I just finished writing my list of the ten worst hit songs of 2020 recently, and I honestly felt super bummed out after doing so. The worst songs from that year weren't just bad pop music that I could point out flaws from and laugh at, they were morally questionable at best and morally reprehensible at worst. Heck, as I even said in that post, the #1 entry on that list is still my least favorite song of all time. So, since then, I've been trying to lift myself back up. Writing this best list seems like the best way to do it.

While 2020 had some of my least favorite songs of all time, it also features some absolutely great pieces of music that deserve to stand the test of time. In the process for writing this list, I've been listening to these songs over and over again, and I feel like I have a good idea of what makes these songs so special to me. As always, for a song to qualify for the Top Ten of this list, it has to hit either the top 50 or the Billboard Year-End Hot 100. So, with an abbreviated introduction because I'd rather just get into talking about the fun stuff, without further adieu...

THE TOP TEN BEST HIT SONGS OF 2020

#10

Writing in 2024, it's weird to say that Taylor Swift wasn't the biggest artist in the world in 2020, but it truly didn't feel that way. With the domination that Dua Lipa and the weeknd were having over the charts that year, Taylor felt kind of like an afterthought. It didn't help that, after two albums that many considered to be either mediocre or bad, that she released a very lowkey album of folk songs. However, that seems to be what Taylor genuinely wanted to make, and I applaud her for taking her creative approach seriously for that. It's also very helpful when that album put out one of my favorite songs of hers.

10. Exile - Taylor Swift feat. Bon Iver

While I don't necessarily think it's her best song, "Exile" is easily one of Taylor's most poignant. It's another breakup track, but unlike many of her previous, this one feels heartfelt and emotional in all of the best ways. I think part of that is the addition of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon on the song, who adds a deep bass voice that allows for a stark contrast between the two that just hits me right in the feels. I love a good piano ballad when that piano allows for accents to the emotions of the songs, and that's what I've tried to accomplish in a lot of the music I write. I think this is one of the best examples of it I've heard in pop music, and that's what makes this song so special.

This song is a duet, and it's a story about two lovers who, after their breakup, see each other out somewhere. Vernon's character seems confused about how Taylor's character has moved on so fast, while Taylor's character points out all of the warning signs she gave him that he missed. The lyrics to this are just powerful, especially on the bridge where Vernon and Taylor come together for one of the most poignant moments in pop music over the past few years. Vernon saying that she never gave a sign while Taylor says she gave "so many signs" is a very true thing that happens in a lot of relationships. This is just one of the ones that didn't work out. It's a heartbreaking sentiment that I'm willing to bet is relatable for many people.

The only reason this song isn't higher on the list is because the competition was just so stiff. In other years, this would've been higher. Alas, it's hard for me to justify putting it this low on the fact that this is one of my favorite Taylor songs by far. It also helped me get into Bon Iver a little bit, although I much prefer Vernon's lower voice than the higher voice he uses on a lot of other song. Either way, good work guys. Taylor, I'll probably discuss you at some point at the end of this year. Vernon, sing in your low register. It really works.

#9

Another reason that "Exile" couldn't go any higher than #10 was the fact that, despite how great I think it is, there was another slow, sad song that completely outdid it. So, yeah, we're kind of going back into the same territory with this one, but I always told myself I'd be honest with these lists, so here we go.

9. everything i wanted - Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish is an artist I'd have to say I'm more intrigued by than I actually enjoy listening to. That's not to say she hasn't made some great music, she absolutely has. But, her style is so different from everything out there that it's just insane to me that she could break out and become the worldwide sensation she has. At the time, I wasn't really a big fan of hers at all. I thought "bad guy" was overrated and a lot of her other songs just didn't do it for me. "everything i wanted" was the first song of hers where I got it. I understood the vision completely. Her music is meant to be deeply personal and based on who she is as a person, and "everything i wanted" was, for a long time, her crowning achievement.

