Top 50 songs of 2017…. So far

Top 50 songs of 2017…. So far

Firstly, I’d just like to apologise for my lack of posting over the past month or so. I’ve been completely swamped with assignments and other stuff, but anyway, now that we’re about half-way through 2017, I thought I’d take this opportunity to rate my top 50 songs of this year so far. Enjoy!

50:

Everything Now- Arcade Fire

After their rather disappointing 2017 single release ‘I Give You Power’, Canadian alternative outfit Arcade Fire returned to their usual form with the superb track ‘Everything Now’. A 5-minute-long happy-go-lucky epic that is bound to get any Arcade Fire fan excited for their upcoming studio album.

49:

1 Night - Mura Masa feat. Charli XCX

This dancey jam from Guernsey born DJ Mura Masa featuring indie-pop songstress Charli XCX is bound to get any party jumping this summer with its super cool beat and catchy hook. Fans can expect a full LP from Mura Masa later on in 2017.

48:

Goodbye Soleil- Phoenix

French indie-dance outfit produced a brilliant track in ‘Goodbye Soleil’. Sounding like a 70’s electronica club song with its funky keyboard and jangly guitar chords, this song would not sound out of place on a Daft Punk album and it is sure to make anyone feel positive about the impending lack of sunshine that we can expect this summer. After all, this is England.

47:

Ill Ray (The King) – Kasabian

Despite the general disappointment surrounding Kasabian’s new album ‘For Crying Out Loud’, the record’s opening song truly was an accomplishment. A pounding 3 and a half minutes of proper rock music from the Leicester lads that set up high expectations for the rest of the album, shame it didn’t deliver.

46:

Mask Off – Future

Drake’s mate Future produced a catchy, yet somewhat surprisingly good, song in ‘Mask Off’ earlier this year. With its infectious beat and catchy, yet not entirely understandable, chorus, ‘Mask Off’ is bound to have clubs and parties jumping throughout summer 2017.  The remix version featuring Kendrick Lamar is also worth checking out!

45:

Symmetry – Colouring

‘Symmetry’ from up-and-coming indie band Colouring was one of the first new songs and I noticed in 2017. And it’s gentle yet provocative nature made it an easy choice for this list. A truly great and emotional song, I thoroughly recommend checking it out.

44:

Panther like a Panther (Miracle Mix) – Run the Jewels feat. Trina

American rap duo Run the Jewels created a true cacophony of hard, fast paced, politically incorrect rap on ‘Panther like a Panther’. This group are leading a protest at the current state of their country via their music, and I for one am not complaining if the quality is this good.

43:

Ballad of the Dying Man – Father John Misty

Indie crooner Father John Misty (real name Josh Tilman) gave us a real insight into his mind on ‘Ballad of the Dying Man’, a superb take on what it is like to be a 30-something individual in 2017 and a humorous, witty look at all life’s foibles.

42:

Get It- Rejjie Snow feat. Joyce Wrire

22-year-old Irish rapper (yes, that’s right, I said Irish rapper) Rejjie Snow has had a brilliant 2017 so far. His mini-album ‘The Moon and You’ has been extremely well received and its standout single ‘Get It’ is a funky, catchy modern anthem that is sure to get anyone feeling groovy. Also, listen for the Jay-Z diss in this song.

41:

Dangerous - The xx

Indie London trio The xx returned in 2017 with their 3^rd studio album ‘I See You. ‘Dangerous’, my favourite track off the album, effectively utilises Jamie xx’s DJ skills with its dancehall like beat in the background that helps it become great. This, paired with the lush vocals of Oliver and Romy from the band, creates an amazing sound.

40:

Cloud 9 – Jamiroquai

Jamiroquai has been round for a long time now, some people would probably say too long. But, for me, he’s still producing exciting music. The banger that is ‘Cloud 9’ is typical Jay Kay with its disco-inspired sound is a proper fun anthem that manages to make you instantly happy and content.

39:

Bad and Boujee - Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert

One of 2017’s success stories has to be American rap trio Migos. They arrived from pretty much nowhere early this year and are now global superstars. And trap track ‘Bad and Boujee’ enables them to live up to this reputation. It’s an instantly catchy track that is sure to be a staple of any house party playlist this summer.

38:

Giving it All – Tom Grennan

Young indie singer-songwriter Tom Grennan’s track ‘Giving it All’ became one of my favourite songs of this year as soon as I heard it. It’s a very catchy track that incorporates an infectious chorus with some brilliant vocals to create a brilliant overall sound. Music fans can expect big things from Tom for the rest of 2017.

