In Part 1 of our Best Songs of 2016 recap, we highlighted the chart’s top hip-hop, R&B, and pop songs of the past year and recommended some cannabis strains to pair with them. This time, we’re highlighting the best country, EDM, and rock songs of 2016 and their suggested strain pairings. No matter what genre of music you’re a fan of, we hope you ring in the new year with a playlist of your favorite tunes and some complementary bud. Happy New Year!
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Pair the Best Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop Songs of 2016 with These Strains
Top Country Songs of 2016
“H.O.L.Y.” by Florida Georgia Line
“H.O.L.Y.” is Florida Georgia Line’s lead single from their third studio album Dig Your Roots. “H.O.L.Y.” (an acronym for “High on lovin’ you”) reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making it one of country lovers’ favorite songs of 2016.
Strain Pairing: Holy Grail Kush
Holy Grail Kush is a hybrid strain best known for its potency and high THC content. It’s perfect to pair with a song about falling so madly in love that you feel like you’re high.
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban
Keith Urban is no stranger on the music charts. His song “Blue Ain’t Your Color” is about a lonely woman at the bar who’s saddened by her relationship issues. Keith Urban sings “You don’t need that guy / It’s so black and white / He’s stealin’ your thunder / Baby, blue ain’t your color.” This country music veteran proves he knows just what to say to cheer a girl up when she’s feeling blue.
Strain Pairing: Blue Sky
The indica-dominant hybrid Blue Sky pairs with the song “Blue Ain’t Your Color” with its balanced properties, producing a mellow, uplifting high. Blue Sky is the type of strain you smoke and it immediately melts your stress away, leaving you grinning from ear to ear.
“Sleep Without You” by Brett Young
Country music’s newest heartthrob Brett Young hails from Orange County, California. He released his self-titled EP in 2016 and the lead single, “Sleep Without You,” immediately climbed the country music charts. Young’s single peaked at the No.3 spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.
Strain Pairing: Kryptonite
While Brett Young may sing about having a hard time falling asleep without his lady by his side, this powerful indica-dominant strain might just be his “kryptonite” when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. With THC levels known to reach around 25% potency, I bet this strain could help the heartthrob fall into a deep slumber.
“My Church” by Maren Morris
Maren Morris’ debut single “My Church” was one of the most talked about country songs of 2016. This new country artist is nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Country Song. “My Church” became a favorite among country music enthusiasts because of the song’s authentic feel and Maren’s amazing vocal performance on the song, showcasing just how talented she truly is.
Strain Pairing: Church OG
Church OG is an indica strain best known for its powerful effects on the body and long-lasting cerebral effects. It goes well with the powerful song and message Maren delivers in “My Church.”
“Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
Country music superstar Tim McGraw’s song “Humble and Kind” won this year’s award for Song of the Year at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards. The song is a beautiful reminder of one of the most important lessons you can learn in this lifetime: Be humble and kind to everyone you come across.
Strain Pairing: Mr. Nice
This strain will creep up on you and deliver a feel-good sensation throughout your body. You’ll be humble and kind to everyone around you while high on Mr. Nice.
Top EDM Songs of 2016
“Closer” by The Chainsmokers
2016 was a great year for The Chainsmokers. “Closer” is the duo’s third top 10 single on the Billboard Chart in 2016 alone. The single, about getting cozy with a crush, is also this year’s longest-running No.1 single on the Hot 100 chart. “Closer” was a smash hit, reminding us all of our last summer romance and the indescribable feeling you get when the two of you heat things up and get a little closer.
Strain Pairing: Sunset Haze
A combination of Tangerine Haze and Rocky Mountain Blueberry, Sunset Haze is a delightful hybrid strain with bright colorful buds that remind you of the summer sunset. It produces an uplifting buzz that pairs nicely with this up-tempo summer dance track.
“Let Me Love You” by DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber
DJ Snake is a French producer who has worked with many artists, from Lady GaGa and Diplo to Mr. Hudson and Young Thug. “Let Me Love You” is DJ Snake’s third single from his album Encore, and it features vocals from none other than Justin Bieber as he sings about not giving up on love.
Strain Pairing: Black Mamba
Black Mamba is a strong indica strain, with people reporting feeling relaxed and in a good mood after consuming it. It’s a great option to try while listening to “Let Me Love You” because it makes you feel extremely relaxed and mellow.
“Purple Lamborghini” by Skrillex feat. Rick Ross
Featured on the soundtrack from 2016’s blockbuster hit, Suicide Squad, “Purple Lamborghini” is the electrifying single that gives you everything you could expect from a Skrillex production and more. Plus, Rick Ross’ feature on the track makes it even more deserving to be among the list of the best songs of 2016 because how often do you hear Miami’s biggest boss on an electronic/dance record?
