And we were so obsessed with writing the next best American record
That we gave all we had ‘til the time we got to bed
2019 best of’s time! This year had better pickings than last year (Not even in my opinion, you can just ask around), but the music got overshadowed by random changes in my life. With Pluto TV glowing up with a channel devoted to the Challenge, I ditched a lot of potential time for finding out my feelings on music this year in favor of nu metal soundtracks and Under Armour sponsored competition. I started going to Goodwill and learned about the magic of non FYE sponsored thrifting, in the year digital vendors stopped doing good deals on digital albums so that people can switch to streaming. These don’t really mean much in the long run, but after two years of clunkers for music, it made me realize I should focus on having fun instead of forcing myself to enjoy lackluster projects. Unfortunately, I also wondered last year how much I was letting music journalism get in the way of my thoughts… so I more or less stopped reading reviews so I can keep my thoughts unfiltered. Yeah. That didn’t work out well. Anyway.
Rodeo Star by Cowgirl Clue- Normally, my end of year process is “do as little research as possible to not be influenced by other people’s lists” (leading me to take forever to finish anything) but a comment on Cowgirl Clue’s RYM comment box for this album summarized the album perfectly: it’s funny how the integration of country pop guitar riffs into icy club music winds up creating curiously lil peep-esque emo trap beats” Although her first album was drum n bass, not unlike a Diddy Kong racing instrumental, on this album she lives up to her Cowgirl moniker by introducing alt pop and country sounds to the album. She has a more varied, bratty tone on this album, singing about how she is fine being one of a kind. My favorites include Rodeo Star, switchblade, wildfire, and Hometown Hero.
This is Why by Paramore- this was their first album where it has hit me that they are truly a veteran group and not just for teens anymore. On this album, they ditch the 80’s flavored synth pop from their last 2 eras and go for a dance/post punk sound. The vocals are quieter, not unlike Hayley’s first 2 solo albums. Big Man, Llittle Dignity is atmospheric but packs a punch. Running out of time is my favorite with the background ad libs and the truly most “i feel seen” lyrics. You First, and Figure 8 have a more pop punk sound that reminds me of their first 2 albums but in a more mature way. Liar, Crave are also good.
Ooh Rap I Ya by George Clanton- Very nostalgia indebted album, to the point where the cover looks like a movie theater carpet (and not the new fancy dine in ones either!). Vaporwave but make it pop. Boy band vocals over electronic instrumentals. With the proper promo, it could’ve been the Currents for today. Justify Your Life, I Been Young, and Punching Down are my highlights.
10,000 Gecs by 100 gecs- When I first listened to 100 gecs, none of it outside the Ringtone remix stood out to me. I remember a lot of stan twitter promo felt very performative in a cringe way to me. It was like seeing “rawr I’m so random xD” multiplied by pretending to type like you’re drunk after 1 drink bad. All this for a band where I could only hum a remix carried by 3 collabs? But then this year I saw Doritos and Fritos on a WMX rock block and was genuinely surprised. No longer random in a forced way, 100 gecs truly took their hyperpop sound to the next level and worked with zolo on Doritos and Fritos, ska on Frog on the Floor and I got my Tooth Removed, and numetal on the Limp Bizkit sampling Billy knows Jamie. They still keep some of their original sound, like on Most Wanted Person in the United States. Listen if you want to feel like you and your friends are going to your town carnival and you pretend it’s ironic but you got on the rides and eat the fried oreos unironically
.Wallsocket by Underscores- Idiosyncratic unique concept album that blends everything from glitch pop to indie folk. Although the story of 3 teens dealing with class and gender in a dying Midwest town seems too convoluted to work, Underscores has a unique sound and vision that was successfully pulled off. My favorite songs include folk song You Don’t Even Know Who I Am, a song about parasocial relationships, Shoot to Kill, Kill Your Darlings, a glitch pop song about the military industrial complex, and Duh.
Rat Saw God by Wednesday- Alt country band with great lyrics and a shoegaze bent. I don’t know if they’re patient zero for the emo farm aesthetic from recent years (I don’t even know what I mean by that but it’s best personified by the goth tractor girl meme) but certainly they’ve benefitted the most from it. The first 3 tracks have a very strong wall of sound shoegaze sound. Chosen to Deserve and Quarry have the idiosyncratic small town lyrics. I really like this album because it’s not like Hillbilly Floppegy or a generic “we didn’t have much growing up, but we were happy” kind of storytelling but painting portraits about locals and small town life in an uncanny way like Gummo or an Appalachian Twin Peaks. Although Karly’s vocals are not traditionally strong, I find her voice endearing. Recommend if you like Dinosaur Jr or Jessica Lea Mayfield.
Gag Order by Kesha- Kesha had a daunting task with this album, to prove that Rainbow wasn’t a one time fluke and that the High Road was truly an experiment. On top of that, her fanbase is too all over the place with people who miss her 2009-2012 era (guiltily or unabashedly), people who were pleased with her authentic and vulnerable country songwriting on Rainbow, and want more of that authenticness, and dark alt pop fans convinced she was Iamwhoamiam. Surprisingly, she was able to do it all on this album and have a great, unique album. My favorites were Radiohead sounding Eat the Acid and singalong worthy Only Love can Save Us Now.
Softscars by Yeule- I thought Yeule’s last album was too inaccessible and experimental and weird for the sake of weird when I listened to it, with the song “Don’t be hard on your inner beauty” a misleading preview. Thankfully, I gave another listen to Yeule and was surprised although the album was still experimental, mixing electronic rock, shoegaze, and noise pop, it somehow all worked together. My favorites are 4U12 and Daziez.
This Land is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski- I’ve listened to Mitski for like 8 years and whether she’s been more rock or pop I’ve just taken the songs. I liked and left the album alone, bewildered by her Tiktok fandom. But lo and behold, a country album with her most viral hit yet is all she needed for an album to resonate with me. Besides countrypolitian My Love Mine All Mine, I don’t like My Mind and Buffalo Replaced are also highlights. Listen if you liked Weyes’ Blood album from last year 2022.
Good Luck by Debby Friday- Might have started it as a thesis but she is ready for her valedictorian moment. She covers a lot of ground with dreamy indie pop with Hard to tell, post industrial I Got It, Let U Down, and What a Man.
2023 was a very blah year for me. I had a hard time going back to my normal routine after the pandemic and it was a time of a lot of reflection. At least the music was good. I think this is the year I started to accept hyperpop/indie sleeze revival in my life. I will say Chappell definitely benefited from reflection but it's my list so I make the rules, right? 13-25 below.
Clarity by Narrowhead- Narrowhead has been quietly putting out high quality albums for 8 years now but finally seem to have taken off in 2023, when Deftones broke out on TikTok and people came up with the term zoomergaze. They are more on the alternative rock side of shoegaze. Recommended if you miss when Fuze would show music. Moments of Clarity, Sunday, Caroline, and The World are my favorites.
The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess by Chappel Roan- this is kind of cheating because of hindsight but even without Good Luck Babe and the Subway you can see her great vocals and variety. My kink is karma, pink pony club, and Casual suggest that synth pop is her strongest wheelhouse. Hot to Go avoids Meaghan Trainor/Katy Perry curse, even a “dated” electropop song like super graphic ultra modern girl shows her talent.
Sweet Justice by Tkay Maidza-Tkay has come a long way since her debut pop rap project. Unsettling and unique instrumentals. Recommended if you like Charli XCX, Santigold, and Flume. Love and Other Drugs, WUACV, Out of Work, Silent Assassin, Gone to the West are my favorite songs on this album.
Guts by Olivia Rodrigo- A big improvement over Sour where even the ballads are better. I liked Bad Idea Right as well as Love is Embarrassing and Pretty isn't Pretty.
The Loveliest Time by Carly Rae Jepsen- Is it possible to take pop music for granted? For the third album cycle in a row, Carly Rae Jepsen released a bonus follow up project made of demos and unreleased songs. While dozens of artists say that they would consider releasing more of their hundreds of songs recorded from the era, Carly is the only one who follows through. While it’s unclear if her cult fervor will reach the same heights during the synthpop of Emotion Side A, this album saw Carly have a more mature and varied sound. Put it to Rest, Shadow, Kollapse, and Kamikaze are my favorites.
Census Designated by Jane Remover- Digicore debut in 2021 that apparently went viral on the internet but I missed it completely here, on Reddit, RateYourMusic, Twitter, and anywhere else a niche album might go big. On this album, Jane Remover leaves some of the electronic sound behind and goes for a more rock approach. The autotune enhances the vocals. Camgirl, Lips, and Always Have Always Will are my personal highlights from the album.
Chaos for the Fly by Grian Chatten- very different from his work with Fontaines DC. Mostly acoustic and organic instruments instead of the Wall of Sound post punk from the band. Reminds me of Magnetic fields. Fairies, Last Time Everytime Forever, Bob’s Casino, Salt Throwers Off a Truck are my favorite songs.
A.s.o. By A.S.O.- Great unexpected authentic vocal heavy trip hop. I was surprised at how strong it is because vocal trip hop can just sound like watered down lounge music but the beats sound like Massive Attack. Go On sounds like a modern version of Jump by Kylie Minogue. Rain Down and My Baby’s Got it Out for me are my favorites. I recommend if you like BEA1991.
Flower of Life by Taleen Kali- Great wall of sound shoegaze from LA based Armenian singer. Armenians in rock music- we're not just System of A Down anymore! Recommended if you like Tamaryn. Flower of Life, Crusher, and Trash Talk are my favorites.
The Love Invention by Allison Goldfrapp- what if I told you you could listen to a 90's electronic group's lead singer's nu disco inspired album and not support a transpose? Allison Goldfrapp put out a wonderful nu disco album that picks up where Ooh La La Left off. I'll be honest, some of the 2020 disco revival albums left me cold (like, uh, Disco) but this album was inventive enough. So Hard, So Hot and Hotel are my favorites. Love Invention, The Beat Divine are also highlights.
Speed Run and Hearth Run by Frost Children- Heaviest hyperpop album of the year. Kitchen sink sound that even samples Yoshi. High quality vocals where it’s not intentionally weak. Listen if you like the 100 Gecs debut or Food House. I enjoy All I Got, Sick Trip, Wonderland, Flatline, Stare at the Sun, Not My Fault, and Bob Dylan. They are probably more appreciated for the the aptly named Speed Run, but my favorite is the acoustic Lethal from their second album of the year Hearth Room.
BB/ANG3L by Tinashe- If 333 was eclectic, then BB/Ang3l is futuristic and sleek. On possibly her most electronic release yet, Tinashe keeps it simple with a sleek trim tracklist. My favorite song is Talk to Me Nice.
Aperture by Hannah Jadagu- Guitar oriented indie pop with just enough layers and reverb to make it interesting. Shut down has early 2000’s vibes, Dreaming has an alt dance baggy/madchester sound. Say It Now and Lose are the catchiest songs on the album with their guitars. Recommended if you like Hatchie.
Tracey Denim by Bar Italia 90's inspired indie rock with a DIY sound. Vocals alternate between the 3 band members. They remind me of Sonic Youth and Blonde Redhead. My recommendations are Yes I have Eaten so many lemons yes I am bitte and changer.
Revel by Donna Missal- Donna Missal is a local NJ musician who pivoted to electro and was good at it. UK Garage and 2 step influences are all over the album. Flicker, Move me, and out of me are my favorites.
Do you wish you had a time machine that could take you back to who you were in fall/winter 2019? When the Cats movie was bad, Adam Sandler was good, the Irishman was Martin Scorsese's source of millennial fandom, the primary season gave a discourse that still lingers with me when I see "so and so? The child star from this sitcom who generally is a decent person but endorsed a moderate neoliberal?" and we thought Charli XCX meet and greets were going to be the peak of anti social behavior (or perhaps her stardom). A few weeks later, the pandemic happened and changed how people interacted with pop culture forever. Maybe this list won't be able to take you back then, and it won't make me feel accomplished either, but it's the thought that counts, right?
