5. Ariel Pink- “Dedicated to Bobby Jameson”

A pioneer in the hypnagogic pop genre, Ariel Pink has continued to stun his cult following with a dizzying array of eerie pop ballads and nostalgic trips to the cassette culture of the 1970s and 1980s. “Dedicated to Bobby Jameson” is yet another reminder of the songwriting chops Pink has built a career on, feeding decades of sunshine and bubblegum pop through a humorous yet tasteful filter. A track like “Bubblegum Dreams” is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to said pop styles, while “I Wanna Be Young” is an older lo-fi recording reminiscent of Pink’s “Haunted Graffiti” output. This record certainly holds its own among Pink’s vast back catalog of Do-It-Yourself records and should stand the test of time in the realm of underground pop music.

4. Arca- “Arca”

Alejandro Ghersi, better known by his stage name Arca, has gained more recognition from his client list than his lush and indulgent solo work. With programming and songwriting contributions to Kanye West’s “Yeezus” and Bjork’s “Vulnicura,” Arca learned to adapt and tailor an experimental electronic sound for traditionally mainstream, accessible artists. His second solo album, “Mutant,” alongside the self-titled “Arca,” have served to showcase the more progressive and musically challenging side of Ghersi. The sounds presented here require multiple listens for a substantial comprehension of the artistic ambition of Ghersi, and over his eccentric instrumentals are his own vocals, making it the first Arca project to feature singing, which comes as a pleasant surprise.

3. Charli XCX- “Pop 2”

The pop sphere was first exposed to British sensation Charlotte Aitchison, known as Charli XCX, with radio singles like “Boom Clap” and contributions to Icona Pop’s “I Love It.” However, last year marked a seismic shift in Charli’s style with the release of her “Vroom Vroom” EP, which featured production from the hyperkinetic SOPHIE. The avant-garde experimentation of the 2016 EP has translated to 2017’s “Number 1 Angel” and “Pop 2.” “Pop 2” is a danceable, charismatic addition to the XCX discography. There’s  a myriad of musical guests who provide their own stylistic flares, particularly CupcakKe on the track “I Got It.” Overall, “Pop 2” marks another installment of enjoyable, experimental, and boisterous pop music from the budding musician, and one can only hope such an artistic streak is prolonged with releases like this.

2. Bjork- “Utopia”

Few artists have demonstrated such an ethereal style of art-pop as Bjork has throughout her prolific career. Albums like “Debut” and “Post” captured audiences’ attention with whimsical and ambitious tunes spanning several genres, and albums like “Volta” and “Biophilia” served as reminders of the creative, eclectic, and celestial nature of the Icelandic artist’s works. Following the somber and sentimental “Vulnicura” from 2015, “Utopia” is a dynamic follow up which details a reawakening subsequent to a heartbreak. With progressive electronic mastermind Arca handling the bulk of production, the heavenly incorporation of flute, and underlying political themes of Bjork’s respective political utopia, Bjork’s longest album to date is a masterful manifestation of the crossroads between technology and high art.

1. Sun Kil Moon- “Common as Light and Love are Red Valleys of Blood”

Legendary singer-songwriter and provocateur Mark Kozelek has used Sun Kil Moon as an artistic outlet following the disbandment of his former band, Red House Painters. For over a decade, Kozelek has been producing one critically acclaimed folk-rock album after another. “Common as Light and Love…” is a flawed yet beautiful odyssey which features stylistic shifts between witty, politically charged anthems and somber ballads. An element of absurdism is presented here, as on the track “I Love Portugal,” which features Kozelek reading the full official statement from a venue regarding a canceled performance. Whether charming or bewildering– or both at once– Kozelek shows that he isn’t quite finished constructing slowcore masterpieces.  

Honorable Mentions: John Maus- “Screen Memories,” St. Vincent- “MASSEDUCTION,”    Brockhampton- “Saturation,” Slowdive- “Slowdive.”