This song is apparently about her relationship with her brother, FINNEAS, who is also her main producer. After having a nightmare where she committed suicide and saw everybody in her life completely forget about her, she went to her brother for comfort. To me, it's so nice to see a song about family comforting each other on the charts. It's a powerful message that definitely resonates with a lot of people. As someone who has a very close relationship with my family, I am in awe of this track. It helps that the production beautiful accents the dark theme of Billie's nightmare, but it becomes more uplifting throughout the track. FINNEAS does an excellent job of building this song to Billie's strengths, and the combination of the two creates a great piece of music.

The fact that this is only my #9, once again, goes to show the quality of this year. Billie is an amazingly talented artist, as shown by her versatility from song to song. She's able to make songs like this and then make more forceful tracks like "Happier Than Ever" and more casual tracks like "Therefore I Am". However, I do feel like she has a lot of potential to keep improving, and I think she can continue to evolve into the defining artist of the 2020s.

#8

While I'd say Billie could end up being the defining artist of the 2020s, I do think there's a lot of competition. The weeknd put out literally the biggest song of all time in 2020 (no, "Blinding Lights" is not on this list), Taylor Swift is, well, Taylor Swift, and Morgan Wallen is on track to turn country music into the #1 genre in America for the first time in years. I do think there is one other name on that list, though, and let's just say he's absolutely deserving of it.

8. Adore You - Harry Styles

I'm not quite sure what to make of Harry Styles. I never really liked One Direction, and I honestly thought his first big single "Sign of the Times" wasn't my thing. When he started getting a lot of traction in 2020, I wasn't surprised, but I wasn't quite expecting it. I can't say it isn't earned, though, as he's easily one of the best artists of the 2020s so far. "Adore You" is one of his best, with its 80s-style production creating a captivating sound that you can really get lost in if the moment is right. The instrumental is just amazing, with a vibey, psychedelic feeling you don't get in a lot of modern pop music apart from this. Combine that with the funk and disco elements, and this creates a masterpiece.

"Adore You" is a fairly simple piece lyrically. Styles sings about his lover (which, according to the music video, is a fish) and how he would do anything for them, that they don't have to do anything, and that he just wants to adore them. It's a charming little love song that truly feels like a magical proclamation of love towards someone Harry truly cares about. It's the defining love song of the decade so far, and has absolutely earned that title.

Through all of it, though, the thing that sets this apart from other songs is Harry's charisma. He's an amazingly talented singer who fits this sound tremendously. The soulfulness in his voice really carries this song to new heights. I will say the fish music video is a little weird, though, maybe you should've went for something a little more normal there. Apart from that, I have no complaints. Just an excellent song through and through.

#7

The last three songs are all universally-beloved songs that are mostly agreed to be some of the best pieces of music to come out in the 2020s so far. I doubt very many people disagree with those picks. My taste in music doesn't usually align with that. Hell, I put a Morgan Wallen song at #1 on my 2023 best list even though everybody seemed to hate Morgan Wallen that year, and I had absolutely no qualms about doing so because I say what I actually believe on these lists. So, when I make a hot take, just know its coming from my genuine beliefs and not just something to stir up controversy. This entry was widely considered one of the worst songs of the year, and I just never understood why. In my opinion, this was the uplifting jam we needed in 2020. 

7. Sunday Best - Surfaces

In a year where it seemed like everything that could've went wrong did Murphy's Law-style, "Sunday Best" was a bright spot that absolutely needed to exist. It's a fun, catchy track that should manage to put a smile on your face, but I saw critics lambasting this as a smug, self-centered, and phony piece of garbage. I don't agree with that at all. These two dudes seem like very genuine, fun guys who just want to help bring some light in a bad time. They're not great singers, I'll acknowledge that, but that's part of the charm. 

The song's instrumental is a very bouncy one to listen to. I love how the pianos sound on this, with a riff that continues on throughout the song going up-and-down while trap percussion plays in the background. I get why some people don't like that sound, but it works very well for me. That catchy sound combined with a genuine spiel of happiness from these two. I'd argue that this works a lot better than "Supalonely", which feels like what would happen if you took this song and gave it sarcasm and irony, which is not what this song needs. I mean, talking about "walking around the neighborhood" and "feeling blessed, never stressed" are the exact sentiments we needed in 2020. I know this song released in 2019, but this feels like it got big at the perfect time for everybody to appreciate it.

