2017 has been big so far. We’ve lost legends like Chuck Berry and Chris Cornell; Beyonce and Jay-Z have bought two (surely to be) musical prodigies into the world; Lorde’s finally released her Pure Heroine follow-up after the pressure of David Bowie calling her ‘the future of music’ – and we’re only six months in.
We’ve taken a tally around The Music’s offices and compiled our top 30 albums of the year so far – covering everything from classic artists to newcomers, alt to hip hop. We know better than most how subjective these lists are and maybe we’ve missed something you think is the next big one — that’s why we want to hear your thoughts on what should be a contender for album of the year, just leave us a comment below and we’ll throw it into the mix for the big one in December.
Emily Blackburn, Sam Wall, Andrew Mast and Jessica Dale share why these are the albums you need to add to your collection.
Lorde - Melodrama
Probably the most hyped, most awaited and most talked about album of the year so far, Lorde’s Melodrama is living up to all of it.
The second album from the New Zealand native, Melodrama has already hit #1 in the US. Lorde’s own lyrics probably describe the reaction best; “Blowing shit up with homemade dynamite” — she actually is.
“Upbeat and very danceable, this is Lorde with the grit that got our attention the first time around, but with a new edge." - Liz Giuffre
JD
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
This year saw Kendrick Lamar acting as the musical Easter Bunny, dropping the ‘just-as-delicious-as-an-Easter-egg’ DAMN. over the long weekend.
Just try not to be transported to the street Lamar paints in opener BLOOD., and just try not to be shocked with its twists and turns. There’s appearances from Rihanna, U2 and Zacari, and a whole lot of that Kendrick magic you were waiting for. DAMN. has proven Lamar to be the consummate storyteller.
“If To Pimp A Butterfly was a Hollywood epic, DAMN. is an intimate Weinstein Company production. Chronological considerations aside, if To Pimp A Butterfly was this generation’s Sgt Pepper’s, DAMN. is its Revolver.” - Christopher H James
JD
cable ties - cable ties
We’re not too sure how many mid-2017 ‘Top Album’ rundowns are doing the rounds, but if any of them are missing Cable Ties’ self-titled debut avert your eyes - that list is wrong and dumb and wrong.
When it dropped a month and bit ago early flagship Same For Me was our fave. Right now, it’s three-act punk epic Paradise. In between, every track’s had a turn being flogged on repeat and next week it’ll probably be Fish Bowl or Wasted Time (again). The point is it's rock solid through and through. We could talk about how they’re killing it on their national tour or how their live show melts faces and buckles braces, but it’s kind of extraneous. Cable Ties is just a sick album, one of 2017's best.
"Will have you hooked by both ears in five seconds or less, pinned like a deer in the headlights..." - Sam Wall
SW
sleepmakeswaves - Made of Breath Only
“Does perfection exist?”
This is what reviewer Rod Whitfield pondered as he reviewed the latest offering from Sydney’s sleepmakeswaves. Lacking nothing, filled with an abundance of vivid imagery and ambience, the four-piece push themselves to the limits of their musical ability and it pays off dividends. It’s not one song, it’s every song.
"The perfect instrumental rock album. Yep, it's just that damn good." - Rod Whitfield
JD
Halsey – Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
Halsey’s bio reads simply – “I am Halsey. I will never be anything but honest. I write songs about sex and being sad” – it’s an apt description for her second offering, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom.
Taking on a Romeo & Juliet-inspired story and theme, Halsey creates an engaging and enchanting pop album, bringing in the likes of Cashmere Cat, Quavo and Lauren Jauregui to help weave her story.
"Proof that Halsey is capable of making music that gets radio play whilst retaining her creativity and originality." - Madelyn Tait
JD
RVG - A Quality Of Mercy
A Quality Of Mercy is an eight-track collection of some the best post-punk/retro-pop you’ll hear in a while. Lead Romy Vager treats the lyrics as a confessional booth, bringing down scathing remarks on those that dare to deserve it. Featuring a wunderkind blend of members, RVG’s Reuben Bloxham, Angus Bell and Marc Nolte all get a big kudos from us. If you’ve been looking for a mix of the Psychedelic Furs, Soft Boys and The Go-Betweens, look no further.
“They utilise their experience and talents to sublime effect here, bolstering Vager's fundamentally attractive tunes.” – Mitch Knox
JD
SZA – Ctrl
SZA’s Ctrl is an album divided amongst both the public and The Music team; some loved it for its interesting production takes, some hated it for its lyrical style, some are utterly indifferent.
