Need a good ballad in your life to give you those ‘feels,’ we have 11 of them on our ‘Ballads from 2017 That’ll Give You Those Feels’ playlist – Vol. 3.

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 11 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. 3.

1. Kelly Clarkson, “Move You”

Album: Meaning of Life

Atlantic

“Move You” is an uplifting, thoughtfully written ballad about moving one another in regards to a relationship. Essentially, Kelly Clarkson wants to ‘complete’ her husband and ‘be his everything.’ ­­­­­The tempo is slow, but heavy pop/rock drums add some punch.  Overall, the production is a selling point, including gospel choral vocals, guitar, and strings.  Those choral vocals truly elevate “Move You,” providing more fuel for Clarkson’s lead.  Not that she needed it – she’s inspired all on her own.

2. Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, “For the Rest of Our Life’

Album: For the Rest of Our Life

McGraw Music / Sony Music Entertainment

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill shine on “The Rest of Our Life,” the second single and title track of their upcoming joint album.  From the start, there’s a soulfulness, old-school sensibility about “The Rest of Our Life.” Perhaps it’s the piano, the organ, or the six-feel, but it’s clear the classic vibes are intentional. It feels warm and inviting.  McGraw kicks things off vocally.  He’s commanding as always, but also sentimental, showcasing a gentler quality.  Hill joins him on the chorus, before magnificently singing the second verse.

Expectedly, the vocal chemistry between the two is excellent.  The vocal production only amplifies the magic, highlighting the harmonies. The crowning achievement occurs on the thoughtful, high-flying chorus.

3. John Legend, “One Woman Man”

Album: Fifty Shades Darker

Republic

Among the best songs from the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack is “One Woman Man,” courtesy of John Legend (co-written with Toby Gad).  Legend gives the soundtrack a timely lift when he arrives.  As soulful as ever, he shows his knack for nuance and emotionally-driven vocal performances.  Ultimately, “One Woman Man” ranks among the crème de la crème because of its authenticity.  This could easily appear on a John Legend album and feel right in place.

“A one-woman man / A one-woman man, oh / Want you all to myself / Don’t want nobody else…”

4. Brett Young, “In Case You Didn’t Know”

Album: Brett Young

Big Machine

California country singer Brett Young was one of the breakout artists of 2017. That’s amazing considering his age – he’s a ripe 36. Just proves, “age ain’t nothin’ but a number,” to quote Aaliyah. For whatever reason, after reviewing numerous tracks and inserting them into various playlists, somehow “In Case You Didn’t Know” fell through the cracks. It shouldn’t have.  This country ballad screams ‘feels’ all over, most impressively on the authentic, thoughtful,  high-flying chorus.

“In case you didn’t know / Baby I’m crazy ‘bout you / And I would be lying if I said / That I could live this life without you / Even though I don’t tell you all the time / You had my heart a long, long time ago / In case you didn’t know.”

5. Khalid, “Shot Down”

Album: American Teen

RCA 

“Shot Down” is one of the best moments from American Teen, the debut album by R&B artist Khalid.  Arguably, the ballad resides in the same league as the teen musician’s breakthrough single “Location.” Throwback, yet fresh, he blesses the listener with his soulful, distinctive instrument, singing about over-infatuation.

“I been through it whole / I’ve been through the worst / But I never knew how much our love could hurt / Over my family I put you first…”

6. Lorde, “Liability”

Album: Melodrama

Republic

“Liability” is a reflective ballad with singer-songwriter sensibilities are written all over it.  The lyrics are incredibly poetic and thoughtfully performed.  Lorde focuses on her smokier lower register, accentuating the melodrama.  The production work is conservative, led by piano sans percussion.  Regardless, the overall result is nothing short of beautiful. Lyrically, Lorde sings about being too high maintenance and how it’s ruined her relationships. Ultimately, she knows what she wants, and she has herself.  The vulnerability that she showcases here is exceptional.

7. India. Arie, “Give Thanks”

Album: SongVersation: Medicine

BMG Rights Management

“Give Thanks” is a perfect example of depth in spite of a lack of depth.  Huh? Arie approaches “Give Thanks” like a Contemporary Christian song, with repeated lyrics on the verse.  There are few lyrics, yet, her messaging is prudent and ultimately, transcendent.  At the end of the song, she brings together the few lyrics, successfully closing one of the set’s highlights:

“There will never be another day just like this / So let’s give praise now / We give praise, and ase / Say love, namaste / We give praise, for all that is.”

8. Sia, “Free Me”

Album: Free Me – Single  

Monkey Puzzle Music

Sia works her magic on gorgeous single, “Free Me,” a benefit single for the ending HIV campaign.  The lyrics and purpose only build the case for its exceptionalness. She delivers a sincere performance that highlights her instrument and the powerful words she singing.  From the jump, the authenticity shines through.  By the end, “Free Me” percolates to its grandest, demarcated by a key change and the strings reaching their highest of heights.

9. Daniel Caesar, “We Find Love”

Album: Freudian

Golden Child Recordings

“We Find Love” is one of the best songs from Freudian, the debut album by up-and-coming Canadian R&B artist, Daniel Caesar. “We Find Love” gives Freudian a bit more oomph, even if it only pushes the tempo up a few beats per measure. It’s still slow, but there’s greater intensity, greater confidence, and greater presence from Caesar here. Beautiful choral vocals amplify the record to the nth degree, blurring the lines between urban contemporary and contemporary black gospel. Follow-up record “Blessed” is a superb companion piece.

10. Melanie Fiona, “Remember U”

Album: Remember U – Single

BMG Rights Management  

Underrated Canadian R&B singer Melanie Fiona made an awesome comeback in 2017 with her heartbroken single, “Remember U.” The single is ultimately set to appear on Fiona’s 2018 comeback album. Despite the fact that R&B is in an odd place, Fiona doesn’t abandon it in the least on “Remember U.” This gem thrives off its old-school sensibilities – horns, piano, and soulful guitar anchor “Remember U” down.   This is new ‘soul,’ allowing Fiona to show off incredible authenticity and emotions vocally.  Furthermore, it’s clearly in her wheelhouse – heartbreak. The best moment for ‘feels’ is the soaring chorus, where strings accentuate the heartfelt vibes.

“‘Cause all I do / All I do is remember you / Remember you, you, you, you! / All I do / All I do is remember you / All that I’ve been through!”

11. Kelly Clarkson, “Meaning of Life”

Album: Meaning of Life

Atlantic

“Meaning of Life” possesses a retro-pop, retro-soul quality.  This is thanks to the gritty lead vocals by Clarkson, backing vocals, and the six-eight, time signature.  Throughout the song, there are some truly lovely, poetic lyrics.  The chorus is powerful and well-written. Here, Clarkson flaunts her vocal abilities.  Throughout “Meaning of Life,” her best attribute is her voice, which is nothing short of amazing.

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Sony Music Entertainment, Republic, Big Machine, RCA, BMG Rights Management, Monkey Puzzle Music, Golden Child Recordings