C.C.” is without a doubt a highlight of the album. With its groovy percussion and spacy, droning synths, the song creates a thick and mysterious atmosphere, entrancing the listener before exploding in its second half with layers of crisp acoustic guitars and punchy distorted drums. It’s an emotionally powerful sonic journey, and I continue to notice more small nuances with each repeated listen.
Charly Bliss - “Capacity”
Power pop outfit Charly Bliss have ditched the 90’s throwbacks in favor of moody synths and drum machines on their second album, Young Enough. The album’s lead single, “Capacity,” is an infectiously catchy and surprisingly atmospheric track that perfectly encapsulates the band’s new direction. With its reverb-soaked vocals and syncopated synth lines, the song offers a captivating mix of synth pop and indie rock, and the guitar solo in the bridge is a perfectly fitting piece of 80s-tinged goodness. Despite the radical new direction, Charly Bliss still sound at home on “Capacity.”
Vampire Weekend - “Harmony Hall”
I have never considered myself to be a fan of indie legends Vampire Weekend, but their new single “Harmony Hall” is easily one of my favorite songs of the year. It’s a unique fusion of pop, folk, and classic rock styles while still maintaining Vampire Weekend’s signature flair, and Ezra Koenig’s vocal performance effectively sells the track’s message of careless pessimism. Paired with excellent musicianship and an instantly memorable and anthemic chorus, “Harmony Hall” is bursting with energy and personality.
Foals - “Sunday”
The direction Foals has taken with their new material is fascinating. At its core, the music is just as bombastic as their previous releases, but it’s presented in a new, strikingly mellow coat of paint. The epic 6-minute slow burner “Sunday” is the culmination of Foals’ new and old sounds. Its lazy aesthetic created by the washed out layers of guitars and backing vocals effortless carries the song until making a complete 180, transitioning into an incredibly energetic and dancy breakdown. It is one of the most unpredictably awesome moments in music this year.
Inhaler - “My Honest Face”
Inhaler is a young rock group hailing from Dublin, Ireland, and their newest single “My Honest Face” is a bold, booming, and irresistable slice of modern rock. Its soaring guitars and thundering, reverb-tinged drum fills give the track an arena-sized feel while still maintaining the edge and organic texture that most songs of its type lack. The passion and energy of the band carry over to the listener, too; it’s an empowering song about trying to find direction in life and embracing the good, the bad, and the unknown, a message which only becomes more impactful upon repeated listens.
Andrew Bird - “Archipelago”
Andrew Bird’s latest record is an engaging collection of soulful folk rock tunes, implementing some unique sounds to compliment Bird’s signature violin melodies. So it might seem like a strange choice for this list to include “Archipelago,” by far the most simplistic and subdued track on the album. However, its simplicity works in its favor, allowing Bird to carry the entire track himself. The song’s hook is stripped down to little more than violins and vocals, both playing the same melody which is nothing short of beautiful. It’s an exceptionally intimate and personal listen, even for Bird’s standards.
Jay Som - “If You Want It”
Releasing music under the moniker Jay Som, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Melina Duterte is one of the biggest rising stars in independent music, and she has struck gold once again on her sophomore album, Anak Ko. The album offers a sharp blend of dreamy atmospheres and infectious pop hooks with some of the best production of the year, and the opening track, “If You Want It,” is a standout moment. Immediately jumping in with one of the catchiest guitar riffs of recent memory, it’s a perfect introduction to the rest of the album to follow, and on its own, it’s a fun, no nonsense indie rock track with a lot more complexity under the surface.
By Jaden Ellman