Years · 1997
Greatest Albums of 1997
The best albums of 1997 — Radiohead's OK Computer, Elliott Smith, Biggie's Life After Death, Foo Fighters, Erykah Badu, and Sleater-Kinney.
1997 was one of my favorite years in music. Its the perfect combination of genres declining, peaking, and ascending, but even more meaningfully for me it was a year I was actually aware of, full of bands that were at their peaks a few years later when I started to discover and listen to music on my own accord. The grunge and alt rock greats were still near their commercial peaks, hip-hop was in its golden era, and the seeds were being sown for the boy band and new rock/nu metal movements of the next few years, which for all their flaws were wildly interesting musical times.
OK Computer — Radiohead
This is probably the most bittersweet Radiohead album out there for me. It’s by far my favorite (relatively speaking), marking the band’s ascension to the immense potential expressed in their first two albums.
Either/Or — Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith’s dreamy, longing voice sounds like it was recorded by the finest recording equipment in the middle of a mossy forest clearing.
The Boatman’s Call — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
I didn’t know anything about Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, to be totally honest. It’s one of those acts that I’ve always been aware of and read about, but never crossed paths with for one reason or another.
Baduizm — Erykah Badu
Holy guacamole, was this album a fun listen. For a debut, it’s insanely mature, with an assured and soulful sound that feels as if it was developed and road-tested in smoky speakeasies for years.
The Color and the Shape — Foo Fighters
Ahh, early Foo. I think my copy of this album was the first CD ever to be worn out from overplaying.
Life After Death — Notorious B.I.G.
One of the most iconic voices in hip hop’s golden age, who taught my entire Millennial generation that mo money equals no problems.
Third Eye Blind — Third Eye Blind
So confession time - Third Eye Blind was my first ever live concert. I was like 9, visiting Myrtle Beach with my friend and his family, and it was at the House of Blues.
My Own Prison — Creed
Creed is having some viral success these days. It’s hard to tell sometimes if that’s ironic or legitimate - I kind of think it’s the latter, but it’s more of a guilty pleasure thing.
Dig Me Out — Sleater-Kinney
This album is slightly jittery energy from start to finish. Singer Corbin Tucker sounds perpetually on the edge of losing control of her vocals, but she never quite does.