Daily Playlist — Top 200 Tracks of 2017 (180–161)
The second installment of our Best of 2017 series
180. Playboi Carti — “Location”
While his mixtape leaves much to be desired, this opener thrives well on the flow and the panoramic trap beat.
179. The Killers — “The Man”
The Killers’ albums have only been decent at best, but “The Man” is the best song they have written in quite some time.
178. Shame — “Tasteless”
Shame was hailed as Britain’s most in-demand rock band are one of the most exhilarating live bands — getting booked for more festivals than any other of the bands at Eurosonic 2017 thereafter their showcase gigs there. “Tasteless” manages to make a successful transition from live to the studio, capturing the raw energy perfectly.
177. Protomartyr — “A Private Understanding”
The opener to the band’s new album Relatives in Descent doesn’t have a linear story, but more a collage of grim images. And like many of their best songs, “A Private Understanding” would appreciate time for repeat listens to tease out its hooks and stories.
176. Mount Kimbie ft. King Krule — “Blue Train Lines”
The gritty voice of King Krule’s Archy Marshall is juxtaposed with the faded and unsteady instrumentals to embodies both the subway tracks and blood coursing through veins alluded to in the lyrics.
175. Vagabon — “The Embers”
“The Embers” plays with juxtapositions: muted electric guitar vs. soaring and triumphant guitar, the small fish that she is vs. the sharks in the world around her. “I surrender myself,” she sings, but she sounds poised and in control.
174. LCD Soundsystem — “call the police”
“call the police” is a big, bold, anthemic, electronic-accented rock song, marking the band’s return after 6 years since what was supposed to be their farewell concert.
173. Mac DeMarco — “My Old Man”
Like his fellows Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile, Mac DeMarco takes mundane topics and elevates them to something special.
172. Lorde — “Supercut”
“Supercut” deceives us into thinking that we, like Lorde herself, has synesthesia: the beats seem to be glowing and fluorescent, and at one point they start to flash through our mind. And Lorde understands the importance of the negative space: the last one minute and a half is just an afterglow, like the supercut of the relationship she goes through on the epic Melodrama.
171. rRoxymore — “Thoughts of an Introvert”
“Thoughts Of An Introvert” guides listeners through shimmering synth loops, slowly building up ever so slightly.
170. Taylor Swift — “Getaway Car”
Though Taylor Swift seems to be oblivious to her own identity on reputation, she plays her cards right on “Getaway Car,” doing what she’s good at: telling stories. Also, some good vibe from 80s-inspired synth is always welcomed.
169. Dave ft. J HUS — “Samantha”
The two faces of the UK underground join forces and explore new territories.
168. Poppy — “Computer Boy”
Poppy turns her unique YouTube persona into a quirky and infectious pop song.
167. PTU — “A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day”
PTU combines dance music tropes like acid lines, breaks and steady kick drums to make a resonating IDM track.
166. Ploy — “Unruly”
Ploy squeezes sound into every nook and canny of this track, resulting in a high-pressure club track.
165. Wolf Alice — “Don’t Delete The Kisses”
The bubbly synth-pop track captures the feeling when you’re having a crush. On the one hand, it’s exciting and thrilling. On the other hand, it gets so overwhelming it brings you fear and confusion.
164. GoldLink ft. Brent Faiyaz, Shy Glizzy— “Crew”
“Crew” gleams with a silky hook from Brent Faiyaz, while GoldLink sounds at home and collected, even though he’s cramming every last syllable into his bars.
163. Skott — “Glitter & Gloss”
Skott follows her guts into new territories, where light falsettos, story-telling, and heavy electronics interwines.
162. Tash Sultana — “Jungle”
One-woman band Tash Sultana blurs the line between genres, commixing reggae and rock ’n’ roll with synth, to delightful results.
161. Stormzy— “Big For Your Boots”
“Big For Your Boots” is an excellent return to form for Stormzy.
