From D.R.A.M.’s happy-trap bangers to Childish Gambino’s infectious funk and Beyoncé’s explosive pop and R&B, this year brought us an eclectic mix of earworms. Artists like James Blake and Bon Iver got us in touch with our feelings, while Kaytranada and The Weeknd had us on our feet. Chance The Rapper and Kanye West got spiritual, A Tribe Called Quest got political, and we were more than happy to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Each day, thousands of fans from around the world come to Genius to discuss music and add knowledge to our song pages. Some of our most dedicated and knowledgeable music lovers came together to rank and review the most compelling songs of the year. Contributors voted on an initial poll, spent weeks discussing revisions and replacements, and elected to write about their favorite tracks. Here are the Genius Community’s 50 best songs of 2016.

50. Isaiah Rashad, “Free Lunch”

“Free Lunch” is a callback to bygone summers in Isaiah Rashad’s hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Produced by Cam Obi, the standout track from Rashad’s 2016 project The Sun’s Tirade features a smooth bassline that matches his relaxed delivery. The catchy hook: “Meal ticket, ticket, meal ticket, ticket, comma, uh” only ads to the chilled vibes, making this joint one you’ll want to blaze well into 2017. —Michael Heal

49. ScHoolboy Q, “Groovy Tony/Eddie Kane”

“Groovy Tony / Eddie Kane,” the first taste of ScHoolboy Q’s Blank Face LP, features his trademark gritty rhymes over an eerie, psychedelic beat from Tae Beast and Dem Jointz. A vicious guest verse from Jadakiss is the cherry on top of this monster single. Gangsta rap may not be as popular as it once was, but thankfully, Q doesn’t seem to care. —Reedpanda

48. Kaytranada feat. Anderson .Paak, "GLOWED UP”

You know it’s a special song when Anderson .Paak ditches his drum kit to get his swag on. Although it’s .Paak’s voice we hear, it’s KAYTRANADA’s twinkling synth and snappy snare that facilitates .Paak’s charismatic delivery. Indeed, “swagger” is the perfect word for KAYTRANADA’s standout single from this year’s 99.9%.. “Glowed Up” is a killer collab between two artists who have really come into their own. —Reedpanda

47. Young M.A., “OOOUUU”

While Young M.A.’s “Brooklyn (Chiraq Freestyle)” was technically her first viral hit, “OOOUUU” was the song that helped propel the 24-year-old Brooklyn MC into the spotlight. As catchy as the song’s title phrase is, it’s the line “You call her Stephanie, I call her Headphanie” that became a huge meme. Before this particular hit, M.A was known more for her gritty street raps, but “OOOUUU” proves she’s capable of making a banger worthy of being the song of the summer. —BasedGator

46. Tegan & Sara, “Dying to Know”

“Dying to Know” is an upbeat electro-pop tune about wanting to reconnect with an ex. The song is a standout from Tegan & Sara’s eighth studio album, Love You To Death, and features a booming chorus full of synths and banging drums. With poignant and relatable lyrics like “Is the one you ended up with everything you wanted?/I’m dying to know,” the siblings echo the thoughts of every person who’s ever been through a tough breakup. —Zachary Mahabir

45. Noname feat. Cam O'bi & Raury, “Diddy Bop”

“Diddy Bop” is a sunset jam about a Chi-town childhood, bound tight with fond memories and outdated references. Noname flaunts her natural storytelling ability, condensing her memories into pithy, memorable lyrics. Cam O’bi lends his voice to the soft-as-butter hook, while Raury helps recall the thrill of sneaking in after curfew. Though she’s not one to shy away from addressing Chicago’s problem with violence, Noname keeps “Diddy Bop” separated from such subjects. This is a song about a different Chi-town—the one she grew up in, forever preserved as a sunny memory. —Conor Herbert

44. Anderson .Paak, “The Bird”

Although many of Anderson .Paak’s songs showcase his confidence and charisma, “The Bird” proves the rising star has the ability to write with honesty and introspection. He reflects on his childhood and foreshadows the remarkable story of his come up. The warm downtempo production, provided by .Paak himself, complements his nostalgia-laced lyrics. “The Bird” is a fitting opening track to an incredible album. —Reedpanda

