I know I'm behind on this as most blogs have already released their best of lists, but it's better late than never!
2017 was a big year of music for me. A few of my favorite artists/bands released wonderful albums, plus there were many songs that touched my soul in one way or another. Here's my Best of 2017 list, comprised of a few albums and some songs that ended up on repeat a lot, all with some commentary on why I selected each one. The list could be longer, but I forced myself to keep it somewhat short as I know attention spans don't last long for such things.
Lorde - Melodrama
I've loved Ella Yelich-O'Connor since the first time I heard "Royals" via some small music blog, which was a good six months before the hit made it onto radio and propelled her into stardom. Her debut album "Pure Heroin" was a breath a fresh air for me, something different from the mainstream Max Martin influenced pop that we hear daily, and "Melodrama" touched me just as deeply. Each song adds it's own story to the house party concept album, with some raw emotions of a love lost and dealing with ones own reflection and pain. I love the nostalgic feeling of "Supercut" and "Hard Feelings" really cut me deep, though I'm pretty sure I was already smitten when I heard "Green Light."
The War On Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
What a great follow up to "Lost In The Dream," which was my favorite album back in 2014. This band just strikes a chord in me with their melodic shoegaze sound. Perfect album to play in the background during a dinner party or while enjoying a fire pit with friends. What a joy to see them in the Coachella 2018 line-up!
HAIM - Something To Tell You
One can't help to love the sisters HAIM with their harmonies and chick rock lyrics of love and life that I can relate to. "Right Now" and "Want You Back" are stand-out tracks that had me yearning to hear the whole album, plus their set at the Fox Theater in Oakland (despite Danielle being sick) was an unforgettable night that tops my concert list for 2017.
Greta Van Fleet - From The Fires
If you haven't heard of this young Michigan band yet, then you better get schooled because their Led Zeppelin-era sound is taking over the airwaves. I was lucky enough to be introduced to their 4-song EP "Black Smoke Rising" by a good friend of mine last summer and I was instantly hooked by their classic rock hooks and lead singer Josh Kiszka's wailing howl, which is very reminiscent of Robert Plant and would surely make him proud. Composed of three brothers and a good friend, these 18-21 year olds are sure to become your next favorite rock band.
Halsey - Now Or Never
Oh how I love Halsey, let me count the ways. She's just amazing with a sultry voice and heartfelt lyrics, plus add in that she's absolutely gorgeous. I was so skeptical of her back when "New Americana" came out, but then I saw her live and was blown away, leading me to download "Badlands" and loving that album. When I heard "Now or Never" last year, I was once again reminded how much I adore her and it became one of my go-to songs. Maybe I should put the whole "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" album on this list...
Banks - Underdog
When I heard that growling bark in the first verse, I was instantly hooked. There's just something fierce and full of angst that resonates with me in this new single from the talented Los Angeles R&B pop singer. I hope this tune brings in a new era of Banks, as I much prefer the fiery upbeat songs over the ballads.
Arcade Fire - Everything Now
This song combines a few of my favorite things: ABBA, Simple Minds, ABC, INXS, Tom Tom Club, and the Never Ending Story theme. I love the 70's disco overtones with 80's New Wave undertones -- you can't help but dance to this catchy tune. I was also a big fan of their live show; their whole branding was spot on with a boxing ring stage the band moved freely around on, providing that 360 feel for everyone in the arena.
Yoke Lore - Good Pain
Not many people know that Adrian Galvin used to drum for Walk The Moon, but he left the band due to artistic differences. Last year he carved his own mark with some great singles & an EP, including this one that tops my list. I have a feeling this is only the beginning of a fruitful musical endeavor as he continues to tell stories about how things are connected. If you're wondering about the name, it's based on a yoke that binds things together, and lore, which is a set of stories.
Gryffin, Illenium, Daya - Feel Good
My favorite electro-pop song of the year, probably because I bonded with my camping neighbors at Coachella over it, which we experienced live in the Sahara tent. Been a fan of Gryffin since I heard "Heading Home" in 2016 and I'm hoping he'll continually surprise me with good electronic tunes and remixes. This song also introduced me to Illenium, who's album "Awake" is also worth a listen.
Alan Walker - The Spectre
My other favorite DJ, Alan Walker took my heart with his debut song "Faded" back in 2015, and again in 2016 with "Sing Me To Sleep" and "Alone." 2017 brings this Norwegian DJ to the forefront of the EDM scene, leading to a Coachella 2018 booking, which pleases me beyond my wildest electronic dreams. Did you know that in early 2017, Walker's YouTube channel became the most subscribed channel registered in Norway? And he's only 20 years old!
Imagine Dragons - Mouth Of The River
Let's be honest, Imagine Dragons haven't nailed a full album since their debut "Night Visions" even though I'll say that "Evolve" did surpass "Smoke + Mirrors" by far. Despite that, this song really impacted me and ended up on repeat enough to make this list. Maybe it's the choir-like feel of the chorus, or maybe it's that hard-hitting drum beat that syncs well with my heart. Let's just say I sing out loud every time I hear it, especially the part where Dan Reynolds chants "I'm pacing, and I'm pacing."
Walk The Moon - One Foot
Let's just call it my guilty pleasure, because this song just makes me smile and wanna dance. From Nicholas Petricca's opening howls to the 80's synth pop feel of the music, it's one of those catchy earworms that gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day. I often catch myself humming and singing the lyrics, all while remembering those high schools days dancing around my house to Duran Duran. Even the video captures it's wild and upbeat feel that just radiates positivity.
K.Flay - Blood In The Cut
My girl Kristine has come so far since her Stanford days! I'm just so proud to see an artist I've known since she first came out in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene make it big. Getting signed to Dan Reynolds' Night Street Records and opening for his band on their Evolve Tour was just what she needed to thrust her into the spotlight and earn her a Grammy nomination. Having suffered my own heart-break at the beginning of 2017, her lyrics really hit the spot, especially "lately, I’ve been killing all my time, reading through your messages my favorite way to die."
Planet Booty - Naked
Yes Planet Booty is on my management roster, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm being biased here. "Naked" is simply a great dance song with lyrics that make you smile. You can't help but shake your booty when you hear it and I'm sure many have added this to their bedroom playlist for getting it on. Every person that experiences this bootylicious trio's high energy live performance walks away in awe and sweat. Trust me, this electro-funk band will someday hit mainstream radio and you'll remember you heard it here first.
