best of ? Eevee's Best of '17 ? DONE!

[Vxspertine]

 Alterlife  She did THAT 

I loved Angel on my first few listens but it didn't age very well imo 

[Eeveelution]

20. Björk & Arca - "Arisen My Senses"

From: Utopia

 

 A complete sensory overload of a song, all vivid synth-harps and sampled birdsong, with Björk’s vocals stopping and starting and running over each other as though this is a private daydream we’re privy to hear. Add some classically Björkian lyrics: “every cell in my body, lined up for you” and you have one of the most arresting openers of the year.

 

See also: "Body Memory" ; "Tabula Rasa"

 

 

 

19. Everything Everything - "A Fever Dream"

From: A Fever Dream

 

A Fever Dream is one that feels way more than the sum of its parts. Most of the song is just the repetition of two different refrains, but boy do they hit the melodic sweet spot for me. The piano line here is also really simple, but so so catchy. I like that this song addresses Brexit and xenophobia in a way that doesn’t feel preachy or heavy-handed.

 

See also: "Night of the Long Knives" ; "Good Shot, Good Soldier"

 

 

 

18. Kendrick Lamar - "PRIDE."

From: DAMN.

 

I feel like I’ve seen every Kendrick song on someone’s best of – except this. I LOVE this song. The production is so rich and mellifluous and I love the kind of psychedelic influence. Kendrick does his thing here too, and the guests are used effectively. Every song on DAMN. Is obviously very well-constructed but I think this is my favourite.

 

See also: "YAH." ; "HUMBLE."

 

 

 

 

17. Dua Lipa - "New Rules"

From: Dua Lipa

 

Is there a single that better captures the essence of 2017? The female empowerment themes in the lyrics and video, the chorus-but-no-not-really, the tropical house flecked instrumental. A double-edged sword, perhaps, so I might regret placing this high when it inevitably ages like milk in the years to come. Nonetheless, this is a song I genuinely love, and I enjoyed seeing this develop from a fomo’d hidden treasure to a legit smasha (every white girl under 25 knows the chorus lyrics here). RAWMe and Into You lost.  See also: "Genesis" ; "Begging"

 

 

 

 

16. Perfume Genius - "Run Me Through"

From: No Shape

 

Just in case y’all forgot there are other songs on the album than Die 4 You. My favourite Perfume Genius songs are often the ones that have that ever-so-slightly twisted edge. The song is molasses slow, with Mike dragging out syllables and lingering on words. But then there's some eerie, inhuman wails that interrupt the song, just because. Lyrically, it was written about “being attracted to toxic forms of masculinity” so it’s one for ATRL I guess.  See also:  "Die 4 You" ; "Just Like Love"

 

 

Edited December 23, 2017 by Eeveelution

[Tom Vercetti]

Quote

Just in case y’all forgot there are other songs on the album than Die 4 You.

Shade the atrl best of section.

 

Arisen is a fantastic opener  

Pride was never a favorite of mine, along with Yah.  I prefer the slightly more energetic tracks.

New Rules being an organic hit was something to witness. 

[Uncatena]

I literally JUST listened to Run Me Through and whew, what a SONG. It really takes me there.

 

New Rules is a bop and Arisen My Senses a sensational opener

[Eeveelution]

15. St. Vincent - "Slow Disco"

From: Masseduction

Annie Clark called Masseduction her “heart-on-the-sleeve” record and rarely has she sounded more vulnerable than on the album’s ballads. She takes off St. Vincent’s ‘future cult leader’ costume and lets down her guard completely – which makes songs like Slow Disco all the more impactful. “I’m so glad I came / but I can’t wait to leave” – why is this me any and every time I leave the house. I love the string arrangements here, they punctuate her voice and lyrics here better than even her trusty guitar could. Of course, when her signature micro-movements across a piece of wood and steel dissipate into the song’s coda, the song becomes even more satisfying.  See also: "Happy Birthday, Johnny"; "Smoking Section"

