Here we go again with another speed round of songs I loved. Once again, I didn’t have quite as much time as I’d have liked to really absorb a lot of music in the past 6 months, but I’ve still heard enough to come to the conclusion that these were the best new tracks I heard back in July of this year.

One interesting thing about writing this months on is to see how many of these songs have actually made impact and which ones have been swallowed in the weekly churn of new music – as someone who is becoming more and more disengaged with what’s actually popular it’s great to see some of these with such high streaming numbers.

Here’s the Spotify Playlist – happy listening and I hope you find something you missed!

16. Brilliant Still by James Bay

James Bay is just that consistent sentimental guitar guy isn’t he? It’s not like he is reinventing the wheel, nor do I think he needs to. There’s something to be said about staying in what is a very lovely lane and delivering this brand of warm, loving guitar pop.

15. Nobody Really Cares by Baby Queen

Bella Latham is one of my favourite poets and whilst I wish sometimes she would give us something a bit more in the vein of Want Me, I still welcome whatever she puts out. Her brand of self-obsession vanity pop takes aim at itself on Nobody Really Cares, a playful and catchy little tune.

14. Crush by Leadley

I’m not interested in whatever people claim is the ‘future of pop’. This is what pop is and will forever be to me: a light subject matter, a great hook and a satisfying bridge.

13. Devil Doesn’t Bargain by Alec Benjamin

Something about that opening iteration of the song’s title is so good, and just a little spooky.

12. If It’s Not God by Maddie Zahm

Maddie Zahm is intent on clutching at your heartstrings and dragging them until they ragged. Another seasoned pop ballad from one of the industry’s most interesting new voices.

11. Third Wheel by Zoes Wees

I really like Wees’ voice and this is exactly what I want to hear it on: a moody, fast-tempo banger.

10. All These Nights by Tom Grennan

Thank you to whoever put Tom Grennan on retainer to deliver a high energy banger every 6 months.

09. We Used To Shine by James Bay

The bridge on this is an all-timer from James Bay, who already has a lot of good bridges.

08. Maybe All The Rumours Are True by CATTY

Sounds like it should’ve been on Miley Cyrus’ Plasic Hearts album.

07. Euphoria by Harper Finn

Easy, breezy, good vibes only.

06. Novocaine by Gavin James

Novocaine is a good example of how if you throw enough at the wall something is going to stick eventually, annoyingly good.

05. Faith by Georgia Lines

You cannot tell me this is not a song by critically acclaimed rock band HAIM.

04. W.I.T.C.H. by Devon Cole

I usually can’t stand when a song is just a simple hook centred around a well-known turn of phrase, but luckily for me I hadn’t heard the phrase Woman In Total Control Of Herself before so consider me hooked. Fun and delightful.

03. ALIEN SUPERSTAR by Beyoncé

This entire record was perfect and seamless, the track transitions were incredible and there’s so many iconic moments on it that it felt wrong to pick out just one, so let ALIEN SUPERSTAR serve as the marker for what is surely record of the year.

02. I WISH I COULD HATE YOU FOR BREAKING ME AND CALLING IT LOVE by Clinton Kane

Clinton Kane has finally recognised that it is a good idea not to release your best music in December when nobody is really paying attention. It may be short, but it’s giving the second half of Happier Than Ever and I am living for it.

01. The 30^th by Billie Eilish

Understated and exquisite. The final stretch of this song as it builds to the crescendo and then softens out is just phenomenal.