I had most of this written down in 2019 and 2020 but random things like bad handwriting I couldn't decipher or phrasing that sounded better when I was writing and then couldn't replace got in the way. And then with all of the social reckonings of 2020, so many people I listened to exposed themselves for being losers (L*z, Lana Del Rey, Kitten, Poppy) so I didn't know if I should just drop them from my list and include a Looney Tunes style warning or just let them fade into obscurity. While I was always a slow writer and managed to eventually catch up with my 2023, 2024, and 2025 Best Of's, my 2019 one just was embarrassing to me as a symbol of my procrastination. From New Year's Day, I had a hectic and dramatic year. Getting laid off a few months later helped me refocus and find more and more music but also being home and unemployed just made it harder to connect to music because everything just became the soundtrack to a 50 page application at 3:40 AM and your neighbor will do a welfare check on you because she noticed your light was on (true story!). Eventually, I was able to find a job and was ready to look at the new year with a fresh outlook, until...
Keeping it at 15 because I'm more aware of character limits now.
Tinashe- Songs For You: This album is the triumph of the year. Usually when an artist gets dropped from a label and puts out an album with a hodgepodge of sounds, it doesn’t bode well. But once again, Tinashe flips the script. We got a danceable left field single with a British rapper, a morose midtempo with a big ticket feature, some songs that do a 180 in the middle (out of necessity), more raps from Tinashe, some synth pop moments of glory, and even an acoustic song, but it all sounds great. Even a G Eazy feature couldn’t keep her down! In a time where ‘cohesive’ means doing the same song over and over and music videos mean filmed photoshoots, Tinashe shows she is resourceful as she is talented. While the title was almost as generic as a self titled one, it became a great pop showcase for her.
Sharon Van Etten- Remind Me Tomorrow: I tried listening to her once before but nothing stuck. Compared to the 90’s alt rock scene, 2000’s singer songwriters had it so much harder to make an impact. How could you compete with Alanis’ sales, Gwen’s style, Fiona’s chic, PJ’s camp, and Courtney’s personality in the iTunes world? Fortunately, this album gave me a new look at her and I’m glad. A throwback 80’s and 90’s sound with a theme of growing up felt really appropriate for the end of the decade. Seventeen and Comeback Kid feel like they were genetically engineered for any coming of age playlist but Sharon understands the parts of growing up where you’re leaving behind your youth but you don’t really know who you would be as a mature and independent adult compared to all the “wow isn’t it so weird that we’re growing up but global warming is going on? haha that’s dope” style songs. No One’s Easy to Love reminds me of New by No Doubt and Jupiter also has a different electronic vibe. I love the haunting vibe of Memorial Day. I’m starting to like Sharon’s older stuff too, like Serpents. Fortunately, she plays around with this synth heartland vibe in her 2020's projects.
Orville Peck- Pony: At the time, this album was such a gamechanger. Who was this mysterious masked singer (no pun intended) with the voice of Roy Orbison? Normally, when we get “throwback” vocalists, they just sound like karaoke jukebox musical tributes of the original era but Orville Peck added a unique alternative sound. Sure, on later albums he goes for a more straight forward country and at times, pop sound, but this first album was amazing. I would recommend it if you like Kitchens of Distinction, Yo La Tengo, REM, or Chris Isaak. My favorites are Buffalo Run, Dead of Night, Turn to Hate, and Hope to Die.
Cowgirl Clue- Icebreaker: The duchess of drum and bass. When I first listened to Dragons by Princess Nokia, I felt like I was transported into a video game. Unfortunately, besides Little Star by Madonna, nobody came anywhere close to that feeling and drum and bass was usually limited to instrumental remixes that aren’t on streaming, let alone short pop songs. Cowgirl Clue stampeded over the rest of the drum and bass scene but mixed it with the futuristic sensibilities of the PC music scene. Unexpected rookie of the year. This album is almost endearingly sweet and innocent compared to how wild her next 2 albums get. My favorite songs are Figure 8, All Up 2 U, and Hella Faerie.
Tamaryn- Dreaming the Dark: This New Zealand singer songwriter does dream pop/shoegaze with a Wall of Sound twist. With the 80’s atmospheric production and over emotional (read: not overly produced) singing, I think this album has room as a cult favorite for the forum. My personal favorites are Fits of Rage, Angels of Sweat, and Path to Love.
Jenny Lewis- On the Line: I don’t think I can ever fully open up to any new country act because Jenny is my go to for country pop. Although the sound is different, this reminds me of Honey by Robyn thematically. There’s great storytelling on Heads Will Roll, which lets you know right away that this album will be a cathartic rollercoaster. Wasted Youth is more similar to The Voyager era upbeat Jenny, while Red Bull and Hennessy is another strong example of Jenny’s gifted pop hooks and detailed lyrics.
Chastity Belt- This decade, rock went indie. There isn’t anything loud like numetal, grunge, stadium rock, or progressive rock. It’s more sensitive, Bandcamp is the primary method of distribution, it can resemble an ASMR video more than a classic rock station, and the band names are all ironic things involving sports, the words “mommy” or “daddy”, or something shocking or a lame pun. Chastity Belt is a lot of these things but despite being the poster child for post modern irony, they somehow persevered. I’ve gradually liked them more with each album to the point where this one was an immediate hit for me. It has sparse lyrics that can be applied to anything in your life. It Takes Time is my favorite song on the album. Other highlights include Rav4, Drown, Ann’s Jam, and Effort, which reminds me a lot of Pale Saint’s A Thousand Stars Burst Open. Elena is also another favorite, which is a tribute to the series My Brilliant Friend and a reflection on friendship. Julia Shapiro’s solo debut is also worth listening to if you like dream pop or 90’s 4AD and singer songwriters.
Sleater Kinney- The Center Won't Hold: My experience with Sleater Kinney has been a wild one. I first knew Carrie from Portlandia, and thought she was hilarious there. Then I got their reunion single from the last era for free from Starbucks and tried to force myself to like Sleater Kinney, even if it wasn’t clicking for me. I feel like they had annoying vocal tics like try hard British accents (I don’t know how to describe it, but it was just too much). Then, I got into The Hot Rock as well as some previous side projects like Excuse 17 and Heavens to Betsy and I really enjoyed those. I went into this album with a fresh mindset and was happy to hear about St. Vincent working with them. All of you know the story better than I do but the making of this album had some drama. This album was more synth pop and snubbed band member Janet who controversially left before their tour started and soon was in a car accident. But you know what? I still liked this album. I guess I wasn’t a longtime fan so it was easier for me to accept it. My favorites include The Dog/The Body and Can I Go On.
Jamila Woods- Legacy! Legacy!: Neo soul with different sounds like dance and rap and electronic. Having a history concept album can seem impersonal on paper, but I like learning about different Black figures and seeing what Jamila has learned from them. In the internet era where digital blackface can turn someone like Eartha Kitt into just a ~sassy Tumblr reaction, Jamila at least gives a starting point to learn more. My favorite tracks on the album are Betty (both versions), Octavia, Eartha, and Basquiat.
Angel Olsen- All Mirrors: After her crossover-ish 2016 album My Woman, Angel Olsen put out the polar opposite album. Dark, theatrical vocals and dramatic. Very Lynchian. The title track and New Love Cassette are my favorites. This album soundtracked my fall anxiety of desperately trying to beat the holiday freeze for finding a new job and dealing with a sinking feeling as the days grew shorter and colder.
Lion Babe- Cosmic Wind: I’m confused at the lack of attention they’ve received. I’ve seen people describe them as Erykah Badu making dance music and that’s the best way to describe it. West End World and Honey are the stand outs from the album.
Tennis System- Lovesick: Shoegaze peaked early in its existence and technology didn’t help it, largely because everything became too clear to get the same muffled and unclear sound.This decade had some contenders but Tennis System is probably one of my favorites. I found out about them through Allmusic, which I didn’t think would give me such a good recommendation for something like this. The cover favors My Bloody Valentine, if you needed some more convincing. My favorite song on the album is Turn, which balances its distortion with a catchy chorus. The title track is also good.
The Drums- Brutalism: I think there's a bias against early 2010's indie music because the key reviewers are embarrassed at things they liked in college and this stigma follows around bands like Best Coast or The Drums. I heard about The Drums from Shazaming a song once in a Macy’s clearance section and I thought they were pleasant 80’s revival stuff but nothing extraordinary. Now, they have more personality. Jonathan Pierce is the only member left and he is more comfortable with who he is by giving more interviews about his coming out and experiences. This album follows the tried and true sad/tired vocals over happy music. It feels like music made for longing and daydreaming. My favorites include 626 Bedford Avenue and Body Chemistry. I would recommend if you like power pop band Orange Peels.
Yola- Walk Through Fire: Yola is a wonderfully talented musician but in the Internet era of music she can get lost under the “good singer curse” where someone with talent and great songs will get lost in a Curtains for Zoosha universe. On her debut, she had a great nostalgic country soul sound produced by Dan Auerbach. My favorite songs are Faraway Look, I Don't Wanna Lie, and Love All Night. I would recommend her if you like Brittany Howard, Nicole Atkins, or Adele.
Carly Rae Jepsen- Dedicated: As a “mindie” artist, Carly is in a league of her own for commercial and critical acclaim. Does she compete with smaller artists or people who actually chart? After Emotion, Carly had an especially rough uphill battle. This time, she came back with an album as sleek as its cover. It reminds me of the Alternatino sketch about the woobie robot who just makes its owner feel guilty for having it for the “cracks are visible in the emotional foundation” vibe. No Drug Like Me feels like an announcement to tell us that she left the world of “Favorite Color” and “Store” behind. Everything He Needs is a song about obsession that waters down vaporwave for people outside of the blogosphere.
Best of the rest: What, you thought I was gonna leave it here? Here are reviews that were not fully done, were EPs, or would otherwise make the collage a weird number that would look uneven:
Baby Tate- A great pop rap album that doesn't wear out its gimmick.
Roy Blair- I thought Roy Blair’s 2017 album was good but that he’d only be good at bedroom pop music, but this EP has Fantazia, one of the best dance/UK Garage songs of the decade. I never thought he could make a left field dance song that’s cool. I hope he continues this sound.
Poppy- Hidden identities. Toxic male music producers. Accusations of stalking, breaking and entering, and psychological abuse. Doxxing journalists’ phone numbers. Starting a fan network called The Church. These all sound like plots from Melrose Place, but they’re incidents from Youtube’s Poppy, who has been replaced, changed her stage name, and updated her sound. Originally singing Mac DeMarco covers and Gwen Stefani soundalikes, Poppy channeled her IRL jumpscare persona into her newest career phase: Numetal pop fusion artist. This doesn’t include the ambient album she released. While others are tepid with trying a bold sonic change, Poppy goes all out. (I know I said I don't listen to her anymore but I thought the review was funny enough).
Beabadoobee- I first heard her on Music Choice and thought that her name was weird and that I’d never remember it, but using my surface level knowledge of Pavement, I was able to look up her Stephen Malkimus song and find her other stuff. When I listened to the rest of her EPs, I thought Wowee Zowee at this great 90’s sounding pop rock from a teen. I later heard her at Urban Outfitters so I can only hope she becomes way bigger. I like Apple Cider and Are You Sure the most by her.
Kilo Kish- While others will clamor on about how the new project they’re working on will feature a new sound and is state of the art, ahead of its time, and a complete new sound, Kilo just goes ahead and does it. Kilo follows up 2018’s Mothe with another electro industrial pop EP.
Kari Faux- Perhaps one of the biggest transformations in 2019. She went from chill and carefree to contemplative and depressed. Night time is still a 10/10 mood.
