Ballads From 2017 That’ll Give You Those Feels, Vol. 2 | Playlist

Need a good ballad in your life to give you those ‘feels,’ we have 10 of them on our ‘Ballads from 2017 That’ll Give You Those Feels’ playlist – Vol. 2.

There have been lots of stunning ballads released throughout the course of 2017.  Ah, there’s nothing better than a big, ole, heartfelt song to give you those ‘feels.’  This playlist, comprised of 10 songs, highlights some of those beautiful ballads that make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Furthermore, some of them even give you the “goosies,” to quote Jennifer Lopez.  Without further a duo, here are Ballads from 2017 That’ll Give You Those Feels, Vol. 2.

1. Logic, “1-800-273-8255”

Ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid

Album: Everybody, 2017 | Previous Playlist Appearance: 26 Notable LGBTQ Songs Since 2010

Let’s just say, we’ll blur the lines of balladry.  With the release of “1-800-273-8255,” Logic released the biggest, heaviest, and most meaningful song of his career.  What makes “1-800-273-8255” so heavy? The title is the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Logic approaches the song as a progression, starting from the suicidal perspective, encouraging the suicidal person to embrace life, and the suicidal person coming to the desire to live. He’s assisted by an angelic Alessia Cara and Khalid, who provides the punctuation mark, as the suicidal person who’s seen the light.

Suicide is a major issue. Originally appearing on another playlist (26 Notable LGBTQ Songs Since 2010), “1-800-273-8255” doesn’t explicitly mention the LGBTQ community, but it’s a key component of the accompanying music video.  The video focuses on a black gay teen struggling with his sexuality. He contemplates suicide, but gets the proper help, as well as acceptance. Can you say feels?

2. Zak Abel, “Deserve to Be Loved”

Album: Only When We’re Naked

“Deserve to Be Loved” appears on the debut album by British pop musician Zak Abel.  On “Deserved to Be Loved,” he slackens the pace, eight tracks into the album. The balladry allows for him to showcase the full scope of his voice, specifically the nuances and cracks. The production work is beautiful, featuring a lush, soulful, old-school sound. The lyrics are lovely throughout, with Abel “bringing it home” on the chorus.

“Baby we deserve it / I’ll make it sure you heard it / Baby we deserve to be loved…”

Again, can you say “feels?”

3. Father John Misty, “Pure Comedy”

Album: Pure Comedy

“Pure Comedy” is the centerpiece of Pure Comedy – imagine that!  The record sets the tone lyrically and musically. The lyrics are ambitious and pure genius, finding Father John Misty referencing societal issues including women’s rights, religion, and politics. Musically, following a mysterious opening two minutes filled with various sound effects, a relatively deliberate pace, and an ear-catching harmonic progression, a groove asserts itself. Additionally, a full palette of sounds unveils its sheer excellence. Of course, Father John Misty has a superb set of pipes on him as well, which helps provide the feels here.

“The comedy of man starts like this / Our brains are way too big for our mother’s hips / And so nature, she divines this alternative / We emerged half-formed and hope that whoever greets the other end / is kind enough to fill us in / And, babies, that’s pretty much how it’s been ever since.”

4. Ed Sheeran, “Perfect”

Album: ÷

On “Perfect,” a standout from ÷, Ed Sheeran keeps in step with love, a subject that graces some of his best, most thoughtful songs.

“Baby I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms / Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song / When you said you looked a mess, I whispered under my breath / But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.”

“Perfect” has an endearing, soulful quality that hearkens back to years before Sheeran was even born.  He’s sincere, exhibiting authentic, genuine emotions, carried by his personality.  “Perfect” doesn’t break new ground, but he executes it near-perfectly.  The feels are there ladies and gents.

 5. Reba McEntire, “Back to God”

Album: Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope | Previous Playlist Appearance: 10 Powerful Songs Referencing God

Reba McEntire blessed the world with her first gospel album in 2017, Sing It now: Songs of Faith & Hope.  While the entire album is incredibly uplifting, “Back to God” ranks among the most moving moments.  With all the problems that plague the world, Reba asserts, “We gotta give this world / Back to God.” This is a song that certainly appeals to the Christian base, embracing the power of faith and prayer above all. Even though “Back to God” isn’t a new song (Randy Hauser composed and sang it originally in 2008), Reba makes it her own, giving it new life.

