40. “One of Us” – New Politics
If the television show Friends was released in 2017, “One Of Us” could very well have been its theme song.
That we will laugh about it all
And we’ll celebrate the things we’ve done for years to come
‘Cause that’s what friends, that’s what friends are for.”
The Danish rock trio, New Politics continue to impress year after year, and “One of Us” is a perfect example of how their upbeat and positive tracks are some of the most feel-good songs in music today.
39. “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” – Car Seat Headrest
“Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” could easily be two songs pieced together. The first half is a chill, laid back jam that you could listen to while sipping a cold beverage by the pool in the summer. The second half is as electrifying as any other song in 2017, and begs for you to scream along.
The contrast between the two extremes is what makes “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” one of the most interesting songs on the radio today.
38. “Castle on the Hill” – Ed Sheeran
Who doesn’t love “Castle on the Hill? Well, besides Ed’s “friends” that “raised him.”
Such as…
- His friend that is ALREADY on his second wife.
- His friends that has two kids, BUT LIVES ALONE.
- And his friend that is BARELY getting by.
- His friend whose brother overdosed. (Imagine if that is the only thing that your really famous friend could think of to say about you.)
Regardless, “Castle on the Hill” is a beautiful homage to the place where Sheeran grew up, and is likely quite nostalgic to anyone that has moved away from their own hometown.
Hopefully, none of my best friends growing up ever become a pop superstar and write one line of a song about me. God only knows what they would choose to say.
37. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
The only thing that makes this song more fun to listen to, is to watch the video that goes along with it.
Could Imagine Dragon’s lead singer Dan Reynolds possibly get any cooler? If this song can’t pump you up, you better check your pulse because something isn’t pumping quite right in that cold, dead body of yours.
36. “One Foot” – WALK THE MOON
While WALK THE MOON may have a difficult task of ever topping their massive 2014 hit “Shut Up and Dance,” they sure as hell tried with this year’s “One Foot.”
It is big, and loud, full of energy, and exactly what we have come to expect from the Cincinnati band.
35. “Faded Heart” – BØRNS
If a song can possibly be classic, current, and futuristic at the same time, it is “Faded Heart,” the first song off BØRNS sophomore album, Blue Madonna (release date: January 12, 2018.)
Everything about the Grand Haven, MI native BØRNS is unique, from his style, look, voice, and even his name. “Faded Heart” is his best song to date, and if it’s any indication of what Blue Madonna is going to sound like, I will be one happy BØRNS fan on 1/12/18.
34. “Whole Wide World” – Cage the Elephant
Had this been a Cage the Elephant original, it would possibly have cracked the top 10. However, the song “Whole Wide World” was originally by a singer-songwriter that went by the name Wreckless Eric. It appeared in the 2006 Will Ferrell movie Stranger Than Fiction. (No points were deducted due to that unfortunate fact.)
Not that Cage the Elephant can do any wrong anyway, but they absolutely killed it with this modern version of the song about searching the world to find the love of your life.
33. “For What It’s Worth” – Liam Gallagher
“For What It’s Worth” is Liam Gallagher’s apology to people he has wronged along the way, and it is absolutely brilliant. While not specifically mentioning to whom he is sorry, he is a notorious bad boy, so I am sure he has plenty to be sorry for.
For what it’s worth, I don’t care who the younger Gallagher brother has wronged. And for what it’s worth, I don’t care what love-child Gallagher has never met. And for what it’s worth I don’t care if, as his brother has been noted saying, Liam is “the angriest man you will ever meet.”
Both Liam and Noel Gallagher are legends, and whether they are together in Oasis or doing their own things, I have nothing but hero worship for the both. Take that for whatever it’s worth.
32. “Basket Case” – Bastille
The best cover song of the year goes to Bastille’s version of Green Day’s 1994 mega-hit, “Basket Case.”
Not only was it the best cover of the year, but it was also the most underrated song of the year, and includes my pick for one of the best notes of the year. (2:03)
I am pretty sure for the 25-year anniversary of Green Day’s masterpiece, Dookie (which is coming up in just about 13 months. Yes, Dookie is almost TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OLD (!)) Bastille should just grab themselves a symphony and re-create the entire damn album.