Here’s a proper, critical review of a hypothetical “Top 100 Songs of 1997” playlist or compilation:
Any credible list rightly anchors itself to undeniable smashes. The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” (often ranked #1) remains the year’s most towering achievement—a string-sampled meditation on struggle that somehow became an anthem. Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android” proves art-rock could still conquer the airwaves, while The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” and Puff Daddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You” dominate the hip-hop side with swagger and sorrow. Pop’s return comes via Hanson’s “MMMBop” and the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe”—earworms so potent they’re impossible to ignore, even for critics. top 100 songs of 1997
Many “Top 100” lists stumble by over-indexing on the Billboard Hot 100, which in 1997 was clogged with saccharine ballads (Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”—technically released December ‘97 but often included). Others ignore international hits (Oasis’ “D’You Know What I Mean?” underperformed in the US but was massive globally). The worst offenders exclude underground classics like Modest Mouse’s “Trailer Trash” or Yo La Tengo’s “Autumn Sweater.” Here’s a proper, critical review of a hypothetical
