My top ten albums of the year
In a year where Donald Trump became president, Theresa May toppled Jeremy Corbyn in the general election, and terrorist attacks became common occurrences, music did not fail to restore faith in all humanity. We saw the return of some particular music legends, as well as the emergence of some mightily impressive newcomers. From self proclaimed music icons, to politically charged indie bands, to grime royalty, this following list has it all. Kicking off with some honorable mentions, without further a do, the following list contains my top ten albums of 2017.
Honorable Mentions
Queens Of The Stone Age- Villains
Royal Blood- How Did We Get So Dark?
Paul Weller- A Kind Revolution
King Krule- The Ooz
Life- Popular Music
10: Stormzy- Gang Signs And Prayer
Going straight in at number one and becoming gold within two weeks of release , the insanely humble South London grime artist received widespread acclaim from critics for this effort. It's an explosive debut album that's brash and thoughtful in equal measure. It's got powerful grime favourites such as 'Big For Your Boots' and 'Shut Up', as well as soulful, emotional anthems such as 'Blinded By Your Grace'. The latter of which shouldn't work on a Stormzy album, yet it's strangely moving and makes the album multi-dimensional. By no means is this a perfect album, but it's an extremely credible effort from Stormzy and thoroughly merits its Mercury Prize nomination.
9: Wolf Alice- Visions Of A Life
Following up 2015 debut album 'My Love Is Cool' was always going to be a severely difficult task for the London four-piece. Despite taking a slightly different route, Visions Of A Life is a more than satisfactory second studio album. The only way I could describe the genre of this album would be a mix between grunge and some kind of mythical pop. The variance between the two makes for an utterly intriguing listen. In saying this, it caters for a wider audience, offering something for everyone, whether this be the aggressive and heavier sound of 'Yuk Foo' or the dreamy, relaxed vibe of 'Don't Delete The Kisses'. This album has cemented Wolf Alice's status as one of the most consistent bands in the UK today.
8: The XX- I See You
After the first two albums possessing a much darker and more mystical vibe, this third album tends to borrow elements from Jamie XX's solo album 'In Colour'. This particular album saw the trio implement aspects of R'n'B and Dance into their sound with Jamie's famous garage rhythms and electronically produced beats. However, the melancholic euphoria that made The XX such a hit in their early careers remains ever apparent throughout the album. It's an album that sounds just like The XX, but also sounds nothing like they've ever done before. Their willingness to explore new avenues and produce a brand new sound makes this fresh and credible.
7: Alt-J- Relaxer
I fully believe this to be Alt-J's best album to date. Possessing so many different styles of alternative rock music, it's utterly spell-bounding. Alt-J have always been truly unique, but they have fully outdone themselves with 'Relaxer', almost crafting their own niche genre of rock. The Leeds three-piece have successfully managed to keep themselves fresh and relevant against all odds. It's forty minutes of sheer musical genius, that takes you on a rather strange musical ride. Well worth the three year wait between this and 'This Is All Yours'!
6: Liam Gallagher- As You Were
What can you say about Liam Gallagher? He's brash, arrogant, over confident and controversial, but I still fucking love him. One of my all time musical heroes, I was delighted when I heard that 'LG' would be releasing his first ever solo album in 2017. Outselling the rest of the UK's top ten albums combined at the time of release, it proved that LG is just as relevant now as he has ever been. It is completely unfair to say that he has achieved this success on reputation alone however. 'As You Were' is a fantastic effort. It has everything that you'd expect from an Oasis frontman. Upbeat anthems to get the crowd bouncing such as 'Greedy Soul', emotional sing-a-long classics such as 'For What It's Worth', and a powerful lead single in 'Wall Of Glass'.
