8. Ryn Weaver – ‘Octahate’
A victory lap for one of the best pop songs of the year came with the video for the track from the young American singer. Except it’s not, because ‘Octahate’ somehow isn’t on everyone’s brain when it clearly should be. Production comes from three people: Cashmere Cat brings the fizz, Benny Blanco the foundations and the unconcealed vibrant melodies of Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakous are all over the song. It’s Weaver herself who provides the big hooks and relatability – you know, what pop stars are good at.

Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.