Women have dominated the music charts over the last few years, with pop stars like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift and many more populating Billboard’s Hot 100. But this year was quite different.
In May, Billboard published the article “Men Have Linked the Longest Streak of Hot 100 No. 1s in 25 Years,” in which it was explained that “seven straight songs by only male artists, whether soloists, duos or groups, have topped the Hot 100, marking the longest such streak in more than 25 years.”
Among those artists were the rap group Rae Sremmurd, which had the No.1 song at the time with “Black Beatles,” the Weekend, rap trio Migos, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars.
Ed Sheeran may have been the most-streamed artist of the year, but, like the Grammy’s, he, and the other musicians listed above, will not be featured on this list. The Billboard charts may echo what a terrible year it was for women but there were so many groundbreaking songs by female musicians that deserved more attention than what they received.
Below are the 10 best songs of 2017, 9 of which are by talented and fearless women, who weren’t afraid to turn their lives into powerful musical moments.
10. Miley Cyrus – “Malibu”
Miley Cyrus was one of the big pop stars of late to go back-to-basics (think: Lady Gaga’s “Joanne,” Kesha’s “Rainbow”). After capturing the zeitgeist in 2013 with provocative singles like “Wrecking Ball” and “We Can’t Stop,” Miley stripped things down with her new unplugged country album “Younger Now.” That LP’s first single “Malbiu” showcases the adult side of Miley, whose voice has never sounded better. A breezy and delightfully sweet ballad – one that never steps into the realm of preciousness – “Malibu” celebrates rekindling a love with effortless but poignant songwriting (she wrote the song in an Uber on the way to a taping of “The Voice,” where she serves as a judge) that is also an ode to sunny Southern California.
9. Rita Ora – “Anywhere”
It’s been a long, tough road for Rita Ora. She’s never released an album in the U.S. (though she has great success in her native U.K.), nor has she had much traction with her previous excellent singles in the States. Unfortunately, that’s not going to change with “Anywhere,” arguably her best song ever, which has yet to chart in the U.S. Nevertheless, it’s a high-quality dance-pop banger and it’s the perfect antidote to the vile year that was 2017: A euphoric 3-minute and 35-second form of escapism that comes with one of the best pre-choruses in recent memory.
8. Terror Jr – “Caramel”
Just like the candy, “Caramel,” the single from the mysterious pop group Terror Jr, is gooey and sticky. It’s a hazy balled that references depression, drug use, gay rights and other hot button issues. Speaking with Thump, singer Lisa Terror said the song is “a reaction to the surreal world in 2017.” With a minimal production, “Caramel” lures you in with finger snaps and slinky synths and Lisa’s manipulated vocals, resulting in a captivating and hypotonic track.
7. Taylor Swift – “Delicate”
Taylor Swift’s latest album “reputation” may be her weakest effort since her 2006 debut, but it still comes with some stellar gems. Produced by Max Martin and Shellback, “Delicate” is one of Swift’s sexiest songs to date and her most mature. Here, Swift actually swears and sings about drinking as she cautiously pursues a new love interest – she’s simultaneously confident and vulnerable. But what propels “Delicate” into one of Swift’s best works is its simple sonic construction; a sensual wall of synths and powerful drums that enter halfway through the song, kicking it into a high-gear emotional drive.
6. Phoenix – “Fior Di Latte”
French band Phoenix’s new album “Ti Amo” is an ode to summers in Italy and Italian disco. Its highlight “Fior Di Latte” is a glistening groovy jam. Like the Italian cheese itself, the track is a smooth and airy delight that’s straightforwardness about making love under the Italian sun complements the track’s song construction. The track builds with vibrant bass and singer Thomas Mars’s silky vocals, which eventually gives way to a cataclysmic explosion. From one of indie music’s most reliable bands, Phoenix’s “Fior Di Latte” is a sensual stunner that bursts with light.
