best of HONESTLY, 2017. - Singles/Albums TOP 10! / finished!!! :)

[Bubble Tea]

Can't really say I'm feeling page 6. Serve me something delicious please kween.

[Topmaster 2]

OMG Kero Kero Bonito

LEGENDS. 

[Lazuli]

No One Knows Me  

Sorry Not Sorry, did not expect it here!  

[TRF.]

On 27/12/2017 at 4:50 AM, Wicked said:

async is so good David + Sakamoto are a good pair and should do more together. 

 

Without Warning is really good + so is the Sampha track even though I didn't care for the rest of the album. 

I agree with the fact that we need more David + Ryuichi collabs!

 

On 27/12/2017 at 1:13 PM, Pink Matter said:

HMs Pt. 2: Great choices. LFL, Aromanticism, Slowdive, and Mass  I've had that Mula album saved in my Spotify library for months.  Your description is making me want to listen to it now nn

 

Singles: No One Knows Me (Like The Piano) and SNS are great picks  

Albums: Haven't heard any of these  They all look interesting though!

the Mula alb is excellent! It's super fun and enjoyable you'll love it.

 

On 27/12/2017 at 2:34 PM, ChapelHooker said:

Noga went under so many peoples radars, a very solid debut. NOKMLTP made me cry multiple times already nnn. 

Yeah I agree! She's got potential. Also same about Sampha.

 

On 27/12/2017 at 3:45 PM, Dom said:

woo at demetria lovato making it, i'm surprised. truly a good sing. she did that.

She snapped in a way I did not expect her to! Even though I hated it at first lol.

[TRF.]

 

#92.

Iglooghost

"Sōlar Blade"

from the album 'Neō Wax Bloom'

Genre: Wonky, UK Bass, Glitch Hop

 

Absolutely manic sample-based electronic track that seems to take the most insane aspects off of PC Music and Flying Lotus and smashes them together.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#91.

M.E.S.H.

"Search. Reveal."

from the album 'Hesaitix'

Genre: UK Bass, IDM

 

M.E.S.H.'s second album 'Hesaitix' is divided between experimental club bangers and distorted ambient music. This is the best from the former, and probably the most fun and catchy too.

 

Also: SEARCH! REVEAL! SEARCH! REVEAL! (ad infinitum)

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#46.

Uniform

'Wake In Fright'

Genre: Noise Rock, Industrial Rock

Power Electronics, Industrial Metal

Country: USA || Release Date: January 20th, 2017 || Label: Sacred Bones

 

‘Wake in Fright’ is New York-based noise-rock duo Uniform's proper debut on Sacred Bones – and makes sense that it is also their most expansive, ambitious work yet. Ben Greenberg (from indie-rock group The Men) and Michael Berdan (formerly from noise-punk band Drunkdriver), and released their debut ‘Perfect World’ for Helm’s label Atlas in 2015. The following year, they released the EP ‘Ghosthouse’, which featured some of their most chaotic music to date, and built hype for their upcoming work.

 

While sometimes the sound of their previous releases, in particular ‘Perfect World’, felt at times flat and repetitive – on this record, the band are careful not to make the same song twice while maintaining the same level of chaos and aggression throughout the album, exploring genres as diverse as EBM ("The Lost"), thrash metal ("The Killing of America"), and power electronics (the two "Light at the End" tracks).

 

Uniform’s debut for Sacred Bones shows that they are one of the most promising noise-rock acts at the moment. It’s also nice to see people who would take the risk of releasing a concept-heavy, ambitious release so early into their career – specially with the (I suppose) subject matter of war, in these days that something quite… risky if done wrong – because it really paid off, and only gives us high hopes for whatever they release next.

 

Highlights: “The Lost”, “The Light at the End (Cause)”, “The Killing of America”, “Night of Fear”, “The Light at the End (Effect)”

You’ll like it if you like: The Body, Prurient, Ministry, Pharmakon, Nine Inch Nails’ most aggressive work.

 

Spoiler

 

 

[Wondy Lust]

IG and Uniform  

Talent!

