2017 has been a great year for music, with many artists releasing highly anticipated albums. Many of my favorite artists released music, as well as some breakout stars. With 2017 winding down, here is a roundup of my ten favorite albums released in 2017.
Blue Lips Tove Lo
The Swedish artist Tove Lo gained notoriety in 2014 when her single “Habits (Stay High)” topped the charts. Since then, she has released the album Lady Wood, a feminist expression of sexuality. Blue Lips, also known as Lady Wood Phase II, is the sister to her second album. Showing more of an emotional side, Blue Lips is still an unashamed expression of sexuality. Released on November 17, Tove Lo used Blue Lips to continue to push the limits of her image and self-expression.
Songs to Check Out: “shivering gold,” “Cycles”
Dua Lipa Dua Lipa Dua Lipa is one of 2017’s breakout stars, with the release of her single “New Rules.” I saw the song get lots of hype on social media, but after listening to her full album, I think she deserves more hype! The deluxe version of the self-titled album is 17 tracks, and after listening to it nearly on repeat for a few weeks, I can say that there isn’t a single song I don’t like. Some songs are great to dance to, some are tough and feminist, and some are soft and romantic. Every song has well thought out lyrics and a catchy melody. For anyone who is a fan of Lana Del Rey, Marina and the Diamonds, or P!nk, Dua Lipa might be your next favorite artist.
Songs to Check Out: “Idgaf,” “Blow Your Mind (Mwah)”
Everything Now Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire has been my favorite band for years, and I had been eagerly awaiting new music from them since they released Reflektor in 2014. When they announced Everything Now, their fifth album, I was elated. It is easy to see that this group puts a lot of time into their music, from carefully crafting their lyrics, to every note in their score. Everything Now is most similar in sound to Reflektor, but their music evolves so much with each release that it really can’t be compared. Inspired by consumer culture, Everything Now hides serious messages under rhythms that you can’t help but dance to. I can’t get enough of Arcade Fire, and I am already hoping that they will release a deluxe version of this album with added tracks.
Songs to Check Out: “Electric Blue,” “Put Your Money on Me”
Harry Styles Harry Styles This year we saw many of the former members of One Direction branching off into solo careers. Harry Styles released his self-titled album this May, and his career has been flourishing ever since. With classic rock vibes akin to his influencers, Mick Jagger and David Bowie, Harry breaks away from the cookie cutter pop that One Direction released. For old fans of One Direction who have now outgrown the typical boy band sound, hearing Harry on a more mature record is refreshing. I’m looking forward to Harry growing into his new musical freedom and image in the rest of his career.
Songs to Check Out: “Two Ghosts,” “Sweet Creature”
Lust for Life Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey is an artist that I’ve been following for a long time. Known for her deep voice and melancholy songs, Lana released her fifth studio album this summer. After dozens of tracks lamenting her love life, herself, and the world, Lust for Life is a pleasant change of tone. For the first time, her songs are happy. Aptly titled, Lust for Life is an album that shows how much Lana has grown as a person during her career. Her sad crooning is what drew me to her, but what makes me love this album is being able to tell that Lana was happy making it. Featuring many guest artists, this album manages to keep Lana’s signature tone while still showcasing a positive and bright new outlook on life.
Songs to Check Out: “Beautiful People Beautiful Problems,” “Get Free”
MASSEDUCTION St. Vincent
Vulnerable, raw, and personal were never words that described the music of St. Vincent until the release of MASSEDUCTION in October. This album is tender and emotional, a stark contrast to her usual hard alternative sound. After releasing four albums under her stage name St. Vincent, Annie Clarke has finally allowed her personal life to shine through her musical career. The title track “Masseduction” harkens back to her earlier sound, but many of the songs on the album are intensely personal and bittersweet. Exploring her personal relationships, MASSEDUCTION is the story of Annie Clarke’s saddest and happiest moments.
Songs to Check Out: “Pills,” “Happy Birthday, Johnny”
Melodrama Lorde
With her songs being so refined and mature, sometimes it’s hard to believe that Lorde is only 21 years old. After a four year long break from releasing music, Lorde’s second studio album focuses on heartbreak and loneliness after her long-term relationship was ended. Much more vulnerable than her first album, Melodrama paints a clear picture from start to finish. The songs tie together to create a cohesive unit, not just a collection of songs. Lorde’s first album was a success with critics, and her second is no different. After garnering overwhelming popularity with critics, Melodrama is expected to have many nominations come award season.
Songs to Check Out: “Hard Feelings/Loveless,” “Perfect Places”
reputation Taylor Swift
After being wrapped in controversy for most of 2017, Taylor Swift finally dropped her album reputation. Reactions to the album have been mixed, which is the typical response to anything Taylor Swift has done recently, but personally, I’m a fan of reputation. Though there are the obvious references to her recent feuds and negative press, the core of this album is about finding new love when you’ve reached a low point. After having many highly publicised relationships, Taylor is finally comfortable in her mostly private relationship with actor Joe Alwyn. If you can overlook the cheesy lead single “Look What You Made Me Do,” reputation is a great story from a very successful woman.
Songs to Check Out: “Dancing With Our Hands Tied,” “Call it What You Want”
Spongebob Squarepants, the New Musical Chicago Cast
I had the pleasure of seeing the Spongebob Musical in its pre-Broadway run in Chicago. I didn’t have high hopes, but the performance blew me away! I’ve always been a fan of musical theatre, and I can say for certain that the Spongebob Musical was the most fun experience I’ve ever had in a theatre. Much of the original Chicago cast has now moved on to Broadway in New York, where they recently performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The cast recording released this year is the full Chicago cast, with songs written by David Bowie, Panic! At the Disco, and many other well-known artists. If I ever need a pick me up, this is the music I turn to.
Songs to Check Out: “(Just A) Simple Sponge,” “Tomorrow Is”
Two Birds Trixie Mattel This summer one of my best friends introduced me to the magic of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. One of my favorite drag queens is Trixie Mattel from season 7, who will soon be on All Stars 3. In May she released an album of folk music. Most drag queens’ albums are very campy and in the pop genre of course, but this album is actually heartfelt and emotional. If I didn’t know better, I would have just assumed it was an average pop/country album. Even for people who aren’t fans of Drag Race, this album is worth a listen.
Songs to Check Out: “I’ll Wear Your Ring,” “Bluegrass”