Annual Review 2017: Best Songs & Gigs
2017 is almost done. It’s been a strange year where societally, on a macro scale it’s been one of the most horrifying in memory. But simultaneously on a very personal level this past year has been the best in my life. It’s been a year where to reach inward, holding our loved ones close has been vital for our sanity. Artists, as they always have, stepped up to the plate and aided us — whether by soothing nerves or motivating to act. I went to more gigs this year than I have done for the past couple. I think the visceral pleasure of standing united as part of a crowd of people all clinging to the same energy as you felt more necessary than it had done previously. My Top 5 best live moments this year were as follows: Moses Sumney at the Komedia (pictured above) was like seeing Jeff Buckley in his early jazz cafe days; I didn’t pick my jaw up from the floor for a full hour. Willy Mason at the Green Door Store was amazing, the man who gave us the most important protest song of our generation (perhaps too early) brought us all together again like a hero. Sevdaliza at Heaven was absolutely spellbinding and a crowning moment for the artist. Mr Jukes at Concorde 2 was the best party of the year, complete with a 9 piece band just days before Charles Bradley passed. And finally, Glastonbury brought many highlights, not least Run The Jewels introduced by future Prime Minister Jeremy Corbyn. But my favourite set probably came from Stormzy who proved he really is the people’s champ.
Last year I did an EPs of the Year but 2017 felt like a year that needed more immediate pleasures, so Songs made more sense. Instead, I’ve included the highlight from some of my favourite EPs, noting where I think you need to hear the rest of the record. Where possible, I’ve tried to steer away from including songs from albums where I loved the whole thing as they’re better credited as a whole. I’ve also tried to stick to one song per artist. There’s so many fantastic tracks that come out in a year which don’t end up on albums, or simply outshine the records they become a part of. In fact, my #1 song of the year is from an album on which I struggled to find a single other song I enjoyed. That’s the kind of year it’s been — you take joy from wherever it presents itself, and dance when there’s nothing left to do. So here are my Top 50 Songs of 2017, with a full playlist of 100 at the end. Check back next week for Albums of the Year. Enjoy and thanks for reading.
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Oh, before we get into it, this feature includes FRANKIE’S HOT PICK™
‘National’ by James Vincent McMorrow. Here’s what she has to say:
I am a HUGE James V M fan - probably since I was about 17. I’ve seen him twice now; once in London and once in Paris by the Moulin Rouge. There’s something so captivating about him (and his Irish accent doesn’t hurt either.) Anyway, when he released the album We Move last year I was upset that he had come away from his usual style and sulked all the way until he released True Care this year. I feel he has returned to the spooky songs I love that showcase his unusual voice. ‘National’ is my personal favourite from this album and I’ve included the live version here as that’s how he is best experienced - I hope you enjoy too.
50) ‘Happy Gilmore’ by Mick Jenkins (Check the whole EP!) — Mick is one of my favourite MCs but his last album missed the mark somehow. This new mixtape was a return to form; its opening track the warning shot.
49) ‘Outlet’ by Desiigner — This was the moment that GOOD Music signee proved he was more than ‘Panda’ If you ask me, this is better than his break out hit. If you thought he was a 1 hit, you need to hear this (loud)
48) ‘Enough feat. Pusha T’ by Flume (Check the whole EP!) — While we waited patiently for Push’s next album he cropped up on this scary EP cut from producer Flume. He sounds as mean as ever. Roll on King Push.
47) ‘Bodak Yellow’ by Cardi B —I tried to resist this initially but just kept coming back to it. Her fire is unarguable and sometimes you need to switch off your brain and nod your head. I hope she has more in her canon.
46) ‘International Business Trip’ by Kweku Collins (Check the whole EP!) — My buddy introduced me to Collins this year and I was immediately taken aback by his fiercely individual production and delivery. This is his best.
45) ‘No Way feat. Isaiah Rashad, Joey Purp & Ambré’ by TOKiMONSTA — The Brainfeeder producer overcame a serious brain disease and released a great album this year; the highlight being this great TDE x SaveMoney collab.
44) ‘Find Me’ by Buddy (Check the whole EP!) — Kaytranada had his fingerprints over more projects this year than you might have realised, but his full collaborative EP with Buddy was a revelation. Summer on record.
43) ‘Spar feat. 6LACK & Kodak Black’ by Dreezy — I checked this one out on 6LACK’s involvement alone and while his hook is great, the whole song became one I just kept coming back to. Political and bangin’.
42) ‘Thas My Girl’ by Swet Shop Boys (Check the whole EP!) — Last year Heems and Riz MC put out one of my albums of the year. Since then Riz has become a hearthrob and they followed up with an equally awesome EP.
41) ‘(Ocean) Bloom’ by Radiohead — David Attenborough, Radiohead: name a more iconic duo, I’ll wait. Seriously though Thom Yorke singing his way over the great mysterious ocean is Extremely My Shit.
40) ‘Medium Core’ by Joker (Check the whole EP!) — being a fan since 2010 it was an absolute delight to hear that his new work was up there with his best ever. An absolute electronic attack; guaranteed pump you up in any situation.
39) ‘Slide feat. Frank Ocean & Migos’ by Calvin Harris — 2017 was a weird year; somehow Calvin Harris is good now? Enlisting Frank Ocean can never hurt and this became the song of the summer. Undeniable and lush.
38) ‘Nightmare’ by Juice Jackal (Check the whole EP!) — WeDidIt Collective’s latest signing burst through with a song that sounded like Rivers Cuomo fronting HEALTH while somehow touching your heart. A must listen.
37) ‘I’m Not Racist’ by Joyner Lucas — While there was a lot wrong with positioning a white supremacist character as equal opposite to a black man, Lucas’ ambition (and flow!) was too good to deny. You must watch the video.
36) ‘Forget About Me’ by Nick Murphy (Check the whole EP!) — As Chet Faker I was only a passing fan, but his re-emergence as Chet Faker was a complete epiphany. Visceral, experimental and utterly brilliant.
35) ‘Deathless feat. Kamasi Washington’ by Ibeyi — a brave two fingers to a racial profiling from the police force, aided by Kamasi Washington’s sax. These twin sisters sound triumphant and very much alive. Awesome.
34) ‘Love Scars’ by Trippie Redd — after Lil Uzi Vert, Trippie Red is the most addictive new sing/rapper to sing his damn heart out over trap beats. “You used to say you in love…now look where the fuck where we at” Star in waiting.
33) ‘Lemon feat. Rihanna’ by N.E.R.D — rapping RiRi is the best RiRi and this was the perfect song for her to flex on. The whole thing sounds like an assault and I can’t turn it off. Welcome back to the land of the living, Pharrell.
32) ‘Drowning feat. Kodak Black’ by A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie — both these guys sound better as features but somehow this was one of the catchiest singles all year. A Boogie’s voice is like sugar and the production is haunting.
31) ‘Contagious feat. Migos’ by Meek Mill — I’ve never been a huge Meek Mill fan but I’ve never heard him sound as good as on this. That beat! He sounds unstoppable; completely unshackled from all previous L’s.
30) ‘Cartier feat. Jadakiss’ by PartyNextDoor (Check the Seven Days EP!) — PND took a break from writing for Drake & put out some of his best work this year. This is one of the weirder ones, but it’s just so cool.
29) ‘Reims’ by RL Grime — WeDidIt Collective’s resident party starter graced us with 3 loose singles this year and every one was an adrenaline rush. Also check out the Miguel-featuring ‘Stay For It’ for more sonic ecstasy.
28) ‘Neither Do I feat. Jeremih’ by Stwo — French Drake collaborator follows in Shlohmo’s footsteps by producing a baby-making hit with Jeremih. This ode to never knowing real love (only lust) is the singer at his best.
