What if I told you that these 30 albums were the best that 2017 has had to offer so far? What if I told you that a cure to illness like hangovers and headaches can be instantly cured by pressing play on any of these albums?

 

To get things started, I know what you are thinking. Why did you pick 30 albums instead of 25, 50, 100? There is no reason to ask why, it is what it is. Just read and you will be thanking me by the end of this. So far, 2017 has been way too good to us. Between all of the debut projects and shoegaze reunions, the early portion of this year has been off to a HOT and AGGRESSIVE start. Let’s get to the music.

30. Nothing Yet-Surf Curse TIED No Shape-Perfume Genius

-This one is tough, I love both of these records so much that I equally tied them for 30^th. Surf Curse has progressively made their way into a more visible and collective group that embellishes a mix of surf rock and teenage fantasies through pop. While this project is still great, it tends to be overlooked and almost unseen among the juggernauts of this specific style. As for Perfume Genius, he too has grown more comfortable in his own sad boy pop style and embracing his queer rock mantra. It is easy to tell that he loves what he does and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

29. ALL AMERIKKKAN BADASS-JOEY BADASS

-Joey has always been a rather vocal lyricist, speaking on everything from his impoverished childhood in New York to his pure hatred for the establishment. This new record serves as an anthem for those who continue to fight the good fight to make it in the world during the “reigning tyranny” of President Trump. He urges his listening audience to put those middle fingers up and spark one for freedom.

28. Common Sense– J HUS

-Grime, a subsection of hip hop that was established in the United Kingdom, has been more important than ever during this frightening era of terror. In recent news, multiple acts of radicalism and religious hatred have swarmed the streets and businesses in London. This has allowed acts like Skepta, Stormzy, and rising star J HUS to speak about the hatred that has landed in the epicenter of the prime meridian. Other acts, like Drake and Rihanna, have also taken a liking to the mix of Caribbean and English buoyancy in these specific rhymes and rhythms.

27. Everybody Works– Jay Bee

Breakthrough artist, Melina Duterte, releases her sophomore album that leads the way in melodic bedroom rock for 2017. Associated acts like Mitski and Alex G can help the listeners understand the subtle landscape Duterte paints. I expect her relationship with Polyvinyl Records to become one of indiehead community’s beloved sweethearts.

26. In Between– The Feelies

The Feelies return with an evenly balanced record that combines elements of nostalgia and harmonious songwriting all in one. Here, you can find music that smoothly crescendos and decrescendos with spurts of gripping guitar work while simultaneously reminding us of what once was.

25. Dirty Projectors-Dirty Projectors

David Longstreth and his Dirty Projectors create a self-titled album that shares pop and R&B fusion while observing the gravity of gut wrenching heartbreak. This record contains unique samples and impeccable features, such as “Cool Your Heart” with Dawn Richards. A common theme during this quirky jazz blend is layering and dubbing over the harmonious vocals of Longstreth, which could not have be mixed any better.

24. Hang-Foxygen 

Psychedelic Los Angeles duo radiate and demonstrate their versatility in their highly anticipated album, Hang. Many would agree that the group’s magnum opus, We are the 21^st Ambassadors of Peace and Magic, helped resurface the buttery sound that was dominate in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Working over a three year period with constant breakups and makeups, the band approached this album and recalibrated their sound in a compelling avant-garde and baroque style. Noticeably, the piano and soft airy touches give this album a more professional approach for their most recent LP.

23. Heartworms-The Shins

The last time I have heard new Shins material was when I graduated from high school in 2012. After their brilliant Port of Morrow record with smash hits like “Simple Song” and “For a Fool”, it left multiple Shins fans, like myself, salivating at the bit for more. Unfortunately, this beloved group kept us waiting for what seemed like an eternity. In late 2016 and early 2017, their singles “Name for you” and “Dead Alive” served as an amazing testament for what was to come. I was incredibly happy that the group remained in their traditional lane with poppy melodies and airy guitars. A must listen.

