[nextpage title=”Almost Famous” desc=”Best of the rest albums. ” img=”19370″]

These albums were ‘almost’ famous! Here are 25 albums that missed the 50 Best Albums of 2017.  Good albums that missed the cut for whatever reason.

Ah, to be almost famous! That’s the case with these albums that missed the 50 Best Albums of 2017 list.  The albums on this list were quite likable, but missed the fame ultimately.  Without further ado, Almost Famous: 21 Albums That Missed the Best of 2017.

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[nextpage title=”1. N.E.R.D” desc=”No One Ever Really Dies” img=”19370″]

1. N.E.R.D, No One Ever Really Dies

Columbia

Alt-rap-rock-urban collective N.E.R.D has always been known for its wild, “left of center” music.  No One Ever Really Dies, which arrives after a seven-year hiatus, is no different – it’s an adventurous effort to the nth degree. Frontman Pharrell Williams is more creative and experimental compared to his fine 2014 solo album GIRL.  The production rocks…so does the material…so does N.E.R.D. “Lemon” and “1000” are surefire gems.

Gem of Gems: “Lemon”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”2. Charlie Wilson” desc=”In It to Win It” img=”14626″]

2. Charlie Wilson, In It to Win It

RCA

Charlie Wilson is the model of consistency in R&B music.  The former lead vocalist for the Gap Band arguably possesses one of the best voices ever.  Honestly, he could “sing the songbook” and have a solid project on his hands. At 64, he proves he is still a musical force on the fine, somewhat underrated album, In It to Win It.  On In It to Win It, he doesn’t change the formula or rewrite the script, nor does he need to. In It to Win It was in contention for the 50 Best Albums of 2017, just missing the cut.

Gem of Gems: “Smile for Me”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”3. Arcade Fire” desc=”Everything Now” img=”15564″]

3. 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. While 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”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”4. Marilyn Manson” desc=”Heaven Upside Down” img=”17578″]

4. Marilyn Manson, Heaven Upside Down

Loma Vista 

Marilyn Manson is charged up to nth degree on Heaven Upside Down. Arriving after a two-year hiatus, the ripest of shock rockers drop an exhilarating tenth studio album. Considering he’s now 48, Brian Hugh Warner, arguably, can only shock so much anymore. Still, on Heaven Upside Down, him and the band do their best to keep controversy alive and well, whether it’s “Tattooed in Reverse,” “WE KNOW WHERE YOU F*CKING LIVE”, or “SAY10.” Heaven Upside Down just missed the 50 Best Albums of 2017, where the album was strongly considered for the list.

Gem of Gems: “WE KNOW WHERE YOU F*CKING LIVE”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”5. Kehlani” desc=”SweetSexySavage” img=”13976″]

5. Kehlani, SweetSexySavage

Atlantic

Kehlani proves she’s among the up-and-coming bright spots in urban contemporary music on her debut album, SweetSexySavage.  Her best attribute is her voice. Vocally, she’s a beast, without question. Although SSS is too long, she delivers hits with the likes of “Distraction”, “CRZY”, and “Advice.” SweetSexySavage was in contention for the 50 Best Albums of 2017, just missing the cut.

Gem of Gems: “Distraction”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”6. Mic. McDonald” desc=”Wide Open” img=”17491″]

6. Michael McDonald, Wide Open

BMG Rights Management

Blue-eyed soul, soft-rock veteran Michael McDonald makes an epic return on Wide Open, his first new studio album in nine years.  Furthermore, it marked the first album of originals in 20 years! A well-rounded return-to-form for McDonald, Wide Open just missed the 50 Best Albums of 2017. What the soulful soft-rock singer never does is ‘miss the mark,’ giving particularly strong performances on records such as “Hail Mary,” “Just Strong Enough,” “Half Truth,” and “If You Wanted to Hurt Me.”

Gem of Gems: “Hail Mary”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”7. War on Drugs” desc=”A Deeper Understanding” img=”15607″]

7. The War on Drugs, A Deeper Understanding

Atlantic

All in all, The War on Drugs deliver a solid, enjoyable album with A Deeper Understanding.  The pros – the music, poetic lyrics, and the vocals – far outweigh the cons.  There are cons, mostly overindulgence and sometimes, a lack of innovative spirit beyond the band’s comfort zone.  All said and done, A Deeper Understanding is winning.

Gem of Gems: “Holding On”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”8. Thomas Rhett” desc=”Life Changes” img=”16510″]

8. Thomas Rhett, Life Changes

Big Machine

Thomas Rhett assembles a pleasant, sound album with Life Changes.  Life Changes is clearly representative of the new generation of country music, which will please some and turn off others. Traditionalists who enjoy their “tractors being sexy” won’t be on board.  More liberal listeners – perhaps even non-country listeners – will enjoy the eclecticism.

Gem of Gems: “Life Changes”

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9. K. Michelle, Kimberly: The People I Used to Know

Atlantic

Kimberly: The People I Used to Know, the fourth studio album by K. Michelle, gives is yet another enjoyable, well-rounded album.  If nothing else, she shows how versatile she is artistically, bouncing between being unapologetic, showing class, and always flaunting her magnificent voice. The album runs a bit long, but, there’s definitely something for everybody.

Gem of Gems: “Make This Song Cry”

 

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10. 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”

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11. Keyshia Cole, 11:11 Reset

Epic

11:11 Reset is a return to form for Keyshia Cole.  The vocals are excellent, there are some great songs, and the production is beautiful.  This is a well-rounded R&B album. She may be ‘rough around the edges,’ but her classy vocals shine like a beacon, particularly on ballads like “Incapable” and “Vault.”

Gem of Gems: “Incapable”

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12. Big Sean, I Decided.

Def Jam

On I Decided., Big Sean exhibits a reflective approach, showcasing a different frame of mind compared to previous albums. All in all, there is plenty to both appreciate and like about I Decided.  It isn’t devoid of flaws, but it’s clear that Big Sean is indeed making “Moves.”

Gem of Gems: “Sunday Morning Jetpack”

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13. Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, The Rest of Our Life

Sony

The Rest of Our Life turns out to be a successful album for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.  There were big expectations and high anticipation for this project.  All in all, the veteran country musicians don’t disappoint. The Rest of Our Life doesn’t break new ground, but finds both artists contributing to an enjoyable, well-rounded country album. “The Rest of Our Life” is the song to beat.

Gem of Gems: “The Rest of Our Life”

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14. Rick Ross, Rather You Than Me

Epic

On his ninth studio album, Rather You Than Me, little has changed for southern rapper Rick Ross.  Ross continues to rap about the subjects that have consistently graced his albums – sex, money, and drugs.  Although Ross in in his comfort zone, Rather You Than Me gives him another solid addition to his discography.  “Trap Trap Trap” gives him a killer banger.

Gem of Gems: “Trap Trap Trap”

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”15. Future” desc=”Future; HNDRXX” img=”14687″]

15. Future, Future / HNDRXX

Epic

In 2017, we got a double dose of Future as a lead artist with albums Future and HNDRXX.  On Future, he keeps the trap lit, dropping bangers like “Rent Money,” “Draco,” and “Poppin’ Tags,” as well as the smoother top-five hit, “Mask Off.” Arguably, the rapper showed ‘great range’ on HNDRXX, led by gems including “My Collection,” “Comin Out Strong,” and “Selfish.”

Gem of Gems: “Mask Off” (Future); “Selfish” (HNDRXX)

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”16. G-Eazy” desc=”The Beautiful & Damned” img=”18920″]

16. G-Eazy, The Beautiful & Damned

RCA

G-Eazy returns strong on his third studio album, The Beautiful & Damned.  Why then is it near the bottom of this list? It’s a product of being among the last albums released in 2017. Likely, it’s impact will be bigger heading into 2018.  Still, plenty to like, including sick banger, “No Limit.”

Gem of Gems: “No Limit”

 

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17. Chuck Berry, Chuck

Dualtone

Chuck Berry left the world something wonderful – one final album, Chuck. Surprisingly, Chuck is a respectable final effort from the legend. A surprising posthumous release, it’s a much better album than expected.  Comeback albums tend to be all over the place – some capture the magic and some don’t. Furthermore, posthumous releases fall into the same category.  In this case, Chuck Berry left the world quality material.

Must Listen: “3/4 Time (Enchiladas)”

 

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18. Blake Shelton, Texoma Shore

Warner Bros.

Blake Shelton delivers an enjoyable, well-rounded Texoma Shore. Shelton serves up great vocals, plenty of charm and personality, and respectable songs. Texoma Shore won’t change your life, but, it’s a solid addition to the country music collection without question.

Gem of Gems: “I’ll Name the Dogs”

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19. Drake, More Life

Cash Money

Technically, Drake didn’t release a ‘proper’ album in 2017.  Even though More Life is more playlist than album, it has its fair share of notable moments.  Among those highlights are “Free Smoke,” “Portland,” and “Fake Love.”

Gem of Gems: “Free Smoke”  

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”20. A$AP Ferg” desc=”Still Striving” img=”16741″] 

20. A$AP Ferg, Still Striving

RCA

Still Striving is a strong project from A$AP Ferg.  Some folks weren’t onboard with his sophomore album, Always Strive and Prosper.  Those who didn’t like that album will love the straightforward, all-in banger-status of Still Striving.  Ferg doesn’t cover new ground, but throughout this album, it feels as if he’s in his lane.

Gem of Gems: “Plain Jane”

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21. NF, Perception

Capitol 

Don’t let the ‘Christian rap’ label fool you. NF proves he has bars throughout the course of Perception, doing so sans profanity.  His energy is infectious to the nth degree, particularly on the ‘bangers.’ Yes, ‘Christian rap’ can have bangers.

Gem of Gems: “Let You Down”

 

Photo Credits: Astralwerks, Atlantic, Big Machine, BMG Rights Management, Capitol, Cash Money, Columbia, Def Jam, Dualtone, Epic, Loma Vista, RCA, Sony, Warner Bros.

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