The Best Songs of 2017, According to Us
With 2017 (finally) coming to an end, we're more than eager for a fresh start in 2018.
Before we welcome 2018 with open arms, let's reflect on the one thing that helped us get through a troubled 2017 (and will, hopefully, carry us into this next year on a high note): music.
Keep scrolling as we reveal our top songs of 2017.
'Hard Times' by Paramore
Say what you will, Paramore's "Hard Times" is undoubtedly the song that best sums up 2017. This year didn't entail the most exciting trip around the sun, and no other song sums up our experiences better than this one. The catchy pop masterpiece from Paramore is as optimistic as it is pessimistic, with its upbeat instrumentals and dark lyrics. I haven't related this much to a Paramore song in quite some time. —Ashley Locke
'Strangers' by Halsey feat. Lauren Jauregui
This song broke boundaries in music, addressing a former romantic relationship without going for the "wow" factor. Additionally, Halsey and Lauren Jauregui sound incredible together—and topped with production cred from Greg Kurstin (he collaborated with Adele), this is the ultimate breakup jam. —Dahvi Shira
'New Rules' by Dua Lipa
With her effortless voice and supermodel strut, Dua Lipa made 2017 cool again. Her girls-supporting-girls anthem "New Rules" is exactly what we needed to hear this year. 2018 better watch out, cause we're done playing games. —Haley Winters
'Meant to Be' by Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line
The vocals of FGL on this track in particular are really extraordinary. Plus, I love the fusion of pop and country music! —Cassie DiLaura
'How Do You Feel?' by The Maine
The Maine is one of my all-time favorite bands. These guys continue to push boundaries with their music and never cease to amaze me. Their 2017 album Lovely, Little, Lonely is the album of the year. (Don't @ me!) Just when I thought they couldn't outdo their previous record American Candy, they go and blow everyone away with LLL. Of all the tracks on the album, my favorite, by far, is the closing tune "How Do You Feel?" Every time I listen to this introspective song, it's a reminder to check in with myself and my mental well-being. —A. L.
'Blame It on You' by Charli XCX
Charli's Number 1 Angel was, without question, one of the most underrated albums of 2017. She has the amazing ability to not sound like everyone else out there, and almost every track is pure gold. One in particular? "Blame It on You." —D. S.
'Bad Liar' by Selena Gomez
Admit it: You crank the volume all the way up when Selena hits that "Oh, baby" after the second chorus on her biggest summer jam. I'm obsessed with the '70s vibe Selena channels by sampling Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer." And don't even get me started on that Oscar-worthy music video. —H. W.
'Thunder' by Imagine Dragons
"Thunder" by Imagine Dragons is the ultimate pump-up song. Whenever I'm getting ready to go out or want to jam in the car, I play it. —C. D.
'Slow Hands' by Niall Horan
Niall has always been my favorite member of One Direction (sorry, not sorry), so I was stoked when he came out with solo music. "Slow Hands" is a straight up bop. You can't help but move along to this groovy tune. —A. L.
'Don't Take the Money' by Bleachers
This song was on heavy rotation during my summer trip to San Francisco for Outside Lands music festival, as Bleachers was one of the acts performing that weekend. Combined with the band's previous single, "Rollercoaster," this track helped get me through a harrowing two days sans cell phone when it was stolen at the festival. While the remainder of the trip was incredibly depressing without my only form of communication, this happy-go-lucky tune reminds me of the better parts of the weekend and makes me want to rush back to SF stat! —D. S.
'Cut to the Feeling' by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae's 2015 Emotion is maybe my favorite albums of all time, and "Cut to the Feeling" is made of that same bubblegum genius my queen is criminally underrated for. With a new album on the horizon, 2018 better be the year we stop sleeping on CRJ. —H .W.
'Praying' by Kesha
Kesha's "Praying" is empowering and also relatable. Everyone has people in their lives who try to bring them down. This song is a reminder to wish them the best and not let them get to you. —C. D.
'Daylily' by Movements
This rock song is incredible, but the story of how it came to be is what really got me. The lead signer of Movements wrote it for his girlfriend when she was going through a pretty rough year. It's the most romantic gesture I could ever think of, and I would give anything for a guy to write a song inspiring me to fight off my demons. —A. L.
'Sit Next to Me' by Foster the People
With a year that many would call the worst ever, hearing FTP's "Sit Next to Me" for the first time was a breath of fresh air. Upon listening to it, my spirits are immediately lifted, and I've been known to loop it for my entire work day. Especially during a time when everything sounds the same, I couldn't have asked for a better track from one of the best bands around. —D. S.
'Boys' Charli XCX
"I've been busy thinking 'bout boys. Duh-nuh. Boys. Duh-nuh. Boys." Charlie XCX and also me, all the time. —H. W.
This year was tough for so many reasons, but, thankfully, music was there to make it all better. Check out the albums that helped us survive the horror that was 2017.