Hi, everyone! 2019 is marking the end of one of the most dynamic decades of music we've ever seen in history. The rise of more diverse rap subgenres, dance, pop going indie and indie going pop, even a wave of DIY/bedroom pop artists towards the latter half of this decade. There have been some amazing albums that I have come to cherish over the years, and I want to be able to share these with you.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I plan on picking my favorite album from each year and ranking them in a similar top 10 to 2019. Additionally, I tried to pick two of my favorite songs from each year, because it wouldn't be fair to stack up too many songs from year, in my opinion. Again, if you'd like to hear a deeper analysis of why I think these albums and songs are important, stay tuned for the upcoming bazzcast-- dropping later today.
ALBUMS:
10. Salad Days- Mac DeMarco (2014)
A pioneer of the big bedroom pop wave, the lovable Mac D made a splash with 2 and continued his dominance with his third LP. His signature wonky instrumentation and raspy delivery give so many tracks on here a certain punch that no other artists could pull off.
9. Helplesness Blues- Fleet Foxes (2011)
This is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible folk offerings I heard this decade. It’s soft, fragile, yet so powerful at the same time. It’s another landmark album in their discography, but inspired so many folk bands that have come into the scene now, 100%
8. Flower Boy- Tyler, the Creator (2017)
In my opinion, this is Tyler’s first “real” album. Gone are the days where he’d have joking verses over grungy instrumentals, as T himself pulled out some deep shit from his back pocket with this outing. The production on here is rich and layered, and the lyrics have so much more effort put into him than his previous outings.
7. Isolation- Kali Uchis (2018)
2018 was a great year for music, and it was definitely not easy picking a favorite album from that year. However, there’s something about Kali’s amazing vocals and versatility as an artist that made me love this album so much. There are so many memorable tracks on here that I can play for so many different occasions.
6. Random Access Memories- Daft Punk (2013)
After an eight-year hiatus, this record did everything musically that past projects like Discovery did, and more. Packed with awesome features and some of the band’s best songs in their discography, the French DJ duo paved the way for disco and funk music to make it back into the mainstream.
5. Malibu- Anderson. Paak (2016)
It’s a bummer that A.Paak’s newer stuff isn’t as good as it used to be, but he really knocked it out of the park with this one. I can’t even count the number of jams on this album, and I love to spin this whenever I need a good boost. The man can put himself into any type of song, and it doesn’t matter if he raps or sings, and it just sounds so amazing with him on it.
4. IGOR- Tyler, the Creator (2019)
To read more about my review of IGOR, go to the May Month in Review or read the year-end list post!!
3. Channel Orange- Frank Ocean (2012)
This was my first Frank Ocean record, and I fell in love with it instantly. Frank conquered every realm of R&B, soul and rap and set the bar even higher to what it has become today. Though he lives a very quiet lifestyle, it can be agreed that he is one of the biggest visionaries we’ve seen this decade. And yes, quick side not: I’m not holding back when I say Blond gets too much love and lacks in comparison to what CO offers.
2. Currents- Tame Impala (2015)
Kevin Parker is the modern day Brian Wilson. Need I say more? The man composes, plays, and produces every album he makes, and each record he’s dropped this decade outdoes itself. Parker poured in 110% of his blood, sweat and tears to make this one of the most marvelous sonic ventures I’ve ever heard in my life.
1. My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy- Kanye West (2010)
Were you guys really expecting anything else? Kanye’s two years out of the spotlight allowed him to create one of the most powerful, groundbreaking rap records ever made. His lyrics and production are second to none, and almost every rapper in the West has tried to replicate this man’s style in some way shape or form… don’t even try to deny it.
SONGS:
2010: POWER- Kanye West
Empire Ants- Gorillaz
2011:Montezuma- Fleet Foxes
Otis- Jay Z & Kanye West
2012: Pyramids- Frank Ocean
m.A.A.d City- Kendrick Lamar
2013: Black Skinhead- Kanye West
Instant Crush- Daft Punk ft. Julian Casablancas
2014: Goodbye Weekend- Mac DeMarco
Never Catch Me!- Flying Lotus ft. Kendrick Lamar
2015: Let it Happen- Tame Impala
Space Song- Beach House
2016: Ivy- Frank Ocean
The Dreamer- Anderson. Paak
2017: Call the Police- LCD Soundsystem
See You Again- Tyler, the Creator feat. Kali Uchis
2018: Reborn- KIDS SEE GHOSTS
13LACK 13ALLOONS- Denzel Curry
2019: EARFQUAKE- Tyler, the Creator
Dead Leaves- Slowthai
So, do you agree with my list? Is there something that should or shouldn't have made this list? If so, feel free to reach out to me. I'm always planning my album listening schedules, and I usually reserve January-March for past/classic albums I've yet to review. It's a perfect time to start sending!! In the meantime, have a happy new year, and we'll see you again real soon with some more BR content!
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