Now that 2017 has closed and 2018 is upon us, I like to reflect upon the positives and negatives of the year. Although I can think of an endless list of shocking and troubling negative aspects of 2017, some of which continue into the new year, it also brought with it a re-imaginative take on art. Art takes on many forms, but 2017 was specifically a great year for music. Therefore, here are my top 10 favorite albums of 2017.
Although I decided that this would be a list of only 10 albums, I must begin with my honorable mentions:
Apricot Princess by Rex Orange County
Melodrama by Lorde
Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1 by Calvin Harris
SYRE by Jaden Smith
Our Generation by Tokio Myers
10. Freudian by Daniel Caesar
Favorite Songs: “Take Me Away” and “Best Part”
Concert: Unfortunately, not yet
I have been a fan of Daniel Caesar since his first album in 2015. Caesar’s vocal range, raw ability, and emotional delivery are absolutely beautiful on Pilgrim’s Paradise, and Freudian is the perfect second accompaniment to his discography. At a time when R&B artists fall into the same cookie cutter pattern of musicality, Caesar not only breaks boundaries, but revolutionizes them.
9. Hopeless Fountain Kingdom by Halsey
Favorite Songs: “Walls Could Talk” and “Alone”
Concert: Three times!
Halsey is one of my favorite female artists of all time. Her strong and confident attitude is palpable, yet she is still able to address her mistakes and vulnerabilities. Each of her albums is very conceptual in nature, and for her second full-length album, Halsey weaves a tale of Romeo and Juliet into the wide variety of tracks. From beat heavy pop anthems, to light instrumentals, to dark rap and electronic influences, Halsey’s range of artistic endeavors is both impressive and inspiring.
8. This Old Dog by Mac Demarco
Favorite Songs: “Watching Him Fade Away” and “For the First Time”
Concert: Twice
Mac Demarco’s rhythmic, lighthearted instrumentals coupled with his soulful, crooning voice continue to deliver on yet another masterpiece of an album. In my mind, Demarco is the poster child for quality indie music, with a personality as likeable as his tunes. His ability to take simple concepts and transform them into powerful ballads or upbeat rock anthems is unmatched. At this point in his career, Demarco’s influence has reached many, and I hope that he continues to grow as an artist.
7. Lust For Life by Lana Del Rey
Favorite Songs: “Get Free” and “Groupie Love”
Concert: On 1/25!
Most people hated Lana’s previous album and loved this one, but my initial review was quite the contrary. However, after listening to Lust For Life many, many, many more times, I have wholeheartedly fallen in love with both albums. Lana Del Rey has a very distinctive sound and style, unmatched in its perfect balance of newer and older influences. Her latest album is phenomenal because of its unexpected range in song types. She has branched out with both heavy rap influences, featuring Playboi Carti and A$AP Rocky on two tracks, and softer rock icons, as Stevie Nicks and Sean Lennon accompany her on smooth indie songs. Overall, the album is incredibly personal and well-developed, a great change from the consistent manufactured pop narrative.
6. Dua Lipa by Dua Lipa
Favorite Songs: “Dreams” and “Lost In Your Light”
Concert: Three Times!
I saw Dua Lipa in concert twice before the release of her debut album. Having only heard a handful of her singles at the time, I anticipated Dua’s eventual stardom. She had come to save all of pop music! I am pleased to say that it appears I was right. Her single “New Rules” has topped every chart and she is finally receiving the international recognition that she deserves. Dua has an incredibly powerful voice, which immediately amplifies any song that she may tackle. After the success of “New Rules,” I implore everyone to listen to her full-length album as it surpasses every already high expectation.
5. DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar
Favorite Songs: “PRIDE.” and “HUMBLE.”
Concert: Yes, and it was life-changing
Kendrick Lamar is a social icon. Not only is he one of the most talented rappers of the 21st century, but he is the voice propelling issues that actually matter, including racial tensions and police brutality. His skill and composition are nearly unmatched, and he only continues to grow with his latest album. In all honesty, To Pimp A Butterfly is still better than DAMN, but that does not take away from Lamar’s conceptual evolution. Kendrick Lamar has been and will continue to be an icon, and his legacy and influence will surely be felt for years to come.
4. Ctrl by SZA
Favorite Songs: “Pretty Little Birds” and “Drew Barrymore”
Concert: Unfortunately, not yet
Back in 2014, SZA’s album Z introduced me to her phenomenal talent. Three years later, Ctrl has received worldwide recognition, and SZA’s powerful feminist anthems have truly changed the way millions of women and I live our lives. SZA is so unapologetically imperfect, allowing herself to be simultaneously powerful and vulnerable. She is the only woman represented by Top Dawg Entertainment, which also represents Kendrick Lamar, sending a clear message as to who reigns supreme in quality R&B. The time and effort that went into this masterpiece of an album is exceptionally clear, and I hope SZA’s career continues to evolve with even more timeless projects.
