For the fourth year in a row I’m putting out my top 10 albums for the year. I’m keeping it a little more bare-bones this year with shorter descriptions. However, I have added a new feature of rating them on a 10-point scale so you have that to look forward to!
P.S. I have a little surprise at the end, so make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom…
10. Petey
Lean Into Life
7.7/10
I saw this band live without ever having heard about them and they totally rocked the house. Was probably the most energetic live show I’ve been to this year. That earns their spot on the list.
9. The Smile
A Light for Attracting Attention
8/10
Love Radiohead? Listen to this album. Especially the song “the smoke.” Such a great base-line.
8. Alex G
God Save the Animals
8.2/10
Alex has been on this list previously. His songs give me exactly what I look for in an album by him. I can’t explain what that is, but it is good.
7. Phoenix
Alpha Zulu
8.3/10
Love the new album as much as the old stuff. This is my wife’s favorite album of the year… at least in her top 2.. You’ll see her #1 further down below. Gives you everything you want in a Phoenix album.
6. Harry Styles
Harry's House
8.4/10
I didn’t want to put this album on the list. I wasn’t even tracking it until late in the year. The appeal (unfortunately for my pretentiousness) is undeniable.
5. Kendrick Lamar
Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers
8.7/10
Mr. Lamar brings all sorts of art and pain to this album. It is a very uncomfortable listen at times, but the cumulative affect is powerful.
4. Andrew Bird
Inside Problems
8.9
Andrew is one of my all-time faves, and this is one of his best albums to-date. This was my daughter’s favorite album in-utero, so it seems like she’s got pretty good taste already.
3. Big Thief
Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You
9/10
This album is a big, beautiful hodge podge of lovely tunes that span the largest variety of themes and genres on this year’s list.
2. The Weeknd
Dawn FM
9.2/10
As with Harry Styles album, I really didn’t want to put Mr. The Weeknd on any list. I’ve never really liked his music much, but this album has changed all of that. The production is so clean and crisp, the tunes are so catchy and the grooves cut deeper than the albums dark themes. This is my wife’s favorite for the year.
1. Orville Peck
Bronco
9.4/10
Here it is. My favorite album of the year. I’ve enjoyed Orville for a couple of years now and this album is a culmination of all the reasons I enjoy his music. It is big, bold, and as ridiculous as his on-stage persona. He sings like Elvis, and reminds you that listening to music can be just a top-notch, fun time.
dajob
Reflections
?/10
Me and my brother have been putting these songs together for a while now, and I think they’re as finished as they’re gonna be. You can listen to the songs here. I would love to hear your reviews on the album generally and/or any of the songs particularly!