My Totally Biased 19 Best Albums of 2019

Lucky number seven! With the decade ending, I'm upset I didn't start my year end lists back in 2010, but I was just a college senior suffering from his first major bout with mental illness, the fear of graduation just around the corner. I clearly had other things on my mind, but we all start somewhere. 2013 was my first full year out of college, so I finally had time to devote to my passions: music and making others realize my authority on the matter.

2019 has been no different. From January, I've been judging artists' album efforts from the comfort of my office and the discomfort of public transportation. What seemed like easy pickings around April soon became a free-for-all by late September. Even when I decided on a core list, they became increasingly difficult to rank the more I got to know them.

If you've been following these lists since the beginning, you know the "crowd" favorites. However, I'd like to take this time to individually shame those that let me down this year:

• Ariana Grande: you gave us such a work of pop art last year, you didn't have to rush another album so soon... unless you're tryna Rihanna your way out of your album deal. If so, carry on.
• Vampire Weekend: we were all nervous after Rostam left, but you didn't have to replace him with Danielle Haim. Your unique sound got white-washed, even for you. Some tracks still slapped tho.
• Chance the Rapper: jokes about you loving your wife aside, nearly every featured artist on your new album outperformed you. I basically felt like I didn't know this Chance, and I didn't want to.
• Kanye West: listen, we have a long past. You've fallen from your ways. I just had to be sure you were truly dead so I could mourn you. RIP, the Old Kanye.

Welp, now that the riff-raff is out of the way, let's get to this year's lucky winners. Common themes among this year's inductees include one-word/name titles, electronic elements, and tear stains. The criteria remains mostly the same as the preceding year:

1. Does the album have a thesis and support it? 
2. How much does the album knock? 
3. Does this album speak to me/the masses?  
4. How many tracks standout vs fade into the background? 
5. How does the album stack up against its genre peers?

As always, look out for special categories like "Blackest Album" and "Token White Guy." Oh, and one last thing. This year, I decided to exceed my limit. That's right, there was so much good music this year, I couldn't keep the list contained to 19 albums. That means if I keep this going, you'll never know how many albums to expect. [Insert maniacal laughter] Without further adieu, enjoy my musical taste and attempts at humor below.

Honorable Mentions:

28) Free National's Self Titled (Hip-Hop)

27) Blood Orange's Angel Pulse (Alternative R&B)

26) Labrinth's Imagination & the Misfit Kid (Electronic)

25) Flying Lotus’ Flamagra (Jazz-Funk)
24) JPEGMAFIA's All My Heroes Are Cornballs (Hip-Hop)

23) Megan thee Stallion’s Fever (Rap)

*~if a song has a hyperlink, it leads to a music video~*

22) Rex Orange County's Pony

Release Date: Oct 25

Runtime: 33:58
Genre: Indie-Pop, Jazz

I first noticed Rex thanks to Tyler, the Creator's Flower Boy. His dry yet melodic tone hooked me from that first listen. Since 2017, I've been following this young British lad's singles, anxiously anticipating his next full project. To my surprise, Pony did not immediately impress me. While I was expecting high speed R&B-infused pop tracks like his single "10/10," the album hit me with slower paced, thoughtful songs. After a month away from the project, I returned with fresh ears and appreciated his leveled up Randy Newman flair. Ever a songbird, Rex drops bars that don't try hard to be taking seriously. He's also practically a one-man-band-man playing drums, piano, and guitar. Pony serves as Rex' playful love letter to anyone who will listen, a man who's "not afraid to cry in front of you." Just the kind of progressiveness we need marching into the new decade.

Hit Single:
10/10
Standout Tracks:

Face to Face
Pluto Projector
Skip It:
Always - if you think Taron Egerton is the only one who can impersonate Elton John

21) Steve Lacy’s Apollo XXI

Release Date: May 24

Runtime: 43:00
Genre: R&B, Funk, Pop

Our second 21 year old on the list, Steve Lacy comes to us by way of Compton but more notably the band The Internet. Already a fan of his group work and solo work on songs like Dark Red, I was excited to see what one of the industry's favorite new guitarists had to offer. Steve hits us with a sultry short intro only to then bonk us with 9-minute song containing three movements that leads into a heavy funk pick-you up. His tracklisting-mind, wow! Steve keeps it relatively short and sweet for the remainder of the album until his outro. On this journey, Apollo XXI sends you pass planets of all different bpms. While Steve is not the best vocalist, he gives you heavy singer-songwriter vibes. Before you know it, you'll be on the edge of the universe with your new bisexual sweetheart. Frank Ocean, who?

Hit Single:

N Side
Standout Tracks:
Only If

Playground
Skip It:
Hate CD - cuz if you vibe to it too hard you might even hate his CD

20) Metronomy's Metronomy Forever

Release Date: September 13

Runtime: 54:43
Genre: Indie Rock, Electronic

Metronomy and I have danced around each other since the beginning of the decade, questioning our attraction to each other. For the first time in my reviewing career, they've sent out a project that warranted my attention. Though to be honest, she was ignored until early this month. Earning the "Oh Shit, I Almost Forgot You" award, Metronomy Forever is an electronic, indie rock fever dream that is as colorful as its cover art. You'll find yourself wanting to run barefooted through an open field until you trip and roll around collecting grass stains on your secondhand linen harem pants. This is especially true when Joseph Mount takes a break from vocals and lets the band vibe out for three-four minutes at a time. As long as you can get over the hokey-ness of some tracks like "Salted Caramel Ice Cream," tracks like "Upset My Girlfriend" and "Sex Emoji" will have you chuckling while you two-step.

Hit Single:
Lately
Standout Tracks:
Insecurity

Miracle Rooftop
Skip It:
Lately (Going Spare) - cuz they were too coward to just call it Going Spare or Lately Again

19) DaBaby’s Kirk

Release Date: September 27

Runtime: 35:08
Genre: Rap

By the time I finally decided to stop hating from outside the club, DaBaby released two albums in the same year. While both have their appeal, Kirk just caught my attention more. It's likely because he raps about his father in "INTRO." It showed me how personal and sentimental he could be. Kirk revealed to me that DaBaby is more than just another negro out here tryna get rich. His variety of beats from trap to cypher to club anthem allows him to showcase different aspects of his flow. He has a passion for his craft, and this man actually drops bars. On top of that, he cares about his music videos, which I can't say for every rapper in the game name. That said, DaBaby knows how to play with others and collaborates with other artists on Kirk, only modestly out-rapping them. He's courteous that way. Despite his name, he's one of the most mature rappers in the game right now, and I've chosen to respect him as such. 

