13 Forgettable and/or Worst Albums of 2019 | Year in Review 💿🎧

13 Forgettable and/or Worst Albums of 2019 features questionable albums courtesy of Ciara, DJ Khaled, Kanye West, Logic & Miley Cyrus.

Ah, the year in review/year-end lists are lit AF!  Well, maybe not this particular list, which is the negative 13 FORGETTABLE AND/OR WORST ALBUMS OF 2019.  The deal is, not every album release in 2019 was a certified bop.  Many albums and EPs totally fell short of the glory, failed to tickle my fancy, or ultimately lost their initial appeal.  In some cases, the albums selected on this list may not be the worst ever, but they mark a significant step back for the respective artist.  Without further ado, here is the list of 13 FORGETTABLE AND/OR WORST ALBUMS OF 2019, featuring questionable albums courtesy of Ciara, DJ Khaled, Kanye West, Logic, and Miley Cyrus among others.

13. Logic, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Def Jam 

Grammy-nominated rapper Logic didn’t have a great musical year in 2019 (he did have a bestselling novel though).  Both of his albums manage to make the list of 13 FORGETTABLE AND/OR WORST ALBUMS OF 2019.   The lesser of two evils is his proper studio album, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.  While Confessions of a Dangerous Mind has its fair share of moments (“Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”, “Homicide”, “clickbait”, and “Keanu Reeves” among them), much of the album feels much less inspired than Everybody (2017) or YSIV (2018).

There are some prime examples that contribute to why Confessions of a Dangerous Mind falls short.  Apparently, on “COMMANDO,” according to featured guest G-Eazy, fans have been waiting for G-Eazy and Logic to collaborate… Hmm, I highly doubt that. Furthermore, Logic unnecessarily references his penis throughout the album. A prime example is “BOBBY,” where he raps, “Who’s biracial only in his penis (Bobby).” Jesus! At other times, he comes off as meh, never advancing his craft. For example, he sounds nothing short of ordinary on the predictable “Icy” featuring unlikely collaborator, Gucci Mane.  Confessions of a Dangerous Mind wasn’t abysmal in my opinion, but Logic has served up better.

12. Avril Lavigne, Head Above Water

BMG Rights Management

Let me just say that Head Above Water, the 2019 comeback album by Avril Lavigne, isn’t horrible – it has its fair share of moments.  Lavigne consistently delivers strong vocals, and her spirit also shines throughout the course of the record. The problem is, Head Above Water isn’t an exciting or particularly memorable album.  Sure, Lavigne strikes gold with her gratitude-filled title track, “Head Above Water”, and the soulful “Tell Me It’s Over”, but some of the other moments are meh.

“Dumb Blonde” is another gem within the context of Head Above Water but looking back at it months after initially reviewing Head Above Water, it’s a forgettable collaboration with Nicki Minaj. I use that example to say that it reminds you that arguably Lavigne’s best days are behind her.  Generally, there are too many ballads, some of which overlap in messaging. It should also be noted that the album begins stronger than it finishes.

11. Khalid, Free Spirit

RCA

Free Spirit, the sophomore album by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Khalid, has a number of songs worth spinning.  Records like “My Bad”, “Better”, “Saturday Nights”, and crown jewel “Talk” find Khalid at his best.  There are also some other respectable moments, such as “Right Back,” “Outta My Head” and “Bluffin’.” Arguably none of those is better than “My Bad”, “Better”, or “Saturday Nights,” but they’re respectable.

That said, unlike his better rounded debut album, American Teen, there are fewer surefire highlights, and they fail to be as memorable. Khalid is a refined vocalist (he has a distinct instrument), but at times, Free Spirit suffers from being, well, a bore.  That’s the product of of indistinct material and at times, performances from Khalid that could use more oomph and arguably, a smidge more artistry.

10. Ciara, Beauty Marks

Beauty Marks Entertainment

So, how many people knew that Ciara released a new album in 2019? Likely, the answer is few considering her first independently released album, Beauty Marks, didn’t exactly light up the charts.  Besides the fact it performed mediocrely at best, the album is totally forgettable.  This wouldn’t be the first time that the “Goodies” hitmaker struggled being relevant within the pop and urban contemporary landscape.

Is Beauty Marks horrific? No, but again, it’s forgettable – it doesn’t latch.  Ciara manages to score a few gems with “Level Up”, “Thinkin Bout You,” “Dose”, and “Greatest Love.”  Beyond those select few numbers, Beauty Marks ultimately fails to ‘level up’ – see what I did there?  The big problem with Beauty Marks is a lack of ‘killer instinct’ and edge that makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

9. Ed Sheeran, No.6 Collaborations Project

Atlantic

Yes, I understand that those who totally ‘Stan’ for Ed Sheeran are probably ready to give me a good cussing and have the desire to kick my ass. Bring it on! We all know that No.6 Collaborations Project is by far the weakest album that Ed has released in years.  Honestly, I was a bit appalled that he managed to nab a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.  Honestly, this album just ain’t it.

