Singles of 2017
These are my favorite singles of 2017 in no particular order, included are some write ups on my thoughts of each one as well. |
| 1 |  | Tonight Alive
Underworld
Crack My Heart
Learning from their former album ‘Limitless’, Tonight Alive reanalyze their approach and pull back from their previously radio-friendly pop sound. On Crack My Heart, Jenna shows some of her strongest songwriting capabilities in both her sincere self-reflection and emotional honesty. Jenna says it best in her own words “In my experience, when you are seen as your authentic self by another, you come to recognize your reflection more accurately and lovingly.” There’s a sense of certainty and newfound confidence in her sentiment and her vocal delivery here exuberates this discovery. One can expect a return to heavier sound, closer to the lines of their previous material, bringing back more their more pop-punk oriented sound. It’s a welcome return that bodes for a promising start for their release of Underworld in January 2018. |
| 2 |  | Vince Staples
Big Fish Theory
Big Fish
“So far from his past misfortune”, Vince showcases a clear-cut and concise approach on Big Fish Theory that encapsulates all the elements needed to get an inclination of what to expect on his latest effort, Big Fish Theory. On BFT, Vince treads new hip-hop territory blending banging club beats with experimental edge and catchy hooks that keep his creative aspirations floating in your head for days. |
| 3 |  | Free Throw
Bear Your Mind
Randy, I Am The Liquor
Free Throw make it known on “Randy I Am The Liquor” that they are aiming to step above their contemporaries and tread into the more anthemic-punk territory and succeed here with ease. This emo tinged punk track has one of the catchiest hooks I’ve heard this year and will have you shouting “Fuck, this I’m letting go” as you share in the misanthropic thoughts of this cynical single. |
| 4 |  | Tove Lo
Blue Lips
Disco Tits
Bearing in mind how much I enjoyed Queen of the Clouds, Tove Lo’s recent release Lady Wood was sort of a disappointment as it lacked the emotional baggage of singles like “Stay High”. Here, however, we are brought a fresh approach on her recent shift to a more club-esque sound. Tove Lo has transitioned her way into more pop leanings and her confidence helps to make this single shine in a light that her delivery lacked on Lady Wood. Bumping with deep atmospheric textures the beats here thump and pause at moments needed to allow Tove Lo’s vocals to shine as she reaches for higher vocal pitches and returning back to a more laid back and spoken delivery. There’s a a variety in her vocal approaches here that help to create some much needed variety. |
| 5 |  | Paul White
Accelerator
Accelerator
Released shortly after the thrill and hype of Atrocity Exhibition, Paul White decided to continue the rollercoaster with the release of his EP, Accelerator. Following suit with the chaotic and manic cuts of AE Paul White and Danny Brown put their twisted minds together on the EP’s title track Accelerator. Which features a spastic tribal drum beat which Danny manages to flow over in an ethereal manner that its hard to believe he’s able to keep a flow while rapping over the beat. The single truly embodies its name to the fullest extent. |
| 6 |  | Tyler, the Creator
Flower Boy
911/Mr. Lonely
On Tyler’s Flower Boy we were given a drastic improvement in both production, musicality and overall consistency. This single showed a new groovier and more R&B oriented approach that escaped the bounds of his rather experimental releases of the past. Although this album changes the outlook of Tyler’s career it’s a change that shows his musical sensibilities in the brightest of lights. This time around there are booming bass lines, confident deliveries, excellent songwriting and some impressive guest features. |
| 7 |  | Falling in Reverse
Coming Home
Loser
Ronnie Rodke is an entity in the music industry that faces massive amounts of flack for his overly egotistical personality and at times obnoxious attitude, but it’s hard to deny that he’s always had a knack for writing catchy hooks. Here we see Falling In Reverse stepping out of their expected usual sound and putting out a creative and catchy single that showcases what the band is capable of when it puts an emotional and thought-out effort forward. Though the album lacks a consistent punch, this shows promise for a future of a more serious and lyrically stronger band. (ideally that is) |
| 8 |  | Paramore
After Laughter
Hard Times
