17 from 2017: Album edition
From new artists to Grammy nominees, here’s our list of the top albums from this year
With the year coming to an end and music charts bustling with new and old songs alike, we have composed a list of what we believe to be the best 17 albums from 2017.
Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.”
Kendrick Lamar released his fourth studio album “DAMN.” on April 14 and it has dominated the charts ever since, making its debut at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. “HUMBLE.,” possibly one of the most popular singles from the album, peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated the charts for 35 weeks. Lamar gave new listeners and fans a new sound with the album. His lyrics are all relevant to today’s social climate and Lamar expresses every view under the sun throughout this album. “DAMN.” features Rihanna, Zacari and U2, and each of the released singles charted on the billboard charts. Lamar has been nominated for a total of five Grammys for “DAMN.”
Lorde’s “Melodrama”
New Zealand singer, songwriter and record producer Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, known by her stage name Lorde, released her second album “Melodrama” on June 16 at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Lorde took a four-year gap following the success of her first album “Pure Heroine” and two Grammy wins. She released the first single “Green Light” on March 2 in a sudden comeback that was long anticipated by fans and garnered a Grammy nomination for album of the year. Despite the highly welcomed return, she failed to produce a single as successful as “Royals.”
Tyler, the Creator’s “Flower Boy”
Tyler, the Creator released “Flower Boy” on July 21. It’s his fourth studio album and a debut at No. 2 on the US Billboard 200. The album exceeded all expectations, and although it’s different than Tyler’s previous works, the album was beautiful. “Flower Boy” is able to be enjoyed by people with different music tastes and was most definitely the album of the summer. The album featured A$AP Rocky, Rex Orange County, Jaden Smith, Steve Lacy, Lil Wayne, Frank Ocean, Anna of the North, Kali Uchis and Estelle. “Flower Boy” is nominated for best rap album and Tyler’s first solo Grammy nomination.
Taylor Swift’s “Reputation”
American mega popstar Taylor Swift released her sixth album “Reputation,” which ended the three year hiatus that followed the massive success of “1989.” Although the four singles released from the album failed to produce the same chart-topping performance Swift has come to be known by, she still managed to sell 1.2 million units in its first week of sales. “Reputation” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and brought her fourth album to sell more than one million copies it first week. Through the album, Swift rebrands herself with a more confident person and brings her most cohesive sound to date.
Sza’s “Ctrl”
New to the music scene singer-songwriter Sza released her debut studio album “Ctrl” on June 9. The album was something many could connect with and really feel the music. Sza will be one to watch for many more years to come, as she made a name for herself with “Ctrl.” The album featured big names such as Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott. Sza is the most nominated woman for the 2018 Grammy’s with five nominations for “Ctrl.”
Harry Styles’ “Harry Styles”
Former One Direction member Harry Styles released his self-titled debut album, “Harry Styles,” on May 12. Styles’ debut solo single “Sign of the Times” released at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. “Harry Styles” offered a more expanded sound than what the former band member was producing previously. The soft rock sound shocked new listeners and pleased fans. Although the sound is different than what other former bandmates are creating, Styles’ sound is by far the most diverse.
Khalid’s “American Teen”
On March 3, Khalid released his debut album “American Teen.” The 19 year old first released his debut single “Location” in July of 2016, where it peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. From there, the young artist won the hearts of millions with his music and charismatic personality. The album was composed of soft tunes to complement Khalid’s voice beautifully. With five Grammy nominations for the album and several featured songs, Khalid is one of the youngest nominees.
Daniel Caesar’s “Freudian”
Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar released his debut album “Freudian” on Aug. 25. The sweet sounds complement the 22 year old’s voice perfectly. Every song gives a unique soft sound and carries emotion. Caesar is beyond talented and this album just proves it. “Freudian” follows a simple R&B/soul sound but bends the rules of R&B along the way. The calming sound of the album is what attracts fans and pleases current fans. The album features Kali Uchis, H.E.R., Syd, Sean Leon and Charlotte Day Wilson. Caesar is nominated for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance with Kali Uchis.
Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me”
Demi Lovato released her sixth album “Tell Me You Love Me” on Sept. 29 following her 2016 break from music. Lovato has publicly struggled with mental illness and the ordeals that come along with fame; through the album Lovato shows her newfound strength and reflects on her past relationships. The chart topping “Sorry Not Sorry” portrays Lovato as a confident and empowered woman and the theme intertwines throughout the 15 songs on the album. With the success of her sixth album release she received her first ever Grammy nomination for the Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy.
Sam Smith’s “The Thrill of It All”
Sam Smith released his second studio album “The Thrill of It All” following his four Grammy wins for his highly successful 2014 album “In the Lonely Hour.” The album, however, did not to live up to the expectations set by Smith’s 2014 album’s performance, as he failed to produce any No. 1 hits with the highest charting song “Too Good At Goodbyes” peaking at No. 4. Throughout the album Smith delivered a soulful pop performance as he sings ballads about love and his life in the limelight.
Brockhampton’s “Saturation II”
On Aug. 25 boyband Brockhampton released its sequel album, “Saturation II.” Although the album followed a similar sound as the first “Saturation” album, this one met all fans’ expectations. Brockhampton received lots of positive messages for the new album. “The Fader” magazine expressed its love for the band and the new album, as well as fellow musician, Tyler, The Creator, who retweeted the bands tweet announcing the arrival of the new album. The band took inspiration from fellow musicians such as Frank Ocean, Lil Wayne and Louis Armstrong.
Father John Misty’s “Pure Comedy”
Singer, songwriter and musician Josh Tillman, who performs under the name “Father John Misty,” released his third album “Pure Comedy” on April 7. With the album, Tillman stays true to his folklife-alternative style as he sings about unconventional topics such as religion and politics. He vividly portrays his cynical personality fans have come to love as he delves deeper into his thoughts on the current state of the world. The most recent album brought along two Grammy nominations for the still fairly unknown alternative artist.
Drake’s “More Life”
Canadian rapper, Drake, released his newest album, “More Life,” on March 18. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, it became Drake’s seventh consecutive No. 1 album. It was carried by five singles: “Fake Love,” “Portland,” “Glow,” “Passionfruit” and “Free Smoke.” “More Life” featured many guest vocalists, including Kanye West, Young Thug, Travis Scott and 2 Chainz. The 22-song album with an 81 minute runtime was unique compared to the 31 year old’s previous work. The album impressed new listeners by showing diversity in sound.
Miley Cyrus’ “Younger Now”
Miley Cyrus released her sixth studio album titled “Younger Now” on Sept. 29, following the demise of her popularity that was brought about by her 2013 “Bangerz” and 2015 “Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz” albums. Within her most recent album, Cyrus attempts to venture back toward her country roots and stray away from the pop-rap persona she created with her past albums. Miley debuted her first single “Malibu” on May 11 at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The song displays the her overall new sound as a pop star with a country twist.
Ed Sheeran’s “÷”
English singer, songwriter Ed Sheeran released his third studio album “÷” on March 3 after releasing two record-breaking singles, “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill,” on Jan. 6. The album has 12 tracks and debuted at No. 1 on the Official UK album charts with 672,000 sales in its opening week. Earning a double-platinum certification in the UK right after its release, Sheeran executed a perfect pop formula of melodic and catchy songs while continuing his major role in pop music. His latest release received two Grammy nominations and continues to top the charts.
Jay-Z’s “4:44”
American rapper Shawn Corey Carter, known by his stage name JAY-Z, released his 13th studio album on June 30, and was greeted by massive critical appraise. The album is his response to his wife Beyonce’s 2016 album “Lemonade,” in which she famously accused him of infidelity. Through the tracks he address a wide range of topics from his infidelity and personal struggles to current political movements. In the first single and title track, “4:44,” Carter publicly apologizes to his wife for being a bad husband and humiliating her with his behavior. “4:44” grants Carter a total of eight Grammy nominations, making him the most nominated artist this cycle.