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

40. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Anxiety” *

The Nashville Sound

“Anxiety” is nothing short of epic. Isbell can’t get past his anxiety. What causes his anxiety is life itself.  On the first verse, he’s worried about losing his family, which is his world.  On the second verse, he starts it off with “It’s the weight of the world.” The music on this song is awesome, particularly the instrumental at the end.

41. The Chainsmokers ft. Coldplay, “Something Just Like This”

Memories…Do Not Open 

There’s a lot to criticize about Memories…Do Not Open, the debut album from The Chainsmokers.  However, “Something Just Like This,” a collaboration with Coldplay, is a bright spot.  Drew Taggart relinquishes lead vocal duties to Chris Martin and “it was very good…”  something like that. The record’s best moments come on the chorus, which is chocked full of exuberance, courtesy of the vocals, synths, and driving rhythm.

42. 2 Chainz ft. Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz & Jhené Aiko, “It’s a Vibe” *

Pretty Girls Like Trap Music

2 Chainz strikes gold on “It’s a Vibe.” Depth is eschewed, but the vibe is legit.  Ty Dolla $ign and Trey Songz perfectly amplify the sexual intent of the number.  2 Chainz spends his verse rapping about money, sex, and hustling. Adding the feminine touch is Jhené Aiko, who sounds as sensual as ever in her sweetest, ‘cool-as-a-cucumber’ voice.

43. Calvin Harris ft. Future & Khalid, “Rollin” *

Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1

“Rollin,” the third single from Calvin Harris’ new album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, provides some truly enticing ear candy. Harris is on-point in regards to production work, while Khalid does shows off his glorious vocal talents against a chill AF backdrop.  Future delivers a performance that’s a bit rough around the edges, but nowhere near killing the killer vibe.

44. Fleet Foxes, “Third of May / Ōdaigahara” *

Crack-Up 

“Third of May / Ōdaigahara” is the crème de la crème of Crack-Up, the third studio album by Fleet Foxes. A truly epic record, only the brave will attempt to decode the lyrics themselves.  Thankfully, frontman Robin Pecknold gives his own annotations, explaining his brilliant use of homophones, coincidences, and various dates.  In addition to the breathtaking, specific lyricism, the music is equally genius, shifting from major to minor, and incorporating Japanese music at the end.

45. Zayn & Taylor Swift, “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker)” *

Fifty Shades Darker

Zayn and Taylor Swift combine for an exceptional collaboration on “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker).” Zayn delivers mad vocals, with a ripe falsetto dripping in sex and swagger.  The chorus is catchy; epic and bright in sound and vibe. Swift enters the picture on the second verse, sounding great in her upper register. On the second refrain they join forces, constructing a sound, collaborative experience.

46. David Guetta Ft. Justin Bieber, “2U” *

French DJ extraordinaire David Guetta enlists the more-popular-than-ever pop sensation Justin Bieber for a hot, summer single, “2U.” Bieber is allowed the opportunity to showcase the sheer beauty of his voice. “2U” highlights his vocal abilities overall – falsetto and various nuances. Producers Giorgio Tuinfort and Guetta showcase incredible musicality given their restraint on the verses.  On the chorus, Guetta lets loose, incorporating a more hard-hitting sound, complemented well by Bieber.

47. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Hope the High Road” *

The Nashville Sound

“Hope the High Road” features an edgy sound thanks to gritty guitars. Throughout the verses, Isbell depicts a series of unfortunate happenings.  On the second verse in particular, these happenings include the turbulent 2016, which he describes as “a son of a bitch.” Despite the adversity, on the chorus, Isbell states, “I hope the high road leads you home again / To a world you want to live in.”

48. Adam Lambert, “Two Fux” *

“Two Fux” is a well-produced record from Adam Lambert that blends pop, rock, and even a dash of urban flavor superbly.  The best moment comes near the end when Lambert lets loose vocally, showing off his magnificent, dynamic pipes.  “Two Fux” speaks to owning nonconformity and being unafraid to be different.

49. Sam Hunt, “Body Like a Back Road” 

On “Body Like a Back Road,” new-look country sensation Sam Hunt continues to blend country with urban music sensibilities. The sound is predominantly country, but elements of the groove and swagger hail directly from the urban script. During the first verse, Hunt is honest about what shawty does to him.  Similarly, on the second verse, the focuses on her stunning looks, particularly her assets. On the hook, he confirms his infatuation:

“Body like a back road, drivin’ with my eyes closed / I know every curve like the back of my hand / Doin’ 15 in a 30, I ain’t in no hurry / I’ma take it slow just as fast as I can.” 

50. Fleet Foxes, “If You Need To, Keep Time on Me” *

Crack-Up

“If You Need To, Keep Time on Me” is one of the most accessible songs from Crack-Up, the third studio album from Fleet Foxes. Accessibility doesn’t hurt the songwriting.  Robin Pecknold and company offer a hint at the onset as to what the song is about with a particular date: January 20, 2017.  That, friends, was the day that Donald J. Trump officially became the 45^th President of the United States.