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Albums from Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Vampire Weekend comprise the 25 Best Albums of 2019, year in review list. 

Ah, that time of year has come, where the music critic must select the albums considered to be the best of 2019.  What an arduous task.  This process is both objective and subjective.  That said, it ultimately it ends up being more subjective because everyone who listens to music has their own set of criteria.  For me, some of the boxes that the albums selected on this list much check off are performance by the artist, production overall, songwriting, memorability, and musicality (contextually) among other things.  In some regard, all 25 albums selected on this list exemplify excellence to some extent in the aforementioned criteria.  Enough rambling though! Without further ado, here are the 25 best albums of 2019, featuring albums courtesy of Ariana Grande, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Vampire Weekend.

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25. Maggie Rogers, Heard it in a Past Life

Capitol

Grammy-nominated alternative musician Maggie Rogers delivered a captivating effort on her debut album, Heard It in a Past Life. She first gained notoriety as the NYU student who caught Pharrell Williams’ attention for her hit record, “Alaska.” Unsurprisingly, “Alaska” finds its way on Heard it in a Past Life.

Pros regarding Heard It in a Past Life include strong songwriting, and brilliant, creative use of her voice, even without blowing you away with gospel-tinged, powerhouse pipes. In addition to “Alaska,” gems include the groovy opener “Give a Little,” catchy follow-up “Overnight,” and the sleek, R&B-tinged bop, “Say It.” Heard it in a Past Life may not be among the very ‘best of the best’ albums of 2019, but it definitely ranks among the best… does that make sense?

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24. Hozier, Wasteland, Baby!

Columbia

Grammy-nominated Irish alternative musician Hozier, renowned for his hit “Take Me to Church”, returned with an alluring, well-rounded sophomore album with Wasteland, Baby!. The groundwork was already laid for Wasteland, Baby! with the release of the EP, Nina Cried Power in 2018.

Among the many, worthwhile, musical moments from the album are the scintillating, contemporary protest anthem, “Nina Cried Power” featuring the legendary Mavis Staples, the multi-song-name-dropping  “Almost (Sweet Music)”, and the incredibly nuanced balladry of “Movement”.  That doesn’t even account for gems like “No Plan,” “Nobody,” or “Talk.” Then, there are moments like “Be” that find Hozier continuing to incorporate Biblical and religious references like a champ, even skeptically.  For all these reasons, the underrated Wasteland, Baby! earns a spot on the Best Albums of 2019.

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23. The National, You Had Your Soul with You

4AD

Back in 2017, The National arrived at no. 5 on the 50 Best Albums of 2017 with their Grammy-winning LP, Sleep Well Beast.  Furthermore, Sleep Well Beast was ranked no. 2 on the 16 Best Alternative Albums of 2017, trailing only Father John Misty (Pure Comedy). The National follow-up Sleep Well Best with their eighth studio album, I Am Easy to Find, a respectable and intriguing affair, even if it ultimately runs too long. Interestingly, while the album is a standalone project, there is also a short film of the same title, directed by Mike Mills and starring Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander.

Compared to Sleep Well Beast, I Am Easy to Find isn’t quite as elite.  Still, there’s plenty to like and appreciate about the new LP.  Matt Berninger sounds like a champ as always, and he works well collaborating with a number of female vocalists (Gail Ann Dorsey, Mina Tindle, Lisa Hannigan, Kate Stables, and Eve Owens).  The production and overall sound throughout the affair are notable.  Berninger and company strike gold numerous times including opener “You Had Your Soul with You”, “I Am Easy to Find,” “Not in Kansas,” and the first studio recording of the near-decade old “Rylan.”

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22. Sam Fender, Hypersonic Missiles

Polydor

British singer/songwriter Sam Fender is pretty rad.  The same can be said of the British singer/songwriter’s entire debut album, Hypersonic Missiles.  What makes Hypersonic Missiles the ‘cat’s meow?’ Excellent musicianship from Fender in regard to vocal performances and colorful, creative, and poetic songwriting.

The highlights run abundant on Hypersonic Missiles.  The crowning achievement is the incredibly woke “White Privilege”, which finds Fender examining white privilege (including his own), as well as political and social issues plaguing both England and the world.  Brexit gets incredibly colorful treatment, while political correctness is brilliantly addressed as well. “That Sound,” meanwhile, is a crowd-pleasing, psychological number with a terrific chorus, post-chorus, and enjoyable songwriting overall.  Other gems include the politically and socially charged title track, “Dead Boys,” the FIFA 19 bop, “Play God,” and of course, “Saturday.” Hypersonic Missiles is a prime example of an underrated album that ranks among the class of 2019.

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21. Slipknot, We Are Not Your Kind

Roadrunner

Following a five-year hiatus, Slipknot released its sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind, in 2019. The Des Moines, Iowa metal collective certainly brought their ‘A game.’ We Are Not Your Kind lacks any glaring missteps. From the opening tip to the thrilling closer, the LP is dark, energetic, hellish, and epic. There is no shortage of moments that make We Are Not Your Kind the stellar album that it is. Standout “Unsainted” features a tuneful chorus and contrasted by shouted, infernal verses, chocked-full of angst.

“Nero Forte” (‘strong black’) is quite depressed, though depressed in alluring, captivating fashion:

“Fists clenched tight in the pockets of my hoodie
And I know where I need to go
But the voice of reason can’t say no
It’s in the eyes and heart
Just the latest psycho off the charts.”