 

 

 

14. Japanese Breakfast - "Road Head"

From: Soft Sounds from Another Planet

 

The main conclusion I get from Japanese Breakfast’s music is that she gets a lot of head so you go girl. Anyway, this song originated from a half-finished demo from 2014, a Methamphetamines tea, and thank Godney because something this entrancing should not have remained unfinished. Michelle Zauner quotes Tammy Wynette as a kiss of to a lover who did not believe she could make it as the top tier indie darling she is today, which is especially satisfying in what is arguably her best song to date. See also: "12 Steps" ; "Machinist"

 

 

 

 

13. Big Thief - "Mary"

From: Capacity

 

Committing to this one song per artist thing can be so challenging. I actually had Shark Smile in this spot until a couple of days ago but because I’m indecisive as **** I went with Mary. Adrianne Lenker said this song feels like “laughing and crying at the same time” which hits the nail on the head really. Nothing in the stream of consciousness laundry list of places and events mentioned here means anything to me, but somehow it all ties knots in my stomach. Adrienne is one of the most evocative lyricists in music right now (more on this later hihi) and she perfectly captures that bittersweet feeling of drifting apart from someone but still having so many amazing memories attached to them, or even simply that those times are out of reach and you can never experience them again.    See also: "Shark Smile" ; "Capacity"

 

 

 

12. Paramore - "Told You So"

From: After Laughter

 

OK, I am only going to use this phrase once on this countdown: Told You So is pop perfection. I was not ready for this barrage of hooks. The repetition here is almost too much, but Hayley and co struck melodic gold here so I can’t blame them for that. Hard Times isn’t doing it. Also like how cynical the lyrics here are without falling into “everyone is fake and no-one understands me!” territory like certain others on the album.  See also: "Rose-Coloured Boy" ; "Forgiveness"

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Kimbra - "Top of the World"

From: Primal Heart

 

A bit of artistic growth from Miss Kimbra? This song has a lot of different ideas and some very interesting melodic shifts, but there’s also an element of restraint here in the simple looped-vocal backdrop and bare bones tribal beats. It’s funny to see Kimbra of all people release such a braggadocious track, but if the two singles released from Primal Heart are any indication of the album, she has very-well earned it.   See also:  "Everybody Knows"

 

 

 

Edited December 24, 2017 by Eeveelution

[Lucas32]

Quote

20. Björk & Arca - "Arisen My Senses"

 

Quote

& Arca

nn  

Fantastic picks here although I am not to keen on Paramore. I'll check out the Fever Dream track it sounds nice.

[Unoriginal]

Run Me Through, Slow Disco, Mary, Told You So and Top of the World

RMT is underrated af

Would've preferred HBJ to SD but

TotW is confusing but I love it

[World Eater]

PRIDE., Arisen and Slow Disco are one of my least favorite sings from each album

But yas @ Road Head, Run Me Through, New Rules and Mary (!!!)

[theblackestday]

Wait I didn't know it Alterlife and not Afterlife either

 

Wow, spill the tea about PRIDE. I didn't see it in any lists either. Even though I can't really pick a favorite from DAMN, this one would definitely make a case for being it

Arisen My Wig  Mary  Slow Disco the only good song on Mass
Bless you for putting Told God So and not Overrated Times. It's brilliant and poor those who have yet to recognize this.

[grandewhispers]

New Rules 

[World Eater]

31 minutes ago, theblackestday said:

Wait I didn't know it Alterlife and not Afterlife either

Same, I literally found this out yesterday right before posting my update when I was searching the song on Spotify  Then I had to re-do my graphic

[Delta]

Two things I love about your best of: 1) a great discovery source for me since you’re giving us Spotify links; 2) great description and layout. I really like it!

