My Three Favorite Songs of 2017 (So Far)
At this point in the year, some music that I’ve really enjoyed so far
3. “Coexist” — Have Mercy
I don’t really know why I like this song so much. I have some decent reasons — it’s loud, energetic, catchy, and fun — but I struggle to say why I like it more than the plethora of other songs that fit that category so far in 2017. It might have something to do with the somewhat irrational love I have for Have Mercy as a whole. I listened to the band a lot during my senior year of college, when they released their second album in October of 2014. The weird thing though, is that I didn’t even like that album that much. It had four or five excellent tracks, but the rest was filler that didn’t quite elevate it anywhere special. But those songs were good enough to draw my attention, and excite me for their next album. It’s not here yet, but this song is (hopefully) indicative of a good next step for these artists.
2. “No Know Drink or Drug” — Japandroids
This song fits into several of the categories that I described “Coexist” by, but this is more of a straight-up party anthem. In contrast to the aggression and anxiety that Have Mercy show, Japandroids is filled with cathartic energy that screams of weekends, relaxation, and happiness. I wrote about the album as a whole earlier this year, and I’m pretty divided on it as a whole. As far as this song goes though, it’s everything anyone could want from a Japandroids effort.
And no known drink
No known drug
Could ever hold a candle to your love
These lyrics sum up everything in this song’s appeal.
- “After the Party” — The Menzingers
In most sports, the MVP award is usually given to the best player on the best team. That principle applies pretty well here, and I have no issue with anointing this song (the best song on my favorite album in 2017) as the best I’ve heard so far. And unlike the other two songs on this list, it’s easy for me to explain why I like this one so much. The album is pretty drab and depressing as a whole, but “After the Party” turns the earlier angst and unhappiness around to a message of acceptance and (ultimately) contentment.
Everybody wants to get famous
But you just want to dance in a basement
You don’t care if anyone is watching
Just as long as you stay in motion
We put miles on these old jean jackets
Got caught up in the drunk conversations
But after the party, it’s me and you
After the party, it’s me and you
The lyrics also fit everything that describes the Menzingers as well. In many ways, it may be the best song to explain the kind of music they do, and it’s a beautiful snapshot into both their lyricism and instrumentation. There’s no reason to think that this band will hang it up any time soon, but this is the kind of song that any band could happily end a career with.
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this, please follow me and Coffee Takes
Originally published at medium.com on March 2, 2017.
