1. Mac Miller
Songs: “Small Worlds” “What’s the Use?” “2009”
Soulful rap with live instruments; emotional lyrics make it unforgettable.
Mac Miller performed, singing his songs matched with emotional lyrics and live instruments. This passionate performance is easily number 1 for the talent and emotion..
2. Faye Webster
Songs: Better Distractions” “Kingston” “Right Side of My Neck” “In a Good Way”
Faye Webster sang beautifully with her most popular jazzy songs with a lot of meaning behind her words. While I might be biased to put her this high, this performance was undoubtedly amazing.
3. Tyler, the Creator
Songs: “Boredom” “See You Again” “Glitter”
Tyler sung his most popular songs off Flower Boy and it was an amazing performance with emotional songs. While he definitely could’ve done better especially with not getting Kali Uchis or Rex Orange County to come out for their features, but still amazing nonetheless.
4. Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
Songs: “Come Down” “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance” “Put Me Thru” “Suede” (by NxWorries)
Their performance was very upbeat, and it is the type of music you can feel when you listen to it. I don’t personally listen to much of their music, but this performance was very memorable and enjoyable.
5. Daniel Caesar
Songs: “Japanese Denim” “Get You” “Best Part” “Take Me Away”
This performance embodies the Tiny Desk, but, in my opinion, he did not select the best songs to perform. His voice during the performance was unreal and genuinely incredible to hear and sounds even better than his published music.
6. Billie Eilish
Songs: “my strange addiction” “ocean eyes” “when the party’s over”
While different from her normal music since there is no heavy production, her raw vocals and deep lyrics stand out, making it sound very deep and very good. This is super different than her normal published music but definitely a top performance.
7. Rex Orange County
Songs: “Loving Is Easy” “Sunflower” “Untitled” “Pluto Projector”
This performance was super upbeat and another example of music that you feel while listening to the performance. The live instrumentation during the songs sound so pure and make this performance incredible.
8. Mitski
Songs: “Geyser” “Nobody” “Your Best American Girl” “A Pearl”
Why: Mitski’s music was elevated by the live aspect, creating soul filling rock music. Her music was so raw during the performance due to the descriptive storytelling and meaningful lyrics paired with the guitar.
9. Dua Lipa
Songs: “Love Again” “Levitating” “Pretty Please” “Don’t Start Now”
Her performance went over some of her most popular and catchy songs. Almost everyone has heard some of these songs before at one point or another since they were so popular, and the songs are very catchy, which made the performance great.
10. Chance the Rapper
Songs:“Juke Jam” “Blessings (Reprise)” “Same Drugs”
His performance highlighted some of his most meaningful songs, showing energy and emotion. His set list showed his range of music from upbeat and happy to slow and sadder. The mix of passionate lyrics and his stage presence made this performance memorable.
