2017 was a crazy year but somehow, we made it to 2018. This year politically charged lyrics, streaming services, and artists willing to take risks with their sound dominated the music scene. In my opinion, here are the 20 best albums of 2017.
20. “Culture” – Migos
Migos came a long way from their 2013 hit “Versace” and started off 2017 with an album that reassured us that they were more than their last album, “Yung Rich Nation.” They started off 2017 with hit after hit on this album with their triplet-laced beats and notorious Atlanta sound. This album is just pure fun and calls for a good time anywhere it’s played
19. “At What Cost” – Goldlink
Washington D.C. has been the birthplace for some amazing artists like, Pharrell, Trouble Funk, Fugazi, and Bad Brains, who have shaped music and left a lasting impression by staying true to their city’s roots. Goldlink’s debut album “At What Cost” mixes the sound of D.C.’s go-go music with a mix of futuristic funk and hip-hop. Goldlink produced an album that has a rich texture of sounds from kinetic bounces on “Meditation” to the loose rich loop of “Crew.”
18. “Blkswn” – Smino
Smino blends genres of music and does it in a way where it seems effortless. The beginning of the album starts of hazy, and one critic described it as a “hotbox confessional” kind of haze. The album then leads into this high-energy funk type beat that carries out until the end. He has this sound that reminds me of Timberland mixed in with a little T-Pain and Erykah Badu. Smino is the futuristic funk master who will bring us more great music in 2018.
17. “4eva Is a Mighty Long Time” – Big K.R.I.T.
K.R.I.T. gives us a sort of spiritual narrative on his most ambitious third studio-released album, and his ambition shows through his passion, heavy beats, and sheer depth in all of the tracks. This album bumps. Prepare your speakers and turn the bass up and enjoy.
16. “Freudian” – Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar croons us into a trance in “Freudian.” This album crosses the line of gospel, soul, and R&B music. Caesar seamlessly replaces synths with guitar, which creates a more sincere sound. The wispy, sleepy sound of Caesar’s voice pairs perfectly with this idea of romance and love he’s singing about on the album.
15. “Aromanticism” – Moses Sumney
Moses Sumney reminds me a lot of James Blake, the soft and deep manipulation of his voice, eerie beats, and the idea that less is more. He also channels Arca and Perfume Genius for this cosmic spacey sound. An aromantic is a person who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others. Throughout the album, Sumney gives us blue, melancholy lyrics and a sound that begs for an emotional experience.
14. “Big Fish Theory” – Vince Staples
Vince Staples brought a new sound to the table in 2017. He introduced a kind of rap that mixes the sound of electronic music, grime, soul, and traditional hip-hop. It’s a face-paced album that sounds futuristic and exciting. This album has a lot of energy and will make you feel like you’re in a rave with Vince Staples as your MC. One of my favorite moments on the album was at the end of “Alyssa’s Interlude” when the sound David Ruffian’s voice started singing the Temptation’s “I Wish It Would Rain”.
13. “Drunk” – Thundercat
Thundercat’s album blends soul, funk, and jazz in a way that makes you think it could be the next voice in modern jazz. Thundercat adds in a little bit of 70’s funk and disco music and combines it with this spacey atmospheric sound. He sings about the everyday struggle just to live life in this technology-driven world.
12. “4:44” – Jay Z
This summer in New York City I would see this album cover everywhere, on taxis, subway signs, and advertisements posted on buildings. Jay and Beyoncé are the experts on how to build up anticipation. Jay’s 13th studio album is a relaxed storytelling experience. He takes his time through each song with some of his best songwriting to date. Jay takes a retrospective look at how he went from the streets to American icon, father, and husband.
11. “Take Me Apart” – Kelela
Kelela takes us down an emotional journey of a break-up to the path to new love. The stunning album combines spacey atmospheric music with R&B giving us a futuristic sound that she pairs with exceptional songwriting. This is nowhere near the traditional corny break-up album, this is an example of how one person turned a bad experience into a piece of art.
10. “Pure Comedy” – Father John Misty
Father John once again blesses us with a beautiful and satiric album about the ironies of life, entertainment, and capitalism. In this album, he has profound lyrics with dark humor coupled with melodic ballads.
9. “Saturation 1, 2, 3” – Brockhampton
I couldn’t pick one album that I thought that was better than the other, so I picked all three Saturation albums to take the No. 10 spot. This was the year of Brockhampton. This boy band is an exciting force to be reckoned with. Their high-energy music exudes confidence and a sense of experimentation. The group isn’t afraid to try new sounds and mix new techniques with old sounds. They are my favorite group from 2017 and I hope to
see more from them in 2018.
8. “A Deeper Understanding” – The War on Drugs
My music of choice is R&B and hip-hop, but after listening to this album I found myself going back to it every single day since its release. It’s a relaxing, melodic experience that isn’t anything new yet it stands out as something done better than any other right now. The album has modern Bruce Springsteen feel so why wouldn’t you give it a listen?
7. “Lailas Wisdom” – Rapsody
I’m usually on top of all the latest releases when it comes to hip-hop, but when a friend mentioned if I listened to this, I was surprised I hadn’t heard of it. This hidden gem is one of the finest storytelling experiences in rap since Good Kid M.A.A.D. City. Rapsody offers thoughtful and profound life lessons from both herself and her
grandmother.
6. “1992 Deluxe” – Princess Nokia
This is by far the most underrated album of 2017. Princess Nokia is one of the new forces in rap to be reckoned with. Her old school New York rap kind of sound pairs with her exceptional lyricism. She gives off the Lil Kim type of attitude with a Tupac and Biggie type of lyricism and sound. She sings of self-identity and self-preservation on “1992 Deluxe,” and details the struggles she has faced in her life. She’s a boss and her album proves she can play the game better than most.
5. “Ctrl” – SZA
I felt like this album was never going to come out but it was well worth the wait. SZA takes somewhat common sounding beats and makes them all her own with the rawness of her lyrics and the pure genuine personal experiences she uses as inspiration. SZA wants you to take her desire for intimacy seriously and with her debut album, she does just that.
4. “Process” – Sampha
Sampha leads us on an expedition of self-discovery through loss with gorgeous piano accompanied ballads and futuristic beats. The album is focused on the idea of looking inward and meditation to find meaning after a loss. Sampha offers up a fantastic album that is a beautiful listening experience from start to finish filled with.
3. “Flower Boy” – Tyler, The Creator
Tyler’s music has often been dismissed and not taken seriously, but with Flower Boy Tyler demands the attention of all the people who would refuse to take his music seriously. Flower Boy is a daydream of loneliness, self-discovery, and the joy that comes with youth. This is his best work to date.
2. “The Ooz” – King Krule
“The Ooz” is this mellow, experimental, and just plain cool listening experience. In an interview, Archy Marshall said he wanted this album to embody all of the gross things that ooz out of our
body. It’s full of rich guitar and hazy sounding riffs.
1. “DAMN.” – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick does it again. He just keeps getting better and better. If you take a listen you’ll know why it’s #1 on most “Best of 2017” lists.
This poast was orignally published on The Other H.E.R