5. Selena Gomez – “Bad Liar”
Selena Gomez has low-key been one of the most reliable pop stars of the 21st century. With huge bangers like “Hands to Myself,” “Good For You,” “Same Old Love,” “Come & Get It” and more, Gomez has slayed the charts with undeniable pop gems. For “Bad Liar,” Gomez continues her brand of sultry pop, this time unexpectedly sampling the Talking Heads’ 1977 single “Psycho Killer.” With a funky bass and Gomez’s cooing vocals, “Bad Liar” is cool and clever song; the most daring effort from the star yet, giving hope Gomez has further tricks up her sleeve.
4. Lorde – “Homemade Dynamite”
“Homemade Dynamite” wasn’t an immediate favorite from Lorde’s sophomore album “Melodrama.” Unlike the instant hits “Supercut” and “The Louvre,” both brilliant euphoric bops, “Homemade Dynamite” is weird.But over time, the track slowly revealed itself, exploring complex emotions with interesting production and slinky synth-work, courtesy of Jack Antonff. With Lorde’s signature whispering, “Homemade Dynamite” is the perfect concoction of all of her best traits: A radio pop song that’s bent just a little too much, making it fascinating and innovative while still completely accessible. Awesome, right?
3. SOPHIE – “It’s Okay to Cry”
SOHPIE’s “It’s Okay to Cry” was a coming-out of sorts for the otherwise enigmatic British musician/producer. The song’s accompanying music video was the first time SOPHIE made her official appearance, with the camera up close and centered on her. (At the same time, SOPHIE released a press release stating she prefers she/her pronouns.) The song is a queer anthem – a stirring ballad that’s restrained for SOPHIE, who’s known for her spastic and glitch-y synths. With honest lyrics (“The pain inside increases / It takes more strength to hold it in then to give in and surrender”) and a massive buildup that erupts with a thunderous clap, “It’s Okay to Cry” hits the reset button, making SOPHIE truly one of the most interesting artists to watch.
2. Kesha – “Praying”
There’s no better song than Kesha’s “Praying” to be the anthem for the abysmal year that was 2017. Her comeback single took aim at disgraced producer Dr. Lukas, who she accused of sexual assault (he has denied all claims). Kesha has been in court battles with the producer and her record label, forced into a music limbo. But when “Praying” unexpectedly dropped in July, it not only an excellent song that showed off Kesha’s vocals, but it was also a battle cry, with Kesha throwing down the gauntlet. It established her as a new musician – the “TiK ToK” party days are behind her (remember, she’s dropped the “$” in her name)- and posited her as a pop singer-songwriter. “Praying” isn’t scornful or angry. Instead, it’s full of hope and forgiveness with Kesha taking the high road: “I hope you’re somewhere prayin’, prayin’ / I hope your soul is changin’, changin’ / I hope you find your peace,” she screams during the song’s breathtaking chorus.
1. Lana Del Rey – “Love”
No current pop artist has struggled with today’s political climate more than Lana Del Rey. With songs like “National Anthem,” lyrics like “Be young, be dope be proud / Like an American,” and music videos showing her waving the U.S. flag, the elusive singer built her career from American pastiche. But that changed this year after Donald Trump entered the White House. Not only did she cast a witchy spell on him, but she also banned the American flag from her shows, and penned a track about the threats of North Korea. To say that Del Rey become more aware of her surroundings this year would be an understatement. With “Love,” the first single off her excellent album “Lust for Life,” the chanteuse gets nostalgic, looking back at the music that propelled her into stardom, and turns the track into an ode to her fans: “Look at you kids with your vintage music/You’re part of the past, but now you’re the future,” she sings over a string arrangement echoing the music from her debut “Born to Die.” It’s a powerful and earnest song (something rare these days in pop music) where Del Rey winks at the Beach Boys and, most importantly, give hope to her millions of fans: “It doesn’t matter if I’m not enough / For the future or the things to come / ‘Cause I’m young and in love / Don’t worry, baby.”
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