When reviewed, Ctrl was described as “decent considering all the hype - but it's ultimately superficial.” Nonetheless, Ctrl is fun and something different, and SZA and her debut should be celebrated for breaking the male-only mould at Top Dawg Entertainment. We rate it, you may hate it, but give it a run anyway.
JD
The Smith Street Band – More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me
Melbourne’s own The Smith Street Band are some of the hardest workers on the touring circuit. After what seems to be unrelenting touring of 2014’s Throw Me In The River, the band went back to the studio with producer Jeff Rosenstock (Bomb The Music Industry!, Antartigo Vespucci) for More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me; an album that narrates the life and death of a relationship, from exciting beginnings to a tumultuous ending to a much-needed fresh start.
If you're a fan of The Smith Street Band, you'll love it. If you've never tried them before, this is the album to start with.
“There's a buoyancy to songs like Shine and Laughing (Or Pretending To Laugh) and it's a refreshing change in the band's usually melancholic approach.” – Jessica Dale
JD
Gorillaz – Humanz
As always, Damon Albarn and co impressed. Casually dropping tracks over the space of a few months before the release of Humanz, fans were primed and ready.
Expect zero filler tracks and the unexpected – there’s six Ben Mendelsohn narrated tracks to be found along the way, and everyone from Grace Jones to Vince Staples to De La Soul features.
"Gorillaz' Humanz scares us in the best way" - Bryget Chrisfield
JD
The xx – I See You
The xx have embraced a brighter sound for their latest, I See You, drifting away from the dreamy, subdued elements of their previous works.
Don’t fret, they haven’t completely walked away from their signature sound; they’re just erring on the side of maximum rather than minimal. Solid beats, gentle strings and moody electric guitar, along with the perfect harmonies they’re known for, make this an easy feat for The xx.
"...shrugs off the cloud of drifting, subdued dreaminess associated with their previous work." - Guido Farnell
JD
Saint Etienne - Home Counties
What a stellar year it has been for heritage alt-pop acts. The likes of Blondie and Alison Moyet have delivered albums that stand beside the best of their earlier careers. And, then there’s Saint Etienne who, unlike Blondie and Alison Moyet, have never once produced a dip in quality in nearly three decades of musical output.
The British trio colour their pop brightly even while dabbling in topics that are as grey as a London winter’s day. And hey, the new pop kids could learn a thing or two from how thoroughly Saint Etienne explore all of pop’s sub-genres. No Swedish-producer-for-hire song template repeated over and over for this outfit. Plus, Sarah Cracknell's voice is more dynamic than ever.
“Bob Stanley’s scholarly command of pop-styles provides a luxuriance of lyrical paronomasia and moreish candy choruses.” - Mac McNaughton
AM
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Flying Microtonal Banana
Psych-rock overlords King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s Flying Microtonal Banana is the band's first offering for 2017, having slated themselves to release five studio works in 2017 alone.
Technically, the band experimented more with the guitars, basses, keyboards and harmonica modified to play ‘microtones’, notes that are less than a semitone apart. Opener Rattlesnake will grab you with its bass line and before you know it you’ve fallen down the King Gizz rabbit hole and ended up in Wonderland.
"Despite the innovations, much of Flying Microtonal Banana sounds exactly like the King Gizz we know.” - Christopher H James
JD
Run The Jewels – Run The Jewels 3
Ok, ok, we know that technically Run The Jewels 3 came out in the final days of 2016 (the digital download anyway) but by that point everyone had wrapped up their best albums lists and this one could have easily slipped through the cracks, we think it’s just too good to go unrecognised.
Run The Jewels have been celebrated for their artistic triumph and ever-growing popularity over the past three years, and their third album deserves nothing less than to be celebrated in the same breath. Edging its way as a near-classic, make sure you give it a few spins to fully appreciate its multi-layered charms.
"Demands repeated listens." - Matt O'Neill
JD
The Courtneys – The Courtneys ll
Four years on from their self-titled debut, The Courtneys are back for round two with the appropriately titled The Courtneys II. Hailing from Vancouver, The Courtneys are the first-ever international act to sign with longstanding NZ tastemakers Flying Nun.
Bringing along their own blend of scuzzy indie-pop, The Courtneys add in elements of dreamy lo-fi bubblegum garage punk to create a truly infectious follow up.
