January 1, 20187 yr Author 25 DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild Thoughts UK peak: #1 (Platinum) US peak: #2 (3x Platinum) Kicking this section off is a massive #1 from this year! Of course with Rihanna on board this was gonna be brilliant, her vocal on this is amazing and so confident as always bring a fire of passion to the song. Bryson Tiller fits perfectly with his R&B vibes and the Santana sampled riff elevates this to epic status, such a summer jam. 24 Kesha – Praying UK peak: #26 US peak: #22 (Platinum) From one of the big firey hits of the year to one the most stunning emtional and wonderfully triumphant. Obviously we all know what Kesha went through and her past makes this song very much an emotionally charged affair, so fitting as her big return. Gone is the autotune and the huge pop production and here is a new Kesha, using her amazing voice and emoting in every line, with a huge amount of soul and passion that makes this something really special. 23 Selena Gomez – Bad Liar UK peak: #21 (Silver) US peak: #20 (Gold) One of the most unique songs of the year and a bit of a surprise came from Selena Gomez with this muted pop-rock track. This wasn't exactly a commercial choice fo a lead, but it was commendable that she did what she wanted. She's definitely found her lane, people always say she can't sing but she always knows how to use her voice to its strengths. This uses a sample of the riff from Psycho by Talking Heads to keep a steady beat behind the sexy and coy vocals, it's a song only Selena could really have pulled off. 22 Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana UK peak: #1 (Platinum) US peak: #2 (2x Platinum) Another UK #1 is next, this time from one of the breakout stars of the year in Camila Cabello. This is one of the faces of this year's incessant Latin trend, and the best example imo. This is on trend without being too generic or trend chasing, it's just a brilliant pop song sung perfectly with the exact right confidence and attitude, imbued with am immense catchiness - that chorus will not leave your head. 21 Little Mix – Touch UK peak: #4 (Platinum) US peak: N/A Just missing out on the all important top 20 is Little Mix's first single of the year and one of their biggest hits ever. This is a huge tropical influenced pop banger, exactly the sort of song they're in their element on.
January 2, 20187 yr A good Top for the moment!!! Cut To The Feeling is nice, a shame she didn't push the song Praying and Touch :wub:
January 3, 20187 yr Author A good Top for the moment!!! Cut To The Feeling is nice, a shame she didn't push the song Praying and Touch :wub: I guess not having a video didn't help :lol:
January 3, 20187 yr 25 DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild Thoughts Good song, love the sample! 24 Kesha – Praying Fantastic song, great to see Kesha returning! 23 Selena Gomez – Bad Liar Not a bad song, expected worse 22 Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana Love this song and Camila has grown on me a lot! 21 Little Mix – Touch The song is amazing!
January 4, 20187 yr Author 25 DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller – Wild Thoughts Good song, love the sample! 24 Kesha – Praying Fantastic song, great to see Kesha returning! 23 Selena Gomez – Bad Liar Not a bad song, expected worse 22 Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – Havana Love this song and Camila has grown on me a lot! 21 Little Mix – Touch The song is amazing! Yaass sample works so well in Wild Thought <3
January 4, 20187 yr Author 20 Taylor Swift – I Did Something Bad "If a man talks shit then I owe him nothing, and if he spends my change then he had it coming" UK peak: N/A US peak: #114 Kicking off the top 20 is one of just two songs in the top 20 that was not released as a single. This banger has among my fave production on Reputation, with a slew of amazing lyrics too that I keep quoting. This just feels so huge, the chorus is an explosion after the already imactful verses. I'm already imagining the big budget incredible video this could slay us with if it's a single *gets a your video to close the era* 19 CNCO & Little Mix – Reggaeton Lento "Your hands are on my waist, my lips you wanna taste, come muévete, muévete, muévete" UK peak: #5 (Gold) US peak: #103 Bringing some caliente Latin flare to the top 20 is Little Mix again, alongside fellow Syco artists, the Latino boyband CNCO with their worldwide money shot. The song was already bop as a CNCO solo, but adding the girls of the moment was only going to boost it even more! This has such a Latin burst of energy imbued in every bit of it, it's as catchy as it is hot and passionate and is such a moment to hear out which always is a cherry on top of the cake of any bop tbh. 18 Paramore – Fake Happy "You see, it's easy when I'm stomping on a beat, but no one sees me when I crawl back underneath" UK peak: N/A US peak: N/A The highest rock song this year is unsurprisingly by Paramore *.