Everyone has their own traditions around Christmas and New Year, and one of my longest-standing ones is to compile a list of my favourite music from the year just gone by.
This year’s no different, and this year’s best of 2017 happens to be my 8th attempt at summing together the best tunes from my music library.
The list is generally a list of my most played songs, but with some boosts for songs released later in the year and ones I rate more highly. The list also features songs that have come from other years, but that I’ve only started listening to this year.
It’s been a good year for music, with some fantastic albums from Lorde and LCD Soundsystem featuring heavily throughout.
Check out my favourite songs of the year and check out the full Spotify playlist at the end:
40. Camila Cabelo – “Havana” (feat. Young Thug)
Kicking off this year’s list is Camila Cabelo’s biggest solo hit so far, “Havana”. She has a brilliant voice, and coupled with the simple piano-backed melody it really allows her to shine. Unusually for a pop song, the rap turn on the track from Young Thug is reasonably good too, which makes a nice change on an unfortunate gimmick in modern music.
39. Ariana Grande – “One Last Time” (2014)
The most tragic event in a tough year in the UK was May’s terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, where 22 people lost their lives. The attack naturally shocked everyone, and its particular cruelty in targeting a young female audience still strikes.
As Manchester and the country came together in the aftermath of these terrible events, this song stood out as an anthem of Ariana’s to show solidarity with another. It’s a poignant song, a good pop song and one that’s deserved its renewed attention this year. It’s a shame that it had to come back, but on that’s worth remembering for what it represents.
38. MØ – “Nights With You”
MØ’s song are always really good at cutting to heart of a feeling, and in this one it’s unbelievably simple lyrics really connect on an emotional level. This is a song about missing hanging out with a friend, and one that I know more and more as you grow older. It’s got drama and gets this across so well, with the dark and bassy drums in the background adding to the feeling of upset that rides through the tune.
37. LCD Soundsystem – “american dream”
The title track and one of the first singles released from LCD’s latest album, this song really set the tone for what to expect when the album came out in September. It’s slow and ethereal sound is pierced by an unsettling synth background that’s designed to make you feel on edge, and throughout this tale of woe it’s hard to feel all that positive about it. It wasn’t a song I loved instantly, but over time the weight behind the lyrics and the building crescendo at the end break you down and make you feel the weight of the world in the way only LCD can.
36. ZHU & AlunaGeorge – “Automatic” (2015)
Few collaborations between artists turn out quite as well as this, as Zhu’s dark and electronic brand meets AlunaGeorge’s more poppy style in a way that works impeccably. The song bumps along nicely with a slow beat alongside perfectly matched lyrics to keep the sensuality and danciness of the song alive in equal measures. A real find and one of many that I found this year through PlayStation’s amazing Rocket League playlist.
35. Alan Walker – “Alone” (2016)
Alan Walker burst on the scene last year with “Faded”, and whilst having a particular type of music it’s unfortunate that most of it feels very samey. “Alone” does a good job at taking “Faded”’s successful model of nice, soft vocals building to an uncontrolled drop, but managing to sound at least a bit different. The refrain near the end is a nice touch and what really sets it apart.
34. Vanic – “Too Soon” (feat. Maty Noyes)
Similar to the last entry, Vanic has built a unique niche within dance music of putting songs together that buck the usual structural trend. This returns to its hook several times, breaking things down and introducing new styles throughout before returning to its touchstone. Put together with some great vocals and a pretty good story behind the song and it’s an awesome effort at trying something new.
33. Lorde – “Homemade Dynamite”
Part of Lorde’s phenomenal success has been her songwriting, and here she teams up with Tove Lo to put together a tribute to hedonism and the lust of nights out. It’s slow and deliberate, with simple touches and signs of humour that captivate you and keep you grooving along throughout. One I really only grew to like recently, but one I’m certainly glad I did.
32. Daft Punk – “Alive” (1997)
Daft Punk’s first few albums are entirely genre-defining works that set the course for dance, house and pop music for the last few decades. “Alive” is the song that kicks off their live tour dates, and while an anniversary tour wasn’t announced this year as hoped, this song re-emerged to me as a real reminder of how good their music was. It’s essentially the same beat all the way through for 5 minutes, but it’s constant development and build to a crescendo has clear influences in some of my favourite artists, even elsewhere in this list. A great song and one I’m glad to have dug out this year.