Even now, in 2024, this song doesn't fail to put a smile on my face. I still hear half of the duo, Forrest Frank, a lot on Christian radio when I am with my parents. They've done a song with Elton John that's pretty good, and Texas A&M University had the two write a special intro song for the team. They don't take themselves too seriously, and that's a great niche to have. Good work, fellas.

#6

Look, there are many elements that make a song work for me. Technical production, good singing, a catchy sound, etc. Sometimes a song has to do a lot to get me to like it. Other times, it just has to be impressive as hell...

6. Godzilla - Eminem feat. Juice WRLD

Man, it's crazy to think that Eminem is over 50 years old now. I listened to his new album recently, and honestly it wasn't my favorite. There were a couple excellent tracks, but a lot of the shticks that make Eminem great have just not aged well. That criticism does not apply whatsoever to "Godzilla", which may legitimately be Em's most impressive performance from a technical standpoint. The song's comment section is all full of jokes about how his parents are still waiting for his first breath, which is fitting, because Eminem sounds like he doesn't need air. His flows on this are absolutely legendary, with some of the best sounding rapping since, well, early Eminem.

The lyrics to this aren't too important, even if they are absolutely hilarious. That's not what makes Eminem's verses work, though. It's all about the flow. Especially that last verse, where Em raps so fast I have trouble even comprehending what he's saying as he's saying it. I could've swore I heard something about a "vanilla gorilla", but that seems too stupid for an Eminem song. All jokes aside, what brings together is Juice WRLD's hook, which feels haunting in all the right ways. It so thoroughly fits the vibe Eminem is going for that it's scary. Speaking of scary, I'd argue that one of the most impressive moments of this song is when Eminem starts rapping about every "Tom, Dick, and Harry" and flows in a very unique way. 

"Godzilla" is probably my favorite Eminem song of the past decade and a half. He has other excellent songs, but this is the song that truly shows Em's versatility and talent more than any other. From a technical standpoint, this is the most impressive song of 2020. It's not the song I love the most, obviously, but no other song has completely broke my brain quite this way. That's quite an accomplishment, Mr. Mathers. Nothing new for you, though.

#5

One artist who absolutely broke their way into the top of the mainstream in 2020 was Dua Lipa. She went from just "average pop girl" to "overwhelming pop star" throughout the year. If the dance clubs were open, I could imagine Lipa having a much more successful year, which is crazy considering how big she was. She had a ton of big singles in 2020, including "Don't Start Now", "Physical", and "Levitating". Of course, that's not the song I put on this list, but that just shows the quality of her work right there.

5. Break My Heart - Dua Lipa

One way to truly get my attention is to just be catchy as hell. That's what Dua Lipa does best. While her music isn't necessarily the most profound or emotional, it is absolutely fun to listen to. "Break My Heart" is probably my favorite song by her, with its groovy, funky bassline and retro feel just making me want to dance. Everything about how this song sounds is pristine and amazing, with a disco throwback sense of grandeur that feels both earned and crazy at the same time. All that is helped by Dua's singing, which fits this instrumental quite well in my opinion.

"Break My Heart" feels like the quintessential Dua Lipa song. Everything that I love about her discography fits into this song, Is it catchy and fun? Check. Is it a retro throwback jam? Check. Does it have a way cooler bassline than 2020 deserved? Check. Lyrically, the song is about how Dua feels like her relationship with this guy is going to hurt her, but she can't stop herself from falling in love with him before he breaks her heart. This is a pretty average Lipa storyline, but the sense of tension the instrumental brings to it really builds up in the pre-chorus, letting the chorus hit with even more power. 

This was the song that allowed me to really get Dua Lipa and what she's doing. Once this song came out, the rest of her discography clicked for me. I wouldn't say she's my favorite pop artist, but she's definitely someone with way more hits than she has misses. I'd say she went on to even more success, considering "Levitating" was the biggest song in the country in 2021. While her newest album wasn't as commercially successful, it still spawned some good hits in "Houdini" and "Illusion", so she definitely can still do this. Keep it up, Dua.

