Songs of the year
NICKY Jam and J Balvin’s X has been named song of the year by The Associated Press; others in the Top 10 include Toni Braxton, Jussie Smollett, Ella Mai, Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
1. Nicky Jam and J Balvin, X
Nicky Jam and J Balvin’s X is not just the Latin song of the year – it is SIMPLY THE SONG OF THE YEAR.
A year after the uber-successful Despacito, comes X – a fusion of Latin, reggae and dancehall sounds and the perfect song to listen to while getting ready to go out, at a club or even while you’re cleaning or cooking.
X is addictive and the beat will move your bones, even if you’re not trying to move. Just don’t fight the feeling.
2. Toni Braxton, Long As I Live
Toni Braxton’s R&B classics from the 1990s and 2000s still sound iconic today, and her latest single, Long As I Live, allows you to feel nostalgic, while not getting stuck in the past. Braxton’s still got it.
3. Jussie Smollett, Ha Ha (I Love You)
This Quiet Storm anthem shows that while playing Jamal Lyon on Empire helped make Jussie Smollett famous, he sounds even better when he’s singing his own songs.
4. Joji, Slow Dancing In The Dark
This burning R&B number is unforgettable.
5. Ella Mai, Boo’d Up
The song of the summer sounds good in the fall and winter, too.
6. Kendrick Lamar and SZA, All The Stars
The star of All The Stars may seem to be Kendrick Lamar – and while he shines on the song – it’s really SZA’s singa-long hook and killer second verse that makes this Black Panther track one of the year’s best.
7. Normani and Khalid, Love Lies
With all of the Fifth Harmony singers going solo, Normani is the one to look out for. The proof: Love Lies.
8. XXXTentacion, SAD!
So many rappers died young this year, and it’s sad to see so much talent not live up to its full potential.
XXTentacion’s
SAD! was already a hit before he died, but after his death, the song, and his music, took on new life.
9. Drake, In My Feelings
Don’t front – this is your jam, too! Hey, Keke!
10. Lykke Li, Sex Money Feelings Die
Hit play, and dance. — AP