This week's 'Top 5' comes from Cailean Coffey. Cailean is our own Byline Editor, a former Music Editor and an award-winning journalist.If you want to tell us your ‘Top 5’ email Cailean on Byline@UCCExpress.ie. Check out last week’s edition here.
Albums
Gang Signs And Prayer – StormzyStormzy surprised the world with an album that delivered both in terms of edgy grime classics and soft, delicate singles. Put Stormzy on the worlds stage and leave him entering 2018 as one of the biggest acts in the world.DAMN. – Kendrick LamarKendrick Lamar proved once again why he is the king of the rap world, with an album that had everyone across the globe talking. Introspective and socially conscious it leaves Lamar with very little left to prove.Process – SamphaFollowing collaborations with Kanye West and Drake, Sampha released his debut album to critical fanfare. The London crooner set the tone through sparse instrumentation and deeply personal lyrics, leaving no stone unturned.4:44 – Jay-ZFollowing the accusations of an extra-marital affair in Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” last year, the world was praying for Jay-Z to respond and it was worth the year long wait, with Jay-Z being more personal and self-critical than fans have ever heard him before.Big Fish Theory – Vince StaplesThe self-professed outcast of the hip-hop community, Vince Staples, released an album unlike any other with “Big Fish Theory”. Sonically adventurous and at a refreshingly short and punchy running time of 36 minutes, this may be the album that pushes Staples to superstardom.
Movies
Get OutEasily the most original movie of 2017, this horror/comedy movie has already become a cult classic. As Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, it leaves you marveling in its wonder. the less you know about the plot the better.IcarusOne of the best documentaries Netflix has ever made, it follows the story of director Bryan Fogel, who starts the journey attempting to test all anti-doping measures while taking steroids. On his journey, he meets Grigory Rodchenkov, who holds the secrets to Russia’s state-sponsored doping program.DunkirkWhile it’s a difficult movie to explain, it encapsulates the confusion, stress and fear of war perfectly. Christopher Nolan has once again proved he is the biggest director in Hollywood and leaves others with a lot of work to do to catch up.Power RangersA surprise inclusion but was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining movie of the past 8 months. Go in with no expectations and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.Ghost In The ShellCultural appropriation controversies asides, this was an entertaining (if slightly long) movie. Visuals and CGI impress throughout and set pieces prove highly enjoyable.