Hit Single:
BOP
Standout Tracks:

TOES (feat Lil Baby, Moneybagg Yo)

THERE HE GO
Skip It:
PROLLY HEARD - cuz that might be the most forced ad lib turned song I ever heard

18) Brittany Howard’s Jaime

Release Date: September 20

Runtime: 35:26
Genre: Rock, Soul

Named after her older sister who died from retinoblastoma, Ms Howard breaks out on her own to give us her voice unfiltered. Exploring her own life and history, she allows us to stroll through the recesses of her mind. Themes like sexuality, mutual attraction, personal belief systems, and race provide depth to a very melodic album. She knows how to weave in and out of ballads and jams, producing a solid album. Brittany Howard is no stranger to making music that sticks like grits, southern charm abound. You may ask, "Charles, why is this album so low on the list?" To be honest, I recognize its greatness, and I do earnestly like this album, but I'd be lying if I said I completely connected with it. And knowing that my strong like for this album will lead to someone loving Jamie, I award it the title of "Miss Congeniality." Let's see what other wonders await, shall we?

Hit Single:
Stay High
Standout Tracks:
Georgia

Goat Head
Skip It:
13th Century Metal - if you can't stand pitched morse code; I dig it tho

17) FKA twigs’ Magdalene 

Release Date: November 8

Runtime: 38:48
Genre: Alternative. Electronic

As 2013's Best Album Champion, FKA twigs left me begging for more. With every Instagram video of her exploring her new pole dancing skills, I yearned for another full release from one of my favorite talented bitches. With Magdalene, her melodic rounds have me hooked again, "thousand eyes" transporting me back to her digital realm. Heartbreak drips from every song on the album without becoming overbearing. They'll raise you up and possess your limbs to wave effortlessly about the room, forcing me to award Magdalene with the "Ballerina Training Camp" award. The marriage of ethereal sounds and 808 drums wins yet again, though admittedly two of the songs hold the project back. They lack the same exploration and hype the other tracks provide, but perhaps this is the balance that twigs know we need to truly appreciate the rest of her work. She's considerate that way.

Hit Single:
cellophane
Standout Tracks:
sad day

fallen alien
Skip It:
daybed - because it doesn't fell as comfortable as you'd think sunbathing would be

16) Labrinth, Sia, & Diplo Present LSD

Release Date: April 12

Runtime: 30:41

Genre: Pop, Electronic

An odd trio graces this spot. One part international producer that has provided me the jams of my 2013/2014 life; one part outstanding singer-songwriter that never impressed me album-wise; one part relatively unknown producer-singer who would go on to soundtrack the fuck out of Euphoria. Diplo, Sia, and Labrinth rearranged themselves to present audio LSD and get us out of our chairs. In what I can only describe as perfect pop, Sia and Labrinth duet wonderfully over breaks, scratches, and bops. Perhaps it was Sia's careful nature that always kept me from enjoying her albums, but LSD pushes her to speed up her delivery. Diplo and Labrinth work together like wonder twins to provide club anthem level beats while keeping the sound "alternative" to today's current pop sound. The only thing LSD lacks is a clear direction, but with a name like that, you just follow the high to wherever it takes you. Surrender yourself to the vibe.

Hit Single:
Genius
Standout Tracks:
Audio

Heaven Can Wait
Skip It:
Mountains - cuz Labrinth's head voice sounds like he's on the edge of puberty

15) Anderson .Paak’s Ventura

Release Date: April 12

Runtime: 39:36

Genre: Hip-Hop, Funk

It's hard to deny an album a spot on the list when its artist can keep up with Andre 3000 on the opening track. Anderson .Paak rejoins our ranks after a wonderful performance on last year's series. Recorded simultaneously with Oxnard, Ventura makes .Paak's trio of Cali inspired albums a quad. Allowed more freedom by Dr Dre, .Paak switches between rapping and singing depend on what the situation calls for. As a whole, Ventura feels like late night beach music, watching the tides and stars dance with each other as the crisp Pacific Ocean air hits your face. Blessed with legendary features from Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Smokey Robinson, and Nate "Doggity" Dogg, .Paak enjoys his free lap around the track. With the commercial success of Oxnard, Ventura  feels more like his passion project: no agenda, just fun with artists he admires. It's a pleasure to be able to sit in on this experience.

Hit Single:
Make It Better (feat Smokey Robinson)
Standout Tracks:
Reachin 2 Much (feat Lalah Hathaway)
Yada Yada

Skip It:
King James - cuz I personally can't think of that title without thinking about Lebron

14) Mark Ronson’s Late Night Feelings

Release Date: June 21

Runtime: 43:06

Genre: Pop, Dance

"I don't know why ya'll all gaggin'; she bring it to you every ball!" Yes, we all know Mark Ronson for his impeccable work, giving us some of the greatest singles from Amy's "Valerie" to Bruno's "Uptown Funk" and especially Daniel Merriweather's oft overlooked "Stop Me," but it's hard to think of a complete album that's made us stop and say, "Oh... there you are." Late Night Feelings finds Mark giving all his attention to the current and up-and-coming ladies of pop. The results are phenomenal, with Lykke Li and Alicia Keys displaying just how powerful they are. This man even made me like a Camila Cabello song. Like... the power that that has, the implications that that has. Though the real star of the show is Yebba who not only gets a powerful pop ballad but two rocking interludes that are sure to get her feature appearances in the coming year. For his efforts, I award Mark Ronson the "Presenter of the Year."

Hit Single:
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart (feat Miley Cyrus)
Standout Tracks
Don't Leave Me Lonely (feat Yebba)

Truth (feat Alicia Keys & The Last Artful, Dodger)
Skip It:
2 AM (feat Lykke Li) - cuz Lykke's first song on the album is better

13) Snoh Aalerga’s - Ugh, Those Feels Again

Release Date: August 16

Runtime: 40:18
Genre: Soul, R&B

Hailing from Sweden, Snoh Aalerga is a singer of Persian decent that's finally found her groove as an artist. Two years ago, she released Feels and entertained us with a few worthy singles. She returns now with the perfectly named - Ugh, Those Feels Again to remind us all of the highs and lows of lust, love, and everything in between. Drawing influences from 90s and 00s R&B, Snoh finds her own lane and explores how much it sucks to be in a "Situationship." Each song is more relatable than the last. Her phenomenally smooth, yet slightly raspy voice lends itself to the album's appeal. - Ugh, Those Feels Again truly feels like she's been hurt before and doesn't want to try again but can't help herself. The urges and passion between her and her subject are too palpable, even when she tries to deny them on "Nothing to Me." This album is a cut above the rest, and I'm not just saying that because I currently have Those Feels for someone. 