5: Gerry Cinnamon- Erratic Cinematic
Without a doubt the least known album on this list to the neutral music fan, but I guess that adds to the experience. Cinnamon's debut album is quite honestly astonishing. Anthemic, sing along tunes, laced with social commentary and passionate lyrics written about his upbringing in Glasgow. The down to earth singer/songwriter is someone you can relate to, which is what makes his songs so beautiful to listen to. As a twenty year old lad, I find the meaning behind Cinnamon's songs particularly relateable, therefore giving me an emotional attachment to the album. As far as debut albums go, Cinnamon has created something truly special.
4: The Amazons- The Amazons
3: Vant- Dumb Blood
2: Sampha- Process
1: Loyle Carner- Yesterday's Gone
Undoubtedly the breakout artist of the year, Loyle Carner has taken the industry by storm in the last twelve months. His sublime debut album has seen him receive widespread critical acclaim, with a mercury prize nomination, two Brit awards nominations and two NME award nominations under his belt. Thus cementing his status as one of the fastest growing solo artists today. At only 22 years of age, Carner has produced a significantly soulful album with an effortlessly addictive flow. Each song taken from the album is beautiful in its own right, from the bass driven 'NO CD' to gospel inspired 'Isle of Arran'. Driven by grief and adolescent experiences, the story behind the album adds to the emotional value. Loyle Carner has injected a sense of individuality into the British hip-hop scene. In doing so, he created what I believe to be the album of 2017.
Honorable Mentions
Queens Of The Stone Age- Villains
Royal Blood- How Did We Get So Dark?
Paul Weller- A Kind Revolution
King Krule- The Ooz
Life- Popular Music
10: Stormzy- Gang Signs And Prayer
Going straight in at number one and becoming gold within two weeks of release , the insanely humble South London grime artist received widespread acclaim from critics for this effort. It's an explosive debut album that's brash and thoughtful in equal measure. It's got powerful grime favourites such as 'Big For Your Boots' and 'Shut Up', as well as soulful, emotional anthems such as 'Blinded By Your Grace'. The latter of which shouldn't work on a Stormzy album, yet it's strangely moving and makes the album multi-dimensional. By no means is this a perfect album, but it's an extremely credible effort from Stormzy and thoroughly merits its Mercury Prize nomination.
9: Wolf Alice- Visions Of A Life
Following up 2015 debut album 'My Love Is Cool' was always going to be a severely difficult task for the London four-piece. Despite taking a slightly different route, Visions Of A Life is a more than satisfactory second studio album. The only way I could describe the genre of this album would be a mix between grunge and some kind of mythical pop. The variance between the two makes for an utterly intriguing listen. In saying this, it caters for a wider audience, offering something for everyone, whether this be the aggressive and heavier sound of 'Yuk Foo' or the dreamy, relaxed vibe of 'Don't Delete The Kisses'. This album has cemented Wolf Alice's status as one of the most consistent bands in the UK today.
8: The XX- I See You
After the first two albums possessing a much darker and more mystical vibe, this third album tends to borrow elements from Jamie XX's solo album 'In Colour'. This particular album saw the trio implement aspects of R'n'B and Dance into their sound with Jamie's famous garage rhythms and electronically produced beats. However, the melancholic euphoria that made The XX such a hit in their early careers remains ever apparent throughout the album. It's an album that sounds just like The XX, but also sounds nothing like they've ever done before. Their willingness to explore new avenues and produce a brand new sound makes this fresh and credible.
7: Alt-J- Relaxer
I fully believe this to be Alt-J's best album to date. Possessing so many different styles of alternative rock music, it's utterly spell-bounding. Alt-J have always been truly unique, but they have fully outdone themselves with 'Relaxer', almost crafting their own niche genre of rock. The Leeds three-piece have successfully managed to keep themselves fresh and relevant against all odds. It's forty minutes of sheer musical genius, that takes you on a rather strange musical ride. Well worth the three year wait between this and 'This Is All Yours'!