43. Hamilton Leithauser & Rostam, “A 1000 Times”

After the first subdued 20 seconds of “A 1000 Times,” Hamilton Leithauser (formerly of The Walkmen) lets loose and belts out his tale of unrequited love. The image he conjures through his voice and lyrics is that of a man falling to his knees in a plea to his beloved. Rostam’s (formerly of Vampire Weekend) stripped down production allows Leithhauser’s soulful, wounded voice to take front and center. —Reedpanda

42. Vince Staples, “Smile”

Backed by a distorted bass guitar and DJ Dahi drums, Vince Staples' rap-rock hybrid “Smile” is a standout on his Prima Donna EP. Throughout the verse, Vince reflects on his decision to pursue fame and success while leaving his family behind, but it’s the the haunting outro that catches you off guard. As Staples repeats “Sometimes I feel like giving up,” you can’t help but feel a chill down your spine. —Vuk Aleksić

41. Mitski, “Your Best American Girl”

Japanese indie rocker Mitski found her peak on Puberty 2’s “Your Best American Girl.” On the track, Mitski vocalizes a story all too familiar to immigrants and people of color living in America today. Augmented by an evocative video, the song describes romantic rejection for not being “American” enough—“Your mother wouldn’t approve of how my mother raised me,” she croons. As her voice weaves through distortion effects and electric guitars alike, the song draws to a close and Mitski becomes all the more desperate: “I guess I couldn’t help trying to be your best American girl.” —sereinik

40. The 1975, “Somebody Else”

“Somebody Else” is a song that deserved its chart-topping performance in both the U.S. and UK. Matt Healy and company, acting as if it’s their duty to ignite part two of the British Invasion, create a nostalgic ballad and a pseudo-sitcom music video filled with provocative hallucinations and self-pleasure. The song fits perfectly into the acclaimed album and morphs into pure euphoria for fans. —Juwan J. Holmes

39. Childish Gambino, “Me and Your Mama”

A tinkering of keys heralds the return of Childish Gambino, an artist whose return seemed improbable at best. Having devoted much of his year to Atlanta, his wildly successful FX show, Childish Gambino hinted at hanging up his music career last year. Fans were quietly optimistic that a run of shows at Joshua Tree meant new material from him and sure enough, his first single in two years, “Me and Your Mama” didn’t disappoint. It’s a funk-rock hybrid dominated by Gambino’s pleading vocals and a far cry from the hip-hop feel of Because The Internet. This is a statement in a song—Gambino is back. —Conor Herbert

38. Desiigner, "Panda”

There are few songs that describe 2016 better than “Panda”—completely unexpected, and for the most part, unexplainable. By April, the Brooklyn native had a chart-topper so infectious that Kanye West remixed it and directed the video, and Pusha T signed him to G.O.O.D. Music. The tribute to GTA V, Atlanta women, and the BMW X6 drove Desiigner to immediate stardom. —Juwan J. Holmes

37. Travis Scott feat. Kendrick Lamar, “goosebumps”

Eerie, dark and calculated—“goosebumps” gives us everything we love out of Travis Scott. This, to the surprise of some, is an intimate love song that Travis said he wrote at “one of the darkest points” of his life. With a chilling feature courtesy of Kendrick Lamar, the track captivated audiences while staying true to the Travis Scott that fans have grown to love. —Zachary Mahabir

36. The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk, “Starboy”

“Starboy” is the epitome of The Weeknd’s long running love/hate relationship with fame. Backed by French electronic duo Daft Punk, The Weeknd aka Abel Tesfaye, stunts from beginning to end. “We don’t pray for love, we just pray for cars” he croons at the end of the third verse—an apt description of his new “Starboy” lifestyle. —babuc

35. Beyoncé, "HOLD UP"

“Hold Up” started as a demo between Diplo and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, who wrote the lyrics based a 2011 tweet about Yeah Yeah Yeah’s 2003 hit “Maps.” The production, helmed by Diplo, Koenig, and Beyoncé herself, is unique and combines summery synths with modern airhorns. An interpolation of Soulja Boy’s “Turn My Swag On” at the end is the cherry on top, and shows that even when Queen B is at her most vulnerable, she still slays. —babuc

34. Solange, “Cranes In the Sky”

A repeating drum leads into subdued strings, paving the way for a powerful meditation on the hardships faced by black women. This is “Cranes In The Sky”—a standout moment on A Seat At The Table and the perfect blend of accessibility and artistic honesty. The song’s beauty is in its simplicity—what it lacks in thrills, it makes up for in earnest emotion. On “Cranes In The Sky,” Solange reminds doubters that she’s more than just Beyoncé’s sister—she’s an accomplished and innovative artist in her own right. —Conor Herbert