"Virgo and 25 drip with unrequited longing, the unhurried insistence of Iron Deficiency reminds of Eddy Current Suppression Ring in places, the aloof Mars Attacks devolves into chanted schoolyard refrains and Frankie finishes with a fitting fuzz flourish." - Steve Bell
JD
Polish Club – Alright Already
Polish Club hit the ground running. The Sydney duo waste no time on their long-player debut, with Where You Been? grabbing your attention immediately with its short, sharp hooks. Alright Already has just the right amount of rockabilly sensibility and will surely be the one to launch them into the stratosphere.
"There is very little room for slow dancing on this album." - Guido Farnell
JD
Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life
Remember that feeling when you were an angsty teenager and you found the perfect album to sum up all your ‘me-against-the-world’ type feelings? Japandroids have handed you the grown-up version, with tracks like the eponymous Near To The Wild Heart Of Life and North East South West knocking it out of the park.
Put the album on, crack open the beer you’re now old enough to buy and enjoy all on those great memory lane feelings it’ll bring.
"Eight more songs that are sure to destroy when played live." - Pete Laurie
JD
Ali Barter - A Suitable Girl
There's no doubt that Ali Barter is a badass, and this year she brought out an equally badass debut album A Suitable Girl with its strong sense of vulnerability, paired with sweet, poppy melodies.
The album encapsulates the feeling of being a female in the entertainment industry, as well as in daily life, and approaches it with sass, angst and grit.
“A Suitable Girl is a dynamic, fun and edgy debut that brings back some '90s riot grrrl vibes and takes the listener on an emotional journey.” - Madelyn Tait
EB
Thundamentals – Everyone We Know
Maturity is what comes to mind at the first listen to Thundamentals’ Everyone We Know. Reflection and nostalgia can be found throughout, but there are also points of sugary, commercial goodness with tracks like Think About It and Wyle Out Year.
Everyone We Know seems to be a fitting name since just about everyone makes an appearance (Hilltop Hoods, Mataya, Wallace, Peta & The Wolves, Laneous), but the album is all the richer for it.
"The outfit has reached the point of maturity many knew was coming." - Dylan Stewart
JD
Songhoy Blues - Resistance
Hailing from Bamako, Songhoy Blues formed back in 2012 after they were forced to leave their homes due to civil conflict and the imposition of Sharia Law. Described as a desert blues band, their second album improves on the greatness of their first, Music In Exile, in every way. Look out for the surprise guesting from Iggy Pop and prepare your dancing shoes.
"The grooves are infectious, venomous even." - Christopher H James
JD
Joe Goddard - Electric Lines
As a part of Hot Chip, Joe Goddard did some great work. As one-half of The 2 Bears he created even greater work. It’s no surprise then to find solo Joe Goddard is his greatest work.
Classic house, electro and retro-futurist disco beats are explored with a deep understanding of the genres and an immense amount of joy. And that’s a vital ingredient, Goddard doesn’t forget to have fun.
“It's more dancefloor-ready than even The 2 Bears' rave-driven work.” - Matt O’Neill
AM
London Grammar – Truth Is A Beautiful Thing
It would be seemingly sacrilegious to not include Truth Is A Beautiful Thing and Hannah Reid’s voice. Four years since the release of If You Wait, time and touring have helped deliver a warm, vibrant and mature sound.
Head for the deluxe version and you’ll be rewarded with seven extra tracks and a hauntingly beautiful version of The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony.
"The arrangements throughout are minimalist and atmospheric, employing strings, keys and highly disciplined dynamics." - Tim Kroenert
JD
Wet Lips – Wet Lips
“Punk is about getting angry, turning up to 11 and kicking out the jams. Wet Lips do it pretty damn well.” Our reviewer Evan Young nailed it with that sentence alone.
If you need further proof that Wet Lips self-titled work is worth your time, just look to their fuzzy power chords, tempered screams and their satirical approach to the patriarchy. Wet Lips kill it every inch of the way.
"Wet Lips are sick of our shit. All of it." - Evan Young
JD
Conor Oberst – Salutations
Part companion album, part follow up, Salutations is the reimagining of Oberst’s 2016 Ruminations. While Oberst had always intended to release Ruminations as a full band album, he took a detour and chose to go it solo, resulting in rave reviews from both fans and critics alike.
Salutations is the album that Oberst had always intended Ruminations to be, just amplified with a reworked track listing, seven new songs and the support of other musicians.
