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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!

August 2017 Alt Col Picks

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A lot of great albums appeared in August, so here are our favorite records of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here! Also stick around for our featured singles at the end of this post!

  • Brand New – Science Fiction

Eight years since their most recent full-length release, alt-rock veteran group Brand New returns with their final effort, Science Fiction. Science Fiction is transcendental and otherworldly at times with psychedelic guitar melodies, biblical allusions, and therapeutic dream analysis tapes. The band still unleashes their ferocity through fiery breakdowns and also showcases their softer side with gentle balladry. Standout tracks include “Can’t Get It Out,” “Same Logic/Teeth,” and “451.” Science Fiction is sure to interest fans of The Early November, La Dispute, and Slow Bullet. (It’s Brand freakin’ New, do you really need a recommendation?)

  • PVRIS – All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell

PVRIS is recognized for their mesmerizing blend of piercing rock and colorful electronic music, as well as frontwoman Lynn Gunn’s soaring vocal performances. That trend is continued and expanded upon on their new album, All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell, in which the band utilizes the synthetic production even more candidly throughout the latest LP. Standout tracks include “What’s Wrong,” “Heaven,” and “Anyone Else.” All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell will appeal to fans of She Is We, Colours, and Against the Current.

  • Neck Deep – The Peace and the Panic

Energetic percussion and gritty guitar riffs characterize Neck Deep’s newest album titled The Peace and the Panic, and it’s nothing short of a triumph. The band explores some new timbres, like early 2000s emo on “In Bloom,” and improves upon their solid pop punk proficiency with catchy hooks and memorable lyrics. Standout tracks include “Motion Sickness,” “In Bloom,” and “Where Do We Go When We Go.” The Peace and the Panic is sure to attract followers of With Confidence, WSTR, and Seaway.

  • Turnover – Good Nature

Turnover recrudesces with their trademark daydreamy tonality and spellbinding assonance on their new record Good Nature. The band comfortably dominates the floaty, gossamer sonic style they have established, and the lighter lyrical content is a step in a more buoyant direction from their previous long-player. Standout tracks include “Pure Devotion,” “Sunshine Type,” and “Butterfly Dream.” Good Nature will capture listeners of Dryjacket, Foxing, and Glass Towers.

  • Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins

The intimate intricacy and roisterous abandon exhibited on Grizzly Bear’s latest release proves what this band is capable of crafting. Painted Ruins is a familiar yet fresh approach in the outfit’s catalog between its indie attitude, warm guitars, and thumping percussion. Standout tracks include “Mourning Sound,” “Three Rings,” “Aquarian,” and “Sky Took Hold.” Painted Ruins will appeal to listeners of Atlas Sound, Deerhunter, and Local Natives.

  • Wage War – Deadweight

Metalcore band Wage War unleashes their sophomore full-length detailed by thunderous guitar refrains and melodic vocal performances. Through impassioned screams, hard-hitting breakdowns, and electrifying lyrics, Deadweight is gripping and a must-listen for any metal fan. Standout tracks include “Don’t Let Me Fade Away,” “Witness,” “Gravity,” and “Indestructible.” Deadweight will capture followers of Fit for a King, Beartooth, and Oh, Sleeper.

  • The Accidentals – Odyssey

Delectable melodies and lively musicality outline The Accidentals’ latest long-player, Odyssey. This jaunty album is construed by thoughtful libretto, distinct vocal delivery, and palatable guitar playing, making for a timeless indie rock listen. Standout tracks include “Odyssey,” “Memorial Day,“ and “In the Morning.” Odyssey is sure to satisfy fans of Nickel Creek, Elephant Revival, and The Ragbirds.

  • Woolbright – Busybody Lazybones

Pensive and refined, (but with a granular edge), this indie alt-rock project delivers fervor and competence. Busybody Lazybones is intense and rousing through its boisterous, spirited anthems and hearty choruses, but the more relaxed moments provide this album its effectiveness and diversity. Standout tracks include “What’s It Gonna Be,” “Symbiotic Harmony,” and “19th Street.” Busybody Lazybones will appeal to listeners of Glass Towers, People Like You, and Dryjacket.

  • The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding

The War on Drugs lets the music speak for itself on A Deeper Understanding. Lengthy guitar solos are strewn throughout the track listing, which is balanced with the heartfelt lyricism to create a perfect blend of instrumentation and vocals. From downtrodden ballads to rollicking, vivace tunes, A Deeper Understanding never grows monotonous. Standout tracks include “Pain,” “Up All Night,” “Knocked Down,” and “In Chains.” A Deeper Understanding is bound to attract followers of Future Islands, The National, and Spoon.

  • Forever Starts Today – Always Hope

Forever Starts Today releases an enthusiastic debut characterized by gutsy rock anthems and poignant acoustic ballads. Always Hope is an unforgettable display of musical aptitude, reverberate singalong chants, forthright guitar refrains, and upbeat percussion beats that give the album a driving sense of conation and eagerness. Standout tracks include “Optimist,” “Miracle,” “Growing Pains,” and “Alannah.” Always Hope will satisfy listeners of Deaf Havana, Tonight Alive, and The Getaway Plan.

