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Last year I listened to and wrote small reviews on Pitchfork's top 50 of 2017, which can be read here. It was a lot of fun and I found a ton of new music I wouldn't have discovered otherwise.
I will still do the Pitchfork one for 2018, although I'm sure they'll have some of the same albums as this list on Uncut.
I listen to the albums from 75-1, and to stay surprised, I try not to look to see what the next album is. I'll post Spotify links to each album in case you're interested. Will update the list as I finish each album.
75. Fatoumata Diawara - Fenfo (Something To Say): This album was actually pretty cool. If I'm remembering correctly, it reminded me a lot of Ibeyi's Ash from last year, which I enjoyed. This had a cool island vibe to it and was pretty upbeat (for the most part). She doesn't sing in English (except for a few parts) but it didn't matter. It was still a pretty refreshing listen. I kinda got annoyed listening to this and at most times I just really wanted it to end. Felt pretty repetitive and wasn't really into it. Personally don't think I'd come back to it but I thought the same thing about Ibeyi's album but I go back to that from time to time. Albums like this is why I enjoy doing these lists. I would have never thought to put this album on otherwise. 5/10.
74. Beach House - 7: Honestly pretty surprised this album is so low on this list. This hasn't been getting the proper treatment it rightfully deserves. I heard it when it first came out and I liked it. Beach House, in my opinion is the quintessential bedroom pop/dream pop band. For a long time they've put out pretty great albums. That could just be me reminiscing on my younger festival days. Beach House was one of the first bands I had ever seen play a festival. I think Pitchfork in 2010. Anyway, I don't think it's as good as Teen Dream or Bloom but it's a refreshing album nonetheless. Especially if you're into the bedroom pop stuff that's become pretty popular as of late (Jay Som, Soccer Mommy, etc). Pay No Mind is probably my favorite song off this album and is one of my favorite songs of the year. Lose Your Smile is great, too. 7/10.
73. Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour: I've been a fan of hers since I first heard Same Trailer Different Park a while ago. Simply put, she writes good pop country songs. Little fun fact, Musgraves wrote Mother while she was tripping on acid and got a text from her mom which sent her into an emotional breakdown. Her lyrics are genuine and honest (although sometimes can be a little cheesy), but they're all very well written. I'm actually surprised this isn't higher on the list. It's a great, smooth, beautifully written album. Velvet Elvis, Love Is A Wild Thing, and Butterflies are my jams. 7/10.
72. Olivia Chaney - Shelter: I was really excited for this album. Last year, Chaney teamed up with the Decemberists to form Offa Rex. Which is a pretty great album as well. Chaney has a beautiful voice. It's like a lullaby. She whispers softly throughout the album and it's incredibly soothing and so easy to listen to. The musical arrangements in each songs are masterfully put together that you often forget to pay attention to anything she's singing. The whole album is pure folk music. It's poetry. The only downside is I almost felt bored and found it a little difficult to keep my attention throughout. Impossible and true/I wait/With feeling/Hold me down/Or let me go/Darling won't you/Let me throw a tender rope/For you, Chaney sings on Arches. And on Dragonfly, she sings As actors/On the wrong stage/With imperfect lines/My dragonfly beats it's wings/In vain, so high/I hope I don't lose my lines. Should mention that IOU gets an early vote for one of my favorite songs of the year. Paste said it best when they called this album a "Sunday morning record." While it was putting to me asleep at times, overall, it's pretty great stuff. 7/10.
71. Jon Hopkins - Singularity: I'm not gonna lie, when I read that this was a "microhouse" album, I kinda rolled my eyes. What kind of pretentious sub-genre is this? Boy was I wrong. This is the kind of album you put on, turn up the volume and listen to front to back no problem. And now I get it. Microhouse is just a toned down version of regular house music. This whole album is a trip. It was just so easy to listen to and made my ears feel good. I don't think you can listen to random tracks off of this album. It feels like a whole experience, the whole album needs to be played in it's entirety to truly enjoy it. So many good sounds/beats, Hopkins literally takes you to a different world throughout this album. Ranking this at 71 seems pretty low. I'm really struggling to find something I didn't like about this album. 10/10.