[rvx]

New Rules

[TheWayWeWere]

Arisen my Senses is probably my favorite from Boretopia MV is so weird, but slays on the other hand tho

New Rules and I Told You So

[Vxspertine]

Love pretty much all of these  PRAISE Adrianne, I honestly can't wait for their next album  

[Lazuli]

Arisen My Senses YAS  

New Rules and Told You So  

Road Head is such a title  

Slow Disco and Mary (aka the best song on Capacity)  

[jose168]

18 hours ago, Eeveelution said:

Just in case y’all forgot there are other songs on the album than Die 4 You.

I feel attacked

 

Love the pick though!

Loooooove the Fever Dream inclusion

New Rules, Pride, Slow Disco and Road Head  

 

[Eeveelution]

Spoiler

22 hours ago, Tom Vercetti said:

 

Pride was never a favorite of mine, along with Yah.  I prefer the slightly more energetic tracks.

New Rules being an organic hit was something to witness. 

I've always liked his more slow tracks - I think How Much a Dollar Cost and Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe is probably my top 2 for him.

 

22 hours ago, ChapelHooker said:

I literally JUST listened to Run Me Through and whew, what a SONG. It really takes me there.

 

New Rules is a bop and Arisen My Senses a sensational opener

It does, whew, a spiritual experience.

 

21 hours ago, Lucas32 said:

 

nn  

Fantastic picks here although I am not to keen on Paramore. I'll check out the Fever Dream track it sounds nice.

Just respecting Ms. Bjork her artistic wishes. 

 

20 hours ago, Unoriginal said:

 

RMT is underrated af

Would've preferred HBJ to SD but

 

It really is.  

 

Sorry sis, HBJ is a 10 but Slow Disco is 1 on the greatest songs of all time and a career highlight.

 

20 hours ago, theblackestday said:

Wait I didn't know it Alterlife and not Afterlife either

 

Wow, spill the tea about PRIDE. I didn't see it in any lists either. Even though I can't really pick a favorite from DAMN, this one would definitely make a case for being it

Arisen My Wig  Mary  Slow Disco the only good song on Mass
Bless you for putting Told God So and not Overrated Times. It's brilliant and poor those who have yet to recognize this.

Yeah there are lots of songs on DAMN which you could argue are the best.

 

I love that even an OMH like you can see the brilliance in Slow Disco  

 

Hard Times is not bad but, it's like a 7/10, people do the most. Told God So is just on a completely different plane,

 

19 hours ago, AlexisNeiers said:

Same, I literally found this out yesterday right before posting my update when I was searching the song on Spotify  Then I had to re-do my graphic

nnn Rina hoodwinking us all like this. I don't even know how I didn't pick upon it sooner considering it's in the chorus.  

 

18 hours ago, Delta said:

Two things I love about your best of: 1) a great discovery source for me since you’re giving us Spotify links; 2) great description and layout. I really like it!

Aw thanks.  Yeah, I def recommend everyone check out unfamiliar sings. I may be biased, but I think they're pretty good!

 

4 hours ago, jose168 said:

I feel attacked

 

Love the pick though!

Loooooove the Fever Dream inclusion

New Rules, Pride, Slow Disco and Road Head  

 

Nn it's my second fav on the album so it's all good! Seeing it on like everyone's list was just a ki, I thought Slip Away would get the acclaim.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 on Tuesday. Which artist / songs are gonna make it i wonder, wow. Thanks for commenting and I hope everyone has a fab xmas.  

 

 

 

[bluth]

slow disco is a unique - but perfectly valid - choice from masseduction. i c u preferred the slower songs 

 

road head, arisen + mary r my other faves, glad shark smile got a shout out too. good to see paramore and kendrick too! this sets up the top 10 nicely. have a good legend x-mas too 

[SLIME]

A lot of these are my favorites from their albums: Run Me Through, Dangerous, Arisen (the way this sets you up thinking the rest of the album is gonna be enjoyable to listen to,,, :o ) ...

