What a year in music. According to Spotify, I listened to 45,656 minutes, 2,190 different songs and 641 different artists. That’s a lot of minutes. As a Marketing major, I love the billboard campaign “2018 Goals” that Spotify rolled out this year. With the green, pink and white theme, the billboards vividly capture the audience's attention along with the humorous taglines such as “Dear person who played ‘Sorry’ 42 times on Valentine’s Day, what did you do?” and “Be as humble as the person who got an entire billboard for listening to HUMBLE. 1,251 times.” The company once again proves what data can do (though you may think that’s a little creepy).
image from Google
Now, let’s recap. Below are the top 10 albums (not all are released last year) that I enjoyed in 2017.
10. Harry Style — Harry Style
Say what you want about One Direction, but I believe each individual member has a special vocal talent. Harry’s album is filled with 80s vibe and rock and roll elements, which is surprisingly suitable and unique to his voice. “Sign of the Times” and “Kiwi” are definitely my favorites. Sorry Niall, but I have to give credits to Harry for a more breakthrough album.
9. The Thrill of it All — Sam Smith
Ah, the angel is back. Sam Smith is undeniably one of the most talented singers. I almost shed a tear the first time I listened to “Midnight Train” from the new album. His music paints a beautiful story for each song. He has the type of music that makes your heart ache but you still choose to listen after. I’m blessed to have heard him live back in 2014. What a beautiful human being.
8. Saw You in a Dream — The Japanese House
I’m not surprised I discovered The Japanese House considering I’m a big fan of The 1975. The Japanese House is a an English indie pop act from Buckinghamshire consisting of solo artist Amber Bain (Wikipedia). Her music is soft, with a relaxing vibe that is so soothing you can do homework while listening to it, which I do all the time. My favorites are "Saw You in a Dream", "Cool Blue" and "Leon"—all from different albums.
7. Cigarettes After Sex — Cigarettes After Sex
I know the name is weird, BUT, I like to listen to their music whenever I’m sad. Don’t we tend to listen to more depressing music when we’re upset? Cigarettes After Sex is an American ambient pop band from El Paso, Texas. Not sure what ambient means, but I call it the "sad music" when you’re broken down at 3am. My all-time favorite is “K.”. I also had a chance to listen to them live this year!
6. Freudian — Daniel Caesar
What an underrated singer. Daniel Caesar’s music creates all types of feelings that you don’t even know they exist. I came across his iconic “Japanese Denim” on Spotify and instantly fell in love with his music. “Blessed” and “We Find Love” are two of my favorites from the album. Here’s to hoping Daniel Caesar receive the attention he deserves in 2018.
5. LANY — LANY
This alternative band from LA, California was introduced to me from two different friends. After listening to “ILYSB”, I had their album on loop ever since. LANY reminds me of The 1975 with an indie pop vibe. While some of their songs are playful, some are more mellow. I love their genre of music and their lyrics, as they are often relatable. I heard them live back in October; they put on a good show!
4. Cleopatra — The Lumineers
Not sure when I rediscovered my love for The Lumineers, but I'm glad I did. For a while I had this album on repeat everyday. Something about their music makes you want to pick up your bags and just go. “Sleeping On The Floor”, “Patience”, “Angela” and “Ophelia” are my top favorites. If you haven’t already, check out their music video trilogy on YouTube which consists of a love story using 3 different songs. It’s truly a masterpiece.
3. 24K Magic — Bruno Mars
If you think Bruno Mars isn’t going to be on this list, think again. He’s one of my favorite artists. Although 24K Magic was released in 2016, Spotify told me “That’s What I Like” is one of the top songs I listened to this year. What can I say, that song is just too catchy! And can we talk about “Versace On The Floor”?! What a beautiful song.
2. DAMN. — Kendrick Lamar
I think we can all agree Kendrick never disappoints. From “To Pimp a Butterfly” to “DAMN.”, Kendrick knows how to deliver hits after hits. According to Spotify, DNA. is my most-listened song in 2017. Not surprised, considering I listened to DNA. in the shower and going to class everyday for several weeks straight. His music videos are also super creative if you haven’t checked them out. What a legend.
1. American Teen — Khalid
2017 was the year of Khalid! His whole entire album is a masterpiece. I don’t understand how a 19-year-old El Paso, Texas native can write music with words that are also so painfully relatable. His voice speaks to everyone as if I could feel his pain behind his songs. It’s hard to pick the ones that I love the most, but I have to say “8teen”, “Hopeless”, “Shot Down” and “American Teen” are my top favorites. It’s rare to find myself obsessing over an entire album, but he sure made me fall in love with every single one. I even bought myself a vinyl of this album. That being said, I am ecstatic to see him live in May for the first time!
Honorable Mentions:
Martin Garrix
Although I’m not a hardcore EDM/House music fan, I’m a huge fan of Martin Garrix and Kygo. Martin Garrix delivered several hits this year that I am in love with such as “Scared to Be Lonely”, “So Far Away” and “There For You”. Now please release a new album already and come back to Philly!
Cardi B
Judge me if you want, but Cardi B is my spirit animal. Her down-to-earth personality makes her such an entertainer on Instagram. Although she didn’t release any album in 2017, I think I’m responsible for the 200+ Bodak Yellow plays in 2017. #SorryNotSorry