Post by radishfarmer on Dec 5, 2019 11:18:44 GMT
As the 2010's comes to the end you might be looking back on all the crazy or mundane events that happened this past decade. Maybe you got on a health kick, graduated college, got married, had kids, or maybe you just decided to stop masturbating so damn often. But I being the music fanatic that I am (Have listened to over 500 albums from this decade, and been to over 600 live concerts), I believe I am in the position to sulk in the new decade by taking a look back at my 25 favorite albums that have been released over the past years, and I definitely want to hear your favorites as well. Y'all know this is like, just my opinion?
25. Itekoma Hits - Otoboke Beaver (2019)
What a place to start. Otoboke Beaver is a Japanese punk rock band that has been around for quite a while, but they never have had a world wide album release, and stayed pretty underground to their Eastern Asian region. This is a collection of singles that have garnished them the most success and popularity in Japan. I don't speak Japanese, so going into this project I was skeptical. However, when I first heard this album I was blown away. I don't speak Japanese, but even if I understood Japanese, I still don't think I would be able to understand the lyrics, because they are delivered fast, and hard. Passionate vocal delivery, chaotic instrumentation, and a pace that will get your blood boiling. Listening to Itekoma Hits is like taking an 8-ball and getting lost in Tokyo. I fucking love it.
Itekoma Hits - Full Album
24. When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? - Billie Eilish (2019)
What can I say about this album that hasn't already received tons of commercial and critic praise ever since it's release? Everyone has heard about Billie and this album. At sometimes I feel it's the only thing that everyone is talking about. She has like what, 8 Grammy nods this year? What I will say is that it is one of the most mischievous records I've ever listened to. It's of the god Loki made a pop album. The production is crazy, crisp, and so well polished that along with Billie's vocals, it creates a very atmospheric album that I believe will redefine pop music this year going forward. I expect to hear a lot of imitation in the near future.
Bury A Friend - Single
23. Norman Fucking Rockwell! - Lana Del Ray (2019)
Mr. Norman Fucking Rockwell! I wish when people talked about me they used "Fucking", like it was my middle name. NFR is the 6th studio album from Lana Del Ray, also known as that girl your girlfriend would dump you for. Now I have enjoyed Lana from her "Born To Die" album, but this new record took all the good things about LDR and dialed it up. LDR comes off extremely confident in this album, something she lacked in the lyricism of her past albums. It's extremely refreshing and I can imagine empowering to the women that listen to this project. In her lyrics, she comes off as grown up and to put it bluntly, a bad bitch. This isn't the LDR album that 16 year olds will be into, but I think it's the best incarnation of her and her character so far in her discography.
Marine's Apartment Complex - Single
22. Bark Your Head Off, Dog - Hop Along (2018)
Alright! An Album that didn't come out in the year of 2019. But, we will continue the theme of powerful female singers. This is the 4th studio album from rock band Hop Along, and in my opinion their best. It's really an album about being in your 20's and dealing with life and social situations and I think it speaks greatly to a generation, especially of Americans, that feel lost and don't really know what they're doing. The album goes into relationships, friendships, and being drunk. It's a fantastic listen of a pop punk inspired sound that would of been a major hit if it was released back in the 1990's. Also I think that the leader singer could pull off an amazing cosplay of Mia from Pulp Fiction. (And I think she's super hot).
How Simple - Single
21. This Is Happening - LCD Soundsystem (2010)
What a way to start a new decade by dropping such a banger of a record. Their earlier album, "Sound of Silver", is one of my favorite albums ever. And while this isn't quite on that level, it is still a masterpiece of eltro/dance/rock that is leaps ahead of anything made by similar artists. If you're unfamiliar with LCD and you are on your first listen, you have to let the song kick in. Almost every single Soundsystem song starts with some music foreplay before it makes love to your ears. After it's done with you it will leave you craving more, and a little sore.
Dance Yrself Clean - Single
20. Dirty Computer - Janelle Monae (2018)
The third studio album by singer, songwriter, producer, actress Janelle Monae is one of the sexiest albums I have ever listened to. Seriously, if you're about to throw down, I highly suggest putting this album on. It is as described by Janelle, "a homage to women and the spectrum of sexual identities." Love the conception behind the album, and it is one of the most sincere albums I've heard in a long time. Simply put, gorgeous.
