__________________________________________________________
Right now, I'm currently sitting in an airplane terminal waiting for a flight home, one that's been delayed three times thus far. This, after a week-long stay at Disney World where a sickness inevitably overcame me halfway through. Suffice to say, music hasn't exactly been on my mind this past week. Maybe that's apt for this write-up. For while a trove of songs, more than any other year, went into my ears, few had everlasting staying power. That's not to say there wasn't a plethora of enticing tracks, singles, and loosies; quite the opposite. In our current streaming age, quantity over quality reigns supreme, and while that means there's a swarm of rubbish to sift through, what gems lie in the rough are more enough to satiate an ever-growing appetite.
That can be seen all over this list, a list that grew to a sizable proportion of 150. Written here, for simplicity sake, is the top 100. But you can find, either in this Apple Music playlist or this Spotify playlist, every track that delighted my ears or dropped my jaw. Unfortunately, numerous songs are missing from both as they're not available on the respective streaming platforms. Enjoy.
Dozens Of Donuts has grown, so let's take a look back. Here is the best of 2016, 2015, and 2014.
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50 Open Mike Eagle - My Auntie's Building
Brick Body Kids Still Daydream
Unfortunately for those seeking plot-driven concept albums, 2017 was largely a wash. Few appeared, and even fewer made a sustainable mark. Open Mike Eagle's Brick Body Kids Still Daydream was not one of those, achieving exactly what the Art Rap emcee set out to do. That being, offer up to listeners an up close and personal look at the destructive nature of cultural and economical collapse. Through the eyes of a Chicago housing project, one that we're so painfully caught in the middle of during its collapse on 'My Auntie's Building,' OME describes with the utmost sincerity how bricks, when surrounded by humans, can gain cognizance. Maybe not directly, but with 'My Auntie's Building,' by personifying the building itself, OME revealed that manmade creations aren't just that when families build, grow, and mature within them.
__________________________________________________________Unfortunately for those seeking plot-driven concept albums, 2017 was largely a wash. Few appeared, and even fewer made a sustainable mark. Open Mike Eagle's Brick Body Kids Still Daydream was not one of those, achieving exactly what the Art Rap emcee set out to do. That being, offer up to listeners an up close and personal look at the destructive nature of cultural and economical collapse. Through the eyes of a Chicago housing project, one that we're so painfully caught in the middle of during its collapse on 'My Auntie's Building,' OME describes with the utmost sincerity how bricks, when surrounded by humans, can gain cognizance. Maybe not directly, but with 'My Auntie's Building,' by personifying the building itself, OME revealed that manmade creations aren't just that when families build, grow, and mature within them.
49 Destroyer - In The Morning
ken
The ''Heroes'' principle. At least that's what I've begun calling any song that utilizes a large guitar drone as the backdrop to more buoyant production, resulting in a completed work that's as complete a unison as peanut butter and jelly. On 'In The Morning,' Destroyer does just that. With that crunchy guitar riff guiding him, Bejar boasts a precarious swagger, one that's typically muted by his otherwise drab Sophisti-Pop. But here, synths and drums riot around him, as another layer of reverb-heavy guitar joins in to add that extra bite. Melodic tones drive the track, down to the tinkling synth that's somehow welcomed amongst the rough by track's end. In The Morning,' really, is quite a vicious track. For someone so eschewed in benign stereotypes, the urgency is quite refreshing.
__________________________________________________________The ''Heroes'' principle. At least that's what I've begun calling any song that utilizes a large guitar drone as the backdrop to more buoyant production, resulting in a completed work that's as complete a unison as peanut butter and jelly. On 'In The Morning,' Destroyer does just that. With that crunchy guitar riff guiding him, Bejar boasts a precarious swagger, one that's typically muted by his otherwise drab Sophisti-Pop. But here, synths and drums riot around him, as another layer of reverb-heavy guitar joins in to add that extra bite. Melodic tones drive the track, down to the tinkling synth that's somehow welcomed amongst the rough by track's end. In The Morning,' really, is quite a vicious track. For someone so eschewed in benign stereotypes, the urgency is quite refreshing.
48 Broken Social Scene - Hug Of Thunder
Hug Of Thunder
Months have passed and I'm still unsure what exactly 'Hug Of Thunder' means, especially for it to be so strong that Broken Social Scene entitled their return LP that. But that's beyond the point. What matters is the quality of music, and the title track surely has that in heaps. Led by Feist's sprightly vocals, that go from subtle swoon to tip-toe blithe to delirious cry and back again all within the five minutes, 'Hug Of Thunder' thrives by being an Indie Rock ballad that intend on forcing outdated anthem status. In some moments, it's quaint and personal, as seen on the reflective finale. In others, crashing with fury like the thunderstorm it's apart of. 'Hug Of Thunder' is a track that can only happen when confidence in your craft is self-assured.
__________________________________________________________Months have passed and I'm still unsure what exactly 'Hug Of Thunder' means, especially for it to be so strong that Broken Social Scene entitled their return LP that. But that's beyond the point. What matters is the quality of music, and the title track surely has that in heaps. Led by Feist's sprightly vocals, that go from subtle swoon to tip-toe blithe to delirious cry and back again all within the five minutes, 'Hug Of Thunder' thrives by being an Indie Rock ballad that intend on forcing outdated anthem status. In some moments, it's quaint and personal, as seen on the reflective finale. In others, crashing with fury like the thunderstorm it's apart of. 'Hug Of Thunder' is a track that can only happen when confidence in your craft is self-assured.
