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Top 89

Top 89 Staff Picks: Sean McPherson, host

by Sean McPherson

December 01, 2015

Top 89 of 2015
The Current's host Sean McPherson shares his top songs of 2015
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Top 10 Songs of 2015

1. Alessia Cara - "Here" off Four Pink Walls

One of the biggest lyrical achievements of the year. Best "I hate this party" song since ever.

2. Bad Bad Hats - "Midway" off Psychic Reader

This tender song stuck me right in the heart and it hasn't left my ears yet.

3. Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment - "Sunday Candy" off Surf

Feel good song of the year.

4. Alabama Shakes - "Don't Wanna Fight" off Sound and Color

There's good reason for all the critics to love the Shakes: They're that good.

5. Carroll - "Alligator" off Carroll

Best song named after a lizard on this entire list.

6. Hippo Campus - "Suicide Saturday" off Bashful Creatures EP

This was the song that first got me believing the Hippo Campus mania. The groove is driving and the vocal performance is masterful.

7. Jason Isbell - "24 Frames" off Something More Than Free

The strongest lyric writer working today.

8. Kendrick Lamar - "King Kunta" off To Pimp a Butterfly

To Pimp a Butterfly is a masterpiece and "King Kunta" is one of the few songs you can pull out and have it explain the vibe of the whole record.

9. Sleater-Kinney - "Bury Our Friends" off No Cities to Love

Just when I thought one of America's best rock bands wouldn't get back together, they did, and the record is almost as good as The Woods.

10. St. Vincent - "Teenage Talk" (single)

Before St. Vincent and Kendrick's TPAB you had to choose between amazing synth bass and great lyrics ... no more!

Vote for your Top 89 of 2015!