2019 is now and officially over. It’s been an action-packed year, and this has been reflected in the fantastic albums that came out during the year. Here’s a look at the best of the best.
10. Father of the Bride, Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend’s comeback album was a genre-spanning, riff-packed record that established the Cape Cod band’s place in the indie scene. Father of the Bride is a mature, creative album packed full of catchy tunes and great lyrics.
9. Assume Form, James Blake
James Blake’s Assume Form is a tender, passionate album containing some of Blake’s most gorgeous lyrics yet. “Lullaby For My Insomniac” is a particularly beautiful moment on the record that keeps listeners coming back for more.
8. Igor, Tyler The Creator
Igor was an unexpected surprise from the loud and boisterous Tyler The Creator. The record was just as colorful as his previous works, only this time there was more depth and a whole host of talented collaborators.
7. Nothing Great About Britain, Slowthai
Slowthai’s lyrics on Nothing Great About Britain shed a piercing light on a divided UK. Honest and cutting, the 2019 record pushed boundaries and sparked up discussion. A bold and brilliant rap album.
6. When I Get Home, Solange
This year, Solange fully came into her own. When I Get Home mixes R&B with something dreamier and genre-defying. The immaculate album pushes boundaries and definitely deserves its place on this list.
5. MAGDALENE, FKA Twigs
MAGDALENE is a stunning album that explores the male gaze and the place of modern-day feminism. FKA Twigs is fierce here and unrelenting in her message.
4. Heavy Is The Head, Stormzy
2019 has been a busy year for Stormzy. In his vocal new album, Heavy Is The Head, Stormzy reflects on the year he has had. He also pauses to praise the underrepresented artists that have followed in his footsteps.
3. Cuz I Love You, Lizzo
In 2019, Lizzo finally received the recognition she deserves. Cuz I Love You is a stunning R&B album that champions empowerment. For Lizzo, body positivity and self-love are more than buzzwords. It’s a way of life.
2. Norman F***ing Rockwell, Lana Del Rey
Norman F***ing Rockwell is a stunning record in which Lana Del Rey truly showcases her impressive vocal range and talents as a lyricist. It’s emotional, dead earnest, and a record that every young woman in her 20s needs to hear.
1. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, Billie Eilish
2019 was the year of Billie Eilish. Her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? received enormous critical acclaim across the board and has been considered the voice of a generation as the decade comes to a close. The anxiety-fueled album sheds light on what it is like to be a teen growing up in the modern-day world and Eilish’s hauntingly beautiful voice guides us through. We can’t wait to see what Eilish will be bringing to the table in 2020.
