Nothing But Thieves

Best Albums of 2017

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2017. What a year. The time has now come to evaluate the releases of the past twelve months and pick the cream of the crop. While this year did not offer a large amount of truly amazing records, the few that did catch my attention are undeniably stellar albums. So let’s jump into it. Like last year, when it comes to year-end lists, I tend to be a bit more personal, relaxed, and interject my opinion more honestly, so strap in. (Keep in mind that these lists are in no exact, particular order since my views fluctuate relatively frequently.)

Honorable Mentions

Before we dive into the top full-lengths of 2017, let’s survey some honorable mentions, some albums that came close and yet so far.

10. Synesthesia by Courage My Love

Courage My Love expertly pulls off a stark stylistic shift on Synesthesia, transitioning from gutsy hard rock to synth-dazzled pop rock. The catchy hooks and smooth vocals stick the landing and make this album consistently replayable.

9. Good Nature by Turnover

Another change in sonic attitude, Turnover’s daydreamy record Good Nature showcases the band treading new territory into a hypnotically mellow trance. Sweet, heartfelt lyricism and liquidy guitar timbre gives this LP its undeniable charm and allure.

8. Okay. by As It Is

The album title doesn’t accurately describe this record since Okay. is more than just okay. This addicting slice of pop punk displays As It Is developing as songwriters and musicians exploring different styles and subject matters. (And Patty Walters’s vocals certainly improved.)

7. Broken Machine by Nothing But Thieves

Nothing But Thieves strikes yet again with the thunderous Broken Machine. Between soaring vocal performances from frontman Conor Mason and heavy-hitting guitars, Broken Machine is a phenomenal rock record for 2017.

6. LANY by LANY

The glistening synths, erratic guitar flares, and earnest libretto causes LANY’s self-titled debut full-length to instantly deserve repeated spins. With inspiration from the ’80s and a modern knack for relatable lyrics, this album will appeal to just about everybody.

5. Eternity, In Your Arms by Creeper

Creeper’s theatrical songwriting and dark rock demeanor gives their debut album a stage-filling presence and moody atmosphere. Their dramatic character and instrumental sensibility makes Eternity, In Your Arms nothing less than fascinating and enjoyable.

4. What If Nothing by Walk the Moon

While Walk the Moon’s self-titled album is still their best in my eyes, What If Nothing combines the glittery ’80s-esque vibes of its predecessor and the curiosity and wide-eyed wonder of the band’s debut, making for a well-rounded and ever-interesting listen.

3. As You Please by Citizen

Emo revivalists Citizen recrudesce with their third full-length titled As You Please. As You Please is nothing short of expressive and cultivated through heartfelt lyrics, enticing vocal delivery, and poignant melodies, demanding you to listen again and again to catch every detail.

2. Adornment by Grayscale

Grayscale’s sophomore full-length Adornment testifies to the band’s engaging songwriting and stellar musicianship. With animated choruses and tireless libretto, Adornment doesn’t need to be adorned with enhancements—it’s already amazing.

1. Turn Out the Lights by Julien Baker

Emotional lyricism and morose melodies define Julien Baker’s second studio effort named Turn Out the Lights, displaying the solo performer examining new instrumental territories within a more piano-driven realm. It’s eerie, emotive, and undoubtedly memorable.

Best Albums of 2017

Before we finally delve into what I think are the absolute best albums of 2017, let’s discuss what it takes to make this list. For me, a record must be consistently replayable, rarely ever trite or stale after every listen. I should be able to look through the track-listing and enjoy (or, well, at least admire) every song present. With all that being said, 2017 didn’t produce a ton of best-worthy albums for me personally, so here’s my somewhat short list.

6. Feel Something by Movements

Movements’ debut album Feel Something will certainly make you feel something. This long-player hurts in the best way possible. As the artwork implies, Feel Something is haunting, dark, and raw, destined to keep your head spinning for hours to come when the closer ends.

5. After the Party by The Menzingers

The Menzingers explore the struggles of growing up and maturing through vigorous alt-rock and spirited songwriting. Impassioned lyricism melds with musical brio to produce a delectable listen from start to finish bound to hit you right in the gut with its raw relatability and emotion.

