Bobby Van Leer gives us his second annual List of The top tracks from the past year.
10. Rostam - "Gwan"
Let me preface this blurb by explaining that I was absolutely heartbroken when Rostam Batmanglij left Vampire Weekend in early 2016. Vampire Weekend is and always will be my favorite band of all time. That being said, when I first heard “Gwan” for the first time, I was comforted in knowing Rostam left for good reason. “Gwan” takes all the best parts of Vampire Weekend, and adds the soothing touch of Rostam’s voice (which can be shaky at times). Rostam always had a significant role in the writing of Vampire Weekend songs. Many of the parts in “Gwan” could easily fit in a Vampire Weekend song, from the running strings to the choir backing vocals. The outro is by far the most beautiful moment I’ve heard in a long time and represents a hopeful future for Rostam as he continues to pursue other music ventures away from Vampire Weekend. I can’t wait to hear more.
9. A$AP Rocky/Playboi Carti/Quavo/Lil Uzi Vert/Frank Ocean – "Raf"
It’s no secret A$AP Rocky loves Raf Simons. But in case you weren’t aware, allow me to introduce you to A$AP Mob’s “Raf”. An interesting blend of Atlanta trap, combined with A$AP Mob’s New York presence, “Raf” has all of its featured artists at their peak, even Lil Uzi Vert. Saving the best for last, Frank Ocean delivers one of the best verses all year as he perfectly compliments the beat with both his cadence and pitch in only the way Frank can. While I’m not a fan of the addition of his first verse (Verse 4), Frank truly delivers with Verse 5 showing why he’s one of the most talented artists in music today.
8. Dirty Projectors – "Up in Hudson"
Dave Longstreth, the mastermind behind Dirty Projectors, takes us on an exploration of his lost relationship with former member Amber Coffman on “Up in Hudson.” Instrumentally and lyrically complex, I find new things in it every time I listen. For more of my thoughts, see my review of Dirty Projectors’ album Dirty Projectors released earlier this year.
7. The National – "Day I Die"
The National are known for melancholy, depressing and emotional tracks, bolstered by the baritone voice of Matt Berninger. Sleep Well Beast, their latest album is no different. They stick to their formula on every album but manage to push the envelope subtly to the point where I’ve yet to tire of a single track of theirs. I had felt on their last album Trouble Will Find Me, they were missing something, a classic jam by The National. They deliver this on “Day I Die”. Starting with the rolling drums, it transitions into a screeching guitar rift and finishes with unmatched lyricism by Berninger. It’s peak The National as they manage to check all the boxes and deliver a seriously addicting song.
6. LCD Soundsystem - "american dream"
LCD Soundsystem returned this year with their first album in seven years, much to the excitement of fans such as myself. American Dream delivered on everything we were promised. When I saw LCD Soundsystem for the first time in April, I was mesmerized by the title track, “american dream.” The ballad’s repetitive baseline sedated the die-hard crowd as James Murphy crooned about his jaded existential crisis, completing the story arc of many LCD Soundsystem songs that have explored similar topics. For better insight on how this song came about and the life of James Murphy, I recommend watching the documentary detailing the band’s last hiatus, “Shut Up and Play the Hits.”
5. St. Vincent – "New York"
St. Vincent has put out some of the most eclectic work of anyone in the last decade. “New York” is a thank you to all who have helped her along the way and is both seriously relatable and catchy at the same time. We’re all dependent on those around us who support us no matter what, and St. Vincent paints this perfectly. Produced by the well-known producer/artist Jack Antonoff (who worked significantly on Melodrama), “New York” is a perfect introduction for anyone who hasn’t heard St. Vincent’s work before.
4. Frank Ocean/Jay Z/Tyler, The Creator – "Biking"
Adding to the theme of this year’s list is “Biking,” a collaboration between Frank Ocean, Jay Z and Tyler, The Creator. It finds them all creating different metaphors around their common love of bikes. Tyler and Frank are no strangers working together, collaborating many times before as members of Odd Future. Frank was featured several times on Tyler’s new album Flower Boy which was released earlier this year as well. Jay Z adds his own classic flavor to the track as well, as they take turns on verses until Frank explodes with one of the most unhinged moments in music all year to close the song.
3. Father John Misty – "Pure Comedy"
On “Pure Comedy,” Father John Misty presents a bleak insight into his mind. It is a slow building masterpiece that encapsulates Josh Tillman’s poetic and topical songwriting abilities. For more of my thoughts, see my full review of “Pure Comedy” released earlier this year.
2. Calvin Harris/Pharrell Williams/Ariana Grande/Young Thug – "Heatstroke"
2017 was the year of unlikely but amazing collaborations. From Selena Gomez and Gucci Mane on “Fetish,” to Calvin Harris’ “Heatstroke” which features Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande and Young Thug, an unlikely trio that mold each of their talents seamlessly in what became my favorite song of the summer (Just check out my last.fm page). “Heatstroke” is carried by Pharrell and Ariana’s flawless vocals but the real star is Young Thug. Thugger’s voice can be best described by anything but flawless yet he manages to switch between singing and rapping as easily as vintage Drake. His voice cracks and shakes as he pitches up and down showcasing his unique sound reminiscent of his feature on Jaimie xx’s “I Know There’s Gonna Be Good Times” from 2015. Behind the instrumentation is Calvin Harris, the same artist who gave us wildly erratic EDM albums such as 18 Months back in 2012 and Motion in 2014, which featured his hit song “Summer”. On Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 however, Harris’s skill as a musician shines through with catchy funk tracks that far exceed the level of any of his previous work.
1. Lorde – "Liability"
Lorde’s Melodrama sits comfortably as my favorite album of 2017. Based around the setting of a single house party, Melodrama tells the tale of many young adults as they navigate their way between relationships and friendships as they transition into their 20s. It was difficult to decide between this and some of my other favorites on the album, but “Liability” showcases Lorde as her best both vocally and lyrically. The raw emotion of her feelings comes through beautifully as her voice swells and recedes. Lyrically, Lorde explains how she is insecure in her burden on others given her lifestyle and work, but ultimately comes to peace with this notion understanding that nothing lasts. It is a powerful song and deeply personal to Lorde fitting in perfectly with the rest of Melodrama as a counter to the rest of the album’s more pronounced presence.
Honorable Mention
- Drake – "Passionfruit"
- Lana Del Rey – "Love"
- 2Chainz – "4AM"
- Sufjan Stevens – "Mystery of Love"
- Calvin Harris/Frank Ocean/Migos – "Slide"
Hailing from the burbs of Philly, contributor Bobby Van Leer found his musical taste from albums such as The Blue Album by Weezer and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco. After graduating from Gettysburg College and his college radio show Losing My Edge in 2016, Bobby made the switch from the airwaves to the internet and has continued where he left off in exposing the world to his favorite music, from indie rock, pop, shoegaze and chill wave, to R&B, electronic and trap rap.