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Father John Misty (Pure Comedy), The National (Sleep Well Beast), and Fleet Foxes (Crack-Up), lead the list of 16 Best Alternative 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 16 Best Alternative Albums of 2017, Father John Misty (Pure Comedy), The National (Sleep Well Beast), and Fleet Foxes (Crack-Up), lead the charge.

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1. Father John Misty, Pure Comedy

Sub Pop

Father John Misty delivered another exceptional album with Pure Comedy.  Though more demanding this his previous album, I Love You, Honeybear, it’s also more ambitious. Josh Tillman is among the most gifted songwriters in modern times, able to blend the serious, the humorous, and the satirical seamlessly.  Once more, he works his magic on Pure Comedy.  Fittingly, Pure Comedy earns a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.

Gem of Gems: “Pure Comedy”

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2. The National, Sleep Well Beast

4AD

The National deliver one of the most intriguing albums of 2017 with Sleep Well Beast.  It’s dark and experimental, not to mention accessible, yet at times, more inaccessible.  It’s the mark of a true work of art that never ceases to captivate.  The music, lyrics, and of course, the baritone of Matt Berninger, rock to the nth degree.

Gem of Gems: “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”

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3. Fleet Foxes, Crack-Up

Nonesuch

Crack-Up, the third studio album by Fleet Foxes, is a demanding listen, but ultimately, a truly rewarding, comeback album.  It can’t be overstated that this album requires decoding – multiple listens for everything to sink in.  But, the risks and progressive approaches taken by the band offers one of the most unique and distinct albums of 2017.

Gem of Gems: “Third of May / Ōdaigahara”

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4. The xx, I See You

Young Turks

The xx returns with a well-conceived, third studio album, I See You. I See You trends on the quiet side of the spectrum, but isn’t devoid of rhythm or groove.  Occasionally it plays out a bit too subtle, but more often than not, it’s intriguing.  Gems include “Dangerous,” “Say Something Loving,” and “On Hold.”

Gem of Gems: “Say Something Loving”

 

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5. St. Vincent, Masseduction

Loma Vista

St. Vincent shines on Masseduction, an intriguing album that incorporates ample pop cues, but still retains alternative sensibilities.  Masseduction is driven by issues surrounding love and sex – naturally intriguing topics. Annie Clark nothing short of intriguing in her own right.  Highlights include Pills,” “Masseduction,” “Sugarboy,” “Los Ageless”, “Happy Birthday, Johnny,” and “New York.”

Gem of Gems: “Los Ageless”

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6. Spoon, Hot Thoughts

Matador

Spoon’s latest album, Hot Thoughts, followed a successful effort, They Want My Soul (2014).  As great as They Want My Soul was, Hot Thoughts is better.  Spoon embrace change on Hot Thoughts, offering listeners a different sound and overall vibe.  Consistent throughout its course, nothing tops the formidable opening trio of “Hot Thoughts,” “WhisperI’lllistentohearit,” and “Do I Have to Talk You into It.”

Gem of Gems: “WhisperI’lllistentohearit”

 

 

 

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7. The Killers, Wonderful Wonderful

Island

As corny as it might sound, The Killers make a “wonderful, wonderful” comeback after a five-year hiatus with Wonderful Wonderful.  Brandon Flowers remains a compelling frontman through and through, even if he doesn’t consider himself to be “the man” as he once did. The sounds and production are compelling, while the songwriting, for the most part, is interesting. The Killers haven’t lost their touch.

Gem of Gems: “Run for Cover”

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8. Rex Orange County, Apricot Princess

Rex Orange County

In the case of 19-year old Rex Orange County (Alex O’Connor), age is merely a number.  He released one of the elite albums of 2017 with Apricot Princess. He showcases an expressive voice filled with nuance, a knack for personal, believable songwriting, and superb musicianship.  Too often, kids are knocked due to youth and inexperience.  Rex Orange County shows he’s ‘more than ready’ to shine.

Gem of Gems: “Apricot Princess”

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9. Declan McKenna, What Do You Think About the Car?

Columbia

Ah, look what we’ve got here – yet another talented kid from the UK – Declan McKenna.  Like the aforementioned Rex Orange County, age is merely a number.  What Do You Think About the Car? ends up being a fantastic debut album for McKenna, chocked-full of depth and touching on transcendent, societal issues.

Gem of Gems: “Paracetamol”

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10. Depeche Mode, Spirit

Columbia

On Spirit, Depeche Mode examines the moral, social, and political turmoil of present times.  Frontman Dave Gahan isn’t particularly enthused about anything over the course of Spirit, painting a pessimistic portrait of the direction of life.  While this isn’t an empowering album, it is a realistic, thoughtful tour de force.  As awesome as single “Where’s the Revolution?” is, “Scum” may be the most intriguing record.

Gem of Gems: “Scum”

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11. alt-J, Relaxer

Atlantic

There are plenty of great musical moments throughout the course of Relaxer, the third studio album by British indie-rock darlings, alt-J. While Relaxer has its share of relaxed moments, stylistically, there’s little relaxing about shifts and various ideas.  Relaxer is an intriguing album, but not without its flaws. Nonetheless, the eclecticism is a pro more often than not, yielding some thrilling moments.

Gem of Gems: “3WW”

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12. Björk, Utopia

One Little Indian

Björk delivers another captivating album with Utopia. A lengthy effort crossing the 70-minute mark, it’s well worth the listen.  The sounds – particularly the flute, vocal, and string arrangements – are excellent.  The production is compelling as well, even if things occasionally get a bit cluttered or noisy. Vocally, she’s as effective and haunting as she’s ever been.

Gem of Gems: “Blissing Me”

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13. Paramore, After Laughter

Atlantic

After Laughter is an album that far exceeds expectations.  Despite the drama behind the scenes with line-up changes and various internal arguments, Paramore uses it as fuel for the fire.  The band has some legitimate hits on their hands with “Hard Times,” “Told You So,” and “Fake Happy” among others.

Gem of Gems: “Hard Times”

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14. Gorillaz, Humanz

Parlophone

Perhaps the biggest flaw of Humanz, the fifth studio album by Gorillaz, is why it’s appealing. As an album, Humanz is all over the place, lacking unification as a whole.  While that sounds like a fatal flaw, aren’t many pop albums filled with records as opposed to songs as of late? Sure, not everything works on Humanz, but this big album has more than enough appealing moments.

Gem of Gems: “Let Me Out”

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15. Death from Above 1979, Outrage! Is Now

Warner Bros.

Canadian punk-rock duo Death from Above 1979 dropped a tight, enjoyable album with Outrage! Is Now.  While the band hasn’t been prolific, they prove quality trumps quantity throughout the album. Great music, rousing vocals, and incredible creativity makes Outrage! Is Now an intriguing effort.

Gem of Gems: “Never Swim Alone”

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16. Arcade Fire, Everything Now

Columbia

For many indie-alternative rock fans and music critics, a new Arcade Fire album is an event.  The Canadian-based collective rarely do wrong – at least that’s the perception. Everything Now isn’t the best Arcade Fire album to date, it still has some fine moments.  Interestingly, the singles – “Everything Now” and “Creature Comfort” – rank among the best. Everything Now was strongly considered at a top-50 album, just missing the cut.

Gem of Gems: “Everything Now”

Photo Credits: Sub Pop, 4AD, Nonesuch, Young Turks, Loma Vista, Matador, Island, Rex Orange County, Columbia, Atlantic, One Little Indian, Parlophone, Warner Bros.

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