#4

2020 featured the return of one of pop's biggest acts, that being Lady Gaga. I figure a lot of you would expect to see her collaboration with Ariana Grande, "Rain On Me", on this list, but nope. I like that song, don't get me wrong, but I don't think it's better than anything here. Her other hit from this year, though....

4. Stupid Love - Lady Gaga

I don't feel like people gave this song enough credit. I saw more praise heaped onto "Rain On Me", while people dismissed this as generic and boring. I have to strongly disagree here. "Stupid Love" is one of the best pure pop songs of the decade so far, simply because it's Lady Gaga doing what she does best. This is basically "Bad Romance" if it was a more dance-pop style. Everything about this works for me. The thumping bass especially kicking in and creating a vibrant, enjoyable sound. It's one of the best songs of this style I've heard in a long time, and was the perfect song to bring Lady Gaga back into the spotlight.

Except, as we all know, that didn't really happen. "Stupid Love" wasn't really as successful as hoped. "Rain On Me" ended up the big hit single mostly due to the Ariana Grande collaboration, while "Stupid Love" was quickly forgotten. It's a shame, too, as this is easily one of my favorite of Gaga's. This song features pop grandeur that we don't really get anymore. I absolutely adore this. Gaga sounds as brilliant as ever, the production really highlights her voice in an efficient manner, and it just feels like one of her classics with the vocal chops. It's everything that makes Gaga great as an artist rolled into a dance-pop masterpiece.

In a year where the dance clubs were closed, this was the song that best encapsulated the feeling people were missing. "Stupid Love" should've been an emphatic re-awakening of a 2010s pop legend. In a better timeline, this song becomes the smash hit that "Rain On Me" was. Unfortunately, we do not live in that timeline, but we can still enjoy the song for what it is. What it is being one of the best hit songs of the decade so far.

#3

2020 was a year of many breakout artists. We saw the rise of BENEE, powfu, 24kGoldn, Trevor Daniel, Lil Mosey, Arizona Zervas, StaySolidRocky, and a ton more who didn't really last beyond the year. Out of all of these breakout artists, though, there was one who managed to dominate the year. He had one of the biggest hits of the year, as well as two high-profile collaborations with one of the biggest producers alive, all of which managed to make the year-end list. All of these songs were very good, too. Out of the three of them, though, this was the one that stuck with me the most.

3. Ballin' - Mustard & Roddy Ricch

Roddy Ricch is an artist I'm surprised didn't last longer. After 2020, he had two slight hits ("Late at Night" and "Cooped Up" with Post Malone) and it felt like he completely vanished following that. It's a shame, too, as Roddy is one of the most talented artists I've seen break out in a long time. "Ballin'" is his magnum opus. While this song came out in 2019, it hit its peak in 2020, so I 100% count it for this list. Everything about this is just excellent. Mustard's production on this is some of his best work to this day, and Roddy's flows and performance on this are also top-tier. It's just an amazing-sounding song that manages to connect with me despite me not having anything in common with Roddy at all.

"Ballin'" features Roddy reflecting on all the things he had to go through in his life to get to where he is now, where he's now a high-profile rapper with everything he could ever want. This is one of the best examples of this type of song I can think of, as Roddy feels so genuine and enthused about everything he has. The song samples 702's "Get It Together" at the beginning, which is a perfect beginning to the song that I couldn't imagine it existing without. The song is just catchy and feels so collected in what it wants to do. Mustard knows exactly what to do to complement Roddy's unique voice, and it flows together so well to form one of the best listening experiences of the year.

Between this, "The Box", and "High Fashion", Roddy Ricch should've established himself as the next in line for the top of the rap game. He clearly has the talent. He's made some amazing music, this being no exception. I wonder where Roddy goes from here, though. My question is whether he can get back to these peaks. Can he recreate the magic that allowed him to capture the world in 2020? Here's hoping. 

