Billboard Top 100 Songs Of 2017: The Ultimate Year-End List

by Admin 60 views
Billboard Top 100 Songs of 2017: The Ultimate Year-End List

Hey music lovers! Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s dive into the Billboard Top 100 songs of 2017. This list isn't just a collection of tunes; it's a snapshot of a year filled with incredible highs, catchy beats, and unforgettable lyrics. Whether you're looking to relive your favorite moments or just curious about what topped the charts, buckle up – we're about to explore the sounds that defined 2017. From pop anthems to hip-hop bangers, this is your ultimate guide to the year's biggest hits.

A Year in Music: Setting the Stage for 2017

Before we jump into the list, let's set the stage. 2017 was a year of significant shifts and blends in the music industry. Streaming services were hitting their stride, giving songs a longer shelf life and allowing artists to reach a global audience instantly. This accessibility democratized music consumption, leading to diverse sounds dominating the charts. Pop continued to evolve, incorporating elements from electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, and even Latin music. Hip-hop itself was undergoing a renaissance, with artists pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sounds and lyrical styles. And let's not forget the rise of Latin music, with artists like Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee breaking records and crossing over into the mainstream like never before. The year was a melting pot of creativity, where established stars and rising talents competed for a spot on the coveted Billboard charts. So, as we look at the top 100 songs, remember that each track represents a piece of this vibrant and transformative year in music.

The Top 10: The Cream of the Crop

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! These are the songs that not only topped the charts but also dominated our playlists, radio waves, and social media feeds. Get ready to sing along!

  1. "Shape of You" - Ed Sheeran: Ed Sheeran absolutely dominated 2017 with this incredibly catchy and universally loved track. "Shape of You" is more than just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that defined the year in music. Released as one of the lead singles from his third studio album, ÷ (Divide), the song quickly climbed to the top of the charts worldwide, setting records and breaking streaming milestones along the way. Its infectious melody, combined with Sheeran's signature heartfelt lyrics, made it an instant classic. The song’s production, which blends pop, dancehall, and tropical house elements, created a sound that was both familiar and fresh, appealing to a wide range of listeners. The relatability of the lyrics, which depict a casual and intimate connection, resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. "Shape of You" spent multiple weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the best-performing song of the year, solidifying Ed Sheeran's status as one of the biggest artists in the world. Its impact extended beyond the charts, influencing trends in music production and inspiring countless covers and remixes. The song's success is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to capture the zeitgeist of 2017, making it a worthy chart-topper that continues to be enjoyed by millions.

  2. "Despacito" - Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber: "Despacito" wasn't just a hit; it was a global takeover. This Latin powerhouse smashed records and introduced Latin music to a whole new audience. The original version by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee was already a massive success, but the addition of Justin Bieber on the remix propelled it to unprecedented heights. "Despacito" became the first primarily Spanish-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100 since "Macarena" in 1996, breaking a two-decade drought and opening the door for other Latin artists to achieve mainstream success. The song's infectious rhythm, combined with its catchy melody and the star power of its performers, made it an irresistible force. Its impact was so profound that it transcended language barriers, with people all over the world singing along to the Spanish lyrics. The song's success also highlighted the growing influence of Latin music on the global stage and paved the way for collaborations between Latin and mainstream artists. "Despacito" not only topped the charts but also sparked a cultural phenomenon, inspiring dance challenges, memes, and countless covers. Its legacy as one of the most successful and influential songs of all time is firmly cemented, and it remains a testament to the power of music to unite people across cultures and languages. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

  3. "That's What I Like" - Bruno Mars: Bruno Mars brought the funk and charm with this smooth and groovy track. With its retro vibes and irresistible beat, "That's What I Like" was a standout hit from his album 24K Magic. The song's appeal lies in its classic R&B sound, reminiscent of the music of the 1980s and 1990s, but with a modern twist. "That's What I Like" showcases Bruno Mars' incredible vocal talent and his ability to craft catchy hooks that stay in your head for days. The lyrics, which celebrate the finer things in life and the pleasures of romance, resonated with audiences who appreciated the song's lighthearted and feel-good vibe. The song's success was also driven by its visually stunning music video, which featured Bruno Mars dancing and performing against a vibrant and colorful backdrop. The video's choreography and artistic direction perfectly complemented the song's upbeat energy, making it a visual and auditory treat. "That's What I Like" not only topped the charts but also won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best R&B Song. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Bruno Mars' artistry and his ability to create timeless music that appeals to a wide range of listeners. The song's impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a staple on radio stations and playlists around the world.

