Saturday, December 30, 2017

Top 100 of 2017: 20 to 11



Break down the walls to connect, inspire...

020 Dua Lipa - New Rules

When Dua Lipa goes in hard, she does it with grace. Knowing that getting over a relationship can be difficult, Lipa brings out her friends to go through a three-step process to avoid the mess of a boy. An outstanding song without feeling bitter, this iconic song has one aesthetically pleasing video to follow. Nothing like a song to get over him.






019 French Montana ft Swae Lee - Unforgettable


This song takes the biggest surprise from 2017. What could have been a generic Club song turns out the be an explosion of different flavours with a complexity to match. Swae Lee's vocals is the gem behind the song, filling the void to compliment the Caribbean drums. To Karim Kharbouch, for making an unexpected hit single that works on so many levels.





018 The Chainsmokers ft Emily Warren - Paris


Generic? Possibly. Overplayed? Definitely. But somehow, I never got over this song. There was something that The Chainsmokers did with this single that I didn't find boring - it might be the guitar riff after the chorus, or the slow build up to an overall soft-sounding EDM piece. And with subtle assistance from Emily Warren, the song became a memorable one. I wouldn't mind if The Chainsmokers continued this variety of sound, it's quite sensational.



017 Katy Perry ft Skip Marley - Chained To The Rhythm


A political piece with a great message. With the debut release from "Witness," Katy Perry presented this song to take a stance on the current world situation. With a verse by Skip Marley, the collaboration sings to a questionable paradise where nothing seems to go wrong, yet are never satisfied. One of the strongest singles from Perry's latest album, this is what the rest of the album should have sounded. When Pop music becomes purposeful, the results are alarmingly brilliant.



016 Selena Gomez ft Gucci Mane - Fetish


While everyone praised Selena Gomez for "Bad Liar" or "It Ain't Me," it was "Fetish" that did a turn on me. Exploring her own fantasies, my wife feels liberated and not afraid to dive into unknown territories. The whole whisper singing was questionable before, but in this piece she adds a sensual depth. If this era is not over (which I hope it's not), I wait in anticipation for the next single. This is just the beginning for a new and exciting Selena Gomez.



015 Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry


One of Demi's biggest songs, and people were craving for more. Although the song eerily resembles Ariana Grande ft Mac Miller's "The Way," this goes in an opposite direction. Lovato shows no remorse for her ex lover, feeling better than she has before. Throw in some power vocals from the songstress, and you've got one performance that deserves your attention. Sounding so comfortable in this song, I am glad to see Demi Lovato in a better state of mind. After all, what's wrong with being confident?



014 Niall Horan - Slow Hands


Always surprised by Niall Horan, this song has gotten so many people swooning over him. With a guitar and some revealing lyrics, Horan has proved that the production level does not compare to the songwriting talent that Horan possesses. It seems like Niall can not write a bad song, even when the song is about bad things (if you know what I mean). Bringing out a heartthrob vibe in the single, the song has been one of his best ones so far. Niall Horan, keep doing your thing, I am definitely impressed by your artistry.


013 Ria Mae - Bend


There must be something about Canadian artists inspired by 80s sounds, and the results are magical. Although the video is seeking for better days, Ria Mae goes into full Pop mode with striking single. Leaving me awestruck, the song builds up to a wonderful relay of a repetitive chorus and some fun ad libs. And with a song that sounds fresh after every listen, I am sure that Ria Mae will continue to go far with her music.




012 Zedd & Liam Payne - Get Low


Of all the One Direction members, I didn't expect Liam Payne to rank the highest. After the mess of "Strip That Down," I wasn't really interested listening to Payne's music... but then this magical piece came into play. Teaming up with Zedd was a smart move, as the single sounds like a tropical wonderland. A mesmerizing piece from both artists, I am glad to be taken away from such a surprise. Now if Liam Payne can make the rest of his album sound like this, I would be one dedicated fan... Not that I wouldn't anyways.


011 Imagine Dragons - Thunder


Following up the success of "Believer," I couldn't wait to hear what was next for Imagine Dragons. In one of their most soothing sounding single, this one was an interesting choice. Not all too creative, this single shows the uniqueness of vocal manipulation and repeating the title of the song for a chorus. More of a fighter anthem, the single doesn't tackle to many challenges, yet performs exceptionally well. Not sure what made the song appealing, until I saw the performance with Khalid - that was a mind explosion. Give it to Imagine Dragons, for making one of my favourite performances of 2017.

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