Hit Single:

I Want You Around
Standout Tracks:
Whoa

You
Skip It:
Njoy - cause you won't miss much Njoyment skipping a 1:22 interlude

12) Doja Cat’s Hot Pink

Release Date: November 7

Runtime: 39:48
Genre: Rap, Pop

I was really afraid after Doja Cat released "Mooo (Bitch, I'm a Cow)" last year. She could have been branded a one-hit wonder meme queen, but instead she rose to the occasion and destroyed me with Hot Pink. Aptly named, Doja works her feminine wiles from top to bottom. If it's not too gross to say, each beat she sings over is a symphony of gifted queefs that leave you aroused and ready to prowl. Sexual energy is the name of the game, and Doja is the dungeon master. From dating app anthems to roller disco rejuvenations to bedroom invitations, there's a freaknik song for every occasion. If you're afraid the songs are too fast for you to keep up, Doja slows it down for you on tracks like "Addiction" and "Streets." Unfortunately, Hot Pink suffers from two tracks not fitting Doja's thesis, but they aren't bad songs, fine for cuddling after you've spent yourself pleasuring a loved one. It is with honor that I present Hot Pink as the "Sexiest Album of the Year."

Hit Single:

Juicy (feat Tyga)
Standout Tracks:
Rules

Bottom Bitch
Skip It:
Shine - cuz something about it just kinda seems like a skip in the mood

11) Beyoncé & Company’s The Lion King: The Gift

Release Date: July 19

Runtime: 54:00
Genre: Afrobeat, R&B, Rap

I'm sorry, when has your fav produced and curated one of the best albums of the year? Leave her acting talents out of this; we're hear to discuss musicality today! Beyoncé, recording artist and business mogul of our generation, presented Rumi and Sir with Lion King: The Gift and allowed the rest of the world to listen as well. Inspired by the 2019 Lion King remake, Beyoncé gathered the greatest talents the United States and the nations of Africa had to offer to create a fusion of sounds that appeals to the masses. Taking the lead herself, Beyoncé generously shares the spotlight with interludes from the movie, showing that she can even negotiate with Disney giants into making sure everyone eats off this album. With this album having a little bit for everyone, every song won't satisfy one person. But you can damn well rest assured you'll feel the spirits of the ancestors (if you have the right lineage).

Hit Single:
Spirit
Standout Tracks:
Don't Jealous Me (feat Tekno, Lord Afrixana, Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade)

My Power (feat Tierra Whack, Nija, Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Lag)
Skip It:
Spirit - cuz doing the ritual for Pride Rock every time it plays gets tiring

10) ROSALÍA's El Mal Querer

Release Date: November 2, 2018

Runtime: 30:13
Genre: Alternative Pop, Latin

Yeah, so what this album was released in 2018? It's my list; let's fight! Listen, Linda, this album is so damn good, I had to make an exception. Besides, you know how I love my international selections. Thanks to an album featured later on this list, I looked into ROSALÍA's work and fell in love with El Mar Querer. Do I understand the words that are coming out of her mouth? Of course not, I only took Spanish as an elementary school student. However, the emotion and power is felt in her voice and tone alone. She's a Spanish (actually from Spain) songbird and I'm mesmerized by every modulation she makes. Thanks to Google, I understand the album title translates to The Bad Loving, and if that ain't a global phenomenon, I don't know what is. With every track being so audible pleasing, I have no choice but to stan and place her so highly on this year's list, making El Mal Querer "The Upset of the Year!"

Hit Single:

MALAMENTE - Cap.1: Augurio
Standout Tracks:
BAGDAD - Cap.7: Liturgia
DI MI NOMBRE - Cap.8 - Éxtasis

Skip It:
MALDICIÓN - Cap.10 - Cordura - cuz I can't exactly figure out who she's tryna curse

9) Brockhampton’s Ginger

Release Date: August 23

Runtime: 44:16
Genre: Rap, Alternative R&B

Marketing themselves as the big next boyband from their inception via an online Kanye West fan forum, Brockhampton has always been in touch with their emotions. They fully express the full spectrum with Ginger. Technically consisting of 13 members, Kevin Abstract leads other rappers/vocalists Matt Champion, Joba, Merlyn Wood, Dom McLennon, and Bearface over beats they all help produce, mostly forefronted by Romil Hemnani. The boys' delivery range from deadpan as MA$E to as eccentric as Busta Rhymes, tagging each other in to lyrically jump off ladders to slam the obstacles before them. Even on more somber tracks like "Big Boy," you can hear how much they're enjoying themselves. As a whole, Ginger has a very late 90s flair that isn't obnoxioius. It's been a long journey figuring out their sound from their trio of albums in 2017 to their 2018 release, but if 2019 and Ginger prove anything, it's that them boys have no plans on slowing down anytime soon. Oh, and Kevin Abstract's gay. Hey, boo!

Hit Single:

Boy Bye
Standout Tracks:
Sugar

I Been Born Again
Skip It:
Ginger - cuz it sounds like a track a high school senior would use in their year end montage

8) Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You

Release Date: April 19

Runtime: 33:18
Genre: Pop, R&B

You knew it, I knew it, Ms 100% That Bitch has made it on the list! Lizzo has been chuggaluggin' in this music industry rat race for so long; I'm glad she finally pieced a major label debut album together and only used her prior singles as "deluxe" tracks. With a new body of work in front of us, Lizzo introduces us to her ballad side to reassure us that she is indeed a songstress. While she is gifted vocally, Lizzo's superpower is her charm. Songs like "Juice" and "Soulmate" wouldn't work without it. It also allows her to get away with her Prince-inspired "Crybaby" and garner the attention of Missy Elliott for a fire collab. Lizzo's charm is so alluring it attracts body-shaming haters and reflects the negative energy right back in their faces. (However, I still don't endorse bare buttcheeks on NBA arena courtside seats. The germs, Lizzo! The germs!) Cuz I Love You radiates Big Bitch, Bad Bitch, Bossy Bitch, and Busty Bitch energy. If you need a pick me up, look no further.