37:

June – Tigers Jaw

‘June’, from American indie-rock outfit Tigers Jaw, is a lovely song that revolves around the idea of best friends and friendship. Featuring a guitar sound and lush vocals, ‘June’ is an excellent track for anyone feeling emotional about their friends.

36:

Orthodox Man – Blaenavon

Taken from debut album ‘That’s your Lot’, British indie-rock trio Blaenavon’s track ‘Orthodox Man’ is a gorgeous and heartfelt love letter. Sounding like a combination of Radiohead and Morrissey, any true music fan should check out ‘Orthodox Man’ and Blaenavon.

35:

Chronic Sunshine – Cosmo Pyke

‘Chronic Sunshine’ by young singer-songwriter Cosmo Pyke is a half jazzy, half indie-rock mashup in which the youthful singer shows his inventive side in order to create a truly fantastic track. Imagine a jazzy Jamie T from 1974, then you’d get Cosmo Pyke.

34:

Blood Under My Belt – The Drums

American indie band ‘The Drums’ have shied away from the music limelight since their debut album was released nearly 10 years ago. However, they appear to be back on top form if ‘Blood Under My Belt’ is anything to go by. The track uses happy sounding guitar chords that jangle along the spine of this song and the unmistakeable vocals of frontman Jonathan Pierce to create a very positive, catchy track. Fans can expect the full LP ‘Abysmal Thoughts’ to drop on the 16^th of June

33:

Look at Me! – Xxxtentacion

Young US genre shifting rapper Xxxtentacion has a lot of people who despise him to, understandably due to his regular stints in jail, constant videos of him fighting on social media appearing and his (sometimes) grossly taboo lyrics. However, you cannot hate his standout single ‘Look at Me!’. It’s refreshingly aggressive style is a true testament to the musical ability of the young Florida resident.

32:

Biggest Fan – Will Joseph Cook

Young indie singer-songwriter created a love letter in the form of ‘Biggest Fan’. A wonderful track that revolves around a love that is extremely similar to a mega fan of an artist, an interesting take that’s for sure. Cook’s debut album ‘Sweet Dreamer’ is out now and is definitely worth listening to.

31:

Bring it Back – Lil Yachty

Humorous American rapper Lil Yachty truly displayed his youthful naivety on debut album ‘Teenage Emotions’ and this was truly epitomised on ‘Bring It Back’. Its trap inspired beat paired with the surprisingly strong lyrics of Yachty enabled this song to become one of my favourite rap tracks of 2017.

30:

3WW – Alt-J

This 5-minute epic from alternative trip Alt-J is a slow-burning, murky trip to the bottom of a dirty swap, yet somehow how the band manage to make it sound beautiful. Also, the inclusion of Wolf Alice singer Ellie Rowsell helps this song to become great and lullaby-sounding.

29:

KMT – Drake feat. Giggs

The interesting combination of Candian hip-hop artist and British grime star Giggs worked amazingly well on club banger ‘KMT’. Despite many internet users claimed that the style of ‘KMT’ was stolen from Xxxtentacion’s track ‘Look at Me!’, the tracl still managed to become a firm favourite with Drake fans. Both of the artists on this track absolutely killed it and it has since propelled Giggs into global stardom.

28:

XO TOUR LIF3 – Lil Uzi Vert

Lil Uzi Vert is very different to the majority of young rappers coming out of America at the minute. He has a certain edge to himself and his music that allows him to stand out from the crowd, and on ‘XO TOUR LIF3’, he certainly lives up this reputation via it’s disturbing lyrics and catchy hook.

27:

U Dno – Ben FM

Not a lot of people seem to be aware of Ben FM, and to be fair I came across him by accident. Yet, I must urge you to all listen to him. The indie, white Kendrick Lamar has produced a brilliant song in ‘U Dno’ with its jazzy vibe and London-style vocals. The track is subtly beautiful and has been one of my favourite songs of this year for a long time now.

26:

White Privilege – IDLES

Bristol agro punk group Idles debut album ‘Brutalism’ is brilliant and its title is certainly apt for the type of music in which they produce. Their politically-inspired tracks are a sharp wake-up call for any current British citizen. On ‘White Privilege’, the band tackle the growing gap between the rich and poor in superb, angry fashion that is sure to send shivers down the spine of any billionaire and Tory voter.