“There's a fair amount of courage in recreating an album that people know and love, but the results prove that sometimes things are better the second time around.” - Jessica Dale
JD
Goldfrapp – Silver Eye
Chances are you’ll be enchanted by Goldfrapp’s Silver Eye from song one, Anymore, a shoulder-swaying number with just a touch of Shirley Manson-edge on the vocals. Silver Eye is lush, buzzworthy and Alison Goldfrapp’s vocals will keep you captivated throughout.
"It's all makes for a quite beautiful machine." - Ross Clelland
JD
The Menzingers – After The Party
If you’re feeling the stress of your impending 30th birthday, maybe hold off listening to After The Party until you’re actually past the party.
If Japandroids’ latest work touches on growing up, then The Menzingers give you a blow by blow of their full quarter-life crisis. Taking you on a journey of feeling uncertain about growing up, The Menzingers still manage keep the party alive with their heavy riffs, rumbling drums and lyrical integrity.
"Where are we gonna go now that our 20s are over?" - Charmaine de Souza
JD
Sleaford Mods - English Tapas
The first thing you’ll notice is the punchy, repetitive bass. The second is the punchy, punctuation of Jason Williamson’s lyrics.
Quintessentially English and unashamedly searing, English Tapas will eat you up if you let it. You can’t help but feel pissed off listening to Williamson’s thick East Midland’s accent – definitely not at him, just at the world – and that’s exactly what Sleaford Mods want you to feel.
JD
Jessica Says - Do With Me What U Will
Pop noir darling Jessica Says is back with Do With Me What U Will, her first album in eight years after a devastating fall back in 2010 saw her fracture her spine and pelvis.
Tackling the topics of girlhood, mental illness and desire, Do With Me What U Will takes clear influence from Kate Bush, Debbie Harry and Lady Gaga, resulting in an album filled with a wonderful mix of theatrical minimalism.
"The songwriting displays an audacity and strong sense of identity." - Tim Kroenert
JD
Sorority Noise - You're Not As ____ As You Think
Firstly, we’ll flag that this isn’t an album to venture into lightly. If you’re having a great day and think nothing can bring you down, don’t listen. Having said that, if you’re feeling less than great and want to hear from someone who can relate, then Sorority Noise’s You’re Not As ____ As You Think is your album of the day.
You’re Not As ____ As You Think is important, filled with bereft and heartfelt lyrics that will surely help a lot, for a lot. Cameron Boucher and co can certainly expect to have many a crowd singing this back to them night after night.
Methyl Ethel – Everything is Forgotten
Art-pop, psychedelic eccentricities and big ‘80s synths take over Methyl Ethel’s second offering, Everything Is Forgotten. After the catchy Ubu wins you over, go further and you’ll be drawn into Jake Webb’s world where the surreal and the absurd aren’t all too far removed.
"Surrealism and absurdist concepts co-exist with '80s synths, polyrhythmic flourishes and Webb's slippery falsetto..." - Brynn Davies
JD
Kingswood – After Hours, Close To Dawn
The new one from Kingswood was a challenge; not for the band, but for their long-running fans.
Taking a step back from their traditional blues rock sound, Kingswood reassessed by taking on everything from laid-back ballads, country and bluegrass, and even a little soulful pop. What results is an album that is their most radically different yet, and it has paid off splendidly.
"Prepare for something very, very different." - Rod Whitfield
JD
The Top 30 Albums Of 2017 (So Far)
Lorde - Melodrama
Kendrick Lamar - DAMN.
Cable Ties - Cable Ties
sleepmakeswaves - Made Of Breath Only
Halsey – Hopeless Fountain Kingdom
RVG - A Quality Of Mercy
SZA – Ctrl
The Smith Street Band – More Scared Of You Than You Are Of Me
Gorillaz – Humanz
The xx – I See You
Saint Etienne - Home Counties
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - Flying Microtonal Banana
Run The Jewels – Run The Jewels 3
The Courtneys – The Courtneys II
Polish Club – Alright Already
Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life
Ali Barter - A Suitable Girl
Thundamentals – Everyone We Know
Songhoy Blues - Resistance
Joe Goddard - Electric Lines
London Grammar – Truth Is A Beautiful Thing
Wet Lips – Wet Lips
Conor Oberst – Salutations
Goldfrapp – Silver Eye
The Menzingers – After The Party
Sleaford Mods - English Tapas
Jessica Says - Do With Me What U Will
Sorority Noise - You're Not As ____ As You Think
Methyl Ethel – Everything Is Forgotten
Kingswood – After Hours, Close To Dawn
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