Top 100 Songs of 2017 (50-41)

Click here for songs 100-51

50. “LA Devotee” – Panic! At the Disco

“LA Devotee,” the latest single from Vegas band, Panic! At the Disco, is based on lead singer (and the bands only current member,) Brendon Urie’s admiration of Los Angeles. It’s about someone being so in love with the city that they would do anything it takes to survive there.

“LA Devotee” is exactly what one would expect from Panic! as it is loud, catchy, and a hell of a lot of fun to sing along with. Apparently there is no need to Panic!, Urie seems to have this band thing down all by himself.

49. “World Gone Mad” – Bastille

“World Gone Mad” is the most appropriate song of the year, as it is about the mess of a world that we are currently living in. For the most part, 2017 was a complete disaster, and Bastille summarized it perfectly in just 3 minutes and 16 seconds.

48. “Sober Up” – AJR (feat. Rivers Cuomo)

https://youtu.be/J518lHntgow

The happiest-go-luckiest song ever written about trying to get sober is thanks to Weezer frontman, Rivers Cuomo, following Ryan from AJR on Twitter. This led to a discussion of AJR being big Weezer fans, and next thing you know, “Sober Up” was born.

In summary… AJR is really making a well deserved name for themselves in the alt-rock world. And Rivers Cuomo is a living legend in the alt-rock world.

47. “Heavydirtysoul” – Twenty One Pilots

The “House of Gold” that Twenty One Pilots sang about a few years back better be gigantic because everything they touch, turns to gold. “Heavydirtysoul” is yet another notch on their belts, which helps solidify them as the current day gods of alternative hip-hop.

46. “Reverend” – Kings of Leon

“Reverend” is arguably Kings of Leon’s best song in nearly a decade. While it is very radio-friendly, it is not over-produced, nor does it seem “pop-ified” to make it radio-friendly.

I could give my interrpretation of what the song is about, but q interviewed the Followill brothers to ask them specifically about the meaning of the song. Listen to the interview below.

http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/864162883854/

45. “I Don’t Wanna Dance” – COIN

Nashville natives, COIN explore the art of grungy/country Nashville for the second single off their sophomore album How Will You Know If You Never Try. 

Their 2016 hit “Talk Too Much” did its job of putting COIN on the map in the alr-rock world. “I Don’t Wanna Dance” is their way of proving to that same world that they are not just “that band with that one song.”

44. “Edge of Darkness” – Greta Van Fleet

Led Zeppelin + The Darkness + Guns N’ Roses = Greta Van Fleet

“Edge of Darkness” is the epitome of pure rock and roll. If Greta Van Fleet (which consists of three Kiszka brothers and a friend) were around back in 1969 not only would they have performed at Woodstock, but they would have been able to close the show with this epic, powerhouse track that you can easily enjoy no matter what generation you are a part of.

If this band doesn’t become a household name by the end of 2018, I give up all hope for music, and for the world.

 43. “Mercy” – Lewis Capaldi

You heard it here first, folks. Lewis Capaldi, the 21-year-old Scottish lad, is about to explode on the pop-rock scene in 2018.

With a raspy, gritty voice, powerful lyrics, and enough emotion to make even the biggest Scrooge sympathize, you can’t help but believe that Capaladi is begging for mercy. Show this young lad the mercy he deserves and support his music.

42. “We Fight” – Dashboard Confessional

I was cautiously optimistic when I heard Dashboard Confessional was dropping a new album in nearly a decade. After all, their 2004 masterpiece “Vindicated” is one of my favorite songs of all time.

Dashboard not only met my expectations, but surpassed them. “We Fight” is a rock anthem much like many of the songs that made me fall in love with the band back in the early 2000’s.

At 42-years old, lead singer Chris Carrabba is still as sickeningly as perfect as he was when he was in his mid-twenties.

41. “63 Days” – Atlas Genius

“A lot can go wrong in 63 days if you’re not focusing on what matters,” says Keith Jeffery, lead vocalist and guitarist in the three brother band Atlas Genius.

“63 Days” is about learning from past mistakes, and not messing up again. It woul

d only logically be about screwing up while on tour with a band, but it could be tied to any relationship.

