2017 has certainly been a unique and engaging year in music, with plenty of anticipated debuts and musical returns. Fleet Foxes, Jay Z, Slowdive and Tyler The Creator all returned to critical acclaim. And newcomers such as Brockhampton, Sampha and SZA all burst onto the scene with highly praised debuts. More than halfway through the year, The Tenth Man has taken a critical look at the vast array of albums released and assembled their own unique favorites.

Charlie

1) Roc Marciano – Rosebudd’s Revenge

Roc Marciano has never been a visionary or game changer but he sure as hell knows his style. Hailing from New York he knows the hardcore style used to reign supreme. Mobb Deep. Raekwon. Pharoahe Monch. Roc’s influences are obvious and he makes them known throughout the course of his album. His raspy, monotone flow slides gracefully over the dirty boom bap beats, spewing rhymes about luxury cars, back alley drug deals and menacing characters. The approach is a bit more style over substance, as Roc goes for tongue twisting lines rather than storytelling or social consciousness. But it’s a style he pulls off effortlessly.

2) Bedwetter – Flick Your Teeth…

After his Memphis styled Mista Thug Isolation became a cult sensation, Lil Ugly Mane became increasingly experimental. Ugly Mane’s recent material has drawn from his past as a noise musician – adding chaotic guitar work, crunchy distortion and a host of outsider influences. Flick Your Teeth sees Ugly Mane (under a pseudonym) experiment – but in a different manner. Based on a recent stint in the psychiatric ward, Flick Your Teeth is a grim, personal and introspective journey. Ugly Mane is gruesome, blunt and on the edge of accessibility. The production matches this approach, relying on hard-hitting, abstract beats.

3) Various Artist – Mono No Aware

The world of ambient music is a strange one. Relying on the forward-thinking techniques of Brian Eno and the wonky sounds of Aphex Twin, it’s one with an awkward place in electronic music. Mono No Aware gives a great sense of the modern ambient scene. In the 76 minute collection, PAN records manages to reach an enormous breadth of styles of a genre mostly know as monotonous/tedious. The tracks range from hypnotic to soothing and off-putting. There’s hints of experimentation, touches of field recordings and occasional vocals. Equal parts abstract and accessible – it’s shockingly consistent and diverse for an amateur compilation.

4) Hampshire & Foat – Galaxies Like Grains of Sand

If you want some glorious, relaxing tunes, look no further. Hampshire & Foat spend 40 minutes throwing down some blissful grooves, with subtle electronic textures and smooth jazz touches. It’s far from the glossiness of modern Blue Note records – instead it’s rich, composed, and meticulously designed. Never straying too far into pop yet relying on mellow vibes, it’s absurdly consistent and engaging. Perfect for reading or a quick, reflective walk at the park.

5) Real Estate – In Mind

Building off their trademark dreamy pop sound, Real Estate depart into a more psychedelic style. It’s a subtle change but the gradual shifts are effective and hint toward great things for the band’s’ future. Any fan expecting complete 180 is going to leave disappointed but the usual groove-driven soundscapes are improved dramatically by rock influences and a hint of sonic experimentation. Every track on In Mind sounds like it would be perfect for a road trip, a mellow day at the beach or a good time with friends. Maybe the timing of this review has impacted me – but I can’t help think it could be a perfect soundtrack for a summer vacation.