[Uncatena]

I tried with the Iglooghost LP but the vibe was weird, maybe I'll try again. I liked the M.E.S.H. LP, some of it was "too weird" tho I guess. Mimic is my fave off that

[JGibson]

Sorry Not Sorry 

[Playa Playa]

I think I've heard Sōlar Blade on some advert or something lol. It's cute. 

 

Search Reveal is a huge song! 

[Topmaster 2]

No conozco ninguna  

[TRF.]

 

#90.

U.S. Girls

"Mad As Hell"

from the album 'In a Poem Unlimited'

Genre: Art Pop, Psychedelic Pop, Space Disco

 

Actually I liked "Chained to the Rhythm", but I find this to be a better example of purposeful pop. Also that hook is probably one of U.S. Girls' best moments ever.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#89.

Major Lazer feat. Anitta & Pabllo Vittar

"Sua Cara"

from the EP 'Know No Better'

Genre: Moombahton, Electropop

 

Once a year, Diplo is involved in a song that I *really* like. 2015 was "Lean On", 2016 was Beyoncé's "All Night". This is 2017's. Also one of the reasons I want to learn Portuguese.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#45.

NÍDIA

'Nídia e má, Nídia e fudida'

Genre: Kuduro, Kizomba, Afro-House

Funk carioca, Tarraxo

Country: Portugal || Release Date: June 30th, 2017 || Label: Príncipe Discos

 

The Lisbon-based Príncipe Discos crew have been representing the "batida" wave of their city at a worldwide scale for a few years new. Their music is uncompromising and fun, yet a decidedly unique and detailed take on electronic music. And the now Bordeaux-based producer NÍDIA (formerly known as Nidia Minaj) is probably at the forefront of it.

 

Mixing different music genres originated in lusophone countries like Angola (such as tarraxo - on the aptly titled "Puro Tarraxo"), Brazil (like baile funk, on opening track "Mulher Profissional"), São Tomé e Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau and others, the young musician creates one of the most exciting and genuinely fun dance records of the year. Using chopped-up vocal samples and unusual rhythms, she definitely redefines the concept of house music.

 

It is also excellent how despite being her debut, she has such a defined sound and decided take on these genres. It is probably why it caught the attention of Fever Ray, and worked with her on this year's "IDK About You". But this album is 100% hers, and one of the best of its kind.

 

Highlights: “Mulher Profissional", "Biotheke", "Puro Tarraxo", "I Miss My Ghetto", "Arme", "Indian", "Kilobo", "Sinistro"

You’ll like it if you like: DJ Marfox, DJ Firmeza, Jlin, Equiknoxx, Huerco S.

 

Spoiler

 

[World Eater]

Didn't enjoy Uniform's album, not my kinda stuff

Miss Girls did her thing on Mad as Hell

[Dom]

Sua Cara is good, Major Lazer did his thing well on it.

[TRF.]

 

#88.

FAKA

"Uyang'khumbula"

from the EP 'Amaqhawe'

Genre: Gqom

 

The Johannesburg duo release one of the most fun and stylish dance tracks of the year, with a really confidence performance and a kick-ass video to top it all off.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#87.

JFDR

"Airborne"

from the album 'Brazil'

Genre: Art Pop, Glitch Pop, Breakcore

 

Get a dreamy pop track, add an excellent black metal and jazz drummer like Greg Fox and a glitch-heavy electronic production. The result? Probably one of the most innovative pop songs released this year. I want more of this.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#44.

Kesha

'Rainbow'

Genre: Pop Rock, Pop Soul

Country Pop, Dance-Pop, Indie Folk, Folk Pop

Country: USA || Release Date: August 11th, 2017 || Label: Kemosabe

 

Kesha's been through a lot since the release of her 2012 album 'Warrior'. As she puts it on "Learn to Let Go" in a very direct way, "I've been through hell and back." 'Rainbow' is her first album since she accussations she made against her former producer Dr. Luke. A lot can be said about the whole situation (personally, I think Luke should rot in hell forever) but 'Rainbow' is not necessarily about that.

 

Even though it does certainly address that situation on a few moments on the album ("Praying," for example,) the album itself seems to address topics like personal growth, adulthood, true love, forgiveness, politics, and why not, just having fun − a lyrical topic that she is certainly familiar with. "Woman", "Boots" and "Boogie Feet" are pretty much the proof that music-wise, the old Kesha is still alive, even though the electropop sound of her first two albums was left behind in favor of something more organic.

 

My sole problem is probably the country tracks not being exactly her best − personally, I much prefer the "Old Flames" rendition found on 'Deconstructed'. Other than that (and some slightly corny lyrical choices) it is pretty much the best she has ever sounded, and is without a doubt one of the best, most consistent and most important pop albums of the year.

 

Highlights: “Let 'Em Talk" (feat. Eagles of Death Metal), "Woman" (feat. The Dap-King Horns), "Praying", "Learn to Let Go", "Finding You", "Rainbow", "Boots"

You’ll like it if you like: Good pop music, Aimee Mann, Lady Gaga's 'Joanne', Kesha's own 'Deconstructed' EP

 

Spoiler

 

 

[popstar]

Sua Bop

[Playa Playa]

Uyang'khumbula

[Ewan Chaos]

Pretty great picks for Rainbow.

 

Mad as Hell is great! Hmm she looks a lot like Gaga in that single art I'm just realizing 

[TRF.]

 

#86.

Nine Inch Nails

"Less Than"

from the EP 'ADD VIOLENCE'

Genre: Industrial Rock, Electro-Industrial, Synthpop

 

I think Nine Inch Nails making something poppy like this was a shock at first, but actually it is... perfect.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#85.

Charli XCX feat. Raye & Starrah

"Dreamer"

from the album 'Number 1 Angel'

Genre: Electropop, Alternative R&B, Trap

 

The perfect amount of vulnerability and confidence. The production is amazing, also Starrah and specially Raye's verses are unbelievable.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#43.

LCD Soundsystem

'American Dream'

Genre: Dance-Punk, New Wave

Synthpop, Alternative Dance, Post-Punk Revival, Indietronica

Country: USA || Release Date: September 1st, 2017 || Label: DFA/Columbia

 

The reaction to LCD Soundsystem announcing their break-up in 2011 were obviously that of disappointment and overall sadness. But the reaction to their return only 4-5 years after was, surprisingly, divisive. Having said that, James Murphy and co. did manage to make an album that met the high expectations everyone put on them, releasing one of the best rock records of the year.

 

Apparently, there is an overlying political theme to the record, as the 'American Dream' title and the (overly simplistic) cover that may or may not reference David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest imply, but that does not mean that the fun is left behind. In fact, "change yr mind", "tonite" and "other voices" are some of their most colorful, funky songs to date. But they also take the time to experiment with song structures and sounds (like on the magnificent "how do you sleep?" and closer "black screen") that make it an exciting listen.

 

LCD Soundsystem could have not come back and it would have been fine for me. They have enough good albums in their repertoire that, despite it being an important loss, sure, they could remain important and influential for a long while. But the fact that they decided to continue and released an extremely successful comeback (even if there are one or two duds in the album) is something that is really great, and positions them as one of the best of their times.

 

Highlights: “oh baby", "other voices", "change yr mind", "how do you sleep?", "tonite", "black screen"

You’ll like it if you like: Talking Heads, New Order, The Rapture, Kraftwerk, The Knife

 

Spoiler

[TRF.]

 

#84.

J Balvin feat. Willy William & Beyoncé

"Mi Gente"

Genre: Moombahton, Reggaeton, Electro latino

 

The original version of the track relies way too much on that loop. But Beyoncé's version is a little less repetitive, which is why I am all here for it. It is truly unpretentious fun. The best Latin American crossover of 2017.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#83.

Migos feat. Cardi B & Nicki Minaj

"Motorsport"

from the album 'CULTURE 2'

Genre: Trap Rap

 

The hook is great, and Migos overall are... decent on this track. But let's all be honest, the real reason this kicks ass is because of Nicki and (specially) Cardi.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#42.

Sampha

'Process'

Genre: Alternative R&B

UK Bass, Art Pop, Future Garage, Neo-Soul

Country: UK || Release Date: February 3rd, 2017 || Label: Young Turks

 

Singer, songwriter and producer Sampha Sisay became a figure in R&B, alternative and electronic music in such a gradual way that it was almost hard to notice. Initially he was featured on SBTRKT’s debut record (with Jessie Ware, Little Dragon and others) and was a live member of his band, but shortly after he worked with people like Drake, Thom Yorke, FKA twigs, Solange, Kanye West and many others.

