Jack Shapiro ’19

2017 delivered powerful, deep and exciting music that has been ranked high in the charts through these 12 months. From Migos to Ed Sheeran, here’s a look back at the highlights of this year’s top artists, albums and songs.

Migos started the year off hot with their release of “Culture.” After releasing the group’s second studio album on Jan. 27, 2017, “Culture” debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album is still featured in the top 200 and is one of the most popular albums of the year.

“Culture is a top 10 album of our generation. Quavo, Offset and Takeoff have changed pop culture,” Jake Thaw ’20 said. “They changed the game forever…I think this album is really a sign that hip hop will be different forever.”

The next highlight from this year’s music industry was Ed Sheeran’s third studio album “÷” which was released on March 3, 2017. “÷” was possibly Sheeran’s best work that featured hit songs such as “Shape of You,” “Galway Girl” and “Castle on the Hill.” The album hit number one on Billboard 200 and certified 2x platinum. “÷” and “Shape of You” are both nominated for Grammys in this upcoming January.

“I like “÷” because not only do I love Ed Sheeran but the album is really catchy and the lyrics are deep and meaningful,” Sonia Trinkle ’21 said.

Kendrick Lamar had a huge 2017 with his award-winning album “DAMN.” Lamar had a chart-topping release on the Billboard 200. The more impressive statistic however is that not only did he win the Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop award at the American Music Awards, but he is nominated for seven Grammy awards.

“DAMN. delivers great beats, background music and engrossing lyrics,” Jake Luffman ’21 said. “DAMN. is definitely one of the best hip-hop albums this year.”

Khalid’s hit debut studio album “American Teen” is the final album that rounds out the recap of music in 2017. Although the album never reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200, the album went platinum and put Khalid on the map as one of the hottest new artists.

“I think [Khalid] has influenced a whole new era of music,” Eli Corenthal ’19 said. “Because people can now see that you don’t need rap or fake vocals to earn Grammy nominations.”