* This is comfortably the best track on their latest album, also being the one that best bridges the gap between their old days and their new song. Lyrically, it perfectly represents some typical Paramore angst and honesty, dealing with the faces we put on to fool the world when we're feeling low, and Hayley's vocal perfectly emotes and conveys those feelings as ever, which only adds to all the feeling behind the track and the relatability of it all. The instrumntal imbues it with a bit of shiny 80s goodness, befitting of the title almost, as if the bouncy synths and funky bassline are a front covering the deeper meaning the lyrics are hiding, just like we do with our feelings. 17 Shawn Mendes – There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back "You take me places that tear up my reputation, manipulate my decisions" UK peak: #4 (Platinum) US peak: #6 (2x Platinum) This is easily Shawn's best to date :wub: I did really love Stitches and Mercy/Treat You Better/I Know What You Did Last Summer were also brilliant, but I was shook at just how good this was. It's got such an edge compared to his other stuff, the foot tapping bassline backing it all just goes that bit further, his voice shows off to the fullest with more grit and rawness, it's that bit more danceable, that bit more catchy. This song perfectly built on good foundations left by previous songs and pushed them even further to become an essential song of this year. 16 Cardi B – Bodak Yellow "Honestly, don't give a fuck 'bout who ain't fond of me, dropped two mixtapes in six months, what bitch working as hard as me?" UK peak: #24 (Silver) US peak: #1 (3x Platinum) Rounding off this section is the ultimate song to rap while drunk, it's essential for pres now :lol: This is probably the biggest grower on this whole countdown, I cannot believe at first I was like "wtf is this it sounds like a bad Youtube parody of today's songs" :/ Fast forward a few months, and I know EVERY word and can rap it flawlessly, a proud talent for the CV I'm sure you'll agree x It's just SUCH an anthem, her flow is incredible and the production adds the right among without distracting from it so that Cardi is free to fully shine as the most promising new rapper around.
January 4, 20187 yr There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back is one of my favourite Shawn songs, it's really fun to listen to and really cheerful as well :D
January 5, 20187 yr I can't believe how much Bodak Yellow has grown on me, I went from actively avoiding it to putting the volume on full blast every time it plays :lol: edit: omg I didn't even read your commentary to see you basically said the same thing LMAO 40 Sam Hunt – Body Like A Back Road It was also the country number 1 for a record breaking 34 weeks (taking the record from the aforementioned hideous "song" by FGL), I know country radio moves slow but good lord, imagine one song taking up well over half the year in the chart over here? :lol:*puts on chart mod hat* Actually that chart includes downloads and streams which heavily favors crossover hits so Sam had a big advantage (it basically just means it was the highest country song on the Hot 100 for 34 weeks). On country radio alone it was only #1 for 2 weeks :magic: *takes off hat*
January 9, 20187 yr Praying is absolutely beautiful, what a triumphant comeback :wub: Lots of love for Havana, Touch, Reggaetón Lento and There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back from the last couple of sections too!
January 11, 20187 yr Author There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back is one of my favourite Shawn songs, it's really fun to listen to and really cheerful as well :D Yep definitely, it's fab <3 I can't believe how much Bodak Yellow has grown on me, I went from actively avoiding it to putting the volume on full blast every time it plays :lol: edit: omg I didn't even read your commentary to see you basically said the same thing LMAO *puts on chart mod hat* Actually that chart includes downloads and streams which heavily favors crossover hits so Sam had a big advantage (it basically just means it was the highest country song on the Hot 100 for 34 weeks). On country radio alone it was only #1 for 2 weeks :magic: *takes off hat* !!! Queen of Growing Omg that makes sense, I thought it was actual airplay I totally forgot about them merging both :lol: Praying is absolutely beautiful, what a triumphant comeback :wub: Lots of love for Havana, Touch, Reggaetón Lento and There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back from the last couple of sections too! Yaas *.* It really is triumphant for her struggle!
