As with last years list (starting here), you'll see that I included multiple tracks from my favourite artists. You'll also notice that the thread of disco/funk runs strongly throughout, as it is without question where I found myself going most this year. I did however try to touch on a variety of genres, while of course sticking to what I really like and felt warranted inclusion in such a list. Again mirroring last year, you'll find a relatively low amount of 'club' music, certainly in comparison to the amount of time I spent within them. But that's just me, I tend to listen to and enjoy so called 'headphone' music as much as big, banging, sub-woofer throbbing, beats. That being said plenty of this list would pulverize a club and I'd love to hear any of these tracks on a big system.
Finally, I will once again say that this is by no means an exhaustive list; there are without a doubt exceptional tunes that somehow failed to make the cut. However, onward and, in this case, downward, from tracks 100 to 76 we go. See the soundcloud playlist here and at the bottom of the page.
#100: RL Grime - Era
The best taste of forthcoming album Nova, from trap titan RL Grime. The same game changing quality of "Core." No doubt this will be playing in clubs, and otherwise, for years to come. Special attention has to go to the DnB flip in the second drop. Pure power from one of the most potent in the game.
#99: Smash Mouth - All Star (AGNO3 Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) Not many tracks have become bigger memes than this, and in my eyes no mix is better done. AGNO3 absolutely annihilates it with artificial intelligence and godly grit. It not only maintains the original allure, but is bolstered beneath bleepy brilliance. A true internet age extravaganza.
#98: Lambo - Arleen
Sadly we didn't get much from Lambo this year, although what we did receive were fantastic club flips (see his "Mi Gente" or "Rudeboy"). His lone original brings the best of Benzi's Girl Trapz sounds to life alongside a super sexy sax, bringing you to a bootylicious beach party.
#97: Richfellow - Rouse
(As featured on EFYE) The 50th single from the magical Jadū Dala, and its co-founder Richfellow. I still cannot get over just how twisted and turnt that drop is. While I don't DJ, I certainly would wear this one out if I did, just to see the slew of screw faces over and over again. Such killer creativity.
#96: So Sus - Even If (ft. Deathly Chill)
Seriously stunning cinematic feels with such a fantastic drop. Adding in the vocal chops cranks up both the beauty and brilliance. And we haven't even talked about the vocals, which lead to a tremendous turn and resplendent reprise of the delightful drop. Do not sleep on So Sus.
#95: Cosella & Vanilla Ace - Funk To The Brain
Big time bass and house grooves. Not only does this grow on you with each listen, it grows in itself, getting bigger and badder as it progresses. I can confirm that it absolutely bangs on a big system, inspiring an instant dance party along with some awesome shuffling sessions.
#94: Tchami & Malaa - Prophecy (Drezo Remix)
Not many deliver darkness the way Drezo does. Whereas the original never really caught my attention, this diabolic deconstruction certainly does. It's got just the right mixture of G-House with banging bass house bombast. It's success however is dependent on the dynamics between drops.
#93: Element - Augustine
(As featured on EFYE) Utterly epic, cinematic and emotional trap. The choral elements invoke the utter destruction and despair of the drop, so poignantly pointing to the psychological state of Element at the time of its creation. Yet another example of incredible artistry stemming from strife.
#92: Hybrid Theory - JQ Riddim
(As featured on EFYE) This drop swings in with more force than a Death Star sized wrecking ball. It is everything we've come to know and love about UK Garage/bassline and otherwise. Absolutely club churning, turning the dancefloor into a massive mixing bowl of bass brilliance.
#91: Point Point & Pyramid - Serious Mood
Super smart and groovy guiding of more sounds than you can shake a stick at. The drum work delivers some of the most utterly enjoyable and sonically satisfying synths you'll ever hear. It feels like a genius jam session that I wish would never end. Thank the gods for the repeat button.
#90: MSTRKRFT - Runaway (RYME Remix)
While technically a 2016 release, it came out after last year's version of this list. RYME once again show off the production prowess and ear for excellence that has led to their longevity in the scene and recent run as leaders of the BADLQQK label. Running over 6 minutes, it never seems stale.
#89: Sinjin Hawke - Snow Blind
The most magnificent use of vocals in First Opus, my album of the year. Also utterly awesome drums and killer club qualities. It sparkles and shines as strongly as the Queen's crown jewel. A microcosm of the album as a whole, which will reappear in this list a number of times.