Since the end of 2024, people were talking about how hard 2025 was going to be, and for music releases, too. Everyone released in 2024, and even if the big name releases didn’t necessarily make it to my year end list, my general 2025 playlist is at the length of my other year end playlists by the time I get into the semifinals. I have also been making best ofs for long enough where clusters of musicians who made it one year all release on the same cycle, making the even end lists looking repetitive. This year, some people also released back to back, giving them an edge through familiarity (Fair or not) in a rebuilding year. Also, I am now aware that I like to look for albums based on winners from previous years.
It’s funny because a bad season for a reality show can be just entirely terrible, or a bad season of Saturday Night Live can be an interesting experiment of 90 different bad things going on at once (Chemistry! Tone! Sets! Social context!) for an entire television season. And while there can be entirely bad, unredeemable albums in a year end playlist, a weak year for music usually means you have to look harder for music, not skip entirely. Or like this year, the more you listen to music, the less of an impression it can leave on you.
Total Sellout -Jae Stephens- I’ll be honest. I was an OG Jae Stephens fan, but her EP roll out situation sort of confused me. However, the payoff (AKA not checking out the songs as to have more songs to listen to come album release time) was worth it. A great set of breezy ‘00’s R&B inspired songs. Him&Him&Him, SMH, 10/10, Kiss It, WET, Choosy.
Sister - Frost Children - I didn’t totally get them with their dual projects in 2023, but who knew that one could be ahead of the time with a throwback sound? Electro flash so cathartic you’ll feel like you are sweating in a polo at the dance of the 8th grade overnight field trip, before the come down that you and your friends are all growing up sinks in. For people who are still mouthing along to Forget Forever by Selena Gomez. What is Forever For, 2 LØVE, Radio, Ralph Lauren, Don't Make Me Cry.
West End Girl - Lily Allen - For favorite musicians, I have a couple firsts- First time I felt encouraged to ask to buy a CD- Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson. First band/ gateway for the rest of my music taste- No Doubt. First legacy fave (Symptoms include Weaponized Stan Identity, Call to Action, Impact can be found in more dignified settings like Academia or Legit lists like the 1001 Albums book, Random pop culture references)- Janet Jackson. But the first musician who I felt scene by? Lily Allen. Her wry observations about life (That were both deep but also written in very clear rhyme schemes) and equal tendency to punch up at targets like capitalism or politicians, or sideways at friends, family, and exes in her songs, and other celebrities in interviews was very relatable in middle school. Everyone wants to say that the musician that they see themselves in the most is someone innovative and talented, like Prince or the Beatles. However, Lily Allen’s signature move of talking trash about everyone around her (In her music and interviews) and losing any points she had was more true to my life than accidentally creating a new genre of music or being able to play every instrument on an album. Unfortunately, Lily became that elementary school friend who movies away, and you only keep up with through her vaguebooking statuses on Facebook. Last I heard of her, she was working on a country album. Instead, we got this album with no boundaries, emotionally or musically. Lily is able to go through the chaos of her separation and divorce with Ruminiating and Relapsing, and make me feel the dire dreariness in songs like Pussy Palace and Just Enough. Elsewhere, her trademark wit and storytelling come back for 4 chan stan, West End Girl, and Madeline.
Man’s Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter - Everyone else (aka my corner of the Internet) wanted her to change up her sound already, but her soft rock inspired pop rock is still interesting enough for me. Sabrina is able to go from cheeky and humorous Manchild and Never Getting Laid to the vulnerable We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night and Don't Worry I'll Make you Worry. Also check out Nobody’s Son and Goodbye.
She Comes From Nowhere - Neggy Gemmy - Most improved is a little harsh, but Neggy Gemmy shot up massively with this set of Saint Etienne esque chillwave. Perfect for a Spring day, pretending your life is soundtracked by the Love Story: JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette soundtrack. I Don’t Feel Like Dancing, Mysterious Girl, Who Wanted, Doll, Blue Eye See Through.
The BPM- Sudan Archives- I didn’t give 2022’s Natural Brown Prom Queen enough of a shot, but I hope that I can make up for it with the BPM. On the BPM, Sudan Archives continues her quest of world domination, starting with the dance clubs. Anthemic and aspirational A Bug’s Life and My Type, celebratory Noire and futuristic David and Goliath.
Louder, Please! - Rose Gray - I wasn’t sure how much I would like the album, if only because my corners of the Internet are more enthusiastic about poptimist dance pop than I am (Think Georgia from 2020, Future Nostalgia, SG Lewis, even Jessie Ware’s last two albums). But Rose Gray is here to reclaim dance albums with beach covers from the Ibiza compilation industrial complex. The opener Damn shows that this album won’t just be a David Guetta compilation pack, with its cold beats and abstract lyrics, and First is similarly attention grabby and dark. Free is a song I would imagine from the cover, but it actually feels earned. I thought I had my doctor recommended serving of tropical house already, but the chorus makes me sigh and want to be celebrating on a beach in golden hour. Everything Changes (But I Won’t) is another highlight.
It’s Not that Deep - Demi Lovato- I feel bad for liking this era as much as I do because of ‘She’s All That’ Syndrome. Before, I checked out of following Demi Lovato when Scooter Braun became their manager, because the headlines were outpacing the music more than I enjoyed. I checked out so much, in fact, that I only learned about this era from a Vevo Channel playing the lead single. (On a related note, Still Alive from the Scream soundtrack slaps) This album is (obviously) fun, short, and catchy. I know what I just said about mall pop-esque dance pop, but there is enough balance between the quirkier music like Fast, Kiss, and Frequency, and the more regular songs where songs like Sorry to Myself or Before I Knew You can stand out. I also like Here All Night and In My Head.
Liquorice - Hatchie . After the more baggy detour on Giving the World Away, Hatchie returns to her dream pop sound. Reminds me of Lush and the Cocteau Twins (More of their 80s stuff than Heaven or Las Vegas). Reminds me of the Fireside Vanilla Spice flavor from Celestial Seasonings. Carousel, Lose it Again, Part that Bleeds, Only One Laughing.
Total Freedom- Cowgirl Clue - Somewhat the afterparty to 2023’s Rodeo Star, this album continues the vibe of dark, idiosyncratic dance music. When High Tide has that one breakdown, it feels like my third eye opening or I am hitting a note streak in Guitar Hero (Disclaimer- I never played Guitar Hero). TNT, Cruise Control, Left Unsaid.
Hyperyouth by Valence and Brae- More hypemen music to get your amped up for your mornings, your nights, and every moment in between. A little less variety than their previous album, but still good. Bust Down and See You Dance are two different good looks at ‘00’s sound (Pharell and late 2000’s electropop, respectively) and Wassup and The Party Song will get you up like an energy drink. Is This Love is also a bop.
Never Enough- Turnstile - a lot of people have written about them more, but I just like it as rock music. Light Design, Never Enough, Magic Man, Slow Dive, Seeing Stars.
The Penthouse - Michael Medrano - Loud, tacky, brash, not at all subtle, even for the limited people who would understand what this album is going for, and all the better for it. Tom Hardy and Hollywood are highlights, and the entirely shady Sylvia.
Bleed - Bleed - Great numetal. Also, if I was giving out awards for cover of the year, this one feels like a contender, reminding me of the full page video game ads I see whenever I browse Spin Magazine on Google Books. Climbing Down, Shallow, Killing Time, and Marathon.
Rave Immortal - ALT BLK ERA - Edgy in your face alternative rock meets drum and bass. Crashing Parties and My Drummer’s Girlfriend are great introductions to their sound, and Hunt You Down has a more late 2000’s eletropop feel.
Euro-Country - CMAT - Fitting that my favorite country album from 2025 came from outside the United States. CMAT has a witty and relatable way of writing about more banal everyday topics, like begging yourself to stop irrationally disliking people in The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station, feeling the blahs of your life in Coronation St, and balancing them with weightier topics like national identity in Euro- Country, or grieving friends who have died in Lord, Let That Tesla Crash. Also has one of my favorite songs of the year in Janis Joplining, which has a great piano introduction and is a great song about the act of having crushes.
Bunky Becky Birthday Boy- Sleigh Bells - My first introduction to Sleigh Bells was a Tumblr friend saying he used to listen to them in the mornings on the way to school to wake up. Ironically, from the albums I know of them, I know their 2020’s projects the most instead of their landmark debut. I’ve seen people say they peaked with their first album or have been watered down, and while I am not the judge of that, I think about that when I enjoy their music. Do I understand it as noise pop? I don’t know. Is it catchy, energetic, attention grabby pop rock that is loud enough to stay with me? Yes. Alexis Krauss’s voice soars above the already loud guitars, and I like the energy and passion she sings with. She has a pleading style that gives the songs urgency. Life Was Real, Can I Scream, This Summer.
. Kesha- I have come to realize I underrate Kesha. Since I started making best of lists in 2014, Kesha caught my attention with three of her four albums (I thought I had Rainbow on my best of in 2017, but oops, I did not. Fortunately for Kesha, it made it to my 2017 best of list by popular memory. 2020’s High Road I am choosing to forget), even if I think her albums are a little more songs put together instead of a coherent piece, or that she would not necessarily have luck in a album rate. With this album, Kesha returned to lighter dance pop with no problem. Joyride. was a great lead single that will stick in your head whether you want it to or not. Elsewhere, Kesha was able to blend both ‘cheesier’ types of music you would call a guilty pleasure, like Yippee-Ki-Yay. (Check out the AG Cook remix) Or Love Forever., with cooler, more futuristic explorations in dance music, like Red Flag., Attention., or Boy Crazy.
Ghostholding - Venturing - This is probably the worst review I’ve written. In 2023, I wasn’t sure if I should have included Census Designated by Jane Remover (This band is a side project of Jane’s, in case you didn’t know) in my bests ofs. At first, I thought it was too long, samey, and depressing. But the longer I listened to my best of playlist, the more I appreciated it for being too long, samey, and depressing. The menacing nature was perfect for doomscrolling when I would try to read the newspaper while feeling nauseous or having a headache in the dark, too lazy to turn the lights on, and the house on the cover that reminds me of the house from Courage the Cowardly Dog felt like a home. Unfortunately, it was a very competitive year, and I ultimately chose other albums. Anyway, this year has more room, and this Jane Remover side project went for a slightly more conventional, less post-rock. What a difference a year makes! We Don’t Exist and Famous Girl.
Through the Wall - Rochelle Jordan - A slightly more dance version of 2021’s Play with the Changes. Ladida.
Private music- Deftones - A good alternative metal album that came out the year after I got reacquainted to White Pony. i think about you all the time and my mind is a mountain.
Girls- Princess Nokia- It feels mean to call her projects side quests, but I’m not sure when the last time she was trying to go for mainstream/critical success was. After 1992 Deluxe, it feels like her projects could be described as just for her or pastiches. Anyway, Girls feels like a return to form for Princess Nokia, with the weightiest three songs in a row from her with Blue Velvet, Medusa, and Period Blood (Just ignore a certain reference in Blue Velvet). Elsewhere, she goes back to her underrated ability of setting the scene with pop culture references in Drop Dead Gorgeous, Gossip Girl, and Phoebe Philo.
Don't Tap the Glass - Tyler the Creator- I don’t keep up with Tyler the Creator Like That™ to know what his fans thought of this album, but I enjoy the dance sounds. My only issue is that it is too short, and sort of ends before it begins. Sugar on My Tongue, Ring Ring Ring, Don’t You Worry Baby.
Flop Queen - Precious - A misleading album name, this album is anything but a flop, providing a more breathier, ASMRy version of 2000’s R&B. Tweaking, Don’t Hate the Girls, Whip It.
From the Pyre - The Last Dinner Party - Grand. Theatrical. Dramatic. The Last Dinner Party picks up where they left off with their debut last year. Inferno, This is the Killer Speaking, The Scythe.
