Vinyl Sales Continue to Grow, Streaming Dominates Music Industry in 2019

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a brief look at the RIAA, Nielsen and BuzzAngle’s Year-End numbers

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has released their 2019 year-end report Tuesday. With Nielsen Music and BuzzAngle’s reports having come in January, we now have a more complete idea of what the music industry’s revenue and cultural trends were over the last year. A year of growth for the industry, streaming dominated the field while vinyl continued its rapid rise in the physical sales space.

In 2019, the music industry saw its fourth straight year of double-digit growth, taking in more than $11.1 billion in revenue, a 13% increase over 2018’s $9.8 billion.

Streaming was the biggest part of the revenue equation in 2019. Jumping nearly 20% over 2018’s numbers, the format ended the year with more than $8.8 billion in revenue. That means streaming now makes up 79.5% of all revenue brought in by the music industry. It also means, according to Billboard’s reporting, that streaming’s revenue exceeded the music industry’s yearly earnings for every year between 2008 and 2017. Much of that came from paid subscription services (Apple Music, Spotify’s paid tier), which grew by another 25% this year.

While streaming was popular in the US, video was an even more lucrative venture in the rest of the world. According to both Nielsen and BuzzAngle, YouTube outpaced paid services like Spotify and Amazon Music, especially when it came to genres like K-pop and Bollywood.

As for traditional sales, the numbers stayed relatively steady. While there was a dip, the RIAA reports it was only 0.6% over 2018, making up $1.15 billion of the year’s revenue. While CD sales once again dropped, this time 12%, they still made up the bulk of physical sales at $615 million. Vinyl continued to gain on CDs, though, rising 19% to take in $504 million in 2019, the only physical format to experience any gain. That’s the 14^th straight year of growth for the vinyl medium and puts it squarely in striking distance to potentially take over that dominating sales spot from CDs.

Digital sales took a nosedive, however. Following a trend that has been occurring for a few years now, digital single and album sales dropped 18%, taking in $856 million in 2019, the first time that number has dropped below $1 billion since 2006.

In total, digital (streaming and sales) made up 87.2% of the music industry’s 2019 revenue, physical sales made up 10.3% and synch royalties (radio) made up 2.5%.

According to Nielsen, Post Malone, Drake, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande were the year’s top-selling artists. Post Malone’s ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding’ took the top album spot (including track-equivalent albums and streaming-equivalent albums), however Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’ topped total album sales, digital album sales and physical album sales for 2019. Vinyl sales continued to trend towards catalog album popularity with the Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ topping the list. Billie Eilish’s ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go,’ is the only current album in the vinyl top 10, coming in a number 2. Digital belonged to Lil Nas X’s single “Old Town Road” for both sales and on-demand streaming.

In terms of genre statistics, R&B and hip-hop were the most consumed overall. However, when it came to physical album and digital album and song sales, rock came out ahead.

The music industry experienced a lot of growth in 2019. Music consumption grew along with the increasing popularity of streaming. While sales have decreased again, especially in digital, vinyl continues to be a bright spot, gaining year-over-year for a 14-year high. These numbers point to a lot of change in the way we consume musical media and what we can expect to see in the future.

---

Get your physical music fix at Vinyl Bay 777. As one of Long Island’s top independent record shops, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit the tastes of most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what gems you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Favorite Songs of 2019

2019 was a big year for music. Rock, pop, hip-hop and R&B all had their big moments in the spotlight. Billie Eilish and Lizzo bolted onto the scene with incredible, unique takes on what popular music could be. Taylor Swift, Eilish, Post Malone and more dominated the airwaves and the charts. Genres intersected to come up with some interesting and groundbreaking collaborations.

There have been some great songs to come out of this prosperous year in music. With 2019 almost at its end, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite tunes. Here are nine (and a bunch more) that made us think and feel this year.