  4. "Humble." - Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar's "Humble." was a powerful and introspective track that stood out in a year of pop anthems. This song showcased Lamar's lyrical genius and his ability to tackle complex themes with honesty and vulnerability. "Humble." is a bold statement about fame, success, and the importance of staying grounded. The song's production, which features a minimalist beat and haunting piano chords, creates a stark and unsettling atmosphere that perfectly complements Lamar's introspective lyrics. "Humble." challenged listeners to examine their own egos and to embrace humility in the face of success. The song's music video, which featured stunning visuals and thought-provoking imagery, further amplified its message and solidified its status as a cultural touchstone. "Humble." not only topped the charts but also won a Grammy for Best Rap Song and was nominated for several other awards. Its impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a powerful and relevant song that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Kendrick Lamar's ability to blend artistry with social commentary makes "Humble." a true masterpiece and a testament to his status as one of the most important and influential artists of our time. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

  5. "Bodak Yellow" - Cardi B: Cardi B burst onto the scene with this unapologetic and fierce anthem. "Bodak Yellow" was a game-changer for Cardi B, catapulting her from a social media personality to a chart-topping rapper. The song's raw energy and authentic lyrics resonated with audiences who appreciated Cardi B's honesty and her unique perspective on life. "Bodak Yellow" is a celebration of her journey from humble beginnings to achieving success and overcoming obstacles. The song's production, which features a hard-hitting beat and a catchy hook, creates an empowering and infectious vibe that makes you want to dance and sing along. The song's music video, which featured Cardi B in various glamorous and empowering settings, further amplified its message and solidified her status as a cultural icon. "Bodak Yellow" not only topped the charts but also made Cardi B the first solo female rapper to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 since Lauryn Hill in 1998. Its impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a powerful and relevant song that continues to inspire and empower listeners around the world. Cardi B's unapologetic authenticity and her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level make "Bodak Yellow" a true anthem for the modern era. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

  6. "Closer" - The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey: The Chainsmokers and Halsey created an electro-pop hit that captured the angst and emotions of young love. "Closer" is a nostalgic and relatable song about rekindling a past romance. The song's production, which features a blend of electronic beats and pop melodies, creates a dreamy and atmospheric vibe that perfectly complements the song's emotional lyrics. "Closer" resonated with audiences who have experienced the ups and downs of young love and the bittersweet feeling of reconnecting with someone from the past. The song's success was also driven by the chemistry between The Chainsmokers and Halsey, whose vocals blended seamlessly to create a memorable and haunting duet. "Closer" not only topped the charts but also broke streaming records and became one of the most popular songs of the year. Its impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a staple on radio stations and playlists around the world. The Chainsmokers' ability to create catchy and emotionally resonant songs has solidified their status as one of the most successful electronic music duos of our time. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

  7. "Rockstar" - Post Malone ft. 21 Savage: Post Malone and 21 Savage delivered a dark and gritty track that celebrated the rockstar lifestyle. "Rockstar" is a hard-hitting and unapologetic song about the excesses and challenges of fame. The song's production, which features a trap-infused beat and a menacing melody, creates a dark and edgy vibe that perfectly complements the song's themes. "Rockstar" resonated with audiences who were drawn to its raw energy and its depiction of the rockstar lifestyle. The song's success was also driven by the collaboration between Post Malone and 21 Savage, whose distinct styles blended seamlessly to create a unique and memorable track. "Rockstar" not only topped the charts but also broke streaming records and became one of the most popular songs of the year. Its impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a staple on radio stations and playlists around the world. Post Malone's ability to blend genres and create catchy and memorable songs has solidified his status as one of the most successful and influential artists of our time. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

