I want to start by saying that the first five months of 2017 have been solid for new music across all genres. With releases from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Paramore and Harry Styles, it is safe to say that music fans have had their work cut out for them in terms of keeping up.

Because of this, I created a Spotify playlist of my favorite releases of 2017 thus far. The following list is a sneak preview of the 13 track (and growing) playlist, and you can listen to it by searching my name and clicking the playlist titled “2017.”

-“Hard Times,” Paramore

Everyone who went through a middle school emo phase remembers singing along to Paramore titles like “Misery Business” and “Ignorance.” Those days have passed, but Paramore is back with a follow-up album to their 2013 self-titled release. “Hard Times,” the first single off of their upcoming album “After Laughter,” combines their roots of an alternative rock sound with an 80s pop flair, and lead singer Hayley Williams continues to wow us with her insane vocal range. The music video is pretty killer too, with 70s and 80s pop imagery and stop motion effects.

-“Gyalchester,” Drake

I included this track simply for the reason that Drake never fails to impress me. This song is so on point with current rap and hip- hop trends, with low bass, a catchy chorus and thoughtful verses. “Gyalchester” is featured on Drake’s latest release, “More Life.”

-“Lust for Life,” Lana Del Rey and The Weeknd

I cannot be the only one who has been waiting for a collab between Del Rey and The Weeknd since the beginning of time. Del Rey’s dreamy lyrics combined with The Weeknd’s angelic falsetto is a sound to behold. This new single has sparked several rumors of an album to be released at…some point…in 2017. Hopefully, these turn out to be true!

-“It Ain’t Me,” Kygo and Selena Gomez

Is it just me, or does Selena Gomez have a voice just made for EDM? This track features trance vibes and a solid beat, as well as some subtle, but well executed, drops. Even if EDM isn’t your type of music, I recommend checking this track out. It just might change your mind.

-“Audi,” Nicky Gwiggs ft. Ice God the Macgyver

Smaller, more unknown rappers have such a special place in my music library. I love finding up-and-coming artists. They tend to have a very unique sound and do what they want in their music because they are free from the pressures of being on a label. This song has a great beat and fun lyrics; check it out for yourself to see what I mean.

-“HUMBLE.,” Kendrick Lamar

Last, but certainly not least, is the single from Kendrick Lamar’s latest release, “DAMN.” This track is top notch, and I give Kendrick so many props for constantly changing the face of rap music. He really pushes the envelope in terms of lyrics and politicizing music. Whatever you do, do not sleep on this album.