Top Albums of 2023

Another fantastic year of music is now behind us. From rising stars turning heads to established stars making triumphant returns, fans of most genres were rewarded with compelling and impressive releases and projects in 2023. Although I listened to many, many albums in the past year, there are some that I find myself returning to the most and will continue to for years to come. Before diving into what made my top albums of 2023 so special to me, I’d like to acknowledge some honorable mentions that just missed the cut. These include: Quaranta - Danny Brown, the record - boygenius, This Is Why - Paramore, Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds) - Yves Tumor, and O Monolith - Squid. All of these were fantastic albums, but there were too many more impressive projects to let them be immortalized in my best-of list. Without further ado, here are my top albums of 2023.

10. Haunted Mountain - Buck Meek

When a member of indie supergroup Big Thief announces a solo project, fans are in for a treat. Guitarist and backup vocalist for the group Buck Meek released his third album in 2023 to high critical acclaim. This alt-country, indie folk project has an alluring and welcoming tone throughout, channeling memories of simpler times and recounting the joys of getting safely lost in the world and in life. This project’s title track was one of my most played of last year, and songs like “Secret Side” or “Lullabies” are too heartfelt to be forgotten.

9. GUTS - Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo knocked her sophomore follow-up out of the park with GUTS in 2023. The release of her debut studio album SOUR set an extremely high bar for such a young artist, but this release put any doubt to rest with its angsty, punk-inspired pop often outshining many of the tracks from the project that put her on the map. From the lead single ballad “vampire” to earworms like “bad idea right?” and “all-american bitch”, this album knows exactly what it wants to do, and it does it well. I’m excitedly looking forward to the GUTS World Tour this Summer.

8. Weathervanes - Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell’s ability to write and sing from the heart is unmatched in his genre. Increasingly poetic and sophisticatedly beautiful, his albums continue to impress — particularly last year’s Weathervanes — one of his best in years. These are some of the most haunting and devastating songs in Isbell’s catalog. “Cast Iron Skillet” and “Save The World” are the two I return to most often, but the entire project makes for an excellent, albeit challenging listen.

7. Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd - Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey’s continuous maturation as a singer and songwriter is increasingly impressive with every album that she releases. Ocean Blvd is likely her most evolved, elegant, and whimsical project yet, with almost every theme and sonic idea fleshed out and realized to its full potential. Each track develops naturally yet cautiously, eventually blooming into beautiful and memorable moments of their own. While some of the interludes seem superfluous to me, the core songs on this project are nearly flawless. “A&W” is one of my favorite songs of the entire year.

6. Desire, I Want to Turn Into You - Caroline Polachek

Rising art pop star Caroline Polachek flew under my radar before the release of Desire, I Want to Turn Into You. While I recognized her voice and had heard songs here and there from earlier projects, I had never committed to listening to an entire album of hers. I can now say that I was far overdue to give her the attention she deserves. Desire, I Want to Turn Into You is one of the greatest achievements in pop music in years. Each track is lush, ethereal, and surprisingly lyrically dense. “Welcome To My Island” is one of the best openers of the year, and the tropical aesthetics of “Sunset” and “Blood and Butter” keep me coming back for more.

5. Zach Bryan - Zach Bryan

Another rising star that I was only made aware of last year, Zach Bryan released one of the best country albums of the decade in 2023 with this self-titled powerhouse. Channeling the likes of Dylan, Cash, and Springsteen, Bryan’s nods to the genre’s roots are tasteful without registering as derivative in any way. The instrumentation is more Americana than it is Country Pop, which is a sound that I much prefer. This project has essentially been on repeat for me since its release, but “East Side of Sorrow” and “El Dorado” are the two songs I return to most often.

4. Lahai - Sampha

One of the greatest voices in R&B, Sampha, made his return in 2023 with the release of his newest album Lahai. Six years after his debut, I was very interested to see where Sampha would take his sound next, and needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed with how advanced his sound has become in such a short time. This atmospheric, hypnotic, and spiritual project has an incredible amount of complexity to its production, culminating in one beautiful song after another. “Spirit 2.0”, “Suspended”, and “Only” are some of my favorites here, but you can’t go wrong with any cut from this project.

