The Best Songs of 2017

2017 proved that proved that, while the world is losing its mind, music may be getting more exciting. Here's our picks for the best songs of the year.

best songs 2017
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

best songs 2017

2017 was a year of unexpected hits. "Bad and Boujee," (released in 2016 and on our best of '16 list, so ineligible for inclusion here) was the first track to hit number one from an unexpected corner, but it was followed up the charts by a pack of songs that both surprised and delighted. "Mask Off," "XO Tour Llif3," "Bodak Yellow"—none sounded like traditional pop songs, but proved that, while the world is losing its mind, music may be getting more exciting. Throw in some of the most ambitious work to date from artists like Kendrick and Jay, a full-on breakout year for Migos and SZA, and a collection of loosies that rival any album from Frank Ocean, and you have a year with an overabundance of great songs. These are the 50 best. 

50. Lil Pump, "Gucci Gang"

lil pump

49. Ty Dolla Sign, "Droptop In The Rain"

beach house 3

48. Taylor Swift, "So It Goes..."

tswift

47. Trippie Redd, "Love Scars"

trippie redd

46. Vince Staples, "745"

Vince Staples

45. SZA, "The Weekend"

sza

44. 2 Savage, Offset, Metro Boomin, "Ric Flair Drip"

Without Warning

43. Brockhampton, "Junky"

brockhampton

42. Charli XCX, "Boys"

Charli XCX Boys

41. Haim, "Want You Back"

Haim, "Want You Back"

40. Travis Scott, "Butterfly Effect"

butterfly effect

39. Tee Grizzley, "First Day Out"

tee grizzley my moment

38. Sabrina Claudio, "Unravel Me"

sabrina claudio about time

37. 21 Savage, "Bank Account"

21

36. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, "Say A"

a boogie

35. Kendrick Lamar, "Humble"

Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' cover art.

34. Dua Lipa f/ Miguel, "Lost in Your Light"

dua lipa album

33. Future & Young Thug, "No Cap"

super slimey

32. The Diplomats, "Once Upon a Time"

diplomats

31. YBN Nahmir, "Rubbin Off The Paint"

ybn

30. Frank Ocean, "Provider"

frank ocean provider

29. French Montana f/ Swae Lee, "Unforgettable"

unforgettable

28. Camilla Cabello f/ Young Thug, "Havana"

camila

27. Tyler, The Creator, "Boredom"

tyler the creator scum fuck flower boy cover

26. A Boogie With Da Hoodie f/ Kodak Black, "Drowning"

a boogie

25. Selena Gomez, "Bad Liar"

selena gomez

24. Harry Styles, "Woman"

harry styles album

23. J Balvin f/ Beyoncé & Willy William, "Mi Gente (Remix)"

mi gente

22. Lorde, "Perfect Places"

lorde melodrama

21. Jorja Smith, 'On My Mind (Preditah Remix)'

jorja smith on my mind

20. Jay-Z, "The Story of OJ"

Jay Z '4:44' album cover

19. Syd, 'Know'

Syd Fin

18. DJ Khaled f/ Rihanna & Bryson Tiller, "Wild Thoughts"

dj khaled wild thoughts

17. Future, "Mask Off"

Future Future

16. Miguel f/ Travis Scott, "Sky Walker"

war and leisure

15. Kelela, "LMK"

Kelela take me apart

14. Calvin Harris f/ Frank Ocean & Migos, "Slide"

calvin harris funk wav

13. Kendrick Lamar, "Duckworth"

Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' cover art.

12. Jay-Z, "4:44"

Jay Z '4:44' album cover

11. Goldlink f/ Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy, "Crew"

Goldlink At What Cost

10. Frank Ocean, "Biking (Solo)"

frank ocean biking

9. Future, "Use Me"

hndrxx future

8. Drake, "Do Not Disturb"

more life 1200 art

7. Migos, "T-Shirt"

Migos Culture Album Cover

6. Playboi Carti, "Magnolia"

playboi carti

5. SZA f/ Travis Scott, "Love Galore"

sza

4. Frank Ocean, "Chanel"

frank ocean chanel

3. Kendrick Lamar, "DNA"

Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' cover art.

2. Cardi B, "Bodak Yellow"

cardi bodak yellow

1. Lil Uzi Vert, "XO Tour Llif3"

luv is rage 2

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