Evolve by Imagine Dragons - I was not a fan of Smoke and Mirrors. After that album, I thought Imagine Dragons was done. I am glad I was wrong. Despite pop feel, I am still a fan of this album. I actually listened to this album more than any other new release in 2017. I would love to know the accumulated amount of times I heard the word Thunder.
Pretty, but Killing Me by Pacific Radio - Why aren't these guys famous? Likable and fun, it's hard not to have this album in the top ten. Getting a big break at the BottleRock Fest, their collective eccentricities make for entertaining music. They don't just want to play music for you, they want to party with you - and if you drink too much, they will even offer to drive you home. True story.
Sacred Hearts Club by Foster the People - Every album is a little different, and I liked this version of Foster the People. It's a little edgier with a club beat that makes you want to shake your money maker. I could do without his crazy eye though.
Harry Styles by Harry Styles - What fun is it being a music fan if you can't like all different types of music? I don't care if it's cool or uncool, I like Harry Styles. My 17-year-old self likes it and my 47-year-old self likes it. So there.
In the Wind by Magic Giant - When I first listened to this album I wasn't impressed. After I saw this band in concert, this album was my "go to" listening album for months. Their organic approach to music is so refreshing in this day and age of manufactured sound. See them live and they will give you a hug.
Lost in Translation by New Politics - This is the album I have been waiting for by New Politics. It's fun and fresh while showing off some cool influences. This is the one that made me a fan. The album is short but not a throw away track in the lot.
Still Summer by Matt Pond PA - I love the laid back, summer feel of this selection. I loved it before seeing him in concert this past fall, but loved it even more afterwards. This is definitely the soundtrack to a summer, scenic drive.
Pacific Daydream by Weezer - At what point does Rivers Cuomo run out of catchy hooks? If music is collective energy that can be pulled from, Rivers is definitely double dipping. Every time I think he can't do it again, he proves me wrong. They managed to make my Top 10 Albums list the last two years in a row. It was an added bonus the band worked with Butch Walker again.
Loner by Missio - "Killing Darth Vader with my motherfucking kick drum." I don't know if I need to expand much past that, but I will. This duo take snarky to a dark and moody place. It is a tone I was not expecting after hearing "Middle Fingers," but it all sounds in context now.
Concrete and Gold by Foo Fighters - Have you ever thought, "If this band could just keep putting out this same album I would be happy?" The Foo Fighters have perfected this trick - and that is okay by me. It stirs up a dangerously wild part of me that went dormant in the mid-90's. Best to keep that part of Fran locked up.
Honorable Mention
Prisoner by Ryan Adams - Ryan has such tremendous output that it's only natural not to like all of his music. Although it's not one of my favorites by this alt-country phenom, it is still a strong album. You don't have to like it all, but I will take it to get the good stuff.
See you when the needle drops!
Fran
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