2017 has been an interesting year for pop music. Radio is still obsessed with emotional, down-tempo dance music (basically The Chainsmokers and all their imitators), but the fringe-dwellers are doing things very differently. Genre is now a thing of the past and streaming has opened the gate for a new wave of international artists to make an impact. I love pop from both ends of the spectrum, which is why I decided to round-up Q1’s (January, February and March) best songs.

Let’s start with the newcomers. Julia Michaels came out swinging with the year’s best debut single, while Bantu successfully infused radio-friendly anthems with African rhythms and Astrid S brought Scandinavian pop to the mainstream. The veterans are also holding their own. Aimee Mann is back and depressing as ever. Nelly Furtado is enjoying a creative rebirth and Jennifer Hudson released the best song of her career. Check out the highlights of Q1, 2017 (in alphabetical order) below.

Aimee Mann — “You Never Loved Me”

The most depressing song, possibly ever.

Aldous Harding — “Imagining My Man”

Weird, wonderful and occasionally jarring pop.

Alma — “Chasing Highs”

The first of two Finns to overachieve this year.

Astrid S — “Breathe”

Icy electro-pop doesn’t get any better.

Bantu — “Roll With Me”

When African rhythms and pop production collide.

Betsy — “Waiting”

This disco anthem sounds completely out of place in 2017, which is why I love it.

Bipolar Sunshine — “Are You Happy”

Bittersweet electronic pop with a massive chorus.

Bruno Mars — “That’s What I Like”

Smooth as silk.

Charli XCX feat. Uffie — “Babygirl”

The highlight of Charli’s brilliant mixtape.

Clean Bandit and Zara Larsson — “Symphony”

The best thing Zara’s done since “Lush Life.”

Cupcakke — “Cumshot”

Saving rap, one song at a time.

Future Islands — “Ran”

Soaring synth-pop with an ’80s twist.

Iggy Azalea — “Mo Bounce”

Shut up, I love it.

Jason Derulo — “Swalla”

As above.

Jennifer Hudson — “Remember Me”

J Hud’s best song to date. Why isn’t this number one?

Julia Michaels — “Issues”

The most impressive debut single of 2017.

Kygo & Selena Gomez — “It Ain’t Me”

The best club collaboration of 2017.

Lana Del Rey — “Love”

Only Lana can save us from the abyss.

Lxandra — “Flicker”

The second Finn to release a really good song this year.

Meg Mac — “Low Blows”

It was worth the two-year wait.

Nelly Furtado — “Magic”

My favorite song on Nelly’s magnificent The Ride.

Sigrid — “Don’t Kill My Vibe”

2017’s cutest fuck-you anthem.

Skott — “Glitter & Gloss”

Quirky forest-pop from Sweden’s rising star.

Vallis Alps — “East”

Mood music in the best possible sense.

Wrabel x Galantis — “Bloodstain”

I loved the original version, but this remix really takes it to the next level. Listen to all the songs in my playlist below.

What are your fave songs of Q1? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!