Music in 2017 was defined by cross-genre collaborations, massive streaming records, and a cultural shift toward global pop dominance. From Ed Sheeran's acoustic-pop juggernauts to the unstoppable international wave of reggaeton, the year reshaped how hit records were made and consumed.
The top 100 songs of 2017 captured a unique transitional moment in modern audio streaming. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music fully dictated chart momentum, allowing tracks with long viral tails to sit at the summit for months. If you're looking back at the definitive soundtrack of that year, you'll find a landscape dominated by historic chart runs, breakout hip-hop stars, and pop reinventions.
The Mega-Hits That Ruled the Charts
Two massive singles completely overshadowed the commercial landscape of 2017, setting historic records for longevity and global reach.
- "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran: Billboard crowned this tropical-inflected pop track as the official year-end number one. It spent 12 weeks at the top of the Hot 100 and showcased Sheeran's ability to pivot from acoustic troubadour to streamlined radio powerhouse.
- "Despacito (Remix)" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber: This bilingual global phenomenon tied the historical record by reigning at number one for 16 weeks. It opened the floodgates for Spanish-language tracks to dominate mainstream global playlists.
Hip-Hop's Complete Mainstream Takeover
Rap and trap transitioned from niche urban favorites to the undeniable core of mainstream pop culture in 2017. Artists didn't just top the charts; they set the cultural tone.
- Kendrick Lamar ("HUMBLE."): Taken from his Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN., this aggressive, piano-driven track gave Lamar his first number-one single as a lead artist.
- Cardi B ("Bodak Yellow"): Cardi B shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female rapper to top the Hot 100 with a solo single since Lauryn Hill. The track's raw energy made it an instant cultural anthem.
- Post Malone featuring 21 Savage ("Rockstar"): This moody, atmospheric trap track dominated the final quarter of the year, cementing Post Malone's status as a streaming juggernaut.
- Lil Uzi Vert ("XO Tour Llif3"): Driven by raw emotional vulnerability and internet virality, this alternative rap staple proved that emo-rap had crossed over into massive commercial viability.
Pop Transitions and Electronic Crossovers
Pop music in 2017 survived by adapting to dancehall beats, heavy basslines, and indie-pop textures. Traditional straight-ahead bubblegum pop took a back seat to moodier, mid-tempo experimental releases.
- The Chainsmokers and Coldplay ("Something Just Like This"): Merging stadium-ready electronic dance music with alternative rock sensibilities, this collaboration remained a fixture on top radio formats all year.
- Calvin Harris featuring Frank Ocean and Migos ("Slide"): A masterclass in effortless summer cool, this track blended R&B, hip-hop, and disco-funk production into a standout critical favorite.
- Sam Hunt ("Body Like a Back Road"): Bridging country radio and pop crossover appeal, Hunt's massive hit smashed longevity records on the country charts while crossing over to mainstream pop listeners.
- Dua Lipa ("New Rules"): Though it started as a slow burn, this empowering breakup anthem eventually propelled Dua Lipa into global superstardom and set the blueprint for modern synth-pop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which song spent the most weeks at number one in 2017?
"Despacito (Remix)" by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber led the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 consecutive weeks, tying the historical record for the longest run at the top.
Who had the year-end number-one single on Billboard?
Ed Sheeran secured the top spot on the year-end charts with "Shape of You," which also spent 12 weeks at number one during its initial release run.
Did any new artists make history on the charts in 2017?
Yes. Cardi B became the first female rapper to top the Hot 100 with a solo song in nearly two decades with "Bodak Yellow", marking a major turning point for women in mainstream hip-hop.
What musical genres dominated the 2017 year-end lists?
Hip-hop and melodic trap heavily shared space with tropical-infused pop and Latin crossover tracks, signaling a permanent shift away from traditional EDM-heavy pop radio.
