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As we near the end of this year, we reflect on some of its greatest hits. But what were the catchiest songs of 2020?
This was a stellar period with plenty of good songs to sing! Whether you’re compiling a playlist or seeking new tunes to add to your repertoire, there’s an abundance of musical creativity to inspire you.
Good songs to sing
What you find enjoyable to sing will depend on your tastes and preferred genres of music . A good place to start is with some of your favourite bands and artists. Read on for some of the greatest hits and some lesser-known songs to sing along to; songs that’ll bring tons of joy to your singing practice.
New songs
The music industry is booming as we enter the second decade of this millennium. Never before has the ability to access tracks at the touch of a button, anywhere, anytime, been so important.
Lonely by Joel Corry
This tune is by the British producer and DJ Joel Corry. It features a simple, easy to sing topline that’ll suit a wide range of voices.
Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi
While Lewis’ amazing husky tones sound incredible, his songs are great to sing along to, even if you can’t match his unique vocals. Lots of YouTube music videos are available with lyrics, making it even easier to sing along to your favourite tunes and learn the lyrics. He’s a reliable go-to for emotional ballads that blow away every audience.
Girl Like Me by the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira
Two of the biggest hitters in the industry collaborated this year to create a rap-pop hit with Latino vibes.
Rain on Me by Lady Gaga and Ariane Grande
Here’s one from the queen of catchy, Lady Gaga and pop princess Ariana Grande. This up-tempo mega-hit is bound to have you singing – and dancing – along. Both artists have been busy and kept a high profile in 2020.
Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish
If you don’t yet have much of a vocal range, or great power, or technique, Billie’s songs are a great place to start. She and her brother Finneas create uber-cool, contemporary tunes that are left-field yet catchy. And Billie’s hits are totally singable for anyone, regardless of experience. It’s more about style than substance where your vocals are concerned here. She tends to sing with a beautiful soft breathy tone, that blends speaking with singing to great effect.
Catchy songs
Whether you’re an emerging artist or just love singing in the shower, you can’t beat a catchy tune. Sing-along style songs are generally best for beginners as they’re simple to grasp with a clear melody that can be copied without too much effort. In this article we’ll be revealing some of the best new releases you can join in with at home, including everything from ballads, to novelty songs, to dance tunes.
As you read (and listen) through our list, there’s a theme emerging already. Catchy, fun and light beat-filled pop tunes are mostly ruling the roost on streaming sites like Spotify just now. We predict more of this to come, and for a flourish of happy, feel-good tunes as this year continue. Songwriters know how to make a song catchy. There are a few components needed including:
- A great beat
- Repetition, especially in the chorus
- Alliteration in the lyrics (using the same consonants to create a rhythmic or poetic feel)
- A hook, riff or passage that catches the ear of the listener
- Emotion. People connect to feelings and messages
The most addictive songs
Here are some of the tunes we couldn’t get out of our heads this year.
Dynamite by BTS
Coming to us from the world of K-Pop, this band was also known as the Bangtan Boys. The seven-strong ensemble began recording in 2013 and write/produce much of their own material.
Adore You by Harry Styles
1D nailed catchy tunes and Harry Styles is still making waves in his own right as a solo artist. Don’t expect anything too groundbreaking from him. He continues to release easy listening pop numbers that don’t tax the voice, ideal for new vocalists and those who want something carefree to sing around the house or in the car. Also have a listen to Watermelon Sugar, another of Styles’ 2020 hits.
No Judgement by Niall Horan
Harry Styles isn’t the only One Direction star to be making music in 2020. Niall Horan’s No Judgement is a gentle tune, that’s perfect for singing along in the background at an event. This track is made extra enjoyable by its fun music video making the most of Niall’s cheeky chappy vibe, so we recommend you sing along while watching it for the extra fun factor.
Top songs 2020 playlist
Spotify is always a good place to start when discovering the best music. And playlists can save you time hunting down tracks and artists. You can keep abreast of the catchiest material by subscribing to lists like the Catchy Song Playlist 2020 .