3. That! Feels Good! - Jessie Ware

I sincerely believed that Jessie Ware would have trouble following up her fantastic 2020 album What’s Your Pleasure? after it set such a high bar for disco-inspired bangers. I was extremely delighted to be proven wrong by That! Feels Good!, which elevates the Dance Pop aesthetics she established to even greater heights. Playful, energetic, and uplifting, That! Feels Good! fires on all cylinders to get its listeners on their feet. “Free Yourself”, “Pearls”, and “Hello Love” are fantastic tracks, but “Begin Again” with its crescendoing finale is my favorite song that Ware has released yet.

2. SCARING THE HOES - JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown

In a rather sparse year for Rap and Hip-Hop, JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown stood out as the trendsetting gold standard of the evolution of a genre that has somewhat stalled in the mainstream. Experimental, brash, and aggressive, SCARING THE HOES is both self-aware and referential with its humor but direct with its messaging. This project will likely be looked back on as an inflection point that allowed chaotic, eclectic underground Hip-Hop as a whole to finally find major mainstream success. “Lean Beef Patty”, “Burfict!”, and “Kingdom Hearts Key (ft. redveil)” are some of my favorite tracks on this album. This could’ve easily been my favorite album of the year if it weren’t for the triumphant return of…

1. Javelin - Sufjan Stevens

In August of 2023, Sufjan Stevens announced that his 10th studio album Javelin would be releasing in October. Immediately deemed an “indie emergency” online, the anticipation for this album was off the charts, as Stevens has established himself as an indie darling with now classic projects like Carrie & Lowell and Illinois. I could have never prepared, though, for the emotional reckoning that Javelin would cause. After the project’s release, Stevens revealed that in many ways, it was an ode and memorial to his partner who passed away. This re-contextualizes the entire project as one of loss, sorrow, and melancholy, but ultimately reminds its listeners to hold onto what they love dearly and continue to search for beauty in the darkness. Some of the best songwriting in the decade is found on the project, with heartbreaking ballads and cutting lyricism throughout. This incredible album spoke to me on a personal level, and was an easy pick as my favorite of 2023.

I absolutely love music. I always have. The albums that make my favorites lists are just some of the many projects that I almost always have in my ears. Re-visiting these projects transports me to where I was in life at the time of their release and my discovery of them. Every artist on this list is immensely talented, and I’m grateful for the art they give to the world. I look forward to what music is to come in 2024, but am more than happy to continue listening to these projects in the meantime. They are all so, so special.

Top Albums of 2022

After another year of reviews, active listening, and a plethora of new releases, it’s finally time to yet again recap the best albums of the year. 2022 was one of the most prolific and impressive years of music in recent memory with great albums releasing across all genres, making it incredibly difficult for me to narrow my selection down to only 10 projects. After careful consideration, I’m glad to say my list is complete. Before we jump right into the long-awaited selections, I need to shout out some fantastic records that didn’t quite make this year’s cut, but are absolute must-listens.

Here are my honorable mentions for 2022: Cheat Codes is Danger Mouse and Black Thought at their most cutting and nuanced, providing insightful bars over scrumptious instrumentals. (SCORE: 8/10.) Most recently, SZA’s triumphant return sophomore album SOS showcases her abilities as both a rapper and R&B superstar, even if the project suffers slightly due to its overextended tracklist (SCORE: 8/10.) Pusha T’s It’s Almost Dry serves as a statement to the rest of the hip-hop community that Pusha doesn’t mince words, but also that Pharrell and Ye’s production are still phenomenal (SCORE: 8/10.) The Weeknd’s Dawn FM demonstrates Abel’s willingness to evolve and grow, leaning more into 80s synth ballad aesthetics than ever before (SCORE: 8/10.) Father John Misty’s Chloë and the Next 20th Century is a theatrical and classy pastiche that both criticizes and praises the genre it pulls its inspiration from (SCORE: 8/10.) Conway the Machine’s God Don’t Make Mistakes features some of the most revealing and vulnerable lyricism that rap has seen in a very long time (SCORE: 8/10). Perfume Genius’s Ugly Season uses experimentation to its advantage over its entire tracklist, pairing perfectly with the dance piece that it’s meant to accompany (SCORE: 8/10.) Finally, Natalia Lafourcade proves yet again that her balladry and poetic lyricism are unmatched on the gorgeous De Todas las Flores (SCORE: 8/10.) I loved every single one of these projects, but not enough to call them one of my 10 favorite albums of year - a prestigious title belonging only to the best of the best.