70. Harmony Rockets - Lachesis / Clotho / Atropos: I wasn't really into this album to be honest. I felt bored after a little while. It's like improvised psychedelic jams and while some parts were cool and fun to listen to, I lost interest rather quickly. Don't really see how this is higher on the list than the previous album, but hey, here we are. 4/10.
69. Natalie Prass - The Future And The Past: Imagine for a second that Jessie Ware and Robyn had a daughter that made music. That's exactly how I felt listening to Natalie Prass. Those that know me know I'm a serious sucker for female pop vocalists. I guess she originally scrapped an entire albums worth of music after the 2016 election and began to write this one based on her frustration/heartbreak with the result. [Per her interview with Exclaim! via Genius: but Prass pushed the album’s release to scrap half the songs and replace them with songs that tackle culture divides and gender and income inequality, all of which have been exacerbated during Trump’s presidency.] The lyrics get across her message almost immediately with the albums opener, Oh My. Not once does this album seem like it's over the top or that she's trying too hard. Imo, the only negative thing I can say about this album, is that it kind of relies too much on funk/soul/jazz, etc. This is the first album I've heard by here, so that just may be her thing. Another song that gets a vote for my end of year list is definitely Lost. Album is a must listen. 9/10.
68. Richard Swift - The Hex: Honestly, I couldn't get into this album. It was interesting and weird with lots of different experimental sounds. His voice was difficult for me to get used to. At times, the whole thing almost felt overwhelming. With lots going on, it was difficult to concentrate or focus on it. I will say though, there are some beautiful arrangements on this album, particularly HZLWD, which happens to be an instrumental. My favorite song off the album though is probably Dirty Jim. 4/10.
67. Phosphorescent - C'est La Vie: This album rules. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Reminds me of last years War On Drugs album (which was also good). It's got a great Americana/heartland sound to it that is sometimes missing in newer rock albums. There's really not much to say about this album. If you're into bands like War On Drugs, Kurt Vile, Wilco, Father John Misty, Okkervil River, etc. then this is a can't miss record. New Birth In New England was my favorite song off this album and will surely make my final list of best songs. 10/10.
66. Arve Henriksen - The Height of the Reeds: I wasn't crazy about this album. It was all instrumentals (usually not a big deal). He's a trumpet player but he does a great job of not really making it sound like a trumpet. Definitely filled with some interesting sounds, but I honestly found myself getting bored rather quickly. I didn't really find it to be relaxing/soothing, either. Usually with albums like this I can turn it on and just zone out. This one was different. Favorite part of this album were the song titles. For example, The Swans Bend Their Necks Backward To See God, and "Is There A Limit For The Internal*. 4/10.
65. Blood Orange - Negro Swan: Heard the name, never listened, not what I was expecting. This was nothing short of great. Dev Hynes has such a cool, soothing voice. The music is awesome...all the beats/sounds fit perfectly within each track. The spoken lyrics that appear throughout the album are a nice touch that break up the pace of the album (not an issue). Few great features as well, with Diddy, A$AP, and Project Pat. If you're a fan of artists like Frank Ocean, Solange, Jorja Smith, etc. and haven't heard this, I suggest you get on it as quickly as possible. Such an easy listen. Saint, Hope, and Chewing Gum were my favorites, but honestly, not a single bad track. This album is a must listen. 10/10.
64. Suede - The Blue Hour: This album was FUCKING SWEET. Never heard of these guys before but they've been a band for a very long time. This whole album was outstanding. They have a cool heavy/gothic 80s sound (that I'm not usually into), but it sounds so new and fresh. There's a clear Smiths influence throughout this whole project. The whole thing is just...good. I have little issues with this album, but one complaint I have is that his voice got to be a tad much by the time it was over. Wastelands, Beyond The Outskirts, and Don't Be Afraid If Nobody Loves You are my favorite tracks, but it was honestly difficult to narrow it down. This album is a must listen. 9/10.