1.       Vampire Weekend, “Harmony Hall”: Vampire Weekend made their big return this year, releasing an amazing album of alt-rock hits. I love the 90s-meets-current style the band has cultivated on the album, mixing in fun melodies with serious, thought-provoking lyrics. “Harmony Hall” is on another level though. Its mix of 90s melody, 70s flower-power and modern day worry. It’s upbeat and contemplative at the same time and political without being overtly political. (video)

2.       AJR, “Dear Winter”: AJR had another great year in 2019, releasing ‘Neotheater’ in the second quarter of the year. While “100 Bad Days” is a standout single with a big sound, I’m going to go with “Dear Winter” as one of my favorites. The vulnerability in Jack Met’s voice and words as he sings to his future child is palpable. You sympathize with how in his head he is and the loneliness he feels and how excited he is to one day have kids. It’s an emotional song and you’re there for every moment of it.  (video)

3.       Finneas, “I Lost A Friend”: Not just the producer of sister Billie Eilish’s music, Finneas put out some fantastic music of his own this year. “I Lost A Friend” is a minimalist, piano & snare-driven track is well-written and brimming with emotion. With every plunked note and vocal strain you hear his pain as he sings about having a falling out with his friend. (video)

4.       The Highwomen, “Redesigning Women”: Girl power was prevalent in country music in 2019, and no supergroup encompasses that more than The Highwomen and their debut single “Redesigning Women.” The quartet of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires joined together this year as an answer to the Highwaymen. “Redesigning Women” is an anthem for hardworking women everywhere who break the mold, acting as both homemaker and breadwinner and then some. (video)

5.       Ice Nine Kills, “IT Is The End”: After seeing the video for “IT Is The End,” I was hooked on the creativity that is Ice Nine Kills’ music. The song, as well as the video, is based off the film ‘IT,’ and does a really good job of retelling the film’s plot in an interesting and entertaining way. (video)

6.       Lizzo feat. Missy Elliott, “Tempo”: While many are putting “Juice” or “Truth Hurts” on their year-end lists, I’m going with the Lizzo song that first caught my ear, “Tempo.” What made it for me was the beat, pacing and the body positivity of the lyrics. I also enjoyed Missy Elliott’s appearance on the song because both artists’ styles meld so well together. This generation needs a Missy Elliott and Lizzo is her. (video)

7.       NF, “The Search”: Music about mental health has been a big theme in 2019 as the stigma and curtain hiding it has started to lift. NF’s “The Search” confronts the effects of anxiety and OCD head on in beautifully crafted verse. He’s candid about his struggles and what he’s feeling, giving listeners an outlet to feel less alone with their thoughts. (video)

8.       Ozzy Osbourne, “Under The Graveyard”: This year brought the return of the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Despite having to postpone his farewell tour due to a string of injuries, the former Black Sabbath frontman released his first new music in a decade this year. His first single, “Under The Graveyard” proves that he hasn’t lost his edge. The song features Osbourne’s characteristic haunting vocals and instrumental-heavy melody, as well as contemplative, dark lyrics that take inspiration from his life. (video)

9.       Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”: Despite not having featured Billie Eilish’s breakout track on any of my previous weekly lists, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include “Bad Guy” on this year-end one. Usually songs with whisper-sung vocals don’t go as viral as this track, especially ones where the vocal is just so creepy (sorry, it just is). Then you also have the upbeat, zany bridge, which is completely different from the rest of the song (“duh”). This eclecticism is what makes “Bad Guy” one of 2019’s standout tracks, whether you’re sick of hearing it or not. (video)

Further Listening:

·         I Prevail, “Hurricane”: (video)

·         Waterparks, “Turbulent”: (video)

·         Charly Bliss, “Capacity”: (video)

·         The Avett Brothers, “High Steppin’”: (video)

·         Frank Turner, “Don’t Worry”: (video)

·         Meg & Dia, “American Spirit”: (video)

·         Set It Off, “Dancing With The Devil”: (video)

·         The Darkness, “Rock and Roll Deserves to Die”: (video)

·         We The Kings, “Turn It Up”: (video)

·         Simple Plan feat. State Champs & We The Kings, “Where I Belong”: (video)

·         Mumford & Sons, “Beloved”: (video)

As 2019 comes to a close, it’s compelling to take a look back at the year that was, including the music that brought us so much joy over the last 12 months. Check out some of our favorites in the list above and let us know what some of your favorite songs from the past year were in the comments below.

---

Celebrate music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres to suit most music fans. Browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new to you or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Vinyl Record Sales Continued to Break Records in 2018

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a look at the Continued Rise of Vinyl in Nielsen’s end-of-year statistics

The numbers are in and 2018 was another record-breaking year for vinyl music sales.