33. Mac Miller feat. Anderson .Paak, “Dang!”

Backed by a warm, jazzy instrumental, Mac Miller and Anderson .Paak’s “Dang!” runs through both artist’s relationship woes as they try to win their girls' hearts back. Featuring some hilarious quotables from Miller, “Dang!” is a standout from The Divine Feminine and was the light-hearted jam we needed in 2016. —John Adamson

32. Vic Mensa, “16 Shots”

The subtle sound of a floating synth line creates the backdrop to “16 Shots,” one of the most politically-charged tracks of the year. Vic Mensa take a deep look at racial injustice in America by putting the unlawful shooting of Laquan McDonald under a merciless lens. The unsung hero of “16 Shots” is producer Papi Beatz, whose marching drum beat places a sense of war-like determination beneath Mensa’s call to action. A year ago, Vic Mensa was down to start a riot. On “16 Shots,” he show he’s a man of his word. —B4_Da_BASED

31. Danny Brown, “Dance In the Water”

“Dance In The Water” is one of the most explosive tracks on Atrocity Exhibition. Thanks to an unorthodox beat by Paul White and

Danny’s trademark vocals, the song makes it perfectly clear how he wants to spend the night: “Shake it, don’t break it, bend over and touch yo' toes.” The title of the song flips the “playing with fire" idiom, and sums up the Detroit MC’s mindset—he isn’t afraid to live on the edge, and neither is his music. —Sem_Groeneweg

30. ANOHNI, “Drone Bomb Me”

Sung from the perspective of a girl in Afghanistan whose family’s been killed by in a drone strike, “Drone Bomb Me” pits a sensitive political issue against an upbeat rhythm. Produced by ANOHNI alongside Oneohtrix Point Never and Hudson Mohawke, it’s one of the most emotionally jarring tracks of the year. —Aenex

29. Chance the Rapper feat. Anderson .Paak, BJ The Chicago Kid, Raury & Ty Dolla $ign, “Blessings (Reprise)”

Featuring an all-star lineup of Anderson .Paak, Ty Dolla $ign, and BJ The Chicago Kid, Chance The Rapper’s “Blessings (Reprise)” breathes joy, positivity, and gospel into 2016. Chance said “Blessings” is “meant to prepare you for your day.” In a year full of unexpected surprises, Chance’s “Blessings” was the constant we needed.

—Steven Frölke

28. Kanye West feat. Kendrick Lamar, “No More Parties In LA”

Before the release of “No More Parties In L.A.,” Kanye hadn’t truly gone bar for bar with another MC since 2012’s Cruel Summer, so inviting Kendrick Lamar onto a Madlib instrumental was always going to be risky. Kanye spat 90 bars of see-sawing fortune and raw emotion, bulldozing the track with an oscillating flow. Kendrick would have stolen the show on any other 2016 release. —Ben Carter

27. Solange feat. Lil Wayne, “Mad”

While Weezy’s revelations about stereotypes and drug use parallel many themes throughout A Seat at the Table, “Mad” is far from a Lil Wayne self-exposé. Solange, together with Raphael Saadiq, Tweet, and frequent Beyoncé collaborator The-Dream, articulates her headstrong personality and frustrations. Straying from typical, radio-friendly R&B and funk, she delivers an unforgettable neo-soul experience. —Juwan J. Holmes

26. Frank Ocean feat. André 3000, “Solo (Reprise)”

Among all the memorable moments on Frank Ocean’s long-awaited return, André 3000’s cameo on “Solo (Reprise)” is one we won’t forget. “Solo/so low” wordplay is all over the song as Stacks tackles issues that have been weighing on his mind throughout his absence—gender inequality, police oppression, materialism, and ghostwriting. —Vuk Aleksić

25. Bon Iver, “8 (Circle)”

When Justin Vernon and company performed “8 (Circle)” on The Tonight Show, they were armed with multiple synthesizers, guitars, drums, and a full choir. For a group that started out as a folk band, this performance was a major step out of their comfort zone, but when the music began, it was clear that the key elements of what made them “Bon Iver” were still there. Justin’s falsetto and complex lyrics, and a significant emotional pull overwhelmed the performance. Like much of 22, A Million, “8 (Circle)” combines everything that was great about their previous music and layers these features on a whole new soundscape. —Zeniths

