MNGBlog's Favorites from Around the World 2016

2016 has come to an end and on this Throwback Thursday we're taking a look back at some of the best tracks from the past year. Check out this playlist of just a few of MNGBlog's favorites from around the world (in no particular order).

What were your favorite songs of 2016? Leave them in the comments below!

"La Bicicleta"-Carlos Vives & Shakira (Colombia)

This record-breaking track about a bicycle ride from Colombian superstars Carlos Vives and Shakira took the world by storm, topping Billboard's Latin charts and music charts around the world. It's now a Latin Grammy winner!

"Elle M'Rend Fou"-Nadav Guedj (Israel)

MNGBlog first discovered Nadav Guedj in 2015 when he competed in Eurovision with "Golden Boy." With a title that translates to "She Drives Me Crazy" in English, this French-language track is great for a party, the club, or the gym.

"Mama"-Alexandra Amor (U.S.A.)

Cautionary tale "Mama" is a definite can't-miss from soulful Florida-born singer Alexandra Amor. If you think she sounds amazing on this track just wait until you hear her perform live! She's always playing shows around NYC so be sure to check her out! Read MNGBlog's in-depth interview with Amor here and watch the video interview from her show at Noble New York here.

"Se Apagó"-Gaby Moreno (Guatemala)

With throwback vibes reminiscent of 1960s American soul, "Se Apagó" will absolutely enchant you. It was the first single released from Moreno's album Ilusión, which includes songs in both Spanish and English. Listen to the English language version. "Love Is Gone," here.

 

"Stella cadente"-Rocco Hunt ft. Annalisa (Italy)

Featured on Hunt's 2016 album Signor Hunt Wake Up Edition, a re-package of his 2015 album Signor Hunt, "Stella cadente" finds the Italian rapper joined by vocal powerhouse Annalisa. The track discusses the important topic of violence toward women, a problem that is still all too present in today's world, and also condemns the cowardice of those men who have committed such acts. Watch Rocco talk about the song and working with Annalisa in his interview with Musical Notes Global in New York City here.

"Andas En Mi Cabeza"-Chino & Nacho ft. Daddy Yankee (Venezuela)

One of the best collaborations in music this year hands down, Venezuelan duo Chino & Nacho and Puerto Rican reggaetonero Daddy Yankee teamed up to create a joyful love song with a heartwarming accompanying video that has surpassed 700 million views.

"Guarda che luna"-Pietro Gabriele (Italy)

Combining his own signature rock with the passion of the original, Gabriele elegantly refreshes and modernizes Fred Buscaglione's hit from Italy's swing era for the twenty-first century. If you're in Italy, don't miss his first live show of the year in Brescia on January 18, when he will debut his brand new single "Un ultimo bacio." Learn more about Pietro Gabriele in MNGBlog's interview here and read more about "Guarda che luna" here.

"Sobre Mí"-Sin Bandera ft. Maluma (Mexico)

Super funky and hip, this remix of Sin Bandera's "Sobre Mí" features Colombian superstar Maluma and his edgy Latin urban flow, making it even better than the original version. Find it on Sin Bandera's Una Última Vez (Deluxe Edition).

"Let You Down"-Frank Moyo (Canada)

Italo-Canadian singer-songwriter Frank Moyo is fresh off the release of his debut EP Waves and he's definitely an artist to keep an eye on. Conveying the desire to do good by someone or by oneself, "Let You Down" is a top pick from the EP that showcases Moyo's expressive delivery and his talent for penning incredibly honest lyrics. Check out his interview with MNGBlog here, as well as his track-by-track breakdown of Waves here.

"My Way"-Il Volo (Italy)

We first got a taste of "My Way" during Il Volo's Grande Amore tour, when tenor Piero Barone and baritone Gianluca Ginoble performed it as a duet. Adding it to their set list for their special tribute concert to the three tenors--Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and José Carreras--held in Florence in July 2016, the trio's cover of Frank Sinatra's enduring classic is without a doubt one of the best versions out there. Il Volo will bring their Notte Magica tour to North America in March.

"Miracle"-Samra (Azerbaijan)

Through passionate vocals and an awesomely dramatic chorus, Samra's "Miracle" tells the story of a breakup. The track was one of MNGBlog's favorite 2016 Eurovision entries.

"Breathing Underwater"-Emeli Sandé (Scotland)

"Breathing Underwater" is the third single to be released from Sandé's impressive sophomore albumLong Live the Angels. A revitalizing anthem with powerful lyrics, the track finds Sandé backed by a choir and will fill your soul where it needs it most.

"Closer"-The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey (U.S.A.)

Arguably one of the biggest songs of 2016, "Closer" from The Chainsmokers and pop star Halsey has become a nostalgic anthem for millennials everywhere. With that catchy, bubbly melody and air of nostalgic romance, it's no wonder that it has acquired almost one billion YouTube views.

"What's the Pressure"-Laura Tesoro (Belgium)

Full of positive energy, Belgium's entry in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest is super fun and vibrant. It's perfect for dancing!

For more MNGBlog favorites from the past year, check out our What's Your Pick Wednesday category.

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