Rodeo Star by Cowgirl Clue- One of the weirdest albums of the year. Electropop with country samples and lyrics that are a bunch of mantras together. Don’t take my lack of description as a lack of praise. My favorite songs are Rodeo Star, Picket Fence, and Gold Switchblade.
Ooh I Rap Ya by George Clanton- George Clanton was a name I sometimes saw but never gave a chance until last year. This album is a perfect homage to 90’s alternative dance. My favorite songs are the epic Justify Your Life, the Savage Garden-esque I Been Young, the nihilistic but anthemic FUML, and the dreamy For You I Will.
10,000 gecs by 100 gecs- Very loud, irreverent, and most importantly fun. People keep wondering how long hyperpop can last, but 100 gecs was able to shift seamlessly into an alternative rock sound. My favorite songs include Doritos and Fritos (which I was surprised to see on the Warner Bros rock channel on my Roku), The Most Wanted Person in the United States, Billy Knows Jamie, Frog on the Floor, and Dumbest Girl Alive.
Moments of Clarity by Narrowhead- I don’t know what it takes for me to give two looks to ‘regular’ alternative rock bands now that I have a more diverse taste, but Narrowhead stuck out to me immediately. Loud and cathartic, I’ve seen them compared a lot to Deftones. My favorite songs are Breakup Song and Sunday, as well as the alternative dance inspired Soft to Touch.
BB/Ang3l- After the very broad 333, Tinashe went for mega concise. I liked Talk to Me Nice, Treason, and Gravity. I am looking forward to the sequel project this year, which should be sooner rather than later given the delayed release this list has.
World Hassle by Alan Palomo- Alan Palomo’s music was no stranger to inspiring daydreams for me. After an 8 year hiatus, this still holds. Palomo’s solo album sounds more like sophistipop and jazz-funk than synthpop, but is still perfect for soundtracking dead mall videos, Sims Youtube speedbuilds, and city planning videos. My favorite songs are "Is There Nightlife After Death?”, Nobody’s Woman, as well as Stay at Home DJ.
guts by Olivia Rodrigo- I never know how to rate the pop girls of the next generation. Usually there are dozens of discussions about them for who is the most planty, who is the most naturally talented, who is the most wise beyond their years, and who is the most annoying (AKA a normal under 23 year old with a public social media platform), but I just opt out of them instead of having dozens of opinions (unfortunately, I can't always restrain my thoughts on pop stars this easily). This either means an album like Melodrama will have the highs affect me less than they do other people, or an album like Happier Than Ever I wrongly write off too early because I'm not that interested in the meta discussions of Billie’s sophomore slump. But guts had no problem reeling me in. Olivia shows how eclectic Pop rock can be with a rap rock song like Get Him Back, a One of the Boys esque song like Love is Embarrassing, as well as the bubblegrunge inspired Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl.
Gag Order by Kesha- Usually, when people want a dark and personal album by a pop star, we imagine it to be a little confessional and a little experimental, but this album took me by surprise, from the album art to the songs themselves. Maybe it was just watching the visualizers for the videos, but you definitely get the alienation and stress Kesha was facing over the last decade with Something to Believe In and Eat the Acid. For a little more balance, listen to The Drama and Only Love Can Save Us.
Bully by Bully- Bully’s most immediate album since their debut, in my opinion. I like the anthemic Days Move Slow, the surprisingly moody A Love Profound, and the political All This Noise.
Leaving The Light by Genesis Owusu- Genesis Owusu came with an album with a little bit of everything. Post punk, drum and bass, and funk. I like Leaving The Light, The Roach, The Old Man, and That’s Life (A Swamp).
heaven knows by PinkPantheress- More of PinkPantheress’s trademark easily digestible and recognizable UK Garage and helium vocals. My favorite songs are Capable of Love and Internet Baby, as well as The Boy’s a Liar.
Good Luck by Debby Friday- Debby Friday came out of nowhere with this brash homage to industrial music. If you want to get adjusted to the soundscape with a moody bop, start with So Hard to Tell. If you are ready for the loudness, go to Pluto Baby.
Gizmo by Tanukichan- Going on the shoegaze subreddit is good for finding out how to classify ‘The Greats’ of shoegaze music for people whose names I always see but never actually commit to (Or in the case of Curve, are not on streaming), but not my favorite for finding new people. Seeing everything described as ‘Bad impressions of Loveless or just reverbed guitar music’ makes me turned off from giving people more chances. Tanukichan, however, has the right amount of vocals and right amount of guitars. My favorite songs are Don’t Give Up, Take Care, Thin Air, and Mr. Rain.
Chaos for the Fly by Grian Chatten- I’ve kept up with alternative rock enough to know that solo acoustic projects are usually optional for me. But calling Chaos for the Fly an acoustic folk solo album is not doing it any justice. This album has enough atmosphere to keep people who normally don’t like folk music interested, without taking away focus from the lyrics. This is a perfect album for rainy Sunday mornings. My favorite songs are Last Time Every Time Forever, Bob’s Casino, and Fairlilies.
Rabbit Rabbit by Speedy Ortiz- Speedy Ortiz returned with a better focus than their 2018 project, in my opinion. The production gives a lot of different textures time to shine. I like the songs Kim Catrall and Who’s Afraid of the Bath?
wallsocket by underscores - An album that might cast itself out based on how weird it is until the hooks sneak up on you. Other people have talked about how it’s a concept album better than I have, so I won’t talk about that, but Locals (Girls Like Us) is very ahead of the times party-rap revival, Shoot to Kill, Kill Your Darlings, is probably one of the cleverest political songs of the year, and Cops and Robbers is a pure adrenaline rush. Special mention goes to You Don’t Even Know Who I Am, which is haunting with a very unique sample.
☆ Cosas de brujas ☆ by Maria Escarmiento- An exciting and fun hyperpop album where the language barrier doesn't matter. It reminds me of Number 1 Angel era Charli. Mejores que ayer and Demasiado Callado are euphoric, Creo que hoy no me apetece quererme morir is a crunchy futuristic song
Past/present/future by Meet Me @ the Altar- over the past few years, I've had revisionism for the 2000s pop rock girlies. Not just ‘Breakaway is good’ or ‘One of the Boys has Really solid album tracks that get overlooked for obvious reasons’, but more deep-cut esoteric ones that can definitely merit their own post. Meet Me @ the Altar captures the era with their power pop influenced pop punk. Say It (to My Face) is purposely well, immature and energetic like most pop punk, and is the most famous song, per the Roku rock video channel I use, but they have other sounds, too. A Few Tomorrows is a catchy singalong midtempo which could have been the last stray American Idol alumni breakout single (I mean it in the best way possible) and Need Me reminds me of the power pop on One of the Boys.
The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski- After too much meta narrative about Mitski’s career clouded her last two albums, Mitski came with a folk album that might be more sparse, but not at all too simple. There is the dreamy My Love All Mine All Mine, the wanderlust of Buffalo Replaced, and I Don't Like my Mind.
Flower of Life Taleen Kali- An interesting shoegaze album that reminds me of the Dum Dum Girls. My favorite songs are Only Lovers Left Alive and Flower of Life. I am curious for where her sound will develop from here.
It's here! my 2025 best of. I think this is the earliest I've published one since I published my 2021 best of in 2022. Even with an even 25 albums, there were still a lot of people who I couldn't fit. There were great debuts from artists like Maiya Blaney and Julia Wolf, Cowgirl Clue made an even rav-ier sequel to Rodeo Star, Deftones students Fleshwater and Bleed Beetlejuice'd a Deftone reunion album, Blondshell put out another heartbreaker of an album, Tame Impala perfected coworker music into an art and Suzanne Vega put out one of the best albums of her 40+ year career. Also, I think there are at least 4 NSFW covers and usually I'm pickier about that but sorry in advance. Let's hope I don't get cut off by the character limit again.
Total Sell out by Jae Stephens- Normally I hate and don’t count repackaged EPs as albums but this is such a triumph for Jae that I can overlook it. Jae has been making “real” music since 2019 but an internet celebrity since 2012 and over here she excels at a fun Neptunes inspired pop project. 10110, SMH, and the previously released Body Talk are my favorites.
Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party by Hayley Williams- This album wins the 2025 The Great Impersonator award for summer-to-fall vibe shift indicator. I don’t even know what made this album click for me compared to her previous solo stuff but I guess it was the marketing that drew me in. The moody and reflective lyrics combine the experimental and atmospheric work from the previous Paramore album. Glum, Mirtazapine, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, and Parachute are my favorites.
She Comes from Nowhere by Neggy Gemmy- Feels like an alien doing a genre study of pop music and going back to its home planet and recreating it. Neggy Gemmy is an indie pop veteran who is pretty underrated. You can hear indie pop, sophistipop, baggy, drum n bass, trip hop, and more. Recommend if you like George Clanton, Art Angels, Saint Etienne. Mysterious Girl reminds me of Whistle Song by Frankie Knuckles. Doll reminds me of the sample from Where I’m From by Digable Planets. Mysterious Girl is a cool house highlight.
Through the Wall by Rochelle Jordan- Rochelle follows up her previous alternative R&B project with a more upbeat house one. She keeps her heavenly vocals and passion for experimentation. Ladida, The Boy, On 2 Something, TTW, and Eyes Shut are my favorite songs.
Sister by Frost Children- 2010 in the most unhinged way possible. The sibling duo put out 10 bonkers electrohouse inspired songs and called on collaborators to help. My favorites are Sister, Ralph Lauren, and 2love.
Moisturizer by Wet Leg- The polarizing band added some members and went for a more conventional sound but sounds better. The first song makes you think the whole album will be early 2000’s post punk revival worship but there are still softer sounds like Pokemon, Mangetout, Pillow Talk, and Don’t Speak.
Never Enough by Turnstile- I first checked out their previous album in 2021 because reviews made it sound more versatile but it looks like I was 1 album too early. Now this album? This is definitely their crossover record. Seein’ Stars sounds like the Police. Never Enough is a great rock moment and I Care is euphoric.
Rave Immortal by Alt Blk Era- Catchy danceable electronic rock music. I need to stop with the cultural references but this is very “Myspace crunkcore band that was panned and gets reevaluated”. Hunt You Down is a sleek synth song. I also like My Drummer’s Girlfriend, Run Rabbit Run, and Come on Outside, which has a more sincere vibe.
Who's the Clown by Audrey Hobert- Normally I wouldn’t listen to a nepo baby who has given us Gracie Abrams but running into her on Vevo and then hearing her music made me enjoy this confessional, funny, pop rock album. Sex and the City, Sue Me, Thirst Trap, and Bowling Alley are my personal favorites. I recommend this album for former gifted children living at home.
Lethal by Rico Nasty- Rico put out another great, multifaceted project. Son of a Gun and Soulsnatcher show her with her trademark trap metal style, Crash and Smoke Break have her go full on rock. Can We Say We Did gives us another vulnerable moment like Easy. Pink and Say We Did even include video game sounds.
Euro Country by CMAT- Come for the novelty of Irish country music, stay for the great vocals and amazing lyrics. Good Man Cry, Janis Joplining, Lord Let that Tesla Burn, and Running/Planning are my personal highlights.
Don't Tap the Glass by Tyler The Creator- I think I’ve listened to some of his stuff since Flower Boy but maybe it’s gestures broadly at the world or that this is his poppiest album, but I can listen to him now without thinking about all of the earlier discourse. My favorites are Ring, Ring, Ring, and Sugar on my Tongue.
Silver Deliverer by Aly and AJ- If you’ve been on Popjustice long enough, you would know how beloved the sister duo is and I enjoyed their new albums but didn’t leave them with any connection. I was really surprised at how much I liked this soft rock inspired one. My favorites are Silver Deliverer, If You Get Lonely, and Sirens.
