Top 10 Albums You Missed in 2017

#10: “Rocket” (2017) (Sandy) Alex G

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  Previously known as Alexander Giannascoli on Bandcamp, this Philadelphian stylized his image after teaming with London’s Domino Recording Company. Alex G keeps it cryptic and Lo-Fi on many “Rocket” tracks, but it’s the folk rock songs that stand out most with their lyrical clarity, whether it’s the fun-lovin’ “Proud”, or “Powerful Man,” both of which help this “Rocket” blast off. But there’s a strong message to the process, too, as Alex pokes fun at celebrity adoration, massive egos and societal norms. He’ll make you laugh, unwind, and rewind over and over again.    


From Toronto, this indie collective has a catchy, melodic sound with potential for massive mainstream success – IF that’s what they’re into. On their sophomore album, Alvvays explores various dream pop sounds from an outsider point of view. There’s a little New Wave mixed in, along with some punk here and there, and lead singer Molly Rankin beautifully connects the album’s antisocialite narrative with her gorgeous vocals. It’s a well-rounded album with 10 beautiful tracks, and it closes out strong with the atmospheric “Forget About Life.”    

#8: “Take Me Apart” (2017) Kelela

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  This debut album is slick, sexy and exceptionally produced. With “Take Me Apart,” Maryland native Kelela delivers a romantic concept album, as she begins with a break-up and sorts through her wants and needs. There’s a clear storyline to connect with, however each track also manages to stand on its own. Pick your poison; It’s all here, as the singer/songwriter breaks down the pleasures and pains of falling hard. Whether the topic is good loving or the importance of “ME time”, Kelela offers up a sensual commentary on feeling vulnerable, both physically and emotionally.    

#7: “The OOZ” (2017) King Krule

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  Four years after dropping his first studio album as King Krule, Archy Marshall came back strong in 2017 with a fusion of punk rock and jazz. Lyrically, the London native explores dark themes through rather descriptive visuals, complemented by his distinct vocal tone. Krule will hit you with a noise rock track and then he’ll transition into something you might hear in a smokey lounge. Just when you think he’s taking you somewhere even darker, the King mixes in poetic, lyrically sparse tracks that give new meaning to the album as a whole.   


#6: “At What Cost” (2017) GoldLink

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  After much hype, this Washington D.C. MC released his debut album in March 2017. GoldLink doesn’t have the same influence as Drake or Kendrick Lamar, but he does have a Grammy nomination thanks the collective brilliance of  “At What Cost.” Like fellow east coaster Kelela, GoldLink strays from genre norms and blends various production styles for his Washington D.C. storyline. “At What Cost” has an old school feel at times, and fellow artists Wale and Mya stop by for the party with guest spots. It’s a mash-up of hip-hop sub-genres, fueled by GoldLink’s staccato, rat-a tat-flow.    

  Some of you may recognize this LA musician for his work on Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” In 2017, though, Thundercat released his own eclectic classic; a versatile album that’s musically intoxicating. Thundercat’s production on “Drunk” is sublime, and he doesn’t take himself too seriously with the lyrical content. This is an album that features K-Dot on one joint and Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald on another. It’s a purely original 2017 album, and you’ll discover something new with each listen.   


  With personal themes of family, self-doubt and death, this album may leave you a bit misty-eyed. Despite the underlying darkness, though, Sampha – a South Londoner–maintains an uplifting vibe with his electro R&B production. Vocally, he doesn’t sound like anybody else, and the industrial vibe of  “Process” creates a gritty feel, at least on some of the more intense tracks. Then there’s a beautiful ballad like “No One Knows Me,” which strips everything away, revealing an artist that’s trying to fill a major emotional void. With this album, Sampha is figuring himself out, and he works wonders in the process.    

  From Ontario, Canada, this young musician earned a Grammy nomination this year for his gospel-inspired debut. But “Freudian” isn’t “Sister Act” gospel, as Daniel Caesar takes the narrative in many saucy directions while sorting through the ins and outs of his relationships. Like the album title suggests, Caesar’s music is cerebral, and it pinpoints that feeling when you’re super stressed out but haven’t yet reached the breaking point. When “Freudian” reaches full gospel mode, you just may break down in tears…tears of joy, that is.   


#2: “ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$” (2017) Joey Bada$$

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  Released on April 7, 2017, this politically conscious album is a modern classic. Still, “All American Badass” got lost in the mainstream shuffle when Kendrick Lamar released “DAMN.” the following week. With his second studio album, Joey Badass comes out swinging from track one, and there’s a singular message that continues throughout: racial injustice. He goes hard at fake MC’s in “Ring the Alarm,” and the final track is a perfect representation of the album’s vision. Arguably one of the genre’s most brilliant MCs, Joey Badass is locked in with each and every track, proving that he’s “way more than a celebrity.”     Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.   “A Deeper Understanding” (2017) The War on Drugs     “Capacity” (2017) Big Thief     “Pleasure” (2017) Feist 
  

#1: “Pure Comedy” (2017) Father John Misty

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  To put it bluntly, Josh Tillman trolled modern society, and possibly even himself, with this 2017 classic. The former Fleet Floxes drummer aimed high with his third studio album, “Pure Comedy,” even releasing a complementary, 25-minute short film. It’s a fascinating listening experience, as Father John contemplates the future and the effects of technology, celebrity culture and egocentric behavior. He’s preaching away with “Pure Comedy,” but he acknowledges his own self-doubt and insecurities throughout. Father John ultimately reaches a moving conclusion, and for its collective vision and concepts, this MUST be the album that you listen to by year’s end.