So many of the best albums of 2017 have come from British artists and almost just as many have been debut albums. In at number 21 just on the cusp of the top twenty is debut solo album from British artist, Loyle Carner with Yesterday's Gone.

When Loyle started coming up a couple of years ago he was everywhere - every festival line up, every typical venue for up and comers, every magazine - his promo was insane. Rightly so, his voice is so distinct, and it's the kind of typical London voice I wouldn't expect to say that about, but it's a voice that you could pick out of a crowd nonetheless. In those first few months where Loyle was everywhere I went along with the hype and really overdid it a little bit and so when the time came for him to release this debut, I thought that I was over it. The excitement had worn off and I was a little bit bored. But when I actually got round to listening to the record, it still surprised me. Even the singles that I'd already known and loved sounded refreshed in the context of the record.

Standout new tracks on this one for me are "No Worries" and "Mrs C". Old favourites of mine however have to be "Isle of Arran", "Damselfly" and "Florence". I overplayed "Florence" so so much when I first heard it and thought that when I got to the record I'd be bored of it but no, it's still an amazing track. One thing that always shines through in Loyle's music is his love for his family. He's definitely not the first rapper to rap about family but it's a clear theme in his music and his live shows and the way that he keeps it down to earth and authentic has set him miles apart from a lot of the "popular rap" buzzing around at the minute.

Being nominated for a Mercury on your debut album is no small achievement - however a lot of the artists to have that happen in the past (e.g The xx, Ghostpoet, Alt-J, etc) have gone on to huge things and still continue to put out quality work. I'd expect nothing less from Loyle Carner after this one.

Since I've been a little bit AWOL this year and we're closing in on the "top albums of the year lists" time of the year, instead of the usual 7 or 10 of my favourite records, this year I'm pushing the boat out and doing my top 30 of the year, counting down each day for the rest of the month. Keep an eye out for the rest of my choices as the month goes on but for now, here's my number 30...

It's no secret that I've been a long time fan of Ghostpoet but I have to say, two of the lead singles from Dark Days + Canapes ("Immigrant Boogie" and "Trouble + Me") didn't have me the most excited to listen to it. One thing that I've always loved about Ghostpoet's music is its bittersweet outlook on day to day life and I think when I listened to those first singles and realised how dark and swampy they sounded I just wasn't ready to listen. Even after the album came out, it took a long while for me to listen to it because I just simply wasn't in that frame of mind. Either way, winter came around and this turned out to be the perfect soundtrack.

Just by taking a quick look over the titles of these tracks, you can see that witty worldplay definitely isn't lost on Ghostpoet and this notion only becomes all the more clear as you listen through. One song that really had some lyrics that stuck out for me was "Immigrant Boogie". I always love it when artists tell stories from different points of view on their tracks and listening to Ghostpoet take this story across two different emotions stuck out to me even when I wasn't too excited to listen to the rest of the record.

My favourite tracks on the album so far are "Many Moods At Midnight", "Freakshow", "Dopamine If I Do" and "Live>Leave". There are so many attention grabbing moments interspersed as you listen through this record; like the discordant piano part towards the end of "Blind As A Bat" or the jumpy rhythm and ominous synths on the intro "One More Sip".

I'm embarrassed that it took me so long to get around to listening to this but when I did, it was in the perfect setting and had I listened to it sooner I'm not sure that I would have appreciated it as much as I do now. More than happy to have this start off the top 30 of my 2017.

After listening back through my list of the top 10 albums of 2015 on Christmas Eve, I honestly just thought "There's no way that these are the best things to have come out in 2015!" So I went back and did my research - listened to heaps more records that I hadn't already heard this year (lots of new discoveries coming your way), went to see a few bands live that released records this year, and re-listened to the list I had settled on before. FINALLY - I think I have my final 10...


10. Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon
I didn't actually expect this album to make the top 10. When I first heard about Hiatus Kaiyote, everyone was raving about them. At least 10 people told me that I should check them out. So when I actually got round to listening to them I was expecting a lot more than what they gave. It wasn't until I saw them live late last year and properly listened to the album that I realised what people had been saying all along. Super funky record and super talented band. Give them a gander.
 
9. Foals - What Went Down 
I've gone back and forth about putting this album on the list. Especially after my review of it here, but the more I think about it, the more I realise that it is a good album, I just wanted more. Again, after seeing it played live late last year, I can see how strong each of the songs are. Although this didn't make it as high up my list as Holy Fire did when it dropped in 2013, Foals continue to produce material that draws me in.

8. Lianne La Havas - Blood
It took me a lot longer than I'd expected to fully get into this album. Lianne's debut will always be one of my all time favourite albums and so I've been anticipating this follow up for the longest time! So when I first listened to the album, I had a few clear standouts ("Midnight" is still my favourite on the album), but nothing really stuck to me the way that I was expecting. It wasn't until maybe the fourth listen that the penny dropped and I realised just how much of a musical masterpiece this album is. I still prefer numero uno but my oh my, Lianne is one hundred percent somebody not to overlook.

7. Disclosure - Caracal
It's normally hard to top a debut of Disclosure's calibre but their sophomore album, Caracal might just have done it. It's pretty hit-laden and featuring the likes of Gregory Porter, Nao, Lion Babe, Kwabs and more, it was practically fool proof from the get-go. We already know that a team up with Sam Smith is a tried and tested winning combo and they've got him on the record again on quite a different type of song, but generating just as big of a reaction. Big album, both live and on record.

6. Neck Deep - Life's Not Out To Get You 
Speaking of second albums topping debuts, Neck Deep have easily cleared the bar that their first album set. Not just song quality-wise but production, lyrics and instruments (just to name a few things) have really knocked it out of the park on this one. If you'd have spoken to me at the beginning of 2015 I would've said without hesitation that I was looking forward to The Story So Far's new record more than Neck Deep's... well, one has made the list and the other hasn't. I enjoyed every song on this album and I can happily say I'm looking forward to album number three.
 
5. Ghostpoet - Shedding Skin 
I actually almost forgot that this came out this year. Since it was released, I've listened to it so much that it feels almost like a classic. Ghostpoet has really mastered being able to connect with the listener through his music on the most ordinary things that you could imagine. Like I said in my track-by-track here, this record just feels like a continuation of everything that he's already put out and as simple as it is, it adds such an essential layer to his body of work. Quality album.

4. Florence + The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
If you read my review of this record earlier this year here, I'm sure you had no doubt that this would make it onto my list somewhere. I definitely didn't expect it to fall out of the top three ranking. However, after seeing them perform live here in Australia, although musically spectacular, I realised that it just doesn't resonate with me as much as their first two records. Still a very enjoyable record with multiple shining moments, but it just got pipped at the post.

3. The Internet - Ego Death 
I wasn't really expecting this album to get so high up the list. I listened through The Internet's Purple Naked Ladies in 2011 and to be honest, I wasn't the slightest bit impressed. So when my friend asked me to have a listen to their single "Girl (feat. KAYTRANADA)" earlier this year, I wasn't expecting much at all - they completely blew me away! Although the average song on this record is about 5 mins long, they were all ingrained in my head after first listen. I can't even count the amount of times that I woke up with one of their songs stuck in my head. Huge transformation, and 100% for the better.

2. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly 
Now, this record would've been my number one choice had it not been so tough to listen to, beginning to end. After maybe the second listen, I don't think I've listened to it all the way through since. Each track is fantastically crafted, lyrically genius, and I'd listen to them individually, but my oh my is it hard to listen to in one go. It's definitely a concentration piece. I feel like every time I come back to it, I learn something new. Kendrick is a phenomenal story teller, and although considerably different from Good Kid... it tells a completely different chapter in Kendrick's life. Full of big tracks, both provocative and commercial - well deserving of the number 2 spot.

1. Bring Me The Horizon - That's The Spirit
Well, well, well... when I first heard this record, there is no way that you could've got me to believe that it would make it's way to the top of my albums of the year list. I shamefully admit that I was among the skeptics after first listen - not sure whether I was impressed or not. I still think that Sempiternal is a better record in comparison but there isn't one track on this album that I would skip listening through it. Beginning to end, back to front, this is a diverse, layered and just lyrically brilliant album. Oli has truly honed in his talent for song-writing and both live and in studio BMTH excel. They may have taken a risk with this album and no doubt lost some fans in the process but they've smashed it again and I expect nothing less than upwards from here on out.

FINALLY, a list that I am 100% content with. 2015 was a humongous year for music and somehow I think 2016 might just be bigger. Here are some shout outs for honourable mention...

• Tame Impala - Currents
• Drake - If You're Reading This, It's Too Late
• Everything Everything - Get To Heaven
• Justin Bieber - Purpose
• Young Fathers - White Men Are Black Men Too 
• The Maccabees - Marks To Prove It 
• Don Broco - Automatic 
• The Story So Far - The Story So Far 
• Jamie xx - In Colour
  
• mewithoutYou - Pale Horses
• Thee Oh Sees - Mutilator Defeated At Last

Ghostpoet dropped his third album recently and after interviewing him here, I thought I'd give my two cents about the new record too. A couple of weeks since its release date and I've had more than enough to time to listen to it over and over again and form a valid opinion for each song! Plus, it's been far too long since I reviewed an album and there have been so many to talk about. So here's the track-by-track...


1. Off Peak Dreams - The first single that I heard from the record and the first concrete evidence I had that this was going to be another triumph for Ghostpoet. Such a smooth opening song - as easy going as it is, it doesn't hold anything back musically, it just dives straight in and I like that in an opener.

2. X Marks The Spot (feat. Nadine Shah) - Already a quick vibe shift with a slightly slower and more swampy sounding song. I like how consistent the instrumental is too - as well as adding another level to the record, the track itself doesn't have too much going on inside of it. Simple but effective.

3. Be Right Back, Moving House (feat. Paul Smith) - In keeping with the slower tracks, this song in particular gives you the chance to properly listen to and take in Ghostpoet's lyrics - and I love how straight forward they are, not hiding behind too much metaphor or wordplay, just there.

4. Shedding Skin (feat. Melanie De Baisio) - The second single that I heard from the album and the first that I'd heard of Melanie De Baisio. I'd say that it was a pretty good first impression! Hearing this after "Off Peak Dreams" I had no idea of what the rest of the album might sound like at all. Two pretty different songs, both bringing memorable moments to the record. I was singing "You think you know me, you'll never know me..." for a long time afterwards. 

5. Yes, I Helped You Pack (feat. Etta Bond) - I love, love, love Etta Bond's voice mirroring Obaro's throughout the song. They mesh so well that you barely notice that there are two voices singing by the end of it. This is one of my favourites on the record overall. Again, a simple song but just the little things push it to greatness. 

6. That Ring Down The Drain Kind Of Feeling (feat. Nadine Shah) - Right now, I think that I slightly prefer this song to the other Nadine Shah feature. The sluggish bassline makes you feel just as defeated as the title suggests.

7. Sorry My Love, It's You Not Me (feat. Lucy Rose) - My current favourite on the album actually - I just love the riffs on this. When I first listened to the album, this was the song that I had on repeat. I would've expected this to be the next single - a great driving song.

8. Better Not Butter - This song had me nodding my heading before it hit 5 seconds in. I love how sinister the instrumental sounds and the guitar adds so much whilst being so minimal. Held together mostly by the rhythm section this song is a belter for sure - look forward to seeing this live at some point.

9.The Pleasure In Pleather - I love the repetition towards the end of this song and the escalation. The best drum part on the whole record in my opinion.

10. Nothing In The Way - This piano part was the perfect way to end this album. It felt like a movie soundtrack almost - sort of like the end credits. This song is just refreshing. It sounds very clean and when it ended the first time I heard it, it did make me feel like I'd come out of something, or literally "shed" something. Brilliantly placed song.


This album just cemented my opinions of Ghostpoet's fantastic story-telling abilities. To me this body of work just feels like a continuation of everything that he's put out prior - like a little update of his current feelings in life. I look forward to the next installment. 

Overall Rating - 8/10

Your guide to just a few of the albums coming your way this month. Nobody should be able to complain that they've run out of music to listen to these days because every month there is just heaps and heaps of goodness being thrown at us. We just have to grab it...

 

NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS - CHASING YESTERDAY
I already know that this will be a good record. Noel has been making a quite a few unpopular comments in the media of late but this might just be one thing he's put out that most of the public will be able to agree on. This was made available yesterday (the 2nd of March).






GHOSTPOET - SHEDDING SKIN
Another fantastic album came out yesterday alongside Noel's but of a completely different genre. After Ghostpoet's awesome debut and sophomore albums, some would expect the calibre to waver a little bit but if anything Obaro keeps going from strength to strength. Check out the chat I had with him here and then go and listen for yourself... you won't regret it.






PURITY RING - ANOTHER ETERNITY
I listened to their latest single "bodyache" a couple of days ago - such easy listening! I feel like I'll really enjoy this album, even though a few of their new singles from it have been a little bit different from past material, I feel it'll still put a smile on my face. Have a listen later today (the 3rd of March).






MOON DUO - SHADOW OF THE SUN
I discovered Moon Duo whilst I was scrolling through soundcloud one day and caught a free download of their song "Sleepwalker". I didn't think too much of it at the time. It was fine but it didn't make me want to find out more about them. However, when I saw that they were releasing a new album on the 3rd of March, I remembered the name and thought - why not?





 

PETER DOHERTY - FLAGS OF THE OLD REGIME
The Libertines' frontman is coming out with another solo record and under the slightly more sophisticated and subtle alteration of his name (Pete > Peter). After listening to the title track I have to say that I am thoroughly excited for this album on the 9th of March.






MADONNA - REBEL HEART
After her recent fall at the Brits' let's see if this album can pick her up a little bit. It's been a while I must see but I am very interested and slightly worried to see what Madonna has to bring to the table. She's quite the musical chameleon so I'm wondering what genre she's incorporating on this one. The album drops on the 10th of March.





  
HEEMS - EAT, PRAY, THUG 
I hadn't heard anything from Heems until his single with Dev Hynes last month here but I liked it so much that I had to do my research. I'm excited to see what a full record of Heems' will sound like on the 10th of March.







CANCER BATS - SEARCHING FOR ZERO
Fast approaching their co-headline tour with While She Sleeps this month, the release of their new album has come just in time. I'm sure that these tunes will sound huge being moshed to and shouted out by fans all over the UK. Get your hands on the record on the 10th of March.







LIEUTENANT - IF I KILL THIS THING WE'RE ALL GOING TO EAT FOR A WEEK
Nate Mendel (bassist of Foo Fighters) is releasing his side project band's debut record. Have a listen to the latest single from it "Believe The Squalor" before you get a hold of the album to get a feel of the new direction that Nate's going in. Out on the 10th of March.





 
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS - MADNESS
I've never properly listened to Sleeping With Sirens but I do love post-hardcore so I'm definitely willing to give them a chance. Four records on might be a bit late but better late than never right? The album hits shelves on the 17th of March.





 

PORTICO - LIVING FIELDS
After hearing the song "101" from this record featuring Alt-J's Joe Newman, I couldn't stop listening to it. It wasn't until a few days ago that I actually found out that the album was coming out this month! If this song is anything to go by, this album will definitely have a great vibe. Get your hands on it on the 23rd of March.







THE STAVES - IF I WAS
My eyes were opened to The Staves late last year here when I was fortunate enough to catch a live performance and man, I am still far from over their angelic voices. After checking out their record Dead & Born & Grown I'm more than ready for a follow up. I am very excited for this release on the 23rd of March.






LAURA MARLING - SHORT MOVIE
So I did end up getting round to listening to her album Once I Was And Eagle a couple of years ago finally and I was pleasantly surprised. Laura Marling is a wonder to listen to, my goodness! It took some time but finally, I'm a fan. I'll be listening out for this album on the 23rd of March.




 

THE CRIBS - FOR ALL MY SISTERS
After getting a taste of some of the tracks from the new album here a few weeks ago, I am certain that this sixth record will be another one to add to the classics. I'm sure that they'll be touring again once the albums drops on the 24th of March.








THE PRODIGY - THE DAY IS MY ENEMY
It's so good to have them back! Their UK tour is coming up in May and so this album release gives us plenty of time to learn the lyrics before. The title track "The Day Is My Enemy" is an absolute banger and the rest of the album is sure to pack a punch. Grab a copy on the 30th of March.




 

ONLY REAL - JERK AT THE END OF THE LINE
I was actually a tiny bit disappointed when I saw Only Real live here at Field Day Festival last year to be honest. However, his studio material always manages to impress me so I'm hoping that this new record won't be any different. Have a listen on the 30th of March.





 
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - KINTSUGI
I've always loved the standard, well-known record Codes And Keys but I haven't actually properly listened to any other DCFC records and I now understand that this is probably appalling. So this is where I'm going to catch up. Judging by the response to their upcoming tour announcement and sales, this album is going to be pretty big. Join me and pick this up on the 31st of March.







LUDACRIS - LUDAVERSAL
I didn't actually know that Ludacris was still making solo music. I thought that he was just sticking to the occasional song feature but not according to this! I actually have no idea what this might sound like on the 31st March, whether it will be good or bad, but I suppose there's only one way to find out... 

In honour of the release of Ghostpoet's already critically acclaimed, brilliant third record today, I thought I'd post the chat that I had with the brains behind it all a few days ago...