63. Israel Nash - Lifted: Cool folky/country rock/dreampop/Americana album. I really got a vibe of multiple different genres throughout the whole thing, which was pretty cool/refreshing. Nash reminds me a little of guys like Jason Isbell, Hiss The Golden Messenger, Son Volt, etc. This was just such an easy early morning album to listen to. I really liked the retro Americana sound that's throughout the whole thing, but tbh this album didn't really do it for me. My main issues with this album is that a lot of the songs, imo, sound pretty much the same and he just doesn't really do anything different or better on this album that I can't get elsewhere within this alt-country/Americana genre. I don't think this is one I'd revisit, kind of a "listen and forget" album. That being said, if alt-country is your jam, this should be worth your time. Rolling On and Golden Fleeces were my two favorite from this project. 6/10.
62. Angelique Kidjo - Remain In Light: This caught me completely off guard. She's a Beninese singer with an incredible voice. The whole album (which I didn't realize) is a cover of Talking Heads' 1980 classic Remain In Light. She does a fantastic job throughout the entire thing. Full of awesome jazz (which I'm usually not crazy about) and TONS of African influences, this thing is seriously such a great time. Once In A Lifetime is one of the best covers I've ever heard. I don't think I had a single issue with this album. Must listen. 10/10.
61. Laurie Anderson & Kronos Quartet - Landfall: This album was pretty weird. Ambient/instrumental/spoken word...I don't know, I felt pretty lost throughout the whole thing and felt like I couldn't concentrate on anything. Clocking in at thirty songs and over an hour long, I got bored almost immediately. There were a few good songs, but overall, this was one that I would have been fine with skipping. I'm just not sure. 4/10.
60. U.S. Girls - In A Poem Unlimited: I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I've been a big fan of dreampop for the better part of a year or so (Jay Som, Soccer Mommy, Beach House, etc) so it was no surprise that I was a fan of this album. Listening to M.A.H, I got serious Gwen Stefani No Doubt vibes with was pretty awesome. And honestly, she reminds me a lot of Stefani/Blondie throughout the whole album (not really a bad thing). This whole thing was just a solid pop album. The previous mentioned M.A.H (mad as hell) is my favorite song off the album. That particular song takes a critical look at Obama's presidency, which is a super different take than the ever-so-popular FDT takes. 8/10.
59. Stick In The Wheel - Follow Them True: One of the most unique albums on this list. English folk band that doesn't go too crazy. It opens up with Over Again (which is a great song) but I was left waiting for this to turn into like an album full of Irish drinking songs. The whole album ends up being pretty minimalistic and uses their voices heavily to carry the album. Parts of it reminded me a little of Delta Rae. Great rhythms, cool sound. Definitely not something for everyone, and while I was left impressed and curious, I wasn't really into it. 6/10.
58. Mary Gauthier - Rifles And Rosary Beads: This was a good folky/country album. I liked this album and I especially liked the idea behind it. Per NPR, she worked in collaboration with the nonprofit SongwritingWith:Soldiers to co-write the album's 11 tracks with veterans and their families. That's a pretty incredible thing to do and it leads to some heavy lyrics. Honestly too many good lyrics to share, the songwriting is top-notch and the melodies are great. I think you'll just need to hear it for yourself. This album was made in a special way, I'm not sure I've heard anything quite like it before. Knowing she wrote this with Veterans really changes your perspective on it. 8/10.
57. Elephant Micah - Genericana: Low energy, rock/experimental album that I thought sounded pretty cool for a little bit. Some parts were clean and easy to listen to, other times I found it to be a little messy with the distortion. This was a good break from the folk/indie that's been pretty heavy for the past few albums but this wasn't something I particularly enjoyed. 5/10.
56. Dawn Landes - Meet Me At The River: This will probably end up in my top 5 for AOTY. I really enjoyed this. I have a soft spot for female vocalists, particularly in the indie/folk/country categories. But make no mistake, this is a country album. She reminded me a bit of Kacey Musgraves/Miranda Lambert/Joan Baez/Brandi Carlisle/Amanda Shires/etc. I had most of this album pretty much on repeat. It's fun to listen to, easy to sing along with and the songs are genuinely well written. The lyrics in Why They Name Whiskey After Men are pretty catchy: "It comes on strong and keeps you warm before it starts to do you in/And in spite of the pain you go back again/Must be why they name whiskey after men." It was honestly pretty difficult to pick a favorite song off this album. The previously mentioned Whiskey After Men and Southern Girl were up there. 10/10.
55. Jess Williamson - Cosmic Wink: Best way to describe Jess Williamson is probably a more folk-y Angel Olsen. Pretty cool. "Your hair in my bed is regarded as a relic/My past and my future envy me." Great lyrics she sings on Awakening Baby, my favorite track off this album. The whole thing is full of great melodies and lyrics that make you want to restart each song and listen again. However, I think just one listen was enough. It wasn't something I kept thinking about after I finished it. 7/10.
54. Tune-Yards - I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life: I enjoyed this album quite a bit. I thought it was a fun, quick listen, almost every song had me nodding my head to the music. Electro indie pop is usually pretty awesome so I gotta give props to this record. It can be a bit much at times, and does sound like it's a little cluttered and definitely obscure, but the actual music is pretty damn catchy and damn fun. Look At Your Hands is my jam. 7/10.
53. David Byrne - American Utopia: I wasn't really too sure what to expect with this album and I wasn't sure if I was going to be into it. But I enjoyed it quite a bit. It's a nicely paced electronic/pop record with some pretty obscure/outrageous lyrics and sounds (which is probably pretty typical for Byrne). Now the chicken imagines a heaven/Full of roosters and plenty of corn/And God is a very old roosteAnd eggs are like Jesus, his son. Pretty goofy stuff, but it's a ton of fun. Every Day Is A Miracle is easily my favorite song off this album. 7/10.
52. Willie Nelson - Last Man Standing: Another album where I wasn't really sure what to expect. Although I'm a fan of country music, I had never really listened to Willie Nelson before this album. But I gotta say, I dig it and I get the appeal. Perfect balance of country/blues/rock. His lyrics are pretty top notch and the whole album was a great listen. First verse from Something You Get Through: "When you lose the one you love/You think your world has ended/You think your world will be a waste of life/Without them in it/You feel there's no way to go on/Life is just a sad, sad song/But love is bigger than us all/The end is not the end at all." It's just so easy to tap your foot to the rhythm of this album. He's 85! That's incredible! The previously mentioned Something you Get Through is my favorite song off the album, but there really isn't a bad one. 9/10.
51. Gwenifer Raymond - You Never Were Much Of A Dancer: She's a fantastic guitabanjo player. It's pretty incredible what she does throughout this whole album. It's all instrumentals and I'll admit, I got pretty bored of it rather quickly. I just felt empty afterwards and felt like I needed more. Which is dumb to say because the whole album is extremely complex and in-depth. There just felt like something was missing. 6/10.
50. The Necks - Body: Gotta say, I wasn't crazy about this one. First and foremost, I was never really into jazz music. If it's on at a party or background music while I work, cool. But I've never gone out of my way to listen to the genre. Body is an experimental jazz/post-rock album by Australian trio The Necks. The album is one song long, close to an hour. It started kinda slow and I was pretty bored, but it does pick up and get kind of cool around the 25 minute mark. I'm impressed that they were able to improvise this whole thing for an hour long but I would have personally preferred 8-10 individual tracks. Probably wouldn't listen to this again. 5/10.
49. Mary Lattimore - Hundreds Of Days: This album kinda caught me off guard. Knew nothing about her or her music, but she's an American classically trained harpist. This album was absolutely gorgeous. Each track told a different story that I'm not smart enough to understand, but their titles are masterfully written with names like Never Saw Him Again, Their Faces Streaked With Light And Filled With Pity, and On The Day You Saw The Dead Whale. You can feel different emotions in every track and they all leave you open to your own interpretation as to what they're about. Of course, there's no lyrics, but this album doesn't even need them. If you want something easy to listen to, while studying, cooking, trying to relax, sitting in a coffee shop on a rainy fall day, this album would be pretty perfect. My favorite tracks are Baltic Birch and the aforementioned On The Day You Saw The Dead Whale. I'm gonna go cry now and think about my life. 7/10.
48. Laura Veirs - The Lookout: I really thought this album was going to be great, but I was left thinking it was "just good." I have never heard of Veirs prior to this list, but she reminds me of artists like Lucy Dacus, Jenny Lewis, maybe Laura Marling too. Found it interesting that it was her first solo album since 2013, and her first project since she collaborated with Neko Case and k.d. lang on 2016's case/lang/veirs (which I have not heard). I'm a pretty big fan of indie/indie folk/alternative country but honestly, for no particular reason, I found this album to be quite forgettable and don't think I'd come back to listen to it. That being said, her soft vocals make this a pretty easy listening experience and again, the whole album works damn well as background music. My favorite tracks were Heavy Petals and Everybody Needs You. 6/10.
47. Julia Holter - Aviary: I was unsure about this album. At times I wasn't very into it and at other times I though it was a beautifully made album. Definitely a neat progressive/experimental/indie pop project though which is nice, it's something that I've never really heard/listened to. I don't think this is one I'd revisit, I don't really think this album is important to this list. 5/10.
46. Kathryn Joseph - From When I Wake The Want Is: Odd little folk/indie album...Kathryn Joseph has a little whiny voice, similar to Joanna Newsome/Bjork. Her voice is definitely an acquired taste but if you give it a chance, not terribly difficult to deal with it. I just personally couldn't get into it, her voice kind of annoyed me and made it a little dificult to enjoy the rest of the album. The album has a pretty serious Radiohead vibe to it (never a bad thing). It sounds super unique and worth a listen if want to hear a little mix of Bjork and Radiohead. 6/10.
45. Anna Calvi - Hunter: This album seriously feels like such an 80s pop-rock/goth classic. I really enjoyed it and couldn't get enough of it. Lots of cool chord progressions, awesome goth sounds, this album pretty much had it all. Don't Beat The Girl Out Of My Boy and Chain were my favorite songs off this album. 8/10.
44. Ryley Walker - Deafman Glance: Pretty good jazzy/indie folk/psychedelic album. Pretty much just a dude with a nice soft voice and his guitar making nice music. He'd be your middle-of-the-day jam band festival act and he'd fit the bill perfectly. Super chill album to have on at work or just relaxing at home. Telluride Speed is definitely my favorite track from this album. 7/10.
43. Tracey Thorn - Record: Alright I enjoyed this quite a bit. Such a cool and fun pop/dance record. I spent the whole time just tapping my foot and bopping my head. I was pretty surprised to learn she's been making music since 1980, but it makes total sense. This sounds a lot like a classic 80's pop album. This album seems to do a good job of cheering you up and just wanting to make you move around. So fun. Guitar and Dancefloor are my favorite songs off this album. But honestly, I couldn't really find a song I didn't like. Really not much more you could ask for from a pop record. 10/10.
42. Melody's Echo Chamber - Bon Voyage: I feel like this album is pretty underrated. There's just something so magical and different about it that makes me keep coming back. Great mix of psychedelic/indie rock/pop all at once. On top of all that she sings a few songs in French or Swedish which just help add to albums mystique. There are a few parts on this album that seem a little over the top, like on the song Desert Horse, there are so many different sounds at once, but somehow it works. Overall, I really enjoyed the sound of this album and I think it should easily be considered a must listen. 9/10.
41. Cat Power - Wanderer: I was pretty excited for this album. Cat Power has always been someone I enjoyed listening to and honestly, I totally forgot all about her...granted, it's been six years since her last album. Wanderer is about what you'd expect from her in terms of melodies, guitar playing (lots of finger picking), piano, lyrics, wonderful voice, etc. She completely reimagined Rihanna's Stay, which is one of my favorite songs of the year. I came back to a few songs on this album at least twice, especially Horizon. This is a light album, easy to turn on and simply listen to. Truthfully, it's been quite some time since I heard any of her previous albums, but there's a good chance I enjoyed this one the most. 7/10.
40. Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino: Don't crucify me but I've never really been too into Arctic Monkeys. I just don't think I ever got it or was crazy about his voice. But, I was surprised by this album. I found it to be pretty enjoyable. It was a lot different than other rock albums I heard this year and I think a lot of that has to do with Alex Turner's voice (which I came away enjoying more than I did previously). Clocking in at 40 minutes, I sort of felt like the album dragged on and was too long. When I finished it, I walked away with a real "once you've heard it once, you've heard it a dozen times" feeling. 6/10.
39. Eleanor Friedberger - Rebound: I wasn't expecting to run into any Fiery Furnaces on this list. Eleanor Friedberger is/was the lead singer of that band (Illinois suburb represent!). Anyway, this was a clean/polished indie pop/rock/bedroom pop/dreampop/whatever album that made me feel alright. I did get a little bored toward the end of the album but overall I enjoyed it. Some parts (her voice, specifically) can even be a little dream-popy which remind me of Beach House (pretty good thing) and at times, she reminds me of Tracey Thorn. Straight up decent indie pop/rock album that will likely leave no lasting impression on me. Everything was my favorite song on this album. 6/10.
38. Calexico - The Thread That Keeps Us: The whole time I listened to this I kept hearing Ryan Adams. My goodness the singer is basically doing his best Adams impression on most of this album. Just listen to Eyes Wide Awake and tell me I'm wrong. Anyway, this was a looooong indie rock album that was pretty enjoyable. I just couldn't get past his voice and there's nothing really wrong with that but it just didn't sound different or do anything more unique than any other indie rock album I've heard this year. 6/10.
37. Stephan Malkmus and the Jicks - Sparkle Head: What more could you ask for from Stephen Malkmus than a solid 90's alternative/indie rock record? Nothing. This is exactly what this album is. I was never crazy about Pavement or other Malkmus works but I overall enjoyed this record. I really liked Middle America which I've heard a lot (may have been the single? Or in a TV show?). Anyway, I'd say this is pretty much a must listen if you're craving some old school 90's indie rock. 7/10.
36. The Lemon Twigs - Go To School: A musical! This album is about a monkey that goes to school with humans and it's as silly as it sounds. A fun, goofy, silly pop album that was so fun to listen to. Clearly inspired by classic 70s and southern heartland music, this sounds like an awesome theatrical production by two brothers that are just having fun. I honestly haven't heard an album like this since Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell. This Is My Tree sounds like it's 40 years old but it's so fresh. Gotta listen to this one. So fun. 9/10.
35. Go-Kart Mozart - Mozart's Mini Mart: This was a goooooooooofy British electronic indie pop album. This was sooo weird and obscure. I will say though, easily my favorite album name of the year. The album is short so they did a pretty good job of keeping my interest throughout the whole thing even though I ended up not being too crazy about it. It's pretty obvious they don't really take themselves too serious which adds to their goofiness. Less than 3,000 monthly listeners on Spotify so it's pretty impressive these guys found themselves so high on this list. The music itself was pretty neat and fun but the whole thing was just way too out there for me. 6/10.
34. Hookworms - Microshift: I can confidently say this is one of my favorite albums of the year. It's a cool psychedelic/electronic/indie rock album that hits all the right spots. Cool vocals, cool effects, cool fucking music. The singers voice reminds me of something so familiar but I can't quite figure it out. It's pretty difficult to find anything about this album I didn't like. I really, really liked this. There was something different about it. The mix of electronic and indie rock is apparently a recipe for success. Static Resistance, Ullswater and Opener were my favorites off the album. Listen to this and enjoy. 10/10.
33. Connan Mockasin - Jassbusters: There pretty much isn't a more boring way to follow the Hookworms' album than with this one. I'm not claiming this one is bad. It was just boooooring. Thankfully it was a super short album. Every song just felt the same to me. No doubt this man is talented but I simply couldn't get into it. Glass of wine dinner making music imo. 6/10.
32. Gwenno - Le Kov: Cute lil indie pop record. Whole album is in Cornish so beats the fuck out of me what she's saying or singing about, but it's pretty nonetheless. The music accompanying her nice voice is worthwhile though, even though it's in another language. Compared to other albums with similar style, it's nothing special. But it's an easy listen, makes for pretty good background/working music. 6/10.
31. Gazelle Twin - Pastoral: Oh boy I was not a fan of this. Super strange industrial music that distracted the fuck out of me. I was annoyed, bored and simply could not get into this. Thankfully, this was less than 40 minutes long. It was weird. If you're into intense shit you'd probably like this. I however, am not and did not. 2/10.
30. Mélissa Laveaux - Radyo Siwél: Lots of fingerpicking, super soulful voice...pretty much everything I enjoy. Not sure what language she sings in but for the most part, it isn't in english. I was into it when I first started listening, but towards the end, I ended up not being particularly crazy about this. It didn't really move me or make me think about it in any way. I think I'd say half the songs were pretty good and the other half was just straight boring. 6/10.
29. Let's Eat Grandma - I'm All Ears: Don't let the strange name throw you off. There's honestly not a single bad thing I could say about this album. I enjoyed every second of it and have had it on repeat all week. These girls are something else. Super talented electronic/pop/synth band that does everything right. A lot of synth to create deep/dark sounds, beautiful vocals and songs that keep your attention throughout the entire album. It's Not Just Me, Falling Into You, Cool & Collected, Donnie Darko, etc. take your pick. Every song is great. I'd consider this a must listen. 10/10.
28. Dirty Projectors - Lamp Lit Prose: This just felt like a mess, I thought everything was kind of thrown all over the place. At times I found it to be too distracting, goofy, too weird, obscure. I don't get it. It was simply exhausting. Though I'll say I did enjoy That's A Lifestyle. 5/10.
27. IDLES - Joy As An Act Of Resistance: Holy smokes! This was incredible. It was intense, politically charged (albeit never feels like a political album), straight punk music. I can't remember the last time I've heard anything like this, if ever. Whatever IDLES did to produce this record should be imitated/replicated by every band today. I'm Scum leading into Danny Nedelko is my favorite one/two punch of tracks so far this year. Was difficult getting myself to move on with this list because this was so good. Very good chance this ends up as my AOTY. Instant classic. Listen to this now. 10/10.
26. John Prine - The Tree Of Forgiveness: This album will grow on you. Wonderful, warm, easy listening. If you're into Country/Americana, this is a pretty good record for you to dive into. There's some nice songs on here and there's certainly some forgettable ones. Definitely feel some Willie Nelson, Neil Young, etc. This is perfect background working music. Turn this on and just get shit done. I thought that Willie Nelson from earlier was better. Boundless Love is my favorite tune from this album. 7/10.
25. Courtney Marie Andrews - May Your Kindness Remain: Likely the best country album I've ever heard. As soon as the chorus hits on the albums opening track, you can tell how good it's going to be. I haven't felt that much during this list. It's so smooth, vocals are unimaginably good, lyrics are deep and incredibly thought out. There truly isn't a single bad song on this album. Great lyrics throughout. On the albums title track: "Broke on a barstool, throwin' your paycheck away/On overpriced booze, slots, and valet/Fortune might buy diamonds, all shiny and new/But it can't buy you happiness or love, that is true." Or from Took You Up: "Lonely even when you're standin' there/In so deep with few words to share/Sometimes love gets you so damn depressed/All you can do is hide from it/But I wouldn't have it any other way/Wouldn't take the mansions or the getaways/Wouldn't trade love for a million bucks/If I have you then that's enough." Country album of the year. Must listen for any country fan or simply anyone that appreciates great singing/songwriting. 10/10.
24. Paul Weller - True Meanings:
23. Kurt Vile - Bottle It In:
22. Father John Misty - God's Favorite Customer: