TOP 10 songs of the year

Associated Press music editor Mesfin Fekadu lists his picks for 2020

Keedron Bryant, I Justwanna Live: During times of turmoil and unrest, people respond differently. Some protest. Somecry. And some sing. Following the gruesome death ofgeorge Floyd, Johnnetta Bryant turned to Godand asked foraprayer— and the lyrics toi Wannalive were born. She askedher son, then 12-year-oldkeedron Bryant, to sing the song and the rest is for the history books. Keedron Bryant’s powerful performance about being a young Blackman in today’s worldwent viral, with everyone from Barackobamato Lebron James praising the future superstar and his family for their strength and positivemessage. The song not only helped Bryant land a record deal, it helpedheal the world at a timewhen music is a language that unites us all.

Chloe xhalle, Doit: To the window, to the walls, till the sweat dropsdown my. . . Chloe xhalle took us to the clubs— aka the living room— during a pandemic yearwhenwe desperately neededanepic dance tune to help us get through the day.

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Mickey Guyton, Black Likeme: Digging deep towrite personal lyrics about her upbringing— and being that rare Black singer onthecountry music scene— Mickey Guyton birthedabeautiful, touching song that is bound to become a country classic.

Kelly Rowland, Coffee: Asmooth, sexynumber from a R&bgoddess.

Charlie Wilson featuring Smokey Robinson, All ofmy Love: Uncle Charlie plusuncle Smokey equals musical bliss. The soul icons joined forces for one of the year’s best collaborations that will surely put a smile on your face.

Roddy Ricch, The Box: Insert fire emoji here.

Dua Lipa, Don’t Startnow: With this addictive pop gemand updated dancemoves, Dua Lipa iswell on her way to world domination.

Gabby Barrett featuring Charlie Puth, I Hope: Breakthrough country singergabby Barrett already had a hitwith the original version of I Hope, but then Charlie Puth asked to add his vocals to the song and update the beat. The result is an undeniable pop smash.

Pop Smokefeaturing Dababy and Lil Baby, For the Night: Late rapper Pop Smokeclearly had a knack for hip-hopmelodies, which explains whymost of his songs haveexploded on Tiktok. For thenight is amonster hit that also featured other acts leading the newclass of rap.

BLACKPINK featuring Selena Gomez, Icecream: This trappop bop is as sweet and irresistible as icecream.

From left, Mickey Guyton; the album cover of I Just Wanna Live by Keedron Bryant; Pop Smoke.