I’ve had stuffy noses last more than 63 days, so if you don’t think you can handle not screwing up a relationship in 63 days, maybe it’s not a relationship you should be in anyway.

I, however, am quite literally the last person you would want to take relationship advise from. So, listen to the Jeffery brothers’ suggestion, and just behave yourself for 63 damn days.

 

Songs 40-31

Top 100 Songs Of 2016 (Part 10) Songs 10-1

FOR THE FIRST NINE LISTS CLICK BELOW.

#100 – 91       #90-81     #80-71       #70-61       #60-51
#50-41      #40-31     #30-21     #20-11

 

10. “Ain’t No Man” – The Avett Brothers

The first release off The Avett Brother’s ninth studio album, True Sadness, was the soulful sing along, “Ain’t No Man.”

Bassist Bob Crawford told Consequence of Sound that “Ain’t No Man,”… there is a higher level to it. I’m trying to avoid the word ‘religion’ and ‘spiritual,’ but there is something about finding your place in the universe, or being able to put your finger on where you sit in this life, whatever your religion is or your worldview is.”

Regardless of how you interpret the song there is no denying that it is fun as hell and one of the Avett Brother’s most catchy songs in their extensive, and impressive catalogue.

9. “Pride” – American Authors

American Authors scored a top 10 spot on last year’s “Top 100 Songs of 2015” with their hit “Go Big Or Go Home”, and the boys from Boston have followed that up this year with their ultra fast paced, “Pride.”

I’ve had a few moments of pride in 2016, but learning the tongue twisting chorus to the American Author’s single has to be near the top of the list.

The first time I heard the song, I knew that I would not let myself sleep until I was able to sing along flawlessly. To this day, I still give a little fist pump each time I nail the vocals. It may have taken my entire commute to and from work, but I accomplished my goal, and nobody can never, ever, ever, never, ever, take away my pride.

8. “Roll Up” – Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums burst onto the scene in 2010 with their debut studio album, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, and I’m convinced that they have not taken a day off since. Not only have they released two additional incredible albums, but each track they release continues to be better than the previous one.

“Roll Up” is arguably Fitz’s best effort to date, and has enough energy “rolled up” into three minutes and thirty-eight seconds to get even the most miserable buzz kill you know to start tapping his feet and pumping his fists.

7. “Talk Too Much” – COIN

“Talk Too Much,” about one’s inability to leave it unsaid, was the first track that Nashville rock band, COIN wrote for their still unreleased sophomore album. “The song came easier than any other song I’ve ever written,” says lead singer, Chase Lawrence.

If “Talks Too Much,” is any indication of how good the new album will be, 2017 will be the biggest year yet for the Nashville foursome.

 

6. “Put Your Money On Me” – The Struts

If The Struts next album is a fraction as good as Everybody Wants, their debut studio album, they will solidify themselves as one of the best new bands in the past 20 years. With last year’s “Kiss This” and “Could’ve Been Me,” combined with this years “Only Just A Call Away,” and “Put Your Money On Me,” they have proven they are a massive force to be reckoned with.

“Put Your Money On Me” is 80’s, 90’s and modern alt rock all rolled up into one song that is as addictive as the band themselves. If I were a gambling man, which I am, I will put all of my money on The Struts to be releasing gems like this for a very long time to come.

 

5. “Cleopatra” – The Lumineers

Recently the Lumineers revealed on Facebook the real story behind their summer hit, “Cleopatra.”

“It’s inspired by a true story about a female taxi driver who, when was younger, was proposed to. But her father had just passed away, so she didn’t give her boyfriend an answer. So he left the village broken-hearted and rejected, and never returned again. He was her great love and she wouldn’t wash the footprints off the floor after he left.”

If that doesn’t make you appreciate the song than you need to check your pulse. Paired with their massive radio and chart topping hit, “Ophelia,” The Lumineers are cruising into 2017 after accomplishing their most successful year yet.

4. “Supermassive Automatic” – Kick the Robot

I can’t exactly recall how, when, or where I heard this song for the first time, but I am forever grateful that I did. “Supermassive Automatic” by the Atlanta trio, “arena garage rock” band, Kick the Robot, is badass.