It's not that deep by Demi Lovato- 2 former disney albums in one year? What?! Demi came out when I started to be embarrassed of Disney and I had no attachment to her music until I respectfully peaced out during the yogurt/alien/Scotter Braun era, but seeing her own Brat era on Vevo made me curious again and helped put out Demi’s best pop album. Sure, it might be faceless, but it curbs her worst musical impulses (oversinging, inspirational ballads). My favorites are Frequency, Kiss, and Fast.
Ghostholding by Venturing- The darling of digicore debuted a shoegaze size project. While her projects are Jane Remover have varied from glitchy to recession pop, this album is straight forward rock (and between her other EP and album this year, perhaps my favorite and recommendation). My favorite songs are Recoil, Spider, and Halloween.
I Love my Computer by Ninajirachi- Straightforward, fun EDM. Without taking away from the album, this is what a nonreworked Brat remix album would sound like. London Song, All at Once, and CSIRAC are my favorite songs.
No Hard Feelings by The Beaches- I feel like people have been pushing every female band as the next Haim since Haim came out and the quality has varied (Muna, Hinds, Aces). While I wouldn’t say the Beaches are anything like Haim, I’m surprised they haven’t been mentioned, so here they are. They have a post punk/indie surf sound and the lead’s vocals remind me of Robert Smith in their own way. I’m surprised to learn that this is their 3rd album and they’ve been around since 2009. Hopefully it’s their breakthrough. Can I Call You in the Morning?, Fine, Let’s Get Married, and Last Girls are the Party are my favorites.
Flop Queen by Precious- The internet only artist that came out of nowhere, particularly not your SEOs. A mix of late 2000’s R&B and today’s pop. Don’t Hate the Girls, Choosie, Knockout, Whip It, and Candy Dreams are my favorite songs.
Mayhem by Lady Gaga- I was an OG stray monster, I stopped “getting” her by the meat dress. But this album was truly a return to form for The Fame Monster fans. There’s the dark stuff, the Europop, the 80’s songs, and more. My favorites are Abracadabra, Zombieboy, and How Bad Do U Want Me.
Girls by Princess Nokia- I never had a Princess Nokia comeback on my musical wishlist, but somehow she gave us her best full project since 2017 and best project since 2018. I was very late to the party so I don’t know how big or how much clout she had from her peak but being the soup girl was the best PR she had for a while. She had a soundcloud rap/pop punk EP right as it was falling out of style but before the pop punk revival and reclamation started. She released 2 albums in 2020, one that was like her 2015 project Destiny and the other like the aforementioned 2018 one, and she went from people taking her music seriously to having her biggest song be with pastiche rapper Ashnikko. Her 2023 EP had a pop punk song, a ballad, and an angsty midtempo but felt more like updating your profile picture for the first time in a decade to show people you still exist. This album goes back to her boom bap political sound like on 1992 deluxe. There are political and feminist songs like Medusa and Blue Velvet and there are fun electropop songs like Gossip Girl and Drop Dead Gorgeous too. I even like the radio interludes.
Louder, Please by Rose Gray- Carefree sleek dance pop. Although her vocals are not 90’s Diva house territory, her detached singing style does not get lost in the music. Recommended if you were whelmed by Radical Optimism. Damn goes into Ninajirachi territory, Just Two is very 90’s Euro pop, Party People, Switch and Everything Changes elevate fast fashion pop into an art.
Tell Dem It's Sunny by Greentea Peng- UK Hip hop verging on trip hop at times. Interesting mix of sounds. My favorite songs are One Foot and Create or Destroy 432.
The Penthouse by Michael Medrano- Romanian popcorn styled recession pop. Come for the scandal of the cover and leave for the music industry critique of Sylvia and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Anyone who has the audacity to cover Hollywood by Madonna has guts in my book. Listen if you wanted to get Babymorocco.
13 Months of Sunshine by Amine- I don’t know how rappers are perceived but I feel like Amine is what the internet calls “mindie”. He’s successful but not huge and saying he’s your favorite rapper might not get you clout but he puts out consistent, accessible albums. He follows the hip house sound from the Kaytramine project while including collaborations with people from Leon Thomas to Waxahatchee. New Flower, Sage Time, Cool About It, and Arc de Triomphe are my favorite songs on the album.
Love & Hyperbole by Alessia Cara- The way I listen to music is so fragmented where there are so many blockbuster albums I write down but never check out in addition to hanging out on RateYourMusic and Allmusic way too long so I have skipped so many albums like 29 by Adele yet somehow checked out Alessia’s album. This was a worthwhile listen. She went for a more mature and loungy sound and better vocals. Brooke Dubek would approve. Dead Man, Nighttime Thing, and Go Outside! Are my favorite songs.
Rodeo Star by Cowgirl Clue- Normally, my end of year process is “do as little research as possible to not be influenced by other people’s lists” (leading me to take forever to finish anything) but a comment on Cowgirl Clue’s RYM comment box for this album summarized the album perfectly: it’s funny how the integration of country pop guitar riffs into icy club music winds up creating curiously lil peep-esque emo trap beats” Although her first album was drum n bass, not unlike a Diddy Kong racing instrumental, on this album she lives up to her Cowgirl moniker by introducing alt pop and country sounds to the album. She has a more varied, bratty tone on this album, singing about how she is fine being one of a kind. My favorites include Rodeo Star, switchblade, wildfire, and Hometown Hero.
This is Why by Paramore- this was their first album where it has hit me that they are truly a veteran group and not just for teens anymore. On this album, they ditch the 80’s flavored synth pop from their last 2 eras and go for a dance/post punk sound. The vocals are quieter, not unlike Hayley’s first 2 solo albums. Big Man, Llittle Dignity is atmospheric but packs a punch. Running out of time is my favorite with the background ad libs and the truly most “i feel seen” lyrics. You First, and Figure 8 have a more pop punk sound that reminds me of their first 2 albums but in a more mature way. Liar, Crave are also good.
Ooh Rap I Ya by George Clanton- Very nostalgia indebted album, to the point where the cover looks like a movie theater carpet (and not the new fancy dine in ones either!). Vaporwave but make it pop. Boy band vocals over electronic instrumentals. With the proper promo, it could’ve been the Currents for today. Justify Your Life, I Been Young, and Punching Down are my highlights.
10,000 Gecs by 100 gecs- When I first listened to 100 gecs, none of it outside the Ringtone remix stood out to me. I remember a lot of stan twitter promo felt very performative in a cringe way to me. It was like seeing “rawr I’m so random xD” multiplied by pretending to type like you’re drunk after 1 drink bad. All this for a band where I could only hum a remix carried by 3 collabs? But then this year I saw Doritos and Fritos on a WMX rock block and was genuinely surprised. No longer random in a forced way, 100 gecs truly took their hyperpop sound to the next level and worked with zolo on Doritos and Fritos, ska on Frog on the Floor and I got my Tooth Removed, and numetal on the Limp Bizkit sampling Billy knows Jamie. They still keep some of their original sound, like on Most Wanted Person in the United States. Listen if you want to feel like you and your friends are going to your town carnival and you pretend it’s ironic but you got on the rides and eat the fried oreos unironically
.Wallsocket by Underscores- Idiosyncratic unique concept album that blends everything from glitch pop to indie folk. Although the story of 3 teens dealing with class and gender in a dying Midwest town seems too convoluted to work, Underscores has a unique sound and vision that was successfully pulled off. My favorite songs include folk song You Don’t Even Know Who I Am, a song about parasocial relationships, Shoot to Kill, Kill Your Darlings, a glitch pop song about the military industrial complex, and Duh.
Rat Saw God by Wednesday- Alt country band with great lyrics and a shoegaze bent. I don’t know if they’re patient zero for the emo farm aesthetic from recent years (I don’t even know what I mean by that but it’s best personified by the goth tractor girl meme) but certainly they’ve benefitted the most from it. The first 3 tracks have a very strong wall of sound shoegaze sound. Chosen to Deserve and Quarry have the idiosyncratic small town lyrics. I really like this album because it’s not like Hillbilly Floppegy or a generic “we didn’t have much growing up, but we were happy” kind of storytelling but painting portraits about locals and small town life in an uncanny way like Gummo or an Appalachian Twin Peaks. Although Karly’s vocals are not traditionally strong, I find her voice endearing. Recommend if you like Dinosaur Jr or Jessica Lea Mayfield.
Gag Order by Kesha- Kesha had a daunting task with this album, to prove that Rainbow wasn’t a one time fluke and that the High Road was truly an experiment. On top of that, her fanbase is too all over the place with people who miss her 2009-2012 era (guiltily or unabashedly), people who were pleased with her authentic and vulnerable country songwriting on Rainbow, and want more of that authenticness, and dark alt pop fans convinced she was Iamwhoamiam. Surprisingly, she was able to do it all on this album and have a great, unique album. My favorites were Radiohead sounding Eat the Acid and singalong worthy Only Love can Save Us Now.
Softscars by Yeule- I thought Yeule’s last album was too inaccessible and experimental and weird for the sake of weird when I listened to it, with the song “Don’t be hard on your inner beauty” a misleading preview. Thankfully, I gave another listen to Yeule and was surprised although the album was still experimental, mixing electronic rock, shoegaze, and noise pop, it somehow all worked together. My favorites are 4U12 and Daziez.
This Land is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski- I’ve listened to Mitski for like 8 years and whether she’s been more rock or pop I’ve just taken the songs. I liked and left the album alone, bewildered by her Tiktok fandom. But lo and behold, a country album with her most viral hit yet is all she needed for an album to resonate with me. Besides countrypolitian My Love Mine All Mine, I don’t like My Mind and Buffalo Replaced are also highlights. Listen if you liked Weyes’ Blood album from last year 2022.
Good Luck by Debby Friday- Might have started it as a thesis but she is ready for her valedictorian moment. She covers a lot of ground with dreamy indie pop with Hard to tell, post industrial I Got It, Let U Down, and What a Man.
Like most people, I only knew of No More "I Love Yous" through Annie Lennox's cover album. I assumed that was the only original song on the album, but only learned it was its own song before. It sounds like the Cocteau Twins and is very lush... and also not on major streaming services.
I sort of had a Eurythmics/Annie Lennox phase in 2013. When I say that, I wanted to find more women-lead alternative rock bands, and thinking that the 2000's didn't have any as big as No Doubt/Garbage/Hole, decided to go back to the 80's (Not really the goofiest music inclination I decided to follow, but still). I forgot how many of the Eurythmics' albums I listened to, and while I like a lot of their singles and enough of their deep cuts, their music mostly reminds me of a time I was trying to find my niche in the world, in either music related identity or real life identity. I only knew Annie's singles through SongPop (Where she was recognized as a 90's Diva before, say, Madonna), but assumed her career would be too adult contemporary for me (I still like her cover of Downtown Lights, though) to listen to. This song is a full carjacking of Sade's Love Deluxe, though Annie forgot to check the backseat, and drove off with Feel No Pain.
This has been my latest posted Best of list. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older and enjoying new music less (probably not), because I’m writing less posts in between best of posts so I have less ideas for how to write reviews, because I put too much weight into it (Seriously, I try to remind myself that I don’t even use scores and that I can’t name best ofs from previous years), or because I cast too wide of a net. Looking at past years, I saw some funny things that made me realize I shouldn’t take my best of seriously. Last year, I not only didn’t have Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess on my list, I removed it earlier on in my discovery period (Too Tumblr pop, or regular pop while trying to pass off as something more special, was my verdict. Then Chappell began to slowly dominate the charts, and I saw the errors of my ways. Two years ago, I wrote an extra review for SZA’s album SOS, and I was going to just decide if it would make it to my final list on the spot before publication. However, I never picked an album for it to take out (Also, now I see that I didn’t reorder my reviews to match the picture). Without further ado, here is the list.
