Ahead of the release of his album "Magna Carta Holy Grail" in 2013, JAY-Z said that the state of music was like the wild west and that, "We need to write the new rules." Here in 2017, we still seem to be trying to figure out what exactly those rules are.

Take a look at the state of pop music for instance. Top 40 pop stations are practically panicking over what kind of music they should be playing.

The few traditional pop singers that remain such as Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift are about all they can put on the radio these days, with most of their superstars shifting to other genres of music or making their songs a bit more risque. Rap finally became the most popular genre in the country after years of it being on the edge of the title. Even rap is changing. We are slowly approaching the end of mumble-rap and entering an edge of emo-R&B rap.

Don't believe me? Just look at all the artists out there who are rapping and singing these days. Is that traditional Hip-Hop? R&B and Hip-Hop have begun to merge, and it is creating some interesting music. Country music continues to go two ways: either more in the pop direction or the growing number of artists who are returning to tradition.

EDM is no longer the rock n roll moshpit it was a couple years ago, but rather some of the most soothing music out there. The indie scene has really taken off as well, as people have finally begun to reject traditional genres.

Maybe this uncertainty in music is just a reflection of the times. This country, and world, are kind of in an undefined time. We aren't really sure who we are, what we want, or what we can do to get to the end of the rainbow. Years from now we may look back, reflect on 2017 and think, "Man, if only we knew where it would all go from there..."

That being said, I have pieced together what I believe to be the top 65 songs of the year. These are not what the billboards or experts would deem the best, but rather the songs I enjoyed the most. To prevent the list from being monopolized by a select few artists, since their albums dominated my playlists, I have done my best to diversify the genres and artists. At the same time, I have tried to keep my true favorites intact. Chances are if one of an artist's songs is on here I have listened to their full album.

For the sake of being fair, I am only choosing songs that were released in 2017 calendar year, so I apologize to The Weeknd and Post Malone who released albums in late 2016 that finally shined this year. This was honestly one of the hardest lists I have ever come up with. There was over 200 songs that could have made it here.

So, without further ado, let us begin:

65. "Meet Me in the Hallway" - Harry Styles

The surprise artist of the year for me, Harry Styles proves he can move past the One Direction stage.

64. "Lost & Found" - Chris Brown

The opening song on his 45-track project, Chris showcases his wonderful range.

63. "Sixteen" - Thomas Rhett

A song about growing up. It's not entirely original, but it's certainly relatable.

62. "Prom" - SZA

Not her biggest song, but certainly the most catchy to me.

61. "The Heart Part 4" - Kendrick Lamar

My early favorite for song of the year before "DAMN." was released, it's just fun debating which of the three sections of the song is the best.

60. "Scared to be Lonely" - Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa

A late entry, Martin Garrix once again produces a technical masterpiece, and this time it's stunningly beautiful.

59. "No Limit (feat. A$AP Rocky & Cardi B)" - G-Eazy

People question if Cardi B will be a one-hit wonder or not. This certainly would make me say no she will not be. Oh, and G-Eazy is pretty good too.

58. "Feel It Still" - Portugal. The Man

This year's indie song to reach the mainstream is probably this year's catchiest song as well.

57. "Lost in California" - Little Big Town

I haven't been a big fan of country music this year, but Little Big Town's Grammy-nominated album didn't disappoint. The highlight of their album is easily a song to put on repeat.

56. "Silence (feat. Khalid)" - Marshmello

Khalid had a big year as you will soon find out. Marshmello also has been getting attention. Here's to more from both of them.

55. "Run for Cover" - The Killers

Not "Mr. Brightside" or "Somebody Told Me," but this is The Killers answer to 2017.

54. "Mouth of the River" - Imagine Dragons

Almost like two songs in one, it is an odd balance that works well.

53. "Mask off" - Future

One of the biggest songs in terms of the Billboard world, the flute in this steals the show.

52. "T-Shirt" - Migos

Migos had a pretty big year. This song highlights that, as well as mentions two of my favorite years.

51. "Party (feat. Gucci Mane & Usher)" - Chris Brown

If you aren't throwing a party after this song you aren't listening right.

50. "Now or Never" - Halsey

Halsey's biggest sing hit to date, she is on the brink of making it big.

49. "Imitadora" - Romeo Santos

One of a couple Latino songs on here, the vocals and beat are some of my favorite this year.

