My Year in Music {2017}

My Year in Music {2017}

• Dec 26, 2017

Although I've been slacking off as a blogger lately, I've been eagerly anticipating the month of December because recap posts are my favorite (to read and to write!). Whether it's personal reflections or newfound obsessions, I love looking back at the past year. For the next few days, I'm highlighting what I loved in 2017. Today, it's music! And here are my music favorites from 2015 and 2016, too.

I recommitted to Spotify Premium at the end of 2016 and haven't looked back since! I love having access to such a wide variety of music, especially because of my weird music quirks. I listen to an album for weeks until I move on to something new. Some albums end up on my all-time favorite (and must own) list, but many are brief obsessions. So, it's nice that one monthly fee gives me access to anything I'm in the mood for!

Last year, I listened to 3,000 minutes of music (down from 18,000 in 2015). It's weird to compare all three years because they're so different. I've listened to more artists and tracks this year than last, but I know I'll probably never listen as much as I did in 2015 since I'm not sitting at a desk all day. I cheated a little with my most-played artist because Spotify said it was Jean-Yves Thibaudet (because I'm still addicted to the 2005 Pride and Prejudice soundtrack). However, I know that it was probably Taylor Swift -- I just listened in iTunes, so it didn't "count" for my stats. And I'm not shocked that Liam Payne's "Strip That Down" is my most-played track... though it's a little embarrassing.

The Hamilton Mixtape by Various Artists - I started listening to this in December 2016, but the obsession continued into 2017. While the Broadway album is better, I do love many of these interpretations + additions. 

Phase Me Out (+ other singles) by VÉRITÉ - I found VÉRITÉ on a Spotify playlist, and I'm so glad because I don't know if this would have been on my radar otherwise! I had this song in particular on repeat early in the year.

Red Sea Road by Ellie Holcomb - This is the only Christian album on my list since I tend to listen to that as individual songs rather than albums. But I loved this release! Ellie's lyrics and folksy voice are a great combo.

÷ (Deluxe) by Ed Sheeran - I was so excited for new music from Sheeran, and it didn't disappoint. I had this on repeat for ages and never got sick of it! I almost forgot it came out in 2017 because I've listened to it so much.

After Laughter by Paramore - Paramore has been a favorite for me... until their last album. I was curious about this release and never expected to become completely obsessed with it! One of my top three albums of 2017. 

Harry Styles by Harry Styles - I knew One Direction from the radio but didn't listen much beyond that. I've been surprised by how interested I've been in their solo careers! Harry's album is my favorite. So unexpected!

Pride and Prejudice (Soundtrack) by Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Will I ever get sick of this soundtrack? NOPE. If I need background music that helps clear my mind, this is my immediate choice. It's so calming and relaxing! 

Strip That Down by Liam Payne feat. Quavo - I knew almost nothing about Liam prior to this year, and now he's got my most-played track of 2017. How things change! I don't even know why I love it as much as I do.

Coming Home by Leon Bridges - This came out in 2015, and I listened and liked it. But it caught my attention again this year after a song was featured in Big Little Lies, and I fell in love with Leon's soulful voice.

Every Little Thing by Carly Pearce - I discovered Carly Pearce early in 2017 through the recommendation of an author I follow and couldn't wait for her album to come out this fall. It was as good as I'd hoped it would be!

Unapologetically by Kelsea Ballerini - I didn't think I was a Ballerini fan but numerous Instagram posts about her new album made me check it out. And I couldn't turn it off! It's so good (and reminded me of early TSwift).

reputation by Taylor Swift - No surprise here. I lowered my expectations for this album based on the singles, but then it blew me away! This is definitely my favorite album of 2017, no question. HOW DOES SHE DO IT? 

What was your favorite album in 2017? 

Were there any songs that defined your year?