Category Archives: Music

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Top 100 Songs of 2017 (60-51)

Click here for songs 100-61

60. “Rhythm & Blues” – The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart’s “Rhythm & Blues” is a happy-go-lucky track that will put a smile on your face. The Head and the Heart have mastered the art of feel good alt-rock, and “Rhythm & Blues” is no exception.

59. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran

If Eric Clapton wrote “(You Look) Wonderful Tonight” in 2017, it would be “Perfect.”

Perhaps the most appropriately titled song of the year, “Perfect” is as close to perfect as a song gets.

58. “Sign of the Times” – Harry Styles

“Sign of the Times” is the debut single from former band One Direction’s most well known member, Harry Styles.

If “Sign of the Times” is a sign of what Style’s has up his sleeve, he could be on track to becoming the biggest boy band solo success story since Justin Timberlake.

Call it pop, rock, glam rock, or whatever the hell else you want to call it, but if this is what post boy band sounds like, I am in full support of forcing all boy bands to dismember and go their own ways.

57. “Cocoon” – Milky Chance

With one of the most unique sounds in music today, there is no denying that “Cocoon” is Milky Chance at their best. Putting an end to any neysayers that said they were one hit wonders after the massive success of 2013’s “Stolen Dance,”Cocoon” is fun, catchy, and pure enjoyment.

56. “30 Seconds” – Vinyl Theatre

“30 Seconds” is only the second song I have heard from by Wisconsin-based band, Vinyl Theatre. Their 2014 hit “Breaking Up My Bones” was good, but “30 Seconds” is great.

Wisconsin, I now appreciate exactly three things from you. Beer, cheese, and Vinyl Theatre.

 

55. “The Day I Die” – ISLAND

Without question, one of the best vocals of the year, UK newcomers, ISLAND is the biggest artist to watch out for in 2018. Their debut album Feels Like Air doesn’t come out until April of 2018, but if the album is as good as “The Day I Die,” expect them to be all over every Best Music of 2018 countdown.

54. “Life Changes” – Thomas Rhett

Nobody does country-pop-rock like Thomas Rhett. Also, nobody else tells a story like Rhett.

Rhett’s music can fall into many categories, country, country-rock, or pop-country, but there is no denying that at the young age of 27, he is dominating the niche that he is so damn good at.

“Life Changes” is a relatable, feel-good song about welcoming the curve balls that life throws our way: making lemonade out of lemons, or whatever the hell that stupid saying is.

53. “Forget Me Not” – Brian Fallon

Brian Fallon, the former lead singer of Gaslight Anthem is back with one of the most fun, energetic, and upbeat songs of the year. “Forget Me Not” is about wanting to be remembered, despite the fact that the relationship ended.

“Could you promise me something? If you find someone, that you forget me not.”

Despite how much of a jerk you are, sometimes, when relationships end you want to be anything but remembered by your ex. However, if things end on a positive note, being remembered fondly is as much as you can ask for.

A Gaslight Anthem reunion is still up in the air, but no matter what happens with the band, Brian Fallon makes it very easy for us to “forget not” what a legendary band they were, and what a complete stud he is.

52. “Remember That Night” – Grouplove

Grouplove’s new track, “Remember That Night” is a perfect reminder that they are one of the best additions to the alt-rock world in the past ten years.

Despite which group member is taking the reigns of any given track, Grouplove has perfected the art of creating uplifting, jovial songs, and in “Remember That Night” co-vocalist and keyboardist Hannah Hooper delivers some of her most impressive work to date.

On a related note: I would love to say I remember that night back in 2011 when I first saw Grouplove live. But, I had been drinking for about 13 hours straight before the show, and therefore barely “remember that night” at all. But I am sure it was a hell of a great show.

51. “The Next Time We Wed” – The Fratellis

Glasgow, Scotland band

The Fratellis have been out of the spotlight for a little while. But with this year’s “The Next Time We Wed” they have shown the world that they were not hibernating, they were working on one of the most fun, dance-worthy tracks of the year.

The Fratellis are back and just as good as they have ever been. Their new album In Your Own Sweet Time will be released on March 9th, and if I know the Fratellis, they have some more tricks like this gem up their sleeves.

 

Songs 50-41

 

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Top 100 Songs of 2017 (70-61)

Click here for songs 100 – 71

Cont…

70. “Agnes” – Glass Animals

“Agnes,” the final track released from Glass Animals’ second album, How To Be A Human Being, is quite different from the rest of their light-hearted hits.

Frontman Dave Bayley says of the track…

“But there is one song that stands apart from the rest. That song is ‘Agnes’. ‘Agnes’ is the one. It’s my favorite song on the record, and the saddest song I will ever write.”

“Ageless,” about dealing with the loss of a loved one, is a song that, everyone, unfortunately, can and will relate to at many points during their life. And the best track yet from the Oxford band.

69. “Los Ageless” – St. Vincent

Anne Clark, the 35-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma, that goes by the name of St. Vincent, released her fifth studio album, Masseducation this year. Her second track off the album, “Los Ageless,” is a dance-rock, electronic, gem that gets better with each listen.

The repeated line “How can anybody have you and lose you, and not lose their minds too?” will linger in your minds just as long as St. Vincent’s hauntingly beautiful voice and the track’s unforgettable video.

68. “Revenge” – P!nk (featuring Eminem)

P!nk is far and away my favorite female artist of all time, and Eminem is far and away my favorite rapper of all time. The two of them could collaborate on a new jingle for a Burger King Whopper! and I would probably fall in love with it.

With that being said, “Revenge” is exactly what you would expect from a P!nk/Eminem track… lots of swearing, anger, and doing whatever it takes to get back at a partner that has cheated on you. So if you ever find yourself in a committed relationship with P!nk or Eminem, I highly suggest remaining faithful, and not pissing them off.

67. “Over and Over Again” – The Used

Former emo band, The Used, released their self-titled debut album 15 years ago, which is extremely depressing because I vividly remember buying the album, even despite the fact that the vast majority of my college memories are blurred, foggy half-recollections.

The Used have grown and matured not only as individuals, but also as a band. “Over and Over Again” is a solid alt-rock track that is exactly what one would expect from emo-twenty somethings that have had a decade and a half to evolve into mid thirty-something grown men.

66. “Peace Sign” – The Front Bottoms

Childhood friends Brian Sella and Mat Uychich formed The Front Bottoms back in 2007 and after ten years, have released their most impressive album to date with October’s Going Grey. 

“Peace Sign” is catchy, fun, indie-rock that makes you want to sing along, while flashing a peace sign, immediately followed by a middle finger.

More than one time I have been driving down the highway and unable to control myself, sang along while pantomiming to the song, and got caught flipping the bird to unsuspecting drivers that assumed I was directing the gesture to them.

So, be sure you exercise caution while listening to this hell of a fun track.

65.”The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”-The National

After nearly twenty years together as a band, and a successful career together, The National has released what may be their most radio friendly album yet, with Sleep Well Beast.

Their lead single, and the most interesting song title of the year, “The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness,” highlights lead singer, Matt Berninger’s baritone perfectly, and is a lullaby for adult rock fans.

Just like The National’s predicament in “The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness,” I can’t explain it any other way,” but this track is friggin’ amazing.

64. “You & Me” – Marshmello

“You and Me” by electric dance producer and DJ, Marshmello, is a pop-punk dance track that could have fit perfectly on Now! That’s What I Call Music 5 back in 2000, but also works just as well as a 2017 hit.

Lyrically, the song is about wanting to be in a relationship, and doing your best to prove to your crush that you would be a perfect match for them.

But let’s face it, if you are trying that hard and still can’t get him/her, I’m going to go ahead and assume that they are way out of your league.

63. “Golden Age” – Late Night Episode

“Golden Age” is a friendly reminder that we are living in the age where the internet has completely overtaken many of our lives. While it is one of the most important inventions in modern history, many of us let our lives pass us by while we are busy looking at what everyone else is doing.

“We’re all living on the internet
Oh well, everybody missed out
Sometimes you’re looking at someone else
When you’re searching for yourself”

With those four small lines, Late Night Episode summed up an entire generation.

62. “Can’t Get It Out” – Brand New

Just like Brand New, “I got a positive message, sometimes I can’t get it out.

Now is one of those times.

… But “Can’t Get It Out” is what I’ve come to expect from Brand New; effortless to enjoy.

61. “All On My Mind” – Anderson East

Anderson East is far and away the most underrated musician of the year, and his vocals on “All On My Mind” are Grammy worthy.

You don’t become buddies with Ed Sheeran and date Miranda Lambert unless you are the real deal.

Anderson East should be on all of our minds in 2018, because he is, indeed, the real deal.

 

Songs 60-51

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Top 100 Songs of 2017 (80-71)

Click here for songs 100 – 91
Click here for songs 90-81

Cont…

80. “Weak” – AJR

Well, if this isn’t the story of my life, I don’t know what is. “Weak,” by New York based, Indie-pop band AJR, is about fighting the urge to give in to temptation. For anyone like me, that has the self-control of a four year old with a severe case of ADD, “Weak” will resonate with you and put you at ease knowing that you are not the only adult that needs a full-time babysitter.

 

79. “Call the Police” – LCD Soundsystem

“Call the Police” is LCD Soundsystem’s lead single off their fourth studio album, American Dream. Clocking in at just over seven minutes, it at times feels like LCD has me on an LSD psychedelic trip.

Don’t worry about not being able to sing along, however, as “call the police” is about the only words that I can make out, which directly relates to why I have no clue what the song is about. Nor do I care.It is a relaxing, laid back track that will make your mind wander free as a bird.