It is the definition of rock and roll, and far and away the most underrated song of the year. The fact that this song isn’t the most requested song on every major radio rock station in the country, is nothing short of a travesty.

Of the 50+ people I have personally sat down and forced to listen to this song, every single one of them (fans of all types of genres) were thoroughly impressed. I implore you to spend the next four minutes rocking out to this track. The last minute and five seconds is without question the best ending of any rock song this year, or in recent memory.

3. “I Need Never Get Old” – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats

Nathaniel Rateliff burst into the spotlight last year with his hit “S.O.B.” And this year, not only did he continue to stay in the spotlight, he shone even brighter.

“I Need Never Get Old” is a song that everyone can relate to no matter what age you are. I recently had the pleasure of seeing Rateliff and the band in concert, and their performance of this song was one of the most electric performances I have ever seen in my many years of concert going. Every ounce of all of their bodies are performing, and their energy is as contagious as the black plague.

Additionally, their appearance on Late Night Jimmy Fallon is in the top 5 late night performances I ever recall seeing. I dare you to watch it and not get the chills.

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2. “You and Me” – The Hunna

https://youtu.be/pjXX8uyjkRY

If you have not caught onto The Hunna train yet, you better hop on now before you’re left in the dust. The four piece band from London had a breakout year in the States much in part to the wildly addicting “You and Me.” I am not exactly sure that the hell a hunna tree is, but my mission in 2017 is to find one and smoke underneath it.

“You and Me” is meant to be played in an arena, and after this year The Hunna is well on their way to being able to fill that arena with adorning fans. Their other US release, “Bonfire” was amazing, but “You and Me” is easily one of the most memorable songs of 2016.

1. “Spirits” – The Strumbellas

I’m certain that I could just attach the video, and no words would be necessary for why this is the song of the year. If you’ve heard this track already, you know how catchy it is, if you have not heard it yet… what the hell were you doing with your life in 2016?

The Strumbellas, formed in 2008, are from Ontario, Canada, and made up of a six piece band. After 8 years, they have struck radio gold with “Spirits.” The inspiring song that reminds you to live your life to the fullest, will have you in deep thought about whether or not you are enjoying life as much as you should be.

“….And I don’t want a never-ending life
I just want to be alive, while i’m here.

And I, don’t want to see another night
lost inside of our own life, while i’m here.”

With the success of “We Don’t Know,” “Shovels & Dirt,” and specifically “Spirits,” it is undeniable that 2016 was the year of The Strumbellas.

 

Top 10 Playlist

Top 100 Songs of 2016 Playlist 100-1

Top 100 Songs of 2015 Part 2 (90-81)

Click here for part 1 (100-91)

90. State of My Head, Shinedown

After a brief hiatus, Shinedown is back and as intimidating as ever (see above video.) While they seem to be having a bit of a difficult time finding the radio success of their earlier work, Shinedown’s latest album Threat to Survival is packed with radio friendly hits like “State of My Head.”

Some hardcore Shinedown fans are a bit put off by the band “going soft,” as they have been known as one of the more successful hard rock bands to emerge in the past ten years. But for the majority of Shinedown fans, “State of My Head,” as well as a handful of other tracks on Threat to Survival confirm that their favorite hard rock band is still capable of releasing catchy, adrenaline pumping rock music.

89. Kick the Dust Up, Luke Bryan

“Kick the Dust Up” is another instant classic party song from Luke Bryan. If “Kick the Dust Up” doesn’t make you wish that you lived in the mid-west where you had corn fields easily accessible to you, than I don’t know what will.

The song focuses on the awfulness of going to a crowded bar, waiting in long lines, having no personal space, and paying way too much for a drink. Why would any country-folk put themselves through that if they could go out in the fields and have their own party? I don’t know about you, but I have already begun searching for flights to Nebraska for a relocation.

88. The Next Storm, Frank Turner

“The Next Storm” is the first single off Frank Turner’s sixth studio album, Positive Songs for Negative People. If you are saying to yourself “SIXTH ALBUM? I’ve never heard of this guy,” then you have been missing out on some brilliant music. Might I strongly recommend starting with “The Way I Tend To Be” and going from there.

