By: Lucas Villa AXS Contributor Dec 15, 2017
The year is pretty much over, but it did bring out great music from returning acts who made triumphant comebacks and some new artists who carved out a name for themselves. To highlight the best of 2017, here's a list of 30 songs that really made this past year an amazing one for music.
28. Zedd and Liam Payne's "Get Low"
Russian-German DJ Zedd teamed up with former One Direction singer Liam Payne on "Get Low," a slinky and satisfying pop romp. Zedd supplied the track with tropical and intergalactic synths that Payne rode into euphoria. "Bet I could take you there whispering in your ear," Liam sang. The two commandeered a dreamy and undeniable EDM banger.
21. Louis Tomlinson's "Back to You" featuring Bebe Rexha & Digital Farm Animals
Among the singles from former One Direction members, Louis Tomlinson bounced back with "Back to You" featuring Bebe Rexha & Digital Farm Animals. Backed by piano, slinky synths and trap-lite beats, Tomlinson and Rexha detailed their dangerous codependency on each other. Louis came through with an emotionally-charged performance matched by Bebe on their woefully wonderful anthem.
16. Niall Horan's "Slow Hands" / Flicker
Irish singer-songwriter Niall Horan came through with one of the best post-One Direction singles when he dropped "Slow Hands." Backed by a funky and gritty groove, Horan found himself getting hit on hard. "We should take this back to my place / That's what she said to my face," he crooned. Niall eased nice and slow into the sultry banger that bumped with rustic, retro vibes.
8. Zayn's "Dusk Till Dawn" featuring Sia
For a lead-up into his next album, Zayn brought out the heavy artillery with "Dusk Till Dawn" featuring fellow vocal powerhouse Sia. Backed by military-like marching drums and piano, the two acts soared sky high while holding each other down. "I'll hold you when things go wrong / I'll be with you from dusk to dawn," they sang together. Zayn and Sia's sweet and soulful duet was a pop stunner.