10. Once Twice Melody - Beach House

Once Twice Melody is just as much of a feeling as it is an album. Its palpable, gleaming instrumentation and panoramic vocal layering encapsulate its listener into a warm, soothing array of tracks. Surprisingly, the album remains cohesive without overstaying its welcome with a runtime of almost 90 minutes. Beach House’s aesthetic is well-established at this point, and Once Twice Melody doesn’t challenge that status quo. Instead, their sonic universe is expanded over 18 dazzling songs, with “Pink Funeral” and “ESP” serving as standouts for me. (SCORE: 8/10)

9. Melt My Eyez See Your Future - Denzel Curry

Denzel Curry has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to keep up with the best rappers in the world. On Melt My Eyes See Your Future, though, Curry proves for the first time that he’s capable of true self-reflection. A cinematic and cohesive experience, this album utilizes its instrumentals, features, and Curry’s bars excellently to respond to a world in strife while tastefully pulling inspiration from other versed creators and artists. “Walkin” and “Ain’t No Way (Feat. 6LACK, Rico Nasty, J.I.D, Jasiah, Kitty Ca$h)” are the two songs I return to most often on this inventive and boundary-pushing project. (SCORE: 8/10)

8. I Didn’t Mean To Haunt You - Quadeca

I was initially very surprised by the lead singles that led up to the release of I Didn’t Mean To Haunt You. While Quadeca had previously released promising tracks like his viral and acclaimed “Sisyphus”, his foundations as a YouTube rapper clouded my judgement of his artistic validity. Any of those doubts were quickly extinguished with the release of his newest album, which is told from the perspective of a ghost who is grieving those he has left behind. The harrowing beauty, haunting creativity, and heartbreaking lyricism and instrumentation on this project are entirely unique and unlike anything I’ve heard before. “Born Yesterday” and “Knots” are the two tracks I return to most often, but this entire project is an experience that will leave any listener in contemplation. (SCORE: 8/10)

7. NO THANK YOU - Little Simz

Firstly, we need to acknowledge that Little Simz has made all music publications re-think when they schedule and release their end-of-year lists. The follow-up to last year’s stunning Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, NO THANK YOU comes just over a year after Simz’ previous release. Its lightning quick rollout and 10-song tracklisting were promising, but part of me expected a project of SIMBI B-sides. I couldn’t have been more wrong. NO THANK YOU is just as well-thought-out of a project as anything Simz has released so far, albeit not as conceptually thematic. Instead, stripped back but catchy instrumentals allow Simz to deliver some of the most concise, confident, and genius bars I’ve heard this year. NO THANK YOU feels like both a victory lap and a “fuck you” to anyone has doubted her unparalleled skill along the way to fame. The entire project is a must-listen, but so far my favorite tracks are “Gorilla”, “Heart On Fire”, and “Broken”. (SCORE: 9/10)

6. Hellfire - black midi

English rock trio black midi are an indescribable bunch of dementedly talented, shockingly young artists. Lead singer Geordie Greep is the prime example of this youthful spirit, confidently delivering impressive vocal performances throughout the group’s latest album Hellfire. This album isn’t just thematically chaotic or random, but instead has been carefully crafted and constructed to transport its listener via its many ornate and overwhelming soundscapes. The technical and musical prowess needed to create a track like “Sugar/Tzu” is unmatched. The inventiveness necessary to come up with a track as demonic as “Welcome To Hell” is awe-inspiring. black midi is nothing if not different, but this unconventionality is exactly what makes their releases some of the most enticing in all of music right now. (SCORE: 9/10)