4. Lovely Little Lonely by The Maine

Catchy hooks, slick guitar melodies, and earnest lyrics characterize The Maine’s sixth studio album, Lovely Little Lonely. The band offers up some of their best material to date and tiptoes outside of their comfort zone on multiple tunes blanketed with atmosphere.

3. Harry Styles by Harry Styles

I never thought I would be writing about Harry Styles on an alternative music website but here we are. Styles delivers his debut solo album with grandiosity and charm. From thunderous, rocking choruses to calm, sincere acoustic serenades, Styles proves he’s more than just a typical (former) boy band member.

2. Melodrama by Lorde

Four years after her groundbreaking debut album, Lorde returns more lyrically mature and musically expansive than ever. Youthful yet mellow, Melodrama doesn’t hold back its emotions. Between songs of break-ups, struggles in the industry, and friendly endeavors, Lorde has certainly grown, and this record was well worth the wait.

1. After Laughter by Paramore

Irresistible melodies, smooth guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics define Paramore’s fifth studio album titled After Laughter. The band leans into a colorful new sound gilded by the ’80s and pop sensibility, continuing to push the envelope of their musical range and variation. This album never grows stale with each song offering up something fresh while still maintaining its throwback attitude.

Keep in mind this is all entirely my personal opinion. Let us know your favorite albums of the year down in the comments below!

September 2017 Alt Col Picks

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A bunch of fantastic records were released in September, so here are our favorite albums of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here!

  • Nothing But Thieves – Broken Machine

Two years after their boisterous debut album, Nothing But Thieves returns with yet another pounding release. Broken Machine is characterized by thunderous percussion, deafening guitar riffs, and soaring vocal performances from Conor Mason that are undoubtedly unforgettable. Standout tracks include “Amsterdam,” “Sorry,” and “I’m Not Made By Design.” Broken Machine will appeal to fans of Twin Atlantic, Don Broco, and Night Riots. Click here to listen.

  • MUTEMATH – Play Dead

Energetic synths and creamy guitar melodies define MUTEMATH’s fifth studio effort titled Play Dead, and it’s nothing less than lively and animated. The album is outlined by passionate vocals, cultivated lyrics, and syrupy riffs that are destined to send you into a trance. Standout tracks include “Hit Parade,” “Stroll On,” and “Break the Fever.” Play Dead is sure to attract followers of Two Door Cinema Club, Grizfolk, and POP ETC. Click here to listen.

  • Seaway – Vacation

Seaway recrudesces with their pop punk sensibility and a desire to explore on their new record Vacation. Calibrated musicianship and captivating songwriting causes this LP to be easily replayable and bound to get stuck in your head between its head-bobbing choruses and intriguing lyrics. Standout tracks include “Apartment,” “Something Wonderful,” and “Lula on the Beach.” Vacation will capture listeners of Broadside, Neck Deep, and State Champs. Click here to listen.

  • The National – Sleep Well Beast

Nearly two decades into their musical career, indie rockers The National recharges with Sleep Well Beast, a buoyant display of vibrant instrumentation and introspective lyricism. The crunchy guitar riff of “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” is an undeniable earworm, a term which can also describe the majority of this release. Standout tracks include “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness,” “Guilty Party,” and “Nobody Else Will Be There.” Sleep Well Beast is sure to interest fans of Local Natives, Vampire Weekend, and The War on Drugs. Click here to listen.

  • Alvvays – Antisocialites

Hazy indie pop rock reaches new heights on Alvvays’s sophomore addition, Antisocialites. Leisurely moments like “In Undertow” and “Dreams Tonite” pack a punch while still offering the daydreamy feeling of floating on clouds, proving this group can dominant diverse realms of indie rock. Standout tracks include “In Undertow,” “Dreams Tonite,” “Plimsoll Punks,” and “Lollipop (Ode to Jim).” Antisocialites will appeal to listeners of girlpool, Beach House, and Real Estate. Click here to listen.

  • Wolf Alice – Visions of a Life

Raucous distortion and savory percussion outline Wolf Alice’s latest long-player, which is named Visions of a Life. This album is construed by transcendent musicality, distinct vocal delivery, and memorable melodies, making for a delectable alt-rock listen. Standout tracks include “Heavenward,” “Yuk Foo,“ and “Don’t Delete the Kisses.” Visions of a Life is sure to satisfy followers of Warpaint, Telegram, and The Vaccines. Click here to listen.

  • The Killers – Wonderful Wonderful

Alt-rock veterans The Killers craft something truly wonderful on their most recent release titled Wonderful Wonderful. Through mesmerizing guitar refrains, thought-provoking libretto, and groovy, soulful operatic performances, this record is sure to spin on repeat for a long time to come. Standout tracks include “The Man,” “Wonderful Wonderful,” “Run for Cover,” and “The Calling.” Wonderful Wonderful will capture fans of Keane, Muse, and Kings of Leon. Click here to listen.

  • Makeout – The Good Life

With songwriting assistance from 5SOS members Ashton Irwin and Calum Hood, Makeout’s debut LP The Good Life certainly wears its influences on its sleeve. After changing their name from Trophy Wives to Makeout, the band also made a stylistic shift towards more accessible pop rock constituted by upbeat choruses and tongue-in-cheek lyricism. Standout tracks include “Childish,” “Ride It Out,” “Clockwork,” and “You Can’t Blame Me.” The Good Life is bound to attract listeners of All Time Low, 5 Seconds of Summer, and With Confidence. Click here to listen.

  • Counterparts – You’re Not You Anymore

Moody and granular, this hard-hitting metalcore project from Counterparts embodies intensity and aptitude. You’re Not You Anymore is vigorous and electric through its robust, gutsy anthems and vehement choruses, but the more creeping moments provide this album its tenacity. Standout tracks include “No Servant of Mine,” “Swim Beneath My Skin,” and “Bouquet.” You’re Not You Anymore will appeal to followers of While She Sleeps, Trophy Eyes, and The Ghost Inside. Click here to listen.

  • TWIABP&IANLATD – Always Foreign

The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die returns on Always Foreign with spirited singalong hooks and spry drum cadences, as well as more downtrodden intonations and hypnotic vocal exhibitions. Standout tracks include “The Future,” “I’ll Make Everything,” “Marine Tigers,” and “Gram.” Always Foreign will satisfy listeners of Joyce Manor, Modern Baseball, and Pity Sex. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Foo Fighters – Concrete & Gold

Standout tracks include “Run,” “The Sky Is A Neighborhood,” and “The Line.” For fans of Smashing Pumpkins, Queens of the Stone Age, and Audioslave. Click here to listen.

  • Circa Survive – The Amulet

Standout tracks include “Lustration,” “The Amulet,” and “Premonition of the Hex.” For fans of Saosin, A Lot Like Birds, and I the Mighty. Click here to listen.

  • Nothing More – The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Standout tracks include “Go to War,” “Let ‘Em Burn,” and “Fade In/Fade Out.” For fans of Sleepwave, Our Walking Hour, and The Family Ruin. Click here to listen.

  • Being As An Ocean – Waiting for Morning to Come

Standout tracks include “Black & Blue,” “Dissolve,” and “Waiting for Morning to Come.” For fans of La Dispute, Have Mercy, and Hotel Books. Click here to listen.

  • LEDGES – Homecoming

Standout tracks include “All Right,” “Teenage Daydream,” and “New York.” For fans of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Divine Fits, and Atlas Genius. Click here to listen.

  • The Lone Bellow – Walk Into a Storm

Standout tracks include “Time’s Always Leaving,” “Deeper in the Water,” and “Walk Into a Storm.” For fans of The Head and the Heart, Muddy Magnolias, and Little Chief. Click here to listen.

  • Prawn – Run

Standout tracks include “Hunter,” “Snake Oil Salesman,” and “Leopard’s Paw.” For fans of Deer Leap, Foxing, and Dowsing. Click here to listen.

