 By: The Busted Amp StaffIt's crazy to think that we are entering our third full year here at The Busted Amp. First off, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading. We started this site not only because we're passionate about music, but also to introduce friends, family, and internet strangers to artists that we enjoy (and some that we hate). We might not bring you breaking news right when it happens, but we're dedicated to writing our true feelings on what we listen to, and if that takes some time to digest, a week or maybe even a month, we'll only post it once we know we got it right. So here's to another year in the book. We've had a blast experiencing it with you all. Joseph and I have seen 250+ sets this year and listened to nearly 1,000 hours of music. We've done our best to consolidate all of that into a series of top 10 lists. We hope you'll find something you love, something you missed, and maybe even something that pushes your musical boundaries just a little bit. Derek's Favorites of 2017Best Albums of 20171. Julien Baker - Turn Out The Lights
This album hit me like a ton of bricks. The passion in Baker's songwriting and her ability to translate depression, uncertainty, and melancholy into these impressive bursts of energy makes this easily one of my top albums of the year. This is an album you put on when you're really sad. This is an album you put on when you're happy and just want to sing your heart out. This is an album for the ages. --Original Review-- 2. The War On Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
The follow-up to one of my favorite albums of 2014. A Deeper Understanding takes the same craftsmanship of Lost In The Dream and amps up the confidence level of lead singer Adam Granduciel. The product is better hooks, soaring solos, and a much more consistent product front to back. --Original Review-- 3. Zola Jesus - Okovi
Noisy, brooding synths build the foundation for Nika Roza Danilova's vocals to shine through the darkness. This is a heavy album, filled with themes that aren't for the faint of heart. But the payoff is glorious. --Original Review-- 4. John Moreland - Big Bad Luv
I discovered Moreland this year when he opened for Shovels & Rope and stole the show. Now nearly a year later and after acquiring his entire discography, he's become one of my favorite songwriters in the business. Big Bad Luv is larger in scope, especially for an artist that still only tours with an accompanist, but the hooks are tighter, the lyrics are just as thoughtful and reflective (despite being a little bit more hopeful), and the production is rock solid. --Original Review-- 5. Father John Misty - Pure Comedy
It's easy to dismiss FatherJohn Misty and roll your eyes at the people who take his sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek brand of songwriting seriously, but if you listen to what the man's actually saying and take the time to digest his absurdist style, he's absolutely brilliant. If it weren't for the 10+ minute snooze-fest "Leaving LA", this album would be higher on the list. --Original Review-- 6. Kendrick Lamar - damn.
Even though this isn't as great as To Pimp A Butterfly, the man is still in icon in a genre that's becoming increasingly diluted by wannabes who lack the substance for me to take seriously. Pay attention. --Original Review-- 7. Jason Isbell & the 400 unit - The nashville sound
While The Nashville Sound doesn't have the personal punch that made me fall in love with his previous two albums, there's no doubt that the man is one of the best, consistent storytelling songwriters of this generation. This album is no different. --Original Review-- 8. Ryan Adams - Prisoner
An uber-personal break up album was an odd transition for an artist who crafted an entire Taylor Swift cover album just a year earlier, but Ryan Adams does just that here. The lead single, "Do You Still Love Me?" was my favorite song of last year, and the album, despite being much more mellow than the aforementioned single, was good enough to land a spot on this list. It's a sad one, folks. But it's a good one. --Original Review-- 9 jd mcpherson - undivided heart & soul
The old school rock and roll album you didn't realize you needed this summer. McPherson has a slew of well known influences from the era, but he manages to keep it fresh. There's a lot to boogie-woogie to, so what are you waiting for? Shake your hips a little and get loose. --Original Review-- 10. white reaper - The world's best american band
But Derek, you gave this album a 6.5 in your review. How can it be in your top 10 above albums that you gave 7's and 8's? Well, folks. Out of all the albums from 2017, this is probably the one that grew on me the most. Yes, seeing the band a few times during the course of the summer helped, but there's no denying the power of the hooks that White Reaper crafts. These are ten quick, fun songs to dance to, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. --Original Review-- Best Songs of 2017
Best Shows of 2017
Joseph's Favorites of 2017Best Albums of 20171. Kendrick Lamar - Damn.
This was the number one album of the year for a lot of people, and for good reason. Despite not being quite as good as its predecessor, To Pimp a Butterfly, no album was more influential this year in our society than Kendrick Lamar's Damn. All hail the king. --Original Review-- 2. Lorde - Melodrama
Lorde's follow-up to her hugely successful debut LP Pure Heroine, this album managed to surpass its predecessor in nearly every way. While it didn't quite have the same culture impact as Damn., it still featured many great songs and two of my favorite singles of the year ("Liability" and "Green Light") and it solidified Lorde's deserving place at the top of the pop music world. --Original Review-- 3. Zola Jesus - Okovi
One of the more fulfilling album listens of the year, Zola Jesus crafted an ominous and boding experience with a simply perfect payoff. It's not for the feint of heart, but it's well worth your time. --Original Review-- 4. The War on Drugs - A Deeper Understanding
Another great album experience, The War on Drugs (with their distinguished discography) crafted their best LP to date here, featuring some truly mesmerizing songs along the way. (There's a good reason "Pain" is Derek's second favorite song of the year) --Original Review-- 5. Queens of the Stone Age - Villains
While it's not quite as good as its predecessor, .....Like Clockwork, and does have a misstep or two, Villains is still yet another strong installment for one of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll featuring some of my favorite singles of the year. --Original Review-- 6. Future Islands - The Far Field
Another heavily played album for me throughout the year, Future Islands found their full stride in 2017 on the heels of their strongest and most intense LP to date. While it took a little while to grow on me.....grow on me it did. --Original Review-- 7. St. Vincent - MASSEDUCTION
St. Vincent delivered her strongest LP to date with this eccentric and original album, delivered in a very St. Vincent sort of way. It also happens to be her most accessible piece yet so if you've never listened to her before....it's time to change that. --Original Review-- 8. Mutemath - Play Dead
While this has some weak points later on, it was still one of my most played albums of the year and featured several singles that I've listened to over and over. It's accessible to all and a very fun listen for a band that fits that mantra perfectly --Original Review-- 9. Father John Misty - Pure Comedy
Father John Misty further solidified his place as one of music's weirdest minds with this LP that is exactly that: weird. But it's weird in a lovable sort of way, and Father John Misty earned a lot of deserving praise because of it. --Original Review-- 10. Zac Brown Band - Welcome Home
I'll openly admit that this album is very much in the realm of pop country (though at least every song isn't about drinking beer and driving trucks) but Zac Brown Band found their way into my heart with this LP. It was easily my most played country album of 2017. --Original Review-- Best Songs of 2017Best Shows of 2017
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