I went through some of the worst and crappy years of high school listening to bands like Paramore, the Used, Senses Fail and other various pop punk bands with post hardcore leanings. I was definitely one of the first people to express my disappointment upon discovering the direction the band chose on their self-titled effort so I came into this album with fairly low expectations. In fact, I tried my best to approach this album with no preconceptions. I have to say that I’m so glad I did. This album, although showing no real return to form, impressed me so much more than their self-titled effort. Paramore released a poppy, fun, and groovy effort here with their single from After Laughter. There’s also an emotional honesty here that hearkens back to their previous material. Nevertheless this was a wondrous surprise filled with ironic lyrics that balance the poppy nature of the track. |
| 9 |  | Converge
I Can Tell You About Pain
Eve
On Eve, Converge bring the grandiose, epic, powerful, and emotionally arresting elements that make them one of the biggest bands to ever come out of the metal world. There’s a haunting and massive atmosphere that Converge bring to the table here. Bannon also sounds as grisly and animalistic as ever as this song comes to it cacophonous close. Although a blast of a track, The Dusk In Us failed to fully step into this single’s level of bliss. |
| 10 |  | Remo Drive
Greatest Hits
Yer Killin' Me
Coming into this single, it’s clear that Remo Drive shows a passion and drive to create not only catchy songs but also holding a degree of instrumental prowess and technicality. Remo Drive knows just when to pull back from their catchy poppy moments to showcase instrumental segments that break up the experience in a creative and masterful fashion. Greatest Hits breathed some fresh air into a genre needing of it and manages to create a niche sound that steps out of conformity while staying true to its roots. Yer Killin’ Me hits all the high points of the album and compacts it into a delightful package that is sure to have tons of replay value. |
| 11 |  | Shadows
illuminate
Into the Line
Have you missed FACT as much I have? The disbanding of FACT was disheartening news to say the least and I had hoped and waited for a new effort knowing the split had occurred due to creative differences. Luckily, Shadows came into being and holds true to the sound that FACT presented in their earlier efforts. This single brings catchy pop hooks, instrumental technicality and an energy that is just flat out infectious. Although its no longer FACT there’s hope now that Shadows have proven themselves to be a noteworthy band to follow up what was missing on FACT’s last album KTHEAT. |
| 12 |  | Senses Fail
If There Is Light, It Will Find You
Double Cross
I’m fairly certain that many will be as surprised as I was to hear Senses Fail returning to their roots after completely changing their formula to a more Hardcore driven sound, but yet here we are. I’ve got to say as someone who always loved Let It Enfold You and Still Searching that this return is welcomed with open arms. Buddy hasn’t lost his ability to sing pop punk at all and the energy is still apparent and open to see. The honesty and emotional intensity is still there and this single creates hope for a glorious return to form. |
| 13 |  | Glassjaw
Material Control
Shira
I have to admit first and foremost that I’m new to loving Glassjaw and that love is only continuing to grow as I hear more material. Shira shows a change from their previous sound as it focuses more on grim and bass-driven tracks like what we have here. I know for many, this gap of time between this release and Worship and Tribute created a lot of frustration. I do think however, that fans (both old and new) can see the band really wanted to deliver their best effort here while treading some new territory. I found this single showcased quite well what made Material Control such a successful release. There’s grit, intensity and just knock-back power here that undeniably impressive. |
| 14 | | Man with a Mission
My Hero- Single
My Hero
Man With a Mission are a band who have created a niche sound that they pull off here in their typical fashion but with even more impressive songwriting than was seen on their previous effort “The World’s On Fire.” The first noticeable element that brings so much enjoyment here is the booming bass that cuts through the mixing here and kicks like a horse that’s been burnt by branding iron. There’s also a ton of catchy and poppy elements that just blend together marvelously with the strings and generally massive sound that was lacking on many tracks on “The World’s On Fire.” I can’t help but express my excitement for whatever venture arises from the release of this brilliant single. |
| 15 |  | Sampha
Process
No One Knows Me (Like the Piano)
Sampha created one of the most heart-wrenching albums this year and No One Knows Me (Like the Piano) is a glimmering and soulful tribute to the death of his mother. There’s a beauty in the production here and Sampha shows brilliance for songwriting that is done with grace and charm. Marvelous production and lyrically powerful tracks are what you can expect throughout Process and this single shows just how beautiful Sampha is at creating music with profound emotional depth. |
| 16 |  | Brockhampton
SATURATION III
