Graphic by Katie Grace Upchurch.
By ZOE PETERSON – Print Photography Editor Writer
Print Photography Editor Zoe Peterson breaks down her top 10 songs of 2017 so far (in no particular order).
1. “Halfway Off The Balcony” – Big Sean / Released Jan. 19
“Halfway Off The Balcony”, Big Sean’s third single release off his upcoming album, delves into the Detroit native’s mind as he spits impressive lyrics about fame, money and how living the high life isn’t always as fun as it seems. Unlike “Moves” and “Bounce Back”, “Halfway Off The Balcony” provides an introspective outlook onto Big Sean’s life as of late, as he contemplates personal successes, relationships with women and more. Lyrics such as “I’m hangin’ halfway off the balcony / Overthinkin’ ’cause my job is way more than a salary / Everything around me gold like I just practiced alchemy” show off Big Sean’s lyrical genius. His fourth upcoming studio album, “I Decided”, is set to drop on Feb. 3 and will be available to stream on Spotify, Google Play and TIDAL.
Rate: 4/5 stars
2. “I Give You Power” – Arcade Fire / Released Jan. 19
“It’s never been more important that we stick together and take care of each other,” reads a message displayed on Arcade Fire’s website, along with the release of their new single “I Give You Power.” Dropped on the eve of President Donald Trump’s inauguration day, the Montreal-based band teamed up with gospel singer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples to release a surprise protest song just in time to support the global mass-defiance towards Trump and protests for women’s’ rights. The song displays a lack of lyrical diversity, as the phrase “I give you power” is repeated 33 times alone throughout the song. However, this detail isn’t bothersome as the message of the song alone is enough to make it an anthem to activists worldwide. All profits from the sale of “I Give You Power,” which is available to download on iTunes, will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union.
Rate: 4/5 stars
3. “On + Off” – Maggie Rogers / Released Jan. 13
After rocketing to success last year after she caught the eye of music lovers, the internet and even Pharrell with her debut song “Alaska”, 22-year-old singer/songwriter Maggie Rogers gifted listeners with new single “On + Off”, a love song that combines folk, pop and R&B in a harmonious fashion. Rogers is fearless in her work as she mixes genres that are almost unheard of together, but she makes it work. Along with the display of unique sounds and layered instruments, Rogers also demonstrates lyrics that sweep the listener away into a world of adventure and possibility. The song kicks off with Rogers singing, “I’m coming up slowly / I’m high on emotion / With waves of this feeling / As light as the ocean.” Her voice is dynamic, unapologetic and holds a sense of excitement, making it clear that she knows who she is and what she wants to explore.
Rate: 5/5 stars
4. “Monday to Monday” – Saba / Released Jan. 20
Chicago rapper Saba takes no days off. “Monday to Monday” outlines his hunger to succeed and seemingly never-ending work ethic, while diving into his personal rags to riches journey. Since tasting fame for the first time after the release of his first studio album last October, Saba has been exposed to new respect, credentials and acceptance from the hip hop community. But he still wants more. And he shows that by rapping about his struggles before coming up on the rap scene, “Built it from the ground up like I just went camping / My name should be hand in hand with Thor’s hammer / Remember when I couldn’t afford dinner / Losing weight I’m getting more thinner” to his success as a rapper, “Saw it coming like a lesson planner / All the glitz and glamor critically acclimated I grew it on my own my organic.” Saba’s first headline tour will kick off on March 3, travelling across the United States and Canada.
Rate: 5/5
5. “Wait “- NoMBe / Released Jan. 17
Noah McBeth, better known by his stage name NoMBe, dropped his first single in almost a year in the release of “Wait”. McBeth creates a relatable complexity in his music involving several genres, from a folky guitar pluck-beat during the intro verse to a 20-second electronic guitar solo mid-song. The smooth bassline and beats of “Wait” carry the song forward and give it more of an EDM/house vibe while also taking influence from characteristics of R&B and pop music. Lyrically, “Wait” speaks truth to the spontaneity and excitement of young love– a topic that many can relate to. Throughout the whole song, the instrumentals seem to keep shifting from genre to genre, but in the smoothest, most fitting way possible. NoMBe takes genre-bending to a higher level with the release of his new work, stirring anticipation for his debut album “They Might’ve Loved Me”, due for release later this year.
