DH’s Top 20 of 2016 [20 – 6]:
20. “Tears” – LDN Noise & Pretty Sister
19. “Say It” – Flume ft. Tove Lo
18. “Get Up” – R3hab & Ciara
17. “Amber Light” – Fraser Churchill
16. “Waiting” – Oliver Heldens & Throttle
15. “all of YOU” – JAHKOY
14. “Back On The Wall” – Greyson Chance
13. “Finesse” – Bruno Mars
12. “No Problem” – Chance The Rapper ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz
11. “This Is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna
10. “My Way” – Calvin Harris
9. “Tears” – Clean Bandit ft. Louisa Johnson
8. “Tears (99 Souls Remix)” – Clean Bandit ft. Louisa Johnson
7. “Angel Zoo” – Phlake
6. “Can’t Stop The Feeling” – Justin Timberlake

5. “Closer” – The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey
You couldn’t escape number 5 the latter half of 2016, but let’s be real you probably weren’t mad. Unofficial song of Summer ’16, “Closer” from The Chainsmokers and Halsey is quickly becoming the duo’s signature song and for good reason. Subtle pop-house synths mix with gentle piano driven instrumentation only to be outshined by Andrew Taggart and Ashley Frangipane’s vocal chemistry. With each verse more affecting than the last, the “it’s complicated” anthem easily resonates with the masses and when you add in that catchy-as-hell hook it’s all over.

4. “Get Your Way” – Brasstracks ft. Roses Gabor
Dark horse contender for 2016’s hottest beat-crafters, Ivan Jackson and Conor Mayne [better known as Brasstracks] have actually already made an appearance on this esteemed year end tally. The production duo behind Chance The Rapper’s “No Problem” have not so quietly been taking on the digital scene in their own particular way. Incorporating elements of funk / electronica / R&B / you-name-it, all with a strong exposure of jazz, each original mix the two have offered up is a testament to their unique abilities. “Get Your Way,” a collaboration with Roses Gabor, thrives with its brassy timbre but comes alive with the addition of an atypical groove and the UK soloist’s polished pipes. It’s a welcomed glimpse into the wonderful music-making that surely lies ahead.

3. “SHY” – The Magician ft. Brayton Bowman
Under the radar for most of 2016, don’t think I forgot about you “SHY” from The Magician and Brayton Bowman. It’s deep-meets-future-house on this club mix from the Belgian producer and if that weren’t enough to entice you, the soul-stirring vocals of Bowman set the track apart from the muddied electronic fray. Don’t sleep on this one…

2. “The Sound” – The 1975
With Calvin Harris and Justin Timberlake before them, Manchester’s The 1975 complete my trifecta of must-lists this year. But that was an easy choice with a single like “The Sound.” Characterized as “unabashed pop” by the band, the track lives up to the hype through 88 keys worth of oscillation and equally demonstrative synth work, all the while Matt Healy spills his soul for his intended. Pure pop never sounded better.

1. “Good Together” – HONNE
Top spot was a tough call but after a crap-tastic year on the whole, 2016 really needeed to end on a positive note. HONNE, an act I gladly became familiar with only a few months ago, dropped one of this summer’s most uplifting and ultimately perfect electroni-pop cuts in “Good Together.” Instant joy set to song, the track beams with peppy percussion, heartfelt harmonies, and a little touch of good ole’ gospel. Even the darkest days don’t seem so bad after a few repeat spins, so get on board and peep the duo’s debut album Warm On A Cold Night for even more: