Even though we’re only midway through October, 2019 has been a great year for music. Though, with so much music being released, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with everything. So, we thought we’d do an unranked run-down of 10 of the top albums the year has produced so far.
Sam Fender – ‘Hypersonic Missiles’
After releasing multiple singles in 2018 and winning the Critic’s Choice Award at the 2019 Brit Awards, the debut album of Sam Fender meanders through small town frustration and laments on today’s issues. Released on the 13th of September, the Geordie singer’s striking vocals powers through the 13 track album covering everything from toxic masculinity and white privilege (non-surprisingly on the track ‘White Privilege’), the male suicide epidemic (‘Dead Boys’), and the political tension of today’s world (‘Hypersonic Missiles’). While not always perfect, the Springsteen reminiscent rock album confirms Fender’s place as an artist, especially when he focuses on individual stories rather than the general human condition.
Must listen: Dead Boys
Lizzo – ‘Cuz I Love You’
By now, most people know who Lizzo is, and this year, the ‘Truth Hurts’ singer released her first major label album. The title track opens the album with a powerful belt, setting the tone for how the album continues – bold, colourful, and shameless. Lizzo uses the album to display her impressive vocal range, but also to push her empowering message of self-love and being unapologetically you. She uses her anthems to accent positivity – you won’t find any sad songs on the album, making it the perfect pick me up on any day. For those that love her hits ‘Truth Hurts’, ‘Good as Hell’, and ‘Juice’, the album is a must listen.
Must listen: Exactly How I Feel (feat. Gucci Mane)
Lana Del Rey – Norman F***ing Rockwell!
Lana Del Rey hits all the right notes with her fifth studio album. Known for her sprawling images of Americana and Old Hollywood, NFR is different. It is Del Rey’s most personal album yet. Filled with piano heavy ballads, the Jack Antonoff collaboration is less of the campy aesthetics and more of the real person that has always hidden behind them. Writing has always been a strength of the American singer’s and that has never been more prevalent than on NFR. Each song is laced with stunning imagery and carefree exclamations, such as my favourite line of the whole album – “Fresh out of f**ks forever” (‘Venice Bitch’). It’s a strong contender for her best album.
Must listen: The Greatest
Taylor Swift – Lover
Whether you are a fan of Swift or not, it’s hard to deny her dominance over the charts. Lover has provided her with yet another record-breaking album. Her seventh studio album, the first since her departure from Big Machine Records, became the most pre-saved album by a female artist and it became her sixth album to sell more than 500,000 copies in a single week. Every single track entered the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously, breaking records for the most simultaneous debuts in the chart for a female artist and most simultaneous entries in general. Described by Swift herself as a ‘love letter to love itself’, the album feels like a carefree declaration of personal devotion. Despite the occasional song that feels a little unneeded (looking at you, ME!), the album has heart-warming highs in ‘False God’ and ‘Lover’. While not her most consistent, Swift proves she is still capable of offering a critically acclaimed album.
Must listen: False God
Dave – Psychodrama
After gaining a reputation for his freestyle videos, the bold debut album of Dave has been a long time coming. But, thankfully, it was worth the wait. The critically acclaimed album has been called fearless, tackling the subjects of race, prison, and abusive relationships. The 20-year-old’s record became the most streamed first-week British rap album in the UK, garnering a total of 23.6 million streams.
Must listen: Black
Tyler the Creator – Igor
IGOR is the summery next step from 28-year-old Tyler the Creator, after his last studio album ‘Flower Boy’. Released after his ban from the UK was lifted, this sixth album is an imperfect blend of R&B, funk and rap to create a heartfelt album for the summer months. Creator has himself stated that he wants you listen to his new album with your full attention, so that you can form your own opinions.
Must listen: New Magic Wand
Ariana Grande – thank u, next
It would be hard to compile a list such as this without considering about Grande’s fifth studio album. The album came just six months after her previous one, and was talked about for months. Released amid personal matters, such as the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, the album is Grande’s way of coming to terms with all the emotions she was feeling. ‘thank u, next’ was an anthem for moving on. ‘Fake Smile’ was her way of revealing her real emotions after putting on a brave face for so long. The album dances between influences of pop, R&B and trap music, switching between the upbeat to the withdrawn, more emotive side of the actor turned singer.
Must listen: Ghostin’
AJ Tracey – AJ Tracey
“It’s the hyperman set, AJ Tracey live and direct” is probably one of the phrases I’ve seen the most on social media recently, and if that isn’t the mark of a successful single, then I don’t know what is. The lad from Ladbroke Grove released his debut album early this year and the main consensus is that it exudes confidence. The record is multi-genre, taking influence from hip-hop, grime, blues, R&B and many others, creating an album that reflects the ever-changing face of British rap.
Must listen: Psych Out!
Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
It feels strange to include this album on the list. The songs have been played so much that it almost seems like it’s been around for years. The 17 year old singer rose to viral fame after her single ‘Ocean Eyes’, and now her album, written with her brother Finneas, has shot her to stardom. You’d be hardpressed to find people who don’t know her thumping and edgy tracks ‘Bad Guy’ and ‘bury a friend’, but it’s her more melancholic tracks where the singer’s voice shines.
Must listen: i love you
Maggie Rogers – Heard It In A Past Life
Three years ago, a video of Pharrell getting visibly moved during a masterclass after listening to an NYU student’s song went viral and Maggie Rogers shot to fame. The song ‘Alaska’ was written by Rogers in 15 minutes and has remained mostly unchanged on the American singer’s debut album. Dubbed as ‘folk-tronica’, the album is filled with songs about falling hopelessly in love, and getting your heart broken. It’s a beautiful debut, and promises stunning things to come from Maggie Rogers.
Must listen: Fallingwater
Words: Robbie Nicholls