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

21. DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne, “I’m the One” *

Grateful

On the gargantuan album Grateful, former no. 1 hit “I’m the One” keeps the momentum alive and well.  DJ Khaled secures guest appearances from Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne for an irresistibly infectious ride.  “I’m the One” isn’t particularly innovative, but incredibly catchy and easy on the ears.  Admit it – Justin Bieber sounds great here.

22. Logic ft. Damian Lemar Hudson, “Black SpiderMan”

Everybody

[Def Jam]

“Black SpiderMan” features lush, gospel-tinged production work, giving the record an exuberant quality.  Logic sings respectably on the hook, over the spiritually-driven backdrop. Following the spirited hook, he breaks into quick-paced, spirited rhymes.  The central theme – everybody is included. He highlights race, sexuality, and religion. The titular lyric arrives towards the end of the lengthy verse, with Logic changing the perceptions of familiar things, including references to black Jesus. 

23. Spoon, “WhisperI’lllistentohearit”

Hot Thoughts

[Matador]

Although the title track has an argument for inclusion as well, the best song from Hot Thoughts is arguably, “WhisperI’lllistentohearit.” A mouthful, “Whisper” begins slower in tempo, with an enigmatic sound.  Daniel seems to encourage a lonely soul.  Following a slower pace, the record kicks up the tempo and infuses more energy.  Lyrically, Daniel compels, particularly when he treads on the absurd:

“Candy man drives a fast car / He can be there any time / His fuel is anticipation / It’s good to feel wanted sometimes / All these expectations / Waiting for my cells to divide / Wait, is that too maudlin? / I’m just look for some sign of life.”

24. The War on Drugs, “Holding On”

A Deeper Understanding

[Atlantic]

The War on Drugs delivers a gem with “Holding On,” which boasts a bright, rhythmically-driven, enthusiastic sound. Frontman Adam Granduciel sounds superb vocally, showcasing a beautiful tone and an undeniable exuberance that matches the production work.  The lyrics are poetic and honest on the verses, as he depicts the push and pull of love.  He is distressed over the state of the relationship, eventually questioning if he’s held onto the past for too long.

https://youtu.be/-xam6M36KzA

25. Ed Sheeran, “Castle on the Hill”

÷

[Atlantic] 

The second Ed Sheeran song, “Castle on the Hill,” embraces more of the singer-songwriter, pop-rock sound. Sheeran superbly constructs a narrative, autobiographical approach, particularly on the verses. The chorus is the selling point, as he delivers enthusiastic, energetic vocals.  Beyond thoughtfully composed verses and chorus, the bridge is incredibly strong.

26. Rag’n’Bone Man, “Human”

Human

[Sony UK]

“Human,” the breakthrough single by Rag’n’Bone Man has been around since 2016 but didn’t grace the charts until 2017.  It has all the ingredients of a hit – It’s groovy, well written, and it’s chocked full of soulful vibes. Furthermore, it’s relatable – “I’m only human after all / Don’t put the blame on me.”

27. Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid, “1-800-273-8255” *

Everybody 

“1-800-273-8255” is named after 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. Alessia Cara enters the picture, flaunting a beautiful vocal performance.  The sound is angelic, but not morbid, marking the realization of life and a new beginning. Khalid appears at the end of the record, adding the punctuation mark; the suicidal person has seen the light of life.  Ultimately, “1-800-273-8255” is an uplifting, relevant, and well performed gem.

28. Sigrid, “Don’t Kill My Vibe” *

Don’t Kill My Vibe – EP

Sigrid isn’t a big name…YET. Judging by her soaring pop single “Don’t Kill My Vibe,” the 20-year old Norwegian artist won’t experience a lack of notoriety for long. “Don’t Kill My Vibe” latches from a first listen with its exuberant vocals and compelling production to match.  Who would dare kill this girl’s vibe?

29. The xx, “Dangerous”

I See You

“Dangerous” kicks off I See You with a controlled punch.  The brass hits give the opener an edge, but the record never grows raucous or loses the sense of control. The groove is infectious, while the cool, calm, and collected approach of Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim is quite successful. Perhaps calling “Dangerous” electrifying is an overstatement, but it sets the bar high for I See You and easily ranks among the year’s best.

30. Zedd & Alessia Cara, “Stay”

The collaboration between Zedd and Alessia Cara on “Stay” is magical all in all.  Cara imparts tale of desire, wishing him to stay despite the fact he’s leaving.  Attached, she admits her shortcomings throughout the course of the song.  The best moment comes on the chorus, where she truly rises to the occasion, backed by the sick production work of Zedd.  Never overproduced, “Stay” always remains in control, never crossing the line.