31. KATO & Sigala – “Show You Love” (feat. Hailee Steinfeld)
Hailee Steinfeld marks one of the new generation of Disney stars making their name on mainstream pop, and she’s got a lot of talent that she’s showed already. This is perhaps the best so far, teaming up with KATO & Sigala to produce a banger that was underrated this year. It’s far from Sigala’s usually upbeat and sunny tunes, but it’s got a strong house influence that makes it work really well.
30. The Killers – “Run For Cover”
This year The Killers released their 5th studio album Wonderful, Wonderful, promising a return to their edgier more old-fashioned sound than the rather listless Battle Born. It didn’t quite pull of another classic, but “Run For Cover” is definitely a rock song in the old Killers mould. It’s frenetic, high-energy pace gives the song a lot of life, and it still allows for a solid dancefloor shuffle too. The way it finishes off with the level of drama that matches the Killers’ fan favourites elevate the song to the best on the album.
29. Jax Jones – “House Work” (feat. Mike Dunn & MNEK)
Jax Jones is the 3rd most featured artist on this year’s list, with three tremendous singles coming out and showing his tremendous potential as a producer. “House Work” is probably the one that’s truest to his roots as a pure house producer, and it’s simple but effective delivery is very satisfying. It’s got the deep and bassy tones to it that make it an underground song, but then MNEK comes in and does his magic to help bring it to a lighter side as well. Very good, and definitely up there with some of this other work this year (which you’ll see later on!)
28. LCD Soundsystem – “tonite”
At their core LCD Soundsystem make alternative dance music, and “tonite” is one of the best examples of this on their new album. It’s got the rambling lyrics that many of the other tunes have, but it’s got a groovy disco-inspired background to it that makes it a lot of fun. It’s reminiscent of old Franz Ferdinand songs in many ways, in it’s delivery and it’s style, but done in a way with a bit more glitz and synths rather than guitars. It’s up for the Grammy for Best Dance Recording, so hopefully it’ll bring home LCD’s first ever win there.
27. Kesha – “Learn to Let Go”
Before this year’s #MeToo movement really took off, Kesha was already undergoing a years-long court battle against her abuser Max Martin where she was prevented from making music. Thankfully she was able to get back to music this year though, and “Learn to Let Go” is her strongest statement about not only getting through the worst moments but, profoundly, moving on from them. There’s lots of strong life advice in this track, and as a pop song it’s very solid as well.
26. LCD Soundsystem – “other voices”
Many of the songs on LCD’s new record sounded as though they took some inspiration from the last album’s “Pow Pow”, but this is up at the top. It’s a bit of a rambling song, but has a great melody going on behind it all and some nice memorable moments – including Nancy Whang getting a verse all to herself.
25. Cheat Codes – “No Promises” (feat. Demi Lovato)
2017 marked a return to the mainstream for Demi Lovato, and while she has some big hits this one was more of a sleeper. Her vocals make a somewhat ordinary dance song that little more interesting and the breakdown makes it a dancefloor song that’s better than most that came out this year.
24. Little Mix – “Power”
Little Mix are another guilty pleasure of mine, and pretty much every song they put out is catchy and fun. This one has a hint of menace to it, and that adds an extra something that works really well. The drop to it makes it even more fun and it’s always a joy to hear when it has it’s turn on the radio.
23. Tove Lo – “Disco Tits”
Tove Lo’s music has always had a sexually-charged flavour, but goes all out on this Peaches-inspired track: “Disco Tits”. It’s repetitive, dark but has an alluring beat and the intrigue of explicit lyrics to keep you listening. Radio-friendly it is not, but you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to it again and again.
22. Lorde – “Supercut”
Another super tune from Lorde’s Melodrama, “Supercut” is a song that starts out and ends slow, but does a good job of ramping things up in the bridges, with the stream-of-consciousness, almost rap, elements being really strong. The emotion of the song is typical of all the Melodrama songs, with the imagery behind the “supercut” idea being exceptional too.
21. Selena Gomez – “Bad Liar”
With a riff borrowed from the Talking Heads “Psycho Killer” and lyrics from songwriting superstar Julia Michaels, Selena Gomez’ sweet vocals add to a perfect ingredients list for this song. It flows like a conversation, and has it’s awkward phases that fit the song perfectly.
