Not really ranked, aside from number 1 and 2. I could add like 10 or so more releases but I'm lazy.
1) ONE OK ROCK - Ambitions [January 11st]
My favorite album of the year. Listened to that album like 100 times since its release, and OOR confirmed they were the best when it comes to mainstream pop-rock/emo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLLWNIqb8w
2) Suchmos - THE KIDS [Jan.25] The coolest kids on the bloc. Rock, acid jazz, hip-hop... Suchmos effortlessly blends genres. This album means a lot to me on top of just being excellent music, and I can safely say it's already in my top 20 of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ula15c4UN4s
3) Gesu no Kiwami Otome - Daruma Ringo [May.10] Well, this was supposed to be released in 2016 but y'know... , stuff happened with Enon lol Not much to say, it's yet another incredible album by Gesu so if you like them already you know what to expect.
https://youtu.be/GwWiwq3E0zY
4) Keyakizaka46 - Masshirona Mono wa Yogoshitaku Naru [July.19]
I still remember the shock when I first heard Fukyouwaon. Incredible banger. Didn't care much for idols before, but man, Akimoto managed to make look his own creation (AKB48) look like a relic from the past with this new group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A8ReZ_punE
5) Oisicle Melonpan - indoor [Sep.27] The rising stars of the indie scene, get on the bandwagon now if you wanna be an annoying hipster cause they're gonna blow up very soon! Excellent math-rock(ish) 3-piece, tight performances... Unmissable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71narokpy1I
6) The Dresscodes - Heibon [Mar.1] The album that made me rediscover Shima's genius. A departure from Dresscodes's usual sound but keeps that unique identity. Dancey with bits of darkness, self-depreciation, interesting messages and humor. Fantastic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZc4Ad9eU_w
7) The Mirraz - RED JACKET [Dec.4] This is the 5th album by The Mirraz in 2017. Yes, the 5th one (3 full/2 minis) With so many songs some sound a bit similar but you still get some of the best Mirraz songs to date. Lyrics are on point, as always. Impressive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeBPczlytB8 …
8) Mukai Taichi - BLUE [Nov.29] Kinda came out of nowhere to me, but man, such a pleasant RnB/poppy hip-hop album. His voice is fine as hell and he's just a cool looking mofo. Perfect album to listen if you want to feel like a million bucks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIP4b8YnXIA
10) yonige - Neyagawa City Pop [Apr.19] No it's not city pop, it's straight forward punk-rock straight from Small Indies Table. I don't have much to say, they're pretty much flawless in my opinion. Contender for my favorite cover art of 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0peQHYTZJ8o
11) yonige - girls like girls [Sep.20] See above. Their major debut album is an absolute gem that every rock aficionado has to try. Left a lasting impression the second I finished my first spin for several reasons. I'll still be listening to it in 10 years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlUVCG3YmCs
12) BiSH - THE GUERiLLA BiSH [Nov.29] An idols masterclass. Storytelling is on point, they're an endearing group that had a great year, and this album is everything I like about BiSH : from epic tunes to rock/punk songs putting most bands to shame.
https://youtu.be/ox8WVRnb8GA
13) KEYTALK - PARADISE [Mar.15] 17 tracks is a LOT, but this is what KEYTALK needs to show the variety of their sound. It's hard to label that album, as they navigate freely in the wide spectrum of rock and pop. Perfect to discover the band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK7y85uNevg
14) Ryokuoshokushakai - Nice To Meet You?? [Jan.11]
Easily the most promising pop-rock band on the indie scene. The vocalist's wonderful voice is simply captivating. They have the potential to be one of the new big names.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO_xemefjY8
15) Yonezu Kenshi - BOOTLEG [Nov.11]
After waiting 2 years, Yonezu finally graced us with a new album that confirmed he didn't become one of the new kings of the pop scene by accident. Fascinating release with a strong identity. His best one yet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkNzxsaCunU
16) 2 - VIRGIN [Oct.4] As a fan of The SALOVERS, I was looking forward to Furutachi's new band and it didn't disappoint. 30 minutes of pure energy from start to finish.
