Top 5 Records of 2017

I don't know about you, but when I hear an album that I really like, I can listen to that same record on repeat over and over, day after day, for an absurd amount of time. I of course make sure that I am wearing headphones or that I'm alone in my car so no one has to suffer from my newfound obsession, but this typically happens a few times a year. So with 2017 all wrapped up, I decided to put together a list of 5 records that put me in a musical trance in 2017. And as a bonus, I reached out to a few colleagues at various libraries in the San Mateo County for input on their top 5 records of 2017 as well. Enjoy!

1. Turn Out the Lights by Julien Baker
, opens a new window

Two year ago, Julien Baker quietly released her debut record, Sprained Ankle, opens a new window (also really good) on a relatively small punk label. She had spent most of her musical career up to that point playing in bands and accompanied by various instruments, so when she transitioned her sound to a more singer-songwriter route, it was something new and foreign to her. When describing her music, the words "raw" and "powerful" are an understatement. As an openly gay woman who grew up in a predominantly Christian community, I feel like she's got a lot to say, opens a new window - the best part is, she doesn't hold anything back. Two years later, she's now signed onto indie juggernaut, Matador Records, opens a new window, and just released a record that is hands down my favorite of the year. She keeps the song structures pretty simple throughout the record, not distancing too much from just an acoustic guitar and/or piano. But when you have her amazing vocals carry every song, it doesn't need much else.

Favorite tracks: "Appointments" and "Televangelist"

2. Damn by Kendrick Lamar, opens a new window

Remember when Dr.Dre, opens a new window and Snoop Dogg, opens a new window said that Kendrick Lamar was the new king, opens a new window of West Coast hip-hop? Yeah...he kinda hasn't let us down since then. Everything this guy touches turns to gold. And it's that type of gold that 20 years from now, pop culture will still be referencing and worshiping. "Timeless" is probably a good way to describe this record. Kenrick's flow is relaxed and easy, and the slow-tempo beats that he raps over on this record make his music seem so effortless (in the best possible way). So you just keep doing you, Kendrick - we will continue to listen. Also, side note: the cover art for this record rules. Not much to it, but that says a lot, opens a new window.

Favorite tracks: "YAH." and "GOD."

3. Now That the Light Is Fading by Maggie Rogers
, opens a new window

I found out about Maggie Rogers from the same way most people found out about Maggie Rogers: that viral video, opens a new window of Pharrell Williams, opens a new window visiting Maggie's class at NYU to give a few students some pointers on their music projects (btw...if you haven't watched the video, you should). Pharrell's reaction when he first hears Maggie's voice over that unconventional, Bohemian-like dance beat is the same way I still feel when I listen to "Alaska", opens a new window. And don't get me started on that chorus. Since that video hit the internet, fans alike have been anxiously waiting for her to release an album, or anything for that matter. She finally released this record (although just a 5-song EP) earlier this year and it definitely did not disappoint. She's got this whole Cat Power, opens a new window thing going on, but on top of these dancy breakbeats - it's really the perfect harmony.

Favorite tracks: "Alaska" and "On + Off"

4. 4:44 by Jay-Z
, opens a new window

When all is said and done, Jay-Z will go down as one of the most important MCs to come out of NYC (don't worry, Nas, opens a new window is still higher up on that list). I first heard Jay-Z when I was in the 6th grade and he rapped over that now iconic Annie sample, opens a new window that the legendary 45 King, opens a new window flipped for him. And I've been pretty hooked on him ever since. However, this album is different than his previous few. This album is more mature Jay-Z, it's more intimate and emotional Jay-Z. He has always been credited to be a great storyteller, but this record gets more into his personal life than ever before. As a listener, it's a new vibe that I can wholeheartedly respect for an artist that has really done it all. And plus, having Beyoncé, opens a new window and Frank Ocean, opens a new window featured on your album definitely isn't going to hurt your album by any means. 😉

Favorite tracks: "Caught Their Eyes" and "Bam"

5. Sleep Well Beast by The National
, opens a new window

I'm not going to lie, I was a little late on the whole The-National-bandwagon-train. But trust me, I am a believer now. This record is solid and makes me want to dive into their whole back catalog (although with 7 albums, where should I start?!). The vocals are dry and soft for the most part, but the difference in music complexities really brings these songs to life. I describe this record like if The Postal Service, opens a new window and Pete Yorn, opens a new window had a baby...and if you know me, I'm a really big fan of Pete Yorn. Check this record out! And if The National is also a new band for you, why don't we both check their discography out through our various free library, opens a new window services, opens a new window!

Favorite tracks: "Guilty Party" and "I'll Still Destroy You"

Top Records From Other Staff

Francisco from the Atherton Library:

Karen from the Half Moon Bay Library:

Kajah from the Millbrae Library:

Jessica from the Pacifica Sanchez Library:

Over the Garden Wall, opens a new window by The Blasting Company, opens a new window
Coco (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists
Human by Rag'n'Bone Man, opens a new window
Evolve by Imagine Dragons, opens a new window
Atomic Blonde (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists

Michael from the Pacifica Sharp Park Library:

Michael from the Portola Valley Library:

Carmen from the San Carlos Library:

Dan from the Bookmobile:

Nicole C. from Administration:

What are your top 5? Let us know below.