[Favorite Albums Series] My Favorite Albums of 2017 (Redux)

Revisiting the Tumblr days, after the break!

Still in disbelief that our OG Tumblr page was sent to the shadow realm last year. Never thought in a million years that would ever happen cause that place was a Wild West. Quite unsure if it was due to content or something. Probably images, right? They were banning hardcore. Pun intended! (haha) Oh well.. pour one out for the service that lit the fires of my music blog passion once more. Grateful for the entire ride.

I loved sitting in my BIG supervisor chair, before and after out-putting the TV show, posting new music, videos, and spotlights on the daily. Helped how much downtime we had in between the chaos. Helped that the whole Tumblr audience instantly made me feel welcomed by sharing all those tunes. Sure PR agents didn't see the vision. But we made it work. 

2017 turned out to be a crazy year in hindsight. I was still obsessed with 'Hamilton: An American Musical' so when the TV show got canceled I used to hum "One Last Time" throughout the day. Allowed me to be a strong rock for that wonderful cast of characters who had such uncertainty & anger towards The Insider's final days. That's all I was doing throughout that year honestly. Strong for the friends then strong for the family upon discovering Pa's Cancer & the surgery afterward. 

Quickly realized that this was how my story was supposed to go as the Summer turned into Fall. I do believe in luck & destiny and this year made me even more conscious of that belief. The show ending transitioned into my unemployed caretaker days quite seamlessly. Just me, Pa, and the music each day for the next two years. Extremely grateful for the time.

Currently listening to my most-played Spotify songs and they are bringing back some strong feelings. That's what am I gonna try to convey below. Seeing how I'm editing my original list with some strong contenders. Plus it's been nearly 7 years since then! And I'm older with cloudy memories.

Let's see what I can do... check out the original list I dug from the files of my old laptop below:

Original Favorite Albums of 2017 List

1. Kendrick Lamar - 'DAMN'
2. Migos - 'Culture'
3. Paramore - 'After Laughter'
4. Mountain Goats - 'Goths'
5. Vince Staples - 'Big Fish Theory'
6. Drake - 'More Life'
7. Luke Combs - 'This One's For You'
8. The xx - 'I See You'
9. ASAP Ferg - 'Still Striving'
10. Chris Stapleton - 'From a Room, Vol 1 + 2'
11. Loyle Carner - 'Yesterday's Gone'
12. Thundercat - 'Drunk'
13.  LCD Soundsystem - 'American Dream'
14. Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile - 'Lotta Sea Lice'
15. Sampha - 'Process'
16. Big KRIT - '4eva Is a Mighty Long Time'
17. Lorde - 'Melodrama'
18. Wolf Alice - 'Visions of a Life'
19. P!nk - 'Beautiful Trauma'
20. Future Islands - 'The Far Field'
21. Little Big Town - 'The Breaker'
22. 2 Chainz - 'Pretty Girls Like Trap Music'
23. Ryan Adams - 'Prisoner'
24. Jay Z - '4:44'
25. John Mayer - 'The Search for Everything'

What Changes Would I Make In 2024?

Originally... I was gonna change a good portion of my aging list to remove problematic projects & albums I didn't stick with after 2017 & re-rank everything. Yet I have decided not to do all that. Just a little bit of changes. This is unlike 2015's Redux where all the albums were completely erased. No memories existed so I had to rebuild it all from scratch. This list doesn't have that issue, you know? *looks up* Most of my extra work will just be busy work.

So. Would I make big changes to this list in hindsight? Not really, especially after to listening to every album over the past few weeks (and a few new contenders). Was able to quantify and comprehend why these albums were ordered the way they were. I respect my old self and how he designed this list. Did it stick the landing for a decade later? Absolutely not. That's where my core problem lies. 

For some of my original 25 even performed better than I hoped while others didn't. John Mayer's 'The Search for Everything' is the best example of this feeling initially. Started the album questioning everything... pun intended... until halfway through when it all clicked. Immensely. Should've ranked it higher as I was enamored with songs I hadn't listened to in years for weeks since. That's the journey I went on trying to find my TRUE Favorite Albums of 2017. Here are my results or...