22. Fresh Air– HOMESHAKE

On HOMESHAKE’S third studio LP, the Montreal based slacker rock group glistens with quirky techniques that make any listener want to groove. Members of the group are all very close companions with beloved superstar, Mac Demarco, and spent a long period on the road with him. Here, Mark Goetz and company took many elements from Demarco’s music, but added their own twist to it. You will hear grandiose synthesizers as well as mellow mixing to make any summer playlist eel just right.

21. I Used To Spend So Much Time Alone-Chastity Belt

Hardly Art’s roster contains many groups that are on the rise for female dominated bedroom pop. Artists like, TACOCAT, Ian Sweet, Seapony, and more have been able to flourish with their songwriting under this stupendous management. The same goes for Chastity Belt. After releasing their debut album, No Regerts, it was evident they had their work cut out for them. However, their new album I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone, embraces their vulnerability through heartfelt lyrics and intimate undertones. This project is huge step in Chastity Belt’s direction which should earn them tremendous critical reception. Additionally, it is one of my most listened to albums from start to finish.

20. Melodrama-Lorde

Lorde, Lorde, Lorde, I am Lorde, yah yah yah. I don’t believe I can ever think of Lorde without remembering the hilarious South Park skit. Nonetheless, the New Zealand art pop juggernaut released her second smash record after taking around 5 years to find the perfect sound. O’Connor admits that she felt an immense amount of pressure to release something that was better than her first record, Pure Heroine. After many restless nights, touring, and recording, it is with great pleasure that we can say Lorde is back in action.

 

19. CTRL-SZA

Top Dawg Entertainment has been slammed with new releases from Kendrick, Ab-Soul, and, SiR, but finally, the long awaited SZA album surfaced on June 9^th. It infuriates me that many bloggers and websites claim that this is her first “debut” album, even though she released a fairly confident record, Z, in 2014. Similarly to her first record, SZA incorporates accompanying features from Kendrick Lamar, Isaiah Rashad, and Travis Scott (instead of Chance the Rapper). The 26 year old R&B youngster is poised and confident as ever discussing her troubles with finding true love and engaging in non-committal relationships. In house production team from Top Dawg allows her to shine and let her voice flow like the Mississippi river in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

18. City Music-Kevin Morby 

Kevin Morby has been one busy man this past year. In 2016, Singing Saw blew me out of the water with his haunting echoes and compelling storytelling. While that album focused more on his acoustic side, City Music serves as a rock and roll anthem for all the metropolises Morby calls home. Many songs have a lo fi rock sound that brings the listener back to when the Ramones reigned supreme in the late 70’s. As a matter of fact, “1234” serves as a rock and roll memorial to the now deceased legends of a premium genre. After just recently moving to LA (woop woop), Kevin embarks on an enduring tour across the country and Europe.

17. Woodstock-Portugal. The Man

The Lords of Portugal are BACK. Woodstock is an incredible album that embraces a rock pop sound, but still remaining true to its roots as a pioneer of a classic synth combo. 2013’s, Evil Friends, allowed the group to sit comfortably while racking up an astonishing amount of publishing income with songs like, “Evil Friends” and “Hip Hop Kids”  appearing in numerous commercials and TV shows. While the critical reception of this record has been relatively lukewarm, I believe that this album ages with time like a fine wine. Over and over again, I was reminded that with each listen, I grew closer to the composition of the record.

16. In Mind-Real Estate

One of my all-time favorite bands, Real Estate, released a polished and honest project that entails classic telecaster sounds and airy vibes. Martin Courtney, who has multiple spin off bands of Real Estate (including his solo work), were back in their home town of Brooklyn, New York to dig deep into their new album. There is an evident transition from Atlas, as they have focused on a cleaner sound while still embracing their noticeable soft rock touch. Songs such as “Darling” and “Stained Glass” can be heard all over indie radio because of their familiarity and sweet hooks.