Rate: 4.5/5
6. “High for Hours” – J. Cole / Released Jan. 18
After the success of his fourth studio album, “4 Your Eyez Only” J. Cole comes back to the game by releasing “High For Hours”, a thought-provoking, candid song in which he tackles a broad range of issues such as racism, politics, abusive relationships, and even a meeting between Cole and Barack Obama. The song was fittingly dropped on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as Cole raps about police brutality: “For real? I thought this was ‘Thou shalt not kill’ / But police still lettin’ off on n—as in the Ville / Claimin’ that he reached for a gun / They really think we dumb and got a death wish / Now somebody’s son is layin’ breathless.” With impactful lyrics like these coated with a smooth beat in the background, “High For Hours” displays Cole’s talent while also sending a strong message to listeners.
Rate: 4.5/5
7. “Saved” – Khalid / Released Jan. 13
18-year-old Khalid, a military child from El Paso, Texas and budding musician released his sixth single, “Saved” earlier this month, after attaining success from single “Location” last year. The song sends a message to an ex-lover, and explores his feelings of heartbreak, love and longing through lyrics like “I hope you think of all the times we shared / I hope you’ll finally realize I was the only one who cared / It’s crazy how this love thing seems unfair / You won’t find a love like mine anywhere.” While pining over his ex and discussing heart-wrenching emotions, Khalid’s smooth instrumentals and uplifting beat work to keep the song exciting. The release of “Saved” is in anticipation of Khalid’s upcoming debut album, set to drop on March 3rd.
Rate: 5/5
8. “Name For You”- The Shins / Released Jan. 5
After a five-year dry spell, The Shins are back with new music. This time, it’s an infectiously happy song written for frontman John Mercer’s three daughters titled “Name For You”. The song aims to uplift young girls by telling them it’s “Better take it one sip at a time / Somebody with an antique notion / Come along to tighten the line / They’re just afraid of you speaking your mind.” While providing other themes of female empowerment, The Shins coast back to their indie-rock roots by providing the same upbeat, feel-good tunes they’re known for. A new album, “Heartworms” is also on the way, expected to release on March 10.
Rate: 3.5/5
9. “Rough Soul” – GoldLink ft. April George / Released Jan. 13
Washington D.C. rapper D’Anthony Carlos, also known by his stage name GoldLink flows effortlessly on his new song “Rough Soul” After peaking at number four on the Billboard 100 with “Dance on Me” and making the 2015 XXL Freshman Class, GoldLink experiments with several genres, from R&B to soul to jazz to create his own authentic vibe. He isn’t afraid to conform to one specific genre, which makes it more interesting for the listener to follow his own creative style. “Rough Soul” speaks of a love story gone wrong, while GoldLink spits lyrics like “Fell in love at the wrong time/ Spent a night at my high rise/ Or hit me late on my hotline/ Telling me you miss my homies and your mama cry.” Although the song talks grief and heartbreak, the groove and bounce of GoldLink’s recognizable sound make it easy to relax to.
Rate: 4/5
10. “Say Something Loving” – The xx / Released Jan. 13
Fresh off The xx’s third album, “I See You”, “Say Something Loving” is a song about falling in love with someone for the first time and the whirlwind of this new feeling that “doesn’t feel wrong.” After a 5-year gap between albums, the London-based band delivers yet again, with their most mature, developed music yet. “Say Something Loving” includes the carefully constructed beats and atmospheric instrumentals that The xx are known for, while also providing heartfelt lyrics such as “Were you really looking for me?” / “Try your best to reassure me” / “I wasn’t patient to meet you” / “Am I too needy, am I too eager?”
Rate: 4/5
Click upper right hand corner to view playlist in Spotify.
