2019 - "Blinding Lights" - The Weeknd

A good intro is critical and this one captivates.

Atmospheric and entrancing, this slightly sinister synth-pop groove is sprinkled with lush hooks reminiscent of A-ha's earlier albums. Pleased to see the 80s continue to inspire millennials.

Nostalgia took over decision-making in the early 2000s, influencing every fave song since 2002, starting with Coldplay (prime U2) and 2003 and Kylie (early Madonna) etc. etc. Guess that's when I stopped listened to the radio and officially became old.

Other favourites from 2019: 

"In the Afternoon" - MGMT 

2018 - "Pink Lemonade" - James Bay

Kinda sounds like The Strokes updated that driving mid-80s tune from Charlie Sexton. 

Oh, and Bowie. 73% of my favourite songs are influenced or can be linked back to David Bowie.

Other favourites from 2018: 

"Me and Michael" - MGMT (2018)

2017 - "Decades" - Matthew Good

A haunting, driving guitar riff accompanies Good's trademark passionate vocals and poignant lyrics; his best in many years never fails to move me or make me move.  

I've loved all the albums from this seriously underrated singer and songwriter since 1997.

Other favourites from 2017: 

"Way to Go" - Empire of the Sun

"The Night is Ours" – Alpha 9 

"Tonite" – LCD Soundsystem 

"Slide" – Calvin Harris 

"Little Dark Age" – MGMT 

2016 - "Under the Sun" - DIIV

Hypnotic and driving bass line. Check, check.
Clangly, jangly and swirling guitars. Check, check and check.
Guitars that sound like shimmering synths. Le check. 

Lovin' the sublime intro and all the layers of this dreamy haze, while channeling mid-80s Cure and early 90s Stone Roses for a retro post-punk vibe. 

This is music you play on sunny mornings with the windows open and top down. 

Shout out to high school buddy Patrick Carr for recommending this track. Now I want a fog machine.

Other favourites from 2016: 

"Secrets" - The Weeknd

"Way to Go" - Empire of the Sun

2015 - "Mountain at My Gates" - Foals

Opens with a delicate melody that builds into a powerful feel-good tune. It's an anthem of sorts, so if you enjoyed U2 around the Rattle and Hum era, you may also appreciate this.

Other favourites from 2015: 

"Leave a Trace" - CHVRCHES

"Restless" – New Order

"The Shade" – Metric

"Hello" – Adele