Favorite Albums of 2017 (Redux)

#25 - 'Revival' by Eminem 

(*New*)

The first of the three new album entries Eminem's 'Revival' was one of the lowest-rated / polarizing albums of 2017. Critics thought the messaging & focus were all over the place as Em made so much about himself. I get it. Far from perfect but I loved the best bits of it. "Walk on Water", "Believe", "Castle", & "Arose" really wrapped me up in the days after Pa's cancer surgery. Eminem was one of Papa's favorite artists. He would always steal my CDs, burn them, and never return them. Just like me. 

Kept coming back to 'Revival' throughout his final journey so much so that I try to avoid "Arose" for it breaks me down even now. Pa might've never made it off that table. Out of that hospital. Those small moments that we got for those 775+ days after, especially after all these years, grant Eminem's 9th studio album a place on this revision countdown. If we didn't get this... we might've never gotten 'Kamikaze' a few years later. And that album is amazing. At least to me. So silver linings of a critically panned project, right?

#24 - 'American Dream' by LCD Soundsystem

(Was #13)

Didn't really come back to LCD Soundsystem's comeback after 2017. The album is fine. Just didn't stick with me. Honestly quite forgettable listening to it now. Which is sad because it was one of the highest-rated projects of 2017. Almost didn't stick on my new list either, but I get why it did back then. Totally reasonable that I crowned it #13 of 2017 then but now... #24 seems far more fitting.

#23 - 'Process' by Sampha 

(Was #15)

Originally at #15, Sampha's debut album, 'Process', is really good. I like it a bit more than last year's 'Lahai' side-by-side but I totally forgot 'Process' existed until I started writing my Favorite Albums of 2023 list. Which sucks. It is such a strong, abstract, meeting with Sampha's robust soulful sounds. All that's more on me than anything else. Ranking albums out of the Top 10 is usually too close to call anyway. And Sampha's 'Process' is just an album that didn't leave the impression I was expecting it to leave.  

#22 - '4:44' by Jay Z 

(Was #24)

Thug confessions at 4:44am that set the web ablaze back in 2017. Totally rehabbed Jay-Z's image after 'Lemonade'. So how does it sound in 2024? Actually quite well. Sure you don't hear much from this album on the radio or streaming nowadays, but Jay-Z usually makes strong albums that don't really age. Pop it on and just jam. There are layers and cool beats. What more can you ask for?

#21 - 'Beautiful Trauma' by P!nk 

(Was #19)

It most certainly was. Pink & 2017's 'Beautiful Trauma' only got better as 2023 could be considered the start of my rosy pink era. To feel this mentally clear remains such a weird feeling. Have such high praise for this album for allowing me to start having a "better life" years later when I rediscovered this album on one random late night. 

#20 - 'The Breaker' by Little Big Town 

(Was #21)

I honestly can't believe I forgot about Little Big Town's 'The Breaker'. WHAT AN AMAZING RECORD! Haven't stopped listening to it since I ended the redux listening sessions. Sure I like 'Tornado' a bit more overall but this album took me back to those freedom days. The one aspect I don't ever bring up from 2017 was all the travels I took with my family & friends. Felt "Free" in unemployment. Day drinking and spending way too much on junk. Sad life moves on because those adventures were amazing. 

#19 - 'The Search for Everything' by John Mayer 

(Was #25)

Slice off "Still Feel Like Your Man" & 'Emoji of a Wave" and this album is quite amazing! Plenty of soulful blues alongside electric guitar riffs that made recent 2024 days sound so wonderful. Really made me happy I was doing this redux blurb. Understand why past me found the beauty in 'The Search for Everything'. Those were uncertain days. But let me tell you... this record sounds so damn great in the car. This is one of those records. Recaptured those old driving days wonderfully. Now I can't stop.  

#18 - 'The Far Field' by Future Islands 

(Was #20)

No words needed. Still an amazing project from Future Islands. Was the perfect follow-up to 'Singles'.

#17 - 'Visions of a Life' by Wolf Alice 

(Was #18)

'Visions of a Life' went up a spot! Honestly, I believe that their 2018 re-issue of their debut with all those bonus tracks is the better buy but this album continues to be awesome even in 2024. Peak indie psych rock clears many of the albums that followed. Sounds great on vinyl too.

#16 - 'Pretty Girls Like Trap Music' by 2 Chainz

(Was #22)

It's still a vibe.