6. Sampha, “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano”

Album: Process

“(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” is an emotional, reflective gem that grips the listener from the jump.  A subtle record, the lyrics pack a punch, not to mention the personal, authentic vocals of Sampha.  In a sense, he characterizes the piano in his mother’s home as his confidante – the sole person who understands his feelings, issues, and otherwise.  On the first verse, the focus seems to be solely on the piano. The chorus, which follows, suggests that there’s more to the story. Verse two personalizes the centerpiece of the song:

“An angel by her side, all the times I knew we couldn’t cope / They said that it’s her time, no tears in sight, I kept the feelings close / And you took hold of me and never, never, never let me go…”

Sampha has returned home, not only for his beloved childhood piano. According to Genius, his return was due to the illness and eventual death of his mom.

7. Daley, “Until the Pain is Gone”

Ft. Jill Scott

Album: The Spectrum

British R&B singer Daley amplifies the emotions on the soulful “Until the Pain is Gone,” featuring Jill Scott.  It initiates lushly, showcasing its urban identity from the onset.  While it’s old school, the vibe is refreshing because it’s the ‘rarer’ flavor as opposed to the dominant, predictable one. Making a formidable team, Daley and Scott deliver authentic performances about the plight of love.

“So if you need love, say it / I know that you feel it but, I can’t / Keep holding on and on and on / I need to know that I’m the one / Yeah cause I know that you get lonely / So show me the things you’re scared to show me / We can go on and on and on / ‘Til the pain is gone / (‘Til the pain is gone).”

8. Kesha, “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)”

Ft. Dolly Parton

Album: Rainbow

Kesha shocked the world with Rainbow, particularly her heartfelt promo single, “Praying,” which appeared on Vol. 1 of this list.  As great as “Praying” was, Rainbow had other hits, including “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You),” one of the best songs that doesn’t arrive until near the end. Regardless of its placement on the album, it’s certainly worth the wait. “Old Flames” gives Kesha a country cut.  Enlisting country royalty, Dolly Parton, helps the cause.  Ultimately, the duet is magical and memorable; it ranks among the crème de la crème of Kesha’s career.

“But old flames can’t hold a candle to you / No one can light up the night like you do / Flickering embers of love / I’ve known one or two / But old flames can’t hold a candle to you / Oh, yeah, ooh.”

9. Dustin Lynch, “Love Me or Leave Me Alone”

Album: Current Mood

“Love Me or Leave Me Alone” is a gem – Current Mood = Happy. Dustin Lynch maintains a sense of traditional country sensibilities, eschewing gimmickry and modern trickery. “Love Me or Leave Me Alone” delivers ‘the goods’ with its beautiful, powerful, and thoughtful balladry. Vocally, Lynch impresses, showcasing a ripe set of nuanced country pipes.  Arguably, this is his best performance of the album – a tour de force.

“Love me or leave me alone / Hold me or just let me go / ‘Cause I’ve felt this fire for so long / So baby love me, love me / Love me or leave me alone.”

10. Charlie Wilson, “Smile for Me”

Ft. Robin Thicke

Album: In it to Win It

Okay okay – “Smile for Me” is more mid-tempo than ballad. Nonetheless, the ‘feels’ are definitely here! “Smile for Me” gives Uncle Charlie one of his most soulful, exceptional moments from In It to Win It. Paired with neo-soul standout Robin Thicke, “Smile for Me” is simple in concept, but reaps massive benefits of being so simplistic.  Essentially, Wilson and Thicke tout the power of a smile and showing resolve through the hardest of times.  The vocal chemistry between the two is magnificent – two truly gifted musicians.

“Maybe the rent ain’t paid / Or the car note’s late / And you’re working hard / Like every single day, yeah / But you can make it through / Ain’t nothing you can’t do / Yeah, I believe in you / Let me break it down // I’m here to say / When everything ain’t okay / I promise it’s gonna change / So won’t you smile for me / I know it’s hard (I know it’s hard) / ‘Cause I’ve been right where you are / You can light up the dark / If you just smile for me.”

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