All Songs Considered

Our no. 1 songs: 2017

November 10, 2025

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  • The hosts of "All Songs Considered" focused their discussion for the episode "Our no. 1 songs: 2017" on Kendrick Lamar's album *Damn*, specifically highlighting the track "DNA" and its critical acclaim, including winning a Pulitzer Prize. 
  • Stephen Thompson championed the deeply personal and devastating album *A Crow Looked at Me* by Mount Eerie as a profound work of art about grief, contrasting it with the celebratory nature of Lorde's song "Green Light" from *Melodrama*. 
  • The conversation also recognized the significance of Kesha's comeback with the song "Praying" in 2017, marking a reevaluation of her musical identity beyond her earlier pop hits. 

Segments

Introduction and 2017 Setup
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(00:00:23)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts are revisiting their number one songs from 2017 as part of the All Songs Considered’s 25th anniversary series.
  • Summary: Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson are continuing their weekly review of top songs from past years, focusing specifically on 2017. They employ a ‘Stump the Chump’ game format where they play songs for each other. The episode contains explicit language.
Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DNA’
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(00:01:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Kendrick Lamar’s track “DNA” from the album Damn immediately captivated the host, leading to multiple consecutive listens.
  • Summary: The first song played was “DNA” by Kendrick Lamar from the album Damn. One host listened to the entire album four times in one sitting upon its release. The album’s significance was underscored by its subsequent Pulitzer Prize win, which felt like an undeniable validation.
Close Talker Deep Cut
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(00:03:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Stephen Thompson selected the relatively obscure track “Afterthought” by Close Talker as his personal favorite deep cut from 2017, noting its similarity in vocal style to Sylvan Esso.
  • Summary: Stephen Thompson chose “Afterthought” by Close Talker, admitting very few listeners would know the band. He described the song as giving him goosebumps and possessing a sly quality that slides under the skin. The track features vocal similarities to Sylvan Esso, fitting a vibe that worked well for the host in 2017.
Mount Eerie’s Grief Elegy
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(00:08:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Mount Eerie’s album A Crow Looked at Me is cited as one of the greatest artistic works about grief, detailing the aftermath of Phil Elverum losing his wife to cancer.
  • Summary: The host selected the opener “Real Death” from Mount Eerie’s A Crow Looked at Me, describing the album as devastating. The work reflects vividly on the details of his wife’s life, death, and absence. This record is considered one of the greatest works of art about grief of all time.
Feist’s ‘Pleasure’ Track
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(00:10:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Feist’s title track “Pleasure” was highlighted as a counterpoint to the heavy material, marking her first release in about six years.
  • Summary: The song “Pleasure” by Feist was presented as being on the complete opposite end of the emotional spectrum from the Mount Eerie album. This track was the title cut from her 2017 album, which arrived six years after her previous release. The song explores themes of desire and making sense of mysterious things.
Kesha’s Comeback Song
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(00:11:59)
  • Key Takeaway: Kesha’s 2017 song “Praying” was a major moment, allowing her to make a grand, important statement that redefined her public perception beyond her earlier lighthearted music.
  • Summary: The year 2017 was marked by Kesha’s comeback with the song “Praying.” This track allowed her to deliver a significant statement, forcing listeners to redefine her image away from her previous silly, delightful songs. The song addresses overcoming hardship and wishing farewell to someone who caused pain.
Phoebe Bridgers and Lorde
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(00:13:17)
  • Key Takeaway: Phoebe Bridgers’ debut album Stranger in the Alps and Lorde’s Melodrama were noted as monumental releases from 2017, with “Green Light” being praised for turning anxiety into celebration.
  • Summary: Phoebe Bridgers’ first record, Stranger in the Alps, was mentioned, with the song “Motion Sickness” being played. The final song discussed was Lorde’s “Green Light” from Melodrama. This Lorde track was lauded for its great piano line and its ability to transform anxiety and turmoil into a complete celebration.