Seventeen | 5ive Songs

On the 10^th edition of 5ive Songs (2022), we select five songs that are associated with SEVENTEEN in some form or fashion.  

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elcome to 5ive Songs, where we keep things short and sweet – no extra calories or needless fluff! There’s a theme/topic, five songs, and a short blurb.  Yes, it’s a playlist, but it’s a miniature playlist that shouldn’t take much time to consume.  On the 10^th edition of 5ive Songs (2022), we select five songs that are associated with SEVENTEEN in some form or fashion.  Okay, let’s get into it!

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1. Sam Fender, “Seventeen Going Under”

Seventeen Going Under • Polydor • 2021

Bruce Springsteen is a superb choice for a musical icon, wouldn’t you agree? The Boss kicks ass at what he does, so, why wouldn’t you want to emulate/be inspired by his sheer excellence. Sam Fender, one of the bright young singer/songwriter voices of the 2010s-20s, has that Springsteen influence, and it bodes well in his favor.  He killed it on his 2019 debut, Hypersonic Missiles, and continues ‘kicking ass and taking names’ on Seventeen Going Under.

“I remember the sickness was forever

I remember snuff videos

Cold Septembers, the distances we covered

The fist fights on the beach…”

“Seventeen Going Under” commences the British singer/songwriter’s 2021 sophomore album. The record is superbly executed, featuring commanding, expressive vocals from Fender, exceptional songwriting, and bright production work courtesy of Bramwell Bronte. Focusing on the writing, Fender is authentic and honest with his pen.  He delivers poetry, but also slips in an f-bomb for good measure by the third verse (“See, I spent my teens enraged, spirallin’ in silence / And I armed myself with a grin / ‘Cause I was always the fuckin’ joker…”).  Interestingly, the titular lyric doesn’t arrive until the end.  The build up to that point is marvelous.

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2. Travis Scott, “NC-17” (Ft. 21 Savage)

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018

“Bust it down, she talkin’ body language (It’s lit) / Eating that ‘punane’, got my bangs wet (eat it up).” Oh my… Among the best and most interesting rap albums of 2018 was undoubtedly ASTROWORLD by Travis Scott.  Safe to say, the Houston rapper finally had his ‘surefire’ moment artistically.  Among the most elite cuts from ASTROWORLD is a smooth, club joint, “NC-17”. As to be expected, “NC-17” is sexually charged to the n^th degree.

Case in point – the chorus:

“Me and my bitch, I swear we like the same sex

Fuck with all my chains on, let’s have chain sex

Hangin’ with the gang, you get your fangs wet

Wanna kick with the gang, you gotta bang it.”

Grammy winner 21 Savage guests on the second verse, the perfect match for this laid-back, minor-key banger.  In true fuckboy fashion, Savage asserts early on, “Three main bitches thinkin’ they my main bitch / Hit the club and swap the hoes I came with.” NC-17 indeed!

Appears in :

• 21 Songs That Dabble in Lust & Carnal Matters

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3. Pink Sweat$, “17”

Pink Planet • Atlantic • 2021

Cool, but energetic; never breaks a sweat, yet still packs a punch.  These are some ways to characterize R&B singer/songwriter, Pink Sweat$ ( David Bowden).  He’s quite potent, but he doesn’t rely on gospel histrionics to get the job done.  Bowden impresses on “17”, a highlight from his 2021 album, Pink Planet.

“17” is sound through and through.  Pink Sweat$ delivers a gorgeous, refined vocal – nearly perfectly executed.  Beyond the vocal performance, the production is sweet, with Bowden collaborating with John Hill.  The backdrop is nothing too wild – drums, bass, light pop/rock guitar, and keyboards. The subtlety is a match made in heaven given Bowden’s knack for restraint as opposed to overt. Lyrically, it’s alluring too.  The theme of love is nothing new, but the dedication that Pink Sweat$ sings about is awesome. “I would need a million words / If I tried to define / All the things you mean to me,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Every time you touch me / You remind me that I’m still alive.” That last part is suggestive, but at the same time, Bowden doesn’t truly go left of center.  The best moment is the chorus, which Bowden closes out singing, “I wanna love you as strong when we’re ninety-two / The same as seventeen.”

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4. Alessia Cara, “Seventeen”

Know-It-All • Def Jam • 2015

Alessia Cara starts her 2015 debut album, Know-It-All, off exceptionally.  How so? Well, to the tune of highlight, “Seventeen.” “I was too young to understand what it means / I couldn’t wait ‘til I could be seventeen,” Cara sings on the memorable, relatable record.

Cara continues singing, “I thought he lied when he said take my time to dream / Now I wish I could freeze the time at seventeen.” Ooh wee, child!  Basically, “Seventeen” is a prime example of the old eager to grow up then wishing for time to freeze/slow down.  “Seventeen” is certainly a terrific opening statement for the Grammy winner.

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5. Stevie Nicks, “Edge of Seventeen”

Bella Donna • Modern • 1981

“But the moment / That I first laid / Eyes on him / All alone on the edge of seventeen.” One song comes to mind when you think about Stevie Nicks: “Edge of Seventeen” – DUH! “Edge of Seventeen” appears on Nicks’ iconic 1981 debut album, Bella Donna.  Ah, those post-Fleetwood Mac days! “Edge of Seventeen” is a vibe start to finish, beginning with its driving, rhythmic guitar and of course, the drum groove.  Vocally, Nicks sounds powerful, as a superstar should.

Besides the signature groove, I’d argue the chorus is one of the most memorable of all-time.  Besides the catchy lyrics, “Edge of Seventeen” has a timeless melody, one I certainly wish I’d penned!

“Just like the white winged dove

Sings a song

Sounds like she’s singin’

Whoo-whoo-whoo.”

Woo, indeed! The song encompasses grief for a deceased uncle and assassinated musician John Lennon, as well as inspiration from friend Tom Petty and his first wife, who essentially named the song.  The big takeaway from “Edge of Seventeen” – it’s one of the greatest songs of all time. Notably, it’s been sampled numerous times.

Appears in :

• Stevie Nicks, “Edge of Seventeen”: Throwback Vibez 21 (2022)

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Seventeen: 5ive Songs No. 10 (2022) [: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Clovis Cheminot, Def Jam, Eren Li via Pexels,  Epic, Modern, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay, Polydor]

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