5. The Forever Story - JID

Although J. Cole has released some classic hip-hop albums, it very well may prove true that his final legacy will be his innate ability to find and elevate undiscovered talent. Dreamville’s roster is quickly becoming one of the most skilled labels in the industry, and that is in large part due to the meteoric rise of Atlanta’s own JID. The Forever Story is one of the most technically impressive rap performance albums in the past decade, with each of JID’s verses quickly becoming rainbows when his rhyme schemes are highlighted. Full of both bangers and introspective cuts, The Forever Story is the perfect mix of entertaining and insightful. Mark my words: JID will one day be a household name, and for good reason. (SCORE: 9/10)

4. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers - Kendrick Lamar

Hip-hop’s biggest and brightest release of the year belongs to Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The Pulitzer-prize-winning artist made his long-awaited return to music with this project’s release and its attached “The Heart Part 5” music video. Like all of his projects up until this point, Kendrick’s newest album was an artistic left hook worthy of endless discussion and dissection. Ultimately, it’s an album dedicated to addressing and tackling trauma both recent and intergenerational. A chronological narrative and demonstrates the work needed to grow, evolve, and heal, Kendrick is doing the monumental task of destigmatizing mental health awareness in his community. Sonically, this album is often just as ear-catching and immersive as Kendrick’s best works, with “Father Time (feat. Sampha)” and “Savior” proving the most compelling selections months after this incredible project’s release. (SCORE: 9/10)

3. Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You - Big Thief

That title is still a mouth-full. Big Thief’s Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You was the most surprising album that released in 2022 for me. 20 songs and 80 minutes long, this indie folk epic seems destined to eventually become stale, but instead continually reinvents itself and offers distinct storytelling, unburdened instrumentation, and ambitious beauty. Its sprawling tracklisting spans from humorous and joyful to reflective and sorrowful, laced with humorous quips and insightful reflections. Adrianne Lanker’s vocal delivery is hypnotic, and the band’s ability to cover almost every topic under the sun isn’t lost on me. (SCORE: 9/10)

2. And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow - Weyes Blood

The second release of a confirmed trilogy and follow-up to Titanic Rising, Weyes Blood’s And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow is everything I hoped it would be and more. Frontwoman Natalie Mering is quickly becoming a baroque chamber-pop icon, with an instantly-recognizable voice and exquisite, poetic lyricism. Titanic Rising was incredibly impactful at the time of its release because it seemed urgent, pressing, and a call-to-action to combat a foreboding future. That then hypothetical is now being realized on And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow, which finds Mering and the listener picking up the pieces of the past three years. Angelic, swelling instrumentation is found on every track, no more so than on “Children of the Empire” and “God Turn Me Into a Flower”, the two standouts among many great songs found here. In any other year, this album would likely take the #1 spot on my list, and I can’t wait to see what Mering has in store for us with future releases. (SCORE: 10/10)

1. Ants From Up There - Black Country, New Road

When looking back at my top albums from each year so far this decade, I’ve noticed a pattern. The best of the best has a transcendent quality that makes each of these projects larger than life, greater than the sum of their parts, and elevated by the circumstances that surrounded their releases. For Fiona Apple’s Fetch The Bolt Cutters in 2020, it was the brutishly honest and raw, pent-up nature of her sonics in response to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that made it such a special and memorable listen. For Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, and the London Symphony Orchesta’s 2021 album Promises, it was the timeless motifs, ethereal quality, and realization that a collaboration of this magnitude was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which was confirmed this year after Pharoah Sanders’ death. Ants From Up There is a perfect album not only because every note is intentional, powerful, and momentous, but because we will never hear the band who made it in the same form ever again. Just days before the project’s release, the band’s lead vocalist Isaac Wood announced his departure from the group, citing mental health as a primary factor that contributed to his difficult decision. With this in mind, many of the album’s themes garnered a new gravity that laced the triumph of the project with an overwhelming sadness. “Concorde” and “Basketball Shoes” are my favorite tracks here, if I had to choose, and demonstrate these themes perfectly. Simply put, Ants From Up There epitomizes bittersweetness. This album reminds us that we grow apart, that life is complicated, and beauty is often confined to the inherently finite nature of our existence. This is not only my favorite album of 2022, but my favorite album of this decade so far, and it isn’t close. (SCORE: 10/10)

I used to think it was silly when I called music one of my hobbies. Everyone enjoys listening to music - it’s a part of the human experience. But making that experience active instead of passive is one of the most invigorating and fulfilling decisions you can make as a listener. Great art wants to be understood. It wants to be analyzed, considered, discussed, and shared with others who will give it that same love and attention it deserves. As an active listener, 2022 has been one of the most incredible years of music in my life, and I’ve looked forward to sharing my best-of list all year. I hope you’ve had the chance to enjoy these projects, or whichever projects have spoken to you, all throughout 2022, and let’s plan to do the same in 2023.

Top Albums of 2021

In a year defined by consistent uncertainty and adjustments, music quickly became one of 2021’s most reliable refuges. Not only were many of the albums released this year memorable, expressive, and rich in texture, but I regularly found myself discovering new artists that had so much talent to offer. It was difficult narrowing my list down to a final top ten, but after careful thought and consideration of these albums’ impacts, creativity, and importance, I am now able to present the list of my top albums of 2021.

There were many honorable mentions that nearly made the cut, but here are those that I would feel remiss not to mention: (20) Stand For Myself - Yola, (19) Donda - Kanye West, (18) TYRON - slowthai, (17) Friends That Break Your Heart - James Blake, (16) In These Silent Days - Brandi Carlile, (15) Cavalcade - Black Midi, (14) An Evening With Silk Sonic - Silk Sonic, (13) Nurture - Porter Robinson, (12) ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE - BROCKHAMPTON, and (11) Sling - Clairo. These were all quality projects that are special to me in their own right, but just couldn’t quite make the cut. Without further ado…

10. Call Me If You Get Lost- Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator has cemented his place as not only one of the most inventive artists in hip-hop, but in music generally. Following up IGOR‘s expressive creativity was a monumental task that we are all lucky Tyler was up for. Call Me If You Get Lost is a mature and refined version of the playful, confident, and bold material Tyler was recognized for when he first released music. From the project’s flawless and strategic rollout and new Tyler “lore” to confessional lyrics and hard-hitting instrumentals, this album is special, and I can’t wait to see what Tyler creates next. SCORE: 8/10

9. For the first time - Black Country, New Road

For the first time is the debut album from lesser-known (at the time) London-based band Black Country, New Road. I can’t see that underground status lasting much longer, though, as this album quickly established this group as one to seriously look out for in the near future. The raw talent and multi-instrumental compositions found in many of this project’s lengthy tracks constantly cascade in new and exciting directions. The project’s angst, sense of urgency, and brash delivery were unrivaled this year, and I am already highly anticipating their upcoming sophomore album Ants From Up There coming in 2022. SCORE: 8/10

8. Happier Than Ever - Billie Eilish

After the release of her debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? I wondered how Billie Eilish’s unique and original sound was going to evolve and mature. Luckily, those questions were quickly answered with the release of Happier Than Ever, which demonstrates the immense growth Billie has gone through in the past couple of years as an artist, but more importantly as a person. Sonically, aesthetically, and thematically, Happier Than Ever reflects the wisdom and growth of the wildly talented artist who created it. As long as Billie and her brother Finneas continue as their genuine selves when making music, not even the sky is a limit. Plus, it goes without saying, but the album’s title track is one of my favorites in Billie’s entire discography. SCORE: 8/10

7. LP! - JPEGMAFIA

JPEGMAFIA has already proven himself as one of the most talented musicians and producers in the industry with the releases of albums such as Veteran and All My Heroes Are Cornballs. Despite a rocky relationship with his record label, the passion that Peggy has for his art is abundantly clear on his most recent project LP!, and it’s truly inspiring to consider that he does all of his own recordings, mixing, and mastering. Rap and hip-hop are genres that can become stagnant at times, but releases like LP! remind artists and fans alike of their infinite possibilities. SCORE: Strong 8/10

6. The Turning Wheel - Spellling

One of the most theatrical and technically spotless records of the year, Spellling’s The Turning Wheel keeps me coming back for more. Upon its release, I was immediately immersed in the dazzling world that the project quickly builds. Spellling’s non-conventional vocal delivery may be jarring at first to some, but it complements the project’s ornate instrumentals splendidly. Tracks such as “Little Deer”, “Boys At School”, and “Revolution” are unlike anything I have ever heard, but in the best ways. I highly recommend going into this album with an open mind; Spellling knows what she’s doing here and then some. SCORE: Strong 8/10

5. By the Time I Get to Phoenix - Injury Reserve

Injury Reserve delivered one of the most emotionally potent albums of the year with By the Time I Get to Phoenix. This is the group’s first release since the untimely and tragic death of one of their members (Groggs,) and the grief and catharsis are profound on this project. The contextual significance of this project is uplifted and made more impactful by its inventiveness, ability to confidently experiment, and regular delivery of simple but stunning ideas throughout. “Knees” is simply one of my favorite songs of the year, as its refrain of “Knees hurt when I grow, and that’s a tough pill to swallow ‘cause I’m not getting taller-” truly stuck with me. This is a profoundly meaningful album, and I’m proud of Injury Reserve for honoring Groggs with its release. SCORE: Light 9/10

4. Daddy’s Home - St. Vincent

On Daddy’s Home, St. Vincent is able to instantly transport listeners to another era of music. On this record, she has channeled 1970’s era groove and made it look effortless. From the fantastically directed music videos that accompany the many great songs this album offers to atmospheric, Pink Floyd-esque offerings like “Live In The Dream”, St. Vincent’s commitment to her desired ambiance is admirable and catchy as hell. The slow moments on this project are few and far between, but contemplative and necessary. What’s not to love? SCORE = Light 9/10

3. SINNER GET READY - Lingua Ignota

Claiming this year’s bronze prize in the number three spot is an album that I surprisingly don’t often come back to. Lingua Ignota’s SINNER GET READY is a haunting and tormenting listen depicting the agonizing internal struggles of its creator Kristen Hayter. Made only more emotionally significant by recent revelations of the terrible events that inspired many of the project’s songs, SINNER GET READY epitomizes someone doing the hard work of moving on, letting go, and learning to forgive the unforgivable. The music itself isn’t disturbing in its own right; instead, what’s truly terrifying is the abyss someone must find themself in to create it as a form of self-expression. That willingness to share, as creatively and beautifully as this project does no less, is an act of kindness that Lingua Ignota deserves endless praise for. SCORE = 9/10

2. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert - Little Simz

When Little Simz released the lead single “Introvert” to her upcoming project Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, I knew that the hip-hop community was in for a treat. That opening track’s grandiosity and lavishness was no red herring, either, as this entire project is refined, textured, diverse, and grand in scale. Little Simz proved that she is a true wordsmith with the release of her critically-acclaimed Grey Area, but this project takes those skills to the next level. Her wordplay, revealing subject matter, and confidence are unmatched in the genre right now. Soul-inspired instrumentals rarely rely on samples, which is a feat in its own right, as this timeless sound seems made for Simz. This project’s poetic interludes perfectly transition its ever-evolving and genre-bending sounds, making it hard to believe that each unique song pairs so cohesively with the rest. “I Love You, I Hate You” is a standout among standouts here on a project that I couldn’t find flaws within even if I tried. SCORE = 10/10

1. Promises - Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, London Symphony Orchestra

I try to refrain from making outlandish claims or using overused sentiments about albums, but I simply can’t stop myself from calling Promises a once-in-a-lifetime composition. It’s hard to imagine that a similar context will be recreated anytime soon, as this project was only made possible by world-class artists coming together with a vision and executing it masterfully. Floating Points’ idea to assemble a continuous piece made up of nine “movements” proved genius, as Promises doesn’t waste a second of its 46-minute runtime. Pharoah Sanders’ saxophone play, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and Floating Points’ simple but addictive seven-note motif found throughout, is nothing short of breathtaking. That motif is simple but incredibly rich, as it is used to explore many new ideas throughout every Movement, culminating in a truly transcendent experience for its listeners. Movement 6, specifically, goes down as one of the most cathartic and rewarding pieces of music I’ve ever heard. No words can do an instrumental album like this justice, so instead, I strongly recommend that you give it a listen. This project will always have a special place in my heart, as it served as a soundtrack for some of the most formative and emotional moments of my life this year. For all of those reasons, Promises was an easy selection for my top album of 2021. SCORE = 10/10

It’s important to give others their flowers while they’re still around to smell them. I hope to do that by acknowledging and appreciating the artists whose creations help me try to define my own life. While 2021 has been quite tumultuous for the world, it was also the most formative and meaningful year I’ve had. I am grateful that this soundtrack of the top albums of 2021 will also take me back to a certain time and place, where I too have decided to stop and smell the roses by indulging my passion for art, creative vision, and self-expression.

Top Albums Of 2020

This agonizingly difficult year is finally coming to an end. Twelve months of worldwide struggle, strife, and angst does have a silver lining, however, which was the great music that resulted from the tumultuous chaos we’ve been navigating. Today, one of my most highly anticipated days of the year, is when I’ll be listing my top albums of 2020.

I need to first list the honorable mentions that didn’t quite crack my top ten. These were all great records that stood out for one reason or another but were just slightly outshined by some of their competitors. SAWAYAMA - Rina Sawayama (8/10) is able to add her own twist to a somewhat oversaturated pop genre, offering sometimes aggressive instrumentation that fits her confident attitude. Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa (8/10) is one of this year’s most innovative pop albums with back-to-back futuristic hits. Shore - Fleet Foxes (8/10) is a wonderfully complex and textured album that reflects on the times we’re living through beautifully. Starting Over - Chris Stapleton (8/10) proves why this famed country singer has established himself as the king of country music. Alfredo - Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist (8/10) is a stellar and smooth rap record that drips confidence, but remains self-reflective. Reunions - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (7/10) provides hit after hit of country blues tracks that highlight Isbell’s lyrical abilities. Folklore - Taylor Swift (7/10) takes this pop megastar into completely uncharted territories, which she navigates swimmingly. Positions - Ariana Grande (7/10) shows a matured yet playful side of Grande that I can’t wait to see grow even more. Saint Cloud - Waxahatchee (7/10) is a Dylan-esque country meditation with hypnotic melodies. Finally, The Slow Rush - Tame Impala (7/10) demonstrates yet again the kind of musical genius Kevin Parker proves himself to be. All of these albums are a part of my permanent library, but the next ten are the albums that defined this year for me. With that being said, let’s get into it.

10. The New Abnormal - The Strokes (8/10)

Manhattan’s own beloved indie rock band The Strokes return to form with their most exciting release in years. The New Abnormal aggregates the band’s best qualities into a compact track list that doesn’t disappoint. Julian Casablanca’s signature vocal delivery returns me to the band’s classics like “Reptilia”, and tracks like “The Adults Are Talking”, “Selfless”, and “At The Door” are some of the group’s best ever. A great album that just cracks the top ten for the year.

9. What’s Your Pleasure? - Jessie Ware (8/10)

Riding the disco synthpop wave that has ingratiated itself into the genre, coming full circle from the 1980s, Jessie Ware jampacked this album with excellent tracks. I’m not much of a dancer — who am I kidding? I never dance — but songs like “Ooh La La” and “Soul Control” do just what their titles suggest. The production, lyrical performance, and instrumentation are impressive, but more importantly consistent, all throughout this spectacular and glamorous record.

8. how i’m feeling now - Charli XCX (8/10)

I knew it would be an uphill battle for Charlie XCX to top last year’s magnum opus Charli, which was my second favorite album of 2019. When I found out that she was not only releasing another album so soon but doing so in quarantine made me apprehensive. how i’m feeling now, while not as squeaky clean as its predecessor, does exactly what it set out to do by creating a playlist for partying in isolation. This optimistic album reinforces that Charli is continuing her reign as one of my favorite artists right now. Great stuff.

7. Punisher - Phoebe Bridgers (8/10)

Punisher is an emotionally complex album for me. Bridgers’ dry sarcasm and heartbreakingly relatable insights glide over largely ambient instrumentals. This pent up emotion culminates in the album’s closing track “I Know The End”, though, one of my favorite closers in the past few years. This is often the album I have turned to for times of quiet contemplation, and because of that, it’s one of my favorite albums of the year.

6. After Hours - The Weeknd (8/10)

I’ll address this once: It’s complete and utter bullshit that The Weeknd received zero Grammy nominations for or related to this album. After Hours is inarguably, to me, Abel’s best work by far. Instead of trying something completely new, he was able to refine his sound down to its essence, utilizing the best aspects of each of his eras to create a matured, nostalgic, and just plain catchy album. Every song has something unique to offer, and tracks like “Blinding Lights” and “In Your Eyes” are smash-hits. Looking forward to his Super Bowl performance - he earned it with this record.

5. Visions of Bodies Being Burned - clipping. (9/10)

A perfect sequel to the psychological thriller that was last year’s There Existed an Addition to Blood, Visions of Bodies Being Burned is another stellar offering from Daveed Diggs and company. Incorporating horror movie elements is magnetizing to a Halloween-head like me, and they do it so well on this album. In some ways, this record is better than the first installation. The continually developing instrumental backing is thoroughly impressive, and Daveed Diggs continues to become one of my favorite Jack of all trades rappers. Fantastic project.

4. Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez - Gorillaz (9/10)

At long last — a damn near perfect Gorillaz album. Damon Albarn has finally recaptured the essence of the Gorillaz who I grew to love and appreciate with albums like Demon Days and Plastic Beach. Features are implemented amazingly, pairing dissimilar artists together seamlessly. Some of the songs here, like “Pac-Man (feat. ScHoolboy Q)” and “Aries (feat. Peter Hook and Georgia)” are some of my favorites in Gorillaz’ entire discography. I hope there’s more where this project came from because it is dynamic and reawakens the spirit that makes this band who they are.

3. Song For Our Daughter - Laura Marling (9/10)

Laura Marling’s gentle but potent delivery makes Song For Our Daughter one of the most emotionally resonant listens of the year for me. Fun at times, sad at others, and impressive from beginning to end, this singer-songwriter record is magnificent in its composition and execution. Marling’s vocal performance here is one of my favorites of the year. Heartfelt and touching, this is a fantastic project that I imagine will age very well in the coming years.

2. RTJ4 - Run The Jewels (9/10)

Killer Mike and El-P are the epitome of a dynamic duo. They’re certainly no strangers to hard-hitting and timely bars, and RTJ4 is no exception. A lot of the subject matter written here, particularly relating to racial tensions and relations, is unsettlingly relevant, especially since it was written before this year’s racial protests. This proves that these issues have been long-lasting and systemic, not simply a new trend. A track like “walking in the snow”, my favorite song of the year, is so effective because it speaks to the moment. As soon as Killer Mike’s verse started for the first time, I knew I was in for something bone-chilling and masterfully crafted. Most of this album is just that. Any other year, RTJ4 would likely take home the top prize and number one spot. This year, however, there was one record that outshined this stellar project…

1. Fetch The Bolt Cutters - Fiona Apple (10/10)

Truly incredible music meets the moment and brings something new to the table. On Fetch The Bolt Cutters, Fiona Apple is able to reach a place in my mind that had gone untouched up until that point. On this record, we are reminded to put one foot in front of the other no matter how challenging and insurmountable the circumstances may seem. The unabashed vulnerability of Apple’s vocal performance on this album, both aggressive and submissive at different times, are examples of pure artistic expression. The curtain is pulled back, and I am able to witness Apple’s reality as if it were my own for this album’s 51-minute runtime. Released at the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the sentiment of cutting one’s self out of their imposed box was perfect for the moment. That time allowed for vast introspection, too, which this project doesn’t shy away from indulging in. There simply is no music that sounds like Fetch The Bolt Cutters, and there may never be again. Nearly perfect from beginning to end, this is my favorite album of the year.

I grappled with this year’s rankings almost every day until recently coming to a final list I am satisfied with. Music was one of the best things to come out of an otherwise very challenging year. This is just my opinion and preference, but I highly suggest that you check out the albums I discussed here, including the honorable mentions. Thanks for reading! Also, here’s a Spotify playlist of my favorite songs from the albums featured in this post.