Best Songs of 2017 (So Far): Edition 2.0 | Year in Review

11. Jay-Z, “4:44” *

4:44

“4:44” features one of the most awesome samples of the album, courtesy of British soul singer Hannah Williams & the Affirmations (“Late Nights & Heartbreak”).  Notably, Kim Burrell provides additional vocals, which fit seamlessly into the music. Interestingly, the title track was conceived at 4:44 A.M. and clocks in at 4:44 in length. While the production and overall sound are radiant, the message is truly ear-catching.  Jay-Z apologizes to Beyoncé for his infidelity – starting from the opening tip. Ultimately, “4:44” is the crown jewel – the crème de la crème.

12. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito (Remix)”

[Universal Music Latin/Republic]

The accomplishments that “Despacito” has made are enough to earn it a spot on this lists.  Amazingly, it is the first Latin song to reach no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since “The Macarena” in 1996.  Beyond its resume, it’s as smooth as butter and incredibly catchy, Spanish and all. 

13. Kesha, “Praying” *

Rainbow

Just when it seemed that Kesha’s career seemed “deader than a doornail,” the pop singer drops “Praying,” a surprising, heartfelt ballad. It’s clear from the jump Kesha is aiming for self-empowerment, as well as empowerment others who’ve been in an unfortunate situation. Interestingly, the verses showcase incredible restraint. By the end of the song, however, the powerhouse vocals are mind-blowing.  Where has she been hiding this? The most surprising moment is when she nails a high F that no one – NO ONE – thought she could hit.

14. DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller, “Wild Thoughts” *

Grateful

On “Wild Thoughts,” DJ Khaled constructs a surefire hit.  “Wild Thoughts” finds its inspiration sampling a 90s classic – “Maria, Maria,” courtesy of Santana. The recipe is untouchable: awesome production, a superstar cast (Rihanna and Bryson Tiller), and of course, sex. What more can anyone ask for out of a pop hit?

15. The xx, “Say Something Loving”

I See You

Romantic gem “Say Something Loving” finds The xx – Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft – tackling insecurities brought on them by love.  Rhythmic tension is established following the intro, an intensity that remains throughout the chorus. The chorus varies throughout the song, but the sentiment is consistent:

“You say something loving / it’s so overwhelming, the thrill of affection / feels so unfamiliar / you say something loving / without hesitation it hits me, hits me / it feels so unfamiliar.”

16. Julia Michaels, “Issues”

“Issues” is arguably one of the most relatable, down-to-earth pop songs of 2017.  Singer/songwriter Julia Michaels lays out the case for the success of their relationship perfectly throughout the course of the song.  It all comes together on one of the year’s most memorable choruses:

“‘Cause I got issues, but you got ‘em too / So give ‘em all to me and I’ll give mine to you / Bask in the glory, of all our problems / ‘Cause we got the kind of love it takes to solve ‘em / Yeah I got issues / And one of them is how bad I need you.”

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

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.  He characterizes the piano in his mother’s home as his confidante – the sole person who understands his feelings, issues, and otherwise.  Ultimately, he has returned home, not only for his beloved childhood piano, but also due to the illness and eventual death of his mom.

18. The National, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”

Sleep Well Beast

The National tackles “the weird time we’re in” on the thought-provoking, well-produced single,   “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness.” The chorus masterfully captures the sign of the times:

“The system only dreams in total darkness / Why are you hiding from me? / We’re in a different kind of thing now / All night you’re talking to God.”

19. Arcade Fire, “Everything Now”

Everything Now

Arcade Fire returned in a big way in 2017 with dance-rock record “Everything Now,” the promo single from their album of the same title. Frontman Win Butler delivers a respectable, tasteful vocal performance, intact with its fair share of playful moments.  The production work is superb, incorporating rhythmic guitars which help retain an acoustic, folksy vibe that contrasts the disco sensibilities. The M.O. Is literally everything now.  Throughout the song, the phrase means different things, both good or bad.

20. Future, “Mask Off”

Future

[Epic]

“Mask Off” gave Future a monstrous hit on his self-titled album.  The production features the signature southern rap drums that characterize Future, but the sound is lighter. This change of pace adds some variance.  Depth is an issue, but Future has his reflective moments. The druggy hook is the crème de la crème:

“Percocets, molly, Percocets … / Rep the set, gotta rep the set / Chase a check, never chase a b*tch / Mask on, f*ck it, mask off … / Percocets, molly, Percocets / Chase a check, never chase a b*tch / Don’t chase no b*tches”