KK$'s Top 10 Releases of 2019

Nearly 40,000 tracks are being added to Spotify every single day. That’s crazy! I wasn’t able to catch them all but between all the playlists I follow and music shared with me, I’ve definitely streamed my share. While there were many, many more, I narrowed my favorite releases of the year down to 10 and shared why each resonates so deeply with me. These won my heart, had me hitting repeat, acted as an arm around the shoulder when I was down, and gave me that extra bit of gone-with-the-wind fabulous in my sails when I needed to soar.

1. Terror Jr - ‘Unfortunately, Terror Jr’ (album)

Terror Jr’s debut album, ‘Unfortunately, Terror Jr,’ hit me the hardest in 2019, which I wrote about here. It’s forever etched into my personal Hall of Fame, ranks highest in my Guinness Book of World Records, and locked in my secret vault ready-to-wear when I need to armor up. And boy have I. Fun fact: Did you know that 10 out of 10 astronomers agree, David "Campa" Benjamin Singer-Vine and Lisa Vitale are the brightest stars in the galaxy? Living legends just out here giving all the constellations a run for their shine.

2. More Giraffes - Bermuda (EP)

Mark Hadley and Keeley Bumford marry internet culture with new wave futuristic pop music as More Giraffes. Their songs are witty, colorful and meant to conjure dynamic images you'd auto-double tap in your Instagram feed. I’ve had the absolute honor of working with them and - let the record show -they’re as talented and authentic and kind-hearted and forward-thinking as they come. Their artistic playground is my recess. From tetherball to hopscotch to the having baddest swing set on the block, they set the horizontal bar high.

3. John K - if we never met (EP)

I’ve been working with John K for almost three years. From his independent debut single to signing with Epic Records to having a song that’s literally climbing the radio charts as I type. In most cases, the sky’s the limit. But with John, there’s a whole universe to explore. So, as much as it’s cool to think about fashion and lifestyle and other brand partnerships, NASA seems like the most appropriate. The title track from his ‘if we never met’ EP is a Dr Woo tattoo on my heart. It’s left to the listener to decipher its personal meaning but, like all John’s music, regardless the adventure you’re on, he’s there for you rain or shine.

4. King Princess - Cheap Queen (album)

“Ain’t Together” and “Hit The Back” battle for my current favorites off King Princess’s album ‘Cheap Queen’. But ask me tomorrow and it’ll be two or three others duking it out in the ring. What I love most about this artist is her authenticity. I don’t know who her influences are but I’d like to publicly thank all of them. From her lyrics that burrow so deep, to her electric stage presence, to her colorful entourage and fan base, it’s like a party you somehow scored an invite to - and you’ve been dancing on a table ever since.

5. Kim Petras - Clarity (album)

I feel like if Kim Petras was on Survivor she’d find all the hidden immunity idols and advantages and form the strongest alliances for the sheer fact that her likeability, like her music, is off the charts. I’m convinced when the simulation we’re all living in was created, the Gods accidentally combined an army of talent into her, and a superhuman was born! (I can confirm that she is indeed the bitch with the sauce.) “Broken” was one of my highest streamed songs. I’m still trying to get through the first verse in one breath but I’m just a mortal in contrast to this divine being.

6. Maren Morris - Girl (album)

I have to be super careful with this one. The trouble is, I’m scared by even typing the words “The Bones” that the song’s chorus is going to get stuck in my head. And it’s not the only repeat offender from Maren Morris’ album. Don’t think I can’t embrace the title track cause GIRL I can and I have and will continue to. And if I may throw my husband under the bus, too...we may have had numerous Maren-inspired scream singing performances together in the car. Her music feels like family because it is. It’s important. It’s comforting. It’s a pep talk. It’s flipping over a table. It’s unconditional.

7. Najeary - Complex (single)

The fact that this song has so few streams just blows my mind! The world is sleeping on a supertalent by the name of Najeary. Adding his debut single, “Complex,” to this list was one of the least complex decisions I have ever made. Some people are just born artists where the fame and stream counts are great but will never define them. But mark my words, all that and more is within this artist’s reach. I’m excited to see what 2020 brings for him. Add this song to your playlists and keep him on your radar.

8. HOLYCHILD - The Theatrical Death of Julie Delicious (album)

I shared my love for this masterpiece of a band and album earlier. There’s something about HOLYCHILD that plugs directly into my soul and I’m forever indebted to them for the the amount of inspiration they’ve given me. From their unique, groundbreaking production and devotion to visual flair, their thought-provoking and socially conscious lyrics, their influence on pop music and culture will be remembered for decades to come.

9. Harry Styles - Watermelon Sugar (single)

I was going to include his full album but “Watermelon Sugar” is Harry Styles‘ best single ever, in my opinion, therefore deserves the full spotlight. My husband and I love this song. I’ll never forget we were recently driving in Cabo, Mexico in our little rental car blasting it and singing at the top of our lungs. While I tend to play a song to death, Tyler rarely hits “repeat.” So you know when he’s five repeats deep and the singing only gets louder and more passionate, you have yourself a hit.

10. Abhi The Nomad - Flush (single)

Save the best for last? This year I kicked my health into high gear. The process puts me in the gym 4-5 days a week and one of my biggest motivators, especially when energy is low, is music. I kid you not, I think I played Abhi The Nomad’s song “Flush” for a week straight on repeat. Pretty sure that’s what helped secure this as my top played song on Spotify this year. So, bottom line, I’m claiming this song as mine. If Abhi or you want it back, you’ll have to arm wrestle me for it, bro.