Make Me Feel - Single
19. My Woman - Angel Olson (2016)
Fuck yes, Angel Olson dropping an amazing midwestern rock album in the middle of the 2010's. Thank you please. Angel does an amazing job at painting a picture when it comes to story telling in her lyrics. It's raw, it's catchy, it's pure emotions. I adore this album, and I think Angel deserves a lot more love and attention than she gets from the current music landscape.
Shut Up Kiss Me - Single
18. Pure Comedy - Father John Misty (2017)
Father John Misty, real name Josh Tillman, this is his 3rd studio album under the name Father John Misty. Once a member of the band "Fleet Foxes", he left to pursue his own creative passion. I think this was the best decision for him. At the time, Pure Comedy, was my favorite album of 2017 (we'll get to the other one later). The premise of the album is the political disection of the world and how we are being swallowed by a mix of technological advancement, corrupt politicians, loss of community and intimacy, and disconnect from fellow human beings. This album is a real wake up call about the current state of the world, and is about as close to an episode of "Black Mirror" that a music project can get. The title track "Pure Comedy", is one of my favorite songs this decade, and ever.
Pure Comedy - Single
17. Run The Jewels 2 - Run The Jewels (2014)
I bet you were starting to this that I hate rap/hiphop, weren't you? RTJ is the duo of rap legends Killer Mike and E-LP. E-LP is the producer on all the tracks throughout the RTJ catalog and I don't know how he does it. His beats sound like no one else in the entire industry. Killer Mike has the best delivery in the entire hiphop landscape. Together they make some of the hardest most politically charged tracks out of any group or single rapper today. Every single song is a fucking banger, and if you've ever been to the gym, you know that Run The Jewels is perfect workout music.
Blockbuster Night pt.1 - Single
16. GREY Area - Little Simz (2019)
Let's get some amazing British rap involved. Now, I do love "Nothing Great About Britian", but it doesn't hold a candle to GREY Area. I think it is the best pure rap album to come out since a certain Kendrick Lamar album. Simz is a monster on the mic. Extremely witty, clever, and delivered with a silver tongue. Also the production on this project is phenomenal. This is a must listen. Highly suggest listening to the single "Dead Bodies" as well, it's one of the best rap tracks this decade, but did not make it's way on this project.
Offence - Single
15. Ye - Kanye West (2018)
Fuck, Kanye, why were you so busy in 2018? He dropped 5 projects this year and most of them were incredible. This is my 2nd favorite Kanye project of the year, (We'll get to the other one later). I love this album. I love this album more than any of his other self titled albums. I think it's so personal, and it dives into themes of depression and mental disease, that it makes it such a personal experience. It feels almost enough to excuse any of his behavior, because after listening to this album, it kind of all makes sense. Really a fantastic album that made me have 2nd thoughts on who I thought he was as an artist and a person.
I Thought About Killing You - Single
14. Saturation 1,2,3 - Brockhampton (2017)
From track 1, "Heat", off saturation 1, you knew Brockhampton was not to be fucked with. Okay I cheated a little; I put 3 albums here at 14, but how was I supposed to pick just a single saturation? They came out with 3 of them in one fucking year. Are you serious? That's more than I've done with anything in my life, let alone just one year. And they're all bomb albums. Saturation 1 for example was produced, written, recorded, and released in less than 1 month, and it's amazing. I have no idea how the boys did it. They really are the best boy band in the world, and they go fucking haaaard. Haaaaaard. Haaaaaaard. Mixing Hiphop/Rap, emo rock, psychedelic rock, and a few other influences. Ps, Saturation 1 was that favorite album from 2017 I mentioned earlier.
Heat - Single
13. Ta1300 - Denzel Curry (2018)
Every single song on this album is great. Every single song on this album is a banger in it's own right. I love, love love, this record. Get ready to be blown away. I shouldn't have to say much more.
Sirens - Single
12. Teens of Denial - Car Seat Headrest (2016)
Will Toledo's passion project Car Seat Headrest is the epitome of your high school band uploading songs that you wrote uploaded to bandcamp, and then that spark catching fire. This is all about being a young adult and confused in the world. I know I've said that before, but this album does it so well. It does have that "lo-fi" vibe, so if you dislike it, than this might not be your cup of tea, however, the song writing is amazing and very intuitive for such a group of young musicians. P.S. Don't drink and drive, just do drugs.
Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales
11. Lost In The Dream - War on Drugs (2014)
This is the album that you make your dad listen to when he says that rock music is dead. Lost in The Dream, takes inspiration from heartland rock acts like John Meloncamp, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, and does it better.
Red Eyes - Single
10. E.MO.TION - Carly Rae Jepsen (2015)
If you don't know this album, then you haven't been on the internet in a while have you? Carly Rae Jepsen is carrying pop music, single handed, on her back, kicking and screaming. Just like the name of the album, this record has lots of EMOTIONS, you know, the thing that makes modern pop music feel so hollow. And she does it all while paying tribute to her inspirations of the 80's. If you only know her for "Call Me Maybe", give her a chance. Also heyyy my top 10.
I Really Like You - Single
9. A Crow Looked At Me - Mount Eerie (2017)
Mount Eerie is basically Phil Elverum. You might know Phil from The Microphones, "The Glow Pt.2". Now this is an album I love. I think it is art, story telling, and the most compelling piece of music I have ever listened to. That being said, I don't enjoy this album. A Crow Looked at Me, is not meant to be enjoyable. The album is about Phil's late wife, dying of cancer 2 years after giving birth to their only child. It's less a piece of music, and more a documentation of the mental state, and transition of being married, to unexpectedly becoming a single parent. This album is traumatizing, haunting, depressing, and hard to listen to. But, I think it is the most honest album I have ever listened to, and is an important piece of art that explores death and it's consequences. If you want to listen to this album, I suggest a tub of ice cream, tissue, and your undivided attention. It deserves it.
Real Death - Single
8. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk (2013)
Damn, do I love this album. It's the 4th studio album from legendary French Duo, Daft Punk. This is a disco album. Yes. Not an electronic album. For anyone who thought Daft Punk was one dimensional and could only do electronic/house music, you need to give this album a listen to. I can easily say that this is the best disco album of all time. Sorry Donna Summers; The heat is off.
Touch - Single
7. Halcyon Digest - Deerhunter(2010)
This is one of, if not the most important rock album of the past 15 years. Halcyon Digest is so damn weird, and has so many different sounds throughout the album, on my first listen I didn't know what to think. Sometimes it felt like I was on a drug trips, other times it sounded like someone was singing over music from Diablo 2. I know that isn't really selling this record as well as it should, but it is an absolute must listen. The album is almost 10 years, but still feels like that it just came out yesterday. There is nothing quite like it.
Desire Lines - Single
6. Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Inside - Sophie (2018)
Speaking of a record that sounds like nothing else in this universe, Sophie drops this album and holy fuck, this is electronic music made by a space alien on acid. Honestly it is by far my favorite electronic album of all time, and I think it will go down in history for several reasons. First is a giant win for the Trans community. Sophie is the first Tran-sexual person to score a Grammy nod. Secondly, this album fucking murders, it's scary, it's hard, it's soft, it's beautiful, I am scared, mom pick me up from this party, I am afraid, but I love it. Also, what is a Ponyboy?
Ponyboy - Single
5. Carrie & Lowell - Sufjan Stevens (2015)
Carrie & Lowell is the 7th studio album from multi-instrumentalist, and good-ol-Christain boy Sufjan Stevens, and I think it's his best album to date. He goes into a very deep homage to his parents. Steven's is very honest with his depiction of his coming up and doesn't paint his parents in pretty way through most of the album. It was written and produced in the wake of Steven's mothers' death, and goes into a personal perspective on life itself with immersive story telling.
Should of Known Better - Single
4. The Money Store - Death Grips (2012)
Speaking of another album from a band that doesn't sound like anything else that anyone is doing, is the 2nd album by the experimental rap outfit Death Grips. Death Grips isn't for everyone. It's so not for everyone, but every single track is a banger, that goes hard, in the most unusual way possible. It's so different than the last album I just talked about. If you like rap that goes hard, has balls, but also sounds like engines revving, car alarms, and total chaos, then The Money Store is a perfect entry to Death Grips.
I've Seen Footage - Single
3. IGOR - Tyler, The Creator (2019)
Now I expected Igor to be good, but I didn't expect Igor to be what it was. Given Tyler's past work I was not expecting a neo-soul, R&B, hiphop album that told the story of said Igor and of the love triangle that he found himself in. Easily is my album of the year for 2019. I think this is the peak trap/emo rap, without being either of those 2 things, but I think that Igor will be an album people will look back with the same light as other similar artists. It's the best breakup album ever made. Give it a listen, cause it's a 10.
EARFQUAKE - Single
2. To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Was there ever any doubt? TPAB, in my opinion is the greatest hip-hop album every created. I think it will be the most important album that was released in this decade that people will be able to look back and unanimously agree of it's importance to music as a piece of art. The continuity, the story being told, the poetry in motion, the jazz inspired instrumentation, everything about this album comes together to create a landmark of music on the culture of the world. Yes, I think TPAB is that good.
Alright - Single
Honorable Mentions:
This is a shout out to all of my other favorite albums that just missed the cut. These albums are not to be skipped over, they are also every bit worthy of listening:
Modern Vampires of The City- Vampire Weekend
Good Kid, m.A.A.d. city - Kendrick Lamar
Some Rap Songs - Earl Sweatshirt
Blackstar - David Bowie
XXX - Danny Brown
Veteran - JPEGMAFIA
Acid Rap - Chance The Rapper
In A Poem Unlimited - US Girls
Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes
Sound & Color - Alabama Shakes
Wide Awake - Parque Courts
Titanic Rising - Weyes Blood
Room 25 - Noname
Bandana - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib
All at Once - Screaming Females
Weezer (White Album) - Weezer
Lemonade - Beyonce
Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
....
.... And Finally...
1. Kids See Ghosts- Kids See Ghosts (2018)
Kids See Ghosts is the collaborative brainchild of Kid Cudi and Kanye West (Told ya we'd get back to him). I honestly wasn't expecting much when I went into the project. I was not the biggest Cudi fan, nor Kanye fan, but together they come together to create the most emotionally charged album about the self that I have ever listened to. Never has an album had such a connection with me like how this one has. It's not a rap album, but it is. It's not a rock album, but sometimes it is. It defies genre's, and does so beautifully in a way I don't think will ever be emulated. It's stands alone in it's uniqueness, and I love it dearly for that.
Reborn - Single
25. Itekoma Hits - Otoboke Beaver (2019)
What a place to start. Otoboke Beaver is a Japanese punk rock band that has been around for quite a while, but they never have had a world wide album release, and stayed pretty underground to their Eastern Asian region. This is a collection of singles that have garnished them the most success and popularity in Japan. I don't speak Japanese, so going into this project I was skeptical. However, when I first heard this album I was blown away. I don't speak Japanese, but even if I understood Japanese, I still don't think I would be able to understand the lyrics, because they are delivered fast, and hard. Passionate vocal delivery, chaotic instrumentation, and a pace that will get your blood boiling. Listening to Itekoma Hits is like taking an 8-ball and getting lost in Tokyo. I fucking love it.
Itekoma Hits - Full Album
24. When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? - Billie Eilish (2019)
What can I say about this album that hasn't already received tons of commercial and critic praise ever since it's release? Everyone has heard about Billie and this album. At sometimes I feel it's the only thing that everyone is talking about. She has like what, 8 Grammy nods this year? What I will say is that it is one of the most mischievous records I've ever listened to. It's of the god Loki made a pop album. The production is crazy, crisp, and so well polished that along with Billie's vocals, it creates a very atmospheric album that I believe will redefine pop music this year going forward. I expect to hear a lot of imitation in the near future.
Bury A Friend - Single
23. Norman Fucking Rockwell! - Lana Del Ray (2019)
Mr. Norman Fucking Rockwell! I wish when people talked about me they used "Fucking", like it was my middle name. NFR is the 6th studio album from Lana Del Ray, also known as that girl your girlfriend would dump you for. Now I have enjoyed Lana from her "Born To Die" album, but this new record took all the good things about LDR and dialed it up. LDR comes off extremely confident in this album, something she lacked in the lyricism of her past albums. It's extremely refreshing and I can imagine empowering to the women that listen to this project. In her lyrics, she comes off as grown up and to put it bluntly, a bad bitch. This isn't the LDR album that 16 year olds will be into, but I think it's the best incarnation of her and her character so far in her discography.
Marine's Apartment Complex - Single
22. Bark Your Head Off, Dog - Hop Along (2018)
Alright! An Album that didn't come out in the year of 2019. But, we will continue the theme of powerful female singers. This is the 4th studio album from rock band Hop Along, and in my opinion their best. It's really an album about being in your 20's and dealing with life and social situations and I think it speaks greatly to a generation, especially of Americans, that feel lost and don't really know what they're doing. The album goes into relationships, friendships, and being drunk. It's a fantastic listen of a pop punk inspired sound that would of been a major hit if it was released back in the 1990's. Also I think that the leader singer could pull off an amazing cosplay of Mia from Pulp Fiction. (And I think she's super hot).
How Simple - Single
21. This Is Happening - LCD Soundsystem (2010)
What a way to start a new decade by dropping such a banger of a record. Their earlier album, "Sound of Silver", is one of my favorite albums ever. And while this isn't quite on that level, it is still a masterpiece of eltro/dance/rock that is leaps ahead of anything made by similar artists. If you're unfamiliar with LCD and you are on your first listen, you have to let the song kick in. Almost every single Soundsystem song starts with some music foreplay before it makes love to your ears. After it's done with you it will leave you craving more, and a little sore.
Dance Yrself Clean - Single
20. Dirty Computer - Janelle Monae (2018)
The third studio album by singer, songwriter, producer, actress Janelle Monae is one of the sexiest albums I have ever listened to. Seriously, if you're about to throw down, I highly suggest putting this album on. It is as described by Janelle, "a homage to women and the spectrum of sexual identities." Love the conception behind the album, and it is one of the most sincere albums I've heard in a long time. Simply put, gorgeous.
Make Me Feel - Single
19. My Woman - Angel Olson (2016)
Fuck yes, Angel Olson dropping an amazing midwestern rock album in the middle of the 2010's. Thank you please. Angel does an amazing job at painting a picture when it comes to story telling in her lyrics. It's raw, it's catchy, it's pure emotions. I adore this album, and I think Angel deserves a lot more love and attention than she gets from the current music landscape.
Shut Up Kiss Me - Single
18. Pure Comedy - Father John Misty (2017)
Father John Misty, real name Josh Tillman, this is his 3rd studio album under the name Father John Misty. Once a member of the band "Fleet Foxes", he left to pursue his own creative passion. I think this was the best decision for him. At the time, Pure Comedy, was my favorite album of 2017 (we'll get to the other one later). The premise of the album is the political disection of the world and how we are being swallowed by a mix of technological advancement, corrupt politicians, loss of community and intimacy, and disconnect from fellow human beings. This album is a real wake up call about the current state of the world, and is about as close to an episode of "Black Mirror" that a music project can get. The title track "Pure Comedy", is one of my favorite songs this decade, and ever.
Pure Comedy - Single
17. Run The Jewels 2 - Run The Jewels (2014)
I bet you were starting to this that I hate rap/hiphop, weren't you? RTJ is the duo of rap legends Killer Mike and E-LP. E-LP is the producer on all the tracks throughout the RTJ catalog and I don't know how he does it. His beats sound like no one else in the entire industry. Killer Mike has the best delivery in the entire hiphop landscape. Together they make some of the hardest most politically charged tracks out of any group or single rapper today. Every single song is a fucking banger, and if you've ever been to the gym, you know that Run The Jewels is perfect workout music.
Blockbuster Night pt.1 - Single
16. GREY Area - Little Simz (2019)
Let's get some amazing British rap involved. Now, I do love "Nothing Great About Britian", but it doesn't hold a candle to GREY Area. I think it is the best pure rap album to come out since a certain Kendrick Lamar album. Simz is a monster on the mic. Extremely witty, clever, and delivered with a silver tongue. Also the production on this project is phenomenal. This is a must listen. Highly suggest listening to the single "Dead Bodies" as well, it's one of the best rap tracks this decade, but did not make it's way on this project.
Offence - Single
15. Ye - Kanye West (2018)
Fuck, Kanye, why were you so busy in 2018? He dropped 5 projects this year and most of them were incredible. This is my 2nd favorite Kanye project of the year, (We'll get to the other one later). I love this album. I love this album more than any of his other self titled albums. I think it's so personal, and it dives into themes of depression and mental disease, that it makes it such a personal experience. It feels almost enough to excuse any of his behavior, because after listening to this album, it kind of all makes sense. Really a fantastic album that made me have 2nd thoughts on who I thought he was as an artist and a person.
I Thought About Killing You - Single
14. Saturation 1,2,3 - Brockhampton (2017)
From track 1, "Heat", off saturation 1, you knew Brockhampton was not to be fucked with. Okay I cheated a little; I put 3 albums here at 14, but how was I supposed to pick just a single saturation? They came out with 3 of them in one fucking year. Are you serious? That's more than I've done with anything in my life, let alone just one year. And they're all bomb albums. Saturation 1 for example was produced, written, recorded, and released in less than 1 month, and it's amazing. I have no idea how the boys did it. They really are the best boy band in the world, and they go fucking haaaard. Haaaaaard. Haaaaaaard. Mixing Hiphop/Rap, emo rock, psychedelic rock, and a few other influences. Ps, Saturation 1 was that favorite album from 2017 I mentioned earlier.
Heat - Single
13. Ta1300 - Denzel Curry (2018)
Every single song on this album is great. Every single song on this album is a banger in it's own right. I love, love love, this record. Get ready to be blown away. I shouldn't have to say much more.
Sirens - Single
12. Teens of Denial - Car Seat Headrest (2016)
Will Toledo's passion project Car Seat Headrest is the epitome of your high school band uploading songs that you wrote uploaded to bandcamp, and then that spark catching fire. This is all about being a young adult and confused in the world. I know I've said that before, but this album does it so well. It does have that "lo-fi" vibe, so if you dislike it, than this might not be your cup of tea, however, the song writing is amazing and very intuitive for such a group of young musicians. P.S. Don't drink and drive, just do drugs.
Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales
11. Lost In The Dream - War on Drugs (2014)
This is the album that you make your dad listen to when he says that rock music is dead. Lost in The Dream, takes inspiration from heartland rock acts like John Meloncamp, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, and does it better.
Red Eyes - Single
10. E.MO.TION - Carly Rae Jepsen (2015)
If you don't know this album, then you haven't been on the internet in a while have you? Carly Rae Jepsen is carrying pop music, single handed, on her back, kicking and screaming. Just like the name of the album, this record has lots of EMOTIONS, you know, the thing that makes modern pop music feel so hollow. And she does it all while paying tribute to her inspirations of the 80's. If you only know her for "Call Me Maybe", give her a chance. Also heyyy my top 10.
I Really Like You - Single
9. A Crow Looked At Me - Mount Eerie (2017)
Mount Eerie is basically Phil Elverum. You might know Phil from The Microphones, "The Glow Pt.2". Now this is an album I love. I think it is art, story telling, and the most compelling piece of music I have ever listened to. That being said, I don't enjoy this album. A Crow Looked at Me, is not meant to be enjoyable. The album is about Phil's late wife, dying of cancer 2 years after giving birth to their only child. It's less a piece of music, and more a documentation of the mental state, and transition of being married, to unexpectedly becoming a single parent. This album is traumatizing, haunting, depressing, and hard to listen to. But, I think it is the most honest album I have ever listened to, and is an important piece of art that explores death and it's consequences. If you want to listen to this album, I suggest a tub of ice cream, tissue, and your undivided attention. It deserves it.
Real Death - Single
8. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk (2013)
Damn, do I love this album. It's the 4th studio album from legendary French Duo, Daft Punk. This is a disco album. Yes. Not an electronic album. For anyone who thought Daft Punk was one dimensional and could only do electronic/house music, you need to give this album a listen to. I can easily say that this is the best disco album of all time. Sorry Donna Summers; The heat is off.
Touch - Single
7. Halcyon Digest - Deerhunter(2010)
This is one of, if not the most important rock album of the past 15 years. Halcyon Digest is so damn weird, and has so many different sounds throughout the album, on my first listen I didn't know what to think. Sometimes it felt like I was on a drug trips, other times it sounded like someone was singing over music from Diablo 2. I know that isn't really selling this record as well as it should, but it is an absolute must listen. The album is almost 10 years, but still feels like that it just came out yesterday. There is nothing quite like it.
Desire Lines - Single
6. Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Inside - Sophie (2018)
Speaking of a record that sounds like nothing else in this universe, Sophie drops this album and holy fuck, this is electronic music made by a space alien on acid. Honestly it is by far my favorite electronic album of all time, and I think it will go down in history for several reasons. First is a giant win for the Trans community. Sophie is the first Tran-sexual person to score a Grammy nod. Secondly, this album fucking murders, it's scary, it's hard, it's soft, it's beautiful, I am scared, mom pick me up from this party, I am afraid, but I love it. Also, what is a Ponyboy?
Ponyboy - Single
5. Carrie & Lowell - Sufjan Stevens (2015)
Carrie & Lowell is the 7th studio album from multi-instrumentalist, and good-ol-Christain boy Sufjan Stevens, and I think it's his best album to date. He goes into a very deep homage to his parents. Steven's is very honest with his depiction of his coming up and doesn't paint his parents in pretty way through most of the album. It was written and produced in the wake of Steven's mothers' death, and goes into a personal perspective on life itself with immersive story telling.
Should of Known Better - Single
4. The Money Store - Death Grips (2012)
Speaking of another album from a band that doesn't sound like anything else that anyone is doing, is the 2nd album by the experimental rap outfit Death Grips. Death Grips isn't for everyone. It's so not for everyone, but every single track is a banger, that goes hard, in the most unusual way possible. It's so different than the last album I just talked about. If you like rap that goes hard, has balls, but also sounds like engines revving, car alarms, and total chaos, then The Money Store is a perfect entry to Death Grips.
I've Seen Footage - Single
3. IGOR - Tyler, The Creator (2019)
Now I expected Igor to be good, but I didn't expect Igor to be what it was. Given Tyler's past work I was not expecting a neo-soul, R&B, hiphop album that told the story of said Igor and of the love triangle that he found himself in. Easily is my album of the year for 2019. I think this is the peak trap/emo rap, without being either of those 2 things, but I think that Igor will be an album people will look back with the same light as other similar artists. It's the best breakup album ever made. Give it a listen, cause it's a 10.
EARFQUAKE - Single
2. To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Was there ever any doubt? TPAB, in my opinion is the greatest hip-hop album every created. I think it will be the most important album that was released in this decade that people will be able to look back and unanimously agree of it's importance to music as a piece of art. The continuity, the story being told, the poetry in motion, the jazz inspired instrumentation, everything about this album comes together to create a landmark of music on the culture of the world. Yes, I think TPAB is that good.
Alright - Single
Honorable Mentions:
This is a shout out to all of my other favorite albums that just missed the cut. These albums are not to be skipped over, they are also every bit worthy of listening:
Modern Vampires of The City- Vampire Weekend
Good Kid, m.A.A.d. city - Kendrick Lamar
Some Rap Songs - Earl Sweatshirt
Blackstar - David Bowie
XXX - Danny Brown
Veteran - JPEGMAFIA
Acid Rap - Chance The Rapper
In A Poem Unlimited - US Girls
Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes
Sound & Color - Alabama Shakes
Wide Awake - Parque Courts
Titanic Rising - Weyes Blood
Room 25 - Noname
Bandana - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib
All at Once - Screaming Females
Weezer (White Album) - Weezer
Lemonade - Beyonce
Channel Orange - Frank Ocean
....
.... And Finally...
1. Kids See Ghosts- Kids See Ghosts (2018)
Kids See Ghosts is the collaborative brainchild of Kid Cudi and Kanye West (Told ya we'd get back to him). I honestly wasn't expecting much when I went into the project. I was not the biggest Cudi fan, nor Kanye fan, but together they come together to create the most emotionally charged album about the self that I have ever listened to. Never has an album had such a connection with me like how this one has. It's not a rap album, but it is. It's not a rock album, but sometimes it is. It defies genre's, and does so beautifully in a way I don't think will ever be emulated. It's stands alone in it's uniqueness, and I love it dearly for that.
Reborn - Single