27) ‘Slipknot feat. Kin$oul & Killstation’ by XXXTentacion — accused pregnant woman-abuser (trial next week) somehow pens flawless rap song. The Killstation feature adds another layer of emotion and the beat is perfect.
26) ‘Will He’ by Joji (Check the whole EP!) — YouTube boy wonder rebrands as the next James Blake and pens one of the most moving break-up songs of the year. Found it playing in my head for days and days on end.
25) ‘Not Enough feat. THEY’ by Lido
2016 hero and Norwegian producer prodigy Lido returned this year with an incredible team up with rap duo THEY. for the best 90’s throwback of the year. It was all dramatic electronic drums and irresistible singalong. THEY. are just perfect for this kind of thing — sounding like if Michael Jackson was born in 1995 as twins — thrilling.
24) ‘Letter To Falon’ by Jay Electronica
This was our annual, painful reminder of Jay Elec’s genius before he disappeared again into hibernation (at least we get that much, ahem, Jai Paul) ‘Letter To Fallon’ was built around a driving piano line and skittering handclap beat not 100 miles away from a Radiohead instrumental. The lyrics, as ever, were flooring.
23) ‘Question Time’ by Dave (Check the whole EP!)
I fully believe Dave is currently our greatest hope for British music. Last year’s Six Paths EP showed he had the skill and the wit at a young age, but ‘Question Time’ saw him tackle politics for over 7 minutes. It really meant something to me to hear someone in the grime world speak out about what’s going on right now, and to speak on it with such passion and vigour.
22) ‘RAF feat. Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert & Frank Ocean’ by A$AP Mob
The highlight of A$AP Mob’s extensive output this year was the posse cut RAF, not least because it was graced with Mr. Ocean’s inimitable presence. It’s a thrill to hear him shit-talking alongside other huge 2017 rap names. Rocky brought the style, Quavo the melody and Uzi the energy. Playboi Carti was also there somewhere.
21) ‘Hate Government’ by Denzel Curry (Check the whole EP!)
This may have been written (explicitly) about the US government but in 2017 I think it resounded with most of us. Sonically it sounded like an industrial plant tearing itself a part which really makes you think only Denzel has the power to ride something like this. This was the sound of a young rapper rapidly levelling up — his next album should be really something.
20) ‘Maze’ by Dessie Magee
Originally from Northern Ireland but now gracing Brighton with his presence, Dessie Magee possesses that raw, poetic passion that few singer-songwriters can harness. This, his first single is the perfect introduction to his husky voice and powerful delivery and it’s absolutely addictive. For those tired of the man and a guitar formula, let Dessie lead you back in.
19) ‘4:44’ by JAY-Z
I went into Jay’s 13th studio album with low expectations but the title track was enough to silence any single doubt. Never has a song encapsulated the long night of the soul motif better than this raw, uncomfortable rumination on past mistakes, historical and recent And that sample!! Mr. Carter showed that being a man means owning up and not just saying sorry but truly feeling it.
18) ‘Truth’ by Kamasi Washington (Check the whole EP!)
Kamasi Washington gained wider recognition 2 years ago with his 3-hour triple album The Epic which lived up to his name. This year he returned with a more digestible half an hour EP Harmony of Difference, with ‘Truth’ being the triumphant climax. There’s something so warm about his sax line that makes it feel so important. If only all jazz was like this!
17) ‘Until Tomorrow feat. Jake Weary (Shlohmo Remix)’ by Groundislava
It was a strong year for the best electronic collective in the world, WeDidIt. They made new signings, released a number of great records and teamed up to amazing results. The most absent of the crew was their ringleader Shlohmo who released just a couple of remixes this year. This one, of fellow labelmate Groundislava showed just what he can do. No-one can build a world in a song like Shlohmo does, and this was unmistakably his best.