48. "Drowning (feat. Kodak Black)" - A Boogie wit da Hoodie

Probably my favorite music video of the year and definitely a highlight of rap in 2017. The only reason it isn't way higher is that Kodak is in this.

47. "Walking the Wire" - Imagine Dragons

You all love "Believer" and "Thunder," but this is my favorite from them this year.

46. "The Story of O.J." - JAY-Z

This is one of those Hip-Hop songs professors talk about. You can break it down and try to figure out it's meaning or you can simply enjoy another hit from the HOV.

45. "Dear Life" - Beck

He certainly has a cult following, and this one is probably my favorite thing to hear in a coffee shop this year.

44. "No Cap" - Future & Young Thug

One way social media likes to describe good rap songs is the fire emoji. This one certainly deserves at least 20 of those.

43. "Halfway of the Balcony" - Big Sean

One of his deeper songs, this is proof that Sean Don has matured but still is keeping his status as rap's most underrated artist.

42. "Say it First" - Sam Smith

The entire album is music to my ears, but this is the most heartfelt for me.

41. "Green Light" - Lorde

Lorde and her unique voice certainly are hitting all the right notes on this track. No wonder this album is up for Album of the Year. "Perfect Places" could also go here.

40. "Mi Gente" - J Balvin & Willy William

Other than one specific song, this probably got the most international attention in the Latino genre. And can you blame it? You will be dancing.

39. "Something Just Like This" - The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

I'm surprised these two bands haven't teamed up sooner. This is perfection.

38. "Get it Together (feat. Black Coffee & Jorja Smith)" - Drake

Probably everyone is questioning me right now. Remember, this is my list. Drake released a lot of good music on "More Life,"one of his more experimental songs is also one of his best.

37. "Malibu" - Miley Cyrus

Miley's return to form is just what I needed in 2017. The whole album is one of my favorites this year and almost any song on it should be here. However, Malibu is certainly one of the feel-good songs of the year.

36. "Shockandawe" - Miguel

If you watch the NFL you may know this one, it's one of my favorite songs to work out to.

35. "2U (feat. Justin Bieber)" - David Guetta

While most EDM is shifting to more soothing sounds, David Guetta is sticking with what he knows best and released this rockstar of a song.

34. "Faking It (feat. Kehlani & Lil Yachty)" - Calvin Harris

It took a couple months for it to get popular, but I am thrilled that more and more people will get the chance to hear one of my favorite duets of the year.

33. "Attention" - Charlie Puth

Charlie Puth may very well take over the pop genre in the next year or two. He certainly has the voice for it. This is a milestone song for him.

32. "Hell is where I dreamt of u and woke up alone" - blackbear

The simple piano and his dreamlike voice are disturbingly soothing, especially for the subject matter.

31. "Passionfruit" - Drake

Drake continuing to prove that he isn't defined by one genre.

30. "Despacito (feat. Justin Bieber) [Remix]" - Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

Probably the song of the year for many. Some will say the original is better, but Justin Bieber adds to an already perfect song.

29. "Paris" - The Chainsmokers

It's a by-the-books Chainsmokers song, but who says that a bad thing.

28. "I Get the Bag (feat. Migos)" - Gucci Mane

This is more a Migos song, but chances are you've had a drink or two to it.

27. "No Favors (feat. Eminem)" - Big Sean

Detroit really has given us some fantastic rappers. Eminem probably delivers the verse of the year here.

26. "Sorry" - Halsey

Halsey's most emotional song, you can't help but feel for her. Here's to hoping G-Eazy and her work out!

25. "Young" - The Chainsmokers

Another early favorite for me, I am not sure what decade this sounds like it's from. It certainly doesn't sound 2017, and that's a welcome touch.

24. "Chantaje (feat. Maluma)" - Shakira

My favorite Latino song of the year, Colombia once again reigns supreme with its two biggest artists.

23. "Can't Have Everything" - Drake

I've heard complaints that new-Drake pauses too much compared to his old self. This will certainly please those people. We may look back one day and call this one of the highlights of his career.

22. "Craving You (feat. Maren Morris)" - Thomas Rhett

Just like the lyrics say, this song is addictive. I am always craving it. (Sorry for the terrible puns.)

21. "Heavy (feat. Kiiara)" - Linkin Park

This song was already pretty heartfelt. With the passing of Chester Bennington, it adds another layer to it. It's almost sad, as on this track we get to peer into what Chester may have been going through. I can't help but tear up every time I hear it.