According to Nielsen Music, sales of vinyl records climbed to new heights last year, moving 16.8 million units, a rise of nearly 15% over 2017, marking a new 13-year high for the format. That is also the largest number of vinyl units sold since Nielsen began keeping track in 1991. Vinyl now makes up 19.1% of all physical albums sold in the United States.

Markedly, it wasn’t new releases that drove US vinyl sales. Of the top 10 best-selling vinyl albums of the year, nine of them were catalog titles that came out more than five years ago. The 2014 ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1’ soundtrack came in at number one with approximately 84,000 units sold, followed by titles from Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles,  Prince, Bob Marley, Queen and Amy Winehouse, respectively. Panic! At The Disco’s ‘Pray for the Wicked,’ which came in at number 10 with approximately 59,000 units sold, was the only album released in the last year to reach the top 10.

Vinyl unit sales were much higher in general than they were over the last year or two. The top 10 vinyl albums of 2018 sold roughly 698,000 units, upwards of 100,000 units more than 2017’s roughly 579,000.  In 2018, 79 titles sold more than 20,000 units compared to 77 in 2017 and 58 in 2016. Similarly, 14 albums sold more than 50,000 units, almost double the eight that achieved that feat in 2017.

The report found that a majority of these sales were made at independent shops. Small retailers made up approximately 41.1% of total vinyl sales in 2018. That number exceeds online and mail order purchases, which accounted for 40.9%, as well as vinyl purchases made at chains and big box stores, which made up 10.5% and 3.9%, respectively. Nielson chalks this up to exclusive releases only available at indie shops, such as the ones released during Record Store Day. In 2018, Record Store Day’s main April event saw its largest turn out yet, coming out as the third largest vinyl sales week since Nielsen started keeping track.

Unfortunately, vinyl’s continued resurgence was one of the only bright spots in music sales this year. As a whole, album sales were down again, this time 17.7% from 2017, moving 141 million units. Of that number, 88 million were sold on a physical format, down 15.8%. And while CDs continue to make up the majority of physical sales, that number dropped 20.9% over the last year. Digital downloads also fared poorly, dropping 20.7%.

This is due in large part to streaming, which grew by 49% in 2018. In fact, streaming is probably the only reason music consumption showed an increase for the year. Drake’s ‘Scorpion’ was the most consumed album of the year as both the album and its tracks set records upon their release.

Despite another year of falling album sales, vinyl records have been able to maintain their impressive comeback. Bolstered by exclusive releases and the desire for classic rock albums, sales of the format continued to rise in 2018. With these trends increasing year over year for more than a decade, it doesn’t look like vinyl is going anywhere any time soon.

---

Vinyl records are alive and well at Vinyl Bay 777! As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose in variety of genres to satisfy most music fans. Drop by our Plainview location or shop online at vinylbay777.com to browse our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Vinyl Bay 777’s Favorite Songs of 2018

2018 was an amazing year for music. From big artists who dominated the year’s musical discourse to up-and-comers who really made an impact, there was no shortage of great tunes out there for our listening pleasure. And now that we only have a few more days until 2019 begins, this is the perfect opportunity to step back and remember the music that really stood out.

As 2018 comes to a close, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite songs from the past year. From hip-hop and pop to indie and rock, here are eight songs that we hoped you loved as much as we did.

1.       Childish Gambino, “This Is America”: I’m not even a fan of today’s rap style and this is a great song. “This Is America” harnesses the power of words to make a bold, powerful statement about our culture. It makes itself well understood, using pacing to make its message digestible. The song also had one of the best videos this year and really got people talking. (video)

2.       Superorganism, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous”: Low key and unassuming, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous” was a breakout single for Superorganism this year. The song’s mild tempo, minimalist feel and confident-yet-odd lyrics are a testament to the band’s off the beaten path aesthetic and is made for the internet age. (video)

3.       Courtney Barnett, “Nameless, Faceless”: Courtney Barnett isn’t afraid to “tell it like it is” in her lyrics. “Nameless, Faceless” is proof of that. Backed by a psychedelic-ish guitar melody, the song serves out a perfectly worded response to the differences men and women face out in public. During the verses, she doesn’t back down as she nonchalantly reprimands a guy for putting her down and wonders what happened to him to make him say something like that. (video)

