If you’re anything like me, music is a giant source of happiness in your life. 2017 was a fantastic year for the music scene. Thanks to some friends, I’ve compiled a list of the albums that are worth checking out. Each album was selected by popular vote, so don’t be angry if your favorite isn’t there. Try to expand your music taste in 2018!
Pop
Sam Smith - "The Thrill Of It All"
After "In The Lonely Hour," I wasn’t sure what to expect from Smith. This album is a regrowth album debuting a stronger Sam Smith that has survived his heartbreak. Thankfully, the happy mood of Smith didn’t take away his beautiful lyric writing ability.
Favorite Track? Palace
Alternative
Paramore - "After Laughter"
Paramore is a band that has been through quite a lot in their ten years as a band. They have lost members and almost broke up a few times. Thankfully, they are still around and have gifted us with this wonderful album full of jams! Each song has powerful and emotional lyrics with pump up music that you can’t help but dancing to.
Favorite Track: Fake Happy
Punk Rock
Rise Against - "Wolves"
The album follows the 2016 presidential election and the challenge of authority in our world. The album title "Wolves" refers to fighting off the bad guys and for what is right.
Favorite Track? Miracle
Rock
Imagine Dragons - "Evolve"
The album being titled evolve is appropriate because the band has evolved much since "Smoke and Mirrors". The album features the pop rock we know and love from Imagine Dragons and some hints of EDM and hip-hop. It is the banger we have always needed.
Favorite Track? Believer
Folk
Fleet Foxes - "Crack-Up"
Crack-Up is the first release in six years from Fleet Foxes after a three-year hiatus. The excitement was real. The album was worth waiting for as it is different, but a good different. The artists’ maturity is very obvious, and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
Favorite Track? I Should See Memphis
Hip-Hop
Kendrick Lamar - "DAMN"
With all the albums Lamar has released, the expectations for "DAMN." were high. The album features many of the contributors from previous albums and is just as good as its predecessor "To Pimp A Butterfly." With lyrics that would make your grandmother blush, enjoy this violent album away from innocent minds.
Favorite Track: Love ft. Zacari
Metal
Falsifier - "World Demise"
For those of you that are death core fans, look no further for your new favorite band. Falsifier came out with a gnarly EP a while back and took our breath away with their ability to be hardcore. Death core is alive and well thanks to this band and their energy isn’t going anywhere.
Favorite Track? Reborn/Eternal
Indie
Iron & Wine - "Beast Epic"
"Beast Epic" is another awesome feel good album from the "Iron and Wine" that we love. The roots and pop-folk muse has borne this album to us and I couldn’t be more thankful. It is an album that you can listen to with any mood that you are experiencing, and you will feel better some way.
Favorite Track? Call It Dreaming
EDM
Illenium - "Awake"
Illenium says "A lot of emotions went into 'Awake.'" I think one of the themes from this album is being open and accepting of the full range of emotions a person can experience.” This album is the one to listen to if you need pumping up!
Fav Track? Where’d You Go ft. Take The Sky
Country
Shania Twain - "Now"
This is the return of the Shania Twain we used to know. Twain hasn’t released any music since 2011, but it’s been worth the wait to have this album "Now." Twain has dealt with emotional turmoil of divorce and a sickness that almost took her beautiful singing voice away, but she has come back triumphant and ready to grace us with more country tunes.
Favorite Track? Life’s About To Get Good
These are just 10 of the great albums that came out this year. Each is worth checking out and could quite possibly become a new favorite of yours! Enjoy and check back next year for another top 10 list!