3. SATURATION Trilogy by BROCKHAMPTON
Favorite Songs: STAR (S1), QUEER (S2), STUPID (S3)
Concert: Second time on 1/28!
This entry is somewhat cheating because this third spot is going to three albums of the same group. However, it is well worth it and, frankly, I don’t care. Self-proclaimed “America’s Favorite Boyband,” BROCKHAMPTON is one of the most revolutionary collectives to ever grace the music industry. The 15-member group consists of rappers, singers, producers, filmmakers, and designers, both of digital media and fashion. Their endless creative streak is rare yet inspiring. Like Future and Gucci Mane, BROCKHAMPTON also released three albums in 2017, but, unlike those two rappers, they did not sacrifice quality with quantity. The group’s distinctive sound is the result of their unique spin on the genre of hip hop itself. Each artist’s voice and influence on their tracks are what make BROCKHAMPTON unlike any other musical experience, while tackling issues such as sexuality and mental illness, which are usually overlooked in the industry. When I saw them for the first time in September, by sheer luck, I had the pleasure of meeting the entire group after the concert (see picture). After exhausting so much energy and putting on one of the best shows I have ever been to, each member was still incredibly kind and humbled by every fan’s presence. The group started in Texas by bonding over Kanye West, now resides in Los Angeles, and is spearheaded by Kevin Abstract, who I originally discovered a year prior through his more mellow and emotional solo career. I have seen him perform his solo music twice and also met him once before – a true honor! With a musical genius like Kevin at the helm of such a phenomenal group of men, it is no wonder that BROCKHAMPTON has a fast-growing audience as they continue to branch out in their artistic undertakings.
2. Harry Styles by Harry Styles
Favorite Songs: “Woman” and “Only Angel”
Concert: Yes, and it was also life-changing
Any anticipation of Harry Styles’ debut album based on his sound and style while with One Direction is dreadfully misled and outrageously incorrect. Praised by his idols, Mick Jagger and Stevie Nicks, Styles is the unexpected, revolutionary rock star of our generation. It is a shame just how severely the pop industry failed him, as it was impossible to fathom just how much talent he has solely through his boyband career. Now, as a solo artist, Harry has taken the reigns on his own artistic expression and vision, presenting One Direction fans and haters, alike, with a truly wonderful final product. I implore everyone to listen to this album as it is so artistically independent from anything Styles has done previously, while highlighting themes of love, loss, individuality, and confidence. Any one of his ten beautifully crafted songs is an instant favorite for lovers of pop, rock, alternative, indie, or country music. Beyond the music itself, Harry has developed into a charismatic fashion icon, wearing a different, personalized Gucci suit ensemble every stop of his fall tour. I am unbelievably excited to see Harry once again in June as his creative journey finally allows him to fulfill his true potential. In the meantime, his groundbreaking solo breakthrough is a must-listen, and will most likely be remembered as a true classic!
1. Flower Boy by Tyler, The Creator
Favorite Songs: “Glitter” and “911/Mr. Lonely”
Concert: In February!
There is a certain feeling exuded by a select few songs from Cherry Bomb, Tyler’s previous album, and I always knew that this was the direction that he was meant to take with his music. Thankfully so, Flower Boy is exactly that. Unlike most harsh and overly-produced rap projects, Tyler’s latest masterpiece is melodic and thoughtful. It’s refreshing to hear unfiltered drums, bass guitars, piano, and even violins accompanying an exposé of raw emotions. Flower Boy also features some of my all-time favorite musicians, including Frank Ocean, Kali Uchis, Jaden Smith, A$AP Rocky, Rex Orange County, and Steve Lacy. Similar to Harry Styles’ situation, it would be a tragedy if Flower Boy was not listened to based off of Tyler’s previous work. The rapper, producer, director, and fashion designer is always pushing the boundaries of what content should or should not be created, and deserves more recognition for his effort. I truly cannot recommend this album enough. Each song contributes to the collective, which should be listened to in order, while still delivering an indescribable experience within itself. It is no exaggeration when I say the only music I listened to from the day Flower Boy was released until the end of August was from this exact album. If that does not convey just how much of a musical genius Tyler is, then nothing ever will.
BROCKHAMPTON and I
Live in Peace. Best Wishes, Madee