2017 is the year of catchy, funky tunes with deep lyrics. Whether singing about social issues or unrequited love, these artists have outdone themselves! But fear not, some of them have kept their optimism. From witty hip-hop songs to whimsical ballads, here are 20 of the most popular songs in 2017 you MUST listen to right away!
1. Kendrick Lamar – HUMBLE
One of the year’s most notable new hip hop releases. Kendrick Lamar took over the major music festivals and recently released his latest album, “DAMN”, preceded by this gem. “HUMBLE” depicts struggles of both adulthood and youth. Moreover, the music video is a delicious mix of religious symbols and pop culture references.
Photo source: Billboard
2. Zayn & Taylor Swift – I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
The former member of One Direction and America’s pop-country princess released this electro-R&B hit for the soundtrack of the blockbuster movie Fifty Shades Darker. The lyrics, as well as the music video, match the theme and motives of the film. The single peaked at Top 5 pretty much everywhere.
3. Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
Ed Sheeran released another popular single about romance. No shock there. The song is a fresh fusion of pop, dancehall and tropical house. It’s the definition of “catchy” since you just can’t remove it from your brain and, therefore, one of the most popular songs in 2017.
4. Lady Gaga – The Cure
While headlining the Coachella Festival 2017, Lady Gaga surprised the crowd with a brand new synth-pop song, “The Cure”. A true anthem of life and love, the upbeat, summery track was dedicated to her fans, the “Little Monsters”.
Photo source: NME
5. Katy Perry feat. Skip Marley – Chained to the Rhythm
Another major element of 2017’s best new music is Katy Perry’s “Chained to the Rhythm”, a collaboration with none other than Bob Marley’s grandson Skip. The bubbly song, with its colourful video set at a theme park, is actually “a metaphor for the infinite distractions of modern society” – as described by BBC.
6. The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey – Closer
One of the most popular songs of 2017 and 2016 alike is “Closer”, released in the fall of last year. It’s still dominating the charts and, furthermore, it received a Grammy Nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The song describes the recurring romance of two young adults.
7. Zedd & Alessia Cara – Stay
This song marks both the artists’ first top 10 hit in the US, peaking at number 7. “Stay” is a dance and electronic-based love song, which placed the young Zed and Alessia Cara under the radar.
8. Julia Michaels – Issues
Another powerful newcomer is Julia Michaels, who started as a songwriter. This is her debut single, which reached top 20 in the US and top 10 in many European countries. It’s a witty, laid-back song with great vocals.
9. Gorillaz – Saturn Barz
This is the lead single from the peculiar band’s fourth album “Humanz”. It was leaked a short while before it’s official release, creating immense hype around Gorillaz’s fans. The reggae-influenced tune came with an equally acclaimed short-film-like video.
Photo source: Iamag
10. Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert -Bad and Boujee
The consecrated hip-hop group Migos and the uprising Lil Uzi Vert topped the Billboard Hot 100 and other notable charts with this complex new hip hop release, which highlights the opposition between regular and bourgeois.
11. Imagine Dragons – Believer
This is the lead single from Imagine Dragons’ third album, “Evolve“. This number 1 song on the Alternative and Hot Rock charts marked the end of the group’s hiatus and reminded us why we love them.
12. Calvin Harris feat. Migos – Slide
Again we find Migos, this time featuring in Calvin Harris’ funky hit, which became tremendously popular in a very short time. The song speaks about the road to success and richness and, even throws in a reference to Picasso’s $104 million-worth painting, Boy with a Pipe.
13. Rihanna – Love on the Brain
Another one of the most popular songs in 2017 is the fourth single from Rihanna’s “Anti” album, a soul ballad with 50s and 60s influences. The subject is quite dark. “Love on the Brain” describes an abusive yet addictive relationship.
Photo source: Youtube/Rihanna
14. Adele – Water Under the Bridge
Seems like love is in the air in 2017, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Adele released another iconic but tragic song, depicting that alarming point during a relationship when you don’t know if you’re alone in it. It peaked at top 5 on the US Adult charts.
15. Bruno Mars – That’s What I Like
Just when we thought Bruno Mars couldn’t go any higher, he came out with this number 1 single, which became even more popular than the previously released “24K Magic”. For a change, we have a positive love song, in which Mars speaks about beach houses, expensive cars, gourmet food.. which he is willing to share with that special lady.
16. Kygo & Selena Gomez – It Ain’t Me
This nostalgic, break-up song is another sign that EDM and tropical house are taking over the industry. Who knew reminiscing about an old flame could be so much fun?
17. Kaleo – Way Down We Go
Any sane person with an internet connection knows this song from the trailer of 2017’s praised movie “Logan“. Besides, the music video was filmed inside a dormant volcano, that’s always a conversation starter!
Photo source: Underthepress
18. Harry Styles – Sign of the Times
The former One Direction member recently released his solo breakthrough single. It created worldwide hype and reached number 4 on the Us Hot 100. Therefore, the best new music in 2017 now features two ex-One Direction boys.
19. Lorde – Green Light
Both funny and sad, this song will make you dance, dance, dance. “Green Light” is the lead single from Lorde’s 2017 album “Melodrama”. It reached top 10 on the Alternative chart and truly deserves a place in the most popular songs in 2017.
20. Sean Paul feat. Dua Lipa – No Lie
This collaboration between the notorious Jamaican artist Sean Paul and the gorgeous Dua Lipa became insanely popular in Europe, being impossible to miss on any radio station and gaining a Gold certification in the UK.
Main Photo Source: PotentLifestyle