Brat by Charli XCX- Duh. Charli usually loses me in the in between era interviews/social media activity, but just like always, she's able to come back on top. A+ Execution for the music videos, artwork, and mishmash of brash electronic music that takes inspiration from 2010 EDM and Radiohead alike. Von Dutch, Mean Girls, Girl So Confusing, Sympathy is a Knife, B2B
The Great Impersonator by Halsey- Dropped from the Capital contract, dealing with a lot of health issues, and transitioning to single parenthood, Halsey was undeterred from making this sweeping and personal project. The songs are a true ragtag team of misfits from pop culture in the last 40 years tying together all parts of Halsey's life and musical influences. If I had to think of albums from the top of my Best ofs that affect me as much as my high school musical discoveries, this album will be there for me. Originally, I was most drawn to the 90's singer-songwriter trio, but I have now also been drawn to the 70's icon inspired songs. Panic Attack, Life of a Spider, The Arsonist, Dog Years, Only Living Girl in LA.
Short 'n' Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter - It turns out putting in effort, hard work, and clocking in for years can sometimes pay off, with Sabrina Carpenter finally getting recognition (Both by the general public and me). Carefree vocals with cheeky lyrics, and a good range of genres. The album's combination of pop songs and acoustic/country/folk songs was probably what people wished starcrossed by Kacey Musgraves sounded like. Please, Please, Please, Taste, Coincidence, Good Graces, Espresso, Don't Smile
No Hands by Joey Valence n Brae- On Rateyourmusic, there was a genre debate about if rap was technically a secondary genre from electronic music. While the arguments were too complex for me to totally understand (or recap), No Hands by Joey Valance and Brae shows that some of my favorite rap music is to dance to. A+ pastiches and infusions of jazz rap, drum and bass, and hip house. What U Need, The Baddest, No Hands, Like a Punk
Saturn Dayz by BLACKSTARKIDS - A good chemistry among the trio and a good balance between urgent drum and bass beats and laidback psychedellic vibes. Killjoy, Boy Go 2 Jupiter, Emancipation of Stevie Wonder
For the Rest of Your Life by twikipedia- New electronic shoegaze. At first, the enunciation was an issue for me. Over more listens, though, the melodies became catchy enough where it felt like humming a song from a dream. Energetic and wistful at the same time. Boy, dry your eyes, garden
Feeling Not Found by Origami Angel- For not having had much connection to emo in its earlier waves, the 'crossover'/post referential era of recent years has been enjoyable for me. Is it the nostalgia talking? Being removed enough from any scenes where I can’t be a hater towards either the bands or fans who I would make fun of before, in more interconnected times? ‘Straightforward’ 90’s-esque alternative rock shrinking in the current music scene, forcing me to find emo/pop punk music like a polar bear venturing south of the Arctic for food? Whatever the reason is, Origami Angel’s lyrics resonate with me for being about growing up and self-improvement when it’s just. so . hard. (Side note: How long have I been writing best ofs? How many albums have growing up as the main theme?) My favorite songs are Dirty Mirror Selfie, Feeling Not Found, and HM07 Waterfall.
Miss Behaves by Cece Natalie - I am adding Cece Natalie to my Myspace Top 8 with this late 2000’s inspired album. Is this Blackout 2.0? Not quite. But if you are one of the brave people who stand by the song Paper Gangsta by Lady Gaga, then this album is for you. Crunchy electropop goodness. 754, Limit, Exitin.
Skin to Skin by Amira Elfeky- A heavy, but concise project inspired by the Deftones and Evanescence. Yes, it is an EP that is as long as an episode of a sitcom, with one song having two versions, but Elfeky knocks it out of the park with her performance. Everything I Do is for You and Tonight (Symphony).
This Infinite by Vitesse X - Vitesse X’s robot facade starts to warm up with a more human sound. While her first album worked (very) well as a mood piece, in this project, the songs are a little less art project and slightly easier to show to friends or play at a store radio playlist. End of Forever, Bliss Beat, Realize.
Smile! :D by Porter Robinson- When I listen to new releases, my mind immediately searches for albums to compare it to from the previous year. Smile! :D reminded me of Ooh Rap I Ya by George Clanton when I first heard it, for the pensive dance party vibe with songs about reflecting on their careers. I don’t really hear it anymore, but this album is still unique to me. Like brat from this year, and the TV shows The Comeback and The Other Two, it wonders if the ‘sexy treadmill capitalist’ (To quote Alanis Morissette) of celebrity every pays off or slows down, and why are you always struggling to keep up with the runner on the treadmill next to you. Cheerleader and Is There Really No Happiness?
Quantum Baby by Tinashe - Over the last few years, Tinashe has been able to conquer space and time, but unfortunately, commercial success still seemed to be a frontier she couldn’t push through. With the runaway hit Nasty making it to a decent 61 on the Billboard Hot 100,.... Tinashe at least was successful enough to make RCA regret breadcrumbing her (Yes, weak definition of success). Though this album is very short, Tinashe still manages to balance fun ‘meme’ songs like Nasty and No Broke Boys with artsier, more nocturnal songs like Getting No Sleep and When I Get You Alone.
My Anti Aircraft Friend by julie - Whenever I wonder if it’s still worth making Best ofs, the random discoveries that stake a spot on my list from first listen will always make it worth it. This year’s entry was this slacker rock album that’s a perfect combination of the Swirlies and Sonic Youth. Clairborne Practice and Stuck in a Car with Angels.
Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii- So story time. I listened to my 2024 playlist from November until April, with breaks for seasonal playlists, but I thought Doechii wasn’t leaving an impression on me. I didn’t get why she didn’t stick with me, even if she was winning a Grammy or going viral for the music video for Denial is a River. Then I checked my playlist and I never added her. It was 3 weeks ago. Whoops. But when I did, the playlist immediately improved, so that is my endorsement of Doechii. Denial is a River and Hide and Seek.
Romance by Fontaines DC - After the gloomier Skinty Fia and the solo project Chaos for the Fly, Fontaines DC goes for a more straightforward, approachable rock sound… which doesn’t mean much for the band, as there music is still mysterious, brooding, and pensive. I like the standout Starburster (Which also introduced me to Jade’s perfect Angel of my Dreams) as well as the trippy Sundowner.
Nobody Loves You More by Kim Deal - Kim Deal came back with an innovative sound mixing 90’s alternative rock and … tropical lounge music? That sounds more like a random Family Guy punchline than reality, but it worked. Nobody Loves You More, Coast, Big Ben Beat.
Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish- Not including Happier Than Ever in my 2021 best of is one of my ‘Maxwell Sheffield rejects Cats and can’t live it down’ moments for best ofs. This album, I remembered to keep my ears focused on the melodies in spite of the ambientness, and ignore the noise around Billie (Is she the voice of a generation? Can she have a comeback after Happier than Ever? How much does she owe the public as a role model? Does she get Oscars thrown at her [Note: After seeing the Best Original Song nominees, I can safely say she won both Oscars fair and square]). This album is perfect for a cold, rainy day. Skinny, Chihiro, Birds of a Feather, The Greatest, and The Diner.
Mirror Starts Moving Without Me by Pom Pom Squad- The brasher attitude of previous songs like Popular and Lux has been replaced with more introspective and self-conscious lyrics and feelings, even if the songs themselves are packaged in a friendly and catchy pop rock style. Downhill, Messages, Spinning, Everybody’s Moving On, The Tower.
This is How Tomorrow Moves by Beabadoobee- Good mix of indie rock and more twee, quiet music. Take a Bite, California, Real Man, Post.
Songs of a Lost World by The Cure- Generally, I hate when people are describing/reviewing projects of long runner favorite musicians, because people usually do the projects no justice by ignoring the passage of time, and referring to artists’ old works only.. ‘So and so is Confessions 2.0!’ ‘This song sounds straight out of 1993!’ Obviously, they are endorsements exaggerated for affection, and they’re only supposed to be reference points, but even musicians who are always accused of making the same album multiple times in a row (I was trying to avoid specific examples, but the dam is breaking, so…. P!nk) still have subtle changes where you can tell that the song isn’t just an unreleased demo from 2004. But put a pin in all of that, because Songs of a Lost World by the Cure feels like Disintegration 2.0, or the Music to Disintegration’s Ray of Light- same sound, but dedicated to the people who really love the sound (Disclaimer: Obviously I know that there were several albums after Disintegration, even if I have only listened to Wish and Wild Mood Swings). Usually I run away from post-rock and long run times for songs, but Songs of a Lost World grabs your attention with the cinematic songs. I wouldn’t realize it has been 16 years since the last album by The Cure, let alone 35 since Disintegration. Alone, A Fragile Thing, All I Ever Am, and I Can Never Say Goodbye.
It's late, but it's finally here! Here's my 2024 best of.
Charli XCX- In the end, it was always going to be Brat, wasn’t it? Return of Saturn album with club music is a smart subversion. Other people have probably better comments on the influences but this is the fastest a Charli album grew on me since Number 1 Angel. I loved the collabs (apparently not enough to know it was 4.99 for both editions of the album since the first week it came out on iTunes), the marketing, you name it. The whole album is packed with hits but my favorites are Von Dutch, Club Classics, B2B, 365, Guess, I Think About it All the Time, Sympathy is a Knife, and Rewind.
Halsey- Halsey has grown on me more with each project, leading me to assume that her Trent Reznor produced album would be my favorite one because it would be a one time thing. Thankfully, that’s not true. I’m not the biggest Halsey stan, but I’ve seen people talk about their identity a lot, like misc Tumblr stories, being a “hipster” while collaborating with the Chainsmokers, and very wide range of musical influences, which makes her treated/perceived unfairly. Halsey intentionally/unintentionally spins this on its head by having a biographical and personal album with Halsey’s influences having their heart on their sleeves. My favorites are Arsonist and Lonely is the Muse.
Cece Natalie- Indie version of Brat. If 2009 was an album. 754, Taxi, Cappucino, and Waitress are my favorites. A bedroom pop that came out of nowhere that I only learned about from RateYourMusic. Recommended if you got into Formspring trauma that still impacts you to this day. She had a 2nd project in 2024 as well.
Porter Robinson- Last year (2024) was a year where a lot of personal and societal milestones did not happen, but I guess it ended up being the year I got into Porter Robinson. I never knew him in his DJ era, his 2021 album (side note: Learning I have grouped him and AG cook together as the same person) or his retro inspired Virtual Self side project (Do you know any electronic projects going for a late 90’s/early 2000’s sound? DM me!) or that he was sampled by Mariah but it turns out that adding some rock to his sound helped me like him more. My favorites include Cheerleader, Kitsune Maison Freestyle, and Is There Really Any Happiness?
BlackStarKids- Hip hop trio that blends everything from hyperpop to drum and bass to jazzier live instruments. Singing about imaginative and personal lyrics. Respectfully, they sound like an internet poisoned Digable Planets. Recommended if you like Brockhampton. My favorite song is Saturn Dayz but I also like The Emancipation of Stevie Wonder, Love is a Moshpit, and Stereotype.
Megan the Stallion- This following sentence is peak “writing just to write”-best-of-itis but somehow this album was more consistent, personal, and dare I say, dark, to me than her prior albums which were closer to the shooting. My favorites include Hiss, Otaku Hot Girl, Mamushi, and BAS. Megan did not fall for the weak self titled album trap.
Roy Blair- I first learned about Roy Blair from Brockhampton (remember them?) from Twitter(remember that?) and enjoyed his 2017 indie pop debut and 2020 left field electronic EP but never kept up with him after. He came back with a new album that expands on the drum and bass and UK garage sound from his EP. Amberwood, Panavision, and Plum are my favorites. Recommended if you like PinkPanthress.