  8. "I'm the One" - DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne: DJ Khaled assembled a star-studded lineup for this feel-good and catchy collaboration. "I'm the One" is an upbeat and celebratory song about love and success. The song's production, which features a tropical-inspired beat and a catchy melody, creates a feel-good and infectious vibe that makes you want to dance and sing along. "I'm the One" resonated with audiences who were drawn to its positive message and its star-studded lineup of performers. The song's success was also driven by DJ Khaled's ability to bring together some of the biggest names in music and create a cohesive and memorable track. "I'm the One" not only topped the charts but also broke streaming records and became one of the most popular songs of the year. Its impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a staple on radio stations and playlists around the world. DJ Khaled's ability to create hit songs and bring together talented artists has solidified his status as one of the most successful and influential producers of our time. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

  9. "Something Just Like This" - The Chainsmokers and Coldplay: The Chainsmokers teamed up with Coldplay for this anthemic and uplifting track that blended electronic and rock elements. "Something Just Like This" is an inspirational and empowering song about embracing individuality and finding strength within yourself. The song's production, which features a blend of electronic beats, rock instrumentation, and Chris Martin's soaring vocals, creates an anthemic and uplifting vibe that resonates with listeners of all ages. "Something Just Like This" resonated with audiences who were drawn to its positive message and its blend of electronic and rock elements. The song's success was also driven by the collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Coldplay, whose distinct styles blended seamlessly to create a unique and memorable track. "Something Just Like This" not only topped the charts but also broke streaming records and became one of the most popular songs of the year. Its impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a staple on radio stations and playlists around the world. The Chainsmokers' and Coldplay's ability to create catchy and emotionally resonant songs has solidified their status as two of the most successful and influential artists of our time. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

  10. "Congratulations" - Post Malone ft. Quavo: Post Malone and Quavo celebrated success and overcoming obstacles with this catchy and celebratory track. "Congratulations" is an upbeat and feel-good song about achieving your goals and celebrating your accomplishments. The song's production, which features a trap-infused beat and a catchy melody, creates an infectious and celebratory vibe that makes you want to dance and sing along. "Congratulations" resonated with audiences who were drawn to its positive message and its catchy hook. The song's success was also driven by the collaboration between Post Malone and Quavo, whose distinct styles blended seamlessly to create a unique and memorable track. "Congratulations" not only topped the charts but also broke streaming records and became one of the most popular songs of the year. Its impact on the music industry is undeniable, and it remains a staple on radio stations and playlists around the world. Post Malone's ability to blend genres and create catchy and memorable songs has solidified his status as one of the most successful and influential artists of our time. The song's enduring popularity is a clear indication of its impact on the music industry and its place in pop culture history.

Beyond the Top 10: Gems and Honorable Mentions

Of course, the Billboard Top 100 is filled with more than just the top 10! Here are some other noteworthy tracks from 2017 that deserve a shout-out:

  • "Mask Off" - Future: A trap anthem with a haunting flute melody that became a viral sensation.
  • "Location" - Khalid: A smooth R&B track that showcased Khalid's soulful vocals and songwriting talent.
  • "Say You Won't Let Go" - James Arthur: A heartfelt ballad that tugged at the heartstrings and became a wedding favorite.
  • "Scars to Your Beautiful" - Alessia Cara: An empowering anthem about self-love and body positivity.
  • "Slow Hands" - Niall Horan: A catchy pop-rock track that marked Niall Horan's successful solo debut.

The Lasting Impact of 2017's Top Songs

The top 100 songs of 2017 weren't just fleeting hits; they shaped the musical landscape and left a lasting impact on pop culture. These songs influenced trends in music production, sparked viral dance crazes, and became the soundtrack to countless memories. They represent a pivotal year in music history, where streaming services cemented their dominance, Latin music broke through to the mainstream, and artists pushed boundaries to create innovative and unforgettable sounds. So, the next time you're looking for a dose of nostalgia or just want to appreciate some great music, revisit the Billboard Top 100 of 2017 – you might just rediscover your new favorite song!

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive look at the Billboard Top 100 songs of 2017. It was a year of diverse sounds, groundbreaking hits, and unforgettable moments. From Ed Sheeran's global domination to the Latin explosion of "Despacito," 2017 was a year that truly had something for everyone. What were your favorite songs from 2017? Let us know in the comments below! And keep grooving to the beats that make life a little more awesome. Peace out!