16) ‘Midnight’ by Jessie Ware
It’s so exciting when you hear the moment an artist levels up. Jessie Ware has always been a great talent and had a beautiful voice, but ‘Midnight’ saw her go full belter. When her voice first hits those high notes you can actually sense her evolve into something bigger and more powerful. The rest of the subsequent album couldn’t match the heights, but this song with persevere for a long time.
15) ‘Together’ by Star Slinger
It was a great year for the Nottingham producer. Having been a fan since his early work and remixes as far back at 2010, it’s been amazing to see him expand his sonic palette and try new things; not least the utilisation of his warm singing voice. But the best thing he put out this year was the pure elation of ‘Together’ — the soundtrack to a million parties all across the world. If you’re not familiar, get 2 know. He’s got the vision.
14) ‘Homie feat. Meek Mill’ by Young Thug & Carnage
(Check the whole EP!)
The ever-shapeshifting rap alien Young Thug had a lot to share with us again this year but perhaps the biggest straight up thrill came from his first single with producer Carnage. Maniacal organ underpins the track, casting Thugga as the black Phantom of the Opera, slinging technicolour threats like “Gangster bitch with me, she’ll spank ya / swear to God all I gotta do is point one finger: she’ll close range ya” Only Meek Mill has the frenetic energy to jump on this and not get swallowed whole. Unbelievable.
13) ‘Never’ by J.I.D
Early on in the year a young star was signed to J Cole’s Dreamville imprint and his trajectory was set. J.I.D initially sounded like a mix between Anderson .Paak and young Kendrick (no bad thing) but the more music he put out, the more he found his voice. Early singer ‘Never’ though was the one that made people sit up and take focus — a song of 2 halves, the first shows off his fast-talking beat-riding while the second is a more chaotic rush of panic. There’s no better new rapper out with the lyrics, the charisma and the skill.
12) ‘Gyalchester’ by Drake
Somehow, throwing the flow of an traditional album out the window and releasing a ‘playlist’ in More Life Drake was able to partially at least break out of the slump he fell into with last year’s Views. The 3-song run of Sampha’s beautiful ‘4422’ into this, then followed by ‘Skepta’s Interlude’ was a beautiful nod to old Blighty and my favourite portion of the project. I went with ‘Gyalchester’ because it’s the centre point and the beat still stands as the heaviest all year.
11) ‘Mask Off (Remix feat. Kendrick Lamar)’ by Future
When Future Hendrix dropped 2 albums in 2 weeks earlier this year, it was ‘Mask Off’ that stood out as the trap banger. Metro Boomin single handedly dragged the flute into 2017 hip hop with his masterful sample and Future was at his best. But then King Kendrick jumped on it with a verse of his own and completely stole the show. Somehow he fit the ice cold beat crafted specifically for Future perfectly and danced atop it like a pro. Just another year in his unstoppable rise — long may it continue.
10) ‘Old Money’ by Family Fiction
Brighton band Family Fiction are onto something. Their blend of lush, rich instrumentation and poetic lyricism set them aside from any other alternative folk rock act coming out of the UK now. Closer listening reveal a battle against organised religion — the story of one who’s seen behind the curtain and returned with something to say. And behind the uniquely impassioned vocals, the band play together like they were born to and I look forward to more.
9) ‘Save That Shit’ by Lil Peep (Check the whole EP!)
Would this song sting quite so hard had Lil Peep made it to the end of the year? No, but it would always be on the list. The tragic passing of the 21 year old singer shook the hip hop world and this highlight from his first major release is a tough listen. Hearing him sing “I can take you there, but baby, you won’t make it back” reads now like a horrible warning from the drugs that would take his life. There was something addictive about his music that spoke to our darker ideas. May he rest in peace.
8) ‘Machine’ by The Horrors
It’s a special kind of joy when an old favourite that you’ve drifted away from releases something that drags you right back in. This was the case with The Horrors’ comeback single which in just a few bars reminded me why I’d been such a big fan for all those years. They’d polished their sound a little on the previous few albums by ‘Machine’ heralded a jagged, motorik gear change and I could not get enough. And Faris’ sneer never sounded this supreme.