The Cure- At this point, the way I listen to music is so messy where I just skip reunion albums because of time. The Cure was able to sneak by because I actually heard their singles for the album (I usually skip any single for any pre album at this point because I don’t want to be spoiled by 5/9ths of a tracklist in an 18 month launch. Yes, I’m aware that this sounds very High Fidelity, and I’ve missed random singles that don’t make tracklists but I told you I was messy). Although the songs are long, they never overlast their stay. I’m not going to have the audacity to describe The Cure’s vocals to you but they sound the same as they did on Disintegration or Wish. Alone and Fragile Thing are highlights.
MJ Lenderman- Country tinged slacker rock from the Wednesday guitarist. She’s Leaving You, Wristwatch, and Bark at the Moon which sounds like a country Diamond Sea by Sonic Youth, are my favorites.
Allie X- Allie has tried sounds all over indie pop but my favorite is her foray into dark disco. A lot of people have been doing it since the disco revival started (which is different from nu disco) and I’ve either been let down or they turned out to be a loser (like that certain shellfish lady who couldn’t help herself…). Galina and Weird World are highlights.
Twikipedia- Shoegaze with a sugar rush. Although I just learned about them this year, this is their 5th album. Very accessible indietronica/emo which is surprising because they are a 20 year old from Brazil and their earlier albums are digicore or emo rap. Recommended if you like Yeule, Jane Remover, or Asian Glow and Weatherday. Figure Me Out is my favorite track on the album.
Joey Valence and Brae- Pastiche oriented rap where the sum is greater than the parts. Beastie Boys or Bad Boy Chiller Crew fans would enjoy this album. OK, the Baddest, and John Cena are my highlights.
Slater- No, not that one. Genre bending band from Vada Records. 8 tracks but covers a lot of ground. Listen if you like Cowgirl Clue, 100 gecs, or Frost Children. FM Thoughts is very Soundcloud rap, Familia reminds me of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Santa Ana Bounce is chill. Water Calling and Always down for something remind me of Sublime.
Beabadoobee- After trying a more idiosyncratic indie pop album, Beabadoobee went back to her trademark turn of the millennium lite-fm throwback sound. My favorites include Take a Bite, California, and Real Man.
Fontaines DC- The Irish band continues to broaden their sounds from post punk. My favorites include trip hop sounding album opener Romance, and Supernatural era Foster the People-sounding Favorite.
Sabrina Carpenter- I was literally the last person to the party for Sabrina, so I don’t have to make the sales pitch but I’m still amazed at the odds of the best friend from the Boy Meets world reboot making it 6 albums into her career, especially after the Driver’s License stuff. Anyway, she put out a genuinely fantastic album with funny lyrics and genre flourishes like country or Atlanta bass. This Carpenter nailed the record. My favorites are Don’t Smile, Lie to Girls, and the singles.
Micah Daley White- I think I only found out about this album through playing with the genre chart on RYM which I think is unfair because it’s a very strong debut by a social media personality. It’s a very original and unique set of music although the short song lengths feel a little more vision board-y at times. He has a great, deep voice that work through all the different styles he uses on the album whether it's rock, pop, or R&B. My favorites are Cold, Lust, On, Why Do You Take Me So Serious? I googled for a Bandcamp link and found a Gofundme instead, so we better work on that.
Tinashe- Tinashe continues proving RCA wrong by putting out her patented unique brand of R&B. This EP features accidental hit Nasty as well as my favorites, Red Flag and When I Get You Alone. It’s hard to complain about short EP releases when they’re this consistent.
Cassandra Jenkins- Minimal singer songwriter. Listen if you loved Norman Rockwell by Lana Del Rey but dropped her after her question for the culture. My favorites on the album are Clams Casino and Delphinium Blue.
Amira Elfeky- If Lonely is the Muse by Halsey was spun off into a whole album. Some might say this is too on the nose for Deftones tributes, but this Palestinian singer really goes all out. Coming Down and A Dozen Roses are my favorites. Listen if you want to pre-claim a post grunge revival or have read too many RYM threads about butt rock.
Toro y Moi- After being a leading pioneer for chillwave, Toro Y Moi kind of lost some clout because he tried more organic music and had a few “can’t we all just get along?” takes. Him trying his hand at cloud rap sounds like it would be a mess on paper, but it somehow works. There’s even a Ben Gibbard appearance on the album! My favorites are Hollywood, Heaven, and Tuesday.
Vitesse X- The last time Vitesse X made it to my best of list, I praised her as being the most electronic artist ever and being a straightforward DJ but funnily enough, this time she changed to a more indie guitar based sound that you can still chill out to. My favorite is Something in the Air.
Lion Babe- This pivot towards house music might’ve come as a shock towards long time Lion Babe fans, especially me, who didn’t know about their 2021 album. Nice, sincere dance music with a great use of Jillian’s vocals. In My Bag and Take a Break are highlights.
Doechii- The former tiktoker had her break out year with this project. Catchy, personal, inventive, humorous storytelling. With pop fans becoming more interested in rap, I’m curious to see if people can start to pay attention to different genres or scenes but I think this can be a gateway project for Southern influenced rap for pop fans. Denial is a River and Nissan Altima are my favorites.
Little Hag- Little Hag is a NJ based band who used to perform under the name Avery Mandeville and put out high quality rock music to local coverage, but she took her music down and I just assumed quit music. Lo and behold, she just became a band. The Suburbs is my favorite ode to not immediately moving to NYC after graduation. Listen if you like Chappell Roan.
Here's my 2022 Best Of! Yup, that's right, 2022. Better late than never, huh?
Rico Nasty- Intrusive
I heard good things about Rico Nasty for years but her other projects were a little too repetitive for me to fully commit or enjoy her work. This mixtape sees her replacing her industrial rap sound with a more varied approach. She sings over drum and bass and acoustic music. If you enjoyed Princess Nokia’s Metallic Butterfly or Azealia Banks’ Broke with Expensive Taste, then I recommend this album for you. My favorite songs are Messy, Easy, and Focus on Me.
Sasami- Squeeze
After her work in Cherry Glazer and her 2019 solo debut, Sasami finally (somewhat) broke through with this album and it’s no wonder why. Mixing influences as varied as Sheryl Crow and industrial, Sasami showed us about opening up your heart or wanting to destroy someone else’s. My favorites are The Greatest and Skin a Rat.
Charli XCX- Crash
As her first proper album since 2019’s Charli, this album had a lot of expectations placed upon it since True Romance is her best received official album. Fortunately, it all worked out for her and for us. This album sounds like you are scrolling through the Dance Dance Revolution song selecting screen around 2005 with songs you don’t realize you know until you hear it again years later. My favorites are Constant Repeat, Used to Know Me, Selfish Girl, Good Ones, Baby, and of course, Beg for You.
Beyonce- Renaissance
This album was a victory lap for Beyonce. Not that she slacked off this era, but after creating two innovative video albums, Beyonce wanted to have a more upbeat album after the pandemic. As someone who prefers her uptempos (in a fun club kid way, like Haunted, 7/11, Formation, Six Inch, and Partition instead of the stan wars “go back to Dr. Luke!!111” way), I’m here for it. My favorites include All Up in Your Mind and Pure Honey.
SZA- SOS
I have a general policy where if someone takes over 4 years to release their next project, I develop some kind of object impermanence about them. Not even maliciously, but for every Sky Ferreira (side note: This was written when we still thought Don’t Forget was a part of an era) or My Bloody Valentine, there’s a synthpop band from 2016 that stubbornly sits on the second page of my Last.FM with 189 plays. And I like SZA! CTRL got me though 2017 and 2018 but I completely forgot her rerelease and in between singles until I was preparing this review. So when I heard she was releasing a 20+ track album I was skeptical. It turned out to be great. I enjoy the developed and detailed instruments and her personal lyrics. My favorite songs are Kill Bill, Blind, Shirt and Gone Girl.
Fontaines DC- Skinty Fia
Fontaines DC had a well deserved bigger break out in 2022. I don’t really have a thing to say about this album but I like the way they mix post punk music with a mix of their own Irish culture and gothic and industrial sounds. What could’ve just been a couple of lads at the pub is a unique and informative look at the band and their culture. U2 and Inhaler are shaking. My favorite songs are Jackie Down the Line, Skinty Fia, and How Cold Love Is.
Vero- Unsoothing Interior
I learned about Vero on Popjustice… at least 5 years ago? For a while, it seemed like they would drop a single heavily influenced by Poe and disappear without a follow up or any momentum. I understand it’s hard for new artists to make things work logistically, but they even had repetitive cover art so we couldn’t just joke that there was a wait between the EP and debut. That’s why I was so confused when the album was dropped in 2022. Hailing all the way from Sweden, Vero has vocals that remind me of Shirley Manson and Kim Gordon with post punk music I heard NPR describe (someone else) with the term “fleabag-core”. My favorite songs are Sex and Me and TV shows and Exit 2.
Coco and Clair Clair- Sexy
People always say nostalgia does too much heavy lifting in music now, but the right references can truly justify the most Tweet Deck derivative works. Coco and Clair Clair, who I was very surprised to learn are from Atlanta instead of the UK, have a very retro inspired album that could’ve just been lost in the hyperpop Y2K space with everyone else but they have a different reference pool that elevates them. Hypnotic girl group whispery vocals over whispery chillwave and drum n bass beats truly take me back to the person I was in 2011-2012. If you have a Tumblr photoblog with a convoluted layout that only showed pictures and no captions, this album is for you. If you keep up with McBling depop, this album is for you. If you ever described LAMB by Gwen Stefani as a hip hop album, then this album is for you. I would recommend this album for fans of Kitty and Niki and the Dove. My favorite songs from it are Bad Lil Vibe, Pop Star, and Be With U.
Alvvays- Blue Rev
I didn’t really listen to them before this and I only knew them for the …unique spelling of their band name and a Tumblr post that heavily implied that they should be kept in 2014. Well, this album should put all of their critics to shame. This album was recorded after the band lost their old demos and instruments in a robbery and they were still able to record this album. Pairing dreamy landscapes over fuzzy guitars, Molly Rankin’s confessional lyrics deal with the unexpected nostalgia of running into your ex’s family members in public (a sort of Dan Fogelberg moment for our generation) or justifying a creative career. Besides Pharmacist and Easy on your Own, I recommend Very Online Guy, a leftfield song about male internet behaviors (a self drag, but I want to see how many men wrote about that song and the album). If you only know them from Marry Me, Archie (a song I would personally not leave in a time capsule or box set for indie pop music from 2010-2014), I strongly suggest that you give this album a chance. Fun fact: In addition to being a great meeting spot for coanchors to meet each other, Good Morning America also has a year end best of list and put this as their #1 album. A few years ago, they put the solo project of Soul Coughing’s frontman’s project. So maybe GMA is our new Pitchfork, NME, and Spin Magazine combined (side note: I wrote this before the Pitchfork reshuffle happened, oops).
Shygirl- Nymph
Shygirl has finally released her long awaited debut after releasing her stellar debut. This time, she ditches the electronic and abrasive sound of her 2018 EP and enters her Manny Santos sensual R&B era while still sounding futuristic. Firefly is a song that sounds like it was a Britney 2001 deep cut dusted off and released in 2172. Nike is my other personal stand out.
Hatchie- Giving the World Away
On her sophomore album, Hatchie continues her dream pop and shoegaze sound and expands into some darker palettes that wouldn’t be out of place on the altronica playlist. If that album transported you into a daydream, this album is a moody walk in the rain. My favorites are This Enchanted, Till We Run Out of Air, and Giving the World Away.
Soccer Mommy- Sometimes, Forever
This was sort of a new sound album for Soccer Mommy, with a little more focus on the production. Working with OPN, she had a darker, hazier, more detail oriented production. My favorites include Unholy Affliction, Don’t Ask Me, Feel it All the Time, and Darkness Forever (which gave me Portishead’s second album vibes). This album is more Madder Rose than Massive Attack but you should still give it a shot.
Momma- Household Name
Nostalgic guitar based indie rock that sounds right out of 1994. Reverb guitars, harmonics, and shoegaze pedals. Recommended if you like Siamese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins or Bully’s debut. Speeding 72, Lucky, Brave and No Stage are my favorites.
