The following is a re-post of a “Back of the Class” article initially shared January 1, 2018.
The shuffle button is an essential test on how desperately your library needs some spring cleaning. Some projects live with us, shape our tastes and inhabit new memories while others provide a snapshot to a particular time but do nothing for us now. A pretty good album I occasionally bumped last fall might find itself getting skipped more and more frequently.
In order to bypass these momentary projects, I opted out of a traditional list. There’s no prescribed number of projects that had to be included, and it doesn’t even have to be a traditional album (which more or less renders rankings useless). Some are still growing on me and didn’t make the cut, but I’m just an internet man with opinions. Don’t take it to heart.
These are the projects that defined my 2017 and deserve a place in your 2018.
Foxygen – Hang
Released January 20
Coming off of 2014’s colossal, 24-track …And Star Power, this Los Angeles duo dials things back a bit on their fourth album. The psychedelic elements fans have come to expect are still intact, but this time channeled in decidedly glam rock direction. The recording booth often feels more like a theater stage. David Bowie and Rolling Stones influences are worn on their sleeves, yet when the result is this entertaining, paying a little homage never hurt anyone.
Selected cuts: “Follow the Leader,” “On Lankershim,” “Trauma”
Sampha – Process
Released February 3
Mortality weighs heavy on Sampha. His voice has always carried a haunting, melancholic quality, but the tragic passing of his mother adds to the weight. The album acts as a grieving process of sorts overa myriad of backdrops like the chaotic, electronic “Kora Sings,” the stripped down “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano,” and instantly catchy “Incomplete Kisses.” Catharsis is achieved and a painful growth is made on one of the most beautiful R&B albums in recent memory.
Selected cuts: “Blood on Me,” “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano,” “Timmy’s Prayer”
Cosmo Pyke – Just Cosmo EP
Released February 24
London’s Cosmo Pyke is the lovechild of Mac DeMarco’s wavy, DIY aesthetic and King Krule’s jazzy, occasionally hip-hop exploration. At 19 with a lone EP as his discography, Pyke’s songwriting and ear for melody is shockingly developed. These hazy earworms are bound to stick with you well beyond your morning coffee.
Selected cuts: “Chronic Sunshine,” “Social Sites,” “Great Dane”
Steve Lacy – Steve Lacy’s Demo
Released February 24
Mac DeMarco’s proper debut 2 was released five years ago, but it wasn’t until 2017 his influence started to become apparent. However, unlike Cosmo, Steve Lacy molds his DeMarco influence into irresistible R&B tracks with an unexpected amount of funk for someone recording straight off of an iPhone. Lacy made his debut on The Internet’s Ego Death while still in high school and has since produced for artists like Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, Isaiah Rashad, and GoldLink. 2018 will be very kind to this man.
Selected cuts: “Ryd,” “Dark Red,” “Some”
Jay Som – Everybody Works
Released March 10
With a style music publications have labeled “bedroom pop,” Everybody Works certainly characterizes that more in spirit than sound. The album teeters an interesting line between a vibe that embodies the isolation of its recording and being so fully formed that it’s hard to believe it’s entirely composed by one woman (with the exception of some backing vocals). The mood remains generally somber throughout, but the underlying optimism becomes more apparent with each listen.
Selected cuts: “1 Billion Dogs,” “Baybee,” “For Light”
J.I.D – The Never Story
Released March 10
The ATLien spirit is alive and well. Future’s style is inarguably running the south, but rap collective Spillage Village (also home of EARTHGANG) is bringing diversity to the city’s sound. A voice that’s equal parts Vince Staples and Anderson .Paak, J.I.D effortlessly spazzes over New York-influenced production one second and suavely croons the next. This Dreamville-signee could take his style in virtually any direction and it wouldn’t be a surprise. Just enjoy the ride.
Selected cuts: “NEVER,” “D/vision (feat. EARTHGANG),” “Hereditary”
Smino – blkswn
Released March 14
Depending on which day you ask me, blkswn might be my answer for album of the year. The line between a hip-hop and R&B artist has never been thinner in this post-Drake rap industry, but no one plays jump rope with that line from one word to the next quite like Smino. With an animated flow so off the wall yet smooth, it takes the right collaborators to keep up with him.
With that being said, this is just as much a Monte Booker album as it is a Smino album. Booker’s style is best described as where Flying Lotus meets Timbaland. These unorthodox instrumentals coupled with L10’s mixing prove to be the perfect backdrop for Smi to paint his picture. Despite being pulled in so many directions, this album still manages to find a unified identity in being futuristic, soulful, soothing, and off-kilter all at once.
