Hi, everyone! As 2019 is coming to a close, I am going to share some of the best albums and songs I've heard all year. It's been an amazing year for music, and let me tell you, it was not easy to make a final list. I know the descriptions here are somewhat short, but you can go read some of my full reviews on these albums from past months if you're interested in learning more about them. Additionally, check Spotify for the new bazzcast, where I have more analysis about all the albums and songs on this list
ALBUMS:
10. I Am Easy To Find- The National
The veteran rockers put out another great album this year, and one that I came to enjoy upon its release. It’s filled with soft, mellow tracks that are not atypical from what the National is known for putting out over the years.
9. i, i- bon iver
Keeping up the folktronica soundscape that he had on 22, A Million, Justin Vernon never ceases to amaze me with how he can continue to progress as an artist; this album is no exception, filled with powerful tracks that can leave you with wet eyes.
8. MAGDALENE- FKA Twigs
Backed with cinematic and maximalist production, the South London powerhouse stole the show with her amazing vocals and equally powerful lyrics for one of the most amazing listening experiences of 2019.
7. Father Of the Bride- Vampire Weekend
After a six-year delay, we were finally treated to Ezra Koenig’s new lineup and style on this outing. Singles like “Harmony Hall” and “This Life” gave the band a new and refreshing feel early on, and gave the band a new area of music to expand on for the new decade.
6. Grey Area- Little Simz
Grey Area was one of the most sonically diverse rap projects I heard all year, and it left me excited for what Little Simz will do in the next few years. She has a great flow, strong lyrics, and she demonstrated that she wasn’t afraid to experiment with different sounds on this record.
5. Norman Fucking Rockwell!- Lana del Rey
Lana del Rey had an amazing comeback to leave her fans feeling satisfied upon decade’s end. The romantic lyrics and meticulously crafted soundscapes were some of the most powerful I had heard all year, and I think I had a change of heart on LDR’s music for the future.
4. Nothing Great About Britain- Slowthai
UK rap definitely had a resurgence this year, as this debut LP by Tyron Frampton really left its mark. I was originally unfeeling toward this record, but as the year went on, I realized that this record is incredibly forward-thinking. I was kind of a hater on the production on my first few listens, but I think it’s come to grow on me as I go back to it. Additionally, slowthai’s conscious lyrics are nothing short of amazing, and his braggadocious style is one that I hope he will keep down the road.
3. This Is How You Smile- Helado Negro
I loved this album so much on my first listen, and seeing Helado Negro live made me appreciate his music even more. The record is doused with slow, quiet burners, and the fact that he sings in both English and Spanish make this album a valuable relisten for all audiences.
2. Forever Turned Around- Whitney
This, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful albums 2019 had to offer. The band’s main members, Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich, know how to make emotional music. Some of the tracks on here are some of the saddest tracks I’ve heard this year, and I still find myself going back to this record when I’m in the feels.
1. Igor- Tyler, the Creator
While Flower Boy proved that Tyler could make meaningful tracks with lyrics, IGOR did that-- and more. The album is so masterfully produced, and he poured so much into this album. The experimental hip-hop that we saw in tracks like “EARFQUAKE” and “RUNNING OUT OF TIME” will power the genre of alternative rap for the future. As Tyler is approaching his thirties, I hope that he can continue his dominance that we saw on this outing.
SONGS*
*NO PARTICULAR ORDER
Broke as Fuck- YBN Cordae
Six Speed- Current Blue
Cleaner Air- Yeek
Zora- Jamila Woods
Giving Up- Whitney
Dead Leaves- Slowthai
Dawn Chorus- Thom Yorke
Truth Hurts- Lizzo
Scrawny- Wallows
Spontaneous- Flying Lotus ft. Little Dragon
Running- Helado Negro
EARFQUAKE- Tyler, the Creator
This Life- Vampire Weekend
Make It Better- Anderson. Paak ft. Smokey Robinson
On God- Kanye West
Drive Safe- Rich Brian
Cellophane- FKA Twigs
California- Lana del Rey
So, do you agree with my list? Was there an album or song you think should or shouldn't have been on here? If so, feel free to reach out to me! I'm always down to hear some new music. Thanks so much for checking this out, and the decade list will be up shortly!
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