Incredibly, 2017 is almost up. And that means one thing — the return of our annual Top Tracks countdown!
As usual, the team from wiwibloggs voted for their favourite 2017 releases and recordings by and featuring Eurovision stars. Songs which competed at Eurovision or national finals were excluded (they’ve been analysed to death in our jury reviews), as were artists who have yet to compete on the Eurovision stage.
After considering well over 100 songs, we finally settled on our top 50. And now, following our ten day countdown, it’s finally time to reveal our top five.
What song will join Loreen’s “We Got The Power”, Emmelie De Forest’s “Drunk Tonight”, Lena’s “Traffic Lights”, and Loïc Nottet’s “Million Eyes” in our Hall of Fame?
5. Laura Tesoro “Higher”
What we said: Whereas her Eurosong winning effort took us back to the disco and soul sounds of the 1970s, “Higher” is firmly planted in the now. This time she’s channelling the infectious pop of Carly Rae Jepsen with the swagger of Poland’s Margaret. Set to some mild tropical beats, Laura sings of how her love raises her up. And despite the new direction, none of Laura’s infectiously bubbly persona is lost. In fact, the genre change allows her to shine all the brighter. (Padraig)
Previous top tracks: “Beast” (#33 in 2017)
4. Sirusho “Huh-Hah”
What we said: The 30-year-old stunner celebrates the Motherland and the perseverance of her people from the very opening bars, nodding to the fact Armenia has survived, among other things, genocide and Soviet occupation. The sense of nation and self comes through loud and clear in both the song and the music video as she invites us to celebrate love and unity — and with strong Armenian flourishes. Singing in her native tongue, she suggests music can help all of us through the dark spells in our lives and the music video reinforces her message of positivity. (Antranig)
3. Loreen “71 Charger”
What we said: Moving away from the mix of electronic and reggae sounds heard on August’s EP Nude, the new song includes richer instrumentation, making it much more accessible to a wider audience. Blending guitars, drums and piano with Loreen’s breathy vocals, it harks back to the sound of her 2012 album, while remaining contemporary and fresh. The song delves into a relationship that Loreen doesn’t feel to be worth the time. She would rather do things her way. Regardless of whether the relationship she refers to is physical or metaphorical, the song’s lyrics convey her desire not to conform to the stereotypes often seen in today’s music industry — particularly in pop-laden Sweden. (Jonathan)
Previous top tracks: “Hate The Way I Love You” (#31 in 2017), “Ride” (#43 in 2017), “Under Ytan” (#30 in 2016), “Get Into It” (#45 in 2016), “Paper Light (Higher)” (#3 in 2015), “I’m In It With You” (#6 in 2015), “We Got The Power” (#1 in 2013)
2. Francesca Michielin “Vulcano”
What we said: Hot like lava and sultry like a Milanese woman of the night, the three-minute track plays in the space between urban pop and tropical house, throbbing and pulsating with a heady mix of drum, piano, horns and more. As in any eruption things get loud, but Francesca retains her signature control. Amid all the heat there’s a strong sense of cool, creating what may be her finest single yet. (William)
Previous top tracks: “Un cuore in due” (#46 in 2016)
1. Loïc Nottet “Mud Blood”
What we said: In the four-minutes of 80s electro pop the Belgian star sings about the demons inside of all of us. He scoffs at conformity — “We’re gonna lose, Mama, because we choose, Mama, to say that we’re the best, but we look just like the rest”. And he takes a dig at those who pursue superficial glories — “We want that crown, Mama, and we want it now, Mama, to be the selfish kings of a worthless empire.” Preach. (William)
Previous top tracks: “Doctor” (#16 in 2017), “Million Eyes” (#1 in 2016)
Our Top Tracks of 2017 ranking is determined by votes from a panel of wiwibloggers. They are Josh, Robyn, Jonathan, William, Mario, Edd, Mikhail, Antranig, Mike, Renske, Jovana, Sebastian, and Padraig.
The best thing about Loïc is that live, he sounds exactly the same as he does in the clip. And yes, he really is such a good dancer in real life, too!
Mud Blood is stunning, but not Loic’s best song or video from 2017.
WHERE THE HELL IS SEVERINA? U GUYS SUCK!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFpJwUiOM-o
“Mud Blood” was definitely a deserved winner. I would’ve also liked to have seen “Ozonviz” by Joci Papai in the top 50 because it’s such a good track!!
I liked your top this year really much. The only thing, that bothers me is, why Severina’s amazing “Mrtav Bez Mene” was not on the list. I hope you will explain that. 🙂 Thank you for this year Wiwiteam!
Who was #51? “Bang” by Ella Nor
Also, how are these votes decided? Is it like the wiwi jury score?
Hella surprised that these 2 wonderful songs are not in the top5!
“Tra Le Granite E Le Granate” by Francesco Gabbani & “Ozonviz” by Josi Papai.
Both songs were even better than their esc entries if you ask me..
I’m not actually excited for Loic Notte being again(!) for a second year in row on #1…
I’m not a fan of him.. Sorry..
I’m sad to not see more of Francesco Gabbani’s masterpieces of the year on this list: “Pachidermi E Pappagalli” is one of my favorite songs of the year. Severina also had some awesome songs this year: “Kuda Za Vikend,” “Hazarder,” and “Kao” were all great releases. Then there’s the overlooked Danijela Martinovic song, “Telefon,” Benjamin Ingrosso’s “One More Time,” Velvet and Therese’s “Don’t Stop,” Hadise’s “Sampiyon,” and Niello, Albin and Mattias Andreasson’s “Backa.” Your list is really good, and I can only imagine how hard it is to limit it to 50, but these are just some I might have… Read more »
WOW, LOÏC really deserves this. He’s such an amazing Artist. His album Selfocracy is for me the album of the decade, his concerts are just the best. If you ever have the chance to go to one of his concerts, please do. You won’t regret it. He ‘s an Artist with a big A. He really deserves to be known worldwide. Gefeliciteerd Loïc 🙂
Wow, two in a row for Loic.