47 Jay-Z - Smile
4:44
I've discussed his merits before, but it's worth repeating; No I.D. is deserving of as much acclaim for 4:44 as Jay-Z. Without his modern take on East Coast Hip-Hop, the infamous rapper whose late stages of his career has been met with regret would've never seen a proper renaissance. One listen to 'Smile' and it'll be hard to deny the power of production. From the get-go, the staggered vocal samples and bold drums do so much with so little, bringing life to Jay-Z's grim portrayal of Hip-Hop. This inevitably caused the emcee to peel away the darkness shielding his eyes, seeing proper nostalgia without the need to intervene life's neglectful moments. 'Smile' is the result of a former gangster circling death like a vulture seeing the power of bringing new life into this world.
__________________________________________________________I've discussed his merits before, but it's worth repeating; No I.D. is deserving of as much acclaim for 4:44 as Jay-Z. Without his modern take on East Coast Hip-Hop, the infamous rapper whose late stages of his career has been met with regret would've never seen a proper renaissance. One listen to 'Smile' and it'll be hard to deny the power of production. From the get-go, the staggered vocal samples and bold drums do so much with so little, bringing life to Jay-Z's grim portrayal of Hip-Hop. This inevitably caused the emcee to peel away the darkness shielding his eyes, seeing proper nostalgia without the need to intervene life's neglectful moments. 'Smile' is the result of a former gangster circling death like a vulture seeing the power of bringing new life into this world.
46 Avey Tare - Jackson 5
Eucalyptus
Avey Tare had quite the prolific year. Not only did he head three projects, but those three, The Painters, Meeting Of The Waters, and Eucalyptus, all essentially formed the Venn diagram of Animal Collective. Eucalyptus, his solo project, retraced the steps of the preeminent group to their inventive, Psychedelic Folk roots. In many aspects, it acted as a lazy river in the deep trenches of the Amazon rainforest, leading Tare's expedition into his own mind. Much of it was dark and sorrowful, but not 'Jackson 5.' Wooden percussion, hushed string arrangements, and Angel Deradoorian's spirited vocals fancied themselves behind Tare, who reenacted an unforgettable encounter with the knowledge of music itself.
__________________________________________________________Avey Tare had quite the prolific year. Not only did he head three projects, but those three, The Painters, Meeting Of The Waters, and Eucalyptus, all essentially formed the Venn diagram of Animal Collective. Eucalyptus, his solo project, retraced the steps of the preeminent group to their inventive, Psychedelic Folk roots. In many aspects, it acted as a lazy river in the deep trenches of the Amazon rainforest, leading Tare's expedition into his own mind. Much of it was dark and sorrowful, but not 'Jackson 5.' Wooden percussion, hushed string arrangements, and Angel Deradoorian's spirited vocals fancied themselves behind Tare, who reenacted an unforgettable encounter with the knowledge of music itself.
45 Wiki - Mayor
No Mountains In Manhattan
Wiki's 'Mayor' is impressive for reasons beyond the rapper's own merits. For starters, the conscious, East Coast Boom Bap the song admires went out of style years ago. For Wiki to not only reactivate the shopworn trends, but breathe new life into the dusty lungs shows his ultimate potential as the lifeblood of New York City's revisionist movement. Who would've thought that his gap tooth rapping, bearing closest resemblance to Danny Brown, could work over luscious Soul samples inspired by J Dilla and grade-school harmlessness akin to Jurassic 5? In the year 2017, of all places. It doesn't fit whatsoever, and even stands out through positivity on the otherwise unremarkable No Mountains In Manhattan, but Wiki's brotherly charisma, as seen in the music video, makes 'Mayor' a rousing success of reanimation.
__________________________________________________________Wiki's 'Mayor' is impressive for reasons beyond the rapper's own merits. For starters, the conscious, East Coast Boom Bap the song admires went out of style years ago. For Wiki to not only reactivate the shopworn trends, but breathe new life into the dusty lungs shows his ultimate potential as the lifeblood of New York City's revisionist movement. Who would've thought that his gap tooth rapping, bearing closest resemblance to Danny Brown, could work over luscious Soul samples inspired by J Dilla and grade-school harmlessness akin to Jurassic 5? In the year 2017, of all places. It doesn't fit whatsoever, and even stands out through positivity on the otherwise unremarkable No Mountains In Manhattan, but Wiki's brotherly charisma, as seen in the music video, makes 'Mayor' a rousing success of reanimation.
Oh Sees - The Static God
Orc
Orc came into my library without much thought or fanfare. Thee Oh Sees' first project under their new pseudonym Oh Sees was, to fans of theirs, much like any other. To me even, it was nothing more than an offhanded Rock record aimed at beefing up my robust 2017 listening log. However, with the opener 'Static God' it didn't take long before the self-effacing Orc to take on a life of its own. With fiendish vocals playing coy, orchestrating a particularly cadaverous Halloween night, 'Static God' immediately thwarted expectations by cavorting around the same ideas that has recently made Garage Rock stale. There was life to it. With such ease, Oh Sees even inverted the palate for the short and oh so delectably sweet chorus, one that kicked the bucket with some good ol' Southern tang.
__________________________________________________________Orc came into my library without much thought or fanfare. Thee Oh Sees' first project under their new pseudonym Oh Sees was, to fans of theirs, much like any other. To me even, it was nothing more than an offhanded Rock record aimed at beefing up my robust 2017 listening log. However, with the opener 'Static God' it didn't take long before the self-effacing Orc to take on a life of its own. With fiendish vocals playing coy, orchestrating a particularly cadaverous Halloween night, 'Static God' immediately thwarted expectations by cavorting around the same ideas that has recently made Garage Rock stale. There was life to it. With such ease, Oh Sees even inverted the palate for the short and oh so delectably sweet chorus, one that kicked the bucket with some good ol' Southern tang.