  • Everything Everything – A Fever Dream

The pungent, charismatic intonation of Everything Everything’s latest indie rock LP is undeniably enchanting and nearly hypnotizing. The introspective and politically-minded lyrical content is veraciously coupled with the savory instrumentation and musicianship on A Fever Dream. Standout tracks include “Night of the Long Knives,” “Ivory Tower,” and “Run the Numbers.” A Fever Dream is sure to interest fans of Modest Mouse, alt-J, and Young the Giant.

  • Queens of the Stone Age – Villains

With biting distortion and raucous percussion, Villains finds a comfortable home in the Queens of the Stone Age discography. Four years since their last album, the rock band returns with energy, excitement, and a pop sensibility, evident from the production work of Mark Ronson. (“Uptown Funk.”) Standout tracks include “The Evil Has Landed,” “Head Like a Haunted House,” and “Un-Reborn Again.” Villains will appeal to followers of Grouplove, Geographer, and Foster the People.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS & EXTENDED PLAYS

  • The Districts – Popular Manipulations

Mellow indie alternative bliss. Standout tracks include “If Before I Wake,” “Ordinary Day,” and “Salt.” For fans of The Apache Relay, Dr. Dog, and Deerhunter.

  • Lilly Hiatt – Trinity Lane

Ecstatic, heartfelt Americana rock. Standout tracks include “The Night David Bowie Died,” “Trinity Lane,” and “Records.” For fans of Courtney Barnett, First Aid Kit, and Trampled By Turtles.

  • Iron & Wine – Beast Epic

Contemplative singer/songwriter goodness. Standout tracks include “Call It Dreaming,” “Thomas County Law,” and “Summer Clouds.” For fans of The Milk Carton Kids, Damien Rice, and Sufjan Stevens.

  • Rainer Maria – Rainer Maria

Vociferous rock with firm vocals. Standout tracks include “Lower Worlds,” “Suicides and Lazy Eyes,“ and “Blackbird.” For fans of Sleater-Kinney, Wolf Alice, and Royal Blood.

  • Like Ghosts – To Feel Like You’re Drowning  (EP)

Animated rock with impressive musicianship. Standout tracks include “Iris” and “To Feel Like You’re Drowning,” but the whole EP is stellar! For fans of Too Close to Touch, Crown the Empire, and I Prevail.

  • Offended By Everything – Never Too Late to Start Again  (EP)

Energetic, punky rock. Standout tracks include “22” and “What’s So Great About Hollywood?,” but the whole EP is great! For fans of Knuckle Puck, Cold Climb It, and Woes.

  • Sincerely, Me – Aesthetically Pleasing  (EP)

Vivacious pop punk littered with catchy hooks. Standout tracks include “Main Attraction” and “Hella,” but the whole EP is awesome! For fans of State Champs, 7 Minutes in Heaven, and With Confidence.

  • Lakeshore – 41

Vibrant rock with robust musicality. Standout tracks include “Future,” “History,” and “Pure Imagination.” For fans of Issues, I Prevail, and Starset.

  • Smallpools – The Science of Letting Go  (EP)

Effervescent indie excellence. Standout tracks include “Million Bucks” and “Passenger Side,” but the entire EP is fantastic! For fans of WATERS, Walk the Moon, and COIN.

  • Picture This – Picture This

Enlivening pop rock with ardent lyrics. Standout tracks include “Take My Hand,” “Addicted to You,” and “Never Change.” For fans of Amber Run, Kodaline, and Samestate.

  • First Time in Color – Strangers  (EP)

We published our July post before this EP was released, so we’ve included it here! Standout tracks include “Strangers” and “Spirit,” but the whole EP is outstanding! For fans of The Dangerous Summer, Finish Ticket, and The Gaslight Anthem.

  • Able Baker Fox – Visions

Unique and expressive indie rock. Standout tracks include “Purple Mountains,” “Free Flowers,” and “Drift.” For fans of The Bravery, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Shins.

  • Oh Sees – Orc

Experimental, mesmerizing indie rock. Standout tracks include “The Static God,” “Jettisoned,” and “Animated Violence.” For fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tame Impala, and Broken Bells.

  • Dead Leaves – Vultures

Earnest rock with a fervent bite. Standout tracks include “Sunrise,” “Death and Taxes,” and “Die Young.” For fans of Modern Baseball, Slow Bullet, and The Front Bottoms.

  • Queen Moo – Mean Well

Profound, unfeigned indie rock with interesting styles and instrumentation. Standout tracks include “What It Comes To,” “Funeral,” and “It’s Become Clear.” For fans of VARSITY, People Like You, and Into It. Over It.

  • Concealed in Clouds – Aspire. Apprise. Assemble. Arise.

Thunderous rock with impassioned songwriting. Standout tracks include “Aspire,” “Dearly Beloved (feat. Naderge),” and “Phenomena.” For fans of Too Close to Touch, Starset, and Crown the Empire.

 

Featured Singles

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