January 11, 20187 yr Author 15 Camila Cabello – Crying In The Club "Let the music warm your body like the heat of a thousand fires" UK peak: #12 (Gold) US peak: #47 (Gold) The final appearance from Camila is her solo debut, and something she hasn't quite beaten for me, despite scoring a UK #1 and a #1 in my shor lived chart with my EOY #22 Havana. This is such perfect pop, you can certainly more than feel the Sia influence but this just soars throughout and is so perfect for her voice even if she does emulate Sia's vocal intricacies a bit. Every listen, this just goes off and I'm glad it was a solid hit to set her up in good stead, it's just a shame it won't be on the album </3 14 Taylor Swift – Look What You Made Me Do "Honey I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time" UK peak: #1 (Gold) US peak: #1 (3x Platinum) A Taylor lead missing my top 10 EOY? :o Flop stan x I do adore this song, it just shows the high standard of singles this year. This was certainly one to get people talking, with its scathing lyrics, huge budget video (complete with Vevo record) and risk taking in the musicality, this isn't that big chorus pop track she could have returned with. On my first listen at 5am in a Glasgow Airbnb after I sat up waiting for it (only to doze off and miss the actual 5am event waking up at like 5:10) I was honestly unsure but by the time I left that morning I was stanning. The Right Said Fred sample really worms its way into your head, and the way its written has so much to it to pick out so it grows with repeated listens. It's not what I'd class as exactly the right lead but I won't hear a bad word against this :wub: 13 Wiktoria – As I Lay Me Down "And night time is calling, my judgment is falling" UK peak: N/A US peak: N/A The highest Eurovision related song this year didn't even make it to the actual contest </3 This was Wiktoria's second try at Eurovision stardom after 2016's 3rd placer Save Me, and by god did she get it right. This breezy countrified anthem is an utter blast of joy; the power in her voice sets off like a pocket rocket despite lyrics such about waking up in despair. This would have been perfect Eurovision fare, it fills me with happiness anytime I listen, but alas she was vocally a bit iffy on the Melfest final and eventually came BLOODY 6th :/ Rob, Lotti and Bal got to witness my own despair huddled around Robs phone watching her flounder when the song easily should and could have won </3 12 Childish Gambino - Redbone "I used to know, but now that shit don't feel right" UK peak: #51 US peak: #12 One of the biggest memes of 2017 also turns out to be one of my biggest faves of the year! This song is just so atmospheric, each listen feels like an experience you want to cherish and repeat. We all knew Gambino could rap his heart out, but the vocals on this knock the socks off a majority of his peers, recalling classic 70s soul vocalists with a hint of Macy Gray (leading to the iconic "Stay Woke by Macy Gray" jokes). The memes involving this were amusing too, such as Kermit singing it, what it would sound like in the bathroom of a party while making out with someone and of course the obligatory All Star by Smash Mouth mash-up. 11 Danny L Harle – 1UL "But don’t touch my heart, as if I could ever be the one you love" UK peak: N/A US peak: N/A Just missing out of the top 10 is a song that could most succinctly be described as the absolute banger we needed from PC Music. This feels so club ready, I truly believe this would be a colossal hit in the real world given half a chance. It's got that 90s eurodance floorfiller sort of feel and PC Music sensibility but would easily fit in the chart landscape today. Not a foot is put wrong in the production, lyrics, vocals, nothing. It's ridiculous that PC Music is destined to forever be confined to online circles, although one of my friends absolutely loves all this stuff so maybe there's hope for it to spread? But it feels like if this didn't get pushed and smash, nothing they do will :/
January 17, 20187 yr Author 10 Charlie Puth – Attention "I know that dress is karma, perfume regret" UK peak: #9 (Platinum) US peak: #5 (Platinum) I am SHOOK that Charlie bloody Puth of all people made a song of the year contender, but there we go :lol: I did really like We Don' Talk Anymore and Marvn Gaye was a slight bop but this is all out BANGER. I hated this initially somehow but it grew rapidly, and I'm so glad it was a hit for him as it's easily his best so far. His voice really suits this and the thumping funky bassline imbues this with so much replayability. 09 Little Mix ft. Stormzy – Power "Just 'cause you're packin', packin', whoop, down south, that don't mean I'm ever gonna take it lying down" UK peak: #6 (Platinum) US peak: N/A Bringing some girl power to the top 10 is our queens of pop Little Mix with their highest entry of the year. Being the highlight of Glory Days alongside Shout Out To My Ex, and a huge fan fave, it was only a matter of time before this became a single. And with the genius addition of Stormzy it was only a matter of time before it smashed like everythin else they release. On first glance this is so bizarre sounding for a chart hit and it is brilliantly odd and unique, but it's brimming with the usual pop goodness (vox aplenty, a huge chorus and quotable lyrics) with a feminist message that shows exactly why the girls are at the top of their game. 08 Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid – 1-800-273-8255 "And my life don’t even matter, I know it, I know it, I know I'm hurting deep down but can’t show it" UK peak: #9 (Gold) US peak: #3 (3x Platinum) The highest song with male vocals is an emotional and VERY important one from US rapper Logic. I had no idea at first that the title was the US Suicide Prevention Number so I ind of assumed it was gonna be one of those numerous tuneless mumbled rap songs that sounds like it was produced for Soundcloud in someone's mum's basement but god that could not be further from the truth. This is an emotionally charged song that never fails to make me tear up a bit, it's easy to be condescending or preachy with a message like this but it has the perfect balance with harrowing lyrics from Logic, beautiful vocals from Alessia and a hopeful, uplifting closing verse from Khalid. The video is just flawless and brought out the message even more, very possibly the best of the year. 07 Lorde – Liability "The truth is I am a toy that people enjoy, 'til all of the tricks don't work anymore" UK peak: #84 US peak: #78 I know this was top of my album rank but a certain song is still to come from Lorde... This is beyond amazing either way, the highest song on this list that was not a single! This is just stunning, her best vocal performance along with Writer In The Dark, one where she shows everything she is capable of. You feel every gut wrenching word right from the bottom of her heart; her heart is really on her sleeve with this honestly penned track. 06 Julia Michaels – Issues "When I'm down, I get real down, when I'm high, I don't come down" UK peak: #10 (Platinum) US peak: #11 (3x Platinum) Just missing out on the top 5 is 1-800's fellow Song Of The Year nominee at the Grammys! This was such a shock hit for me, but I'm glad everyone saw what a bloody great pop song this is! What Julia lacks in vocal power, she makes up for in raw emotional tone, revealing lyrics and intricate melodies. Her pop songwriting is just genus, it's such a simple song but at the same time I always feel like i'm picking up a new vocal quirk in it or a new part of the melody.
January 17, 20187 yr Nice to see 1-800 as high as it is, I don't think I fully realised what it was about when I first heard it but it is by far the most meaningful track released this year, such a worthy message :wub:
January 17, 20187 yr Author Nice to see 1-800 as high as it is, I don't think I fully realised what it was about when I first heard it but it is by far the most meaningful track released this year, such a worthy message :wub: I didn't listen until I saw hype building over the message, as I said I had an innate horrible feeling that was thankfully wrong and we don't need anymore of the type of rap I described :kink:
January 17, 20187 yr Author 05 Lorde - Green Light "Honey I'll come get my things, but I can't let go" UK peak: #20 (Gold) US peak: #19 (Platinum) Finally we get to Lorde's pinnacle of 2017, her highest entry here. Green Light was an instantly arresting comeback, totally different for her but still comfortingly familar. At its core its got that same intenseness that makes her brilliant, but this floorfilling club ready track is overall just euphoric. The way that the subtle verses build into a booming chorus is really something special, and with every listen when that moment hits it feels like you're back hearing it for the first time falling in love with it all over again. 04 Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson - Symphony "A rhapsody for you and me, and every melody is timeless" UK peak: #1 (2x Platinum) US peak: #101 (Gold) The second highest UK #1 in this (hmm I wonder what might be first ;)) comes courtesy of the best dance outfit around, Clean Bandit, with help from the Swedish pop princess Zara Larsson. Clan Bandit have released flawless tune after flawless tune but this is their absolute pinnacle for me. The strings make this such a soaring pop triumph and the vocals are gorgeous from Zara, it's certainly her best effort too. This manages to be absolutely stunning and a total banger at the same time, I challenge anybody not to feel totally and utterly uplifting by the sound of this. 03 Taylor Swift - ...Ready For It UK Peak: #7 (Silver) US peak: #4 (Platinum) "He can be my jailer, merchant to this tailor" Just missing out on the top 2, Ready For It is the highlight of Reputation :wub: Whilst I loved Look as the lead, this was what everyone needed from Taylor. It goes the same production aesthetic as other huge songs on the album, but it feels more accessible and poppy, that chorus for example is lifted straight from 1989 :wub: Right from the first whomp of the synths in the intro, you can feel you're onto something huge; it's the perfect opening track to the journey of Reputation as an album. All of this song's pop sensibility, huge synths, verses with a sense of urgency and soaring chorus contributes to something that feels so epic, listening to this makes me feel like I'm pumped up and ready to do anything *.* That leaves just two songs... a UK number 1 and one of the huge smashes of the year vs one that scraped top 50 in the home country of the artist... but what? :o
January 18, 20187 yr Yes to Charlie Puth being in the top 10 it is such a tune and could be #1 in my eoy chart. I also really love that lyric you posted for it. I pretty much love the rest of the top 10 especially Green Light and Symphony.
January 19, 20187 yr That leaves just two songs... a UK number 1 and one of the huge smashes of the year vs one that scraped top 50 in the home country of the artist... but what? :o Taylor Swift and K3 ? Edited January 19, 20187 yr by Good Old Days
January 19, 20187 yr Symphony is brilliant, Clean Bandit have been on fire the past few singles. Delighted to see it so high :wub: So pleased you loved Attention so much, even more than me! :lol: I think I prefer How Long but both are in my Charlie top 3 with We Don't Talk Anymore.
January 20, 20187 yr Very happy to see "Green Light" and "Symphony" on your Year-End list! Great to see Lorde back with full force on this song and "Symphony" might be an example of pop perfection!
Create an account or sign in to comment