20. Bakermat – “Don’t Want You Back” (feat. Kiesza)
This song marks the “return” of two great artists to top form, with Bakermat’s signature take on dance music being wonderfully complimented by Kiesza’s voice. It’s probably the most accessible and poppy song I’ve heard from Bakermat, being simple, fun and with a fiery message that is easily relatable.
19. Deorro – “Perdoname” (feat. DyCy & Adrian Delgado) [2014]
Deorro’s a great DJ and one whose style is perfect for the top moments of a club night. This Spanish song is about a man begging forgiveness, and the back and forth between Adrian Delgado and DyCy is intriguing even if you don’t speak a word of the language. The story is tinged with great drops, and a complete escalation towards the end that takes the song to another level.
18. Kygo & Selena Gomez – “It Ain’t Me”
One of the most popular dance songs on the charts this year, this is almost a carbon copy of the sort of songs Avicii was doing a few years ago, but this one actually pulls it off. It’s a country-infused song of heartbreak, with Selena Gomez providing the soul to the song that’s sure to resonate with many people, and Kygo producing the memorable drops that provide the song with an uplifting nature and turn it from a song of loss into a song of opportunity.
17. Galantis – “Rich Boy”
Galantis songs are known for being universally cheery, but this is one that goes to a whole new level. The signature vocal style is here in force, with several amazing drops that change things up and a fun, bouncy beat that’s ideal for the dancefloor. I’m amazed it didn’t get more traction, and even more amazed it didn’t feature on their album this year, as it’s certainly one of the best songs they’ve ever put out.
16. Lorde – “Green Light”
The intro to Lorde’s phenomenal Melodrama, it sets the scene perfectly. The end of a night out that’s gone badly and a relationship that’s fallen apart. But then as the beat comes in the redemption comes through and rides a wave of energy that carries on through. It’s a perfect pop song that works on many different levels – being fun, funny and fantastically catchy all at the same time.
15. Zara Larsson & MNEK – “Never Forget You” (2015)
Zara Larsson was a main player of my 2016 song list, and it was through listening to more of her back catalogue that I rediscovered this tune that really launched her into the charts over here. It’s a very emotional song, delivered beautifully by Larsson and the ever-talented ever-present MNEK. It also has strong dance credentials, with some fantastic drops and brilliant melodies in the background. While it’s not the sugary pop that Larsson’s best known for, it’s probably her most impressive song.
14. Jax Jones – “Instruction” (feat. Demi Lovato & Stefflon Don)
A combination of artists whose stars are on the rise, this provided one of the best summer dance songs around and one that thankfully got the credit it deserved. Without going full tropical house, this brings a strong sunny vibe to a song that’s guided through by Demi Lovato in dominant form. There’s also a great turn from Stefflon Don, giving the song an extra level of strength in one that overpowers in a good way right the way through.
13. Lorde – “Liability”
Sad songs are pretty common, but finding a song that captures a defeatist attitude and the sadness that surrounds it is far more rare. “Liability” is a beautiful song, being softly delivered with almost an acoustic accompaniment. Lorde’s tremendous voice almost breaks again and again, before soaring to provide the anger and raw emotion behind her feelings of separation. As a vocal performance there’s not much better you’ll find this year.
12. Clean Bandit & Marina – “Disconnect”
I’ve no idea how this song went so under the radar this year, as it’s a perfect combination of the classic Clean Bandit style and Marina Diamandis’ powerful voice. It’s perhaps the most “Clean Bandit” song the band have done in years, and couple with some sensationally powerful lyrics about looking after yourself in this ever-connected world, it is one I’ve listened to over and over again.
11. Deorro – “Goin’ Up” (feat. Dycy) [2016]
Deorro and Dycy seem to be a killer combo, and alongside their other song earlier on this list, “Goin’ Up” was one I had on repeat this year. DyCy’s tremendous voice works incredibly well here in English, and Deorro’s signature pitched sound makes for a great dance track and one that’s uplifting and perfect for a night out.
10. Vanic x K.Flay – “Make Me Fade”
I’m always a fan of songs that create an atmosphere for the listener, and this year the best song for that was this one. There’s a dark sense around this whole song, and the lovelorn lyrics cut a low and lonely path through the verses. But all the while there’s an unnerving feeling going on in the background that comes to the fore as a squealing and scary drop that symbolise an explosion of feeling. It’s a really good advert for what dance music can be, and unlike almost anything else you’ll hear from this year.