#88: Four Tet - Scientists
Supremely stunning soundscape. Rarely will you ever come across a track with such a magnificent mix of organic and electronic elements. The idea of jazz clubs of the future run through my mind all the time, but this may be its most glorious iteration. The ingenuity of science, mixed with artistic aplomb.
#87: Robotaki ft. Claire Ridgely & C. Young - Ghostboy (Deluxe)
The super smooth original gets a genius groove re-up featuring fantastic and furious fire from C. Young's additional bars. I really don't know which is cooler, C. Young's flow or the keys. If this is what we can expect from Robotaki's forthcoming EP, then we're certainly in for a treat.
#86: Flamingosis - Mambo!
(As featured on EFYE) Simply stunning use of the oh so incredible Yma Sumac's wild whistle register. There really isn't much better than an old classic having new life breathed into it, especially when it comes from the fantastic Flamingosis.
#85: Malaa - Bylina (Lick Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) The quality of Malaa's original is undeniable, especially in regards to the proselytizing vocals, but it left me wanting a little more. Lick's reboot brought that banging element to the forefront delivering a diabolic drop that is worthy of CONFESSION.
#84: London Grammar - Hell To The Liars (Kölsch Remix)
(As featured on EFYE) Truth Is A Beautiful Thing is 1) my non-electronic album of the year and 2) rife with tracks, such as this, screaming for a remix. While I could have chosen Jason Bentley's trip-hop remix (here) for this list, I had to bow to the weight of Kölsch's epic 12 minute masterpiece. Special shout-out to his use of the strings and Hannah's vocals nearing the 10 minute mark. Pure majesty.
#83: Cashmere Cat - Quit (ft. Ariana Grande)
This debut album brought about some incredible pop productions, and a banger or two, but none quite caught my ears the way this Sia aided, Ariana Grande cut did. Whatever kind of fluttery flute that is, it's incredibly cutting and oh my goodness is Ariana's voice a spectacle. Oh my days.
#82: Blair Rouge - 1990amsterdam
I'm not sure how I stumbled across this one, but I'm sure glad I did. I had to check multiple times that this was indeed released in 2017, as it could easily be from the heyday of bloghaus. Regardless this one rocks unlike many you hear these days. It's dark mystique is what originally led me to electronic music.
#81: LigOne - Choose The Flow
Record Record has quickly become one of my favourite labels and it's tracks like this that make it so easy to enjoy. I guess it is future bass, as it's certainly futuristic, but it's definitely in a league of its own in that right. The drop is an absolute delight but the crowning key is the scratching finale.
#80: Scissors & CastNowski - Free Your Mind
CastNowski first came on my radar with "Bleu Nuit" (which was one spot below this in last years list here), and hasn't left since. His productions, and specifically his bass, are always out of this world, with this particular track offering a fantastic purring potency.
#79: Alison Wonderland x M-Phazes - Messiah (Lido Remix)
Once again Lido wows, as one of the greatest artists of this generation. But he doesn't just do it on the production end, his added vocals take the fight at the core of "Messiah" to a whole new level. Battle has never been more beautiful.
#78: Grandtheft & Delaney Jane - Easy Go (Hunter Siegel Remix)
The trio of Toronto talents makes this dark turn on the poppy original oh so appetizing. The dark plur Hunter Siegel is no stranger to Delaney's voice, using it in his "Waiting Up," and once again delivers a game changer. I rarely dance, but when this came on at his most recent No Neon show, I absolutely lost it. That bass kick is the thing of legends and kudos to Hunter for keeping the vocals clean.
#77: Passion Pit - Sleepyhead (Two Friends Remix)
The power of Passion Pit's original is undeniable, and still shines through in droves with Two Friends' fantastic remix. More club weapon, than anything else, the strength of this new version lies in the utterly intoxicating swinging drops. They are both bent with a blistering brilliance with just the right teasing tinge of cheery chimes.
#76: Jacques Greene - To Say
My favourite track from one of my favourite albums of the year. I'm incredibly glad to have received so much new Jacques this year, especially after not having much in the last few. He's certainly a special talent, crafting some of the coolest 'club' records, and this may be the best example of his expertise.
Continue to 75-51 here.
Note: #'s 67, 51, 46, 39, 34, 11, 5 are not on Soundcloud.