Songs of 2017

2017 felt overwhelming in more ways than one and keeping up with the latest jams proved almost as difficult as believing we're actually living up a Donald Trump administration. It was an expressive year across the board that saw the return of early-aughts all-stars as well as rising new sensations. I tried my best to be as diverse as possible with this list covering acts from Pallbearer to Kamasi Washington, Mount Eerie to Carly Rae Jepsen, and Linda Perhacs to Power Trip. Narrowing down this list also felt like a real challenge this year, but I feel confident that it widely represents what I spent the year listening to and hopefully there is something that grabs your attention.

Shows of 2017

In a year of what felt like total chaos, live music felt like a mental escape from the madness of real life. These were the shows that helped me break away from polarizing political moments and be overtaken by the positivity of the masses joined together by songs.

LCD Soundsystem played Brooklyn Steel

As they close in on their third and final residency of the year at Brooklyn Steel, LCD Soundsystem continue to prove that they're still a driving force to be reckoned with and their love for their hometown remains unwavering.

Alessandro Cortini - AVANTI

Alessandro Cortini's AVANTI was released back in October, but is a pivotal record to acknowledge as the year ends and winter begins to set-in.

Kelly Lee Owens - "More Than A Woman"

This past March, Kelly Lee Owens dropped her self-titled debut record. To close out the year, she shared a cover of Aaliyah's timeless classic, "More Than A Woman."

JAY Z played Barclays Center

After dropping his best work in a decade, JAY Z finally brought his 4:44 Tour to his hometown of Brooklyn for a hits filled celebration.

Burial - "Pre Dawn" / "Indoors"

Much like he's done in the past, elusive producer Burial has returned with another year-end EP just in time to disrupt best-of lists. "Pre Dawn" / "Indoors" is his most accessible work of the year and a haunting ode to rave music.

Björk - "Blissing Me"

After dropping lead single "The Gate" back in September, Björk has shared another new song off her upcoming album, Utopia. Listen to "Blissing Me" below.

Kamaiyah - "Leave Em"

Kamaiyah has surprise released a brand new mixtape ahead of her supposedly imminent debut album. It's called Before I Wake and received executive production from Link Up.

Grizzly Bear played Brooklyn Steel

After releasing their first new album in five years, this summer's Painted Ruins, Grizzly Bear came back to their native New York for three sold-out nights at Brooklyn Steel.