What do Kendrick Lamar, Kesha, Lorde, Drake, Harry Styles and the GVSU New Music Ensemble have in common?

They've all been included in NPR's list of The 100 Best Songs of 2017.

Grand Valley State University’s New Music Ensemble was recognized for its song “Glass Surface” from the album “Return,” which debuted in October. The song was named the 88th best song of the year.

Critic Tom Huizenga writes:

This hybrid pearl by Daniel Rhode was born with purely acoustic instruments in mind, then the young composer took it into the studio for electronic "tailoring."

The unassuming group, led by Bill Ryan, is comfortably ensconced amid the rolling farmlands of western Michigan.

Shocked to see them on this list?

You shouldn't be.

Since the GVSU New Music Ensemble formed in 2006, they've had albums featured by The New York Times, Washington Post and LA Weekly. Some of their recordings have also appeared in film, on MTV and Showtime, and at more than 75 film festivals around the world.

GVSU New Music Ensemble's album "Return" was released on the Innova label, and was mastered by Grammy winner Randy Merrill who has worked with Lady Gaga, Adele and Katy Perry.

More From Mix 95.7