Valentine

Ryan Leslie

Kind of an overt opener I suppose. All of these songs (and their artists) changed me this year. Not to get over-dramatic.

Let's Get Lifted

John Legend

I was late to the John Legend party—I overlooked “Ordinary People” back when it was heavy on VH1—but I've been catching up quickly over the last few weeks. I can't relate to this song in the slightest, save for that fact that it's smooth as hell.

Hazel

Lloyd

Another late bloomer. I had heard “Girls Around the World” but it wasn't until I discovered Drake's So Far Gone (transformative!) that I gave a rip about Lloyd. And then I dug in and found all these jewels.

Fancy

The-Dream

In just a few months, Mr. Nash became my most-listened-to artist of all time (by far). I was obsessed. I still am. I think this song in particular cemented my affinity for the luxurious which has become a major aspect of my identity. That's a little overdramatic.

With You

Chris Brown

Whenever I talk about how much I like Chris Brown, I need to clarify that I do not condone his behavior; as a person he's a crumb, but as a performer (a dancer, particularly) I'm a big fan. And this song is a big pile of sugar.

Somebody To Love

Usher

Over the summer, I made a point to listen to Raymond vs. Raymond every Friday. It became something of a (very long) weekend anthem. Listen for the feature in the second verse: on a lower-key production, as a guest, the Bieb is actually rather tasteful.

Sooner Than Later

Drake

Here's Drake. I mentioned him. This mixtape of his, and explaining why it's so important, has become part of my general prepared first impression. You know what I mean? This and Kanye's current social/mental state.

February Love

The-Dream

While Love King was on the heaviest of rotations after it was released, I particularly abhorred this song. Vapid, one-dimensional, unusually crude. But I forced myself to keep listening because this album is not one conducive to skipping. And I started noticing some details I had previously missed. It's still my least favorite song on the album, but I don't hate it. In fact, I kinda like it.