4 editors of Just Focus make their assessment: each one goes for his best of 2017, in various registers. It's the best of for everyone. From a musical point of view, people are listening to albums more and more, streaming has increased again, access to music everywhere, all the time, is the vector of ever more discoveries. Here are some of them, you will see that there is something for everyone.
Piotr's selection
I obviously do not pretend to listen exhaustively to all the releases, the prolific musical news necessarily escape me some references not yet discovered and which have virtually a place in this top. Also, a choice is necessarily unfair, because deserving sizes like the latest opuses of Gorillaz, the cheerful freshness of Ibeyi or Polo & Pan have not managed to fit into this pocket handkerchief.Ah, and The National, to be honest, I did not listen to it, not for lack of interest, but because of the vagaries of my listening. But it probably deserved a small place given how little I listened to. Here are the 10 albums that, listened to for a long time, have honestly conquered my ears, in descending order of preference:
10 Timber Stamp – Sincerely, Future Pollution (Indie pop)
A good thriller just this Sewer Blues. Taylor Kirk and her charming British voice, a denouement on the guitar, a rhythm for the tempo raised. Songs of a guy who is a little disillusioned when he talks about his attempt to return to his former love, in an impressive staging and instrumentation.
9. Kendrick Lamar – DAMN( Rap – soul)
How is being "California Love" in 2017? Ask Kendrick. In PRIDE for example, this princely jewel, using a vocal hip that bluffs, a melancholic guitar gimmick, a heartbreaking flow. No fuss, this guy sails languidly in the footsteps of Outkast, Tupac and Snoop Dogg, all in certain scents of Funkadelic.
8. Inna De Yard – The Soul Of Jamaica (Reggae)
Inna De Yard is a project launched a few years ago and which proposes to bring together reggae legends (Ken Boothe, Cedric Mylton, Kiddus I, Earl Chinna Smith, Junior Murvin), contemporaries of Bob Marley who, in the shadows most often, have contributed as much to forge this hot sound and against time, Made of riddims and toaster. Here, for our greater good, pieces reinterpreted by the masters, in a dogma consisting of playing acoustically, live, in a yard atmosphere, that is to say in these gardens of the backyards of the houses of the heights of Kingston. We rise.
7. Thievery Corporation – The Temple of I & I (Electro – reggae)
We remain in the same Jamaican vein, this time with an initiative of this English formation, usually more electro / trip hop. Lately they like to venture into more distant lands – bossa nova with their previous opus "Saudade" – it is the turn to offer a record mostly affected by a Reggae roots heat, with for example this True sons of Zion, already a classic, playful and healthy.
6. Kid Francescoli – Play Me Again (Electro)
Marseilles who participate in this French revival of this catch-all genre that is electro – should we not talk about pop, quite simply. It catches, it pleases, it's not consensual either, it's not the kind of title that only "does not disturb" in the evening, no, there is a phlegm, an indolence in the texts and arrangements that there is not elsewhere. If seduction had an album (a title), this is it.
5. Blonde Redhead – 3 O'Clock (Indie rock)
Already 25 years since this indie band from New York led by Kazu Makino mops: from noise rock to space pop, things have happened in their discography. Their latest compositions, in the form of an EP, delight by the mastery, the baroque and delicate arrangements at the same time. An inimitable vocal touch that has been distilled in a fabulous balance, because it manages to keep the part of innocence so familiar to the group.
4. Godspeed You! Black Emperor –Luciferian Towers (Post-rock )
Not far from a quarter of a century also for this Canadian formation, and although evoking the Mogwai of the beginnings, can not associate itself with a real movement. Baroque elevation and electric progressivism are required in instrumentation beyond the temporality of trends. Here on earth, they do not need to provide: the fans will join them in the skies. GSY!BE, or how the darkness of Lucifer tutoises a real sound Kabbalah. Remember to come down to earth!
3. Ancient Astronauts & Azeem – Broken Puppets (Rap)
A band out of nowhere – Germans signed to the label Switchstance Recordings – and a striking proof of the European possibility of an old school hip hop, having nothing to envy to the US, as well as very rooted in current music. Here a little Berlin deep dub in the arrangements, a little bit of slowness specific to cloud rap, but without the vocoder. Elsewhere, arrangements that are both organic and take up the best of digital texture. All with flows that hook the very distracted amateur of the genre that I am. To put under all the trees!
2. Jesus & Mary Chain – Damage and Joy (Rock)
Their album had surprised everyone, their passage to the Route du Rock was a euphoric mouthful of Proust's madeleine. Finally for those, post-adulescents with forty-year old tendencies, who had followed them during their golden age, that of shoegazing punk, their desperate rock 'n roll jolts, post Sex Pistols. Their Damage And Joy, the 1st album in 20 years, does not even smell of wisdom: the Reid brothers claim nothing more than to be guitarists who have fun, who there sing a childish chorus with a girl, here allow themselves a boogie-woogie. The freshness of life.
1. After Sex Cigarettes – After Sex Cigarettes (Rock)
A band from Texas, a suave and ghostly voice, a romantic posture, notes that pick and melt with pleasure in the ears. The images and metaphors will not be enough to express the effect, quite bluffing (a sound reproduced in the lobby of a university staircase, with inimitable echoes). The echo of singer Greg Gonzalez will resonate for a long time at least until the end of the decade. See you in 2018 for more echoes!
Noucky's selection
This year has been truly rich and there is so much to say. Used to concert halls, I had the opportunity to hear a lot of live bands and many of which I made reports for Justfocus. There were also the little favorites … Big Wool, Gunwood, Emel, Fabrizio Cammarata (my darling) … Bands whose albums are expected for next year like Theo Lawrence and The Hearts …But I didn't want to talk about the EPs or tracks that had marked me (the list is extremely long), but rather the albums that I added this year to my favorites and that have since been touring in my headphones on a daily basis. Here no ranking, nor order of preference… Just my own list^^
Chinese Man – Shikantaza (Hip hop/Rap – Electro)
This opus is a very big slap but we expected no less from our favorite French electro hip hop collective. As we listen, we tripped to death on the quality of the composition, the eclecticism of the samples; A great patchwork zen and peaceful (but not only) and especially groovy at will. Small personal kiffe on Liar who benefits from the voice of Kendra Morris.
Mogli – Wanderer (Pop)
Behind Mogli is a young German girl, Selima Taibi, whose music came to me while I was preparing the cover of the MaMA Event. A real gem of alternative folk, Wanderer is the report, the travel diary of a trip between Alaska and Argentina, an initiatory journey in which one can easily find oneself. A great stage presence!
Paradisia – Sound of Freedom (Pop)
Discovered later in the year, the band Paradisia lives up to its name. It is the perfect tuning of three wonderful and enchanting voices; It is the harmony of a harp that illuminates touching and soft pop-folk compositions. A real moment of grace in concert!
Beth Ditto – Fake Sugar (Alternative – indie)
First solo album of the singer of Gossip and as much to tell you that many were waiting for her at the turn. For my part, I was not disappointed. She gradually moves away from the band and, even if you feel the influences of Gossip, her electro rock music is catchy and gave me downright the move. To listen live preferably because it's a great time to spend with this electric battery so fun that is Beth Ditto!
Anathema – The Optimistic (Progressive Rock)
1
2nd highly anticipated album of the Liverpool band, The Optimistic proves to be a success. I had a little apprehension but it was quickly swept away by the first titles and turned into an enthusiasm, confirmed by the richness of this album. It is a real nocturnal road trip, punctuated by a sound narration that takes us on board completely. With atmospheres sometimes dark, sometimes bright like a lighthouse in the night, Anathema continues to make us high.
Nothing But Thieves – Broken Machine (Alternative Rock)
If I had already really liked the first album, I loved Broken Machine: darker, more melancholic sometimes, more touching, more moving, more intense, more impactful, more controlled, more… Vocally, it gives chills, musically, it takes to the guts. A very nice evolution for this group which, we feel, still has a lot to give.
The
Noface – Chapter One (Alternative Rock)
First chapter of a new story for the former members of Skip The Use which is now accompanied by the voice of the divine Oma Jali (our French Skin). The nice surprise of the year with an album definitely rock, raw and powerful, effective with a soul voice without tremolo. On the stage of the Solidays, it was a real happiness, between the incredible stage presence of Oma and the rest of the masked group! Superb introduction in this new novel of which I look forward to reading other chapters
Ibeyi – Ash (Soul)
Since February we were impatient to hear the second album of sisters Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz. Their soul is still marked by their African influences, but their songs are more impactful, more committed. Even if I regret the use of auto-tune on some tracks (which they definitely do not need), I loved their use of Michele Obama's speech and this always well thought out mixture of various and varied rhythms, harmonious songs, style. A great confirmation for the Ibeyi!
Chill Bump – Going Nowhere (Hip Hop)
Bankal and Miscellaneous are back and you can hear it! The two Tourangeaux bring us back to earth to evoke, with a flow always as good, the problems of current affairs. Our society is scrutinizing and Chill Bump puts its finger where it hurts. In a relevant way, without concession, everyone takes it for his rank. But it feels great to hear out loud what everyone doesn't think out loud anymore. Favorite for the scratch at the end of Save the Day on video game sounds (geekette inside). A killing in concert !
Nell – Not That Sleek (Acoustic Rock)
"At last but not least" as they say … I also wanted to tell you about this beautiful meeting I made this year, a young super talented singer with a touching sensitivity and at the same time raw formwork. An authentic personality who knew how to speak to me in his songs and music. A simple and pure music that is not encumbered by superfluous but that naturally comes to take you by the feelings. Vocally, she has a superb palette of timbre and never ceases to surprise you. Big crush on Teenage Dreams ! On stage, it's an electric shock full of life and humor. She knows how to give amplitude to covers as well as to her own compositions. Nell is a beautiful, funny and resourceful person to whom I wish a beautiful and long journey.
Camille's selection
10 albums that touched me. 10 albums that accompanied me mainly this year on public transport, on the road, on vacation. 10 albums that marked my year.
The Amazons – The Amazons (Alternative Rock)
First of all The Amazons with their self-titled debut album. My big favorite of this year, the album I listened to the most this year without hesitation, even my Spotify ranking which summarizes the year 2017 proves it! Their album accompanied me everywhere with their hits In My Mind and Black Magic that give me fishing and a smile, and their ballad Palace that I know like the back of my hand. In short, The Amazons is my number 1 album of this year, the only one where I do not hesitate for a single second on the ranking because it is simply excellent in every way.
My favorite song: Palace and In My Mind !
London Grammar – Truth Is A Beautiful Things (Indie pop)
Truth Is A Beautiful Things is London Grammar's second album and he conquered me from the first listen with the song Rooting For You where Hannah Reid's voice clearly gives me chills.
And their songs all as beautiful as the others that can only touch you by their melody but also by lyrics that can remind you of certain memories or simply make you melancholic.
My favorite song? Big Picture that I recommend to infinity!
Circa Waves – Different Creatures (Indie rock)
Circa Waves had conquered me with their first album Young Chasers but with Different Creatures they gave me a big slap. They have matured, a second opus much more rock such as Wake Up but also much more personal as for Out On My Own. In short, Circa Waves have grown and clearly improved and we can't wait for him to offer us a third album to surprise us.
My favorite song? Goodbye !
Liam Gallagher – As You Were (Rock)
This very dear Liam Gallagher we love him or we hate him, well I love him madly and his album even more! From the release of his first single Wall Of Glass I was hysterical in front of so much talent, that it was good to find Liam Gallagher live and therefore a little Oasis too… In short, if Liam Gallagher's sulky boil and his behavior annoys you, give his album a chance that is worth seeing!
My favorite song? For What's Is Worth !
Noel Gallagher's Hugh Flying Birds – Who Built The Moon ?(Rock)
Is two Gallaghers in the same top risky? Surely, but being a big fan of Oasis I can not decide between them and clearly Noel Gallagher impressed me with his new opus. Pieces very far from the register of Oasis and Liam but a faultless very clearly. It's very simple after the first listening I was simply speechless: this album surprised me so many times and in a good way, in short I highly recommend!
My favorite song? If Love Is The Law !
Sundara Karma – Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect (Indie pop)
Another band from Reading that conquered my heart! Indeed after The Amazons, Sundara Karma bewitched me with their first album Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect. There are songs that can only put you in a good mood and an extreme desire to dance with catchy choruses as for A Young Understanding, Loveblood, Explore, Olympia or the emblematic Vivienne.
My favorite? Happy family !
Declan McKenna – What Do You Think About The Car ? (Indie rock)
Declan McKenna has finally released his first album and what were we waiting for! We can find his very committed hits such as Brazil, The Kids Don't want to Come Home and Paracetamol. Despite his young age, with this opus the British singer proved to us that he had everything of a great. I highly recommend this album to accompany on the road or during your revisions to give you courage! In short , an album that can accompany you in your daily life, in your life and why not also mark it a little.
My favorite song? Humongous!
Kasabian – "For Crying Out Loud"
You can't imagine my excitement when Kasabian announced the release of their new album and even less my joy when I was able to discover the first single through You're In Love With a Psycho ! This emblematic British band led by this duo Tom Meighan and Sergio Pizzorno who are simply touching on stage with their complicity. But in concert this band especially has this gift of unleashing its audience and it's just magical and their new opus is no exception to the rule with songs that can only give you fishing, conquer the world or simply keep your promise to last an hour in the gym …
My favorite song? Wasted !
Nothing But Thieves – Broken Machine (Alternative Rock)
I'm not going to lie to you at first Nothing But Thieves I wasn't too much of a fan, their first album I barely listened to. When they announced the release of their second opus it made me neither hot nor cold, when they unveiled the first single Amsterdam I almost didn't care… Then they unveiled Sorry and there they clearly conquered me both in terms of chorus, melody and lyrics. So I listened to their new album and here is an opus that I bled again this year because I loved it with many songs that touched me.
My favorite song? Soda which is also the favorite song of the group!
Royal Blood – How Did We Get So Dark ?(Garage rock)
Are you upset? Do you have a desire to murder? Need to externalize? I have the album you need and it's How Did We Get So Dark which signed the return of Royal Blood this year! We find very rock songs that we love and remind us of their first opus that we loved too. Promised the fact that singer Mike is incredibly sexy has nothing to do with the presence of this record in my ranking. Indeed it is mainly due to the songs Lights Out, How Did We Get So Dark or I Only Lie When I love You for example.
My favorite song? Sleep !
Aline's selection
Plague From the Void – End of Regrets (Brutal Deathcore)
The first EP (5 tracks) of Plague From the Void is great, but seeing them live is even better. The brutal deathcore band from Grenoble deploys a heavy artillery sublimated by instrumental intros that gives them a little more rather "fine", in this musical register associated (rightly) with a musical line like a timbre of very gruff voices. Plague From the Void plays in the first part of Ultra Vomit on March 31st alongside Faith In Agony, and we know in advance that it will shake !! Prepare for an earthquake in Grenoble and surroundings during the last night of March.
Lomepal – FLIP (Hip hop – rap)
Lomepal is the rainbow ray in a pool of cancerous oil, a starshine in an ocean of cynicism. His rap embodies the daily spleen of the tortured and disillusioned young man that he is, like that of the 700,000 people who listen to him, if we stick to the number of views that the single Sur le sol has made so far. I've stumbled over the little inflections of his voice EVERY TIME, and I'm not quite sure I've recovered very well yet. I have nothing else to say about this Lomepal album: go listen to FLIP!
Shaka Ponk – Evol (Alternative Rock)
I hadn't listened to Shaka Ponk very much since the hit of My Name is Stain in 2011, and yet they embody exactly the type of music that intrigues me, a hybrid of electric and crazy punk rock. It took me 2017 and Evol' to understand all this. Evol' is trash (War Dance, Rocksta), Evol' is languorous (Mysterious Way, Wrong Side), mystical and even a little magical. We want to tap our feet in a pogo and make love on Evol'. And I think that more than justifies that Evol' is a good album.
Arch Enemy – Will to Power (Melodic Death Metal)
Will to Power was probably the album I've been most looking forward 
to in 2017, Arch Enemy's second album since Alyssa White-Gluz took the microphone of the Swedish melodic death metal band.
Will to Power always offers good songs with splendid melodies, which is unanimously the charm of the group (Eagles Flies Alone, The World is Yours). The themes we like are there: the desire to assert ourselves, to take possession of what has always eluded us and to obtain the respect we deserve. What is most new in this album is the introduction of the clear voice (Reason to Believe). If the song fits very well into the album, I fear that later the group leans for more clear voice, Alyssa herself saying that she is not against this process that she used a lot in her previous bands …
But for now, Will to Power, currently touring around the world, allows beautiful pogos, and I promise that we come back from the concert with a broken and sweaty voice : everything we love isn't it?
Tagada Jones – The Plague and Cholera (Punk) I must admit that I chose The Plague and Cholera for the song Mort aux Cons, which I feel like I have heard and hummed (ok, "gueulé" would be a more appropriate term but therefore less refined)
since always. Mort aux Cons is the new anthem of French punk that we have been waiting for since the stroke of genius of Trust with Antisocial released in 1980. It must be said that the band had something to do with the presidential elections, and the words emitting a beautiful package of fools, constituting a fabric (very black and well disgusting) for these twelve very punk songs, very rabid; Torn. Special blue thumb to I Am Democracy. We turn up the sound of the amps, and we do not lower our heads!
