It's time to look back at the songs that stood above the rest in 2017. It should be noted that I have not included any K-Pop songs in this list, due to the fact that I have a list of the best K-Pop songs in the works as well. I'm not saying that those songs can't compete with songs from the west. As a matter of fact, I'm much more attached to my K-Pop Song of the Year than my general Song of 2017. ANYWAYS! Here it is, what I thought were the best songs of 2017!

SONG of 2017

"BLEACH" by BROCKHAMPTON

I didn’t get the appeal of BROCKHAMPTON right away. It wasn’t until I sat through and listened to "Saturation III" in its entirety that it clicked. Not only do I "get it" now, I consider myself a full-fledged fan. Now going back over the previous two releases from this year, it’s really an impossible task choosing the best song the group released this year.

I’m a sucker for anything that Bearface does, but the song that I think captures the versatility of the boyband is "BLEACH." Dynamically there’s an excellent mix of groove, ambiance, and punch. It might also be one of their most poppy songs, but that’s okay. Members of BROCKHAMPTON always do a stellar job of addressing topics that a lot of their contemporaries seem to struggle mentioning. There’s a wonderful insecurity to "BLEACH, "but the groove and final act of the song manages to provide a hopeful experience as well.

While all of the verses fit so well, Matt Champion’s verse, Ryan Beatty’s hook, and the outro by Bearface are stelar. "Bleach" might be the most cohesive hip-hop song with multiple features that I’ve heard in years. The production is top notch, and goes toe-to-toe with any other record released this year.

The Runner-Ups (In no particular order)

"Chanel" by Frank Ocean

Who needs your typical song structure when you kill it like Frank? I mean, the whole record feels like a chorus and a verse at the same time. It’s kind of like the "Birdman" of 2017. You know, the movie that looks like it’s one shot starring Michael Keaton? The bars and melodies seem to pour out of Frank so effortlessly. That’s not to say he’s being lazy, but rather he is being Neo after he finds out he is “the one” and is stopping bullets and whatnot. My writing is getting sloppy, but I don’t care. This song is great, like all-time great.

"(No One Know Me) Like the Piano" by Sampha

Sampha’s ballad is lyrically profound and relatable to anyone who found music as a safe-refuge when times got hard. It’s a beautiful tribute to his mother and hopeful reassurance that the memories and values of the people we love will continue to live on. The song is deceptively simple, but Sampha’s genuine performance and writing makes this one of the best songs of 2017.

"Idontwannabeyouanymore" by Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish could be the next Kanye West. Some people might find that to be a diss, or an inaccurate statement. All I mean by that is that Billie has the talent, moxie, and is just crazy enough to legitimately try to take over the world. If time is good to her, she will.

With that bravado and skill, she still isn’t afraid to put it all out there. "Idontwannabeyouanymore" captures the essence of what it’s like to loathe who you are or who you have been. It’s dreamy, and the percussion elements contain enough bits of ear candy to keep you intrigued, as Billie’s hypnotic breathy vocals draw you in. Before you know it, you’ve fallen into a melancholy trap that is quite difficult to escape.

"Black Spiderman" by Logic

Logic has been around for quite sometime, but with the release of his latest album, he is finally getting some mainstream recognition. Not only is he using his platform to build his brand and artistic legacy, but he continues to push messages of hope, love, peace, and acceptance. Logic’s perspective of growing up biracial is on full display in "Black Spiderman." It’s great to hear a song with a killer flow, that also forces us to ask ourselves “why do we let these arbitrary things define who we are or define how we see people?”

So there you have it! My favorite (non K-pop) songs of 2017! If I wrote this list tomorrow, it would probably change, because lists like these are so arbitrary.

Let me know what you think! Are there songs that should have made the cut? Why don't you tell me your favorite songs in the comments bellow?!? Hope you enjoyed the list, and I can't wait for the tunes that will be dropping in 2018!

Yours Forever and Always,
Nico Cuevas

Best Songs of 2017