24. YG feat. Nipsey Hussle, “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump)”

YG and Nipsey Hussle joined forces early in the year to create “FDT,” a politically-charged track that got YG in hot water with the Secret Service. It was all fueled by the many controversies surrounding then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. On the song, YG and Nipsey Hu$$le reference the Rodney King beating and Black Panther movement while slamming Trump for his political positions and racist rhetoric. The final verse quotes 2Pac’s “To Live & Die in L.A.” and urges minorities to unite against Trump. Completed by a simple-but-effective hook, “FDT” is sure to be remembered as one of 2016’s best political anthems. —butterscotch-pie

23. David Bowie, “Lazarus”

Probably the most direct song on one of Bowie’s most lyrically cryptic albums, “Lazarus” is a brooding meditation on his imminent death. He makes peace with his impending demise, seeing himself freed of his troubles and immortalized in death. While Bowie’s second life isn’t a literal one, it represents the legend he’s left behind after his passing. Equal parts bittersweet and life-affirming, “Lazarus” embodies the final stage of grief—"acceptance.“ —Gene Davison

22. Kendrick Lamar, “untitled 02 | 06.23.2014.”

K-Dot’s voice on “untitled 2 | 06.23.2014” splits between, what seems like, the two different sides of a Gemini—both of whom are battling for presence on the mic. Cardo and Young Exclusive’s production sets the tone as Lamar mourns over humanity’s vices in the first portion of the track. He cries, “World is going brazy / Where did we go wrong?” only to embrace the reckless attitude in the final verse. —Vuk Aleksić

21. Rihanna feat. Drake, “Work”

Rihanna’s “Work” was the top song on Genius this year, raking in close to 7 million views. Accompanied by a two-part music video, a verse from on/off again lover Drake, and plenty of Patois, Ri-Ri calls for affection and respect, not just sex on the Boi-1da produced track. Even a January release couldn’t stop “Work” from being the song of the summer, or the most viewed song on Genius in 2016. —Juwan J. Holmes

20. Danny Brown feat. Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt & Kendrick Lamar, “Really Doe”

The stars align on “Really Doe,” a posse cut that impresses on paper and in practice. Danny Brown is the lead hitter, and he almost lays the three guests to waste with his unique and dexterous flow. Earl’s monotoned and punchline-heavy 24 bars are some of the best spit this year. The entire song is stacked with quotables: Ab Soul’s bathing ape confession, Kendrick’s TDE posturing, and Earl’s devastating Dave Chappelle reference. Throw in an eerie, dark beat, and the song becomes a stark stand out on the record and in 2016. —Ben Carter

19. A Tribe Called Quest, “We the People…”

“We the People…” is the lead single from A Tribe Called Quest’s sixth and final studio album We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service. It’s one of the most emotionally and socially charged albums of the year and on the single, sirens blare on the lead in to a simple, static-filled baseline that puts the song’s lyrics in the spotlight. Q and Phife Dawg use that space to trade bars about racial divides and systematic oppression. —Zachary Mahabir

18. Childish Gambino, “Redbone”

When Gambino revealed the lead single to Awaken, My Love!, he let people know the album was going to be like nothing he’d ever done before. “Redbone” is a soulful track that explores infidelity but the lyrics aren’t the focus—that honor goes to the production behind it. From the simple percussion at the beginning to the smooth guitar riff that finishes it off, every piece of music played throughout the song is immaculate. Amid all of this, Glover unveiled his newly-developed vocal range and gave birth to a sexy track that both casual listeners and seasoned fans of funk can enjoy. —Roy Henriquez

17. The Avalanches, “Subways”

Even without the deliciously trippy music video, “Subways” evokes technicolor daydreams and wistful thoughts of forgotten summers. The Avalanches created this atmosphere with five separate samples, adding another layer for listeners to unpack and marvel at. Paired with a warm, sunny day, the track explodes into life, happier and more vibrant than anything The Avalanches have released before. —Ben Carter

16. James Blake, “f.o.r.e.v.e.r.”

“f.o.r.e.v.e.r.” is a ballad about the lack of permanence of most relationships. “Don’t use the word ‘forever,’" warns James Blake on the song’s opening line. Accompanied by a solitary, melancholy piano, Blake laments about love lost and the empty promises of a former relationship. The song is beautiful and captivating, from its opening chord to the abrupt ending. —John Adamson

15. Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”