 

Love the Slow Disco praise, her best ballad ever I do declare! The New Rules production feels a LITTLE too current for me to understand the mass praising but it's a good song and I'm glad it was successful.

 

Summer Bummer all the way up in the top 10, this is a lot to take in. 

 

[Ewan Chaos]

What a great update. Top of the World AND Everybody Knows are both amazing amazing songs. They actually work perfectly played back to back that way too, so I'm happy that's the album's ordering. Can't wait for Primal Heart.

 

Told you So is a great Paramore pick. For me my favorite part of the track is the transition into the chorus. I was pretty floored the first time I heard it and then when Hayley switches it up a bit for the "and they, GOOOO!" I was all yas. Rose & Forgiveness are perfect additional picks.

 

I see you liked the slower Annie songs! Slow Disco (and another track not listed) grew on me QUICK, where as HBDJ and Smoking Section were pretty immediate punches. I was more into the beginning half of the record, though Slow Disco I STILL have on my current rotation playlist.

 

Great picks from Japanese Breakfast, Kendrick, and Everything Everything too. Awesome write-up on the latter too - that's one thing I've loved about their past 2 albums is that they get really political but in an impactful way.

[Tom Vercetti]

Road Head is def top 3 on Soft Sounds

Slow Disco & Mary are cute.

[Uncatena]

Slow Disco is beaut, TOTW is interesting but it hasnt clicked yet

[Eeveelution]

Spoiler

On 12/24/2017 at 7:41 PM, bluth said:

slow disco is a unique - but perfectly valid - choice from masseduction. i c u preferred the slower songs 

Yes. Some people said Masseduction has not aged well but I disagree. Though I do feel like the slower songs have a certain... timelessness that the upbeat bops lack.  

 

On 12/24/2017 at 8:40 PM, Kang. said:

A lot of these are my favorites from their albums: Run Me Through, Dangerous, Arisen (the way this sets you up thinking the rest of the album is gonna be enjoyable to listen to,,, :o ) ...

 

Love the Slow Disco praise, her best ballad ever I do declare! The New Rules production feels a LITTLE too current for me to understand the mass praising but it's a good song and I'm glad it was successful.

 

Summer Bummer all the way up in the top 10, this is a lot to take in. 

 

Nn, Utopia is good imo, but yeah I guess it peaks early.

 

Yeah I would say so too, next to Oh My God (underrated!). I feel like New Rules is very current but it's a little less generic in terms of the drop and the lyrics compared to other 2017 sings so it stands out to me 

 

*top 5

 

 

On 12/24/2017 at 9:57 PM, Ewan Chaos said:

What a great update. Top of the World AND Everybody Knows are both amazing amazing songs. They actually work perfectly played back to back that way too, so I'm happy that's the album's ordering. Can't wait for Primal Heart.

 

Told you So is a great Paramore pick. For me my favorite part of the track is the transition into the chorus. I was pretty floored the first time I heard it and then when Hayley switches it up a bit for the "and they, GOOOO!" I was all yas. Rose & Forgiveness are perfect additional picks.

 

I see you liked the slower Annie songs! Slow Disco (and another track not listed) grew on me QUICK, where as HBDJ and Smoking Section were pretty immediate punches. I was more into the beginning half of the record, though Slow Disco I STILL have on my current rotation playlist.

 

Great picks from Japanese Breakfast, Kendrick, and Everything Everything too. Awesome write-up on the latter too - that's one thing I've loved about their past 2 albums is that they get really political but in an impactful way.

Primal Heart will be her best album - I speak it into existence!

 

I think my fav part of Told You so is the bridge <3 but all of it is good. But yeah it shook me the first time, I wasn't expecting such a pop bop from them. 

 

Yeah, I was mixed on Annie her ballads for previous albums but she really brought it for mass. I love New York too. 

 

Top 10 coming soon on page 9

 

[Eeveelution]

got the key can u unlock it