When asked about the inspiration of “The Next Storm” Turner says…

“Emerging from a storm shelter to find that, while the tornado destroyed the town, you and your family survived, the sun is out, and you can start rebuilding.”

Frank Turner is rock, folk and punk all tied together and blended beautifully. Throw in his past experience as the lead vocalist of the post-hardcore band Million Dead, and you have a recipe for success. Turner continues to write relevant, inspiring music that is effortless to enjoy.

87. I Was Me, Imagine Dragons

“I Was Me” is no ordinary Imagine Dragons mega-hit. It is a charity single that the band wrote for the One4 Project with all proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency to support fleeing refugees in the Middle East.

The guys in Imagine Dragons continue to use their fame to make positive changes in the world. First they created the Tyler Robinson Foundation to raise money for young people battling cancer, then they release this beautiful track to help fleeing refugees, and just a few weeks ago they helped Miss Piggy by appearing on her talk show on ABC’s “The Muppets.” These guys are full-on, modern day Mother Teresa’s.

86. I Feel Love (Every Million), The Dead Weather

Supergroup The Dead Weather is composed of members from The Raconteurs, Queens of the Stone Age, The Kills, and other successful bands. While the most notable member of the band is Jack White, it is lead singer Alison Mosshart that makes “I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)” instantly unforgettable. The track, however, should come with a warning tag cautioning listeners that they may experience sudden outbursts of rage.

Not many other bands in music today can compare to the uniqueness of The Dead Weather. “I Feel Love” is angry, jaded, and meant to be played at maximum volume: a true rock and roll gem.

85. Up Up Up, Waters

Unlike the previous song, “Up Up Up” is an upbeat pop-rock track that will improve your mood rather than darken your mood such as the aforementioned “I Feel Love”.

Formed in Oslo, Norway back in 2011, Waters have recently found success in the States and have the potential to tear up the alt rock charts in 2016. While “Up Up Up” barely got any radio play, the band clearly has the ability to produce radio friendly music. After just one listen, Waters will have you singing up up up up up up up up up a storm.

84. Uma Thurman, Fall Out Boy

“Uma Thurman” left people scratching their heads more than any other song this year. Is it even about Uma Thurman? Is it about Pulp Fiction? Is that the theme from The Munsters?

Regardless of what the song is about, it is incredibly catchy and impossible to get out of your head.

83. Do You Wanna Get High?, Weezer

Despite the fact that Weezer currently has no record label, and there are no plans for a new album, the band released two songs last month. And “Do You Wanna Get High?” is classic Weezer.

Rivers recently admitted that the song is about a former girlfriend that he had around 2000. This was also the same time that he was hanging out with Fred Durst quite often. Anyone that hung around Fred Durst “quite often” in 2000 and is still alive to write songs about it deserves the utmost respect and recognition.

82. Run, Coin

The fact that the video for Coin’s “Run” does not come with a DO NOT TRY ANY OF THIS AT HOME warning is mind boggling. But other than that, these hooligans, who refer to themselves as “products of the 90’s” are the real deal.

After recording their debut album in Nashville, Coin released this track, “Run” as their first single. In a March 26, 2015 interview with Billboard Coin describes the song as..

“‘Run’ is the story of our post-teenage [and] pre-adulthood ambition: the freedom of moving out of our parents’ house, the angsty idea of ‘anti 9-5,’ and the possibility, although unlikely, of attaining success.”

What twenty year old will not consider “Run” perhaps the most relatable song of the year?

81. High Dive, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Last year Andrew McMahon re-introduced himself to alt rock fans with the wildly popular “Cecilia and the Satellite,” a tribute to his daughter. McMahon, the former lead singer of the bands Something Corporate, and Jack’s Mannequin, followed up “Cecilia” with this year’s “High Dive.”

“High Dive” is a “what if?” scenario about his relationship with his wife. Unlike his first single, “High Dive” is a pop-rock track that will make you want to dance. McMahon has proven that he can be a stand alone artist, and just as successful as he was when he had the support of his bands. Hopefully McMahon has a few more family members that he can write some killer songs about.

Songs 80-71 will be released on Wednesday 12/9/15