There are a lot of places you can count down the songs of the year. And it really depends how you slice it and what you’re drinking and who’s in the car, but our list includes all the songs that came from nowhere. That bubbled underground and bloomed and somehow kept bubbling undertake ground still all year. They aren’t on the radio. And most people in your car probably won’t recognize it (except Leon, he can’t be stopped), but just keep playing it. They soon will. Thanks to Maya Eslami for curating such great music for us all year and beyond. Our hallowed halls and ears thank you.

5. LEON BRIDGES “COMING HOME”

4. DRUG CABIN “HANDSOME”

3. NIGHT BEATS “SUNDAY MOURNING”

2. TRACY BRYANT “SUBTERRANEAN”