  • Jaws of Love. – Tasha Sits Close To the Piano

Standout tracks include “Hawaiian License Plates,” “Love Me Like I’m Gone,” and “Jaws of Love.” For fans of Local Natives, Yellow Ostrich and Land of Talk. Click here to listen.

  • Camp Cope – Camp Cope

Standout tracks include “Lost (Season One),” “Jet Fuel Can’t Melt Steel Beams,” and “Done.” For fans of Varsity, Cayetana, and Waax. Click here to listen.

  • Across the Atlantic – Works of Progress

Standout tracks include “Playing for Keeps,” “Sundress Funeral,” and “24 Hours.” For fans of A Day to Remember, Mayday Parade, and I Prevail. Click here to listen.

  • The Movielife – Cities In Search of a Heart

Standout tracks include “Mercy Is Asleep At the Wheel,” “Ghosts In the Photographs,” and “Lake Superior.” For fans of New Found Glory, I Am the Avalanche, and Alkaline Trio. Click here to listen.

  • Looming – Seed

Standout tracks include “Down,” “Tried & True,” and “Leaves.” For fans of Slow Bullet, Dryjacket, and American Football. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • 7 Minutes in Heaven – Symmetry

Standout tracks include “Symmetry,” “LOTL,” and “Better Off.” For fans of State Champs, Face Value, and (old) Fall Out Boy. Click here to listen.

  • Joseph – Stay Awake

Standout tracks include “All,” “Lifted Away,” and “Moonlight Mile.” For fans of Penny & Sparrow, Fortunes, and Jillian Edwards. Click here to listen.

  • LAYNE – Wednesday

Standout tracks include “The Fog,” “!!! Omg !!!,” and “The Andes.” For fans of The 1975, Chase Atlantic, and LANY. Click here to listen.

  • Ysgol Sul – Eventide

Standout tracks include “Silhouette,” “Promise Me,” and “Dwell.” For fans of Dryjacket, People Like You, and Moose Blood. Click here to listen.

  • Stand Atlantic – Sidewinder

Standout tracks include “Sidewinder,” “Push,” and “Chemicals.” For fans of Knuckle Puck, Forever Starts Today, and Tonight Alive. Click here to listen.

  • High Wire – Different Places

Standout tracks include “Different Places (ft. Zech Pluister),” “Something in the Way,” and “Count On Me.” For fans of Sleep On It, Seaway, and Mayday Parade. Click here to listen.

  • Life Lessons – Best When In Motion

Standout tracks include “Attention to Detail,” “Control,” and “Without Looking Back.” For fans of Knuckle Puck, Sleep On It, and Bonfires. Click here to listen.

  • The Neighbourhood – Hard

Standout tracks include “24/7,” “You Get Me So High,” and “Sadderdaze.” For fans of BØRNS, Jaymes Young, and Arctic Monkeys. Click here to listen.

  • Good Old War – Part of Me

Standout tracks include “Part of Me,” “How Did You Find Me?,” and “The River.” For fans of The Oh Hellos, Twin Forks, and Rend Collective. Click here to listen.

  • Sleepy Limbs – Sleepy Limbs

Standout tracks include “Sweet and Sour,” “Sunspot Eyes,” and “Out of Body.” For fans of Slow Bullet, The Social Animals, and Woolbright. Click here to listen.

 

  • Echosmith – Inside a Dream

Standout tracks include “Get Into My Car,” “Lessons,” and “18.” For fans of Against the Current, HAIM, and Bleachers. Click here to listen.

 

  • Bearings – Nothing Here Is Permanent

Standout tracks include “North Hansen,” “Petrichor,” and “Letters Home.” For fans of A Will Away, Cold Climb It, and Sleep On It. Click here to listen.

  • Thank the Academy – Navigation

Image may contain: ocean, water and outdoorStandout tracks include “Navigation,” “Breathe,” and “Aboveboard.” For fans of Chase This City, Far Too Young, and Face Value. Click here to listen.

  • The Wonder Years – Burst & Decay (An Acoustic EP)

Standout tracks include “There, There,” “Cardinals,” and “Dismantling Summer.” For fans of Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties, Citizen, and Turnover. Click here to listen.

Let us know what you think of September’s releases down in the comments below!