#2

The top two songs on this list are both very personal to me. Honestly, I somewhat consider them a tie. Obviously, they aren't a tie. I'm not going to put a tie at the top of one of these lists, that would just be anticlimactic. Instead, I decided what song would go at number one after a long period of thinking and reflection, considering every musical and lyrical element I could think of to decide. After that time, I decided what it would be. The #2 song on this list, though, is just as deserving of that title. Of course it comes from the man who has quickly become one of my favorite artists of the decade so far.

2. More Than My Hometown - Morgan Wallen

I don't really know why Morgan Wallen has managed to create so many songs that capture my attention and feelings so well. The only thing I can say is that the man knows how to write an emotional ballad and completely sell it. "More Than My Hometown" isn't my favorite Morgan Wallen song, but it's definitely up there. From the well-produced country guitar to the emotive vocal performance, everything about this song captures what makes Wallen such an emotive performer. The "oooh" sounds in the background really add to this feeling that Wallen is able to create in this song, reminiscing on a love lost due to his unwillingness to leave his hometown.

The story of this song is pretty simple. Wallen and this girl grew up together and fell in love. However, she's leaving for a better opportunity and, despite how much he loves her, he is unwilling to go with her because he couldn't bear to leave his hometown. This definitely hit hard as someone who became very homesick during college, and I've definitely felt like there's nothing that can drag me away from my family and the place I grew up. He lists all these things that he loves her more, including fishing, romantic endings, the sunset, and beer. He clearly loves this girl, but the prospect of leaving is too much for him and it creates an absolutely heartbreaking feeling. 

I didn't appreciate country music until 2023. I remember seeing this on top of Todd in the Shadows' list of the best songs of 2020, and I didn't get the big deal at the time. Now, I understand. I understand why he felt that way. If you're someone who is attached to your hometown, this is the type of song that will click. It's one of the very few songs that can genuinely make me cry, and the fact that it isn't #1 on this list is a testament to how strong the music of 2020 was. 

And now, before I reveal my pick for the best hit song of 2020, let's go through some honorable mentions.

Honorable Mentions

HM. Midnight Sky - Miley Cyrus

This was the last cut I made from the list. It was a hard one too, as this is easily one of Miley's best. A throwback disco, synth-pop anthem that has some absolutely fantastic production. Miley's voice fits with this instrumental so well, and the Stevie Nicks inspiration is something we absolutely need more of in modern pop music. Just a jam.

HM. Rain On Me - Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande

One of the biggest pop stars of the late 2000s/early 2010s teams up with one of the biggest pop stars of the late 2010s/early 2020s to create one of the biggest-sounding songs of the year. In a year where so many things went wrong, we needed a song with a "bring it on" attitude. Not to mention it sounds great, too. This kind of production will always put a smile on my face.

HM. Mood - 24kGoldn feat. iann dior

This honestly might be one of the most random songs to ever hit it big. Where did these two come from? Where did they go? I don't know, but they left one of the biggest rock-rap crossovers in recent memory behind, and it's well-deserving of that title. The production is great and it's super catchy. Just an absolute banger of a track.

HM. Say So - Doja Cat

Doja Cat was another artist who had her big breakthrough to the mainstream in 2020, and "Say So" was the song that really put her over the edge. One of the catchiest pop songs in recent memory, "Say So" had all the makings of a classic. Unfortunately, it's legacy is a bit tainted by a terrible Nicki Minaj remix and the fact that it was produced by Dr. Luke, but it still works for what it is.

HM. Blinding Lights - the weeknd

I bet a lot of you reading this thought this would be #1. Don't get me wrong, it's objectively a fantastic song. It sounds great, Abel's voice is absolutely wonderful on this, and it was the biggest hit of the year for a reason. The only reason it's not on the list proper is because I never got behind the massive praise this song got. This is a great song, but not "greatest of the decade" caliber. Come on guys.

HM. In Your Eyes (Remix) - the weeknd feat. Doja Cat

I actually like this song better than "Blinding Lights" if I'm being honest. The production on this fits something that I'd definitely vibe to. We also need more saxophone in music. That's what puts this over the big hit for me. Adding Doja to this definitely added something that I didn't know we needed. Excellent work from the both of them.