BOOGIE
Whipping into the scene and swaggering with confidence and quite literally saturating the hip-hop industry, Brockhampton have shown an unbelievable knack for writing catchy, fun and musically diverse tracks. On their third and final album installment in the SATURATION series we are given arguably their most diverse and wild track, BOOGIE. Blasting off the album in a frenetic and bombastic fashion with instrumentals that layer and come together with massive amounts of creativity. BOOGIE shows all the members providing some of their best verses all while being backed by booming and frantic instrumentals that bombard the listener. |
| 17 |  | Igorrr
Savage Sinusoid
ieuD
Where does one even start when describing Igorrr to someone who has not yet taken part in their insanity? Really there’s no easy answer here. The reason words may escape you is the sheer variety of sounds one encounters in even this single alone. Ranging from Metal, to opera, to electronic infused segments there’s honestly too many surprises to list, which is embodied in an even fuller extent on their full length Savage Sinusoid. My first and foremost recommendation here would be to just listen honestly and expect the unexpected. |
| 18 |  | Enter Shikari
The Spark
The Sights
Enter Shikari is currently the only band-related tattoo I have (the lion from common dreads is on my right arm) so my apologies in advance for any “fanboyism” that shows here. I honestly never fail to be impressed by Enter Shikari’s consistency in quality regardless of what new sounds they explore. There’s always a fairly large collection of tracks that are just plain fun, lyrically thoughtful and instrumental creative put in place. The energy of this release and maturity in their ability to infuse electronics with their rock sound is still a marvel to appreciate. Astonishingly, I don’t think Rou has lost his ability to standout and maintain charm in his vocal deliveries. There’s just these massive tracks (like this one) that are just so catchy and wonderfully uplifting that they always manage to deliver time and time again. |
| 19 |  | Dance Gavin Dance
Summertime Gladness / Pussy Vultures
Summertime Gladness
Zany, ridiculous and yet somehow charming, Dance Gavin Dance never fails to ride the line of serious musicianship paired with odd and questionable lyrics. This track honestly embodies exactly what you either hate or love about Dance Gavin Dance. I have to say that I lean towards the love spectrum as its just so amusing to listen to their music. Tillian and Mess are both at the top of their game here vocally and the sax that accompanies the instrumentals that sound like a typical DGD song were a lovely surprise. |
| 20 |  | Morgan Saint
17 HERO
YOU
Dreamy and soulful, Morgan Saint has come blazing into the scene as female pop artist with some of the loveliest vocals presented in recent memory. I’m sure there’s many who will compare her to her contemporaries such as Lorde and CHVRCHES but I think she does well to stand out from these too with vocals that soars and cut through the music in an elegant and marvelous manner. |
| 21 |  | Sorority Noise
You're Not As ____ As You Think
No Halo
Another outfit who will often be compared to their contemporary, Sorority Noise show their Brand New influence on their sleeves. Track’s like No Halo can’t help but portray an emotional response and the production here is clearly done quite well which make the obvious nods to Brand New not much a problem in my opinion. There’s some powerful vocal deliveries paired with painful lyrical passages that are sure be given their justice whenever they show up. |
| 22 |  | Porter Ray
Watercolor
Past Life
Bringing stories of his painful past of growing up in the hood to reality in the form of a hip-hop album filled with dark and brooding soundscapes and impressive production. The lead single here embodies all the elements you can expect if you check this album. Porter Ray has a great flow and lyrically presents excellent story telling in each song he puts out on Watercolor. This isn’t your typical upbeat catchy hip-hop, but a sad and unsettling atmospheric experience. |
| 23 |  | Portugal. The Man
Woodstock
Feel It Still
Now I have to say it here I never really checked any Portugal. The Man. But I have to say this single was incredibly catchy and grooves hard with its chunky bass work and high-pitched vocals. There’s a soulful vibe and a hook that will keep you coming back for more. Although it is clear they aim for a single that’s simple enough in its sentiments, it does exactly what you want in a single, it entices and pulls you back. |
| 24 |  | The Used
The Canyon
Over and Over Again
