Best Albums of 2017

Just as TV is being transformed by streaming platforms, music in 2017 was dominated by Spotify, Apple Music, and other services. More than 30 million people in America now pay for music streaming subscriptions. While streaming was originally seen as a potential downfall for major labels and the industry at large, music sales in general are actually up 17%. Music is big and getting bigger, and it’s actually getting easier for smaller acts to gain an audience as well.

And much like in the television world, there are endless options for the casual listener. Not only are there new albums dropping every day in every genre, but with apps like Spotify, the entire history of music is accessible at any time. What can make a new artist stick out? What new sounds are there still left to create?

I wouldn’t necessarily consider 2017 one of the BEST years for music this decade. But it feels like we’re in the midst of a massive shift in music. When culture and politics shift, the arts tend to transform in response. Music is changing in front of our eyes (or between our earbuds), sometimes too fast to even keep pace. There were so many great new voices this year; and a few old voices that re-asserted themselves.

Even as we enter the Age of the Playlist, where a large portion of our listening involves listening to a blend of multiple artists, there are still great albums being put out. Collections of songs that belong together, and demand to be listened to as one piece of listening.

When it comes down to it, there was one standout album this year: Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. It was a clash of commercial success and brilliant artistry. He’d already produced two masterpieces prior to this. And with his more straightforward style and ever sharpening wit, he went out and made a third masterpiece in a row – and this time the whole world listened. Not only was it his most successful album to date, but it was the best-selling album of 2017

Which is not to take away from the other amazing albums that came out this year. I have put together a list of my favorite albums of the year. Some of these albums are chock full of potential singles that could take off at any moment (every song I listen to on SZA’s Ctrl sounds like it could be my next favorite), while some albums, like Vagabon’s Infinite Worlds, work best when listened to from beginning to end.

I think that we, the music consumers, are the ultimate winners in this new streaming age. It costs 10 bucks a month to get all the music in the world. And there are so many great albums coming out all the time.

Also, make sure to check out the Best Songs of 2017 List (playlist included)