Feel-good songs of 2020
Head and Heart by Joel Corry
The British DJ and music producer followed up on his hit song Lonely, with this upbeat singalong number Head and Heart.
Dance Monkey by Tones and I
We’ve all been in need of some feelgood this year and Tones and I provided it in bucketloads with this catchy number. You can’t help but move your feet and bob your head when listening to this one. This one was released in 2019, but became a massive hit in 2020.
Thank You Baked Potato by Matt Lucas
If Matt Lucas can sing it, so can you! Perhaps you’re ore accustomed to practising serious or emotional numbers. Well, this is a great way to let off some steam in your ‘fun singing’ time. Forget the technique for a bit and have a giggle singing along to this ridiculous ditty. Then maybe have a crack at making your own novelty music video. You never know, it might just go viral like this one.
Pop songs
Popular songs are designed to be catchy and easy to sing along to. When you’re choosing something to learn to look at famous singers whose work you enjoy. The more you like a song, the better you’ll sing it. Just be sure to pick something that won’t have you reaching for notes out of your range. Save those for your singing lessons and keep your singalong numbers easy so you can relax and enjoy them.
Break My Heart by Dua Lipa
This tune sits very comfortably in the mid-register, so you won’t strain your voice singing along to Dua Lipa’s hit. Get twice the benefit by using this as your daily workout, while singing. Be sure to breathe deeply to keep up the pace and support your voice. You may also want to try Physical, Levitating and Hallucinate from Dua’s 2020 catalogue.
Sweet Melody by Little Mix
Like 1D these ladies began their careers via a singing contest, winning X-Factor in 2011. They’ve since had a string of catchy hits and don’t look to be slowing down any time soon if this release is anything to go by. Their earlier hit Break Up Song is another great pop tune to check out.
I Dare You by Kelly Clarkson
If you’re in need of a hope-filled, uplifting pop anthem, this is it. Repetition in songs makes them easy to join in and learn. This tune from Kelly (another artist who made her name in a singing contest – American Idol) features a straightforward chorus that you’ll pick up straight away. And you might just feel a little better after doing so.
What was the most played song in 2020?
As we near the end of 2020, it has become apparent that the most played song of this year is The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights. However, the song was actually first released at the end of 2019. The Canadian singer-songwriter’s hit has notched up 1.89 million chart sales, including177,000 downloads and 211 million streams.
Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
The Weeknd spent nearly two months at Number 1 in the charts between February and April and features on his fourth studio album After Hours, which landed the top position on the Official Albums Chart in March.
Some of these songs may be good to add to your repertoire. If they’ve not been out long it may be harder to find backing tracks, so it’s better if you can play and accompany yourself on the piano or guitar (if you have some spare time right now, consider learning an instrument). And don’t forget, you don’t have to copy the artist exactly. Feel free to do your own take on it, even changing it up from an up-tempo song to an acoustic unplugged version or vice versa.
This is a very fertile, positive and exciting period for music and we’re likely to see some incredible new albums and musicians coming to the fore in the months and years following lockdown. So while these are some of the best singalong numbers, watch this space as we’ll be seeing a surge of hot new hits coming our way too.
Related Questions
- What is the best song to show off your voice?
The best one for you will depend on your tone, your range and your style as a performer. Ask yourself (or your singing teacher and music peers) what you’re especially good at. Is it ballads, fast up-tempo songs, rap, low notes or singing in your whistle register?
- What is the easiest song to sing from 2020?
What’s easiest for you to singalong to will depend on what type of voice you have and what genre suits you. Stick within your natural range and genre. Try out some of the numbers on our list, then go with what feels good and comes naturally. Or take a look at some easy songs to sing that sound impressive .
- Who is the most successful singer right now?
That’s a very subjective matter, but the bestselling albums have been from Lewis Capaldi, Stormzy, Eminem and Billie Eilish. Stormzy also won Best Male Artist at the BRITs while Mabel took the gong for Best Female Artist. Lewis Capaldi won Song of the Year and Best New Artist.
Do you have a catchy song playlist you’d like to share with us? Perhaps you’ve written your own new number this year. Let us know and share your tunes in the comments below.