Selected cuts: “Wild Irish Roses,” “Netflix & Dusse,” “Father Son Holy Smoke”
Real Estate – In Mind
Released March 17
When Real Estate announced lead guitarist Matt Mondanile left the band, many fans were concerned over the band’s direction without his creative input (note: this was roughly a year and a half before his sexual misconduct came to light, which was apparently the reason he was forced to depart). Julian Lynch would take over duties on lead guitar for their most polished set of mellowed out indie pop tunes yet.
While this album finds their sound cleaner than ever, it finds the band experimenting with different tones, levels of energy and song structures much more frequently than their first three albums. A smooth, feel-good day-drinker like “Stained Glass,” the psychedelic breakdown on “Two Arrows” and the gorgeous piano intro on “Saturday” all find the band exploring new territory. Lynch might just be the breath of fresh air these Jersey boys needed.
Selected cuts: “Darling,” “Stained Glass,” “Two Arrows”
Spoon – Hot Thoughts
Released March 17
There’s a solid chance your favorite bands have begun experiment with synthesizers over the last year or two, 80s-inspired or otherwise. Spoon does so in a way that sounds just as Spoon as ever, managing to do so in a way that’s fresh yet inexplicably doesn’t feel out of left field. It’s this ability to successfully shapeshift without alienating fans that has quietly made them one of the most dependable bands in recent memory. This go-round finds them in a balancing act between spacey intervals and sinister funk, but one thing remains a constant: frontman Britt Daniel always sounds at home.
Selected cuts: “Hot Thoughts,” “WhisperI’lllistentohearit,” “Do I Have to Talk You into It”
GoldLink – At What Cost
Released March 24
GoldLink seems poised for greatness; it’s just a question of when. His debut, The God Complex, laid the groundwork and got him a spot on the always controversial XXL Freshman list. And After That, We Didn’t Talk (shameless self-promotion) felt like its impact should have been much greater, but the slow yet steady rise of At What Cost’s lead single “Crew” shows his time is coming.
At What Cost strays further from his self-defined “future bounce” dance-rap, but does that really matter? This album finds the DMV MC just as charismatic as ever. He has the technically ability to appeal to hip-hop purists, catchiness to appease pop-rap fans and experiments just enough to push the boundaries of the genre a little bit farther. Once he finds that intangible “it” factor and a bit more consistency to put him over the top, hip-hop will have a new star.
Selected cuts: “Summatime (feat. Wale),” “Crew (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy),” “Pray Everyday (Survivor’s Guilt)”
Joey Bada$$ – All-Amerikkkan Bada$$
Released April 7
In frightening times, protest music is sure to thrive. Some will come as a form of wave-riding, but others like Joey bring a fresh voice to the debate. Joey is able to utilize the sort of race and class inequality he has throughout his career for a cohesive concept album that never sounds too one-note.
Beyond concepts, Joey continues to grow more confident as a complete songwriter. His 90s boom-bap influences still dominate his palette, but he’s able to use these as a guide to some of his catchiest tunes with the most crossover potential yet. If this man has a “Still Not a Player” in him, I’m marking out.
Selected cuts: “Temptation,” “Land of the Free,” “Babylon (feat. Chronixx)
The New Pornographers – Whiteout Conditions
Released April 7
Off the heels of 2014’s celebratory comeback album Brill Bruisers, the New Pornographers’ brand of power pop is back a shade or two darker. The album finds the band continuing to explore the synthesizer, albeit less euphorically as its predecessor; krautrock plays a major influence this time around. Frontman A.C. Newman’s depression has always influenced the band’s lyrical direction beneath deceptively upbeat melodies. Whiteout Conditions finds Newman continuing to navigate and cope with his worries, Trump-fueled and otherwise.
There is a noticeable Dan Bejar-shaped hole with the absence of his usual three song contribution, but Newman, Neko Case and Kathryn Calder are more than capable of handling vocal responsibilities. This band’s knack for melodies and instantly memorable hooks is just as strong as it has been for the last 17 years.
