Top 100 Songs of 2017: The Ultimate Music Guide That Defined a Year

In 2017, pop & global sounds collided in a year marked by emotional complexity, genre blending, and chart-topping anthems. The Top 100 Songs Of 2017 reveal a vibrant sonic tapestry where hip-hop, indie rock, R&B, and electronic pulses shaped culture and daily listening habits worldwide. From viral hits that dominated charts to introspective tracks that resonated deeply with listeners, 2017 emerged as a pivotal year for music evolution—bridging emerging artists and legacy stars while reflecting societal shifts through sound.

This master guide rises above the noise to highlight the songs that defined a year, organized by impact, innovation, and cultural resonance. These tracks not only dominated year-end charts and streaming platforms but also influenced fashion, language, and shared moments across generations. Whether sparking viral dances, fueling protest anthems, or offering intimate vulnerability, each track offered more than entertainment—it created living memories.

At the heart of 2017’s musical identity was the flourishing of hip-hop and hyperpop, alongside polished pop ballads that balanced raw emotion with studio perfection. Artists from across genres pushed boundaries: from Cardi B’s breakthrough rise with “Bodak Yellow,” which shattered gender barriers on the Billboard Hot 100, to Post Malone’s genre-defying “Sunflower,” a slow-burning yet relentless bop that fused rock and hip-hop in a way that redefined contemporary mainstream success. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish burst onto the global stage with “Suppose the World,” a haunting debut that deftly merged minimal production with unsettling emotional depth—proving raw authenticity could ignite international stardom.

The year witnessed a surge in collaborative releases and surprise drops that kept audiences perpetually engaged. Catalog staples like Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Llif3” compiled a sprawling, genre-stretching manifesto of hyperpop, trade beats, and experimental production, embodying the era’s embrace of chaos and creativity. Simultaneously, retro revivals found life anew: Dua Lipa’s dance-infused “ Tomboy” reenergized 80s-infused pop for a new generation, blending synthwave aesthetics with modern rhythm.

Hip-Hop & Genre Fusion: The Soundtrack of a Nation 2017 was a defining chapter for hip-hop’s cultural ascendancy, marked by bold lyrical narratives and genre crossover. “All the Way Up” by Cardi B and Bad Bunny fused reggaeton rhythms with West Coast bravado, symbolizing a new era of Latino influence in mainstream rap. Meanwhile, Post Malone’s “Sunflower” became a defining crossover—neutral in tone yet revolutionary in execution—bridging rock riffing with rap bars in a way that reshaped pop-rap dynamics.

The year also saw Travis Scott’s “Defonomie” roll out as both an EP and movement, layering trap beats with existential lyricism, establishing him as a visionary force. Standouts include: - Cardi B — “Bodak Yellow” (No. 5): A breakout anthem that fused streetwise swagger with irresistible catchiness, topping charts and redefining female rap dominance.

- Post Malone — “Sunflower” (No. 17): A slow-burn banger blending rock and hip-hop, achieving quadruple platinum status through emotional resonance and viral momentum. - Lil Uzi Vert — “XO Tour Llif3” (No.

40): A sprawling 25-track epic that redefined album storytelling, showcasing viral production and unapologetic self-expression. Indie & Alternative: The Quiet Revolution While mainstream hip-hop dominated headlines, indie and alternative scenes thrived with introspective songwriting and sonic experimentation. Phoebe Bridgers emerged as a critical voice with “Business Negotiations,” a delicate yet emotionally piercing track that highlighted her signature blend of raw vocals and lo-fi production.

Similarly, Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner delivered the searing “Be the Pope,” a grief-stricken, piano-driven piece that transcended genre boundaries to become a national cathartic release in the wake of mano-a-mano’s impact. Indie hopefuls like Japanese Breakfast and Phoebe Bridgers exemplified a quiet revolution—prioritizing lyrical depth and atmospheric textures over commercial hooks. Their influence extended beyond playlists, fueling a broader cultural craving for authenticity amid the noise of viral trends.

Global Sounds & Cultural Impact 2017’s music landscape reflected globalization, with artists drawing from diverse traditions and languages. Burna Boy’s “On a Mission” brought Afrobeat’s infectious energy to global platforms, aligning African rhythms with mainstream appeal. Meanwhile, Dua Lipa’s “Stones” and “Physical,” though independents to major pop charts, showcased the year’s fascination with retro-futuristic production, blending 80s synth with modern beats—a trend that shaped countless imitations.

In Latin America, Wise Man’s “Ocho” and Sebastián Yatra’s “Quieres” cemented Spanish-language tracks in global discourse, proving regional sounds could rival English-language dominance. These artists not only entertained but advanced cultural narratives, embedding identity and heritage into universal melodies. Emotional Resonance: Hits That Stirred Hearts and Minds Beyond chart positions, many 2017 songs served as personal and collective anthems.

Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” delivered a darkly playful yet profoundly self-aware narrative about power and perception, while Arctic Monkeys’ “Inflight Safety” offered detached wit amid personal longing—tracks that balanced humor, irony, and genuine feeling. These songs became soundtracks to quiet moments: late nights, heartbreak, self-discovery. Songs like “Wake Me Up” by Avicii (though released late 2016, lingered through 2017) and “How We Do It” by Kabler continued to define emotional reflection, proving that vulnerability remained a cornerstone of musical connection.

Statistical momentum underscores the decade’s significance: the Top 100 Songs Of 2017 collectively generated over 120 billion streams globally, with streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music reporting landmark growth tied directly to this year’s hits. Pan-European festivals such as Primavera Sound and Coachella amplified these tracks, transforming them from singles into cultural events.

What defines 2017’s musical legacy is not merely commercial success but artistic innovation and emotional depth. The year’s soundtrack married rapper bravado with singer-songwriter intimacy, trap cadence with folk storytelling, and global rhythms with digital accessibility.

From Lil Nas X’s early stirrings in genre-crossing anthems to Eilish’s quiet revolution in production and tone, 2017 forged a bridge between marginalized voices and mainstream dominance. These tracks didn’t just chart—they shaped identity, mirrored societal change, and offered listeners pages of shared experience in sound. They remind us that music, at its peak, is more than entertainment: it is language, memory, and connection, immortalized in a year now remembered not just by numbers, but by millions who lived the songs.