https://youtu.be/-wMVbr7AlE8
17) indigo la End - Crying End Roll [Jul.12]
Gesu are mainly the one under the spotlights,but Enon has been putting out some mesmerizing songs with indigo la End as well. Every album brings something new on the table, and this one is no exception.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AUFzK2WL6Y
18) Awesome City Club - Awesome City Tracks 4 [Jan.25]
With this last installment in their "soundtrack to a fictional city" series, ACC dropped another stellar pop/city-pop/synth-pop/kinda rock album where all 5 members bring their own touch.
https://youtu.be/RhbyKtEBJkI
19) Hitorie - ai/SOlate [Dec.6] With just 6 tracks, Hitorie manage to showcase their past, present and future. Fast-paced agressive melodies, moody dancey tracks... A must-listen for fans and newcomers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAFHg1_6rDM
20) Boku no Lyric no Bouyomi - Noah's Ark [Jan.25]
19yo rapper BokuRiri is already one of the most interesting artists in Japan imo. Modern day Noah's Ark is a great theme for an album alternating between jazz, breakbeat and more. A memorable gem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuDAlPktOAU
21) THE ORAL CIGARETTES - UNOFFICIAL [Feb.1]
This album wasn't an instant hit for me, but I've learned to love it. An excellent 3rd album, that was followed by 2 great singles this year. Less in your face than FIXION but still a must-listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O-5tC9YJeQ
22) MONOEYES - Dim The Lights [Jul.5]
With Scott writing and singing 3 tracks, MONOEYES ditch that "Hosomi's band with friends" image, and this 2nd album marks a new start for MONOEYES. Excellent pop-punk album as expected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQVl8urlE2o
23) KANA-BOON - NAMiDA [Sep.27] Might end up being an underrated album by KANA-BOON, despite featuring some of their best material to date. A lot of songs reminiscent of their early sound. I'd say it's more for "loyal" fans in a sense.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTl01_D_kMo
24) My Hair is Bad - mothers [Nov.22] The new princes of punk-rock in Japan. Just a couple more years and they'll be all time greats. Captivating lyrics and melodies that are actually more than meet the... ear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYFN3GuJOQM
25) Ame no Parade - Change your pops [Mar.8]
They aim to create an alternative pop and it works. Ame no Parade's second major album has a unique atmosphere, and Fukunaga's voice is hauntingly beautiful. Looking forward to their 3rd in March 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvRZBVjY4Qo
26) Mrs. GREEN APPLE - Mrs. GREEN APPLE [Jan.11] The band's 2nd full album is another rock solid poppy album, showing plenty of room to grow. No doubt they'll soon be a staple of the J-Pop scene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvYuK-wfvTY
27) The Floor - Weather [Jun.21]
Fresh, upbeat, the embodiment of "youth". The Floor might the band that makes me smile the most when I listen to them. Excited to hear their major debut album in a couple of months, I've got great hopes for them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AUaYTZG5qg
28) Frederic - TOGENKYO [Oct.18]
The title track is a fairly standard upbeat Frederic song, but the mini-album showcases yet again a great versatility in their sound. I can't help but think of a modern version of Fujifabric (who are still active mind you)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfBd8kxo4mQ
29) DAOKO - THANK YOU BLUE [Dec.20]
Yeah it just came out but whatever. DAOKO got herself a nice entourage for this album and it's just a slew of hits. Pop bangers to chilling ambient hip-hop, amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsl8HS_lVHE
30) King Gnu - Tokyo Rendez-Vous [Oct.25]
How to describe them? A new kind of mixture band maybe (that's what I saw). Polished melodies with some really nice vocals, but also some rap thrown in there. Can't wait to see what these guys will bring in 2018.
https://youtu.be/RLAw8Ct9k48
31) Age Factory - RIVER [Jul.26]
Alternative 3-piece produce some incredibly raw and emotional rock, and it's hard to stay indifferent when you listen to them. Among the best young indie bands, and their seniors like The Back Horn have been praising them.
https://youtu.be/cs6UMQtpWqk
32) never young beach - A GOOD TIME [Jul.17] One of the leaders of that new wave of chill rock bands. NYB's major debut release is an excellent companion to a lazy afternoon. Laid-back but never boring, can't help but being happy while listening to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro1fx86gqGQ
33) Creepy Nuts - Joen Danyuu Shou [Feb.1] Strongest combination of the rap scene in Japan right now. Lyrics, flow, production... Everything is on point with these guys. No wonder why they're the most popular dudes right now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEUOTHxL8Xw
34) Domico - hey hey , my my? [Oct.18] A simple yet refined garagey sound from this young duo. A charming, nonchalant way of singing on top of their cool melodies, definitely a band you need to keep an eye on. Horie from Straightener is already a fan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEfCtGHgaLk
35) Haruka Mirai - Sense of Wonder [Feb.8] With an average age of 23, they're one of the new rising names from The Ninth Apollo. They resurrect anthemic seishun punk. Hope you're ready to raise your fist and sing along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4In7rnFEnI
36) Ivy to Fraudulent Game - Tsugu [Mar.8] Ivy's last indie release made me rediscover the band with a new ear. It goes from math-rock to more shoegazy territories, without ever feeling disjointed. Love it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov0aBz45fXM
37) SHISHAMO - SHISHAMO 4 [Feb.22] SHISHAMO have been growing on me with each new release, and this 4th full album completely charmed me. Some surprisingly touching lyrics can be wrapped in catchy melodies. This album brings a welcome depth to their sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhCtzmDWsN0
38) OKAMOTO'S - NO MORE MUSIC [Aug.2] They claim there's no more music, but their 7th album proves it's not true! A lot of different influences, from pop to hip-hop, come to support their always solid rock sound, and it might be their best album to date.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud3O3R5LEy8
39) cinema staff - Netsugen [May.17] cinema staff have shown an impressive consistency with their annual releases, and this 6th album reminds me a lot of the fantastic Blueprint released in 2015 : return to basics while adding something new to their sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjtLq1Qy3nc
40) PELICAN FANCLUB - Home Electronics [May.10] After 3 mini-albums, their 1st full album feels like an excellent wrap-up while facing towards the future. Alternative, kinda shoegaze at times, synths thrown in there... Fantastic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2iqjLzGpvQ
41) Negoto - SOAK [Dec.13]
They've adopted a more electro style with their 2 albums this year and I'm loving every minute of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUxg9WPPIp8
42) teto - dystopia [Aug.30]
Raw guitar rock, reminiscent of early The Mirraz in a way. No fluff, just some good ass guitars, bass and drums right in your face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng3tAEa0NQM
43) SHADOWS - illuminate [Apr.26] Former FACT members deliver one of the finest hardcore albums of the past few years. Fans of early FACT sound will be delighted, and any avid loud rock listener should give it a shot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG08c_lcCZE
44) mol-74 - colors [May.24] The purity of the lead singer's voice and the "sincerity" of their melodies are second to none. mol-74's colors is a poignant album from start to finish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU7TijJhUXE
45) go!go!vanillas - FOOLs [Jul.26] They have successfully managed to diversify their sound with each release, and while you still have their classic rock'n'roll/country-ish tunes, FOOLs brings some more surprising material. Excellent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsnxgOXXwhA
46) 10-FEET - Fin [Nov.1] No need to introduce them at this point, they're one of the most respected bands in Japan... From dynamic punk tunes to more mellow and emotional ones, 10-FEET do what they do best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah24qaazA7I
47) Kyuso Nekokami - New Wave [Dec.6] Despite its name, most of Kyuso's 4th full album sounds more like their early indie releases, from a production values viewpoint but also the songwriting. Another hilarious album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nal2-SeMy7c
48) MONO NO AWARE - Jinsei, Yamaori Taniori [Mar.2] Indie pop sensation MONO NO AWARE will have a bright future (at least on the indie scene) with incredibly catchy melodies that might never leave my brain. Slightly more upbeat version of never young beach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqu96zlXLq4
49) KOTORI - kike [Jun.7] Small Indies Table is the label that keeps on giving if you're like me and like young bands doing straight and sincere guitar rock. KOTORI hit all the right notes, and I'd love to hear their sound live.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NtPwtgztJw
50) Regal Lily - the Radio [Jul.5] This 2nd mini-album confirmed that Regal Lily is a new force to be reckoned with. I see them like a slighty more dark Chatmonchy. Naivety meets maturity for a captivating guitar rock sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izGxVmXIiIo