HM. Savage (Remix) - Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyonce

Megan Thee Stallion is someone I have a very complicated experience with. So many of her songs just don't work for me, but this is one of the ones that absolutely does. Megan just displays a level of confidence and authority that completely sells me on this, and adding Beyonce, one of the most acclaimed artists of all time, just enhances it so much. Great work. 

HM. Be Kind - Marshmello feat. Halsey

Marshmello gets way too much hate. The dude is clearly a very talented producer. Even if his more generic stuff doesn't work for you, he's still capable of making a masterpiece like this or "Leave Before You Love Me". Easily some of his best work. Halsey is also great on this, making this easily one of my favorites from her. An excellent slice of pop music that deserved way more attention in 2020.

HM. Hot Girl Bummer - blackbear

Probably my hottest take of the list (oh who am I kidding that's "Sunday Best"), I actually think this sounds great. The production is excellent and blackbear coming across as an unlikable douche is exactly what he's going for. This song accomplishes everything it sets out to do, so I have to give it props for that. 

HM. Cry - Gryffin feat. John Martin

This was my favorite non-hit of 2020. Gryffin is a producer that knows how to enhance a drop to make it feel emotional, which is something that's very hard to do. The guitars on this sound great, John Martin is just as brilliant here as he is on Swedish House Mafia's "Don't You Worry Child", and it comes together to form one of my favorite EDM songs of all time. Take a listen to Gryffin's discography if given the chance, it's well worth it.

And now, with the honorable mentions out of the way, here is my pick for the best hit song of 2020.

#1

Here's my chance to talk about something that has always kind of confused me. The end of 2019 was, quite possibly, the turning point in my life. Those last three months were a roller coaster of emotion and life-altering events that really changed who I was as a person. It all ended with the loss of my dog, Kody, in early December. I was brokenhearted. I felt lost. I felt confused. I was a lonely teenager who had just lost someone that meant a lot to him. 

In late 2019, I saw a news story that had a similar effect. This time, it was the death of a famous hip-hop artist. It wasn't someone I was well-versed with, but I was familiar with the name. He was only 21 years old at the time. And, for reasons I'm not entirely sure of, he became the first celebrity death to really mentally affect me. I started going through his discography and realized we lost someone truly talented. 

In 2020, one of his albums was released posthumously. I listened to it, and it definitely got to me. The biggest hit from it especially hit hard. It has easily established its place as one of my favorite hits of the 2020s, and is something that I find to be truly special.

1. Come and Go - Juice WRLD feat. Marshmello

Let me start this off by saying that Juice WRLD died way too young. That's obvious, but I still felt like it needed to be said. Following his death, I began to really get his music and why it appealed to so many people. I mean, I was 14 when he died, so it's obvious why he connected with me so much. I was a teenager. This song, however, is one that will likely connect with me for a long time. It's one of the most thoroughly emotional songs I've heard in a long time. That feels kind of weird considering its a rock-rap EDM song produced by a guy who wears a giant marshmallow for a head, but that's just the truth. Juice sings about a love that he wants to hold on to, as it doesn't "come and go", but that's the thing. We already know how this story ends. That's what truly broke me with this song. 

Even if you're not looking at it through that emotional angle, it's still just a fantastic song. The production in the verses fits Juice's voice so well, and the drop is the perfect blend of rock, rap, and EDM all at once. Both drops are different but fulfill similar roles, adding oomph to a powerful chorus where Juice laments that he doesn't want to ruin his relationship with this girl, showing that it's truly special to him and his heart. Marshmello nailed the production on this, creating a tense and emotional song that also kicks butt at the same time. 

Juice WRLD deserved better. Anybody who dies at the age of 21 deserves better. This song shows me that Juice could've done so more amazing things as an artist and had the potential to be truly great. This is the best song he's ever made, as well as one of the best Marshmello has ever made. This song is very intensely personal to me, considering it represents a period of my life that really changed me as a person. I absolutely love it, and I only wish we could've seen more of Juice as an artist. Rest in peace, Juice WRLD. You will be missed.

If you've gotten this far, thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day.