43 Trouble - Snake Eyes
Twin Peaks: The Soundtrack
As it stands, Trouble has made two songs in their career. One of them is 'Snake Eyes.' It was featured in one of the most visceral scenes of Twin Peaks' immaculate return to television. In it, a then-unknown womanizer dehumanizes, gropes, and dominates a female bar-hopper. Trouble's genre-busting, Noir-lit Jazz Rock was a pure match to this depraved insanity, and David Lynch wouldn't have had it any other way. By the way, the guitarist is none other than Riley Lynch, David's son. And yet, despite his guttural work here, Alex Zhang Hungtai, known for his discordant Lo-Fi Indie as Dirty Beaches, steals the spotlight with his vicious work on the saxophone. Blaring, wailing, and spiraling out of control, Hungtai's tenacity splatters across 'Snake Eyes' with reckless abandon. The intensity of such a track one so impressive that it's able to match Lynch himself at his darkest.
__________________________________________________________As it stands, Trouble has made two songs in their career. One of them is 'Snake Eyes.' It was featured in one of the most visceral scenes of Twin Peaks' immaculate return to television. In it, a then-unknown womanizer dehumanizes, gropes, and dominates a female bar-hopper. Trouble's genre-busting, Noir-lit Jazz Rock was a pure match to this depraved insanity, and David Lynch wouldn't have had it any other way. By the way, the guitarist is none other than Riley Lynch, David's son. And yet, despite his guttural work here, Alex Zhang Hungtai, known for his discordant Lo-Fi Indie as Dirty Beaches, steals the spotlight with his vicious work on the saxophone. Blaring, wailing, and spiraling out of control, Hungtai's tenacity splatters across 'Snake Eyes' with reckless abandon. The intensity of such a track one so impressive that it's able to match Lynch himself at his darkest.
42 Big K.R.I.T. - Keep The devil Off
4eva Is A Mighty Long Time
Big K.R.I.T.'s career-long struggle could be boiled down to his inability to make conscious songs entertaining and bangers compelling. On 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time, through 20 songs, he accomplished that feat and then some. Sitting as the album's second single was 'Keep The devil Off,' a prime example of this conflict coming to life. In it, K.R.I.T. exceeds the limits of charisma self-imposed on his past, becoming an impromptu preacher when the devil, or, all those out to wrong you, appears. From the get-go, the production is demanding, possessing the entirety of the South with Dirty South percussion, Soul-drenched organs, and a Gospel choir helping him along the way. The five, meaty minutes of 'Keep The devil Off' keep the procession moving with energy and vigor, even when the hate and animosity cower away.
__________________________________________________________Big K.R.I.T.'s career-long struggle could be boiled down to his inability to make conscious songs entertaining and bangers compelling. On 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time, through 20 songs, he accomplished that feat and then some. Sitting as the album's second single was 'Keep The devil Off,' a prime example of this conflict coming to life. In it, K.R.I.T. exceeds the limits of charisma self-imposed on his past, becoming an impromptu preacher when the devil, or, all those out to wrong you, appears. From the get-go, the production is demanding, possessing the entirety of the South with Dirty South percussion, Soul-drenched organs, and a Gospel choir helping him along the way. The five, meaty minutes of 'Keep The devil Off' keep the procession moving with energy and vigor, even when the hate and animosity cower away.
41 Fever Ray - To The Moon & Back
Plunge
Okay, it may be true that 'To The Moon And Back' will go down in infamy for Karin Dreijer's phenomenally slight of hand send-off, but really, the lead single to Plunge is so much more. In fact, it's the entire reason "I want to run my fingers up your pussy" has the impact it does. Throughout the entirety of 'To The Moon And Back,' there's a chipper synth beat frolicking about, like a pixie fairy freed of her invisible chains. Before Dreijer even enters, halfway through the track, 'To The Moon And Back' has already built this freeform atmosphere that chastises conservatism. It's free, wild, and most certainly uninhibited. It's as if Dreijer peeled 15 years off her life, for just a moment, to revel in the careless immaturity that lamented her early, progressive lifestyle.
__________________________________________________________Okay, it may be true that 'To The Moon And Back' will go down in infamy for Karin Dreijer's phenomenally slight of hand send-off, but really, the lead single to Plunge is so much more. In fact, it's the entire reason "I want to run my fingers up your pussy" has the impact it does. Throughout the entirety of 'To The Moon And Back,' there's a chipper synth beat frolicking about, like a pixie fairy freed of her invisible chains. Before Dreijer even enters, halfway through the track, 'To The Moon And Back' has already built this freeform atmosphere that chastises conservatism. It's free, wild, and most certainly uninhibited. It's as if Dreijer peeled 15 years off her life, for just a moment, to revel in the careless immaturity that lamented her early, progressive lifestyle.
40 Arcade Fire - Everything Now
Everything Now
Following the linear trajectory of Arcade Fire, it was clear Everything Now was bound to happen. The album, that is, not the single. For what Win Butler lost in provocative subtlety, the band in tension and refinement, they gained in asserting themselves as a big band that finally started acting like one. 'Everything Now' was everything an Indie band seeking chart-topping ascendancy could muster. The title track declared Everything Now's motives, and although the rest of the album failed to live up to such poignant content, the lead single isn't lessened because of it. Butler finds himself contemplating the modern quandary of having everything at the tip of your fingers. He uses his platform to question our motives, all while Arcade Fire raves and rocks with direct-to-consumer catchiness. It's a by-the-books anthem, and one that works purely because Arcade Fire have mastered that schtick.
