2017 was a fantastic year for music. There was an abundance of phenomenal debut albums, Rock N' Roll stars rising from the dead, and veteran musicians experimenting with their sound. In this article, I will be recommending 12 new albums from 2017! My list ranges from up and coming artists like RAT BOY to music icons like Liam Gallagher!
Liam Gallagher - As You Were
"As You Were" has been one of the most anticipated albums since Oasis' breakup, even with Liam refusing to confirm a solo career until 2016. This highly anticipated album was released on October 6th, 2017 and was named the fastest selling vinyl in the last 20 years. The first single released from "As You Were" was "Wall Of Glass. "Since the release of his album, Liam has been touring in both the US and UK performing both Oasis songs and songs from "As You Were." Gallagher has received a lot of praise for this album from critics and Oasis fans. Liam has also gained a lot of support from the majority of Oasis fans in the Noel and Liam feud as the two brothers have started to go at it again since the release of "As You Were." I would recommend listening to "Chinatown," "For What It's Worth," and "Come Back To Me."
RAT BOY - SCUM
"SCUM" is the debut album of RAT BOY, a new band from Chelmsford, Essex, England. This album was released on August 11, 2017, and has done very well in the United Kingdom. After releasing " SCUM," RAT BOY was invited to open up for Liam Gallagher on his UK tour giving the band more exposure. Their sound can be classified as hip-hop and punk influenced alternative. The band has listed artists such as The Clash and Beastie Boys as major influences. Blur and Gorillaz's lead singer, Damon Albarn is another big influence of the band as Albarn let lead singer, Jordan Cardy work in his studio while recording " SCUM." I would recommend listening to "SPORTSWEAR, "GET OVER IT," and "LAIDBACK."
Khalid - American Teen
"American Teen" is the debut album of the new and up-and-coming artist, Khalid. Khalid is a 19-year-old R&B singer from El Paso, Texas. "American Teen" was released on March 3, 2017. This album has done extremely well as it reached number four on Billboard 200 and was certified platinum after selling over 1,000,000 records. The young singer has listed artists such as Chance The Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, and Grizzly Bear as influencers. Khalid has toured throughout 2017 and just released another tour in May — June of 2018. I definitely recommend listening to this debut album including these songs: "Winter," "8TEEN," and "Location." Khalid has also done his fair share of features including a Marshmello, Logic, and Calvin Harris collaboration on songs, "Silence," "1-800-273-8255," and "Rollin'."
Phoenix - Ti Amo
On June 9th, 2017, the iconic French band, Phoenix released their 6th album, " Ti Amo." The ten track album is different than their previous five albums as it incorporates multiple languages and has a synth-pop and Italo disco influence. When asked about the album, lead singer, Thomas Mars said "Ti Amo" was about, "our European, Latin roots, a fantasized version of Italy " and the songs were about, "simple, pure emotions: love, desire, lust, and innocence." After the release of their album, Phoenix toured North America, Europe, and Asia. I recommend checking out "J-Boy, Role Model," and "Ti Amo."
Foster The People - Sacred Hearts Club
Foster The People released their third album, "Sacred Hearts Club," on July 21, 2017. Before the release of the album, Foster The People surprised their fans with three brand new songs and three new music videos in one day! These songs consisted of "SHC," "Doing It For The Money," and "Pay The Man." The band heavily experimented with their sound adding a bit of an electronic dance and hip-hop genre to their alternative rock sound. "Loyal Like Sid & Nancy" is an example of Foster The People's experiment with electronic dance, whereas "Pay The Man" and "Harden The Paint" are examples of a hip-hop influence. The album incorporates themes of love and politics. Mark Foster stated in the band's short documentary that the album, "will feature '60s-inspired sounds and a psychedelic influence." The band has definitely grown since their releases of "Torches" and "Supermodel. "I definitely recommend listening to this album, especially the songs: "Sit Next To Me," "Lotus Eater" and "I Love My Friends."
