Hot Press' 2019 Tracks of the Year: 50-41

50. James Blake - ‘Mile High’ (Polydor Records)

'Mile High' featuring Travis Scott and Metro Boomin is one of the numorous excellent collaborations on Blake's critically-acclaimed fourth studio album Assume Form. Scott's deadpan rhymes snuggle enthusiastically with Blake's auto-tuned coos, creating the perfect fusion of electronica and hiphop. Never sounded auto-tune so good!

49. Ariana Grande and Social House - ‘Boyfriend’ (Republic Records)

Another catchy-as-hell bop by Ariana. This collaboration with musical duo Social House sees her angelic vocals unite with a sleek hiphop beat - always a recipe for success, proven by her hugely successful album thank u, next. In addition, Social House's unobtrusive rap verses are the perfect match to Ariana's vocals, making for a vibey track.

48. Foster The People - ‘Imagination’ (Columbia)

Is it funk? Is it jazz? Is it the greatest bassline that's graced our ears in far too long? Yes to all of the above, in the case of 'Imagination'. A far cry from the song that brought this group to fame, 'Imagination' is a refreshing take from Foster the People.

47. Common feat Samora Pinderhughes - ‘Good Morning Love’ (Loma Vista Recordings)

Upbeat but lofi, chill but demanding of attention, Common's 'Good Morning Love' is a lyrical masterpiece. With lines like "If agape had a Cupid, she'd be shooting me / This rap here is fear's eulogy", it's an unmissable new addition to the famed musician's discography. 

46. Kesha - ‘Rich, White, Straight Men’ (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)

Sure, Kesha could keep going with the pop formula that brought her to fame. But, instead, in 'Rich, White, Straight Men', she uses her platform to preach an important message in minor key showtune style. Honestly, we're not mad about it!

45. Junior Brother - ‘Girth & Plain’ (Strange Brew)

There were so many great tracks to choose from Junior Brother's debut album, Pull The Right Rope, but 'Girth & Plain' is a standout tune. Unique chords, a steady beat, and a killer instrumental; Junior Brother truly outdid himself here. 

44. Tame Impala - ‘It Might Be Time’ (Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd.)

Following the mainstream success of Tame Impala's Currents, fans were left to wonder where psych-pop trailblazer Kevin Parker would take the project next. On 'It Might Be Time' he picks up right where he left off fusing the vintage sounds of yesteryear with his own brand of contemporary pop perfection.

43. FKA Twigs - ‘Cellophane’ (Young Turks Recordings)

It had been five years since we last heard from FKA Twigs, and on 'Cellophane' she delivers the jaw-dropping return track we knew she had in her. Here, she accomplishes so much with so little. Sparse instrumentation and strange sound effects lay the backdrop for one of the most stunning vocal performances of the decade.

42. Crack Cloud - ‘The Next Fix’ (Meat Machine)

A chilling track addressing the trials of addiction, 'The Next Fix' pays tribute to those lost to suicide and drug overdose. Pulsing beats, social commentary, and a brass line meld together for an unmistakably unique tune from Crack Cloud. 

41. Orville Peck – ‘Dead Of Night ‘ (Sub Pop Records)

On the opening number of his fearless debut record Pony, the enigmatic crooner Orville Peck recounts a heartwrenching story of two lovers.  With this tender country anthem, Peck instantly transports us to his world of ghost town romances and queer cowboys.

You can read the complete 'Hot Press Tracks of the Year 2019’ in one brilliant sweep in the Hot Press Annual – in which we distill the highlights and low-points of the year, across 132 vital, beautifully designed pages. Starring heroes of the year Fontaines D.C. on the front we cover Music, Culture, Sport, Film, Politics, the Environment and much, much more. Buy this superb publication direct from Hot Press here.