Yes, Sheeran released a number of singles in advance of the project.  I was most onboard with “BLOW”, which found him collaborating with Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars.  This uncharacteristic pop/rock joint at least exhibits contrasts.  Also, Ed didn’t do too shabby with “Best Part of Me” featuring YEBBA.  You can debate the quality of a couple of other tracks, but much of No.6 Collaborations Project is meh.  “South of the Border” is arguably a standout, but it also suffers from a poor choice of innuendo – it has some problems.  Singles “Cross Me” and “I Don’t Care” featuring Justin Bieber DEFINITELY fall short, while the pleasure of “Remember the Name” (featuring Eminem and 50 Cent) is TEMPORARY at best.

8. Kanye West, Jesus is King

Getting Out Our Dreams, II / Def Jam

First and foremost, let me make it clear that I am a believer. Why did I need to disclose that? Well, just because when I criticize this ill-advised Kanye West album, you’ll refrain from calling me out of my name or atheistic, pagan, etc.  There were plenty of people who were undoubtedly ready to praise Mr. West for his ability to save souls with the release of – or at least the anticipation for – Jesus is King.  I’ll admit, maybe being judgmental, that I had less faith in West than most.

Why? Well, West’s albums in general since Yeezus (2013) haven’t been as magical as his earlier works – FACTS.  Ye, which arrived in 2018, was totally forgettable in my eyes, and ultimately, found Kanye West a shell of the artist he once was.  While I think Jesus is King is slightly better, this highly anticipated ‘gospel’ album fell short of expectations. There are some moments, such as the epic “Selah,” the soulful “Follow God,” and the Clipse/Kenny G feature, “Use this Gospel,” but otherwise, Jesus is King feels undercooked, too long despite its brevity, and certainly not the definition of a contemporary black gospel album.  The worst moment is arguably “Closed on Sunday,” which deservingly earned a spot on my list of 11 of the Absolute Worst Songs of 2019.  I can’t repent regarding that one…

7. DJ Khaled, Father of Asahd

Epic

Honestly, I don’t believe anyone expects DJ Khaled to curate/produce (whatever he actually does) a classic album.  He’s had his moments mind you, but as of late, his projects tend to get, umm, worse. Father of Asahd arrived after the exhaustive Grateful, serving up continued mediocrity on the DJ’s part.  Ugh.  As usually, there are some respectable moments, with the crème de la crème being “Higher,” featuring the late Nipsey Hussle and John Legend.

With an elite, Grammy-nominated moment like “Higher,” also come more forgettable, shittier ones, if I’m keeping it totally 100.  Considering who Khaled manages to secure on these star-studded albums (Beyoncé, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Future, Jay-Z, Nas, and SZA among them), you just expect more.  Honestly, what else is there to say about this album? NOTHING.

6. Highly Suspect, MCID

300 Entertainment

Highly Suspect isn’t just a rock band, something front man Johnny Stevens (Terrible Johnny) emphasized during the rollout for MCID.  Like some of the other albums that have the misfortune of being selected among the 13 FORGETTABLE AND OR WORST ALBUMS OF 2019, MCID (My Crew is Dope) has some successful moments.  Among those winners are “16”, “Canals”, “Upperdrugs,” and even the uncharacteristic, hip-hop-tinged “Tokyo Ghoul” (Terrible Johnny and featured guest Young Thug do their thing).

Beyond the aforementioned, plus a couple of other exceptions, MCID is about as odd as you would expect from Highly Suspect opting for a different direction.  The eclecticism is appreciated mind you, but not everything works/works seamlessly.  There is a lack of unification – it’s all over the damn place! Also, MCID, which runs at just about an hour in length, feels too damn long.  With some edits and a few less [filler] tracks, AND MORE ROCK honestly, the album would’ve been stronger. I guess I could’ve used another “Lydia”, “My Name is Human” or “Serotonia”, sigh.

5. Iggy Azalea, In My Defense

Bad Dreams / EMPIRE

Positively, In My Defense, the full-length, sophomore album by Iggy Azalea, is filled with ‘bangers.’  Clearly, Azalea wanted to drop a hard-nosed, tough-minded affair to atone for her share of criticism, not to mention compete with female rappers that are currently more popular than herself.  She accomplished that feat.  The problem is, In my Defense suffers from being both generic and shallow AF.  Iggy fails to be transcendent in the least.

