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Lorde (Melodrama), Sam Smith (The Thrill of it All), and Kelly Clarkson (Meaning of Life), lead the list of 12 Best Pop Albums of 2017.  

After assembling and releasing the list of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, it’s time to roll out the genre-based, year-in-review lists.  In regards to the album-genre year-in-review lists, many of the selected albums also made the 50 Best Albums of 2017.  In some cases, however, the genre-based lists in general add entries that didn’t quite make the cut in the overall, comprehensive lists. In regards to the 12 Best Pop Albums of 2017, Lorde (Melodrama), Sam Smith (The Thrill of it All), and Kelly Clarkson (Meaning of Life), lead the charge.

 

 

 

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1. Lorde, Melodrama

Republic

Now a more mature, 20-year old, Lorde expands her artistry throughout the course of Melodrama.  After a four-year hiatus, the alternative-pop artist returned soundly, delivering one of the year’s most consistent and most intriguing efforts.  Lorde successfully executes the concept, something incredibly tough to do with conceptual albums.

Gem of Gems: “Green Light”

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2. Sam Smith, The Thrill of it All

Capitol

In 2013, Sam Smith won the hearts of the world with his excellent debut album, In the Lonely Hour. Smith follows it up sensationally with another gem in The Thrill of It All.  Here, he serves up incredible, nuanced, vocal performances throughout, chocked-full of sincerity and emotion.  Perhaps not every song is a ‘hit,’ nor, is this a groundbreaking affair, but all in all, Smith ‘brings the heat’ and personal perspectives to The Thrill of It All.

Gem of Gems: “Too Good at Goodbyes”

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3. Kelly Clarkson, Meaning of Life

Atlantic

The best way to describe Kelly Clarkson is brilliant. The 35-year old pop musician continues to move us.  On Meaning of Life, she releases the most soulful album of career.  Throughout the album, she exhibits attitude (“Love So Soft” and “Whole Lotta Woman”), and slaughters ballads (“Meaning of Life,” “Move You,” and “I Don’t Think About You”).  Clarkson sounds as fresh as ever vocally, dripping in grit, nuance, and power.

Gem of Gems: “Love So Soft” 

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4. Kesha, Rainbow

Kemosabe

Kesha was ‘out of commission’ for five years, an eternity in pop music. The hiatus was tough, as she was embroiled in an intense, legal argument with Dr. Luke, the producer who helmed her first two albums.  Despite a turbulent, trying time, she’s returned better than ever on her third studio album, Rainbow.  Chocked full of eclecticism, shifting from style to style, most of it works well, particularly the soaring “Praying.”

Gem of Gems: “Praying”

 

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5. Ed Sheeran, ÷

Atlantic

Ed Sheeran assembled another enjoyable, highly respectable album with ÷.  While ÷ doesn’t supplant the singer/songwriter’s previous album, +, it has its own share of notable moments.  Among the bright spots are “Shape of You,” “Castle on the Hill,” and “Perfect.”

Gem of Gems: “Shape of You”

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6. Lana Del Rey, Lust for Life

Interscope

Lana Del Rey is quite the character. Regardless, what’s undeniable is her distinct voice.  Throughout her fourth full-length album Lust for Life, Lana Del Rey showcases her best attribute. Lust for Life proves to be more exciting than Honeymoon, and more well-rounded than her debut, Born to Die.  Perhaps it pales in comparison to Ultraviolence, but it’s a competitive fight to say the least.

Gem of Gems: “Summer Bummer”

 

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7. Calvin Harris, Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 1

Columbia

Calvin Harris “puts in work” on Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 1.  By far, this is the best album of Harris’ career. The Scottish musical beast assembles a star-studded cast and somehow manages to make it all work – for the most part.  If nothing else, the grooves are just too good to resist.  Plenty of “feels” to catch – “don’t be afraid.”

Gem of Gems: “Rollin”

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8. Demi Lovato, Tell Me You Love Me

Island / Hollywood

Demi Lovato delivers an enjoyable, well-rounded album with Tell Me You Love Me.  The best attribute of the album are the soaring vocals of Lovato. She continues to get better and better.  There are also some top-notch songs, led by the likes of “Sorry Not Sorry,” “Tell Me You Love Me,” and “You Don’t Do It for Me Anymore.” Also, the production work can’t be neglected – da bomb. 

Gem of Gems: “Sorry Not Sorry”

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9. P!nk, Beautiful Trauma

RCA

P!nk delivers another well-rounded album with Beautiful Trauma, her first album following a five-year hiatus.  Despite the extended absence, her voice is as awe-inspiring and powerful as ever. While Beautiful Trauma isn’t her best album, there are ample consistent and enjoyable moments.

Gem of Gems: “What About Us”

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10. Harry Styles, Harry Styles

Columbia

Harry Styles ‘steps up his game’ from his One Direction days on his debut solo album, Harry Styles.  One of the selling points of Harry Styles is the fact that Styles takes a more rock-oriented approach to pop, eschewing any semblance of bubblegum pop. The crème de la crème is the soaring “Sign of the Times” where his voice sounds absolutely terrific.  Besides “Sign of the Times,” Styles also delivers on gems including “Carolina,” “Only Angel,” “Ever Since New York,” and “Woman.”

Gem of Gems: “Sign of the Times”

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11. Taylor Swift, Reputation

Big Machine

Reputation earns the honors of being arguably the ‘most polarizing’ album to earn a spot on this list.  While the latest project by Taylor Swift isn’t quite as ‘elite’ as some that grace this list, it’s a compelling affair with its fair share of moments.  Swift goes ‘all in’ on pop this round.

Gem of Gems: “Call It What You Want”

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12. Halsey, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom

Astralwerks 

Halsey characterizes herself as an alternative artist.  Is she? Depends on who you ask, but Hopeless Fountain Kingdom seems closer to a pop album.  Labels aside, Hopeless Fount Kingdom is an interesting album. It’s imperfect, but has plenty of compelling moments, including “100 Letters,” “Alone,” “Bad at Love,” and “Strangers.”

Gem of Gems: “Strangers”

Photo Credits: Republic, Capitol, Atlantic, Kemosabe, Interscope, Columbia, Island, Hollywood, RCA, Big Machine, Astralwerks

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