Hit Single:
Juice
Standout Tracks:
Soulmate

Heaven Help Me
Skip It:
Truth Hurts - well, you can't skip it cuz I'm not reviewing the deluxe edition

7) Tyler, the Creator’s Igor

Release Date: May 17

Runtime: 39:43
Genre: Hip-Hop, Funk

Tyler, the Creator's back at it again with another tale to spin. Fully realizing his talents on Flower Boy, Tyler takes time out of his busy schedule to let us in on a love triangle via Igor, with Jerrod Carmichael supplying insight throughout. A story I'm to familiar with, Tyler attempts to win over a guy who's contemplating returning to his ex-girlfriend. Hetronormativity all too real, the gal starts to win over the lad. However, Tyler has a friend in Igor, but will Igor lead him down a dark path? No matter how many times you listen, it's a joy as Tyler delivers bars and vocals in his normal octave and a collection of pitches he's chosen to help plead his case. Tyler's also in his fuckin bag when it comes to production with piano, synth, drums, guitar, and the appropriate amount of gunfire to let you know it's real. Igor is more than an album; it's an eternal mood. An album of pure lust in a way that's different from others on the list. With that, I award Igor the "Ewww, Homie, You Gay" award. May Tyler wear it with pride.

Hit Single:

Earfquake
Standout Tracks:

I Think
What's Good
Skip It:
Are We Still Friends? - cuz if you have to ask...

6) Toro y Moi’s Outer Peace

Release Date: January 18

Runtime: 30:30
Genre: Alternative Dance, Synth-Pop, Chillwave

Toro y Moi's another artist that's been on my radar for the last decade. I was first introduced to him when a friend introduced me to Chillwave and gave me a sampler of artists like him, Washed Out, Neon Indian, etc. I always appreciated his style but for some reason never investigated further. Until I learned a year ago that he's of black and Filipino decent; representation matters, so I began to actively give my support. Spotify taking note, they alerted me of Outer Peace at the top of the year. The album's sound instantly transported to listening to chill disco and 70s music in my dad's raggedy car when he would liberate from my mom's place. Yet, at the same time, I was transported to an underground rave in southern California with mostly white but a fairly diverse crowd of hipsters who actually wash their legs. If that description makes any since to you, then you'll love this album. A decent third of the album also features chill, mellow songs to light up to as well. Like I said, it reminded me of my dad's car and a hipster party. With that, I award Outer Peace the "World Connector" award.

Hit Single:
Ordinary Pleasure
Standout Tracks:
Laws of the Universe

New House
Skip It:
Monte Carlo (feat WET) - cuz songs about cars are dumb (said the 30yo non-driver)

5) Kaytranada’s BUBBA

Release Date: December 13
Runtime: 50:35

Genre: Electronic, House

My Canadian Counterpart has returned!! What? Isn't it obvious that if I had more ambition and more technical music experience that I too would have become an international DJ and producer like Kaytranada, seeking out new Grindr/Scruff hookups in every city? Seeing myself reflected aside, BUBBA provides us another fine selection of body moving songs from underlooked veterans or well deserving newbies, turning R&B into electro. Kaytranada is nothing if not the ultimate master of putting people on the scene. This time around he invites Estelle, Teedra Moses, and Tinashe to reclaim their stake in the industry while supporting a few of his favorites like Masego, VanJess, and Goldlink. He even takes the time to introduce the world to my (and Erykah Badu's) favorite backup singer Durand Bernarr, who more than deserves his moment. Each song perfectly flows into the next while still having its unique sound, showcasing Kay's curating skills. Who knows, maybe by this time next year I'll be on his level. A fella can dream.

Hit Single:

10% (feat Kali Uchis)

Standout Tracks:

Go DJ (feat SiR)

Taste (feat VanJess)
Freefall (feat Durand Bernarr)

Skip It:

Midsection (feat Pharrell Williams) - if the weather outside is frightful rather than delightful

4) Ari Lennox’ Shea Butter Baby

Release Date: May 7

Runtime: 44:22

Genre: R&B, Soul

Have you ever wanted an album that was like "I love you, but fuck you, but if you wanna chill I guess that's cool too"? Well look no further than Ari Lennox' debut album. Signed to and known as the First Lady of Dreamville Records, she's managed to use but not become overwhelmed by J. Cole's sleepytime tea energy. Instead, she lures you in with a lullaby before introducing you to her inner most thoughts. Here she asks all the important questions like "Does this fool really like me?" "If he wants me, why don't he talk to me?" and "Is he lactose intolerant?" Ari Lennox' voice is soothing yet commanding like Tweet meets Fantasia; you'll be singing along with her in no time. In addition, Ari understands the art of the skit-interlude. With her voice pitched up, she rants about garbanzo beans and realizing her need for people which I promise will stick with you as much as the songs do. With the perfect average bpms to clean the house to and a title like Shea Butter Baby, I hereby award Ari Lennox's work the "Blackest Album of the Year."

Hit Single:
Shea Butter Baby (feat J Cole)
Standout Tracks:

BMO
New Apartment
Whipped Cream
Skip It:
Pop - if you don't love pussy anthems

3) Raphael Saadiq’s Jimmy Lee

Release Date: August 23

Runtime: 39:27

Genre: Soul, R&B

You know how you forget how much you love something or someone because you haven't heard from them since the beginning of the decade? That's me and Raphael Saadiq. He'll disappear for years at a time and suddenly reappear to make me squeal like Lucille Bluth whenever she discovers Gene Parmesan. Originally from the group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Mr Saadiq has managed to stay relevant since the late 80s. Since going solo in the 21st century, every album has slapped. This album, named after his brother who died from an overdose after contracting HIV, is no different. While the inspiration for this album is very somber, Mr Saadiq manages to supply us with soulful tunes to make us two-step and harmonious hymn to ease our pain. His guitar work remains unmatched as his production matches pace. With a track calling out Rikers Island, Jimmy Lee is a wonderful snapshot of the black experience in America. And, ugh, it just slaps so hard.

Hit Single:
Something Keeps Calling (feat Rob Bacon)
Standout Tracks:

So Ready
Kings Fall
Skip It:
Belongs to God (feat Reverend E. Baker) - if you're a heathen not looking for something to believe in

2) Solange’s When I Get Home

Release Date: March 1

Runtime: 39:01

Genre: Soul, R&B, Alternative

Solange has a very strong knack for hypnotizing her audience. She accomplished this on her last album with "Cranes in the Sky." On When I Get Home, she starts her call to order with "Things I Imagined," repeating the phrase until it's suddenly 39 minutes later and you've listened to her entire album yet again. When I Get Home is a journey through familiarity as Solange leads us to our resting place. Is she our sultry and alluring grim reaper? If she is, I surrender completely. As we're slowly dying, Solange treats us to interludes that reminds us to "do nothing without intention" or to take a break to pop that thang one good time. It's hard to explain what the songs on When I Get Home are about without sounding like a neo-soul hippie. Solange truly just wanted this album to be one large session of feelings, and I believe she accomplished this goal. With a thesis that "no one knows what it means, but it's provocative," I couldn't gift Solange the top slot on the list this year, earning her second silver medal. And thus, with much love and respect, I present Solange and When I Get Home the "Always the Bridesmaid" award.

Hit Single:

Almeda
Standout Tracks:
Way to the Show
Stay Flow

Binz
Skip It:
Exit Scott - cuz she shared a direct sample with Steve Lacy the same year

1) James Blake’s Assume Form

Release Date: January 18

Runtime: 48:08

Genre: Alternative, Electropop

From the moment I heard Assume Form, I had a strong feeling James Blake would be the one to beat in 2019. Month after month, I looked to favorite and debut artists alike to dissuade me from my early favorite, but nothing surfaced. And it's all because James Blake found his place in slightly uptempo music. Assume Form finds JB joining forces with Metro Boomin for two solid tracks. No stranger to popular black culture, JB's sultry baritone finds its place over 808s with ease. His most feature heavy album (he's only asked Bon Iver for help previously), Andre 3000 and ROSALÍA help him diversify his bounds. That's right, James Blake was the one to introduce me to ROSALÍA. Ironically enough, he also doesn't understand Spanish and simply loves the sound of her voice.
Also this culture surrounding him, JB still finds time to stick to his eerie roots on tracks like "Into The Red" and "Don't Miss It." Yet, instead of his usual melancholy, he sings with curiosity and hope about love. "Are You in Love?" is straight to the point and honest, using his trademark Casio(?) keyboard and simplistic production to make our hearts melt. Assume Form is by far James Blake's most diverse piece of work and lends itself to pleasing the ears of anyone lucky enough to come across it. And so in our seven year history, James Blake becomes our first white recipient of my Favorite Album of the Year. 

Hit Single:

Miles High (feat Travis Scott, Metro Boomin)
Standout Tracks:

Barefoot in the Park (feat ROSALÍA)
Can't Believe the Way We Flow
Don't Miss It
Skip It:
Mulholland - cuz it was a bonus track that he later snuck into the default order of the album; streaming has ruined deadlines

Phew. After all that I'm reviewing, I'm pooped. Time for a drink, so I'll keep this outro short and sweet. Thanks for rocking with me all these years. It's always my pleasure to work myself up and present you with this list. As always, please let me know if you have any favorites or think I did someone a disservice by not knowing about them like I did ROSALÍA. 

And hey, who knows, maybe I'll go crazy and do something for the end of the decade in January. At the very least, I'll see you all again at the end of 2020.

Until then, you can check out my back catalog here: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013.
Oh, and of course, a playlist of this year's picks can be found below.

My Totally Biased 17 Best Albums of 2017

🎶 Wacko's review list's back, and it's better than ever. For New Years this year, my review list's here! 🎶

Five years running, it's about time I got a jingle, right? Welcome back to my musical ego trip that people occasionally look forward to reading. Like most years, 2017's albums seem to have a theme or two: men being especially vulnerable and producers having the time of their lives. All things considered, it makes sense that a female artist isn't at the top of my list for once. Oops, wasn't supposed to let that slip, but down scroll down yet!

There was so much great music this year, I didn't finalize my list until the 29th. There were a few albums I didn't get to, so pleeeeeease let me know if them were fire. As always, I drop this list to start a discourse. 

A reminder of my criteria: 

1) Does the album have a thesis and follow it? 

2) How much does the album knock? 

3) Does this album speak to me/the masses?  

4) How many tracks standout vs fade into the background? 

Without further adieu, let's discover a few of my favorite things.

17) Ty Dolla $ign's Beach House 3
Release Date: October 27th
Runtime: 51:39

Secretly, I've always been drawn to Ty Dolla $ign's melodic voice, but I denied myself pleasure because I filed him under Trap Rap Goons™. It wasn't until last year that I decided to stop being a bitter old nigga and give the new sound a chance. I'm thankful I did because Beach House 3 had me milly rocking in every room of my house. This album is also great for riding around a video game's large explorable world. From the first song, Ty sets us up for a conversation about all the fame-greedy among us over a few simple guitar chords. From there, we receive the first of many Famous interludes that introduces the song to follow perfectly. While Ty feels free to experiment with dubstep reggae (shout out to Skrillex and Damian Marley), most of his production is the usual trap beats with a slightly softer edge. And though the album is riddled with features, Ty truly shines on the last quarter of Beach House 3 when he takes time to dance in the moonlit sand alone.

Hit Single: 
Love U Better (feat Lil Wayne & The-Dream)
Standout Tracks:
Droptop in the Rain [ft Tory Lanez]
All The Time
Skip It:
Lil Favorite [ft MadeinTYO] - because you can hear this track from anyone else in the game

16) Logic's Everybody
Release Date: May 5th
Runtime: 70:56

Logic has been on my radar since he randomly appeared on a track with Childish Gambino a few years back. Unfortunately, I wrote him off as another lame white rapper like G Eazy (which is fucked up, because I liked G Eazy's Endless Summer mixtape). It wasn't until his suicide prevention song finally reached me that I decided to give him a chance. Imagine my surprise when I not only discovered this is his third studio album, but that he is also of mixed descent. I know this because he reminds us on every other track. While Everybody easily wins this year's Thesis Award, Logic relies too heavily on speaking directly to his audience after he raps on more than two tracks. That said, his interludes with Neil Degrasse-Tyson counterbalance how annoying his self-delivered sermons are. Exploring topics of black/white relations, parenting, and reincarnation, this conscious rapper earned enough respect from me to avoid using mixed raced slurs in this review. He's heard enough of them and I need to work on not being so problematic anyway.

Hit Single: 
1-800-273-8255 [ft Alessia Cara and Khalid]
Standout Tracks:
Everybody
America [ft Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo, & No I.D.]
Skip It:
Mos Definitely - because you can tell how badly he wanted a featured verse from Yasiin Bey

15) Haim's Something to Tell You
Release Date: July 7th
Runtime: 42:34

Every so often an album makes it on the listen not because I connected with it but because someone very close to me fell in love with it after I introduced them to it. This year's Best Friend Connector goes to Something to Tell You. The sisters Haim have a way of stringing together lyrics and harmonies that hook me song after song. Meanwhile, for my friend, it was the album's breakup elements that really spoke to her. In my experience, finding an artist to marry a bop with heartbreak is rare, and I'm not sure where Robyn is these days. A few of their songs are reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac's sound, with one even sounding surprisingly Neo R&B-ish without tripping the appropriation alarm. That said, once you get into the album, a few of the songs can start to blind together. This isn't totally terrible as it allows for it to become a vibe. The songs are easy to pick up, so sliding around in socks as you clean the house is definitely this album's main function in my life.


Hit Single:
Want You Back
Standout Tracks:
Little of Your Love
Walking Away
Skip It:
Found It In Silence - because it's the most stereotypical use of their collective talent

14) Sam Smith's The Thrill of It All (Deluxe)
Release Date: November 3rd
Runtime: 35:38 (49:24)

To be honest, The Thrill of It All took its time growing on me. Though I truly can't, I like to pretend I can hear the loss of huskiness in Sam Smith's voice that originally drew me to him. However, the now-slim British songbird is back to sing for all of our dramatic homosexual montages (regardless of your sexual orientation). While his debut album focused more on dealing with when you'll never obtain your crush/love's affection, The Thrill of It All is geared towards those ready to run away as fast as they can before they turn back around and return to their favorite mistake. While the tracks don't differ much melodically, Sam still manages to hit on different angles of when it's time to chuck up them dueces - even singing from the perspective of the person left weeping in the dust with his song Burning. However, his choo-choo-like singing on Midnight Train is very much appreciated. I hope Sam can break away from his Adele comparisons more with his next album, maybe with some help from his Disclosure brothers? A guy can dream.

Hit Single: 
Too Good at Goodbyes
Standout Tracks:
One Last Song
HIM
Skip It:
The Thrill of It All - as a boycott because why isn't the title track on the gotdamn regular edition

13) Sampha's Process
Release Date: February 3rd
Runtime: 40:17

Finally free from Sbtrkt's Bass-ment, Sampha finally graces us with his long awaited debut album. I loved this album when it was released but it quickly fell to the wayside as more records reached my ears. It also didn't help that a podcast ruined Sampha for me by saying he sings with cold grits in his mouth, so now you must have the misfortune as well. All jokes aside, Process is a very personal album to Sampha as he deals with the loss of his mother to cancer and losing himself in the spotlight. The very first sound you hear is a heart monitor as Sampha pulls you into the operating room, trying to numb himself from the pain with Plastic 100°C. Throughout the album, we listen to him slip further and further away, each track sounding nothing like the one before it yet all connected. By the time we reach Under, we're back on the operating table hoping we come out of the other side. For this reason, I create a new superlative: The Empathy Evoker. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go cry in the fetal position for an hour.

Hit Single: 
(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano
Standout Tracks:
Blood On Me
Incomplete Kisses
Skip It:
Take Me Inside - because after Like the Piano, it pales in comparison as a ballad

12) Charlotte Gainsbourg's Rest
Release Date: November 17th
Runtime: 46:23

You can be mad that I included an album with lyrics your little, feeble American brains can't understand all you want; blame Pitchfork for getting her single Rest stuck in my head. Our third entry from the UK, Charlotte Gainsbourg is a British-French singer/actress that has been in the game longer than I've been alive, Rest being her fifth LP. I would wonder why I've never heard of her before now, but I'm sure it's because I struggled to pass French in college. However, that doesn't stop me from enjoying or attempting to understand her sly Franglish lyrics. Rest very easily plays from start to finish like it could soundtrack an alternative version of the movie Drive, so I'm already hooked there. Once you dig deeper, you discover the theme of death in the wake of her father and half-sister's departure from this world. Don't pick up the bottle to drown your sorrows too fast because she talks about alcohol addiction, too. Have no fear, the album isn't a totally bummer. Stick around until Les Oxalis' bonus track that gives hope for Ms Gainsbourg's future.

Hit Single:
Rest
Standout Tracks:
Deadly Valentine
Les Oxalis
Skip It: 
Dans vos airs - because French titles scare me, too

11) N.E.R.D's No_one_Ever_Really_Dies
Release Date: December 15th
Runtime: 51:09

Pharrell and the fam are back to heat up this cold, frigid ass winter, and you heathens best be thankful! I've come across a few criticisms of the album of people saying it's not what they expected after hearing Lemon. It must be remembered that N.E.R.D. simply contains both members of the Neptunes but is not the Neptunes. Their sound has always bordered on the edge of rock and experimental hip-hop, with their self-titled album being the funkiest of all their efforts. Every track is a different kind of bop, some a bit more jaring on first listen than others. Within each spoon full of melodic sugar is a dose of medicine, including messages about police brutality, learning we all have positivity to share, surviving trauma, and getting it right when people ask "What the hell are you on, man?" No_one_Ever_Really_Dies is riddled with features from Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000, Future and more, but I love none as much as the child that sings the letter G on Thunder Fire Magic Prayer. It's a weird album for the eccelatic in all of us.

Hit Single:
Lemon [ft Rihanna]
Standout Tracks:
Viola [ft Gucci Mane & Wale]
Don't Don't Do It [ft Kendrick Lamar]
Skip It:

Lifting You [ft Ed Sheeran] - because it's weird hearing a reggae inspired song featuring someone who was on Game of Thrones

10) St. Vincent's Masseduction
Release Date: October 13th
Runtime: 41:36

Though I constantly read the album as Masseducation, Masseduction definitely has something to teach us: the art of a well balanced album. You want ballads, she's got ballads. You want guitar riffs, she's got the riffs. You want unexpected 808 drums, she's got the beat, she's got the beat. But in all seriousness, St. Vincent's subject matter is so diverse and dense, I haven't had the time to full devote myself to the dissection it truly deserves. Maybe if I did, it would be higher on this list. With full apologies to her, I know this album is not just a snack but a full course meal I'll enjoy anytime I take it out of the fridge. The production value is diverse and cohesive. The lyrics I have managed to catch are sway and twirl worthy. If the goosebumps on my arm are any indication, this might be one of her most personal records to date, and that would be a shame to miss out on. For this, I award Masseduction Miss Congeniality.

Hit Single: 
Los Ageless
Standout Tracks:
Pills
Masseduction
Skip It:
Sugarboy - because it's only a long intro into Los Ageless

9) Superfruit's Future Friends
Release Date: September 15th
Runtime: 55:08

I seem to be in the mood of giving out more "awards" than ever this year. So, here is my pick for Unapologetic Pop Favs of the Year. With Avi (the phenomenal bass singer) departing from Pentatonix, many of the members took 2017 to focus on their solo endeavors. Well, duo endeavor in the case of Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying. Future Friends was released as two EPs over the summer, being combined into a full length LP later. Though they often take turns, half of the songs feature Mitch going high and Scott finding his bass roots as they sing together. That said, Future Friends feels more like Mitch's breakout role after Scott took the brunt of the lead in Pentatonix' first album of originals. I had my favorite tracks from the album with plenty of tracks shrugged off as filler, but as Superfruit dropped a video for nearly every song, I soon found something to like about all of them. So grab a friend, decide who has the higher register, and learn these easy pop hits from your new favs.

Hit Single:
Imaginary Parties
Standout Tracks:
Deny U
Hurry Up
Future Friends
Skip It:
Keep Me Coming  - because as one of the last tracks on the albums, it might be their most phoned in song

8) Miguel's War & Leisure
Release Date: December 1st
Runtime: 48:02

Just like the last time Miguel wandered between my ears, I wanted to hate. Apparently I still feel like I was the one kicked between the eyes when he misjudged his leaping abilities. Luckily for Miguel, his singing abilities are undeniable and apparently his production skills are also on point, receiving minimal help with the album. With Sky Walker being the lead single, most of War & Leisure feels like you're hovering, teetered to the ground only by what worldly obligations you have before you. To say Miguel's chief export is sex is an understatement; he does "have a banana clip on his left for you," after all. While offering the best today's R&B vibe has to offer, Miguel pays tribute to his forefather Prince's sound with Told You So. Rounded out with features from J. Cole, Travis Scott, and Rick Ross, War and Leisure has a little something for everyone. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to log onto a dating app and change my most listened to song to Banana Clip to let these queers know what time it is.

Hit Single:
Sky Walker [ft Travis Scott]
Standout Tracks:
Pineapple Skies
Told You So
Come Through and Chill [ft J. Cole & Salaam Remi]
Skip It:
City of Angels - only because Miguel still has some work to do before I allow him into the rock and roll lane

7) Kendrick Lamar's DAMN.
Release Date: April 14th
Runtime: 54:54

If Kendrick Lamar made hip-hop albums before, DAMN. is definitely his departure into rap. The difference is hard to explain, but if you listen to his older work, you know exactly what I mean. Obviously, I got upset with the change and placed DAMN. on the self to collect dust for a few months. After I got over myself, I realized Kendrick was still spitting his same conscious lines but evolving his sound, supplying us with more singles, making the album not so dense: all things I critiqued his near-perfect sophomore album for lacking. Eating my words, I now love DAMN. The inclusion of the legendary Kid Capri to transform the album into more of a mixtape and reducing each song to represent one word/theme were genius moves. To the delight of most hip-hop heads, the album's few features come from singers, proving Kendrick to be an emcee that can stand on his own. Production-wise, the album offers up distincts beats. DAMN. truly could have been on top of this list... but 2017 provided stiff competition.

Hit Single: 
HUMBLE.
Standout Tracks:
ELEMENT.
LOVE. [ft Zacari]
Skip It:
FEEL. - only because I can hear the smooth funkadelic sounds of To Pimp a Butterfly trying to sneak back out

6) Thundercat's Drunk
Release Date: February 24th
Runtime: 51:24

An early favorite, Drunk speaks to my heart and not because it's my constant state of being when the sun goes down. With how ethereal Thundercat's voice and production are, it's amazing the album wasn't called High or Shrooms. Then I realized of the LP's 23 tracks, only 6 clock in over three minutes - the longest lasting four. From my time curating playlists for parties, I can tell you drunkards have short attention spans; so touche, Thundercat. Though he spends a track telling people to not tweet their lives away, most of his tracks are filled with whimsy and nonsense. One of the album's intro tracks instructs listeners to "beat your meat;" another meows and explores how fun it must be to be a cat, naturally; later, he explores the wonders that is manga/anime culture in Tokyo. The album is like a blur, making you question whether that was Michael McDonald trying to seduce you or Wiz Khalifa surprisingly not rapping solely about getting high. And was that Kendrick Lamar on yet another person's album? Enjoy this record with a glass of Sprite if you want; you'll leave buzzed anyway.

Hit Single:
Show Me The Way [ft Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins]
Standout Tracks:
Drink Dat [ft Wiz Khalifa]
Them Changes
Skip It:
Friend Zone - only because while I love the song, it doesn't exist, and how can you love something if it doesn't exist?

5) Dirty Projectors' Self Titled
Release Date: Feb 21st
Runtime: 48:14

From the church bells that ring in Keep Your Name, David Longstreth clocks your attention right away. His stretched out vocals stick to the walls of your brain, causing you to feel haunted by the friend you no longer see because of artistic differences. The sentiment carries into the second track until you reach Up in Hudson: a call to wash yourself clean and start new, the horns and bubbling drums as encouraging as Longstreth is happy to welcome his new collaborators for the album. The ride continues on and on, with disjointed sounds that are still aesthetically appealing with lyrics that compel you to live a better life after self reflection in your own little bubble. This being my first Dirty Projectors' project, I have nothing to compare it to besides its peers of the year. I have been entranced with every listen I give this self-titled seventh album. Its lyrics are honest and reflective and relatable. Listen to this in a quiet room with an hour to yourself, because every time I close my eyes, I can envision the scene Longstreth projects and I smile.

Hit Single:
Cool Your Heart [ft Dawn Richards]
Standout Tracks:
Little Bubble
Up in Hudson

Skip It:

Ascent Through the Clouds - only because the autotune on this track might remind you of 808s and Heartbreak

4) SZA's Ctrl
Release Date: June 9th
Runtime: 49:01

A mixtape songstress for years now, SZA finally drops her debut album. To quote the youth: issa vibe. Featuring her mother on interludes throughout, CTRL demonstrates the everyday person's struggle to find control from dating woes to growing up in a 2010s kind of world. The production is eccelatic, dipping between woozy drums to guitar riffs in all shapes in forms to a few traditional R&B sounds. SZA's voice is like velvet caressing your body after a warm shower, but don't forget her lyricism. CTRL gives us iconic lines like "skrt skrt on niggas" and "you like 9 to 5; I'm the weekend." She also seems to have an infinity for 90s It Girls, naming one of her tracks Drew Barrymore and another Go Gina after the leading woman from the sitcom Martin; she also hops on the same shrimp boat Frank Ocean rode and sings about Forrest Gump being more than he seems. I guess it's canon that the black community sees Tom Hanks as one of us.  All of CTRL's elements come together to crown SZA as this year's Avatar of R&B, despite being sabotaged by Solange's direction for the Weekend video over old Beyonce tweets the internet dug up. But we were all young and bitter once.

Hit Single:
The Weekend
Standout Tracks:
Go Gina
20 Something
Skip It:
Normal Girl - only because, like, what is "normal"?

3) Gorillaz' Humanz (Deluxe)
Release Date: April 28th
Runtime: 49:19 (68:55)

Back after seven years, Blur frontman Damon Albarn and animator Jamie Hewlett reunite to give my teenaged-Toonami heart a reason to beat on. From the first listen, the Gorillaz' fifth studio album rang in my ears. While many have torn Humanz down for not having an unified sound, I disagree. The Gorillaz - always being a collaborative effort from artists across the genres - use a multitude of sounds and vibes and continually find a way to string them together. With Humanz, a cohesive story is formed of the band reacting to the world falling apart around them, retreating deeper and deeper into their "secret" hideout until all of their members reconvene ready to restart the world. Or you can listen to it as an apocalyptic dance party; both work. With features from Grace Jones to DRAM to Zebra Katz, Humanz is not short on providing us with the full homo sapien experience. However, amidst the chorus of voices, 2D's (or Albarn's) seems to fade into the background. While I miss it, this seems to represent a cis, straight(?), white male stepping aside to let black and female and occasionally queer voices to be heard. By the end of the album, it sounds as if the gang is ready to take on the world; but in the extended director's cut (the deluxe version), we find our heroes gathered together joining hands and singing to the end of the world. How will you choose to listen to the album?

Hit Single:
Saturn Barz [ft Popcaan]
Standout Tracks:
Strobelite [ft Peven Everett]
Let Me Out [ft Mavis Staples & Pusha T]
The Apprentice [ft Rag'n'Bone, Zebra Katz, & RAY BLK]
Skip It:
Momentz [ft De La Soul] - only because I can hear this being a frat house's favorite track

2) Jay-Z' 4:44 (Deluxe)
Release Date: June 30th
Runtime: 36:11 (46:18)

Back for the twelfth time, Jay-Z returns to apologize for Magna Carta Holy Grail! ...no? Is he apologizing for Kingdom Come? Okay, why are you getting mad at me for bringing up old shit? In all seriousness, 4:44 is arguably Jay-Z's best album as he leaves behind his boastful ways and reveals himself to be a reflective and flawed man, apologetic and grown. Dubbed the Blackest Album of the Year by me, Jay-Z takes time out of his busy schedule to school us - the black delegation - on building generational wealth and refraining from posting money-phone selfies on Instagram. He wants to see us all invest our money and create our own businesses; I take this to mean he wants more investors in Tidal. When he's not giving out lessons so "hopefully ya'll wouldn't have to go through that," he's revealing how the industry hates to see black people shine, outing his mom, and airing out his dirty laundry. Though it's so much more, 4:44 will always be the response to Beyonce's Lemonade. To have the title track be his actual apology followed by his wife's vocals on the song after and call it Family Feud, I will always appreciate great album structure. Backing all of this are NO I.D.'s production skills and samples that truly elevate 4:44 to a godlike level. But then to have Blue Ivy freestyle on the deluxe edition of the album, bruh, are you kidding me?! So what kept this album from taking the number one spot? Well... cheaters don't deserve to come in first.

Hit Single:
The Story of O.J.
Standout Tracks:
4:44
Bam [ft Damian Marley]
Skip It:
Caught Their Eyes [ft Frank Ocean] - only because Jay-Z really loves talking about how much he went to Paris; oh, wait, he was chasing Beyonce on his knees begging for forgiveness? Never mind, let it play

1) Tyler, the Creator's Flower Boy
Release Date: July 21st
Runtime: 46:33

Oh, ya'll wanted a twist, huh?
I've long had an interesting relationship with Tyler, the Creator's music. While I was drawn by his Nigerian charm and his spine-crunching beats, his brash nature and occasional [read: frequent] use of certain slurs kept me from claiming him as one of my favs. When he dropped his first single Who Dat Boy for his fourth album, I was attracted like a bear to honey, but this time I was prepared for the bee's stinger. Imagine my surprise when I was greeted by smooth melodies, R&B features for days, and no inclusion of the word faggot at all. Who is this Tyler and what has he done with the one I knew and feared?
Whether (Scum Fuck) Flower Boy is autobiographical or fictional, Tyler allows us in to see his vulnerable side. He has no one to watch Clarence with. No one to understand how anxiety ridden he is. No one in his life to keep him from obsessing over cars to distract himself. Each song flows seamlessly into the next thanks to his own production skills as he leads us on a journey of self discovery. Flower Boy plays like the diary your best friend left open to a particular page on his bed for you to find. Not only do you find that he's possibly bi, that he's "been kissing white boys since 2004," but that he has a crush on you. Oh, the teenaged drama of it all! As a depressed, lonely, dramatic, queer boy, I have no idea why I relate to this album.
Though I'm harping on the sexuality aspect, Flower Boy is an album of self reflection and admittance anyone can relate to. All of his featured artists, including Kali Uchis and Jaden Smith, lend their voices to orchestrate a beautiful chorus. Whether he's rapping or trying to sing, Tyler's lyrics are descriptive and masterful. Flower Boy is lacking in no aspect. It is with great pleasure I award Best Album of the Year to a man for the first time in my short reviewing career. Congrats, Mr. Okonma.

Hit Single:
Who Dat Boy [ft A$AP Rocky]
Standout Tracks:
Boredom
911/Mr. Lonely [ft Frank Ocean & Steve Lacy]
Pothole [ft Jaden Smith]
Skip It:
Enjoy Right Now, Today - only because you don't deserve this beautifully crafted ending credits instrumental


Honorable Mentions
Ariel Pink's Dedicated to Bobby Jameson
Calvin Harris' Funk Wav Bounce Vol. 1
Kelela's Take Me Apart
King Krule's The OOZ
Lorde's Melodrama
Mac DeMarco's This Old Dog
Syd's Fin
Washed Out's Mister Mellow


Welp, another review list in the bag. Thanks for rocking with me all these years. I wonder if I'll keep increasing the number of albums I critique as the years go on. Only time will tell. Until then, you can check out my back catalog here: 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013. Merry 2018, you scoundrels. 

Word.



I'm coming off my Apple-high, so this year please enjoy this year's best tracks via Spotify. (Bug Jay-Z to stop being good at marketing and share his music with other platforms.)