20. "Unforgettable (feat. Swae Lee)" - French Montana

The song that has made me dance the most this year, and I am not a good dancer.

19. "Love on the Weekend" - John Mayer

John Mayer once again hits us with that magical voice.

18. "It Ain't Me" - Kygo & Selena Gomez

Selena has several hit songs this year where she teamed up with a famous DJ. "Wolves" is also a good one, but this takes the cake for her best.

17. "Blood in the Cut" - K. Flay

Another song you may know from the NFL, this is a pretty different song. But that's why I like it.

16. "Shape of You" - Ed Sheeran

Here he is. I didn't forget about him. Once again this whole album should be here, but I had to choose one. He was most certainly snubbed this year from the Grammys.

15. "Wild Thoughts (feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller)" - DJ Khalid

An almost foreign sounding song with an electric guitar at center stage. Let's also not forget a killer duo in Rihanna & Bryson Tiller.

14. "Forever Young (feat. Diplo)" - Lil Yatchy

You probably missed this song. Seriously, go back and listen to it. It is hands-down one of the best songs about preserving youth.

13. "Bodak Yellow" - Cardi B

This was probably the most fire performance of the year. Well, other than one song.

12. "Hallucinating" - Future

I'm not sure what Future is on, but you will feel like you are right there with him on this track. It's soothing and pleasing.

11. "Rollin (feat. Future & Khalid)" - Calvin Harris

At one time this was my #1 song, and this is not to say this isn't a good song. It's catchy and addicting. The other 10 were just a bit better.

10. "Heroin" - Lana Del Rey

Here we are. The top 10. Similar to A$AP Rocky's "L$D," this song is hypnotic and very appealing. All in a Lana Del Rey manor.

9. "1-800-273-8255 (feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid)" - Logic

This song took the world by storm in 2017. Logic finally rose to stardom in what is probably the most important song of the year. It's a true masterpiece. Seriously people, we are here for you. You matter.

8. "100 Letters" - Halsey

I know I have a lot of Halsey on here, but don't tell me she didn't deserve it. She's one of the few pop singers that can talk about love while she also tells us a story. It's not cliche at all. Trust me.

7. "The Gold" - Manchester Orchestra

The indie-ish song of the year for me. I have no way of describing it other than please listen to it.

6. "Sign of the Times" - Harry Styles

Harry Styles truly blew me away this year. He has the perfect voice. He is the perfect blend of modern pop and classic rock. His hit song deserves every accolade it gets.

5. "Tomorrow Never Came (feat. Sean Ono Lennon)" - Lana Del Rey

I honestly thought John Lennon had come back from the dead when I first heard this. It's the most beautiful sad song I've heard this year and probably this decade.

4. "Rockstar (feat. 21 Savage)" - Post Malone

A couple year's back Kanye West said, "We the new rockstars." Well, turns out he was true. Post Malone continues to be the hottest new artist of 2017. It deserves to be the chart-topping song that it is. Here's to hoping "Beerbongs & Bentleys" is also a hit.

3. "XO TOUR Llif3" - Lil Uzi Vert

Similar to "Swimming Pools" by Kendrick Lamar, this is probably a song that you've gotten wild to when you probably shouldn't be. It's one of this year's darkest songs, but man is it catchy. Lil Uzi Vert has definitely won the XXL 2016 class.

2. "8TEEN" - Khalid

"Location," "Young, Dumb & Broke," and "American Teen" are all amazing songs in their own right. I am surprised this isn't also out there. Khalid certainly deserves best new artist of 2017, and this gem deserves to be the highlight of it.

1. "DNA." - Kendrick Lamar

I remember where I was when I first heard this song. I was washing dishes with my headphones in when this came on. After the intro that was "BLOOD.," I was bumping to a really good Kendrick song. Then you get to 1:50 mark and it just come to a halt. I stopped and was puzzled. What is going on? A little narration ensued and a countdown brought us to the 2:06 mark. Then the beat switched.

What I heard nearly made me drop the plate I was holding. My jaw nearly hit the floor. Seriously, I had to stop everything I was doing so I could stand there and take it all in. Kendrick had just spat probably the hardest verse of the year. Maybe ever. It's moments like this as to why I love music and especially love Kendrick. From that moment on April 14th to now, it has without a doubt been the best song I have heard this year, and possibly could be the best song I have ever heard.