Despite the worlds that separate Rae Sremmurd from The Beatles, the hip-hop duo pays homage to the legendary British band on “Black Beatles." Mike WiLL Made-it provides an earworm of an instrumental—fluttering hi-hats add flare to the hard-hitting 808s and snare drums, while the arpeggio’s upbeat tempo forms an engaging backdrop. Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi’s tales of money-making and binge-drinking lead Gucci Mane to add a verse filled with bravado that only the East Atlanta Santa himself could provide. —B4_Da_BASED

14. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, “Jesus Alone”

On “Jesus Alone,” Cave utters some of the most eerie lines of 2016, his voice shuddering with what sounds like barely-bridled rage. That shudder becomes a plea during the heart-wrenching chorus, one that paints a devastating picture when viewed in the context of his son’s death in 2015. The menacing atmosphere the synthesizer creates is only enhanced by Cave’s poetry, and his voice swells to fill every empty space the production has left. He draws us towards him but keeps us at arm’s length, left to observe the anguish a human is capable of enduring. —Ben Carter

13. Kanye West feat. Ty Dolla $ign, “Real Friends”

“Real Friends” is Kanye at his most raw, revealing issues with his close family and friends. It marks a major evolution since “Family Business” from The College Dropout, and shows the price fame has had on Ye’s happiness. Following the slightly dubious “Facts,” “Real Friends” reassured the world that Ye was still here to spit—and spit well. West lays down four minutes of bars—with short interludes from Ty Dolla $ign—over a minimal piano loop and echoing drums that match the dark lyrics. “Real Friends” is a confessional song, seeing Ye at his most intimate. —Dominic Salzedo

12. ScHoolboy Q feat. Kanye West, “THat Part”

“THat Part,” the second single from Q’s fourth studio album Blank Face LP, quickly became a summer banger. The song’s heavy drops and trippy aura created by lone guitar riffs and distorted synths all put down a solid beat for Q to reflect on all he’s done in life—from “pushing Porsches” to “dogging hoes.” “THat part” also serves as a way to remember how far Q’s come in the “five years he’s been rich.” Kanye West throws down a verse and outro to hype things up—Q later went on to say it was “the best part” to perform in concert. From the euphoric production to simple yet aggressive verses, the duo put on a show that got them nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 2017 Grammys. —noah

11. David Bowie, “Blackstar”

The eponymous first single released on David Bowie’s final album, “Blackstar” is one of his most lyrically impenetrable works. It’s one of Bowie’s longest releases at just under 10 minutes, and its themes are as difficult to summarize as its surreal music video. Bowie uses “Blackstar” to set the tone for his album and act as a statement for how he views his legacy. It introduces Bowie’s final persona, the Blackstar, the incarnation of death. Like death itself, Bowie imagines himself as vast, cryptic, and ultimately unknowable. He isn’t any of the things we have imagined him to be, but rather something else. Leave it to Bowie to turn dying into his most profound and confounding performance. —Gene Davison

10. The Weeknd, “Reminder”

Following the release of Beauty Behind The Madness, fans questioned The Weeknd’s somewhat inevitable transition from dark, lusting, drug-induced R&B to upbeat love songs that paved his lane into the world of pop. “Reminder” serves as confirmation that, while he has made the ascension to “Starboy,” Abel will always rep his “low life.” Produced in part by Mano, who also engineered his biggest record to date “The Hills,” and Doc McKinney, the track is filled with defiant lyrics like, “Goddamn bitch, I am not a Teen Choice,” that show even he’s aware he made a radio smash that’s all about doing drugs. —noah

9. Rihanna, “Needed Me”

“Needed Me” is a song of empowerment, control, and Rihanna at her absolute best. The song features a brooding beat co-produced by DJ Mustard, which lays a perfect foundation for Rihanna to stunt on anyone who was unaware of her savagery. “Needed Me” serves as a testament to the excellence of Anti: Rihanna in a pure no-fucks-given mode that shows her dominance over men, and music. —Zachary Mahabir

8. Frank Ocean, “Nights”

Reminiscent of “Pyramids” from Frank’s previous album channel ORANGE, “Nights” is the centerpiece of Blonde, both literally and figuratively. The beat change in the middle of the song marks the exact midpoint of the album, and exhibits Ocean’s strongest musical talents. These elements combine for a brief snapshot of the mysterious Frank Ocean. The production moves seamlessly from upbeat guitar strumming to buzzing pads to a quiet piano loop, allowing Frank the freedom to spin his mysterious tale. “Nights” lays out his deepest insecurities and still leaves us with a million questions. —Dominic Salzedo