Strain Pairing: Lamborghini
Like the song “Purple Lamborghini,” Lamborghini is an upbeat, high energy strain that will take you on the ride of your life.
“Never Be Like You” by Flume feat. Kai
“Never Be Like You” is Flume’s first chart-topping single. The Australian artist is a triple-threat, being that he’s a musician, producer, and DJ. “Never Be Like You” features vocals from Canadian singer Kai. She sings about an ex-lover and how “he’ll never be like you,” referring to her current boyfriend. All she wants is her one true love.
Strain Pairing: The One
The One and “Never Be Like You” pair well together because this strain is a balanced hybrid with euphoric and happy effects. It works nicely with the mild tempo of Flume’s hit song.
“I Took a Pill in Ibiza (SEEB Remix)” by Mike Posner
Mike takes listeners on a wild trip as he sings on a bass-filled track about being completely over the Hollywood scene, coming to the realization that everything that comes with the glitz and glamour of a chart-topping single isn’t exactly what it’s all cracked up to be. He sings, “I’m living out in LA / I drive a sports car just to prove / I’m a real big baller because I made a million dollars and I spend it on girls and shoes.”
Strain Pairing: Hollywood OG
Hollywood OG would be the perfect strain to pair with Mike Posner’s latest hit single because it can help alleviate some of the issues he sings about in the song. Originating from none other than southern California, Hollywood OG is an indica-dominant hybrid strain used to treat severe pain and stress.
Top Rock Songs of 2016
“The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed
Disturbed is a heavy metal band that’s been around since the early ’90s. Their song “The Sound of Silence” honors the classic song of the same name made popular by Simon and Garfunkel in 1964. Lead singer of Disturbed David Draiman’s amazing vocals make this rendition the band’s very owm while still paying homage to the iconic original version.
Strain Pairing: Dark Star
A strain like Dark Star, a true indica with strong cerebral and body effects, pairs nicely with Disturbed’s somber rendition of a classic song.
“Heathens” by Twenty-one Pilots
Twenty-one pilots were behind yet another hit song in 2016, “Heathens.” It’s another chart-topping single off the successful soundtrack to the film Suicide Squad. The song lives up to its title as it’s basically about how Twenty-one Pilots and their friends are a bunch of hellraisers, just like members of the Suicide Squad.
Strain Pairing: Hell Raiser OG
A cross between Fire OG and Face Off OG, Hell Raiser OG is an indica-dominant hybrid known for its heavy effects. This strain could definitely tame heathens with its euphoric effects and wild head high.
“Get High” by Rob Zombie
The song “Get High” gives you everything you would expect from Rob Zombie, the founding member of the heavy metal band White Zombie as well as a horror filmmaker. “Get High” is actually the shortened version of its full title, “In the Age of the Consecrated Vampire We All Get High,” from his 2016 album The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser. The song has a classic metal feel, with an added twist that only Zombie himself could be responsible for.
Strain Pairing: Zombie OG
A powerful cross between OG Kush and Blackberry, Zombie OG may be one of the few strains able to stand a chance against Rob Zombie and his song “Get High.” Zombie OG is a total knockout, and its strong sedative effects make it a great strain to smoke at night when you can’t sleep or find yourself listening to some good ‘ol Rob Zombie.
“My Name is Human” by Highly Suspect
Highly Suspect earned their first-ever Billboard No. 1 hit with their song “My Name is Human,” off their sophomore album The Boy Who Died Wolf. The group is no stranger to success. Last year, their single “Lydia” took the rock industry by storm, peaking at the No.4 spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart. “My Name is Human” is nominated for a Grammy Award for 2016’s Best Rock Song.
Strain Pairing: Alien OG
Alien OG is a hybrid strain known for producing an intense high, sometimes leading to a psychedelic cerebral buzz that feels amazing when listening to “My Name is Human.” The combination may leave you pondering your very own existence.
“Burn the Witch” by Radiohead
Beloved English rock band Radiohead has been creating timeless music since the ’80s. This year the group released their single “Burn the Witch.” Fans were shocked to hear the single off the group’s ninth studio album, A Moon Shaped Pool, as it brought the group out of hiatus. And what a triumphant return Radiohead made as they were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
Strain Pairing: B-Witched
B-Witched is a strain known for helping consumers ease stress and anxiety, but what makes it a good choice to smoke when listening to “Burn the Witch” is that it will keep you focused and calm as you listen along.
These are our picks for best songs of 2016, but what were some of your favorite tracks of the year? Let us know in the comments section!