The Top 10 Party Songs of 2017 to Ring in the New Year!
2017 has been an extraordinary year full of challenge, change and triumph, and as always, our favorite songs have been here to help us feel our way through it all. As we shake it off, let it go, bring sexy back and party like it’s 2018, we’re counting down The Top 10 Party Songs of 2017 to Ring in the New Year, so you can celebrate all night as you start anew.
10. That’s What I Like – Bruno Mars
OK, so… Although Bruno Mars’ sparkly studio album 24K Magic actually came out in 2016, the track “That’s What I Like” was released in January 2017, blowing up the Billboard charts—as well as our listening devices and any free space to move our bodies. It has received several Grammy nominations and is essentially the hip-hop soul x new jack swing anthem of the year.
9. Look What You Made Me Do – Taylor Swift
Livin’ the “Swift Life”, Taylor comes out swinging with this slithering tune on her sixth album Reputation which swiftly became the highest-selling album of 2017. This song is perfect for letting bygones by bygones, with a music video that makes a bold, personal statement while Swift brilliantly makes fun of her public image—and herself.
8. Attention – Charlie Puth
For a taste of what 2018 has in store, just pay “Attention” to this pop rock groove produced by singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. Using his phone to voice record the soulful concept while on tour in Tokyo, Japan, the track became the lead single for his upcoming second album Voicenotes scheduled to be released in the new year.
7. Bounce Back – Big Sean
Another song digitally dropped in 2016 as a preview to a full-fledged release in 2017, Big Sean “woke up in beast mode” with this ethereal hip hop hit “Bounce Back” off his fourth album I Decided. Nominated for Best Rap Performance at the upcoming Grammy Awards, you can bounce back and forward into 2018 with this slick track.
6. Sorry Not Sorry – Demi Lovato
Featuring a real-life pool party (and surprise guests), Demi Lovato is “looking like revenge, feeling like a 10” in the unapologetic music video for her anthemic song “Sorry Not Sorry”. A savage summer splash off the album Tell Me You Love Me, Demi’s confident ditty makes being so bad feel so good.
5. I’m the One – DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne
Balancing bravado and gratitude, DJ Khaled showcases a host of household name artists on his tenth studio album Grateful, unveiling “I’m the One” in April 2017 as its second single. With its hypnotic baseline, alluring lyrics and legendary lyricists, this song’s a sure thing for your New Year’s Eve bash.
4. Wild Thoughts – DJ Khaled feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller
An epic summertime soundtrack, “Wild Thoughts” from DJ Khaled’s Grateful album pays homage to Carlos Santana’s unforgettably blazing hot song of 1999 “Maria Maria”. With scintillating lyrics sang by Rihanna and an MTV Video Awards nominated music video, this sultry hit is definitely “too lit to turn down a notch”—which makes it perfect to play as you party your way into 2018.
3. HUMBLE. – Kendrick Lamar
This right here is history in the making. Period. “HUMBLE.” the lead single off Kendrick Lamar’s album DAMN. Snatching four nominations at the 2018 Grammy Awards, this song is unequivocally one of, if not the, most thought-provoking singles of the year, if not decade, with it’s crazy-catching hook and plea to “show me somethin’ natural like a** with some stretch marks.”
2. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Seasoned with tropical house and dancehall flava—and an interpolation of TLC’s “Scrubs”—this pop hit has literally ignited 2017, complete with a music video that packs a punch. From his third album ÷ (Divide), Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” has been streamed a billion times over, topping charts all over the globe while becoming a timeless theme for seemingly every dancefloor.
1. Despacito – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber
Sexy. Sensational. Spanglish. These are just a few words to describe the international tidal wave that is the song “Despacito”. The music video for this reggaetón-pop phenomenon showcased the infamous La Perla neighborhood of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, turning it into a popular tourist attraction in 2017 before Hurricane Maria. This video has done wonders to put Puerto Rico on the map and help bring much needed exposure to the devastation of this United States territory.
“Despacito”, along with all 10 songs on this list, demonstrate the power of music to transcend barriers while moving us forward—on the dancefloor and into a Happy New Year!
An insanely creative writer and SOUL #SANGIN’ musician based in New York City, afua shines while performing on the stage and on the page.