Luna Li- Duality
Psychedelic alternative R&B with a chamber/art/baroque pop edge. I love how she mixes her vulnerability on songs like Flower with strong guitar moments like Alone but not Lonely and What You’re Thinking. This album feels like if you mixed Kali Uchis with Kadjha Bonet. Recommended if you have only used emojis as captions.
Kilo Kish- American Gurl
Kilo Kish’s last official album was released back in 2016, but her pair of consecutive EP’s that came out in 2018 and 2019 were a more focused and cohesive electronic sound. On this album, she went back to her unique existential pop with irreverent Adult Swim vibes. With her kitchen sink production, detached vocals, and quirky irreverent sound, this album has a lot of reasons to not work but somehow puts everything together and keeps you overstimulated like a TikTok video. Recommendations include Choice Cowboy, New Tricks, and American Gurl. Recommended if you like Santigold or Imani Coppola.
Vitesse X- Us Ephemeral
Growing up, I hated electronic music. Did I listen to it or seek it out specifically? No, not in the slightest. But it was just annoying as I saw my beloved Radio Disney pop rock acts just be seen as cringe as what I call ‘unts unts’ music went on the rise. Also, I just thought the fans were annoying. Maybe it was just in my community, but there were a lot of teen DJs who just got jobs hosting or playing cultural events and sweet 16s and posting pretentious memes that made me roll my eyes. I’ve never seen a MLM girl in real life, but I’ve seen DJs talk about how school is just there to mold you and as a DJ, they can be their own boss. Also, just growing up in the teen club/4 loko/Ed Hardy era just made me think it was all try hard “OH, you’ve never been to a festival?’ stuff. But eventually, Charli XCX helped open my mind to new electronic acts while trip hop and deep house helped open me up to older electronic genres. Then I had an “if it’s retro/ironic it’s okay” mentality but now I can regularly like electronic music. That leads us to Vitesse X. Her art deco style of electronics invokes the sleek future, through her stage name and hi tech titles. Is she making a concept album about how technology was supposed to bring us together but is bringing us apart? Is it a scifi story? Did she promise us a video for each song that made a movie but she stopped and hoped we would forget about it? No! She’s making music you could hear at Zara’s, in your car, or even at a party or club. In this age of hot takes, think pieces, and more, a concept like nepobaby can go from a fun internet only in joke to a “reclaimed” term that loses all meaning. Vitesse X helps prove that sometimes, saying less really is more. My favorites are Potential Energy, Centrifuge Me, and Us Ephemeral.
Piri and Tommy- Froge.mp3
The drum n bass duo that came out of the blue and right back into it. Words is the best positive motivational affirmation dance song since Show Me Love by Robin S. I also like Silver Lining and On & on. It looks like we’re not getting a new project from them, they split up and now they’re going to ruin all of our Last.fm charts because they each get credited separately.
They Hate Change- Finally, New
I feel like Drum n Bass has been on the rise since Princess Nokia’s Metallic Butterfly went on streaming for the last few years, but it had been kind of mixed with other electronic sounds like hyperpop or UK garage so it was an afterthought. They Hate Change overcame that. Rapping over Drum n bass, the Tampa duo helps showcase something cool and forward thinking from Florida on their label debut. I recommend them if you like Outkast or Big Fish Theory from Vince Staples. My favorite songs are Who’s Next, Little Brother, and Perm.
Foushee- Softcore
I hate to make a Mean Girls reference in 2024 (this was another review I had written in winter 2023, before I knew there was a movie adaptation of the Mean Girls musical coming out), but this album reminds me of the Halloween party scene where Cady shows up in an “ugly” costume while everyone is wearing cute costumes and she is confused. That is how this album feels for alternative R&B. While now everyone with a slowed down drum beat gets an alternative R&B genre tag, but this is truly “alternative”, mixing slinky R&B vocals over guitars and yelling. Even if it doesn’t always work (several songs are under 2 minutes), you can definitely admire the attempts. Behind SZA, Foushee is the second best R&B album from a New Jerseyan in 2022 (sorry, 070 Shake). My favorite songs are I’m Fine and Simmer Down. Listen if you want an internet poisoned pop star but Doja has gone too far for you.
Ravyn Lenae- Hypnos
After her stellar 2018 EP, Ravyn finally followed up with her debut album and it was worth the wait. Her airy, hypnotic vocals still sound fresh and the collaborations don’t take away from the sound at all. My favorites are 3D and Venom.
Sudan Archives- Natural Brown Prom Queen
Sudan Archives made it very far on my 2019 Best of List. I would not be able to tell you a song from that album, or if she even made it on (because as of this writing it is still unpublished) but I knew she was talented and I thought her violin gave her a unique sound. This time around, she did a sonic 180 and went for a more left field mixture of sounds and had an even better album. Listen to stand out Homemaker.
Glacier Veins- Lunar Reflection
Normally, I consider my best of list a failure if I don’t find at least one new, completely random small Bandcamp band that didn’t get reviewed from Allmusic or Pitchfork or any other major website. If they don’t have a Wikipedia page, even better! This year, Glacier Veins is one of those bands for me. If you like female fronted pop punk with a side of experimental noise pop added to it, I would definitely recommend them. 2018’s KID, 2009 Paramore, Halsey, Poppy, and Willow fans should be happy. My favorite songs are Cover Me, Here & There, Lunation, Autonomy, and Flower Moon.
Amanda Shires- Take It Like a Man
Alt country queen. Recommended if you waited for Jenny Lewis’ album for Puppy in a Truck or you enjoy feeling like you are a Sons of Anarchy character or perhaps Yellowstone. Mature alt country with great, clear production. My favorite song is Hawk for the Dove. (Side note: I wrote this way before they filed for divorce).
Lola Kirke- Lady for Sale
Picks up where Pearl Charles left off for countrypolitian. If you thought this would be a low effort vanity project you are mistaken. Unclear if this is a pastiche or not but very unexpected country album from this British actress. Pink Sky is my favorite song. Recommended if you like Pearl Charles or Margo Price.
Honey Dijon- Black Girl Magic
A great house music DJ. Recommended if you want to keep the party going after Renaissance.
Montell Fish- Her Love Still Haunts Me Like a Ghost
I listen to an adult alternative college radio station regularly and to paint a picture of what that’s like, I can now say “wow, that Paul Simon song slaps”. Sometimes they do play younger, internet only bedroom produced artists like Claud, Kafune, Joe P, and now, Montell Fish. When I first heard the distorted bass and reverbs I was confused at how different and all out he went but this is a true EP of heartbreak and desperation. Listen if you like PM Dawn, Miguel and Steve Lacy. Pretend Lovers is my favorite song.
Carly Cosgrove- See you in Chemistry
Nostalgia really can sell anything these days. In the DJ world, we got DJ Sabrina the Teenage DJ, DJ Ross from Friends, and DJ Seinfeld. There’s even the genre of Dariacore! Emo has a 2000’s pastiche in Carly Cosgrove, a reference I embarrassingly didn’t get for a long time. The nostalgia stops there and the rest is a solid pop punk record. I don’t really listen to a lot of pop punk/emo so I can’t compare to others in the genre but I think the vocals give the instruments room to breathe. My favorites were Rue the Day, Cloudblock, and Munck. Listen if you miss the channel 2000’s The N but at this point would settle for the era of Teennick that only replayed iCarly, Zoey 101, Drake and Josh, Ned’s Declassified, and Victorious.
2021 best of. At least I beat my time last year and actually wrote?
Starcrossed- More of an All for You divorce album than a Butterfly, in a 'it stinks, but whatever. Now do you want the wedding china that I'm unloading?' kind of way. I didn't like it at first because of the tracklist making the songs feel too samey (Also, even this long into the new music model, I'm not used to songs being under 3 minutes). The movie and listening to the songs out of order helped a lot. The best songs are justified, simple times, and camera roll. An interesting example of the Glass Animals/Tame Impala sound.
If I can't have love, I want power- Halsey's first impressive album, to me. Really glad this body of work came out. Best songs are you asked for this, Girl with a gun, and One Eye closed.
Lately I feel Everything- Another fun project, another great side to Willow. I like the different types of alternative rock on it. Listen to Naive, Extra, and Gaslighter, as well as F**k You.
3:33- Did I lose interest in Tinashe now that she’s independent and there’s less of a bad guy or goal for her music career? Yes. Is this album still good? Yes. My favorite songs are Shy Guy and Pasadena.
No gods No Masters- Yes, I would say that their last three albums have been their most similar to each other (See all the Record Store Day songs included in the bonus disc) as songs that would play in a Deadly Class type of genre show about young adults, but that says more about alternative rock nowadays than Garbage. That said, I still enjoy the industrial vibes on this one. I like The Creeps, Anonymous XXX, and This City Will Kill You. It was interesting hearing the Eurythmics influence in songs like The Men Who Rule the World.
Texis- Hyperpop gone rock. Locust Laced is that song. I'm Not down’ is startlingly on point for this point in the pandemic, and Sweet75 is a great opener.
Play with the Changes- Rochelle Jordan is the closest that I liked to dance pop this year. A great combination of UK garage and alternative R&B.
New Long Leg- I guess this is usually when my list is what I’m in the mood for and I’m in the mood for post-punk. Scratchcard lanyard is cool, and if you haven’t yet, watch the music video! I don’t understand what Her Hippo is about but it makes me sad. I like the drums in More Big Birds.
Soberish- Casualties of my schedule change. Not as familiar as I could be. Spanish Doors is both sad and relatable. If you like Liz Phair’s character studies of men like Soap Star Joe and Uncle Alvarez, listen to Hey Lou. Meanwhile, In there is very new and trip hoppy for Liz. These songs are more like her EPs Juvenilia and comeandgetit, and whitechocolatespaceegg outtakes instead of, say, her Girly Sound songs.
Who am I?- Precursor for the Avril Lavigne album this year. It might just be 2000’s pop rock, but if the formula isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Listen to You Don’t Own Me and Fall to Pieces.
Unlimited Ammo- Fun hyperpop, that has both songs that are ethereal and wintry, like Steel, and great bangers like Finish Him.
Pinkpantheress- I enjoy the drum and bass sounds as well as the wistful 19.
Pink Noise- A different kind of going pop. It’s like if the group We Are King made more music. Very lush. I like Magical, Got Me, and Church Girl.
Screen violence- A great combination of alternative rock and synthpop. Lauren’s voice has a lot of urgency. I like Nightmares, How Not to Drown, and He Said She Said.
Pearl Charles- Good country and soft rock combination. Listen to Only for Tonight for disco, and Impostor and Slipping Away for soft rock.
Flux- Countlessth year-of best for me, but I have finally decided to let go of my various reservations and just enjoy. I like Lessen the Damage, On the Level, and As Strange as it Seems. For alternative rock music what Light Years is to disco.
Homegrown- I love the saxophone sample in Slow Down. I like Dysfunctional and Come Over. Good combination of contemporary and alternative R&B.
Death of a Cheerleader- Lux is THAT song. Kind of cheating because I like Popular, a cover of the Nada Surf song released January 2022, more than the album. Sort of how TIME has people on influential lists for potential influence in the future.
Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3- See Poppy’s review for umpteeneth great project. I like So Cold, Syrup, and Cashmere.
Non-fiction- great post punk. I like Violent & Paranoid.
I miss the old days when a German band from pre-reunification could combine Middle Eastern music, Neue Deutsche Welle, and disco with almost spoken word songs for hits. *Picks ups phone* What's that? They didn't have any luck in the 80's and this album only came to see the light of day in 2013 thanks to an out of nowhere reissue? That's just not fair. If you love Ingrid Chavez's May 19, 1992, and still wish it was on streaming, then this is the album for you. Consider this your invitation.
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