STRAIGHT SETS [MUSIC COLUMN] - BEST OF 2017
Welcome to the first of RALLY's semi-regular music column: STRAIGHT SETS, by Shirlina Deans and Kristyn Vai. These women are two of my fave people and they both have great, and varied, taste in music. I've been hassling them since RALLY began for their music column, and they've gotten back to me just in time for a classic end of year list. Definitely the best 'Best Of' list I've ever seen, tbh. Scroll down to find the Spotify playlist so you can listen to all their picks while you read through!
KRISTYN'S TOP 5 SONGS OF 2017
Insecure - Jazmine Sullivan & Bryson Tiller
The only song Issa Rae did right for her HBO show, Insecure.
Lens - Frank Ocean
This song is really spiritual for me. Frank's adlibs, "Know I got some sins on me" was all I would hear in my mind for months, I even had dreams of just that vocal. For some people that would be a nightmare but it's my comfort.
Mystery - Fabiana Palladino
Produced by no1 all time, Jai Paul. It was made available for purchase for 24 hours via text message to anyone signed up to Paul.Institute. You already know it's the best beat of the year.
Unforgettable - French Montana
I danced to this song way too much for it not to be included.
Like That - Belly Squad
#BellySeason. Only thing that got me through the winter. Someone better play this at a summer party.
SHIRLINA'S TOP 5 SONGS OF 2017
SoccerPractise - Amene
I first discovered SoccerPractise when they performed Moana Maniapoto’s Tahi at the 2016 Silver Scroll Awards. Amene is their take on the traditional waiata “Piriponotia”.
Side note: Check out Geneva’s Monday 10am show on bFM where she does a regular Anniversary Albums segment which is always really interesting and helps me get through Monday mornings.
Jorja Smith X Preditah - On My Mind
Love Jorja’s voice! Crack up to see the People Just Do Nothing crew in the video.
Charlotte Gainsbourg - Rest
This is a really beautiful sounding song. It’s a collab between Charlotte and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, one half of Daft Punk.
Yumi Zouma - Half Hour
Such a dreamy pop tune that distracts from the melancholy lyrics. I love it.
Kelela - Frontline
Just a dope song.
KRISTYN'S TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2017
CTRL - SZA
I'm a Soundcloud Just SZA fan so seeing her put out this body of work after listening to her for so long was very cool. The album I listened to the most this year with help from Cyn Santana's IG stories - sis goes hard on some SZA.
Love Is Rage 2 - Lil Uzi Vert
Great for sprints at the gym.
Every 2017 Frank Ocean release
Not cheating because he's basically released a whole EP.
FEELS - Snoh Aalegra
Gorgeous. Worse and Time are incredible.
None Of The Clocks - Amir Obè
Yeah, new phone, who dat?
New thread, do it
Don't kill the vibe, bitch, I'm too lit
Them rumours come from you, I knew it, knew it
SHIRL'S TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2017
Paramore: After Laughter
I’ve always loved Paramore, they’ve had heaps of bangers over the years. Their latest album is still the classic Paramore pop vibe with lyrics on the sad side, interesting combo that works.
Haim: Something to Tell You
I was dying for a new album from these guys! Love their sound and also love that Dev Hynes did a collab with them ❤
Lorde: Melodrama
Love this whole album and the way it flows. Was so amazing seeing these songs live, so thankful I got to witness her at the Powerstation this year.
The Horrors: V
I’ve never listened to The Horrors until this album so I had no idea what they were about. Their sound reminds me of British bands I used to listen to in the late 90s like Suede and The Charlatans.
Kendrick Lamar: Damn
I have enjoyed every Kendrick album, what a great storyteller aye and how good was his Coachella set this year too!
(Special mention to some soundtracks that have been on repeat for me this year: Blade Runner 2049, Master of None Season 2, Stranger Things)
