Alex Marchante's Top 25 Songs of 2017 So Far (Part II) [#20-#11]

Continuing directly from where we last left off, let's get straight into the Top 20.

Pictured here is the thumbnail to the lyric video of "Systematic", which paints several pictures at once.

#20: "Systematic" by DJ Shadow feat. Nas

From: The Soundtrack to The HBO Series "Silicon Valley" (Released June 23)

Why I liked it: It's not often that a song from a soundtrack can be as powerful as this track from veterans DJ Shadow and Nas. Featured in the HBO hit series based on the famous titular technological capital of California, "Systematic" targets the unrest in several aspects of American society. Primarily, "Systematic" targets the economic wealth distribution in America, referencing the Occupy Wall Street movement and the corruption and "genocidal" tendencies of the American system. The anecdotes provided by Nas illustrates his rise to fame and fortune after being a drug dealer in 80s New York. Overall, this track gives a great take and point-of-view into the life of the bottom 99 percent.

#19: "Let Me Out" by Gorillaz (ft. Mavis Staples and Pusha T)

From: Humanz (Released April 28)

Why I liked it: Staying in the realm of American society, we turn back to Humanz and another New York rapper. In this track, Gorillaz are joined by Pusha T along with blues and gospel artist Mavis Staples. The summary of this track can be summarized with three of the first few lines: "Obama is gone, who is left to save us? So together me mourn, I'm praying for my neighbors. The devil's at work and Trump is calling favors." Opposed to "Systematic" and its description of the American financial and economic system, "Let Me Out" describes the struggles of minorities in the American criminal justice system, specifically African Americans. Overall, it's a powerful song that doesn't pull any punches in getting its point across.

#18: "Incomplete Kisses" by Sampha

From: Process (Released February 3)

Why I liked it: This is the first (and definitely not last) time I'll mention London artist Sampha. When I say artist, I definitely mean it. Sampha's Process is easily one of the audibly appealing albums of the year. Its prominent use of piano/keyboard and sequencers match Sampha's passionate voice throughout. In this track, the musical elements blend together to make a beautiful piece of art. This is an introductory song to an incredible album and I'll definitely bring it up later.

Desert rock kings Queens of the Stone Age returned in 2017 in a big way, creating a hip-shaking, groove-inducing hit in "The Way You Used to Do".

#17: "The Way You Used to Do" by Queens of the Stone Age

From: Villains (Releasing August 25)

Why I liked it: The kings (or queens if you go by their name) of desert rock returned in 2017 with a bang. Queens of the Stone Age released their first single off of their upcoming album which is produced by Mark Ronson, who has achieved popularity through his work with Bruno Mars, Adele, the late great Amy Winehouse, amongst other stars. Although criticized for their use of clap beats, as a fan of QotSA for years and years, I can say that the band has returned to their desert rock style with frontman Josh Homme owning his love of rockabilly music. It's a great song to dance to at night and when you hear the pre-chorus, you will have no choice but to swing your pelvis like Elvis would.

#16: "Questions" by High Contrast feat. Boy Matthews

From: Questions E.P. (Released March 16)

Why I liked it: I normally enjoy a good electronic jam here and there. However, there are so many that not a long of songs stick with me. That is until I listened to this hit song by High Contrast. Its high-paced rhythm and high-pitched vocals by Boy Matthews at its peak makes it a great song to get hyped to and end with a sprint. "Questions" will lift your spirits, heartbeat and feet off the ground with its upbeat tempo and consistent crescendo from chill groove to full-on dance tune.

#15: "Cigarettes & Cush" by Stormzy feat. Kehlani

From: Gang Signs & Prayer (Released February 24)

Why I liked it: The first mention of this London grime star's debut album occurs in an intimate, slowdown track. Featuring Oakland singer/songwriter Kehlani, the duo illustrate a turbulent relationship that is far from perfect. However, which each other's companionship and a certain recreational herb, Stormzy finds himself in a perfect state. Although the conclusion of the song ends on a somber note of heartbreak and separation, the track itself is beautifully performed by Stormzy, Kehlani and legendary British artist Lily Allen who features in the chorus but is not credited for legal reasons. You'll find yourself relaxed listening to this track, which is one of the slower-paced sections of Gang Signs & Prayer. The variety and quality of the album make this track more stimulating to the ear and more appreciated in the heart.

Sampha's touching tribute to his mother in "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano" is simple yet undisputed in its emotional power.

#14: "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano" by Sampha

From: Process (Released February 3)

Why I liked it: In a track solely relying on piano and vocals, this track does not disappoint. Reflecting on his family's coming to London and his return to said home after his mother's cancer diagnosis, Sampha provides an intimate view of his appreciation for both his mother and the piano which provided him the tools to become the artist he is today. As stated before, Sampha is a true artist. Using just 12 lines to tell his story, the vocals and passion Sampha uses is undeniably gorgeous and will leave you emotional.

#13: "Don't Cry For Me" by Stormzy feat. Raleigh Ritchie

From: Gang Signs & Prayer (Released February 24)

Why I liked it: During his career, Stormzy, like many artists in the grime industry, reflect on his experiences in the troubled boroughs of South London. Describing a love/hate relationship with his 'hood, Stormzy reflects on the amount of violence he was surrounded by in his childhood. Stormzy also describes how the deaths of his friends brought sadness, tears, but also ultimately the act of being forgotten. With friends either dead or imprisoned, Stormzy's telling of his childhood experiences leave the audience's eyes opened, stunned and ironically, in tears.

#12: "Velvet / Jenny Francis (Interlude)" by Stormzy

From: Gang Signs & Prayer (Released February 24)

Why I liked it: Yet another mention to Stormzy's debut album, we turn back to relationships. "Velvet" describes Stormzy's struggles between being in a dedicated, serious relationship with his partner while also proud of his own rise to fame and success. The prior half illustrates Stormzy's wishes to remain uncommitted, where as the latter part shows his affection and love for his partner, promising her to provide her with anything she wants or needs. The story culminates in the final lyrics of the second verse: "But loving you is easier, the simplest. Run and tell the world you're my princess, girl. I grow fonder, girl I grow fonder. I grow fonder, girl I grow fonder." The interlude after the track comes from one of Stormzy's favorite DJs from his childhood, Jenny Francis, who calls this track "'Smoochy' Velvet", which summarizes the track very well.

Sampha's "Blood on Me" is terrifyingly beautiful with its vivid imagery and exceptional instrument work.

#11: "Blood on Me" by Sampha

From: Process (Released February 3)

Why I liked it: Have I mentioned this guy is an artist? In this single, originally released in September 2016 (yes, I know, I'm technically cheating, but the album was released in 2017), Sampha tells a story of him being a dream land, being chased by someone or something. A track filled with paranoia and nightmarish lyrics, Sampha also provides a desperate, distressed performance vocally. Based on the track's title and the chorus' lyrics: "I swear they smell the blood on me, I hear them coming for me", the track's based on Sampha's guilt catching up to him in his dream. The music video also illustrates a literal representation of the lyrics, including Sampha's car crashing through a tree and hounds chasing him. If you close your eyes while listening to this track, you can hear, feel and see the story itself, as terrifying as it is.