*Also, just for the record, mom, I have never been on an LSD psychedelic trip, I am just imagining that this song would be perfect playing in the background if I ever decided to pick up the habit.

78. “The Day I Die” – The National

Only The National’s lead singer, Matt Berninger, can sing about death and dying, yet have such a soothing, calming voice that makes the song almost happy and uplifting.

In “The Day I Die” Berninger mentions his deceased Great Uncle Valentine. A “sweet and happy” bachelor who loved his pizza and beer. However, when he had too many beers he got cranky and didn’t want to hang out with family, so he always pulled an Irish goodbye and snuck out the door when nobody was looking.

You hear that nephews, Andrew and Liam? One day when you start writing and performing music, I expect a song written about being a sweet, happy man that loves pizza and beer, but gets loud, annoying and wildly inappropriate when he drinks to much at family gatherings.

 

77. “Miracle” – Story of the Year

Story of the Year just released their first album in seven years, and they picked up right where they left off. “Miracle” is pop, punk, alt-rock, emo, and hard-rock all rolled into one four minute track.

Story of the Year has matured since their massive hit “Until the Day I Die” back in 2003, but they still have the distinct sound that make them stand out from many of the bands that have come and gone since the early 2000’s. Hopefully “Miracle” is a sign that the band can be the rock comeback “story of the year” in 2018.

76. “Every Day’s the Weekend” – Alex Lahey

Alex Lahey, the twenty-five year old singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia quickly became the international breakout star in the alt-rock world this year.

“Every Day’s the Weekend” is a fun, energetic rock track about the beginning stages of a relationship, and the feeling of only wanting to spend time with your significant other, and do nothing else.

Lahey says the track has a “oh I’m just going to pull a sickie and hang out,” kind of vibe. Who doesn’t love “pulling a sickie” when they are not “sickie?” I am welcoming this Aussie to the States with open arms.

75. “Seven Sticks of Dynamite” – AWOLNATION

“Seven Sticks of Dynamite” is the latest single off AWOLNATION’s upcoming third studio album, Here Come the Runts. And if “Dynamite” is any indication, we are in for yet another killer album from the band.

The track begs to be sung along to, and after watching the video, I am pretty sure I need to recruit six friends, sit at a bar, and put the song on TouchTunes until we nail every last lyric.

Also, if Duff McKagan from Guns N’ Roses agrees to appear in your video, you know it has to be a pretty damn solid rock track.

74. “Back in Your Head” – Tegan and Sara (feat. Ryan Adams)

Back in October, Canadian indie rock duo, Tegan and Sara released The Con X: Covers, which is a track by track reworking of their 2007 album, The Con. 

Each song is covered by a different artist, and “Back in Your Head” had the honor of being remade by the king of covers himself, Ryan Adams. Like just about everything Adams touches, “Back in Your Head” is pure gold and dare I say, is even better than the original.

 

73. “Bedroom Floor” – Liam Payne

2017 was the year of former One Direction guys, and perhaps the most surprising success story is that of Liam Payne. Payne, often regarded as the least recognizable of the One Direction guys, had three hits including “Strip That Down” and “Get Low.”

But it was “Bedroom Floor,” his third single, that confirmed him as a legit solo artist, and gave reason for Payne to be in the conversation about the best solo act from the former boy band.

“Bedroom Floor” tackles the issue of infidelity in a relationship, and showcases Payne’s ridiculously impressive falsetto. “Bedroom Floor” is solid proof that Payne could easily become the Timberlake of One Direction.

72. “Sit Next To Me” – Foster the People

Foster the People sure know how to get the party started. If “Sit Next To Me” doesn’t get you shaking your shoulders and swaying your hips, you’re either dead, or even worse, a complete dud.

Not since we were asked to “stomp our feet” in 1900’s “If You’re Happy and You Know It” has a song about sitting down gotten our blood flowing like “Sit Next To Me.” In fact, I’d be willing to bet money that this may be the most dance-worthy song about sitting down in the history of music. Brilliant, Foster the People. In summary, to quote your revolutionary predecessors, “Sit Next To Me” makes me very happy, and I know it.

71. “The Death of You & I” – Isaac Gracie

The first time you hear “The Death of You & I” by UK artist, Isaac Gracie, you are going to have to do a double take to make sure that the station didn’t change, or your Spotify didn’t skip to the next song.

In fact, “The Death of You & I” is like three songs all rolled into one thrilling 5-minute track. Based on the hauntingly, almost hypnotizing opening minute and twenty seconds, you would never suspect the full-on electrifying rock scream-o, mosh-pitter’s dream song it quickly becomes. Throw in some Eddie Vedder’esque rock/rap/spoken word brilliance towards the end, and you got an epic song that begs to be played to a sold out arena.

 

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