The 50 Best Local Songs of 2019

The world could certainly use a heavy dose of righteous rage right about now and Victor Mariachi delivers that and more on “Preyer.” The Mexican-American rapper has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for immigrants and Latino culture, offering no bullshit pushback against Trump’s racist demagoguery and incessant gaslighting. Still, even as works to dismantle stereotypes and disentangle lies, Mariachi finds room to address his own fears and throw lyrical jabs at haters. On “Preyer” he does so with a mix of earned wisdom and venomous wit, gliding nimbly over a hypnotic beat produced by Wyslp. The end result is fierce yet meditative, highlighting the rapper’s strong cadence and dextrous flow. – AS

Somehow it seems fitting that one of the bonafide jams of the year would arise from a one-off single that almost didn’t see the light of day. While Wanderwild proved themselves consummate songwriters on this year’s rousing Sleep Tight, Socialite, it was the follow-up “Doorway”—a song that barely made it out of the studio—that compelled us to jump around like fiends and play air guitar in our living rooms. And why the hell not? With its airtight grooves and cool confidence, the cut is as close as the Athens rockers have come to touching the white heat of the Strokes in their heyday. An absolute thriller. – GC

While Well Kept’s smart, spunky “Oh Charise” channels early emo rockers like Brand New and the post-2010s slacker rock embodied by Palehound, it ably maintains its own distinct character. Centered around the ambiguity of a faltering relationship, the song’s protagonist regretfully acknowledges the incompatibility, rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame. Songwriter Tommy Trautwein excels at creating these mini-narratives loaded with post-college boredom and the slow encroaching ache of adulthood. Life may sting like hell sometimes; fortunately you can crank this up if you need help drowning out the pain. – EF

No one ever stops grieving for a loved one. But sometimes the best way to honor a person’s memory is not to wear black and gather round a casket, but to get up and celebrate. While Wesley Johnson may sound like he’s just hitting up the club and slamming drinks with his crew on “Loseit4tonite,” this jazzy jam salutes the spirit of his mom. The track also marks a turning point on Ocean Drive, when WesdaRuler resolves to stand up against his shut-in lethargy and come through for his squad. In that light, we could all raise a glass to another night out, especially when we can cut loose from our hang-ups on the dancefloor. – LA

There are probably better songs on Wiley from Atlanta’s first full length Blue Don’t Make Me Cry. “Blood Orange” comes to mind. So does “Champion” or “Shells on the Rug.” But there is just something so vital and necesarry about “Cashmere” and the way it leads you into the heart of Wiley’s triumphant debut. In his review, Mus Abubaker called it the “de facto emotional nucleus” of the record, and while true, it’s also the album’s stylistic catalyst. The sprawling verses and poetic revelations, the gritty drama and hushed reverence—all of it starts here. – AS