The 100 Best Songs Of 2017
20. MUNA
"I Know A Place"
This L.A.-based trio released its debut album, About U, with fierce focus this year, claiming its place on the pop spectrum with a synth- and guitar-driven sound, and building a community in the process. With "I Know A Place," the band created a musical safe space and an anthem for otherness, letting its joy speak as loudly as its defiance. —Sarah Wardrop (WFUV)
19. Fever Ray
"To The Moon And Back"
Fever Ray's first song since 2009 begins with a melody that shoots you into space. But in contrast to its otherworldy soundscape, the lyrics are grounded in a universal human experience: anticipation of spending the night with someone for the first time. Kinky imagery depicts "creamy" kisses and "warm and fuzzy" lips; its explicitness is disquieting but dares you to listen through to the end. It's one of the most addictive songs of the year, and Karin Dreijer — her voice layered over a lower, whispering vocal track — leaves no questions unanswered in the last line. —Katie Anastas
Listen to "To The Moon And Back"
18. Vince Staples
"BagBak"
Vince Staples' last few projects rode the line between recognizable sound and experimental noise. "Bagbak," the first single from , obliterated that line: It was Staples throwing a hook into the water to see if we would bite. We did, and were confronted with a cold, robust, industrial hype track and the rapper swagging out: "Tell the president to suck a d*** cause we on now." Looking back, we should've known Staples was moving beyond existing classifications and toward sounds that belong on bigger audio systems than the aux cord in.