15.Damage and Joy-Jesus and Mary Chain

A shoegaze revival has officially swept the nation. From Ride to Slowdive, the fuzzy space rock is finally done with its long 14 year hiatus. Without skipping a beat, The Jesus and Mary Chain return with a nostalgic arrangement of familiar 90’s shoegaze tracks. Singles, “Amputation” and “Always Sad” set the mood of excitement for fans and listeners who still reminisce in their peculiar ambiance. It is almost as if the popular duo has never left.

14. Hot Thoughts-Spoon

Who doesn’t love Spoon? Austin, Texas legends continue to turn heads, even after releasing their popular They Want My Soul in 2014. Spoon and Merge records seem almost synonymous at times because of their long and faithful relationship. One always being associated with the other. However, the last two years have made the main band members wish to venture and explore new management under more commercial labels. While that may be discouraging to some, the badass traditional rock quartet have not lost their luster or shine. Hot Thoughts achieves everything that die hard Spoon fans adore, while adding new flavors to this fiery record.

13. I Can Feel the Night Around Me-Nightlands

Bass player from The War On Drugs came out with his third solo project with a perfect blend of neo-psychedelia and crazy melodic hooks. It’s soulful, it’s tasteful, and lastly, it’s rich. There are so many different layers going on in this record that it is impossible to listen to it just once. In fact, it is downright stupid if you act on your primary reaction to judge it. It took me about 5 times before I was able to soak in all the quirky lyrics and instrumentation comfortably. This album is criminally under looked and I cannot say enough good things about it.

12. Goths-Mountain Goats

The Mountain Goats have been around for the better part of 25 years, but arguably have flourished in their later projects from the last 5. Transcedental Youth and Beat the Champ act as a warm up to their most recent project’s western songwriting. Throughout the album, John Darnielle’s vocals and accompaniment pay homage to West Coast and goth-like perception of the outside world. On this particular album Darnielle exhibits characteristics of Ben Gibbard (vocalist of Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service) that seem too good to be true. *This is from my previous post about new music on June 3^rd.*

11. Life Without Sound-Cloud Nothings

Hard rock group hailing from Cleveland, Cloud Nothings come back with another smash record giving the listener the chance to take a shot of gasoline, but chasing it with something sweet. Track by track, each song has a unique hi fidelity hard rock twang that only this group can perfect. No matter which song you are to start from, each one could very well be the lead single. I was so satisfied with this and have still kept it on my rotation since its initial release. Side note: the first show I ever saw after moving to LA was Cloud Nothings. Safe to say I felt right at home.

10. Powerplant-Girlpool

As discussed in one of my previous posts, Girlpool has developed in many ways that no other bands can. Starting from the very bottom, many of Girlpool’s songs seemed to be empty and shrill. Now, they have added a drummer, mastered their vocal arrangement, and ultimately embellish their female empowered personas. Even with the addition of a drummer, the power duo still feels more at home with sad rock elements. The album discusses love and frustration over the uneven, yet perfect tones of Tividad and Tucker.

9 Capacity-Big Thief  

Lonely, removed, and gut wrenching are all adjectives to describe Big Thief’s immaculate sophomore project. After releasing a stripped 2016 Masterpiece, the power quartet followed up with an amazing softly touched project. Critical response has been overwhelmingly positive, which should only provide Big Thief more fuel to reach their ultimate goal. While sad and intimate, I was elated and happy that such amazing songwriting still existed.

8. Rocket– (Sandy) Alex G

Philidelphia has claimed its territory with legends of punk, hip hop, and jazz. However, (Sandy) Alex G really hits his stride after years of unnoticed records. After his 2016 release Beach Music, I was able to see that he was really learning the process of making great songs. I knew that eventually he would become an incredible icon in the indie world. Arguably, this is Giannascoli’s best album so far. Many genres ranging from slamming lo fi punk to Americana, he is able to incorporate all the appropriate characteristics while still making it his own. Unbelievable sound from such a talented young kid.

7. The Weather-Pond 

Tame Impala spin off band, Pond, has given me new life since the disappearance of Kevin Parker’s main band. Impala’s roster is chalk-full of impeccable and talented artists that have started their own side projects. Just this year alone, GUM, Cameron Avery, and Pond have all come out with projects of their own. Out of the recent discography from the members, The Weather, reigns over them all. Here you can clearly hear Kevin Parker production undertones and classic psychedelic pop composition. Notably, “Colder than Ice” is the most banging 80’s anthem I have ever heard.