__________________________________________________________Following the linear trajectory of Arcade Fire, it was clear Everything Now was bound to happen. The album, that is, not the single. For what Win Butler lost in provocative subtlety, the band in tension and refinement, they gained in asserting themselves as a big band that finally started acting like one. 'Everything Now' was everything an Indie band seeking chart-topping ascendancy could muster. The title track declared Everything Now's motives, and although the rest of the album failed to live up to such poignant content, the lead single isn't lessened because of it. Butler finds himself contemplating the modern quandary of having everything at the tip of your fingers. He uses his platform to question our motives, all while Arcade Fire raves and rocks with direct-to-consumer catchiness. It's a by-the-books anthem, and one that works purely because Arcade Fire have mastered that schtick.
39 Future - Hallucinating
Hndrxx
There's always a gem in the rough. Sometimes, if you're lucky, the gem is an entire album like Young Thug's Slime Season 3. Other times, like Future's 'Hallucinating,' it's one song hidden deep in the confines of an album that came hot on the heels of another. It was easy to miss one measly moment in either Future or Hndrxx, as they did combine for 33 songs. But 'Hallucinating' is special. The sublime Trap/R&B crossover, in one fell swoop, reaffirmed why that fashionable trend has merit. It's efforts like 'Hallucinating' where you can set aside Future's abysmally-redundant content for his luscious vocals and the stunning beat he flows so gracefully over. Dre Moon, who handles the production, deserves as much credit as Future, finding a perfect unison of Trap and R&B, one so revered I haven't heard anything so flawless in the scene recently.
__________________________________________________________There's always a gem in the rough. Sometimes, if you're lucky, the gem is an entire album like Young Thug's Slime Season 3. Other times, like Future's 'Hallucinating,' it's one song hidden deep in the confines of an album that came hot on the heels of another. It was easy to miss one measly moment in either Future or Hndrxx, as they did combine for 33 songs. But 'Hallucinating' is special. The sublime Trap/R&B crossover, in one fell swoop, reaffirmed why that fashionable trend has merit. It's efforts like 'Hallucinating' where you can set aside Future's abysmally-redundant content for his luscious vocals and the stunning beat he flows so gracefully over. Dre Moon, who handles the production, deserves as much credit as Future, finding a perfect unison of Trap and R&B, one so revered I haven't heard anything so flawless in the scene recently.
38 Alvvays - Dreams Tonite
Antisocialites
Alvvays knows Pop. Pure, innocent, unfettered Pop. What makes Antisocialites a special album is their effortless command of many Pop dialects. On 'Dreams Tonite' they, unsurprisingly, take reign of bubbly Dream Pop. The psychedelic backbone driven by spiraling guitars evokes Beach House's Teen Dream days, an era defined by the picturesque interpretation of adolescence. Antisocialites does the same, with 'Dreams Tonite' acting as the starry-eyed daydream of teenagers falling in love with strangers on the street. The production embodies this daydream, circling around the nonplussed head of Molly Rankin, spellbinding her saccharine in the process. The teenage Romcom has never sounded so good.
__________________________________________________________Alvvays knows Pop. Pure, innocent, unfettered Pop. What makes Antisocialites a special album is their effortless command of many Pop dialects. On 'Dreams Tonite' they, unsurprisingly, take reign of bubbly Dream Pop. The psychedelic backbone driven by spiraling guitars evokes Beach House's Teen Dream days, an era defined by the picturesque interpretation of adolescence. Antisocialites does the same, with 'Dreams Tonite' acting as the starry-eyed daydream of teenagers falling in love with strangers on the street. The production embodies this daydream, circling around the nonplussed head of Molly Rankin, spellbinding her saccharine in the process. The teenage Romcom has never sounded so good.
37 Milo - Embroidering Machine
Who Told You To Think??!!??!?!
There's been times, more recently than ever thanks to Who Told You To Think, where i've become disgruntled with Milo's haughty pretentiousness. He's seemingly played into the hand of smug, self-discerning intellectuals, going so far overboard that he doesn't say much at all. What then, reels Milo back in? The heart. The emotion that keeps him human. The tactful issues confronting us all. On 'Embroidering Machine,' that side shines brightly. Suddenly, his one-line non-sequiturs find clarity when the moody production implies sincerity and reliability. Death seems to be looming in the background, or loss, as this is where Milo's ambiguity plays wonderfully. On top of that, the track's final few moments, highlighted by a lovely, Jazz-oriented bridge, rounds 'Embroidering Machine' out in ways few Milo songs have before.
__________________________________________________________There's been times, more recently than ever thanks to Who Told You To Think, where i've become disgruntled with Milo's haughty pretentiousness. He's seemingly played into the hand of smug, self-discerning intellectuals, going so far overboard that he doesn't say much at all. What then, reels Milo back in? The heart. The emotion that keeps him human. The tactful issues confronting us all. On 'Embroidering Machine,' that side shines brightly. Suddenly, his one-line non-sequiturs find clarity when the moody production implies sincerity and reliability. Death seems to be looming in the background, or loss, as this is where Milo's ambiguity plays wonderfully. On top of that, the track's final few moments, highlighted by a lovely, Jazz-oriented bridge, rounds 'Embroidering Machine' out in ways few Milo songs have before.
36 Nmesh - Mall Full Of Drugs
Pharma
It's safe to say that the genre known as Vaporwave was already teetering on the edge of music comprehension. A plethora of albums already exist that primarily tackle the 90's nostalgia mystification firsthand, the music enjoyment second. With Pharma, Nmesh was able to do both simultaneously, executing his unbridled inspiration by incorporating a flurry of nearby genres. 'Mall Full Of Drugs' is the penultimate climax to that idea, a nine-minute cacophony that never once rests, either on its laurels or to catch a breath. There's a decent chance the sample count reaches into the triple digits, as seemingly everything comedically obscure finds a way into the beating heart of 'Mall Full Of Drugs,' one that pounces with tantalizing, Electronic Drum N' Bass.
