Wednesday, December 20, 2017

More Favorite Songs of 2017

I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2017. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2017. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales, streams and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2017 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2017. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R and B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.

Unforgettable (Mariah Carey Remix) - French Montana: While the original version of this song actually was a huge Top 10 hit on the Billboard HOT 100, it didn't actually catch my attention until the far superior Mariah Carey remix was released. Her outstanding vocals are a perfect match to the thumping beat. Radio should have gotten their act together and played this version in heavy rotation.     

It Ain't My Fault - Brothers Osbourne: Get on your feet and clap your hands along with the high energy country jam. The video is a high speed chase and adventure that takes you along for the ride.     

The Fighter - Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban: We needed something to hold us over while Carrie is between albums and this pop infused country song fit the bill perfectly. 


Drinkin' Problem - Midland: These guys are keeping traditional country sounds alive with this song that is perfect for a stationary cha cha.   

What Ifs - Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina: We shouldn't drive ourselves crazy thinking about how things could be different, but this song sure captures all of the feelings very well.    

Seeing Red - Dustin Lynch: A young country artist who still wears jeans, boots and cowboy hat! So sexy and sings red hot songs too!    

I Could Use A Love Song - Maren Morris: One of the next women of country with a great song that is a perfect two step.     

Dirt On My Boots - Jon Pardi: He won the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year because of great songs like this.   

Road Less Traveled - Lauren Alaina: It's been 6 years since she was the 1st Runner Up on American Idol and she has finally had her breakthrough hit. It was worth the wait!   

Something I'm Good At - Brett Eldredge: He's got a great voice, great personality and a great sense of humor. And, of course, great songs like this one that is perfect for an energetic quick step. 

Somebody Else Will - Justin Moore: What else can I say except that it's a good song I like to hear on repeat. 

The Top 10 Songs of 2017

The Top 10 songs of 2017!!
2017 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:

Attention - Charlie Puth

Charlie ended 2016 just being the duet partner who helped Selena Gomez deliver her most likeable hit in years, but he totally came into his own on this solo track. It's catchy and has a great beat. If only Charlie were setting the trend for others to do music as well as he is. Perfect for singing along with and dancing to on repeat all year long.    

I Feel It Coming - The Weeknd

When this guy gets it right he really hits it out of the park. This song is pure dance pop enjoyment and a very bright spot when it came on the radio.  

There's Nothing Holding Me Back - Shawn Mendes

Shawn was on tour this year with Charlie Puth and with songs like this they kept the crowds dancing and singing along with enthusiasm.    

Body Like A Back Road - Sam Hunt

This talented hunk is way too good to stay hidden away on the country charts. This year he crossed over in a big way with this fun and catchy hit.     

Feel It Still - Portugal. The Man

I am really hoping that Portugal. The Man does not turn into Portugal. The One Hit Wonder. This song is so good! It is instantly infectious and it does it all with a full band of real musicians playing real instruments!!      

Too Good At Goodbyes - Sam Smith

Sam Smith is back with the first single from his second album and his impressive vocal range is a very welcome return. Another soulful delivery of raw and heartfelt emotions.     

Chained To The Rhythm - Katy Perry

On her fourth album Katy proves she can still offer a catchy pop hit with dynamic and interesting visuals. The beat was perfect for dancing a samba.    

Slow Hands - Niall Horan

No longer fading into the background behind the other boys in One Direction, Niall is front and center on his own with the best solo release of the bunch. It's a sexy groove that really makes you move.     

That's What I Like - Bruno Mars

The retro 80's Funk inspired vibe on this song was a welcome addition to hear on the radio in 2017. Bruno is continuing to be a cut above the rest.    

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

There's no denying that Ed gave the world one of the catchiest and most infectious songs of 2017. The beat was perfect for dancing a samba.  

American Idol Grammy Nominations

The nominations for the 60th Grammy Awards have been announced but this year and once again there were some Miss American Idol finalists who heard their names called.

The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is nominated for the Best Pop Solo Performance for her track Love So Soft.  

The Season 8 Miss American Idol 2nd Runner Up Danny Gokey is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for his release Rise. 


The winners will be announced on Sunday January 28th.

2017 Year End Charts

The #1 album on the Billboard charts for all of 2017 is DAMN by Kendrick Lamar.

It was a slow year on all of the charts for the American Idol finalists in 2017. There isn't a single one of them who had an album rank in the Top 200 Albums for the year.

Over on the Top Country Albums chart for 2017 at least the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four Winner Carrie Underwood had her Storyteller land at #40 for the year while Greatest Hits: Decade #1 is at #35.  

The Top 5 singles for 2017 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, #2 Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, #3 That's What I Like by Bruno Mars, #4 Humble by Kendrick Lamar and at #5 Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay.

There was only one Miss American Idol finalist who managed to squeeze her way on to the 2017 Top Billboard HOT 100 hits of the year. Coming in at #100 is The Fighter by Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood.

Over on the Billboard 2016 Top Country Artists of the Year chart the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood, can be found at #23.