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Selections: Best of 2017

If you know us, you know our studio speakers *always* on. We even have a dedicated slack channel just for sharing the music we’re into. So, yeah— music is a huge part of our culture here at Workhorse. While we are definite devotees of well-crafted playlists, we also love being able to dig into one album from start to finish. And what a year it’s been for new albums! From brand new artists to long-time favorites bringing back the magic, a few of us have got long-running lists of our favorite new releases. For your purposes, we’ve trimmed them down as best we could (it was painful) and shared here for posterity. Check out our lists below, and hop on our playlist above for the highlights from each. Happy listening, y’all!

Abe Partner, Strategy and Technology Director

2017 was another great year for rap and r&b. It’s an interesting time for the genre—Soundcloud rappers are treated like they’re rock stars and west coast acts like Kendrick Lamar, which in the past would be considered “gangster rap,” are acclaimed in the mainstream like it’s god damn prestige television. What a time to be alive.

Kendrick Lamar, Damn

Migos, Culture

Thundercat, Drunk

Lil Uzi Vert, Luv is Rage 2

Toro y Moi, Boo Boo

Goldlink, At What Cost

Kehlani, SweetSexySavage

Baths, Romaplasm

Khalid, American Teen


Ash Project Manager

My life changed when Spotify, and NPR tiny desk concerts, became a thing. Enjoy the random breadth of music that I listen to, because it doesn’t disappoint.

Chronixx, Chronology

Alt-J, Relaxer

Vulfpeck, Mr. Finish Line

Atmosphere, Overcast

The XX, I See You (Deluxe)

Beach House, B-Sides & Rarities


Julia

2017 was an undeniably huge year for women in music, and I know I’m not alone when I say it’s about damn time! So my list of faves is dedicated to women this year. And yes, I am aware that Bodak Yellow” is not an album, so do not @ me. 

Downtown Boys, Cost of Living

Princess Nokia, 1992 Deluxe

Vagabon, Infinite Worlds

Diet Cig, Swear I’m Good At This

Cardi B, “Bodak Yellow”

Sheer Mag, Compilation (I,II,&III)

Madeline Kenney, Night Night At The First Landing

Irreversible Entanglements, Self-Titled


Michelle 

Can’t stop, won’t stop. Each of these albums has been on hard repeat since their release. Sorry to everyone that’s given me control of their aux chord, but also, not sorry.

Cherry Glazerr, Apocalipstick

Future Islands, The Far Field

Nick Hakim, Green Twins

SZA, Ctrl

Toro y Moi, Boo Boo

Tyler, The Creator, Flower Boy

Midnight Sister, Saturn Over Sunset

Kelela, Take Me Apart