25 Songs That Kept Us Stable Enough to Endure the Twists and Turns of 2020

"This song has a catchy beat and sweet vocals, and the lyrics are all-too real when the vocalists talk about the struggles of this year along with the simple phrase 'f*ck 2020.' I highly recommend giving it a listen if you haven't already — it speaks to the disappointment and heartbreak 2020 has brought in a way that isn't jarring. Fun fact: I highly relate to the line, 'Yo, my cat died and a global pandemic took over my life,' because, sadly, that happened to me." — Sam Brodsky, assistant editor, fitness

"I found myself revisiting a lot of Queen's classics this year, and 'Under Pressure' slapped especially hard. Considering everything the world has gone through over the past 12 months, the song's message of caring for one another really resonated with me. And every time it gets to the part where Freddie Mercury repeats 'give love,' I can't help but sing along at the top of my lungs." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"While I loved all the songs on Taylor Swift's Folklore album, something about this one really struck a chord with me. The song is filled with so much rage and sadness at the same time, I don't know whether to scream the lyrics or quietly sob in a corner (let's be real, I've done both). And once you realise the meaning behind the track, it becomes even more heartbreaking." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

"This song's chorus is one of the few I wished I could've scream-sung with my friends in a karaoke bar somewhere in 2020. The track is full of energy, a bouncy beat, and all the vibes I need to shake off a dark pandemic mood. I'll see you in concert someday, HAIM!" — Karenna Meredith, associate editor, trending and viral features

"I know it's a year old, but I am still listening to Harry Styles's Fine Line album on repeat. I love 'Treat People With Kindness.' This upbeat song helped me through 2020 big time. Whenever I needed some big energy I would put this on, whether I was taking a walk, cooking, or sitting at my desk needing a reset! I love how fun and upbeat it is, and, obviously, the sweet message — which was much needed in 2020 — made it my happy song!" — Lisa Sugar, editor in chief

"Spotify Wrapped confirmed that I listened to this song every day this year (multiple times a day), and I fully believe it. 'Answer' was the empowering anthem I put on to feel like I could get through the stress, anxiety, and loneliness. The lyrics are about how we're stronger when we come together, and after months of barely leaving my apartment, the soaring chorus made me feel free." — Maggie Ryan, assistant editor, fitness

"Ah, Florence + the Machine. They've been my most-played Spotify artist for two years running, and I have a feeling that the streak will continue in 2021. Florence Welch's vocals alone are enough lift my spirits, but her lyricism and the band's overall sound create such an ethereal listening experience. 'Leave My Body' became my go-to Florence + the Machine song this year, in particular, because it's all about being present and not worrying about the past or the future. It emphasises the beauty of transcending mental barriers to wholly enjoy living in the moment, which is something I needed to be reminded of more times than usual this year." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"In a year that had noticeably more downs than ups, Halsey's 'You Should Be Sad' came for me and gave me every reason to indulge in my emotions. While I, personally, didn't find the lyrics themselves relatable, the lullaby-like country melody and electric guitar in the background melded together perfectly to capture frustration, sadness, and hurt in a way that's almost therapeutic. By the end of the song, I always feel better about whatever was weighing on my mind, and I think this makes for a great listen for anyone who needs a pick-me-up." — Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, trending and viral features

"Queen Bey unveiled the original 'Black Parade' on Juneteenth, just hours after I returned home from a Black Lives Matter march, and it gave me such a burst of energy. But then she took it a step further, releasing the extended version as part of the The Lion King: The Gift's deluxe edition, which dropped in conjunction with Black Is King. During a time full of heightened social unrest, I was grateful to have a celebratory anthem that made me, as a Black woman, feel loved and appreciated." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"Country-pop singer Cam has kept us waiting (five years, to be exact) for her latest album, The Otherside, which dropped in October, but it was WELL worth the wait. I've had her sexy single 'Till There's Nothing Left' literally on repeat all year, so much so that it's my most-listened-to song of 2020 according to my Spotify end-of-year wrap-up. The first time I listened to it, I had goosebumps, it's that good, and it STILL gets me every time I listen to it. The music video is also a must-watch — it's a steamy, cinematic ode to the apocalyptic vibes of 2020." — Tara Block, content director, growth and strategic features

"I stumbled upon Goth Babe for the first time this year on one of my late-night Spotify deep dives and was instantly drawn to 'Weekend Friend.' Though there's admittedly not much to the lyrics, the indie-pop beat makes me feel like I'm driving with the windows down on my way to a beach day with friends, so listening to it became my way of mentally escaping for those three minutes and 29 seconds." — Victoria Messina, associate editor, trending and viral features