 

While he released EP’s and a few singles, it was strange how he never released an album until this year’s ‘Process’ which indeed took a long time. “Plastic 100°C”, the first track on the record, seems to address that. Without releasing an album, he was already deep in the music industry, feeling the effects of a newfound fame. And even though these lyrics were quite vivid and intense, “Blood on Me” is the song with the strongest, best storytelling. He depicts trying to escape an unnamed force and he pulls you in the story with its passionate performance and up-tempo beats.

 

There are many other highlights and one or two songs that are below average, and despite not being the strongest debut possible, it still comprises everything that represents Sampha Sisay as an artist, a musician and a pop culture figure. He will only get better from now on, and all the acclaim that he has received is more than deserved.

 

Highlights: “Plastic 100°C”, “Blood on Me”, “Kora Sings”, “Timmy’s Prayer”

You’ll like it if you like: James Blake, Jessie Ware, FKA twigs, Solange

 

Spoiler

 

[TRF.]

 

#82.

St. Vincent

"Los Ageless"

from the album 'Masseduction'

Genre: Synthpop, Art Pop

 

The natural progression from the stuff on her self-titled record. The noisy production is actually a great touch, not so much that unnecessarily long outro though. Personally, I wish there was more of this on 'Masseduction'.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#81.

Jorja Smith & Preditah

"On My Mind"

Genre: 2-Step, Contemporary R&B

 

Had I listened to this a little bit earlier this would have been so much higher. Truly the best mixture between UK garage and R&B since at least Katy B.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#41.

Actress

'AZD'

Genre: Microhouse

Bleep Techno, IDM, Outsider House, Glitch

Country: UK || Release Date: May 14th, 2017 || Label: Ninja Tune

 

When releasing his 2014 album ‘Ghettoville’, British producer Darren Cunningham a.k.a. Actress, teased at a possible retirement. That was surely disappointing to his many fans, given that throughout the years he became one of the most acclaimed, interesting producers of this generation. Thankfully, that turned out to be a false alarm as this year he released his sixth full-length album, ‘AZD’, via Ninja Tune.

 

In comparison to his previous record, which explored the most abstract forms of IDM and techno, with many synth and collage-based pieces that put him closer to fellow forward-thinkers such as Oneohtrix Point Never or Holly Herndon, ‘AZD’ is rather based on house music. However, unlike his earlier releases, he focuses on a rather lo-fi, dirty sound. Still, there are more tracks that work in a rather unusual way, even for him. On the album, he explores new fields, like noise music (“Faure in Chrome,” a collaboration with the London Continental Orchestra) or bleep techno ("X22RME”, “Fantasynth” or "Untitled 7") going for a rather LFO vibe.

 

‘AZD’ feels like a reinvention in some way. Using the rawest elements of Cunningham’s previous works, he does something inspired and new. The cover art perfectly represents the concept of afrofuturism that has always been frequent on his music, but also presents itself as something human. While this album might not be Actress’ best (which, again, it is hard thing to achieve), this record does its job of representing the act’s spirit the best way possible.

 

Highlights: “Untitled 7″, “Fantasynth”, “CYN”, “X22RME”, “Dancing in the Smoke”, “Faure in Chrome”

You’ll like it if you like: Huerco S., LFO, James Holden, Jon Hopkins, Autechre

 

Spoiler

 

[Playa Playa]

Dreamer is so good. RAYE's verse into the hook is still one of the best moments of 2017

 

X22RME was an amazing teaser but AZD wasn't my thing as a whole. Lots of good moments tho & I appreciate the reinvention and concept of afrofuturism. 

[JGibson]

Less Than + Los Ageless 

[Pink Matter]

Lovely list!

Albums: Rainbow, American Dream, and  Process  

Singles: Dreamer, Los Ageless, On My Mind  

[Unoriginal]

M.A.H.  I've seen U.S. Girls on a couple of lists and I didn't realise she was a small thing on ATRL

Rainbow

Los Ageless  

[World Eater]

Dreamer is THAT bop Wig @ Process and american dream