25:

Epitaph – Hippo Campus

‘Epitaph’ is a wonderful track taken from American indie-rock band Hippo Campus’ latest studio album. It starts as a delicate, laidback track before bursting into life with an extremely infectious chorus and a gorgeous sound.

24:

Ancient Water – Future Islands

Future Islands emerged out of nowhere in 2014 with their album ‘Singles’, however since then it has been relatively quiet and people would not have been made to feel silly if they had forgotten about the Baltimore indie-pop group. Yet, in 2017, the band emerged from the musical wilderness with their great new album ‘The Far Field’. The album had a number of really good songs on it, however the standout track for me was ‘Ancient Water’. It’s a slow-burning epic that truly epitomises everything that is wonderful about this band.

23:

Location – Khalid

19-year-old RnB singer Khalid seemed to appear from nowhere in 2017. However, despite this surprise step into the limelight, his music is truly brilliant. On ‘Location’, Khalid truly displays his vocal ability with this laidback track that would be perfect for any end of the night after party.

22:

Reverse Faults – Sampha

Sampha has forever been recognised for his song writing ability over the last few years. Writing for Drake, SBTRKT, Kanye West and Frank Ocean to name but a few in the past, Sampha finally had a go at it for himself in 2017 with his debut album ‘Process’. One of the standout tracks from the album was ‘Reverse Faults’. The track is a smooth electronica journey into Sampha’s soul that results in an awe-inspiring sound that any music fan would be happy to hear.

21:

Want You Back – Haim

Ahead of the release of their 2^nd studio album ‘Something to Tell You’ (due to be released in early July), indie all-female band Haim released the single ‘Want You Back’. A stereotypical Haim track that utilises everything that made their first album such a success to full effect with its happy sounding guitar chords, positive keyboard sounds and lush vocals. Haim are back!

20:

Saltwater – Geowulf

This dreamy journey from indie-pop duo Geowful is a track that soaks you in gorgeous harmonies, pirouetting synths, and decadent electronics. I’m sure you can big things from Geowulf if ‘Saltwater’ is anything to go by.

19:

Hotel Apathy – The Magic Gang

Despite only being a B-Side, ‘Hotel Apathy’ by The Magic Gang is easily one of the band’s best songs of their career so far. It’s a lush, dreamy love song that incorporates an extremely catchy chorus that enables this song to become something truly special.

18:

Magnolia – Playboy Carti

The trap music takeover of modern music seems to not be slowing down one iota in 2017, especially if ‘Magnolia’ by A$ap Mob member Playboy Carti is anything to go by. Despite its relatively poor lyrics, the track becomes awesome due to its sheer catchiness and ability to make you feel instantly funky. This one is definitely a dancefloor filler at any house party, club night or festival for summer 2017. 

17:

Cigarettes & Cush – Stormzy feat. Kehlani

The combination of grime superstar Stormzy and American RnB singer Kehlani is absolutely wonderful on ‘Cigarettes & Cush’. The single, taken from Stormzy’s debut album, is a soft musical take on the importance of weed in a relationship. An interesting topic that should be difficult to make sound gorgeous, however Stormzy and Kehlani successfully manage it with ease.

16:

Slide – Calvin Harris feat. Frank Ocean & Migos

In my opinion, Calvin Harris has slowly, but definitely, slid downhill in terms of music ability since his superb debut album dropped in 2007. However, his latest single ‘Slide’ featuring American superstar Frank Ocean and the rap outfit Migos, is a somewhat surprisingly brilliant summer anthem that seems to put Harris back up to his decade old musical ability. The features also work extremely together on ‘Slide’ to help propel this song into the musical stratosphere.

15:

This Old Dog – Mac Demarco

Canadian indie slacker creates a typically dreamy track in ‘This Old Dog’ that use its intended subtle style to enable it to become brilliant. The titular track of Demarco’s latest studio album is definitely worth checking out.

14:

No Security – Skepta

Skepta dropped half of ‘No Security’ on Apple Radio’s OVO Beats Halloween show however it was not released properly into spring of 2017. The new version had a brand-new verse and the track certainly displayed Skepta’s talent and cemented his reputation as the best grime artist out there at the minute.

13:

DNA – Kendrick Lamar

Taken from his 3^rd studio album ‘Damn’, ‘DNA’ is a fast-paced, hardcore rap piece that is a million miles away from the ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ Kendrick era. This political track tackles a number of current issues in a fantastic manner and the song itself is sure to become a firm favourite with true Kendrick fans. Be sure to check out the brilliant video for ‘DNA’ featuring Don Cheadle too!