He has talent, no doubt about it.
A very good top I gotta say!! But one of Sergey Lazarev’s new songs instead of Sirusho would be much better I think. Huh hoh is actually annoying. lol
I don’t understand Wiwibloggs’ overwhelming bias or obsession with Loreen. Just to be clear, I do think Euphoria is the best ESC-song this decade. However her new songs since then have had little appeal to me. Neither have any of her releases apart from Euphoria enjoyed much success – domestically or internationally (actually, massive flops would be more accurate). I get that her music is unique but that doesn’t automatically qualify a song as good. I wouldn’t have any problem with it if only song of her songs made it this high on the list, but year after year? 71… Read more »
Exactly … for YOU.
Please bear in mind many people here think her new sound is fantastic, no matter if it’s commercially successful or not.
Yeah, I’m also not THAT convinced by ”Europhoria”. I get it, it’s a good song but saying that it’s a total masterpiece and the best song ever is just… Too much. She’s in my top 100 from 2010 to 2017 but she doesn’t even make my top 50….
I do kinda like her other Music… Her song at melodifestivalen this year was really good.
Because it is not an obligation for Loreen to stay in that EDM box forever. She’s looking to be an ARTIST, not just a singer. “Statements” was obviously the first clue.
Amazing top 5! Haha Wiwi heard my cries of Sirusho’s Huh-Hah. Thank you!
“Mud blood” is my favourite too!
It’s such a great song and the music video so beautiful!
“Mud Blood”
Is that a Harry Potter reference? I kinda wish it is..
OMG! I love “Mud Blood”! Glad to see Loïc being the favourite already two years in a row. 😀
I still don’t know how Loïc isn’t famous worldwide. Mud Blood is world class, the whole album is great. I’m also very happy to see Francesca in second place and Laura reaching the top 5.
Yes, Mud blood is the best <3
Happy to see Sirusho in top 5
So this year 3 armenian songs made top 50, actually 2 of which in top 10!! Great progress.
Oi! Where’s Tra le granite e le granate and La mia versione dei ricordi
Was wondering the same thing! Two great songs by Francesco.
I third this motion! No love for this year’s hot Italian dude! That’s unfair!
Yes, I’m missing at least 3 songs by Francesco on this list :/
Vulcano should have won. An incredible piece of music that would win Italy Eurovision.
100% agree!!!! I just checked Spotify and it is my most played track this year. Loïc’s song is OK too. Though I think he’s just a knock-off of Sia…
Vulcano was also my top pick — screams contemporary Eurovision-winning track! I’ve played it every morning during my shower for weeks. And great to hear Francesca stepping out of her comfort zone with that one. Bravo!
I’m suprised Zlata Ognevich (that song filmed in the forest), Luciana Abreu’s El Camaron, and Donny Montell’s Move Your Body didn’t make the list.
Oh Zlata’s song is tantsyuvaty. Even kuda sa vikend and sampiyon were good songs this year.
How could they make it? They’re not Swedish… Didn’t you know Sweden is favorite in all wiwi polls/tops/charts, etc & has the most entries in this annual Top 50? Between 2013-2016 they summed 25 entries, to those add this year’s 6 Swedish entries: #50. Eric Saade “Another Week” #43. Loreen “Ride” #32. Robin Bengtsson “Dark Angel” #31. Loreen “Hate The Way I Love You” #26. Robin Stjernberg “Feed On My Love” #3. Loreen “71 Charger” While countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Turkey or Azerbaijan had 0 entries (it was a premiere for Azerbaijan to debut this year with Sabina… Read more »
Actually 7, Robin II score one single too lol.
Well, Sweden is always a little over-represented in the world of Eurovision. It’s a question of demand and supply, I guess.
While I would be glad if any song from my country (Czech Republic) placed on this chart I’m not surpriced that it didn’t.
In general, Swedish Eurovision artists are far more prolific than artists from other countries, so it’s unsurprising that they dominate lists like this. However, they had only one song in the top 30, so I fail to see your argument. Also, Bulgaria were in this year’s list, so you’ll need to revise your inaccurate data. And why don’t you share your own list? Who’s number one? Dustin the Turkey? Daz Sampson?
That “Beautiful lie” or “Wrong desicion” by MZW didn’t make it to this list is just… well. No words, really. But as suspected – you only go by videos.
Leyla, neither of those songs were released in 2017. Also there are only so many songs we can squeeze into a top 50, and we included several of his last year and the year before.
Now you mention it, Ola Salo’s “I Call Your Name” is a glaring omission!
Geo, like others have pointed out, Swedish artists tend to have a higher hit rate post-Eurovision. I’ll take your word that there’s 31 Swedish songs. You bemoan the lack of British or Moldovan songs… can you give me 31 decent songs since 2013 from each country’s Eurovision artists? I don’t think so. Also, if we’re as obsessed with Sweden as you claim, why has a Swedish artist only topped the list once?
Loïc is my favorite, too!
Congrats Loïc! Two years in a row!
Great top! Except Vulcano is for me the number 1 🙂
Vulcano should have won. Or Loreen’s Jungle.
Ahh I was hoping Francesca would get the #1, but well done to Loïc 🙂
Right winner! Very well deserved. Loic should be a worldwide known artist!