Vinyl Bay 777’s Favorite Songs of 2018

2018 was an amazing year for music. From big artists who dominated the year’s musical discourse to up-and-comers who really made an impact, there was no shortage of great tunes out there for our listening pleasure. And now that we only have a few more days until 2019 begins, this is the perfect opportunity to step back and remember the music that really stood out.

As 2018 comes to a close, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite songs from the past year. From hip-hop and pop to indie and rock, here are eight songs that we hoped you loved as much as we did.

1.       Childish Gambino, “This Is America”: I’m not even a fan of today’s rap style and this is a great song. “This Is America” harnesses the power of words to make a bold, powerful statement about our culture. It makes itself well understood, using pacing to make its message digestible. The song also had one of the best videos this year and really got people talking. (video)

2.       Superorganism, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous”: Low key and unassuming, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous” was a breakout single for Superorganism this year. The song’s mild tempo, minimalist feel and confident-yet-odd lyrics are a testament to the band’s off the beaten path aesthetic and is made for the internet age. (video)

3.       Courtney Barnett, “Nameless, Faceless”: Courtney Barnett isn’t afraid to “tell it like it is” in her lyrics. “Nameless, Faceless” is proof of that. Backed by a psychedelic-ish guitar melody, the song serves out a perfectly worded response to the differences men and women face out in public. During the verses, she doesn’t back down as she nonchalantly reprimands a guy for putting her down and wonders what happened to him to make him say something like that. (video)

4.       Death Cab For Cutie, “Gold Rush”: Everyone can relate to the feeling when everything around you seems to be changing without you. Death Cab For Cutie captures that perfectly in “Gold Rush.” Written by Ben Gibbard about how the neighborhood he grew up in has changed, he paints a vivid picture of his feelings through metaphor and melody. It’s far from the melancholy days of “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” but just as emotional and grabbing. (video)

5.       The 1975, “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)”: There is a certain cold, 80s electronic element that permeates The 1975’s recent singles like “Love It If We Made It” and “Give Yourself A Try” (though both do have their positive points). But “It’s Not Living” feels different. While still clearly 80s-inspired, it has the bounce of a synth-pop track. It’s upbeat (even if the lyrics aren’t) and catchy. (video)

6.       Dan + Shay, “Tequila”: Country duo Dan + Shay had a ton of success this year, including two number one songs on country radio. The first of these was “Tequila,” a wistful track about the things that make you remember that someone special. It’s pleasantly somber yet joyful at the same time. (video)

7.       Barns Courtney, “99”: It seemed to be a theme this year in music to reminisce about the 1990s. However, none of those songs quite capture the essence of growing up in that decade like Barns Courtney’s “99.” Its nostalgic for the era, but doesn’t’ hit you over the head with references or that “simpler time” feeling. Instead he relates a love story in the lyrics, using a swirling guitar melody to wrap around it and provide a funky, totally unique vibe. (video)

8.       Marshmello feat. Bastille, “Happier”: At this point “Happier” feels a bit played out, as it has been a major crossover radio hit for both EDM DJ Marshmello and rock band Bastille. But its popularity is a function of it being a pretty brilliant collaboration. The song’s mood is decidedly bright for lyrics that depict a guy deciding that he has to leave his significant other in order for that person to be happy. But that melody and infectious beat is what adds to the song’s appeal. (video)

Further listening:

·         Panic! at the Disco, “High Hopes”

·         Florence + the Machine, “Hunger”

·         Dua Lipa, “IDGAF”

·         Stand Atlantic, “Skinny Dipping”

This past year was filled with amazing music from start to finish. Enjoy this look back at some of our favorite songs of 2018 and let us know what songs left an impact on you this year in the comments below.

Happy New Year!

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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Year in Review: Vinyl Bay 777’s Top Songs of 2017 (Part Two)

Sunday night marks the end of 2017. This is usually a time to reflect on all the good and bad that has happened over the last year. That also goes for music, as this is also a great time to look back at all the great tunes released in 2017.

Earlier this week, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, brought you eight of our favorite songs of 2017. However, eight songs don’t do all the great music released this year any justice. That is why we are back with eight more songs that grabbed our attention this year.

1.       Haim, “Want You Back”: Sister trio Haim made the comeback people were waiting for in 2017 when they released their sophomore album,’ Something to Tell You.’ The album was worth the wait, especially first single “Want You Back.” Harking back to classic rock and pop songs of the 1970s and 80s, the song has an infectious groove that makes you want to get up and dance. (video)

2.       Enter Shikari, “Live Outside”: Filled with electronic fanfare and punk rock energy, “Live Outside” bombards you with so much power and bravado that you have to take notice. With such a strong single, it’s a shame these guys didn’t get more hype in the United States. (video)

3.       Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, “Despacito”: Arguably the biggest song of the year, “Despacito” too the world by storm, becoming the most popular Spanish song since 1996’s “Macarena.” It also helps that the hook is so catchy it gets stuck in your head. (video)

4.       Harry Styles, “Sign of the Times”: You would think that a former boy band member would follow in the same pop path as his band, but that wasn’t the case for One Direction’s Harry Styles. The singer decided to take a more indie-rock approach to his self-titled debut album, introducing it to the world with lead single “Sign of the Times.” A down-tempo track heavily influenced by British rock, the song’s piano-driven melody is both beautiful and memorable. (video)

5.       Carly Rae Jepsen, “Cut to the Feeling”: Jepsen is always good for a feel good pop song and she provided that in spades this year with “Cut to the Feeling.” The song has a chorus that screams out in joy. Pitchfork called it “bombastic,” which is a great word for this song. (video)

6.       Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Hope the High Road”: “Hope the High Road” is a politically pointed alt-country piece about taking the “high road” over those that are trying to bring us down. Isbell’s no-nonsense lyricism and strong, hummable melody compliment the song’s biting theme perfectly. (video)

7.       PVRIS, “What’s Wrong”: PVRIS came out strong this year with “What’s Wrong,” the first single from their sophomore album ‘All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell.’ The song has a strong and powerful melody that grabs you and keeps you invested as it rises and falls. It has all the theatrics of an Evanescence song with its footing squarely on the hardcore side of pop-punk. “What’s Wrong” also arguably happens to have one of the best videos of the year. (video)

8.       Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile, “Over Everything”: Of all the indie-rock duets, Courtney Barnett and & Kurt Vile’s collaboration on 2017’s ‘Lotta Sea Lice’ was one of the most anticipated and one of the best. “Over Everything,” the album’s first single, proves that the two singer-songwriters have great chemistry, as their vocal and writing styles mesh well. The lyrics play out like a stream of consciousness conversation between two musicians talking about their processes, which is probably exactly what this song is. (video)

There were a lot of amazing songs released in 2017. From indie-rock to Latin crossover hits to newcomers with big voices, there was a lot to get behind this year. Check out our favorite songs from the past year and let us know what songs you couldn’t stop listening to.

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Ring in the New Year with music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide selection of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking to find something new or rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Year in Review: Vinyl Bay 777’s Top Songs of 2017

Sunday night marks the end of 2017. This is usually a time to reflect on all the good and bad that has happened over the last year. That also goes for music, as this is also a great time to look back at all the great tunes released in 2017.

A lot happened in the world of music in 2017. Ed Sheeran, Kesha, Eminem, Haim and Taylor Swift, among others, all had highly-anticipated new releases that had everyone talking all year long. Artists like Portugal. The Man and St. Vincent were able to attain mainstream success.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, would like to take this opportunity to look back at some of our own favorite songs from 2017. Here are eight that grabbed our attention throughout the year, and in some cases launched the artist into the mainstream.

1.       Portugal. The Man, “Feel It Still”: Portugal. The Man had one of the biggest songs of the year with “Feel It Still,” the second single from their eighth album, ‘Woodstock.’ Aided by its placement in Vitamin Water’s television commercials (which are still being aired months later), the song has this infectious groove that sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Singer John Gorley’s falsetto is intriguing too, as if trying to emulate the voice of the song’s character, not just tell her story. The band released two other singles from the album, and while “Live in the Moment” also became popular, it never had the reach that “Feel It Still” did. (video)

2.       Neck Deep, “In Bloom”: Neck Deep really broke out in 2017 with their single “In Bloom.” Set to a catchy melody with a solid, memorable hook in the chorus, “In Bloom” is a reflective track about self-improvement. The song’s success helped the band’s third album, ‘The Peace and the Panic,’ become their best-selling to date. (video)

3.       Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”: Ed Sheeran’s return in 2017 with his third album, ‘÷,’ was massive. Since the album’s release in March, you couldn’t get away from him (not that you would necessarily want to). Out of all the singles released from the album, “Shape of You” arguably had the most impact this year. With its dance-club beat and catchy melody, it became the most streamed song of the year on Spotify and spent a fifth of the year on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. (video)

4.       St. Vincent, “Los Ageless”: St. Vincent had a big year in 2017. Her new album, ‘Masseduction,’ reached number 10 on the Billboard 200, her highest placement on the chart yet. The album’s popularity was preceded by three outstanding, unique singles. We’ve chosen “Los Ageless” for this list because of its memorable 80s new wave/synth-pop vibe. (video)

5.       P!nk, “What About Us”: P!nk has never been one to shy away from wearing her heart on her sleeve in her music. Such is evidenced in her bold, political new album, ‘Beautiful Trauma,’ and especially its first single, “What About Us.” The song is a passionate plea for answers in a world that feels like it is swallowing us whole. It helps that this plea is backed by a beautiful melody and biting lyrics. (video)

6.       Kesha, “Praying”: Kesha has been through a lot over the last few years which led to a long drought in music from the boisterous singer. That changed in 2017 when she released ‘Rainbow’ and it’s strong lead single “Praying.” The song debuted a new, more mature side of Kesha that we hadn’t heard previously, one that shows off her vocal abilities and passion, proving that she doesn’t need to seem drunk to make a good song. (video)

7.       Paramore, “Hard Times”: If Paramore’s self-titled 2013 album broke the band into the mainstream, 2017’s ‘After Laughter’ proves that that is where they belong. The album moves the band further towards 80s-inspired new wave, synth-pop and funk, as evidenced on lead single “Hard Times.” The song is an upbeat track about falling on “hard times” and feeling useless, a common theme among the songs on the new album. (video)

8.       Linkin Park, “Heavy”: Linkin Park went in a completely different direction with 2017’s ‘One More Light.’ Known for their mixture of hip-hop beats and melodic rock, the band focused heavily on the melodic part of their sound. The change was very polarizing, but it arguably led to some of their most poignant work. “Heavy,” the album’s lead single, is one of the band’s most emotional (behind the album’s title single), as well as one of their strongest lyrically and melodically. The song took them out of this box and proved that they could be more than just a nu-metal band. (video)

Between all the highly-anticipated albums that met their hype to the singles that took the world by storm, 2017 was a year filled with great music. Take a look back by checking out our favorite songs of the year above and let us know what songs you loved in 2017.

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Pick up music from these artists and more at Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Check out our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or shop online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with something new or with one of the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.