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The 12 best songs of 2017 (so far)

Yes, it’s already June, which means it’s time for AP staffer's annual mid-year report. We’re going to be breaking down the best songs and albums of the year thus far, as well as our most-anticipated releases for the rest of 2017. See below for the year’s 12 best songs so far. Be sure to check back too see what you voted as the best songs of 2017 so far!

“Back To Me” by Of Mice & Men

Released in late May, this new track thrusts bassist Aaron Pauley into the frontman position after Austin Carlile resigned from the band earlier this year. While fans were enthusing over Carlile and Pauley's tandem vocals on Of Mice & Men's last LP Cold World, Pauley's ascension to front and center is marking a new chapter for the band, one that's destined to transcend generations of hard rock listeners while maintaining their own character. Watch this (head)space.Jason Pettigrew

“Black Butterflies And Déjà Vu” by The Maine

The Maine’s second single from their new album essentially sums up everything Lovely Little Lonely is all about: It’s a romantic rock track with lyrics that’ll make your heart flutter. John O’Callaghan’s entrancing vocals bring to life that feeling of falling for someone—and finding the right words when none of the millions in existence seem to fit exactly how you feel. “There are only twenty six letters I can use just to tell you I won’t let go.” And with that, the Maine have hearts swooning all around the world.Maggie Dickman

“Broken” by Falling In Reverse

“Broken” shows us the boisterously charismatic frontman, Ronnie Radke, at his most vulnerable. This song encapsulates the openness and honesty that runs through the entire record. It's a testament to Radke's songwriting abilities to be able to make such a sad song sound so triumphant and pop-inspired. Taylor Markarian

“Don't Take The Money” by Bleachers

There’s a lot to love about this John Hughes-colored ’80s pastiche: its kitchen sink instrumentation (check out the pre-chorus for some seriously slick production tricks), undeniable hook and Jack Antonoff’s seemingly effortless juxtaposition of intimately personal verses alongside a chorus bursting with universal lyricism—making it simultaneously a song for himself and for everyone else.Evan Lucy

“Eternally Yours” by Motionless In White

“Eternally Yours” takes a note from the page of its Graveyard Shift sister single “570” with a rapid, vicious start more akin to Creatures-era Motionless In White than to their previous industrial-leaning releases. When the chorus hits, it's anything but heavy, however, juxtaposing the shreiked-and-shredded verses with a melodic, near-pop respite that is more traditionally befitting of a love song. It's the perfect marriage of styles that exemplifies MIW's evolution and versatility. Cassie Whitt

“Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man

From that bass line to the politically tinged lyrics, Portugal. The Man really outdid themselves with this single from their upcoming album Woodstock. If you listen closely (and just take a peek at their notes in Genius), the lyrics touch on everything from the social movements in the late ‘60s and ‘80s to the first LSD experiments. Not only is this material vastly interesting, but the song is also — and more importantly — just a straight-up banger. How could you not jam to this every.single.time? Kristine Cannon

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“Hard Times” by Paramore

After much anticipation, “Hard Times” brought us our first taste of Paramore’s synth-filled fifth album After Laughter. For the debut single, the band busted out the bongos, marimbas, synth and vocoder to showcase their headfirst dive into a new, ’80s-inspired sound. The track set the tone for the band’s poppiest album yet, and like most of the rest of the album, while “Hard Times” sounds upbeat as hell, the lyrics are a definite contrast. The result is a song (and really an entire album) that makes you want to dance and cry. — Rabab Al-Sharif

“Here Again” by A Will Away

If you aren’t already jamming A Will Away, you’re going to want to do just that. The quartet have concocted a blend of alt rock that flourishes with introspective lyrics, entrancing vocals and dynamic instrumentals, making Here Again such a game-changing record. The title-track opens the album with a sunshiney explosion in a two and a half-minute package that’s meant to blasted at full volume on your summer road trip, and, in turn, proves just why this band deserves your listen. (On repeat, if you’re anything like me.) Maggie Dickman

“June” by Tigers Jaw

Brianna Collins takes a confident vocal lead in this testimony to a cherished sisterly bond with a formula that combines the best parts of both pop-punk and alternative rock. It's a song of imperative support and consolation, every line delivered sweetly but sure with conviction and love. Brian Leak

“Laps Around A Picture Frame” by Broadside

Broadside continue their idealistic victory run with “Laps Around A Picture Frame,” the latest track from the beyond-pop-punk band's triumphant new album, Paradise, this time showcasing the vocals of both frontman Ollie Baxxter and guitarist Dorian Cooke. Not every treasure's made of gold, but this song is a gem.— Philip Trapp

“Long Lost Feeling” by Blink-182

Blink-182 built their career on eternal youth, but “Long Lost Feeling” is the sound of the band, now all in their 40s, in the midst of reflection. The stripped-back arrangement is a welcome pause from the breakneck tempos and distorted guitars that color much of California, and Mark Hoppus’ and Matt Skiba’s aching melancholy elevates the song to become easily the standout of California’s deluxe edition. Evan Lucy

“Normal” by The Homeless Gospel Choir

“Normal” is the sound of The Homeless Gospel Choir – aka Derek Zanetti – shooting for the stars. It’s by far the best song he’s ever released, and in the “You’re never gonna be normal, cuz you’re a punk!” refrain, the Pittsburgh native has penned 2017’s most euphoric moment yet. The new album, also titled Normal, is set to drop later this year; expect heart, hope and a hell of a lot of hooks. Jake Richardson

Be sure to check back on AP to see what you voted as the best songs of 2017 and the best albums of 2017 so far.