Top 10 Best Songs of 2017
These are the songs that got us through the year. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we'll be counting down the Top 10 Songs of 2017.
For this list, we're looking at songs that were released in 2017 only, so songs that came out in the end of 2016 but didn't peak until this year won't be eligible.
Special thanks to our user Dylan Richmond for suggesting this idea, check out the voting page at
http://WatchMojo.comsuggest/Top%2010%20rock%20songs%20of%202017
#10: “Feel It Still” Portugal. The Man.
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Maybe you heard it in the Apple or Vitamin Water commercial. Or maybe you heard in the trailer for the “Peter Rabbit” movie. No matter where you heard it first, this song was one that made listeners stop and go, “who is this?” With lead singer John Gourley’s distinctive voice paired with a retro beat, “Feel It Still,” sounded miles apart from anything else on popular radio this year. It’s no wonder that the fun, carefree song has become a massive hit for the group, reaching number one on the US Alternative Songs chart and number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
#9: “Bodak Yellow” Cardi B
With little more than a pounding trap beat and Cardi’s commanding voice, “Bodak Yellow” is the song for anyone who ever felt like others doubted them or tried to hold them back. Her cadence and delivery is both confident and boastful, hyping up anyone who sings along. The song spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Cardi the second solo female rapper to top the charts since Lauryn Hill in 1998. Its success has turned Cardi B into the people’s rap princess; a title she deserves.
#8: “Green Light” Lorde
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After waiting almost four years for a new Lorde album, the New Zealand singer came back with a fiery new attitude when she dropped this track in March. “Green Light” is inspired by Lorde’s first heartbreak, and the song is a downbeat, electropop dance track that deals with processing a breakup and ultimately moving on with your life to bigger, better things. It’s a completely different sound than her earlier baroque pop songs like “Royals” but it’s one that shows how she’s matured as a person and an artist. It’s complex and full of energy, and a song we’ll never get tired of dancing to.
#7: “rockstar” Post Malone feat. 21 Savage
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Post Malone teased this single on Twitter in late December of 2016, but didn’t officially release it until September, nine months later. Eager fans were waiting for this one, and it did not disappoint. Featuring 21 Savage, the rappers compare their lifestyles to those of rock legends like Bon Scott and Jim Morrison. The dark, trap inspired beat is in stark comparison to the excessive, decadent lifestyle described in the lyrics. It debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, but eventually climbed up to number 1. It’s a song to lose yourself in, making it a welcome distraction in 2017.
#6: “Sign of the Times” Harry Styles
No one knew what to expect from Harry’s solo debut after One Direction announced their hiatus in 2015, but we were all pleasantly surprised with this rock anthem. Unlike any other artist on popular radio this year, Harry created a song full of wailing guitars that sounded reminiscent of David Bowie, while at the same time making it clear that he was his own man with a distinct sound. His beautiful falsetto is the key to nailing it, and Harry’s voice has never sounded better or more assured. The glam rock sound made it an instant standout, and it’s gone gold and platinum in numerous countries around the world.
#5: “XO Tour Llif3” Lil Uzi Vert
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Rappers are known for boastful songs about fast cars and loose women, but Lil Uzi Vert showed that a rapper could make an emo anthem too. The track chronicles his issues with his girlfriend and his substance abuse problems, and it’s hard not to get emotionally invested in the lyrics when he talks about taking Xanax to make the pain go away. The dark lyrics are at contrast with the bouncy, upbeat melody, but the pairing is what makes the song unforgettable. Frank Guan of Vulture called it “a modern-day ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’,” and it’s not hard to see how the song resonates with disaffected youth.
#4: “Slide” Calvin Harris feat. Frank Ocean & Migos
Fresh off his highly publicized breakup with Taylor Swift in 2016, Calvin bounced back with a new, sexier sound for his album, “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.” The standout track by far was “Slide,” a carefree jam about wanting to have the lifestyle of the rich and famous. With help from Frank Ocean’s signature croon and verses from Migos’ Offset and Quavo, this song fought hard for the title of song of summer. While it didn’t win the battle, it’s effortless cool is as refreshing as an ice-cold lemonade on a sweltering day.
#3: “Shape of You” Ed Sheeran
When Ed Sheeran puts out a song, the world listens. After a short hiatus, Ed came back with a vengeance when he dropped this dancehall inspired track. Originally written with Rihanna in mind, we’re glad Ed kept this flirty song for himself. The lyrics perfectly describe what it’s like to meet someone on a random night out and become enamored with them. Its melody makes it irresistible to sing along to. It was a massive hit upon its release, spending 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. In September, “Shape of You” was the most streamed song on Spotify, at over 1.32 billion streams.
#2: “Despacito (Remix)” Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber
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We couldn’t have made this list without mentioning the official song of summer. The original version of this reggaeton-pop song had been kicking around on Spanish charts and breaking records since it’s release in January, but when Justin Bieber jumped on the remix in April, the song became a global phenomenon. Everything about this song is just so good, from its sexy, slinky rhythm to its catchy chorus that’s made for listeners to sing along. It’s been an absolute force of nature, and has even inspired a “Sesame Street” parody. You know you’ve made it when Ernie covers your song! Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Wild Thoughts” DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller “T-Shirt” Migos “…Ready for It?” Taylor Swift “Thunder” Imagine Dragons
#1: “HUMBLE.” Kendrick Lamar
When it comes to music, Kendrick is on his own level. One of the most interesting musicians today, Kendrick delivered hands down the best track of the year. With a Mike Will Made It produced beat, Kendrick came for his competition with lyrics calling out other rappers, and telling everyone that they could learn a thing or two about humility. His vocals are as hard and energetic as ever, and he absolutely nails the delivery to hammer home the message. The song got Kendrick a long deserved number 1 as a solo artist, and it’s the standout track from his new album, which says a lot when the album contains other powerhouse songs like “DNA”. 