"Of course with the pandemic, I started making my own meals more often rather than eating out or ordering in. As much as I love food, I don't actually enjoy cooking. But, for whatever reason, playing 'When Doves Cry' while chopping, mixing, and sautéing in the kitchen made the whole process really fun and enjoyable. It's very random, but it works!" — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"Even though the lyrics are pretty sad as the band sings about unrequited love, the song always manages to put me in a good mood. Not only is the beat incredibly catchy, but I can't help but scream the chorus every time it comes on." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

"I wasn't too shocked when this song popped up as my top Spotify Wrapped song for 2020. I've pretty much listened to it once a day since it came out in 2019 because Kevin Parker's voice, paired with the groovy sounds of the song, soothes my soul to the core." — Victoria Messina, associate editor, trending and viral features

"This song helped me get through the year in a couple of different ways. First, it's just an amazing track, and I love that Lipa wrote it as a manifestation of love. I relate to the lyrics a lot, and, who knows, I might find 'the one' if I play it enough times. The track also helped me take my mind off everyday stressors because I decided to learn it on the keyboard. I'd take a couple of hours after work or during the weekend to practice, which allowed me to focus on something other than all my worries." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"It's chill, upbeat, and makes me want to bounce and sway. This song helped me find silver linings while also being stuck at home but still feeling grateful for what we do have when we are missing so much or angry about so much that we can't change." — Lisa Sugar, editor in chief

"This year, like many people, my mental health was very up and down, and there were days when I felt extremely lost. But every time I turned on this song and channelled Reyez's attitude, I remembered my worth, value, and inner strength." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"There weren't too many moments this year that made me want to 'step into the line and shine,' but Harry Styles's 'Lights Up' was one of those songs that managed to put me in a good mood for a little while no matter what was going on around me. It also, usually, sent me into Harry Styles Mode™ and resulted in me listening to the entire Fine Line album on repeat. I'm a huge fan of Harry's soothing voice and romantic lyrics, but the thing about this song that truly puts a smile on my face is that it takes me back to Harry Styles's crosswalk concert with James Corden in 2019. Every time this song comes on, I remember the chaos that ensued that day and my mood increases at least a little." — Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, trending and viral features

"After watching Chika perform this live on NPR's Tiny Desk series in March, it became my favourite track off her EP Industry Games. It's a nice reminder that hard works pays off, but it also highlights the fact that someone who might appear to have it all together is still on a journey of bettering themselves. Both of those are concepts that I think a lot of us reflected on this year." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"I'm a sucker for Disney and musicals, so Disney+'s HSMTMTS instantly became one of my favourite shows this year. While I love all of the new renditions of classic HSM songs, there's just something about this original song that stuck with me. It's just so infectiously cheerful! It's no wonder this ended up being my most-played track on Spotify this year." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

"I'm all about letting music hype me up, but, sometimes, I'm just in need of something sad. I loved Phoebe Bridger's Punisher album as a whole, but you would most often catch me acting as basic as possible as I drove around town (with nowhere in mind) while this track played in the background. Plus, the Phoebe Waller-Bridge-directed music video starring Paul Mescal is a cherry on top." — Karenna Meredith, associate editor, trending and viral features

"From the drums to the guitar to the vocals, everything about this psychedelic jam is amazing. It was my most-played song of 2020 on Spotify, and I often listened to it when I was relaxing at Domino Park in Brooklyn over the summer. Something about hearing the instrumental solo and bridge while looking at the East River really moved me, sometimes to tears." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

"I'll just say it, Michael and Carissa Alvarado are couple goals. I loved replaying their Up Until Now album all summer, but I especially loved their single 'There Is Only One You.' As a longtime fan, it's been incredible to watch their journey not only as artists but as a couple. If the music video doesn't give you all the feels, I don't know what will." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

"I can't pretend like TikTok didn't rule my music world in 2020. The only dance I ever tried to learn was set to this song, and I'll take that footage to my grave. I guess I prefer dancing around in my socks, unchoreographed, to BENEE's viral track." — Karenna Meredith, associate editor, trending and viral features

"FKA Twigs's album Magdalene sustained me through the latter part of 2019 and all of 2020. The experimental gem is full of gorgeous vocals, symbolism, and important commentary on the power of women and femininity. While 'Thousand Eyes' was my favourite track for a long time, I think 'Fallen Alien' might have taken its place this year. It's a beautiful and gripping kind of chaotic that seems to match 2020's energy rather well." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment