For awhile now, I’ve struggled to get into anything musically that wasn’t at least somewhat related to hip-hop. My hunt for some new rock music I actually enjoy came to a satisfying end when I found this album by Thee Oh Sees. Orc is a grungy, punchy, noisy composition that turned out to be just what the doctor ordered to cure my rock deficiency. Catch them with us at the Music Frozen Dancing Block Party on February 19th. Their psychedelic, punky jams will be sure to keep you warm even on what will likely be a very cold day.

Everyone’s favorite goofball came through with a well crafted, heartfelt album that’s as gentle as it is intense, and likely his best work to date. Far from the dark and twisted Goblin days, Flower Boy shows Tyler’s growth as an artist and how he’s refined his skills as a writer and producer. The handful of features are appropriate and precise, and Tyler performs with a conviction and vulnerability that gives the album a consistent emotional depth that he’s rarely reached before.

The current political landscape has certainly inspired a lot of artists to speak out through their music. On ALL-AMERIKKKAN BADA$$, Joey Bada$$ takes this inspiration and packages it into an articulate and heart-felt album that showcases his lyrical talent as well as some fantastic production. Some A+ features from ScHoolboy Q, Meechy Darko, and J. Cole, to name a few, are the icing on an in-your-face cake made with love and baked to the perfection.

On Ruler Rebel, Christian Scott’s trumpet mastery is sifted through a backdrop of dreamy drum and bass for a cocktail with the smoke of a mezcal and as smooth a juice. A great album for work that will have you day-dreaming about 5 o’clock.

When I saw our girls Charli XCX and Carly Rae Jepsen on the credits of this short but sweet project, I knew we were in for a treat. The guys behind BC Unidos have quite the resumes on their own, and their combined talent shows some serious potential. The 2017 mainstream seems to value quantity over quality, but this little EP shows exactly why that should never be the case. Every song here is good. Like, really good. In fact, you should probably just listen to it right now and see for yourself. Thank us on Twitter @track-switch, if you feel so inclined.

Giraffage’s Too Real is a funky, bubbly, dreamy tracklist thats as tasty as a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. But as you reach the bottom of the sugary milky goodness left in your bowl, you find the toy from the cereal box. Not an unfortunate circumstance by any means, but an unexpected twist that’s intriguing enough for a second helping.

On Homey, Chon achieves a charming sound aesthetic with convictive writing and a perfect amount of thoughtful collaborations. The use of electronic elements delivers a soothing soundscape and some catchy melodies while still allowing their raw musical talent to shine through. If you’re a guitar-nerd or just looking for some interesting instrumentals to kick-back to, this album deserves a listen.

Sevdaliza’s Ison is a droning thunderstorm that is dark, dreary, and intoxicating. The rhythms and melodies are creative but minimal, forging a momentum that is both heavy and brisk. The lengthy tracklist may have you reaching for the light at the end of the tunnel and simultaneously being content right where you are.

Brasstracks sound pretty much how you’d expect a group with such a name, and it sounds oh so good. Their mixing of jazz, hip-hop, and electronic elements is recognizable on everything they touch, including Chance the Rapper’s smash hit “No Problem”. The duo stretches their jazz chops a bit further on this EP, with some help from none other than iconic pianist Robert Glasper. The grooves are so hard that they’ll be over before you know it, leaving you no choice but to run it back again and again until a Pt. 2 comes along.

Coming in at the wildest entry here is this compilation of Sonic Mania remixes. Sure did not see that coming, but the insanity and creativity here is remarkable. The EDM bubble may seem to have popped, but these producers have given it new life by epically remixing the soundtrack to your favorite childhood hedgehog.

It’s a fact: Thundercat is the man. Wickedly talented and frankly, adorable, his bass-guitar wizardry never fails to win me over. His live shows are some of the best around, and the musical company he keeps illustrates just how sought after his talent is. Contrary to his absolute shredding on stage, Thundercat takes a more laid-back and thoughtful approach on Drunk, delivering a smooth, tasteful, and humorous dive into his peculiar genius. Dude’s got Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins on the same track. How neat is that? Special shoutout to his brother, Ronald, an equally talented drummer who released an impressive solo debut as well this year with his album Triumph.

As one of Dreamville’s newest members, J.I.D demonstrates why he earned a spot on J. Cole’s roster with the label’s best release of the year. The Never Story is an eccentric and groovy journey into one of the more unique rappers I’ve heard in awhile. His nasally voice and capable lyricism is supported by a tasteful palette of creative beats. I can only expect to hear more good things from this artist as the new year progresses.

Stormzy’s debut album didn’t quite hit the mark as much I hoped it would, but it’s commercial success was more than significant, earning the top spot on the UK charts, which is a huge win for grime. Gang Signs & Prayer wears it’s American influences of it’s sleeve, but the execution and message is deliberate and tactful, making Stormzy a force to be reckoned with in the grime scene and beyond.

I’m rooting for Aminé. Good For You is a really solid debut that takes some risks and explores the unique artist that he can become. Featuring the viral hit “Caroline”, this album showcases Aminé’s raw talent and real potential, contrary to some of his contemporaries with whom he shared this year’s XXL Freshman Class.

I found this album a little too bloated to earn a rank on this list, but the first four singles that were released still remain some of my favorite tracks of the year. Vince Staples killed it on “Ascension”, DRAM put a lovely touch on “Andromeda”, and Saturnz Barz featuring Popcaan was accompanied by one the coolest music videos of the year.