2017 was a monumental year for music, delivering a diverse range of hits that continue to resonate today. From catchy pop anthems to soulful ballads and genre-bending experiments, the musical landscape was rich and vibrant. If you're looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or simply discovering incredible tracks you might have missed, then you've come to the right place. This definitive list of the best songs 2017 English had to offer dives deep into the year's most memorable releases, exploring the sounds that defined the era and the artists who shaped the charts. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado or just looking to refresh your playlist, get ready to rediscover the unforgettable sounds of 2017 and relive the excitement of some truly iconic tunes. We've curated a selection that caters to a variety of tastes, ensuring something for every music lover. Prepare to be transported back to the unforgettable summer of 2017!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 6B+ |
| 2. Closer |
The Chainsmokers Halsey | Changes | 3B+ |
| 3. Believer | Imagine Dragons | Evolve | 3B+ |
| 4. Starboy |
The Weeknd Daft Punk | 2B+ | |
| 5. That's What I Like | Bruno Mars | 24K Magic | 2B+ |
| 6. Something Just Like This |
Coldplay The Chainsmokers | Memories...Do Not Open | 2B+ |
| 7. I'm the One |
Justin Bieber Chance the Rapper DJ Khaled Lil Wayne Quavo | Grateful | 2B+ |
1. Shape of You - ÷ (Deluxe)
Catchy Melody: Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that dominated airwaves in 2017, making it an instant earworm and a staple of the year's best English-language pop hits.
Infectious Rhythm: The song's infectious reggae-infused rhythm propelled it to global success, creating a danceable track perfect for both radio play and the dance floor.
Vocal Performance: Sheeran's smooth vocals deliver a confident and charismatic performance, perfectly complementing the upbeat tempo and solidifying its place among 2017's top tracks.
2. Closer
Memorable Hook: "Closer" boasts an instantly catchy hook and a pulsating synth beat that cemented its place in 2017's pop landscape.
Vocal Chemistry: The interplay between Halsey's emotive vocals and The Chainsmokers' signature sound created a unique and unforgettable sonic blend, perfectly capturing the year's trends.
Emotional Resonance: Its relatable lyrics about longing and intimacy resonated deeply with listeners, contributing to its widespread popularity among English-speaking audiences.
3. Believer (Imagine Dragons - 2025)
Anthemic Quality: Believer's powerful chorus and driving rhythm made it instantly unforgettable, perfectly capturing the feeling of overcoming adversity—a theme that resonated deeply with listeners in 2017.
Vocal Performance: Dan Reynolds' raw, emotive vocals are a highlight, conveying both vulnerability and strength, adding to the song's emotional impact.
Production: The blend of hard-hitting drums, soaring synths, and powerful bass creates a sonic landscape that is both intense and uplifting, solidifying its place among 2017's best.
4. Starboy - 2025
Genre-bending Sound: Starboy masterfully blends The Weeknd's signature R&B vocals with Daft Punk's innovative electronic production, creating a unique and unforgettable sonic landscape that defined a significant portion of 2017's popular music.
Catchy Rhythm and Hook: The song boasts an infectious beat and a memorable chorus, making it incredibly radio-friendly and contributing to its widespread popularity throughout the year.
Cultural Impact: Its music video and overall aesthetic further cemented its place in 2017's pop culture consciousness, solidifying its position as a defining track of the year.
5. That's What I Like (24K Magic - 2025)
Upbeat Rhythm: Bruno Mars' "That's What I Like" boasts an infectious groove that perfectly captures the vibrant energy of 2017.
Smooth Vocals: Mars' signature smooth vocals deliver the lyrics with effortless cool, making it a pleasure to listen to.
Classic R&B Vibe: The song blends classic R&B elements with a modern pop sensibility, creating a timeless yet contemporary sound that resonated with listeners in 2017 and continues to hold up today.
6. Something Just Like This (Memories...Do Not Open)
Sound: A vibrant and infectious blend of Coldplay's anthemic sound and The Chainsmokers' electronic production, "Something Just Like This" perfectly captured the upbeat energy of 2017.
Vocals: Chris Martin's soaring vocals are complemented by a catchy, memorable chorus, making it ideal for singalongs and radio play.
Cultural Impact: Released in the heart of the pop-EDM fusion era, the song quickly became a global hit and remains synonymous with the soundscape of 2017.
7. I'm the One (2017)
Star-Studded Collaboration: "I'm the One" boasts an all-star lineup of Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, DJ Khaled, Lil Wayne, and Quavo, creating a unique blend of vocal styles and rap verses that defined 2017.
Catchy Hook and Rhythm: The song's infectious hook and undeniably catchy rhythm are instantly memorable and perfect for summer playlists, making it a standout hit of the year.
Summer Anthem Vibe: Its upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics perfectly captured the carefree energy of the summer of 2017, solidifying its place as a defining song of the era.
8. Unforgettable
Swae Lee and French Montana's Vocal Synergy: The track benefits from the distinct vocal styles of both Swae Lee and French Montana, creating a memorable and catchy blend that defined a significant sound of 2017.
Infectious Rhythm and Melody: "Unforgettable" boasts a undeniably catchy rhythm and melody that makes it instantly replayable and perfect for summer playlists; its infectious nature is a testament to its lasting appeal.
Production and Overall Vibe: The song's smooth production and laid-back vibe contribute to its timeless quality, solidifying its place among the best English songs of 2017.
9. Say You Won't Let Go (2016)
Vocal Performance: James Arthur's emotive vocals are the heart of "Say You Won't Let Go" conveying a raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with listeners in 2017.
Catchy Melody: The song's instantly memorable melody and simple yet effective structure contributed to its massive popularity, making it a ubiquitous hit on the radio and in popular culture.
Emotional Resonance: Its themes of love, longing, and commitment struck a chord with a broad audience, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year.
10. 24K Magic (Bruno Mars)
Upbeat Rhythm: The infectious groove of "24K Magic" is undeniably catchy, making it perfect for any 2017 playlist focused on feel-good vibes.
Bruno Mars' Vocals: Mars' smooth vocals and charismatic delivery are instantly recognizable and contribute heavily to the song's lasting appeal.
Nostalgic Appeal: Released in 2017, "24K Magic" captured the spirit of that era's vibrant pop landscape, solidifying its place among the year's best English-language tracks.
11Congratulations
Post Malone,Quavo
2017
Stoney (Deluxe)
12Attention
Charlie Puth
2017
Voicenotes
13There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back
Shawn Mendes
2017
Illuminate (Deluxe)
14Wild Thoughts
Rihanna,DJ Khaled,Bryson Tiller
2017
Grateful
15Bodak Yellow
Cardi B
2017
16HUMBLE
Kendrick Lamar
2017
DAMN.
17Black Beatles
Gucci Mane,Rae Sremmurd
2016
SremmLife 2 (Deluxe)
18I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
Taylor Swift,ZAYN
2017
reputation Stadium Tour Surprise Song Playlist
19Redbone
Childish Gambino
2016
20Despacito
Daddy Yankee,Justin Bieber,Luis Fonsi
2017
Justice
21It Ain't Me
Kygo,Selena Gomez
2017
22Mask Off
Future
2017
FUTURE
23Location
Khalid
2016
American Teen
24XO Tour Llif3
Lil Uzi Vert
2017
Luv Is Rage 2
25Stay
Alessia Cara
2017
26Body Like A Back Road
Sam Hunt
2017
Southside
27Issues
Julia Michaels
2017
28Scars to Your Beautiful
Alessia Cara
2017