6: Liam Gallagher- As You Were
What can you say about Liam Gallagher? He's brash, arrogant, over confident and controversial, but I still fucking love him. One of my all time musical heroes, I was delighted when I heard that 'LG' would be releasing his first ever solo album in 2017. Outselling the rest of the UK's top ten albums combined at the time of release, it proved that LG is just as relevant now as he has ever been. It is completely unfair to say that he has achieved this success on reputation alone however. 'As You Were' is a fantastic effort. It has everything that you'd expect from an Oasis frontman. Upbeat anthems to get the crowd bouncing such as 'Greedy Soul', emotional sing-a-long classics such as 'For What It's Worth', and a powerful lead single in 'Wall Of Glass'.
5: Gerry Cinnamon- Erratic Cinematic
Without a doubt the least known album on this list to the neutral music fan, but I guess that adds to the experience. Cinnamon's debut album is quite honestly astonishing. Anthemic, sing along tunes, laced with social commentary and passionate lyrics written about his upbringing in Glasgow. The down to earth singer/songwriter is someone you can relate to, which is what makes his songs so beautiful to listen to. As a twenty year old lad, I find the meaning behind Cinnamon's songs particularly relateable, therefore giving me an emotional attachment to the album. As far as debut albums go, Cinnamon has created something truly special.
4: The Amazons- The Amazons
In early 2017, Kasabian reportedly stated that they believe
they are the only band that can ‘save guitar music from the abyss’. Then came The
Amazons. Showing no signs of remorse, the Reading four-piece delivered a
knockout debut albumin May, filled with insane riffs, relentless drumming
fuelled by primal intensity and vocals that link pure rock adrenaline and
mainstream sensibility. This contrast makes for an excellently produced debut
album. With potential stadium anthems such as ‘Black Magic’, ‘Stay With Me’ and
‘Burn My Eyes’, I firmly believe this album will propel The Amazons into
headline act territory. In addition, any band that are willing to set their own
tour van on fire for an album cover deserves a spot in my top five.
3: Vant- Dumb Blood
Ending 2017 on a rather sour note, newcomers, VANT,
announced in October that they would be taking an indefinite hiatus. Yet, 2017
also saw them release a debut album that I regard to be one of the best of the
year. ‘Dumb Blood’ is an album with a seriously strong message. Laced with
social commentary, political ideologies and a strong opinion on just about any
current affair, the album takes you on a musical roller-coaster that very few
others can. The way in which VANT injected the modern day indie rock scene with
relevance and importance makes this album truly special. Musically speaking,
every song offers something completely different. This album contains the
catchiest riffs, best lyrics and most energetic beats of any album on the list.
Yet another debut album to be included in my top five, ‘Process’,
by 29-year-old Londoner, Sampha, picked up the highly prestigious mercury prize
for 2017. Fuelled by turmoil and
bereavement, ‘Process’ tells a story of a personal struggle through some
masterfully composed, hard-hitting tunes. Arguably the most well known song
from the debut album, ‘Non One Knows Me Like The Piano’ possesses a particularly
emotional feel, having been written in homage to his late mother. Take nothing
away [from the production of the album however, which is perfectly subtle. An
album with a serious impact both emotionally and musically, ‘Process’ fully
merits its 2017 mercury prize win.
1: Loyle Carner- Yesterday's Gone
Undoubtedly the breakout artist of the year, Loyle Carner has taken the industry by storm in the last twelve months. His sublime debut album has seen him receive widespread critical acclaim, with a mercury prize nomination, two Brit awards nominations and two NME award nominations under his belt. Thus cementing his status as one of the fastest growing solo artists today. At only 22 years of age, Carner has produced a significantly soulful album with an effortlessly addictive flow. Each song taken from the album is beautiful in its own right, from the bass driven 'NO CD' to gospel inspired 'Isle of Arran'. Driven by grief and adolescent experiences, the story behind the album adds to the emotional value. Loyle Carner has injected a sense of individuality into the British hip-hop scene. In doing so, he created what I believe to be the album of 2017.
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