Alex Marchante's Top 25 Songs of 2017 So Far (Part I) [Honorable Menti

ANA.LI, pictured here, became one of the sleeper stars of 2017 with her album You & I, which features "Cherry Blossom".

As the month of June comes to a close, so does the first half of 2017.

As the year progresses on and the seasons come and go, so does music.

The jams we enjoyed in January have subsided to what has come in June and what we're hyped up for in July and the rest of summer.

However, with every year, comes music that stays with you throughout the year and hopefully, for years to come.

That being said, here are the songs that I, Alex Marchante, have chosen as my top 25 songs of 2017 from January to June.

DISCLAIMER: Since this list is based off of my tastes in music that I was exposed to in 2017, I may have either missed some great music along the way or have intentionally omitted songs that I either believe are overplayed and therefore cannot enjoy, songs that everyone may like that I don't like, or a combination of the two.

So, let's get started:

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Portugal The Man went from sleeper gem to household name after their album Woodstock was released this June.

These are the next 10 songs I would consider highlights of my musical taste in 2017, placed in alphabetical order:

"Coolin'" by Bliss N Eso feat. Dizzy Wright and Rob Curly

From: Off The Grid (Released April 28)

Why I liked it: It's a great mellow song. Overall great road trip song. It sounds like a sunny weekend day with friends.

"Dopamine" by Bliss N Eso feat. Thief

From: Off The Grid (Released April 28)

Why I liked it: The variety in this album alone is noteworthy. Unlike "Coolin'", this song is more emotional and Thief's vocals provide a beautiful chorus.

"Hallelujah Money" by Gorillaz feat. Benjamin Clementine

From: Humanz (Released April 28);

Why I liked it: This will not be the first time I will mention Humanz. Trust me. One of the more politically charged tracks on the album, it was originally released on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration. You can imagine where this is going. Have a listen.

"Moments" by Bliss N Eso feat. Gavin James

From: Off The Grid (Released April 28)

Why I liked it: Pardon the early concentration of this Aussie hip hop duo. The album as a whole is solid, with this track reflecting on life featuring James who provides another layer of variety and vocal talent.

"On Hold" by The xx

From: I See You (Released January 13)

Why I liked it: This was the first song that I got hyped for in 2017. The return of this group promised great music, including this track. I'd highlight the great instrumental work by Jamie xx, who had made a name for himself as a solo artist. Yet again, the vocal duo of Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Slim is hard to ignore and even harder to beat.

"Saturnz Barz" by Gorillaz feat. Popcaan

From: Humanz (Released April 28)

Why I liked it: To be completely honest, this single wasn't as hype for me at another Gorillaz track (more on that well later) at first. However, the more I listened to it, the more I loved the quirky combination of Popcaan and Damon Albarn working together to provide a very well-made track that raise some eyebrows but bobbed some heads.

"Say Something Loving" by The xx

From: I See You (Released January 13)

Why I liked it: If "On Hold" brought back the nostalgia from Jamie xx's electronica touch, "Say Something Loving" brings back the nostalgia from Romy and Oliver's beautiful singing. From the start, this song sucks you in with powerful, echoing, swaying vocals that swing you from side to side and doesn't end. You'll find yourself playing this on repeat.

"Strobelite" by Gorillaz feat. Peven Everett

From: Humanz (Released April 28)

Why I liked it: It's. So. Danceable. Turn the volume up and get down. Enjoy.

"Tidal Wave" by Portugal. The Man

From: Woodstock (Released June 16)

Why I liked it: Portugal. The Man became an instantly popular band with their hit "Feel It Still". However, I believe "Tidal Wave", with its slower, old school/new school vibe gives the calm West Coast vibe the band has given since the start. Fun fact: this band is from Alaska. Just let that be known. Technically still West Coast.

"You'll Never Walk Alone" by Dropkick Murphys

From: 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory (Released January 6)

Why I liked it: This is somewhat biased. As a hardcore Bostonian, there is no way I could make a list like this without mentioning the most hardcore Bostonian band there is (yes, even more so than Aerosmith). Combine their pub sing-a-long style with the theme song to Liverpool FC fans everywhere and you have a classic, coming from a Manchester United fan.

TOP 25 SONGS OF 2017

Dropkick Murphys add another sing-a-long anthem with "4-15-13"

#25: "4-15-13" by Dropkick Murphys

From: 11 Short Stories of Pain & Glory (January 6)

Why I liked it: Not going to lie, this song choked me up the first time I heard it. As I stated before, I have a strong attachment to this band and the city of Boston. Combine that passion with a song reflecting on the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings and the never-say-die spirit of Bostonians everywhere, you have an anthem for the ages. As the song says, "The memories never fade, with us they'll always stay".

#24: "Cherry Blossom" by ALA.NI

From: You & I (Released May 12)

Why I liked it: This is easily the song with the least popularity on this list. This West London artist has appeared to come straight out of the soundtrack of the Fallout franchise. Her soft, delicate, soothing voice wisps away at your core with this song. You feel the intimacy and can't help but love every second of it. "Cherry Blossom" will leave you wanting more, and you're in luck because You & I provides a whole slew of beautifully articulated tracks sung by this lovely artist.

#23: "You're In Love With A Psycho" by Kasabian

From: For Crying Out Loud (Released May 5)

Why I liked it: Turning to a situation you don't want to be in, we turn to Kasabian. As described in the title, this song describes a person who has fallen in love with a psycho and "there's nothing you can do about it". According to an (unreviewed) annotation on Genius regarding this track, the track perhaps references "the engagement of notorious British serial killer Charles Bronson in early 2017." So...why is it a favorite of mine? This track is catchy, makes you want to dance and sing along so much that you forget the possible origin of the lyrics. If you're into that stuff, the song I mean, not ...other stuff, definitely check this track out.

#22: "Friend Like You" by Bliss N Eso feat. Lee Fields

From: Off The Grid (Released April 28)

Why I liked it: Yet another mentioning of a track from Off The Grid, this song features legendary American soul artist Lee Fields who immediately brings the beginning of the song to an uplifting soulful climax before the first verse. Overall, "Friend Like You" is another powerful song to reflect to when overcoming life's obstacles and finding the self-confidence to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

Benjamin Clementine provides yet another masterpiece with "Phantom of Aleppoville"

#21: "Phantom of Aleppoville" by Benjamin Clementine

From: I Tell A Fly (Release Date TBA; Likely early Fall 2017)

Why I liked it: Once again Benjamin Clementine takes apart his own personal anecdotes and reconstructs them into beautiful works of layered art. This London artist draws from personal experiences with bullying, while also drawing biblical references from the New Testament. Also, with the song's the title, Clementine draws reference to the city of Aleppo in Syria. Aleppo, the center of the Syrian conflict, has been an area in the world where children have not been able to be children due to the tragedies and suffering during the war. The emotion drawn from this six-and-a-half minute single is impeccable and can only be constructed in such a fashion as this talented former Mercury Prize winner.