7) ‘Rodent’ by Burial
A full 10 years after his last full-length album and Burial is still giving us 1 or 2 songs a year just to keep us guessing. This year we actually got 5 and ‘Rodent’ was the most exciting. Returning to the runtime of the songs on Untrue the single was the most straight forward dance song the shadowy producer has put out for years. Built around a gorgeous “don’t know what I’d do without you” vocal sample the beat is slinky and fast like its namesake but then saxophone comes in out of nowhere. He’s still got tricks up his sleeve.
6) ‘Die 4 You’ by Perfume Genius
The great thing about Mike Hadreas is he can do fearless bombast and fragile-as-glass tenderness within the same album and ‘Die 4 You’ is the perfect example of the latter. Somehow he’s managed to craft the love song of the year centred around erotic asphyxiation…but it works perfectly as an analogy for complete devotion. His voice sounds angelic over delicate electric piano — the perfect nocturnal soundtrack.
5) ‘Naysayer Godslayer’ Clarence Clarity
I’ve been a fan of this producer in various different forms for some years now and it’s amazing to watch his success as Clarence Clarity. 2015’s No Now was utterly fantastic — unlike anything else and the singles since have been amazing. This one is perhaps the most obvious nod to the pop world but he’s always had an insane ear for a hookworm so it makes sense. Not many producers are this adventurous but can also sing like a star. Hoping that his next album Leave Earth comes soon in the new year.
4) ‘Cannon’ by BROCKHAMPTON
With nearly a year and 2 full length albums separating you from this single it could be easy to forget that this is where it all started for the best new act of the year. ‘Cannon’ heralded the beginning the “the internet’s first boy band” massive takeover which this month will see them release their 3rd full-length since June. The song starts as a mournful street-bounce but after 3mins Belfast producer Bearface unveils his beautiful singing voice with “I’m waiting on the birds to call me” over pounding drums. We should’ve seen it coming.
3) ‘Chanel’ by Frank Ocean
Last year our lord and saviour Frank Ocean gifted us not one but two incredible albums. But he didn’t rest in his laurels in 2017; releasing a steady stream of singles which in my opinion are better than a lot of the material from Blonde. It was very hard to choose between this, ‘Biking’, ‘Lens’ & ‘Provider’ but I went with ‘Chanel’ because it was the first, and it showed us Frank had so many more tricks up his sleeve. He is our very best artist.
2) ‘North Pole feat. Austin Feinstein’ by Injury Reserve
(Check the whole EP!)
For anyone who says rap isn’t saying anything anymore I point them to this song. One of those beautiful tracks where you’ll always remember the first time you heard; this one is still haunting me. Built over a twisted acoustic guitar line, the 2 MCs touch on struggling with no support, friends taken too soon and absent parents. It’s the most stunningly honest thing I’ve heard all year, in any genre and I’d recommend it to anyone.
1) ‘XO Tour Llif3’ by Lil Uzi Vert
This had to be my Song of the Year on sheer replay-value alone. Ever since Uzi dropped it on his Soundcloud back in Feb — seemingly as a loosie — it’s been on near daily rotation for me. There’s been a lot said this year about how Hip Hop has gone Emo but no-one captured that heart-wrenching young angst the way Uzi did. When he first goes up an octave to howl “She say I’m insane yeah I might blow my brain out / Xanny help the pain yeah, Please Xanny, make it go away” if you don’t feel something then you’ll never like this song. The production from TM88 is so unique too, it feels as though it’s falling apart and the synth sounds almost like a woman’s cry. But the huge bass holds it all together and keeps your head bopping. If you’d told me a year ago this would be my go-to for both partying and solo headphone music I’d have never believed you but ‘XO Tour Llif3’ is just a fantastic anomaly — and one that in my opinion he’s yet to match.
Check out the full Top 100 in the Spotify playlist below:
Check back next week for Albums of the Year!