Weezer - Pacific Daydream
Weezer's new album, "Pacific Daydream," is the band's 11th studio album. "Pacific Daydream" was released on October 27th, 2017. This album has a different sound than the previous 10 and singer, Rivers Cuomo described the sound as, "reveries from a beach at the end of the world [... as if] the Beach Boys and The Clash fell in love by the ocean and had one hell of an amazing baby." Of the 10 songs on "Pacific Daydream," "Feels Like Summer," was the band's first single. I would also recommend "Happy Hour" and "Beach Boys," two awesome tracks from this stellar album! You can see Weezer in their 2018 tour with the Pixies all over North America.
ODESZA - A Moment Apart
Seattle's electronic duo really outdid themselves with their third album, "A Moment Apart." Not only has "A Moment Apart" been a hit with ODESZA's fans and a debut #3 on the Billboard 200, but the album was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album at the GRAMMY Awards. Their song "Line Of Sight" featuring WYNNE & Mansionair was nominated for Best Dance Recording. The album consists of great beats and amazing features! The duo has toured throughout 2017 and recently announced more tour dates for 2018. I would definitely recommend seeing the band as they are known for their live performances or listening to "Late Night," "Across the Room" and "Higher Ground."
The Maine - Lovely Little Lonely
The Maine released their sixth studio album on April 7th, 2017 through their own independent label 8123. The band experimented with their sound more on this record incorporating punk, alternative rock, and pop influences. The song" I Only Wanna Talk To You "has even been compared to an Oasis sound. The song collection on the album is very different but flows in the perfect manner especially with the addition of three instrumental songs, "Lovely, Little," and "Lonely" to help the flow of the record. To promote their album, The Maine toured the United States and later embarked on a World Tour in which they had pop-up shops in certain cities to interact with their fans and sell new merch. Later in the year, the band also announced a U.S. tour where the band performed" Lovely Little Lonely and " "American Candy" in whole. I recommend listening to "Taxi" and "Do You Remember (The Other Half of 23)."
Coin - How Will You Know If You Never Try
Coin is an indie pop band from Nashville, Tennesse. The band released their sophomore album, "How Will You Know If You Never Try" on April 21st, 2017. The first single from the band's new album was "Talk Too Much!" "Talk Too Much "has a similar sound to their first self-titled album, whereas their second single, "I Don't Wanna Dance" has a very different vibe. Overall, this album gained the band more attention in the states and all around the world as it had very good reviews. I definitely recommend listening to this album or seeing the band on their upcoming U.S. tour."
The Amazons - The Amazons
The Amazons released a self-titled album on March 26, 2017. The band is from Reading, Berkshire, England and has an alternative rock sound. Their debut album has reached a lot of attention in the United Kingdom. Their growing attention has led them to be included in BBC's "Sound of 2017" and MTV's "Brand New 2017" lists! The Amazons were also a band to listen to in 2017 by NME, The Independent, and BBC Radio 1. I would definitely recommend listening to "Junk Food Forever," "Something In The Water" and "In My Mind!"
Sundara Karma - Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect
Sundara Karma released their debut album, "Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect" on January 6th, 2017. The band from Reading, Berkshire, England has an alternative rock and indie pop sound. Sundara Karma has gained a lot of popularity in the United States and the United Kingdom since their album release and frequent touring! The band has been compared to both Arcade Fire and U2. Check this band out and listen to "She Said," "Lose The Feeling" and "Loveblood!"
Coasts - This Life Vol 1
Coasts, a band from Bristol, England released their sophomore album, "This Life Vol 1 "on August 18th, 2017. The band followed their hard to beat debut and self-titled album with an amazing and experimental second album. Their second album heavily experimented with a dance genre. "This Life Vol 1" reached number 17 on the UK charts compared to their debut album which reached number 38. I recommend checking out these songs: "Heart Starts Beating", "Tomorrow" and "Let Me Love You." Coasts will be touring with The Hunna in 2018 in the United States and the United Kingdom. Both bands put on a phenomenal show, therefore I recommend seeing these bands together! The Hunna will be releasing a new album in 2018 as well and has already released their new song, "Summer."