Selected cuts: “High Ticket Attractions,” “This Is the World of the Theater,” “Juke”
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Released April 14
Surprise, surprise: Kung Fu Kenny dominates yet another year. Since retiring his K.Dot moniker in 2009 with the Kendrick Lamar EP, Kendrick’s stature and legacy has only increased with each release. Coming off the heels of the massively successful good kid, m.A.A.d city, Lamar through many for a loop with the experimental jazz/neo-soul influenced To Pimp a Butterfly. DAMN. does its best to find common ground between the two projects to effective results.
This album has something for everyone. Bangers, soul, pop hits, storytelling, lyrical exercises… you get the gist. Album concepts are now becoming an expectation from fans given the “day in the life” narrative of good kid and 2Pac conversation on TPAB. Creating an album that tells a story forwards and backwards was a genius move for extending the album’s shelf life. 2017 confirmed what was already obvious to many: Kendrick Lamar is well on his way to being considered one of the greatest to ever do it.
Selected cuts: “ELEMENT.,” “FEAR.,” “DUCKWORTH.”
Choker – PEAK
Released May 5
PEAK is best described as a collage of sounds. Things drastically change from one moment to the next and it’s difficult to gauge where anything might be heading. However, upon taking a step back and giving it multiple listens, it becomes much more apparent how meticulously crafted the project is from start to finish. Frank Ocean’s blond is clearly an influence here, but Choker isn’t one to lean too far into his source material. His psychedelic sonics and unique songwriting are all his own and make him one of the most exciting new voices in R&B.
Selected cuts: “Brown Steel,” “Moksha,” “El Dorado”
Chris Stapleton – From a Room: Volume 1
Released May 5
Although I’m a recent Nashville transplant, country music does shockingly little for me. However, I can give credit where credit is due: Chris Stapleton is one hell of a songwriter, regardless of genre. Stapleton made a name for himself as a songwriter for several top country stars, but once he embarked on a solo career, it became apparent that his powerful, soulful voice was just as much of an asset.
Whether it’s behind a southern rock party-starter like “Second One to Know” or bare, contemplative confessionals like “Either Way,” Stapleton makes the most of every environment. The songs found on here and From a Room: Volume 2 are apparently things he’s had sitting in the vault. When he picks back up the pen, keep your ears perked.
Selected cuts: “I Was Wrong,” “Without Your Love,” “Death Row”
Mac DeMarco – This Old Dog
Released May 5
After numerous namedrops on this list, Mac DeMarco’s inclusion shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Pepperoni Playboy’s sound is one that often meanders within similar confines without sounding like a rehash, making slight alterations that keep things fresh.
What sets this project apart from previous releases is the emotional honesty. Mac’s image, whether rightfully so or not, is that of a goofball slacker whose tunes soundtrack a morning cigarette. That smoky haze remains the same, but DeMarco doesn’t have that gap-toothed grin this time around. From relationship issues to coping with the death of his absentee father, Mac is coping with quite a lot across these 13 tracks.
Selected cuts: “For the First Time,” “One Another,” “Moonlight on the River”
Nick Hakim – Green Twins
Released May 19
Nick Hakim showed promise on his Where Will We Go EP duo, but he came armed to the teeth on his proper debut. At its essence, Green Twins is a soul album hidden behind a haze of psychedelic rock and hip-hop drums. He owes just as much to Marvin Gaye as he does to Unknown Mortal Orchestra, exploring the sounds of yearning from one end of the spectrum to the other. Nostalgia and regret are recurring themes as Hakim attempts to hold onto relationships slipping away. The lo-fi recording style complements this by providing a mellow, intimate atmosphere perfect for reflection.
Selected cuts: “Roller Skates,” “Needy Bees,” “Slowly”
Benjamin Booker – Witness
Released June 2
On his sophomore album, Benjamin Booker dials back his punk and garage influences in favor of soul while still letting the blues shine through. Whether he’s meditating on racial inequality or battling his personal demons, mortality is constantly at the forefront. After a near death experience and exiling himself to grow in Mexico City, he came back prepared to do as much good as he can with the time he has left. It takes a true way with words to explain this without sounding preachy, but coupled with the gravelly weight of his voice, the urgency comes across crystal clear.
Selected cuts: “Right on You,” “Motivation,” “Believe”
Twin Peaks – Sweet ’17 Series
Released June 9 – December 8
Twin Peaks knew they were ready to release new music but knew what a struggle an album would be with the rest of their foreseeable future being spent on tour. When you craft a project, there’s pressure to establish cohesiveness. Rather than delaying their plans for the sake of new music, the band decided to release a duo of new tracks every month for half a year and create a compilation afterwards.
