Saturday, December 23, 2017

Top 100 of 2017: 70 to 61


I've seen the innocence leave your eyes...

070 Shawn Hook ft Vanessa Hudgens - Reminding Me

What an unexpected single. Usually releasing uptempo songs, Shawn Hook slow things down with Vanessa Hudgens. Upon release, the single had the whole package: a sleek style, sensual undertones, and filled with conflict. Do wish that radio did not overplay this song, it's still a good single.






069 Jay-Z - 4:44

The response to BeyoncĂ©'s "Lemonade," this is Shawn Carter, exposing the truth. Sampling Hannah Williams & the Affirmations' "Late Nights & Heartbreak," the song is an apology for his wrong-doing, and all of the consequences that follow. One of the highlights from the album, this single grows on you - now it's time to move forward.






068 Avicii ft Rita Ora - Lonely Together
Heard this song in a library washroom... Not that you needed to know. But the complexity of the song shows the need to be wanted. Even when one isn't looking for a partner, they still seek for company. The tone set in the single shows that Avicii can make confusion sound, relaxing. And, the vocal stylings of Rita Ora present a well-packaged song.






067 Stargate ft P!nk & Sia - Waterfall

Onto another collaboration, I have not heard of Stargate until this single. With two of the biggest artists this year, I do not understand how this single disappeared from the media. P!nk & Sia are the perfect duo, as their voices compliment pleasantly well. The song sounds like an amazon adventure, continuing to explore even when it's done.






066 Fifth Harmony ft Gucci Mane - Down


Good girls gone bad. Going into a new era, Fifth Harmony moves into a more sexualized mood of music. Although I am not happy with the direction, the girls have grown to be more of a group. The vocals are equally shared, each member shines in their part, and their music is still catchy. This single revealed that it's a new era, and they feel liberated. Not for me, but I'll still look around for their music.





065 Ralph - Cold To The Touch


A single that appeared on the radio one day, and I was in love from the start. The song has a sad message, with a lounge vibe that comes off rather humble. Being direct, this artist wants to be honest, admitting that the relationship is going nowhere. From synthesizers to drumbeats, the beach feel of the song proves that honestly should be to the point, and simple - even if it hurts. Can't wait to hear more from the Canadian artist.
064 Selena Gomez & Marshmello - Wolves


When my wife releases a single, I either enjoy the song, or need some time to at least like it - this one took time. The random autotune, I don't understand, but the song is very symbolic to understand who she loves. The 'uh-huh' part has to be the best part of the song, as it allows the listener to wander off into a fantasy for a few seconds. What ever the direction Selena Gomez heads off, I'm sure I'll still enjoy her music - after all, she is my wife.



063 The Weeknd - Reminder


Old Weeknd is not dead - at least, that's what the single implies. Although Abel Tesfaye may have declared that there is a new person, he wants to let people know that he still reverts to his old self. Haunting and endearing, the song brings the sound from his previous works, and livens things up. But there is no doubt, that "Starboy" has produced quality music.





062 P!nk - Beautiful Trauma

Comical P!nk is always the best, even when the song comes out vulnerable. Alecia Moore knows how to deliver a song, releasing a 50s inspired track about all of the ups and downs of love. While "What About Us" was a better single, I found this one highly amusing, and can't resist the charm of the single. And not to mention, the performances and the video are everything!





061 Mathew V - Tell Me Smooth


Attitude, with all of the comfort in one song. The first single from Mathew V, and it's all inspired from British Pop music. From beginning to end, V has a strong sound that is definitely memorable. An excellent start to another Canadian artist, this is the reason why I continue to listen to the radio. Let's see how 2018 performs for Mathew V.

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