4.       Death Cab For Cutie, “Gold Rush”: Everyone can relate to the feeling when everything around you seems to be changing without you. Death Cab For Cutie captures that perfectly in “Gold Rush.” Written by Ben Gibbard about how the neighborhood he grew up in has changed, he paints a vivid picture of his feelings through metaphor and melody. It’s far from the melancholy days of “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” but just as emotional and grabbing. (video)

5.       The 1975, “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)”: There is a certain cold, 80s electronic element that permeates The 1975’s recent singles like “Love It If We Made It” and “Give Yourself A Try” (though both do have their positive points). But “It’s Not Living” feels different. While still clearly 80s-inspired, it has the bounce of a synth-pop track. It’s upbeat (even if the lyrics aren’t) and catchy. (video)

6.       Dan + Shay, “Tequila”: Country duo Dan + Shay had a ton of success this year, including two number one songs on country radio. The first of these was “Tequila,” a wistful track about the things that make you remember that someone special. It’s pleasantly somber yet joyful at the same time. (video)

7.       Barns Courtney, “99”: It seemed to be a theme this year in music to reminisce about the 1990s. However, none of those songs quite capture the essence of growing up in that decade like Barns Courtney’s “99.” Its nostalgic for the era, but doesn’t’ hit you over the head with references or that “simpler time” feeling. Instead he relates a love story in the lyrics, using a swirling guitar melody to wrap around it and provide a funky, totally unique vibe. (video)

8.       Marshmello feat. Bastille, “Happier”: At this point “Happier” feels a bit played out, as it has been a major crossover radio hit for both EDM DJ Marshmello and rock band Bastille. But its popularity is a function of it being a pretty brilliant collaboration. The song’s mood is decidedly bright for lyrics that depict a guy deciding that he has to leave his significant other in order for that person to be happy. But that melody and infectious beat is what adds to the song’s appeal. (video)

Further listening:

·         Panic! at the Disco, “High Hopes”

·         Florence + the Machine, “Hunger”

·         Dua Lipa, “IDGAF”

·         Stand Atlantic, “Skinny Dipping”

This past year was filled with amazing music from start to finish. Enjoy this look back at some of our favorite songs of 2018 and let us know what songs left an impact on you this year in the comments below.

Happy New Year!

---

Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Vinyl Sales, Streaming Rise in 2017

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, takes a brief look at 2017 music sales

Late last week, both Nielsen and Buzzangle released their year-end reports on music sales in 2017. According to these services, music consumption has increased over the last year, benefitting mainly from audio streaming and vinyl sales.

Despite what the music industry might have you think, music consumption is on the rise. Buzzangle reports that total album consumption in 2017 is up 12.8% from 2016. Song consumption was even higher, rising 25.9% over the previous year. Ed Sheeran had the most-consumed album of the year with ‘÷,’ followed closely by Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation,’ which was the best-selling album of the year.

While consumption has increased, album sales were not the main factor for it. Album and song sales both continued to decline in 2017. According to Buzzangle, the decline was 14.6% for albums and 23.2% for song downloads over 2016. That especially goes for CD sales. Though they continue to make up the bulk of physical music sales, CDs were the only physical medium to show a decline over the last year.

There is a silver lining though. While physical album sales did decrease, the drop wasn’t as bad as it was in 2016. While there was an 11% decrease in 2016, 2017 only saw a 7% decrease in physical album sales according to Buzzangle. This could be due in part to the continued increase in vinyl sales. According to Nielsen, vinyl saw its 12^th consecutive year of sales growth, rising 9% over 2016. The medium made up 14% of all physical album sales in 2017, the highest Nielson has recorded it at since they started keeping records in 1991, and 8.5% of album sales in total. Buzzangle was even more generous, reporting that vinyl made a 20% leap over the previous year.

Vinyl wasn’t the only physical medium to grow in 2017. Surprisingly, cassette sales are at a high as well. Though they still make up a negligible part of album sales, only 0.1% according to Buzzangle, Nielsen reported that cassette sales had a 35% increase over 2016, putting them at a nine-year high.

When it came to physical album sales in 2017, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ came out on top. The film franchise’s first soundtrack came in at number one on Buzzangle’s list of top-selling vinyl albums and took the number 3 spot on Nielsen’s, just behind The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ reissue and their ‘Abbey Road’ album. As for cassettes, ‘Guardians’ holds the top three spots with the ‘Stranger Things’ soundtrack and Eminem’s ‘The Eminem Show’ reissue rounding out the top five.