7. Chance the Rapper feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz, “No Problem”

In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, Chance The Rapper, a rising star at the time, was asked whether or not he’d consider signing to a label. His response? “There’s no reason to. It’s a dead industry.” Three years later, that sentiment is still alive and more powerful than ever on “No Problem.” Chance holds nothing back on the gospel-infused banger; he brags about his self-made and rabid fanbase while threatening anyone who tries to get in his way. The song features signature humor from 2 Chainz and Weezy, as they deliver some of the best punchlines of the year. —Roy Henriquez

6. The Avalanches feat. MF DOOM & Danny Brown, “Frankie Sinatra”

The Avalanches' 2000 debut album Since I Left You featured over 3,500 samples, so it’s not surprising how many genre-crossing threads they weaved together to make “Frankie Sinatra.” The production is built on looped horns, the hook is sampled from Wilmoth Houdini’s 1947 calypso song “Bobby Sox Idol,” there are rap verses from both Danny Brown and MF DOOM and to top it off, there’s an interlude that samples the melody of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound Of Music. “Frankie Sinatra” is truly one of a kind—something only these Australian masterminds could produce. —babuc

5. D.R.A.M. feat. Lil Yachty “Broccoli”

When D.R.A.M. first worked on “Broccoli” with Lil Yachty, he just thought of it as a fun, laid-back track that’d be “dope for Soundcloud and just good for the culture.” Even after it scaled the Hot 100, D.R.A.M. attributed the song’s success to “good timing.” In reality, “Broccoli” could never fail, not once Yachty’s gift for melody was paired with the J Gramms Beats production that managed to knock hard and deliver a touch of sensitivity, exploited by D.R.A.M.’s booming vocals. This is one of the biggest earworms of 2016. —Ben Carter

4. Young Thug & Travis Scott feat. Quavo, “Pick Up the Phone”

A song so good it was put on two different albums, “Pick Up The Phone” is a breezy summer banger dropped by an all-star team of trap superstars. Travis kills the hook, Thugger’s verse is incredible, and Quavo’s feature is the icing on the cake. “Pick Up the Phone” shows exactly why this trio is so popular—from the catchy hook to some of the meanest ad-libs ever, it’s a 2016 must listen. —John Adamson

3. Frank Ocean feat. KOHH, “Nikes”

Frank Ocean’s very minimal aesthetic on Blonde shaped the sound of music this year, and “Nikes" lays the guidelines for others to follow. The song’s minimal drums, varying vocals, and extremely free song structure are all a testament to a booming underground culture, one that’s a mixture of vaporwave, hip-hop, and more. Somewhere amidst a painful heartbreak and the chains of old love, “Nikes” is the perfect introduction into the carefully crafted world of Blonde. —Vuk Aleksić

2. Beyoncé, “FORMATION”

Beyoncé dropped one of the most political and controversial tracks of the year with “FORMATION,” which was released just before her Super Bowl 50 performance. The Lemonade album closer worked as an anthem of contemporary black self-determination, a sales promo for Red Lobster, and an unapologetic goodbye to conspiracy theorists. It was accompanied by a groundbreaking, award-winning video, filled with powerful images of Hurricane Katrina, submerged police cars, and Black Lives Matter. But more than anything, “FORMATION” is a testament to Beyoncé’s rise to legendary status as a pop culture icon while simultaneously making strong commentary on the world that surrounds her. “You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation,” she says over the bridge. “Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.” —sereinik

1. Kanye West feat. The-Dream, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin & Chance The Rapper, “Ultralight Beam”

Amongst all the tragedies and divisive events we endured this year, there was always music that could make us feel better. No other song exemplifies that better than “Ultralight Beam.” It seems Kanye knew we were going to face a brutal year—just listen to the song’s hook: “Deliver us serenity / Deliver us peace / Deliver us loving / We know we need it / You know we need it.” In fact, “Ultralight Beam” feels like the antithesis of 2016. For every moment filled with loudness, vitriol and pain, the song fights back with calm, love, and hope. From the gospel choir, to Kirk Franklin’s prayer, to Kelly Price and The-Dream’s vocals, to a holy verse from none other than Lil Chano From 79th, everything on the track screams that we should strive for understanding one another. It’s a fitting message to end the year and start another brand new. —Roy Henriquez