6. Freedom is Free-Chicano Batman

“Freedom is Free!”-shouts the front man of Chicano Batman. A permanent motif throughout the album that illustrates living the life you dream of and never giving up. Coming after their second release, the Spanish dominant rock band has made its way in multiple festival lineups. Notably, their Coachella performance was one of my favorite watched performances I have seen this year. You can definitely expect even greater growth from this group after signing with ATO records. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPZPKxBRbQk

5. 5. Weather Diaries– Ride

I told you that shoegaze revival was back. Ride jumps on the train by releasing their first album since 1996. Instead of jumping back into their traditional shoegaze characteristics, they took their style and revamped it a little. Acts like DIIV and Beach Fossils were apparent influencers during the first three tracks of the album. Additionally, their hit single “All I Want” is the perfect combo of traditional and current.

4. Slowdive-Slowdive

Do I need to explain myself again? YEP. Shoegaze. Much like the previous artist, the last time Slowdive made an album was in 1996, before departing to embark on their own life adventures. Much like Ride and The Jesus and Mary Chain, their self-titled LP seems as if the group had never left. I have shed several tears listening to it because it is that good. My next journey is to see them live, but I can’t imagine how hard finding tickets for an LA show will be. Stay tuned.

3. DAMN. –Kendrick

KUNG FU KENNY wants everyone to sit down and be humble. Still on the Top 40 rotation, HUMBLE. was the first single to be released prior to this album. Every hip hop station is still playing this song around 3 times every hour. With that being said, the first single ultimately sets the mood throughout the entire length of this project. Kendrick also explores with new styles to make widely loved commercial tracks with Rihanna and Zacari. However, you can also find his traditional lyricism in songs like “DUCKWORTH.” “XXX” and “FEEL.” At the blink of an eye, this record can go from confident, to angry, to nostalgic. I don’t think this album has been put down by the general public (or me for that matter). Go, King Kunta, Go.

2. Nothing Feels Natural– Priests

Breakthrough D.C. female dominated (one guy drummer) quartet make heads turn faster than the demented girl from the Exorcist. It is punk and gritty in all the right ways. The vocal range of main frontwoman Daniele Daniele can go from guttural to high pitched in the snap of a finger. She describes the adversities of living in a Trump fueled era through politically charged anecdotes that raise eyebrows left and right. The punk rock composition makes this record feel all over the place, but gathered and collected all at the same time. I cannot stop recommending this album to people enough. Everyone should enjoy this album as much as I do, but as Daniele Daniele says “I wrote a bunch of songs for you, But you never knew and you never deserved them” Check out the chilling video of JJ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbWfKVBpvZY

1. Crack-Up -Fleet Foxes

It is pretty safe to say that whatever Fleet Foxes comes out with is bound to be pure gold. I had this notion constantly running through my head repeatedly prior to the release of their third studio project, Crack Up. Each album they have made has shown their maturity ten times over. From the very start of record to the very end, you are placed in a rollercoaster of folklore and lush country landscapes. Having to wait 6 years for an album like this was hard, but well deserved. I can appreciate the gravity of their songwriting by hearing such grandiose textures and layers of sound. I would suggest listening to this through headphones before putting it on speakers. It requires a great deal of attention to capture all the essential moments of such a magnificent piece of work.

Honorable mentions:

White Reaper-World’s Best American Band

Mac Demarco-This Old Dog

Pile-A Hairshirt of Purpose

Aseigur-Afterglow

The Drums-Abysmal Thoughts

Conor Oberst-Salutations

Future Islands-The Far Field

Beach Fossils-Somersault

MIGOS-Culture

 

The ugly of 2017 so far:

Katy Perry

Taylor swift releasing stuff on Spotify

Alt-J

the chainsmokers because fuck them

Lil Yachty

Wale