__________________________________________________________It's safe to say that the genre known as Vaporwave was already teetering on the edge of music comprehension. A plethora of albums already exist that primarily tackle the 90's nostalgia mystification firsthand, the music enjoyment second. With Pharma, Nmesh was able to do both simultaneously, executing his unbridled inspiration by incorporating a flurry of nearby genres. 'Mall Full Of Drugs' is the penultimate climax to that idea, a nine-minute cacophony that never once rests, either on its laurels or to catch a breath. There's a decent chance the sample count reaches into the triple digits, as seemingly everything comedically obscure finds a way into the beating heart of 'Mall Full Of Drugs,' one that pounces with tantalizing, Electronic Drum N' Bass.
35 Lorde - Green Light
Melodrama
Once a year, if that, there comes a Pop song that demands to be hailed as a modern classic. Last year, The Weeknd's 'I Feel It Coming' took that mantle. The year before, Chvrches' 'Clearest Blue.' This time around it came in the form of Lorde's return to the limelight, with the highly impressionable 'Green Light.' What do all these singles have in common? Instantaneous gratification through an eye-popping hook with the foresight to entertain along the way. On first listen, 'Green Light' decrees itself a benefactor of Madonna's era of Synthpop dominance, plodding around pianos and synths with each step of the way being catchier than the last. From the verses, to the beat switch in the bridge, to the beaming chorus, there is no moment of 'Green Light' where a red light halts the action.
__________________________________________________________Once a year, if that, there comes a Pop song that demands to be hailed as a modern classic. Last year, The Weeknd's 'I Feel It Coming' took that mantle. The year before, Chvrches' 'Clearest Blue.' This time around it came in the form of Lorde's return to the limelight, with the highly impressionable 'Green Light.' What do all these singles have in common? Instantaneous gratification through an eye-popping hook with the foresight to entertain along the way. On first listen, 'Green Light' decrees itself a benefactor of Madonna's era of Synthpop dominance, plodding around pianos and synths with each step of the way being catchier than the last. From the verses, to the beat switch in the bridge, to the beaming chorus, there is no moment of 'Green Light' where a red light halts the action.
34 Brockhampton - STAR
Saturation I
Brockhampton's rise to fame has been equal to that of their output; fast and excessive. The all-American boy band has shown tremendous promise throughout 2017, with a handful of memorable Hip-Hop bangers competing against introspective deep cuts. While standout tracks have been gleamed across all the Saturation tapes, none in their formulaic Hip-Hop vein shined more than 'STAR.' The beat, both funky and grimy, tip-toes around the alley-ways as the rising stars of Brockhampton flex across it. It is filthy, and likely the production team's best work so far. In fact, it's so effective you virtually forget the mediocre musing's of the various emcees, even though their approach as friends loosely bouncing over the farty synths help 'STAR' be relatable.
__________________________________________________________Brockhampton's rise to fame has been equal to that of their output; fast and excessive. The all-American boy band has shown tremendous promise throughout 2017, with a handful of memorable Hip-Hop bangers competing against introspective deep cuts. While standout tracks have been gleamed across all the Saturation tapes, none in their formulaic Hip-Hop vein shined more than 'STAR.' The beat, both funky and grimy, tip-toes around the alley-ways as the rising stars of Brockhampton flex across it. It is filthy, and likely the production team's best work so far. In fact, it's so effective you virtually forget the mediocre musing's of the various emcees, even though their approach as friends loosely bouncing over the farty synths help 'STAR' be relatable.
33 LCD Soundsystem - call the police
American Dream
Depending on your level of cynicism, more criticism can be given to 'Call The Police' than praise and adulation. That's because the hefty seven-minute lead single is LCD Soundsystem distilled and personified. James Murphy can basically patent the formula with how predictable the cut is. However, there's a reason why it works. Power, poise, and poignancy assimilate into one mechanized transformer, able to topple regimes or, at the very least, convince doubters of America's internal issues through dance. Moments into 'Call The Police' and, through the ups and downs, hills and valleys, you know how it'll end. Anthemic revelation over a signal, a message, an outcry by way of uproarious, baptismal clamor.
__________________________________________________________Depending on your level of cynicism, more criticism can be given to 'Call The Police' than praise and adulation. That's because the hefty seven-minute lead single is LCD Soundsystem distilled and personified. James Murphy can basically patent the formula with how predictable the cut is. However, there's a reason why it works. Power, poise, and poignancy assimilate into one mechanized transformer, able to topple regimes or, at the very least, convince doubters of America's internal issues through dance. Moments into 'Call The Police' and, through the ups and downs, hills and valleys, you know how it'll end. Anthemic revelation over a signal, a message, an outcry by way of uproarious, baptismal clamor.
32 Run The Jewels - Legend Has It
Run The Jewels 3
Ironically, despite how ruthless and tumultuous Run The Jewels sees themselves in the world, their music is immensely predictable. That's not a bad thing, as with riot or revolution, there needs to be structure and organization at the top. There's two things we can count on with Killer Mike and El-P; a good album that's equal parts bumptious as it is cognizant, and a banger that looms above the rest. On RTJ1, it was 'Banana Clipper.' RTJ2, the unhinged 'Oh My Darling Don't Cry.' With RTJ3, 'Legend Has It' earned that role. As per usual, El-P's grasp of fluent beat-switching and non-formal percussion is on full display, allowing 'Legend Has It' to constantly excite and entice. Lyrics and personality so belligerent you can't help but cower in awe helps too.