The decision is a peculiar one but fruitful nonetheless as it yielded some of their strongest songs to date. It further expounds upon the catchy garage rock sounds found on 2016’s Down in Heaven. The tracks can get a bit sleepy if listened to in succession, but as standalones they continue to shine.
Selected cuts: “Tossing Tears,” “Under the Pines,” “We Will Not Make It (Not without You)”
SZA – Ctrl
Released June 9
The growth we’ve seen in SZA in just six months is hard to grasp. Even up until her album release, she was relatively unknown by a mainstream audience outside of the TDE faithful. The Travis Scott-assisted “Love Galore” started to rise throughout the spring and summer, but this complete album is what won everyone over.
While it sonically pushes R&B boundaries, the most refreshing aspect of the album might be its honesty right out of the gate. On the opener “Supermodel,” SZA is upfront about her insecurities in a way few artists of any genre are. She continues to challenge the notions of what a female artist should discuss throughout, and finds a way to make the concerns of young adults in general feel just a bit less frightening. Her meteoric rise is highly justified as she stakes her claim as one of the most vital voices in music this year.
Selected cuts: “Doves in the Wind (feat. Kendrick Lamar),” “The Weekend,” “Anything”
Fleet Foxes – Crack-Up
Released June 16
Walking the balance between creating something large and engrossing while maintaining a level of intimacy is always a challenge. If anyone has it down to a science, it’s Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold. In their first album in six years, this folk rock staple is back with some of their strongest songs to date. Whether you’re floating through its warm, tender moments or being hoisted by massive, reverb-soaked waves, Crack-Up knows just how to keep you along for the ride.
Selected cuts: “If You Need to, Keep Time on Me,” “On Another Ocean (January / June),” “Crack-Up”
2 Chainz – Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
Released June 16
Ah, the artist formerly known as Tity Boi. The man is nothing if not an entertainer. I’m not the sort of hip-hop fan that blindly hates on trap music, but it would be dishonest to say I don’t have a limit. Creating an album of bangers that remains consistently interesting for over an hour is one hell of a feat. On “Sleep When U Die,” he goes through a rolodex of comparisons between himself and professional wrestling legend Ric Flair. Few others ooze charisma and uniquely stunt like these two, so I’m inclined to agree.
Selected cuts: “Saturday Night,” “Poor Fool (feat. Swae Lee),” “Sleep When U Die”
Vince Staples – Big Fish Theory
Released June 23
Vince Staples has always flourished over grim production, but things have taken a violent turn on Big Fish Theory. These sometimes grating, cutthroat dance beats take on a life of their own, using Staples as their host for a common goal. This post-Yeezus production comes out of left field, but the destructive, dystopic sound reflects the album’s content. Whether he’s covering fame, race, politics, or mental health, the chaos is appropriate. “Wanna be the boss then you gotta pay the cost” is a lesson Staples learned from fellow Long Beach rapper Snoop Dogg. Big Fish Theory’s mission is to weigh that cost.
Selected cuts: “Big Fish (feat. Juicy J),” “Yeah Right (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Kučka),” “BagBak”
Japanese Breakfast – Soft Sounds from Another Planet
Released July 14
Sometimes hearing an album in the right context is what makes it click that much quicker. Soft Sounds was a last minute add to the list after a late evening commute home. The cold, spacy synthesizers, warm guitars and steady rhythms make for the perfect night-driving music. It’s never high energy enough to wake you up but never dreary enough to knock you out. Peaceful. It just works.
Selected cuts: “Diving Woman,” “Road Head,” “12 Steps”
Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy
Released July 21
Even on the hard-nosed, rough around the edges Bastard, Tyler has always hinted at a softer side. This became a bit more realized on 2013’s Wolf, but the Odd Future MC wasn’t fully comfortable not leaving you uncomfortable yet. Flower Boy finds him fully shedding the shock rap shtick and composing the album it appears he’s been trying to make for years. The neo-soul/hip-hop hybrid isn’t anything new, but Tyler’s take on it breathes entirely as fresh as the nature that inspires it.
Selected cuts: “See You Again (feat. Kali Uchis),” “Boredom (feat. Rex Orange County & Anna of the North),” “911 / Mr. Lonely (feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacy)”
Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins
Released August 18
After five years of hibernation (I hated that as much as you did), Grizzly Bear return with their fifth album. Painted Ruins finds the band continuing to do what they do best: creating cinematic, grandiose compositions that unpredictably wander between energetic catchiness and gloomy, psychedelic detours. While not as immediately rewarding as previous albums, it proves to be a grower. The recording process eased them away from the pressures of 2012’s excellent Shields, so we can only hope it doesn’t take another five years.
