Grey's Top 10 Albums of 2017
here goes nothing. I included 3 EP's separately because I'm bad at comparing EP's to albums but I think they all deserve acknowledgement |
| 14 |  | Good Game
Don't Blow It.
These EPS aren't ranked btw
There are only 3 songs here but check them all because they are some of the most fun math rock/pop tracks I've ever heard |
| 13 |  | Eternity Forever
Fantasy
Apparently these guys are done which absolutely sucks because this EP was smooth as hell. |
| 12 |  | Hail the Sun
Secret Wars
Perhaps the perfect HTS release combining the best aspects of their past 2 albums. This sounds like such an accomplishment for them and I really can't wait to hear where they go from here. |
| 11 |  | Eidola
To Speak, To Listen
This is 10.
Edging out a bunch of albums is Eidola's 3rd LP. Tetelestai is probably the catchiest post-hardcore single of the year and it's even a tad epic. Minus 2 of the tracks, I think this album is something I can't complain about at all. This band is at their best here displaying a gorgeous array of musicianship.
Check: Tetelestai, Transcendentium (both parts), The Familiar |
| 10 |  | The World Is a Beautiful Place...
Always Foreign
This album grew on me just in time to include it on the list. The Future's vocals still bother me but other than that, no complaints with this one besides it not being as good as Harmlessness. Probably the most satisfying grower of the year.
Check: Infinite Steve, Gram, Fuzz Minor |
| 9 |  | Dreamcar
DREAMCAR
CHEATING. I tie Blood and Dreamcar and am calling it The Best of Davey Havok which is good enough to make the list.
Yano, at this point, I really like most of this album despite how silly/stupid some of these lyrics are cough On The Charts cough but it's just so fun. It's no Blaqk Audio but it's still so dancey.
Check: The Assailant (best Davey vocal performance in years), After I Confessed, |
| 8 |  | AFI
AFI (The Blood Album)
This album has so many mehhhh tracks and Davey is so inconsistent despite seemingly trying things BUT this album gains a lot from the timing it came out. I loved it upon initial release and although as a whole, it doesn't really hold up, most of the individual songs do hold up which is a weird thing to say. Moreso, I saw this band for the first AND second time this year and both shows were 2 of the best ones I have ever been to. I guess more on this when I finally finish my series of AFI rankings but until then I just wanna say I'm glad this album came out when it did even though I know it could have been MUCH more.
Check: She Speaks The Language, Still a Stranger, Dark Snow |
| 7 |  | Julien Baker
Turn Out The Lights
This album makes me sad and it's really just kinda nice to bask in that sadness with a dark album like this.
Check: Claws In Your Back, Even, Appointments |
| 6 |  | Leprous
Malina
This could have made it to the top 5 if I listened to this any earlier but alas. All of these songs are insane and the vocals hit some crazy highs. Really glad I could add a prog release to my year end list.
Check: Stuck, Mirage, Leashes |
| 5 |  | Mew
Visuals
This album is beautiful and I think you are doing yourselves a disservice by not checking it out.
Check: Learn Our Crystals, Nothingness and No Regrets, The Wake of Your Life |
| 4 |  | Gang of Youths
Go Farther in Lightness
Not really my genre but there are so many great songs on this and it all just feels so genuine and important. #sayyestolife
Check: Achilles Come Down, Let Me Down Easy, Fear and Trembling |
| 3 |  | Brand New
Science Fiction
This album's release was nothing short of brilliant especially considering the quality of it. However, it's impossible to overlook what tarnished it's reputation. I had this above #2 until that happened but then I took a pretty long break from this (even though now I'm almost positive I would have put #2 over it anyway by year's end). The album is still wonderful and has so much detailed craftsmanship. I wish I didn't find the closer to be the most boring song in their discography.
Check: 451, Can't Get It Out, Lit Me Up |
| 2 |  | Circa Survive
The Amulet
This might be better than BSN. First of all I don't think many records are better than BSN. Second, I really never thought Circa would top it but here we are. Even if it isn't, this album's flow, technicality, and consistency are at an all time high. Bravo guys.
Check: The Amulet, Flesh and Bone, Never Tell A Soul |
| 1 |  | Icarus the Owl
Rearm Circuits
I can't stop coming back to this album. Tbh, The Amulet is probably better but I just can't get this one out of my rotation. It might even be my least favorite by them excluding The Spotless Mind. But it's still so damn good. After multiple listens I think my biggest problem is the production sounds a little thin and less crisp than past releases which is weird because Hawkes also did Pilot Waves and LAL which both sound fine. But whatever. This album is just another reason why you need to listen to this band.
Check: Doublesleep, Ghosts of Former Lives, Dimensions |
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