While vinyl and cassettes had an outstanding year, the main reason for 2017’s increase in music consumption was audio streaming. Both Nielsen and Buzzangle recorded more than 50% increases in on-demand streaming between 2016 and 2017. And that’s not just free streams, but paid subscriptions as well. In fact, paid subscriptions eclipse ad-supported streams exponentially, proving that people are still paying to listen to music, just in a different way.

The music industry saw a lot of growth in 2017. Music consumption has been on the rise over the last year, due in large part to audio streaming hitting an all-time high. Even album sales didn’t fare too badly in 2017 especially if you look at the continuing increase in vinyl and cassette sales. Here’s to hoping 2018 is just as successful.

---

Keep physical music mediums aliveby shopping Vinyl Bay 777 in 2018. Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop has thousands of titles to choose from in a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassette, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Year in Review: Vinyl Bay 777’s Top Songs of 2017 (Part Two)

Sunday night marks the end of 2017. This is usually a time to reflect on all the good and bad that has happened over the last year. That also goes for music, as this is also a great time to look back at all the great tunes released in 2017.

Earlier this week, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, brought you eight of our favorite songs of 2017. However, eight songs don’t do all the great music released this year any justice. That is why we are back with eight more songs that grabbed our attention this year.

1.       Haim, “Want You Back”: Sister trio Haim made the comeback people were waiting for in 2017 when they released their sophomore album,’ Something to Tell You.’ The album was worth the wait, especially first single “Want You Back.” Harking back to classic rock and pop songs of the 1970s and 80s, the song has an infectious groove that makes you want to get up and dance. (video)

2.       Enter Shikari, “Live Outside”: Filled with electronic fanfare and punk rock energy, “Live Outside” bombards you with so much power and bravado that you have to take notice. With such a strong single, it’s a shame these guys didn’t get more hype in the United States. (video)

3.       Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, “Despacito”: Arguably the biggest song of the year, “Despacito” too the world by storm, becoming the most popular Spanish song since 1996’s “Macarena.” It also helps that the hook is so catchy it gets stuck in your head. (video)

4.       Harry Styles, “Sign of the Times”: You would think that a former boy band member would follow in the same pop path as his band, but that wasn’t the case for One Direction’s Harry Styles. The singer decided to take a more indie-rock approach to his self-titled debut album, introducing it to the world with lead single “Sign of the Times.” A down-tempo track heavily influenced by British rock, the song’s piano-driven melody is both beautiful and memorable. (video)

5.       Carly Rae Jepsen, “Cut to the Feeling”: Jepsen is always good for a feel good pop song and she provided that in spades this year with “Cut to the Feeling.” The song has a chorus that screams out in joy. Pitchfork called it “bombastic,” which is a great word for this song. (video)

6.       Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Hope the High Road”: “Hope the High Road” is a politically pointed alt-country piece about taking the “high road” over those that are trying to bring us down. Isbell’s no-nonsense lyricism and strong, hummable melody compliment the song’s biting theme perfectly. (video)

7.       PVRIS, “What’s Wrong”: PVRIS came out strong this year with “What’s Wrong,” the first single from their sophomore album ‘All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell.’ The song has a strong and powerful melody that grabs you and keeps you invested as it rises and falls. It has all the theatrics of an Evanescence song with its footing squarely on the hardcore side of pop-punk. “What’s Wrong” also arguably happens to have one of the best videos of the year. (video)

8.       Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile, “Over Everything”: Of all the indie-rock duets, Courtney Barnett and & Kurt Vile’s collaboration on 2017’s ‘Lotta Sea Lice’ was one of the most anticipated and one of the best. “Over Everything,” the album’s first single, proves that the two singer-songwriters have great chemistry, as their vocal and writing styles mesh well. The lyrics play out like a stream of consciousness conversation between two musicians talking about their processes, which is probably exactly what this song is. (video)

There were a lot of amazing songs released in 2017. From indie-rock to Latin crossover hits to newcomers with big voices, there was a lot to get behind this year. Check out our favorite songs from the past year and let us know what songs you couldn’t stop listening to.

---

Ring in the New Year with music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a wide selection of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking to find something new or rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.

Year in Review: Vinyl Bay 777’s Top Songs of 2017

Sunday night marks the end of 2017. This is usually a time to reflect on all the good and bad that has happened over the last year. That also goes for music, as this is also a great time to look back at all the great tunes released in 2017.

A lot happened in the world of music in 2017. Ed Sheeran, Kesha, Eminem, Haim and Taylor Swift, among others, all had highly-anticipated new releases that had everyone talking all year long. Artists like Portugal. The Man and St. Vincent were able to attain mainstream success.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, would like to take this opportunity to look back at some of our own favorite songs from 2017. Here are eight that grabbed our attention throughout the year, and in some cases launched the artist into the mainstream.

1.       Portugal. The Man, “Feel It Still”: Portugal. The Man had one of the biggest songs of the year with “Feel It Still,” the second single from their eighth album, ‘Woodstock.’ Aided by its placement in Vitamin Water’s television commercials (which are still being aired months later), the song has this infectious groove that sucks you in and doesn’t let go. Singer John Gorley’s falsetto is intriguing too, as if trying to emulate the voice of the song’s character, not just tell her story. The band released two other singles from the album, and while “Live in the Moment” also became popular, it never had the reach that “Feel It Still” did. (video)

2.       Neck Deep, “In Bloom”: Neck Deep really broke out in 2017 with their single “In Bloom.” Set to a catchy melody with a solid, memorable hook in the chorus, “In Bloom” is a reflective track about self-improvement. The song’s success helped the band’s third album, ‘The Peace and the Panic,’ become their best-selling to date. (video)

3.       Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”: Ed Sheeran’s return in 2017 with his third album, ‘÷,’ was massive. Since the album’s release in March, you couldn’t get away from him (not that you would necessarily want to). Out of all the singles released from the album, “Shape of You” arguably had the most impact this year. With its dance-club beat and catchy melody, it became the most streamed song of the year on Spotify and spent a fifth of the year on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. (video)

4.       St. Vincent, “Los Ageless”: St. Vincent had a big year in 2017. Her new album, ‘Masseduction,’ reached number 10 on the Billboard 200, her highest placement on the chart yet. The album’s popularity was preceded by three outstanding, unique singles. We’ve chosen “Los Ageless” for this list because of its memorable 80s new wave/synth-pop vibe. (video)

5.       P!nk, “What About Us”: P!nk has never been one to shy away from wearing her heart on her sleeve in her music. Such is evidenced in her bold, political new album, ‘Beautiful Trauma,’ and especially its first single, “What About Us.” The song is a passionate plea for answers in a world that feels like it is swallowing us whole. It helps that this plea is backed by a beautiful melody and biting lyrics. (video)

6.       Kesha, “Praying”: Kesha has been through a lot over the last few years which led to a long drought in music from the boisterous singer. That changed in 2017 when she released ‘Rainbow’ and it’s strong lead single “Praying.” The song debuted a new, more mature side of Kesha that we hadn’t heard previously, one that shows off her vocal abilities and passion, proving that she doesn’t need to seem drunk to make a good song. (video)

7.       Paramore, “Hard Times”: If Paramore’s self-titled 2013 album broke the band into the mainstream, 2017’s ‘After Laughter’ proves that that is where they belong. The album moves the band further towards 80s-inspired new wave, synth-pop and funk, as evidenced on lead single “Hard Times.” The song is an upbeat track about falling on “hard times” and feeling useless, a common theme among the songs on the new album. (video)

8.       Linkin Park, “Heavy”: Linkin Park went in a completely different direction with 2017’s ‘One More Light.’ Known for their mixture of hip-hop beats and melodic rock, the band focused heavily on the melodic part of their sound. The change was very polarizing, but it arguably led to some of their most poignant work. “Heavy,” the album’s lead single, is one of the band’s most emotional (behind the album’s title single), as well as one of their strongest lyrically and melodically. The song took them out of this box and proved that they could be more than just a nu-metal band. (video)

Between all the highly-anticipated albums that met their hype to the singles that took the world by storm, 2017 was a year filled with great music. Take a look back by checking out our favorite songs of the year above and let us know what songs you loved in 2017.

---

Pick up music from these artists and more at Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop, Vinyl Bay 777. We have thousands of titles to choose from in a variety of genres. Check out our wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in store at our Plainview location or shop online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with something new or with one of the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at Vinyl Bay 777.