Selected cuts: “Mourning Sound,” “Losing All Sense,” “Neighbors”
Daniel Caesar – Freudian
Released August 25
This album exists somewhere between the bedroom and a church pew. Whichever kind of Sunday morning you’re having, Daniel Caesar has you covered. Gospel music hasn’t played this much of a role in a debut since perhaps John Legend’s Get Lifted in 2004. Hailing from Toronto, Caesar’s music has an uncharacteristic warmth compared to both his city’s climate and its dark, moody R&B scene. Whether it’s through the blinds or stained glass, each song lets a bit of light shine through.
Selected cuts: “Neu Roses (Transgressor’s Song),” “We Find Love,” “Transform (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson)”
EARTHGANG – Rags EP & Robots EP
Released September 1 / October 20
EARTHGANG gained a small level of notoriety opening for acts like Ab-Soul and Mac Miller over the past few years. Once word leaked that they inked a deal with J.Cole’s Dreamville Records earlier this year, the floodgates began to open. They managed to capitalize on these new eyes with Rags and Robots, two EPs that utilize the booming 808s of Atlanta’s trap sound and the funk of the Dungeon Family. This duo continues to improve with each release and with one more EP and an album on the way, 2018 is promising.
Selected cuts: “Meditate (feat. J.I.D),” “House (feat. Mick Jenkins),” “Flickted”
Open Mike Eagle – Brick Body Kids Still Daydream
Released September 15
Michael Eagle has been making a name for himself as a solo, underground rap artist for the last seven years, but Brick Body might be a slight crossover few saw coming. While there are no attempts to cater to a mainstream artist, a look at any year-end list shows the album is resonating. After a few listens, his breezy, whispered sing-song flow on songs like “Legendary Iron Hood” and fiery delivery on wonky production like “Tldr (Smithing)” began to grow on me.
Many albums focus on the harsh realities of being black in America and Eagle doesn’t ignore these. However, the album makes use of warm nostalgia to add another level to this love letter dedicated to the since-demolished housing projects that raised him.
Selected cuts: “(How Could Anybody) Feel at Home,” “Brick Body Complex,” “95 Radios (feat. Has-Lo)”
Knox Fortune – Paradise
Released September 22
Making a name for himself around Chicago as a SAVEMONEY collaborator, Knox Fortune takes the spotlight for his debut album. He might have started as a hip-hop producer, but Paradise lands comfortably between several genres as sort of a DIY pop. The project isn’t without its flaws like the irritating opener “No Dancing” or the last two forgettable songs, but the potential is there. “Lil Thing” through “Stun” is quite a run and shows a solid foundation to build upon for future releases.
Selected cuts: “Lil Thing,” “24 Hours,” “Stun (feat. Joey Purp)”
Big K.R.I.T. – 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time
Released October 27
When K.R.I.T. announced a double album, I’ll admit I was opposed to it. It seems even his best projects aim to cater to everyone all the time, leaving a handful of filler tracks best saved for the vault or SoundCloud exclusives. Even the concept of a double album didn’t make sense given this album has just as many tracks as previous single disc releases.
However, the separation in tracklist has more to do with concept than quantity. We still find Krizzle catering to all his fans, but the gradual transition from candy paint-riding, pimp-handed K.R.I.T. to meditative, God-fearing Justin Scott was a brilliant way to do so. Each song feels as if it plays a role on the journey, which establishes a duality that can be found in all of us.
Selected cuts: “Get Away,” “Keep The devil Off,” “Bury Me in Gold”
Miguel – War & Leisure
Released December 1
The Prince comparisons are out there, and I get it. Both are characterized by a love of funk and larger than life libidos. Make no mistake though; War & Leisure makes no effort to capitalize off the Purple One’s sound. Miguel’s brand of funk is one that exists on its own, drawing from psychedelia, arena rock, and hip-hop. The title suggests a more politically involved album and he certainly does philosophize on occasion, but lyrically he’s still primarily devoted to a more romantic lust. The pleasure far outweighs the war, but that might be what we need.
Selected cuts: “Pineapple Skies,” “Skywalker (feat. Travis Scott),” “Banana Clip”