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

51. Bleachers, “Hate That You Know Me” *

Gone Now

From the jump, “Hate That You Know Me” has hit written all over it. On the verses, Jack Antonoff builds the case against things he dislikes about himself.  He seems to be lying to others, and arguably, even to himself.  His lover, however, can read between all the BS.

“Oo-oo-ooh / Long way down / You’re such a heart attack / But it feels like oo-oo-ooh / Pressure points / They pressure you right back / Come on, think about it.”

An uncredited Carly Rae Jepsen gives Antonoff a brilliant assist, even though she’s not prominently featured. Ultimately, he outdoes himself here. 

52. Sia, “Free Me” *

 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.

53. George Ezra, “Don’t Matter Now” *

George Ezra keeps it short and sweet on “Don’t Matter Now.” The production is exuberant, channeling vintage rock and soul.  The rhythmic guitar, bass lines, and horns stand out in particular.  Add to the mix sensational backing vocals and a fun, carefree performance from Ezra. All in all, George has a good thing going for him.

54. Spoon, “Hot Thoughts” *

Hot Thoughts

Spirited gem “Hot Thoughts” possesses a danceable quality, despite the fact Spoon isn’t a pop band.  Even given pop sensibilities, “Hot Thoughts” rocks hard enough to please fans and rock enthusiasts alike. Musically and lyrically, “Hot Thoughts” proves to be enticing. Britt Daniel and company partake of innuendo, but never cross the line.

https://youtu.be/mkxz93GohDs

55. SZA ft. Kendrick Lamar, “Doves in the Wind” *

Ctrl

“Doves in the Wind,” packs the biggest punch of Ctrl, focusing on p***y. SZA seems to be disgusted by shallowness.  There’s more to a relationship and life than just sex.  Kendrick Lamar expounds on p-power on the second verse, uttering the word at least 17 times. 

56. Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley, “Chained to the Rhythm” *

Witness

“Chained to the Rhythm” is arguably the crowning achievement from Witness, the fifth studio album by Katy Perry that’s drawing its fair share of criticism. The groove is infectious, while the production successfully blends urban- and tropical-pop.  Lyrically, this song is catchy and thought-provoking; the verses are socially and politically relevant. Skip Marley only plays a small role, never overshadowing Perry. The chorus propels “Chained to the Rhythm” to the next level.

57. Migos ft. 2 Chainz, “Deadz” *

Culture

On Migos’ breakthrough album Culture, “Deadz” piques interest thanks to its robust, brassy intro. At the top, they assertively chant, “You niggas in trouble.” Takeoff delivers the best flow, slaughtering the third verse:

“Hop out the bed and I’m countin’ them faces / I jump out the whip and them bitches start faintin’ / No twenties or fifties, just Benjamin Franklins / Block on lock call me Kurt Angle.”

58. alt-J, “In Cold Blood” *

Relaxer

“In Cold Blood” features a sharp, gritty, and robust sound. This fun, deadly record centers around “Pool, summer, summer, pool, pool summer / Kiss me.” Clever wordplay and trying to interpret the record itself makes it a surefire gem.

59. Mary J. Blige ft. Kanye West, “Love Yourself”

The Strength of a Woman 

“Love Yourself” delivers a sense of drama and heartfelt emotion from the start. Blige sets up the record, discussing love. After a slow, mysterious start, the hip-hop soul kicks in.  Hard, anchoring drums, a brilliant, looped trumpet sample, and Blige bestowing bountiful blessings with strong, emotional vocals, establish “Love Yourself” as the crème de la crème. The most memorable moment occurs during the chorus. Ultimately, the Strength of a Woman is showcased.

60. Big Sean, “Sunday Morning Jetpack”

I Decided.

“Sunday Morning Jetpack” ranks among the most mellow songs on I Decided.  Furthermore, it is one of the most beautiful songs on under-the-radar LP.  Big Sean thrives in reflective mode, while The-Dream used limitedly, also sounds exceptional.  The hook is a shining spot:

“Thank you, God, for all my setbacks / ‘Cause he the reason I’m able to give back / This feels like my Sunday morning jetpack / Feel like I sent prayers up and got blessed back…”