The Used are a band that always try something different every album. Sometimes it fails (most notably their album Imaginary Enemy) and sometimes it succeeds and carries with it some highly emotional lyricism and extremely catchy anthems. Here we are embraced with a hook that will have you coming back “over and over again.” There’s some funky bass work and creative instrumentation here that brings a refreshing sound back to The Used rather dull work as of lately. The Canyon sees The Used reassessing their values and trying to bring some new material that breaks their typical mold a bit. Over and Over Again is a single that carries with it an embrace for new sounds and textures in The Used’s typical formula. |
| 25 |  | J.I.D
The Never Story
NEVER
Destin Route (J.I.D) emerges from his label Dreamville absolutely blowing away expectations as an artist coming from a label who produces rappers who constantly fail to meet this single’s level of instrumental prowess and vocal capability. When approaching this album I came in with fairly low expectation until hearing the banger of a track that is NEVER. Destin has one of the most impressively smooth and fast flows I’ve heard since diving into the hip-hop genre. Production here is absolutely flawless and Destin’s potential to be the next big rap star became apparent to me upon hearing The Never Story in full. This was honestly one of my favorite discoveries this year. |
| 26 |  | White Moth Black Butterfly
Atone
The Serpent
Admittedly, this was an extremely recent discovery. The Serpent is an outing, which shows a nice blend of electronic textures paired with beautiful instrumental melodies. As if the instrumental melodies here weren’t enough to entice you, there are some absolutely lush vocals here that give this even more appeal. The bass helps to give this a nice thumping groove beneath the high-pitched female vocals and the plucking guitar provides an acoustic edge to the track. The two vocalists on this track also provide some nice balance to one another and help to create even more layers of intricacy to this delicate and marvelous track. (thanks kalkwiese) |
| 27 |  | Forest Swords
Compassion
Arms Out
Creating one of the most standout soundscapes I’ve heard this year, Forest Swords creates an intriguing blend of sounds in a loosely electronic platform. Creating some unique compositions, which vary and grow as the song progresses to climactic heights while still holding a consistency throughout. Everything used in the composition here is thoughtfully repeated and used in a manner that is sure to intrigue and mystify the listener. (thanks anatelier) |
| 28 |  | Clans
Lust
Glendale showcases a new artist portraying emotionally arresting lyrics over minimalistic musical passages that embody the soulful vocal melodies presented here. However, as the track progresses there are some interesting electronic 8-bit electronics which present a unique twist to an otherwise musically simplistic venture but never ceases to overdue it any point and it draws back and punches when it is essential for it do so. I look forward to see what a full length of material from Clans could bring with it and this single is brimming with venturous musical blends and strong vocal deliveries. (thanks neekafat) |
| 29 |  | Gang of Youths
Go Farther in Lightness
The Deepest Sighs the Frankest Shadows
Triumphant and glowing like an asteroid bursting through the atmosphere, this single from Gang of Youths builds and flies by much like life, in a glimpse of flame and beauty only to simmer out and disintegrate. There’s a powerful message we are all aware of, that is to say that life is short. We must possess a prowess for sharing a selfless and loving outlook towards others regardless of how short and meaningless life can feel at times. There’s an honestly in lyrics such as “if everything is temporary, I will bear the unbearable terrible triteness of being” that express a feeling of existentialism. However there also comes a realization that we are not alone in these moments. The drums in this single kick and jump in syncopation to the deep vocal melodies and emotive guitar riffs that flutter as successfully as the songwriting. |
| 30 | | Gang of Youths
Go Farther in Lightness
This sound only builds as the orchestral arrangements overlay the indie-rock sentiments of the track and create complexity and beauty that push the lyrics to exceptional heights. (thanks onionbubs) |
| 31 |  | And So I Watch You From Afar
The Endless Shimmering
A Slow Unfolding of Wings
I remember a few years ago seeing these guys perform a set before The Fall of Troy and not having a clue as to who they were. All I remember is the precision of the soundscapes and atmospheres created in their live show. This precision and conciseness remains true in this single and shows the band’s talent for knowing just how much to vary a track to allow their technicality to shine but never overstay it’s bounds. The deep and chugging moments and the higher pitched guitar melodies are blended marvelously over crashing cymbals and drum fills that meld for a tight instrumental track that shines in superior fashion. (thanks DinosaurJones) |
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