#15 - 'Melodrama' by Lorde

(Was #17)

I originally thought the most acclaimed album of 2017 - Lorde's 'Melodrama' - was gonna lose spots when I looked at my original list all those months ago. Haven't listened to it in years, you know? Must have been forgettable. Singles hardly ever come up on the radio either. A personification of "outta sight, outta mind". 

But no, the album remains timeless and a pop masterpiece. Shame it doesn't get more love in 2024. The next generation deserves to be enamored by it too. Maybe when it reaches a decade old? Here's hoping.  

#14 - 'Drunk' by Thundercat

(Was #12)

This fell down two spots sadly. That's because I haven't listened to Thundercat's 'Drunk' in ages. Own it on vinyl and makes for an awesomely chill musical ride. Have to be in the right mood still. Which sucks. That's me again though. I just never put down the needle on wax anymore. Pray for me. 

#13 - 'Reputation' by Taylor Swift 

(*New*)

"AYO! What the heck is!?" 

You're probably asking all these questions yet my love for Taylor Swift's 'reputation' has only grown over the years. It was merely a contender back in 2017 but her hip hop-inspired tellings of mainstream exile continue to speak to me. Guess it captures a good portion of my feelings of being in a self-imposed exile myself, you know? 

Finding happiness within life's delicate moments stuck with me as I stepped away from my old world. Back in 2017 felt only temporary but now... 7 years later... definitely feels near to permanent. Kinda came to terms with that fact during 2023. Which I'm fine with. Strangely. I have felt the greatest of highs and super lows in the decade I've been writing this series of blogs. And I've never been happier than I am now. Call it what you want.

That's why Taylor Swift's 'reputation' is #13. It is a criminally underrated reflection.  

#12 - '4eva Is a Mighty Long Time' by Big K.R.I.T. 

(Was #16)

I'm sure I didn't spend much time with Big K.R.I.T.'s two-disc epic - '4eva Is a Mighty Long Time' - back in 2017 as it was released near the end of the year. Probably the reason why I placed it at #16. Not this time though! Sure it didn't make the Top 10 but that was gonna be hard for those albums are crystalized forever in my mind. 

And even though I loved what I heard on this jam-packed album... I only really have come back to a handful of tracks over the years. Sure those singles collectively could make their own album. Still gotta judge the full course meal over each piece, right? That doesn't mean I won't go back to "Big Bank", "1999", "Aux Cord", "Everlasting", "Price of Fame", "Ride Wit Me", & "The Light" from time to time. Will never stop supporting Big K.R.I.T. 

#11 - 'All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell' by PVRIS 

(*New*)

Not sure why PVRIS didn't make it on the list originally cause I loved every bit of 'All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell'. Especially when it is up against the albums that fell off my list. Just didn't know how much this record became my most listened-to project during the redux sessions. Felt like a fresh slate as I listened. No memories, no feelings to rediscover. Was just a great play that I fell instantly for.

Loved every second I heard. That's why it made such an impact on this new countdown.

#10 - 'From A Room, Vol. 1 & 2' by Chris Stapleton

Kinda cheated by combining both 'From A Room' Volumes but it's not like we don't listen to two parters together. We do. That's how anthologies are designed. So I can't split my feelings from either. To me, they are two sides of a coin and these albums are country folk music perfection. Is it for everyone? Probably not but if you're looking for the best country music has to offer... especially in 2017... it was either Luke Combs *looks down* or Chris Stapleton. Just depends on your preference. 

#09 - 'Still Striving' by A$AP Ferg

Debated about knocking 'Still Striving' from the Top 10 during my listening sessions strangely enough. Didn't find it held up in 2024 despite still having strong memories of bumping it around LA during my rides in 2017. Had to take the album on the road around the hometown and it sounded so much better than in this office! Was afraid it wasn't gonna hold up but it did. Especially my favorite tracks like "Nasty", "Nandos", & "Plain Jane".

#08 - 'I See You' by The xx

Spent so much together with 'I See You' during The Insider's final days that this album reminds me of that summer. Really wish I put this album higher. For it is an amazing listen. Even now. Had chills throughout the 2024 playthrough. Sheer perfection from The xx crew. Understand why they haven't come back together yet... for this is one hell of a musical chapter to follow. 

#07 - 'This One's For You' by Luke Combs

Luke Combs's debut, 'This One's For You', made such an impression. Couldn't escape this or its 2018 expansion throughout the years. You won't believe how many times I heard these singles in middle & southern America on our recent 50-state road trips. Made me miss listening to country music on the daily. Only hindsight can detail how powerful these beautiful well-produced anthems feel to this listener. Never let them go nor will I. 

Happy Luke Combs continues to add to his American songbook each year. Remains a true country talent.

#06 - 'More Life' by Drake

Without Drake or 'More Life'... don't think I would love UK Grime or Dance Hall as much as I do. Nor feature it on That Buzzing Sound as much as I did after 2017. Have learned to really appreciate the unique flair. That doesn't change the fact that 'More Life' is an amazing record. Shows off all of Drake's styles in a deep package of Hip Hop, R&B, pop, dance, electronica, and plenty more that he experimented with in 2016's highly anticipated, yet underwhelming 'Views'. He doesn't run from this fact. Just got better. 

Ended up being my 3rd (or 4th?) favorite Drake project. And still sounds amazing in 2024. 

#05 - 'Big Fish Theory' by Vince Staples

"I WAS UP LATE-NIGHT, BALLING!"

Can't believe I had to restore my love for Vince Staples' amazing 'Big Fish Theory'. Hope you didn't have to remember like me. Sadly I hadn't played this album in years. Since like 2019? Probably newer stuff overtook these musical memories... well until I hit play. Then I was back instantly! Every lyric. Cool drop. All came back to me. Had a blast remembering. Now I promise to never leave it behind again.

#04 - 'Goths' by The Mountain Goats

This was the toughest listen outta my entire redux play sessions at first cause I knew why 'Goths', the 16th studio album from The Mountain Goats, made #04 in 2017 originally. Was a meaningful car listening experience as I left the office and sat on the freeway for almost a month straight back then. It is a slow burn. Not sure how I found pleasure in this coarse music experience. Kinda envy the listener I used to be to find beauty in this irregular project. 

Took multiple plays to find a connection but I finally did. Past "me" felt this album was quite important in our history. Have to take his word for it.  

#03 - 'Culture' by Migos 

(Was #02)

This is Migos' masterpiece. Will never be topped. Hope it gets immortalized in the halls of Hip Hop history forever. RIP TAKEOFF.

HOWEVER! It was originally #2 on the old list, but modern-day me felt #3 was far more fitting for Paramore's 'After Laughter' and deserved the upgrade over 'Culture'. And here's why...

#02 - 'After Laughter' by Paramore

(Was #03)

When I was re-listening to all the projects that made the various Favorite Albums lists at the end of the decade... Paramore's 'After Laughter' found itself at #23 there. Here's why it got the bump in 2019:

Connected with ‘After Laughter’ again during my flashback sessions over the past couple of weeks. Still not my #1 Paramore album of all time. Yet it comes close though. ‘Brand New Eyes’ still ranks a bit higher…. but this is one album that summed up many of my emotions at the start of Pa’s cancer battle. Was the personification of “Sad Happy” almost the entire time. So #1 Paramore record of the decade. That works.

All of which remains true 5 years later. Time evolved it to the number two album of 2017 in my book. Might end up surpassing Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' the more the years pass by. Maybe? Yet, when I think of 2017 'After Laughter' & 'DAMN.' both personify all the feelings I felt the most. 

#01 - 'DAMN.' by Kendrick Lamar

Here are my feelings from back in 2019 about Number Seven Favorite Album of the 2010s:

You can point out the brilliance of ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ or ‘good kid, m.A.A.d city’. I’d probably agree. But have to remind you of my 2017 unpopular opinion that ‘DAMN.’ is Kendrick’s best album so far. Love every single track instead of just a few hallmarks. Kung Fu Kenny karate kicked me out the window with dangerously exact hiiipower.

Old me was trying to be clever. 

Listened to this album heaps while obsessively playing 'Overwatch'. Remember some random player complimenting it while I played it in the background of the play session. That's the biggest takeaway all these years later, I guess? Kidding! I love that it is an album that tells a story front-to-back and back-to-front. Truly a Palindrome in album form. Helps the songs are deep, introspective, hard-hitting, and overall catchy.

Remains evergreen and perfect. Feel that?

*looks over and smiles at the framed autographed 'DAMN.' vinyl sitting on his cabinet*

Thanks for reading! Be sure to compare both lists for the full picture.