9. Jax Jones – “You Don’t Know Me” (feat. RAYE) [2016]
This was one of the big hits of the start of the year, bringing together two emerging talents in the UK music scene in the genius producer Jax Jones and incredible vocal talent RAYE. This mixture of musical excellence and a song full of sass and fun made it a chart success and perfect for the dancefloor. Even after hours on end of radio airplay I still love listening to this, which is testament enough to how good it is.
8. Lost Kings – “You” (feat. Katelyn Tarver) [2016]
Dance music is meant to be fun, but it’s rarely as good as this song. From a duo I’d barely heard of before, this tune is so incredibly positive and happy about life and relationships that it’s infectious. Everything about it is geared towards having a good time, and was always worth listening to in creating a better mood.
7. Ariana Grande – “Break Free” (feat. Zedd) [2014]
Revisiting Ariana Grande’s catalogue, as many did this year, I found this – which is perhaps one of the best combinations of pop and dance I’ve heard in years. Putting together Ariana’s sultry vocals with a message of pure defiance is an instant winner, and Zedd’s turn at the production makes it as dancey as possible and makes it all the more uplifting. It’s one of the few songs I could listen to on repeat and enjoy again and again, and it deserved every play it got this year.
6. Christine & the Queens – “Tilted” [2014]
“Tilted” took a long time from its release to featuring in the charts over here in the UK, but after seeing it on last Christmas’ Top of the Pops I was enchanted by it’s message and delivery. I don’t know if there’s ever been such a good song about loving yourself, flaws and all, and about how things will get better even if they don’t feel like they will at the moment. It’s one that’s always handy to listen to when things aren’t going so well, and a guaranteed way of bringing a smile to your face.
5. Hollywood Principle – “Firework” (Melad Remix)
Rocket League was a minor addiction throughout the start of the year, and this was the theme tune that fired up when the game started. It’s a dance song with some amazing melodies that link together and make the song evolve throughout. It’s so easy to listen to this song on repeat and still enjoy it.
4. Major Lazer – “Particula” (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna)
Major Lazer’s Know No Better EP released a couple of big hits this year, in lieu of an actual album, but the best on it was “Particula”. It’s rhythm in the bridge is a perfect accompaniment to its chorus, and then it’s drop is so satisfying. This is proof that dance music doesn’t have to go all out, all the time to be really good and really fun, and as a bonus it has a nice story behind it too. All-in-all it’s one of Major Lazer’s best, and underrated.
3. LCD Soundsystem – “how do you sleep?”
This song is the centrepiece of LCD’s return, and captures the emotion of the album perfectly. A 9-minute take down of former DFA bigwig Tim Goldsworthy, this captures the more aggressive, negative and ominous feeling that James Murphy and co were going for on American Dream – and naturally sets it to an incredible soundtrack. It takes a while to get into it, leaning into Murphy’s elongated and chanting lyrics, before the beat kicks in and a dark, electric synth buzzes in the background and elevates the song. It’s an incredibly good tune and one that I’d only wish they’d play live. LCD are back, and they’re as phenomenal as ever.
2. Lorde – “Perfect Places”
Closing an album as good as Melodrama was always going to be a tall order, but this tune does it perfectly. “Perfect Places” is about going out week after week in search for the night out to end all nights out, but never quite reaching that high. Growing older does this naturally, but having it set to such a dramatic vocal-powered song makes it feel all the more real. The melodies capture a brilliant mix of euphoria and anxiety that underpins the song which adds to a spectacular finish. An incredible song to end an incredible album.
1. Paramore – “Hard Times”
My top tune of the year by some distance is this incredible lead single from Paramore’s latest album After Laughter. It’s an album that takes a fresh, more poppy take on Paramore’s sound, and also investigates the struggles of depression and the toll it takes on relationships, friendships and life itself.
“Hard Times” sugar-coats the despair you can feel when depressed and puts it to such a catchy beat it’s almost impossible to recognise. It’s Talking Heads inspired rhythm and somewhat wacky delivery make it so upbeat and fun, but all the while the message is of barely making it through and holding on for things to get better.
2017’s not been my favourite year, but it’s by no means been the worst, and songs like this are always a massive help when I’m not feeling the best. When it’s as good and as relevant as this, then it’s no surprise that it’s wound up being my song of the year.
So there we have it! 40 amazing songs that made up my soundtrack of 2017, to listen to the full playlist (unfortunately missing one song that’s not on Spotify), then just use the widget below: