TOP ALBUMS & EPs OF 2019
1. James Blake, Assume Form
James Blake’s new album sounds like being in love. And to further that point, it sounds like being in love, savoring it, and being aware of how far one has come in loving themselves. Each song is tender, intricate, and sonically complex.
2. Injury Reserve, Injury Reserve
Injury Reserve’s project is severely underrated. It has such a depth of pent-up energy mixed with reflection. It’s wonderfully produced, with some great features that add to its great lyricism and beats.
3. Slowthai, Nothing Great About Britain
Slowthai’s album was one that displayed his love for his city of Northampton, while also displaying his versatility as a rapper and showman. From fun track like ‘Inglorious,’ to ‘Gorgeous,’ and ‘Northampton’s Child,’ he’s shown that he’s here to stay.
4. Brockhampton, GINGER
The fact that Brockhampton has released another album not even a full year after “iridescence” is stunning. There were some repeated sonic themes that did get a little tiring through my first listen, but some tracks definitely grew on me, like ‘ST.PERCY.’ This album sound great live, and Brockhampton has done it again.
5. Solange, When I Get Home
This album is a piece of modern art. Though its lyrics can sometimes be abstract, Solange paired the record with a film that is visually stunning as it is layered with symobolism and metaphor. Her voice drifts from songbird to warrior, and storyteller as well.
