Here are my subject-to-change top 20 favorite songs of 2017:
20. Moving On-Anna Of The North
(The ethereal, airy vocals in this lyrical pep talk, released in September, remind me of The Cocteau Twins.)
19. Patient Zero-Aimee Mann
(Well-written lyrics that I gather are about being in the early stages
of one's career, having a cautiously optimistic outlook, and grappling with fame when it's new to you.)
18. Higher Ground-Nathan East featuring Kirk Whalum
(When you play jazz bass the way East does, Stevie Wonder's "Higher
Ground" is a natural choice for an instrumental cover. I've been glad
to hear WSIE playing it this year, as it's one of the more
appealing smooth jazz cuts of 2017.)
17. Cozy-D-ROCKSTEADY
(This appealing groove, released in February, features chill
instrumentation and recurring vocals that would flow well after the
Boehm featuring Melody Noel track, "Future Self.")
16. The Rush-Treasureseason
(A memorable soprano-voiced hook over an electronic backdrop. The band's own "Blurred Edges" segues well with this track.)
15. Speak Low-Eliane Elias
(A cool, sly arrangement of this jazz standard, with compelling vocals from Elias and trumpet accompaniment from Randy Brecker.)
14. Boy, Don't Be Afraid-79.5
(Possibly the most appealing dance groove of the year, with vocals and flute-dominated jazz instrumentation seemingly pulled out of the '70s.)
13. We Could Fly-Rhiannon Giddens
(A beautifully sung, heartbreaking reminder of inhumanity and injustice throughout history. One of 2017's more bracing songs.)
12. Song For My Father-Louis Hayes featuring Gregory Porter
(A compelling blend of vibes, drums, and resonant vocals; this
impressive rendition of Horace Silver's tune is one of 2017's stronger
jazz tracks. Also recommended: Porter's tribute release to Nat King Cole, featuring beautiful renditions of "The Christmas Song," "Mona Lisa," and "Pick Yourself Up.")
11. Second Nature-Neil Finn
(A highlight of the Crowded House singer's latest release, "Out Of
Silence." A well-put-together arrangement of lead and backing vocals,
keyboard, and strings coalesces effectively in this tale of a match
between a man and woman that probably should happen but won't.)
10. When I Woke-Beth Bombara
(This St. Louis artist's March-released tune about looking for love or something less in the wrong places made an immediate
impression on me; its tone and energy remind me of Maia Sharp's
"Something Wild.")
9. Crying In The Chapel-Regina Carter
(A warm, moving violin interpretation of a much-covered song, which Ella Fitzgerald, among others, brought to the public's attention.)
8. Gentle On My Mind-Alison Krauss
(As I've written previously, this uptempo tune should have been a bigger hit for the departed Glen Campbell. It contains some of the more compelling lyrics about a couple's chemistry that I've liked, and Krauss strikes the right emotive tone in her vocals.)
7. Our New Blood-Anders Parker
(A promising look at the future; Parker's thoughtful vocals are set to a
waltzing guitar and violin backdrop in this enjoyable acoustic number,
released in April. It would be ideal background accompaniment in any number of "This Is Us" episodes. I'm curious to know if the chord sequence on the guitar reminds anyone other than me of Fairport Convention's "Bring 'Em Down.")
6. My Emotions Are Blinding-Tennis
(There are appealing elements of Carole King's approach to songwriting and vocals in the chorus, and the tune has stayed with me since first hearing it in February.)
5. Darling-Real Estate
(One of 2017's more tuneful gems. The pleasant guitar melody and
vocals convey the softer, Kings Of Convenience-style side of power
pop.)
4. 24 Hours From London-Little Murders
(If you're waiting for a yes or no answer from someone about the future
of your relationship and you expect to be rejected, this is about as tuneful as waiting music gets.)
3. Shine On Me-Dan Auerbach
(If you have a pulse, singing along with the tune's poppy chorus is
almost involuntary. It doesn't hurt that the tune's feel brings Pete
Townshend's "Let My Love Open The Door" to mind.)
2. Old Churchyard-The Wailin' Jennys
(Beautiful vocal harmonies, as expected, make this cover of a traditional English tune about grieving for the deceased in the right measure shine. The group's cover of Tom Petty's "Wildflowers" is also excellent.)
1. Early Spring-Finn's Motel
(This St. Louis band's tune, released in April, is my favorite song of the year. I was primed to like it immediately, thanks to its guitar-and-vocals arrangement that brings The Jayhawks and many "How I Met Your Mother" episodes to mind. Further keys to its first place ranking for me are the second verse and follow-up coda after the second chorus. The protagonist has a potentially life-changing decision to make. What does he decide? Listen and find out.)