12:

Saw You in a Dream – The Japanese House

The 1975’s mate ‘The Japanese House’ produced one of 2017’s most gorgeously subtle tracks with ‘Saw You in a Dream’. The track is a journey into the singer’s subconscious that ultimately creates an amazing, lullaby inspired overall song that any true music fan should appreciate.

11:

There’s a Honey – Pale Waves

Pale Waves, another up-and-coming indie band that have signed to The 1975’s label, created a truly mesmerising track in ‘There’s a Honey’. The song incorporates gorgeous vocals with an infectious chorus and beautiful instrumental pieces to form an awe-inspiring track that is one of my favourites of this year so far.

10:

Cruel – The Rhythm Method feat. Zoee

This humorous, yet brilliant, take on modern life for young individuals living in the UK from indie outfit The Rhythm Method is certainly different from their normal style of music. The track incorporates dancehall like vibes with deadpan London vocals to help create a brilliantly funky track. This song also has one of my favourite lyrics of 2017 so far in “Never can get it up, So I just get down. Take a little white pill, it’ll see me round.”

9:

Euromillions – Life

Hull punkers Life released their Donald Trump inspired single ‘Euromillions’ in early 2017 and it instantly caught my attention. It’s raw and aggressive nature enabled it to stand out from the vast majority of music I was listening to at that point and it helped me appreciate the beauty of this style of music. The band’s debut album ‘Popular Music’ is out now and is well worth a listen.

8:

Damselfly – Loyle Carner feat. Tom Misch

Young British rapper Loyle Carner incorporated jazzy horns, jangly guitar chords and soul vibes thanks to his mate Tom Misch on ‘Damselfly’. The track is a brilliant representation of the quality of British rap and it’s stripped back, lazy style enables it to stand out from the crowd.

7:

(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano – Sampha

‘(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano’ is the 2^nd appearance by Sampha on this list, and once you listen to it, it is easy to understand why it is so high up on the list. This gorgeous ballad is a love letter from Sampha to his favourite instrument, the piano, which sound kind of embarrassing, but the beautifulness of this track allows you to forget about the theme of this song and simply become immersed into a dreamlike state.

6:

Passionfruit – Drake

When I first heard ‘Passionfruit’ by Drake I never would have expected it to be this high up on this list. However, it has gradually grown on me and is now one of my favourite songs of this year so far. The dancehall inspired track is bound to get anyone up on their feet this summer.

5:

In Cold Blood – Alt-J

The 2^nd appearance of Alt-J in this list should be no surprise to any true music fan. The binary code inspired track (yes, you read that right) is another superb track from the alternative trio that is typical of the band that time and time again produces consistently brilliant material. However, despite the fact that 2 out of the 8 songs featuring on their new album have featured on this list, the album overall is not great, especially compared to its 2 predecessors.

4:

Mother – IDLES

British punk band Idles remained typically angry on standout track ‘Mother’. It’s catchy yet powerful lyrics and hard instrumentals enable this song to easily become one of my favourite songs of this year so far. Just a reminder, if you vote Conservative, I’d recommend not listening to this track as you may feel particularly violated.

3:

Hard Times – Paramore

I am not normally a fan of American punk-pop band Paramore. However, in 2017, they appeared to have made to a drastic, yet wonderful, change to their typical musical style. ‘Hard Times’ is a fun, exciting, funky, infectious track that is bound to get any hard-core mid 2000’s emo up on their feet and dancing in their Docs.

2:

Ascension – Gorillaz feat. Vince Staples

Damon Albarn’s lovechild Gorillaz made a very welcome return in early 2017. The standout track from their latest studio album for me had to be the extremely exciting ‘Ascension’. The track, featuring young American rapper Vince Staples, is a fast paced rollercoaster ride that leaves the listener feeling worn out by the end of it, but worn out and happy.

1:

Humble – Kendrick Lamar

And here we have it, my favourite track of 2017 so far, and who would expect anything different. The return of Kendrick in 2017 was extremely welcome and its first single ‘Humble’ was a brilliantly produced attack on the current rap scene that definitely cemented Lamar’s position as the king of current rap. The track was extremely well received due to its sheer ambitious nature and clear shift in style for Lamar. ‘Humble’ also played an intrinsic part in the success of his 3^rd studio album ‘Damn’.