The subject matter of In My Defense is basic, focused on drip and sex.  The end of the album really amplifies the sex, way too much so – she literally closes with “Pussy Pop,” which leaves NOTHING to the imagination.  Back up just a little bit, and Iggy informs us on “Just Wanna” that all she wants to do is… “Fuck / I just wanna nut / I’m put this pussy on your face / Open up boy, come and get a taste.” My, my, my! In My Defense is DEFINITELY NOT the second coming and certainly not distinct.  ‘In her defense’… well… I really can’t say much honestly.

4. Miley Cyrus, She is Coming (EP)

RCA

Sometimes you’re better off copying and pasting what you’ve already wrote. So, here it goes: Miley Cyrus has been lost musically for a while. She struck gold with her 2013 album, Bangerz, but has truly fallen short since then.  Her 2017 album Younger Now wasn’t a bad album, but it was quite the about face from the bolder music she’d been making and ended up going nowhere.  In 2019, Cyrus decided (rather attempted) to be bold and naughty once more on She is Coming (EP). It had one truly accomplished moment, “Mother’s Daughter,” while the only other notable song, “Cattitude” is… um… something else. She “Can’t Be Tamed” here… ‘

Basically, this EP is a HOT MESS. Other than “Mother’s Daughter” and perhaps the attempted, if poorly executed feminist angle of “Cattitude,” what’s worth spinning? And obviously, “Cattitude isn’t worth spinning as it solidified a spot on 11 of the Absolute Worst Songs of 2019.  The thing is the horrible Swae Lee feature, “Party Up the Street” could’ve also landed on the list – it’s abysmal!

3. Liam Payne, LP1

Capitol

I have no doubt that the reactions to LP1 bothered Liam Payne.  The thing is, Payne is talented, not to mention incredibly handsome.  That said, LP1 is at best an average pop album.  The best moments from Payne’s debut LP are the familiar songs released well in advance such as “Strip That Down” (featuring Quavo), “Get Low” (with Zedd), and “Familiar” (featuring J Balvin).  A couple of other songs are respectable, but they don’t suddenly turn Payne into a superstar or amplify his charisma.

For the hits that appear on LP1, the One Direction heartthrob makes some glaring missteps.  None is more glaring than “Both Ways,” which I selected as the 11 of the Absolute Worst Songs of 2019.  Why? Well, horn-dog Payne appears to fetishize bisexuality – what an ‘arsehole’ move! In a time where the collection of LGBTQ+ songs is only increasing, Payne’s entry is totally ill advised: “Lovin’ the way that she’s turning you on / Switching the lanes like a Bugatti Sport / Nothing but luck that she got me involved, yeah / Flipping that body, go head, I go tails.” Question: is anyone turned on by that shit? Didn’t think so.  Honestly, LP1 has other moments that dabble in love and sex as well (“Rude Hours” comes to mind), but the foreplay is, um, meh… so is the LP.

2. Lil Pump, Harverd Dropout

Warner

Doing a little more plagiarizing of myself: ‘Give Lil Pump credit for delivering an infectious if absolutely stupid hit with “Gucci Gang.”  The song lacks substance, but it was definitely a bop-and-a-half.  The problem is, since Lil Pump as come up, his music hasn’t improved in the least.  If anything, as evidenced by the atrocity that is Harverd Dropout, things have only gotten worse for the young rapper.’ Hey, there was no need to say any differently, right? RIGHT.

Harverd Dropout is nothing short of a train wreck. Lil Pump has been lazily riding the wave since “Gucci Gang” and has failed miserably at growing as an artist.  Yep, Pump is still young – there’s plenty of time for him to grow – but most of the time, those 15 minutes of fame are much shorter than you think.  Maybe I just don’t get it – maybe it’s the age different – I’m a millennial after all, sigh.  But, I think many will agree that Harverd Dropout is an empty, sketchy affair at best.  I mean, he brags about his drug use (“Drug Addicts”) and certainly doesn’t win over feminists on “Stripper Name.”

1. Logic, Supermarket

Def Jam

And here it is – the worst of the worst of 2019! Just to recap, Logic didn’t have a great musical year in 2019.  Both of his albums manage to make the list of 13 Forgettable and/or Worst Albums of 2019.  Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (13^th on this list) was an average album at best.  The same can’t be said of the soundtrack to his bestselling novel Supermarket.

What makes Supermarket utterly terrible is the fact that Logic opts for pop/rock singing, and that is definitely NOT his strong suit.  Making matters even worse, Supermarket has some absolutely awful songwriting, with nothing latching after an initial listen. After spending my money to download Supermarket on the iTunes Store (WTF was I thinking), I sure wish I’d streamed it instead, or better yet, totally avoided it like the plague.  In fact, I think Bobby should pay me for subjecting myself to that awfulness.

13 Forgettable and/or Worst Albums of 2019 | Year in Review [Photo Credits: 300 Entertainment, Atlantic, Bad Dreams, Beauty Marks Entertainment, BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Def Jam, Def Jam, EMPIRE, Epic, Pixabay, RCA, Warner]