__________________________________________________________Ironically, despite how ruthless and tumultuous Run The Jewels sees themselves in the world, their music is immensely predictable. That's not a bad thing, as with riot or revolution, there needs to be structure and organization at the top. There's two things we can count on with Killer Mike and El-P; a good album that's equal parts bumptious as it is cognizant, and a banger that looms above the rest. On RTJ1, it was 'Banana Clipper.' RTJ2, the unhinged 'Oh My Darling Don't Cry.' With RTJ3, 'Legend Has It' earned that role. As per usual, El-P's grasp of fluent beat-switching and non-formal percussion is on full display, allowing 'Legend Has It' to constantly excite and entice. Lyrics and personality so belligerent you can't help but cower in awe helps too.
31 Perfume Genius - Wreath
No Shape
When Mike Hadreas took his first formidable steps towards being in the LGBT spotlight, he did so with encroaching Art Pop siphoned through a shrill Industrial lens on 2014's Too Bright. It was sheer, sleek, and contentious, something his earlier Singer/Songwriter hid delicately behind. With the first step, confrontation, out of the way, Perfume Genius' next was conquering those who came into contact. Hadreas did this by expanding his jurisdiction, tip-toeing the balance beam between Art Pop and pure Pop. 'Wreath' is a splendid showcase of that, combining the elegance of Vampire Weekend with the recklessness of post-egomania St. Vincent. With 'Wreath,' as a cascade of instrumentation overwhelms Hadreas, there's no denying his presence as leader of the procession. His near-yodeling towards the end demonstrates that.
__________________________________________________________When Mike Hadreas took his first formidable steps towards being in the LGBT spotlight, he did so with encroaching Art Pop siphoned through a shrill Industrial lens on 2014's Too Bright. It was sheer, sleek, and contentious, something his earlier Singer/Songwriter hid delicately behind. With the first step, confrontation, out of the way, Perfume Genius' next was conquering those who came into contact. Hadreas did this by expanding his jurisdiction, tip-toeing the balance beam between Art Pop and pure Pop. 'Wreath' is a splendid showcase of that, combining the elegance of Vampire Weekend with the recklessness of post-egomania St. Vincent. With 'Wreath,' as a cascade of instrumentation overwhelms Hadreas, there's no denying his presence as leader of the procession. His near-yodeling towards the end demonstrates that.
30 Blanck Mass - Hive Mind
World Eater
Take Blanck Mass' stifling Electro-Industrial world as seen on Dumb Flesh and World Eater and combine it with the total opposite. The result is 'Hive Mind.' The total opposite? Inspiration from The Go! Team's sample-heavy Indietronica. Not only would you never think the two halves would go together, you'd never think to try it in the first place. And yet, that's exactly what Blanck Mass does come 'Hive Mind's' alarmingly-brilliant hook. Everything World Eater built leads into that explosive euphoria, showing that, no matter how glum and austere, there's always a place for a warm heart. 'Hive Mind' is a creative force, a mind-bending eight-minutes that remains on the edge of categorization. The seething climax an enrapturing experience that sounds, at its core, like a distillation of all music.
__________________________________________________________Take Blanck Mass' stifling Electro-Industrial world as seen on Dumb Flesh and World Eater and combine it with the total opposite. The result is 'Hive Mind.' The total opposite? Inspiration from The Go! Team's sample-heavy Indietronica. Not only would you never think the two halves would go together, you'd never think to try it in the first place. And yet, that's exactly what Blanck Mass does come 'Hive Mind's' alarmingly-brilliant hook. Everything World Eater built leads into that explosive euphoria, showing that, no matter how glum and austere, there's always a place for a warm heart. 'Hive Mind' is a creative force, a mind-bending eight-minutes that remains on the edge of categorization. The seething climax an enrapturing experience that sounds, at its core, like a distillation of all music.
29 The National - Guilty Party
Sleep Well Beast
Whenever The National came up in discussion, I always equated them to boredom. To me, they were Indie Rock by the books. With 2017's Sleep Well Beast, that false allegation no longer holds validity. They succeeded two ways; by finding an entertaining backdrop for Matt Berninger's dreary vocals on tracks like 'I'll Still Destroy You' and 'Sleep Well Beast,' and by teetering on the brink of emotional relapse with 'Carin At The Liquor Store' and 'Guilty Party.' It's that last track in particular, the album's second single, that convinced me of The National's merits. Yes, 'Guilty Party' adheres to the same orchestral-based structuring of Radiohead's best pieces, but that's certainly not a bad thing. The magnificent layering and progression a marvel in modern Rock music, something that finally takes them away from Indie Rock by appending Art to the primary genre.
__________________________________________________________Whenever The National came up in discussion, I always equated them to boredom. To me, they were Indie Rock by the books. With 2017's Sleep Well Beast, that false allegation no longer holds validity. They succeeded two ways; by finding an entertaining backdrop for Matt Berninger's dreary vocals on tracks like 'I'll Still Destroy You' and 'Sleep Well Beast,' and by teetering on the brink of emotional relapse with 'Carin At The Liquor Store' and 'Guilty Party.' It's that last track in particular, the album's second single, that convinced me of The National's merits. Yes, 'Guilty Party' adheres to the same orchestral-based structuring of Radiohead's best pieces, but that's certainly not a bad thing. The magnificent layering and progression a marvel in modern Rock music, something that finally takes them away from Indie Rock by appending Art to the primary genre.
28 Chelsea Wolfe - Spun
Hiss Spun
The introduction to Chelsea Wolfe's manic Doom Metal anthem begins by paralyzing you with fear. 'Spun' is a Hell-raising affair, and one that welcomes you to the blazing inferno with the clobbering of a thousand land mines disguised as drums and the squelching of heavy reverb vomit. In the thick of it all stands Wolfe, the guiding voice of reason, or the two-faced jezebel intending to pacify you into submission. Her efforts work, controlling the brutish landscape around her like Poison Ivy would her toxic garden, or the Devil would his fiery underworld. Fitting then that the song's called 'Spun,' as that's quite literally what Wolfe's doing; spinning you into her web. She's a "brute, an angel, and a madwoman," and, without a doubt, certainly "a most elegant impediment." Her words, not mine. Try not to fall to temptation.
__________________________________________________________The introduction to Chelsea Wolfe's manic Doom Metal anthem begins by paralyzing you with fear. 'Spun' is a Hell-raising affair, and one that welcomes you to the blazing inferno with the clobbering of a thousand land mines disguised as drums and the squelching of heavy reverb vomit. In the thick of it all stands Wolfe, the guiding voice of reason, or the two-faced jezebel intending to pacify you into submission. Her efforts work, controlling the brutish landscape around her like Poison Ivy would her toxic garden, or the Devil would his fiery underworld. Fitting then that the song's called 'Spun,' as that's quite literally what Wolfe's doing; spinning you into her web. She's a "brute, an angel, and a madwoman," and, without a doubt, certainly "a most elegant impediment." Her words, not mine. Try not to fall to temptation.
27 Tyler, The Creator - I Ain't Got Time!
Flower Boy
Acknowledging all instances of greatness on Flower Boy, 'I Ain't Got Time' might be the most impressive. Why's that? Well, unlike the rest of the LP which borrows heavily from Tyler's teetering of Neo-Soul and R&B on Cherry Bomb, 'I Ain't Got Time' regresses to the bombastic hoopla of Odd Future's most outrageous pieces. All while providing listeners with the same level of quality Flower Boy honors. The bustling carnival ride finds Tyler at his most ig'nant, resorting to the days of 'Domo 23' and 'Rella,' while retaining a sonic layout that uses clutter as a benefit, not a crutch. Sandwiched between 'Boredom' and 'Mr. Lonely,' 'I Ain't Got Time' excels conceptually as well, revealing Tyler's hypocritical backbone through his new lifestyle.
__________________________________________________________Acknowledging all instances of greatness on Flower Boy, 'I Ain't Got Time' might be the most impressive. Why's that? Well, unlike the rest of the LP which borrows heavily from Tyler's teetering of Neo-Soul and R&B on Cherry Bomb, 'I Ain't Got Time' regresses to the bombastic hoopla of Odd Future's most outrageous pieces. All while providing listeners with the same level of quality Flower Boy honors. The bustling carnival ride finds Tyler at his most ig'nant, resorting to the days of 'Domo 23' and 'Rella,' while retaining a sonic layout that uses clutter as a benefit, not a crutch. Sandwiched between 'Boredom' and 'Mr. Lonely,' 'I Ain't Got Time' excels conceptually as well, revealing Tyler's hypocritical backbone through his new lifestyle.
26 Lana Del Rey - Heroin
Lust For Life
Time has passed, albums have too, but with Lust For Life, Lana Del Rey finally zeroed in on the crosshairs between her aesthetic and critical success. After the disappointing Honeymoon, Lana set out to rectify her passivity. Standing tall amongst the hour and 12 minutes was 'Heroin,' her strongest, most complete work to date. Combining the peaceful activism at the forefront of Lust For Life with a moving portrait, 'Heroin' aimed loftily as the conceptual and musical centerpiece of the album. The second half in particular finds Lana soaring like she never has before, accompanied by a fourth of July light show that won't soon be forgotten.
__________________________________________________________Time has passed, albums have too, but with Lust For Life, Lana Del Rey finally zeroed in on the crosshairs between her aesthetic and critical success. After the disappointing Honeymoon, Lana set out to rectify her passivity. Standing tall amongst the hour and 12 minutes was 'Heroin,' her strongest, most complete work to date. Combining the peaceful activism at the forefront of Lust For Life with a moving portrait, 'Heroin' aimed loftily as the conceptual and musical centerpiece of the album. The second half in particular finds Lana soaring like she never has before, accompanied by a fourth of July light show that won't soon be forgotten.
25 Brockhampton - JUNKY
Saturation II
Even a broken clock's right twice a day. The same could be said for Brockhampton, a collective that epitomizes our consumer-hungry culture. Most of their efforts followed a systematic pattern to righteousness, but it's when they disrupted their own mentality that their talents began to flourish. 'JUNKY's' the epitome of that, a queasy banger that tiptoed uncomfortably around fears, anxieties, and doubts. The strings that tweak Kevin Abstract's opening verse set the tone, accentuated by the occasional bass tremor that's intent on summoning a demon. The process is inverted as screeching yelps, scratching vocals, and sirens welcome Ameer Vann, the group's most talented rapper. 'JUNKY' prides its own unpredictability, matching lyrics with tone flawlessly.
__________________________________________________________Even a broken clock's right twice a day. The same could be said for Brockhampton, a collective that epitomizes our consumer-hungry culture. Most of their efforts followed a systematic pattern to righteousness, but it's when they disrupted their own mentality that their talents began to flourish. 'JUNKY's' the epitome of that, a queasy banger that tiptoed uncomfortably around fears, anxieties, and doubts. The strings that tweak Kevin Abstract's opening verse set the tone, accentuated by the occasional bass tremor that's intent on summoning a demon. The process is inverted as screeching yelps, scratching vocals, and sirens welcome Ameer Vann, the group's most talented rapper. 'JUNKY' prides its own unpredictability, matching lyrics with tone flawlessly.
24 Tonstartssbandht - Sorcerer
Sorcerer
Explaining Tonstartssbandht isn't exactly an exact science. Even though they dabble in genres often accepted, they bear no resemblance to their contemporaries, releasing LP's as discordant as God Speed, Mans! as juvenile as An When and as sophisticated as Sorcerer. The title track to one of 2017's best records a succinct example of their complete maturation, escaping to the world of Jam Band whilst adhering to complex behaviors like multi-layered structuring and advanced progression that the improvisational genre would typically abolish. Here, the brothers mold a multitude of atmosphere-heavy ingredients to create a thunderous journey through a unremitting psychedelic environment.
__________________________________________________________Explaining Tonstartssbandht isn't exactly an exact science. Even though they dabble in genres often accepted, they bear no resemblance to their contemporaries, releasing LP's as discordant as God Speed, Mans! as juvenile as An When and as sophisticated as Sorcerer. The title track to one of 2017's best records a succinct example of their complete maturation, escaping to the world of Jam Band whilst adhering to complex behaviors like multi-layered structuring and advanced progression that the improvisational genre would typically abolish. Here, the brothers mold a multitude of atmosphere-heavy ingredients to create a thunderous journey through a unremitting psychedelic environment.
23 2 Chainz - Riverdale Rd
Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
If you were to have told me a 2 Chainz track would be featured, safely, in my top 50 of the year, and that the album it appeared on, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, confirmed it wasn't a fluke, I would've questioned where my exquisite taste went. Leave it to a 40-year old Atlantan icon to surpass those half his age too busy duking it out in the over-bloated Trap scene. 'Riverdale Rd' has it all. A vicious beat led by a ghoulish synth and fiendish bass, flows that are crafty and intelligible, lyrics that actually serve a purpose, and personality that's equal parts stimulating and diabolical. Every time, without fail, when 'Riverdale Rd' stealthily enters the system I can't help but make a stank face, something the majority of Trap beats aim for, but the majority simultaneously fail at. Mano's work on the boards helps to direct 2 Chainz, sending him back to witness the urban squalor, all whilst bragging playfully about his successes compared to those who've endured.
__________________________________________________________If you were to have told me a 2 Chainz track would be featured, safely, in my top 50 of the year, and that the album it appeared on, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, confirmed it wasn't a fluke, I would've questioned where my exquisite taste went. Leave it to a 40-year old Atlantan icon to surpass those half his age too busy duking it out in the over-bloated Trap scene. 'Riverdale Rd' has it all. A vicious beat led by a ghoulish synth and fiendish bass, flows that are crafty and intelligible, lyrics that actually serve a purpose, and personality that's equal parts stimulating and diabolical. Every time, without fail, when 'Riverdale Rd' stealthily enters the system I can't help but make a stank face, something the majority of Trap beats aim for, but the majority simultaneously fail at. Mano's work on the boards helps to direct 2 Chainz, sending him back to witness the urban squalor, all whilst bragging playfully about his successes compared to those who've endured.
22 Animal Collective - Man Of Oil
Meeting Of The Waters
Through thick and thin, I knew Animal Collective were still capable of achieving the creativity that spurned their rise in Indie over a decade ago. Recent excursions, like Painting With, have merely been misguided and out of character, finding a group hoping to latch onto the success of Merriweather Post Pavilion. It took a retreat into the Amazon rainforest for Avey Tare and Geologist to find a new direction. The best result of which, undoubtedly, 'Man Of Oil.' A swirling array of textured samples overwhelm the solemn guitar and padding drum, creating an atmosphere that's as resourceful as their past whilst tonally switching vibrations to something more sincere. Avey Tare's lyrics are personal and dejected, providing an inquisitive parallel between him and the excitable babel behind him.
__________________________________________________________Through thick and thin, I knew Animal Collective were still capable of achieving the creativity that spurned their rise in Indie over a decade ago. Recent excursions, like Painting With, have merely been misguided and out of character, finding a group hoping to latch onto the success of Merriweather Post Pavilion. It took a retreat into the Amazon rainforest for Avey Tare and Geologist to find a new direction. The best result of which, undoubtedly, 'Man Of Oil.' A swirling array of textured samples overwhelm the solemn guitar and padding drum, creating an atmosphere that's as resourceful as their past whilst tonally switching vibrations to something more sincere. Avey Tare's lyrics are personal and dejected, providing an inquisitive parallel between him and the excitable babel behind him.
21 Four Tet - Daughter
New Energy
Like many iconic Electronic musicians of the 21st century, Four Tet has a style that can be observed and appreciated from miles away. When you hear the nimble percussion, the hypnotic pace, the eastern strings, Four Tet immediately comes to mind. Which, admittedly so, makes it difficult to create a new Microhouse beacon if they're all abiding by the same logic. And yet, Kieran Hebden did just that with 'Daughter,' a gorgeous ballad that works in both the minimalist and maximalist environments. 'Daughter' excels by standing out despite a genre lineage that has failed to deviate all that much throughout the years. Four Tet's captivating work here still follows the rules, but the pieces are better suited than ever before. Progressive Microhouse you could call it, as 'Daughter' builds and builds, one arresting instrument after another, until the New Energy climax reaches a state of blissful euphoria.
__________________________________________________________Like many iconic Electronic musicians of the 21st century, Four Tet has a style that can be observed and appreciated from miles away. When you hear the nimble percussion, the hypnotic pace, the eastern strings, Four Tet immediately comes to mind. Which, admittedly so, makes it difficult to create a new Microhouse beacon if they're all abiding by the same logic. And yet, Kieran Hebden did just that with 'Daughter,' a gorgeous ballad that works in both the minimalist and maximalist environments. 'Daughter' excels by standing out despite a genre lineage that has failed to deviate all that much throughout the years. Four Tet's captivating work here still follows the rules, but the pieces are better suited than ever before. Progressive Microhouse you could call it, as 'Daughter' builds and builds, one arresting instrument after another, until the New Energy climax reaches a state of blissful euphoria.
100-51 | 20-1 | Top 50 Albums
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