What has become a Don’t Blink tradition will continue once again tonight. For the seventh time in my blog’s history, I am pleased to present Brent’s Top 5 Songs of the Year.

This year’s countdown was tough. Not in the sense that the crop of songs was really bad or really outstanding, two conditions that have made past lists difficult to compile, but that I didn’t feel exactly qualified to make one.

You see, my consumption of music in 2020 was at an all-time low. I listen to music pretty much exclusively in the car. Obviously, for a guy like me, when you aren’t driving places because everything is locked down it cuts into your jam time. Furthermore, when I actually was driving in my car I was mostly listening to SiriusXM and expanding my horizons beyond top 40.

With that said, I did listen barely enough to mainstream radio and the TikTok videos my wife was watching to jot down the five tunes that I have enjoyed most in 2020.

Tonight I once count down my top five favorite songs from another year.

5. Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now

I love myself some Dua Lipa. If you are looking for a consistent artist who puts out catchy track after catchy track, Dua is your girl. She delivered again with “Don’t Start Now.” I describe the song as a big disco. It is basically an ode to the 1970s/1980s with some 2020 influences mixed in for good measure.

Out of all the songs on this list, it might be the easiest to sing along too—but don’t think I would ever do anything like that.

4. Savage Love – Jason Derulo

If there was a song that provided any type of escape or comic relief from this unprecedented year, it was “Savage Love” by Jason Derulo. The carefree and goofy melody of the song helped many of us take a deep breath and laugh.

Easily one of the top songs of the summer, it reached epic popularity on TikTok and spilled over to the radio. Although some people claimed to despise the song, I stand by my opinion that we needed this song in 2020. And oh yeah, we definitely jumped on the trend.

3. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd

Retro. Fast-paced. Catchy. When I think of the The Weeknd’s smash hit “Blinding Lights” I think of all those adjectives. “Blinding Lights” is what I would categorize as the best driving song on this list. By that I mean if I was driving through downtown or even the wheat fields on a road trip, this is the track I would want turned up and on repeat.

The song has a cool 1980s vibe and a great beat to go with it. Although I usually find some type of lyrical connection with songs that are ranked this high in my countdown, I can’t claim one with “Blinding Lights.” Perhaps that makes it even better?

Called the song of the year by many, I can’t deny the critical acclaim of “Blinding Lights.” However, although a solid choice, it isn’t my #1.

2. Wonder – Shawn Mendes

This is one of those songs that catches you with the intro. The opening of “Wonder” is powerful, almost mesmerizing to a degree. It kind of swallows you and at that point you can’t do anything but listen to the rest of the song. Lucky for us, the rest isn’t that bad.

The song’s tempo will keep you engaged and relaxed at the same time. It is easy listening but at the same time it feels kind of like a maze as well. Right at the moment when you don’t know exactly what to think the music from the intro returns, swallowing you once again.

I like the unique sound of “Wonder” and I think some of the lyrics are profound. Yes, it is a love song, but Mendes also asks honest questions of himself and society. I look forward to listening to this song well into 2021 as it is still pretty new.

1. The Bones – Maren Morris

If the song is going to serve as an overarching metaphor for your wedding anniversary blog post, it must be decent, right? The versatility of Maren Morris was once again demonstrated in “The Bones,” a song that tells the story of the prevailing nature of true love.

Listening to “The Bones” will allow you to get lost in thoughts and pleasantly think about the most important relationship you have. Morris provides some excellent imagery of the resilience of love and the character needed from the two people who must make it work.

The conviction with which she sings each lyric is powerful and authentic. I think this song would be perfect for the ending of a movie, starting at the conclusion of the final scene and extending through the first part of the credits. If not that, it is good enough for the ending of this countdown right at the coveted #1 spot.

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Man, what will music be like in 2021? Whatever form it takes, I hope I have the chance to listen to it a little bit more than what I did in 2020. What do you think of this year’s countdown? Please don’t hesitate to let me know. Don’t Blink.

Brent’s Top 5 Best Songs of 2019
Brent’s Top 5 Best Songs of 2018
Brent’s Top 5 Best Songs of 2017
Brent’s Top 5 Best Songs of 2016
Brent’s Top 5 Best Songs of 2015
Brent’s Top 5 Best Songs of 2012