“Solway Firth,” the second advance single, uniquely references a famous photograph taken in Solway Firth featuring an illusion of a spaceman in the background (Solway Spaceman).  What makes it cool? Slipknot delivers lyrics related to the photo.  Besides the three cited gems, as aforementioned, We Are Not Your Kind doesn’t lack in material in the least, with other strong selections on this compelling album arriving courtesy of “Birth of the Cruel,” “Red Flag,” and “Spiders.”

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20. Clairo, Immunity

FADER

Alt-pop singer/songwriter Clairo (Claire Cottrill) initially became famous thanks to one viral song, “Pretty Girl”.  Post- “Pretty Girl,” Clairo released a memorable debut album in 2019, Immunity, which can be described as a definite BOP.  Two advanced singles go a long way in shaping the excellence of Immunity. “Bags”, the crowning achievement, dabbles in matters of the heart, and all is not well in regard to the relationship; she’s holding back and willing to accept the status quo. “Closer to You” shines as well, with more matters of the heart, as well minimal, but highly satisfying production work, and some lovely vocal harmonies.

Beyond the advance singles, on “Alewife” (totally not about a fish), Clairo sings in an undertone, tackling sad subject matter – suicide.  Ultimately, she’s thankful to a friend who ‘saved her.’ “Softly” finds her questioning her sexuality, while “Sofia” moves beyond ‘questioning’ to ‘confirmation’ and ownership (“Sofia, know that you and I / Shouldn’t feel like a crime”).  With so many amazing and thoughtful moments, alongside awesome production helmed by Rostam Batmanglij, Immunity easily ranks among the crème de la crème of 2019.

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19. Sara Bareilles, Amidst the Chaos

Epic

Sara Bareilles returned with a bang in 2019 with her brilliant sixth studio album, Amidst the Chaos, contrasting her earlier discography.  Contributing to the contrast is the production by multi-Grammy-winning producer T-Bone Burnett, which definitely pays off.  She begins ferociously with “Fire,” with its folksy, indie-pop vibes.  That said, she’s even more potent when it comes to balladry, excelling on follow-up “No Such Thing” and later down the track list, “Saint Honesty,” which appears on the 51 Best Songs of 2019 year in review list.  

The excellence of the underappreciated album doesn’t cease there! Gems like the soulful “If I Can’t Have You” and the feminist “Armor” can’t be left out of discussion points, further making Amidst the Chaos a killer pop LP.  Yep, there’s definitely a reason Bareilles has been nominated for eight Grammy awards, including the aforementioned gem, “Saint Honesty.” If you slept on Amidst the Chaos, well, it’s time to get woke on this stunning affair.

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18. Denzel Curry, ZUU

Loma Vista

Carol City, Florida artist Denzel Curry is quite the electrifying rapper – FACTS. Despite its brief runtime, his 2019 album, ZUU, gives him a strong, well-rounded album with no shortage of hard-hitting bangers. The crowning achievement is “Ricky,” selected as the 35^th best song of 2019. “Ricky,” which references Curry’s father, is nothing short of elite, thriving in part thanks to its sick, malicious production work, pitch-shifted vocals, and a catchy, rather prudent chorus. Curry also packs a serious punch on “Speedboat”, which also features badass production work (Rugah Rahj), lit rhymes (“Thinking ‘bout intricate plots / To get out the hood, that’s when I started to jot”), and a simply glorious chorus that slaps the first time you hear it.

Although ZUU is brief in runtime, it’s much more than “Ricky” and “Speedboat.” Banger “Birdz” masterfully pairs Curry with fellow Carol City rapper, Rick Ross.  On “Carolmart,” he reps for his city (it appeared on 17 Songs Characterized by Their Place, FYI). Although low IQ and lacking depth, “Shake 88” gives Curry a totally worthwhile booty shaking anthem.  All in all, ZUU is nothing short of a treat.

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17. James Blake, Assume Form

Polydor

Sigh, one of the hippest musicians in the game is none other than British electronic artist, James Blake. Blake is hip thanks to his unique style of production, not to mention his distinct voice, particularly his sweet falsetto.  In addition to great production and vocal skills, he’s versatile when it comes to genre – he fits just about wherever he needs to.  His own albums tend to be experimental and exemplify innovative spirit. The Mercury Prize-winning electronic standout delivers the goods once more on his marvelous fourth studio album, Assume Form.

James Blake sounds like a champ throughout, with some thoughtful writing and top-notch production work.  The crowning achievement is the ultra-soulful “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow,” which samples the Etta James classic, “I’d Rather Go Blind.” He hits the mark on other cuts as well, including the enigmatic and experimental title track, the Travis Scott/Metro Boomin hip-hop feature “Mile High,” and the love centric “Are You in Love?”

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16. Summer Walker, Over It

Interscope

R&B artist Summer Walker shines on her highly anticipated, 2019 debut album, Over It. It should come as no surprise that Over It is dominated by matters of the heart – that’s a R&B staple. Walker is brutally honest throughout the course of Over It – no bullshit whatsoever. Among the crème de la crème of this intriguing LP is the closing song, “Girls Need Love (Remix)” featuring Grammy-winning rapper, Drake.  Walker yearns for love and sex, and Drake supports her in her endeavors (“You just need some dick with no complications / … Late night attention, un-condition.”

There are many more highlights that precede “Girls Need Love (Remix).” Sleek opener and title track, “Over It,” is a prime example, where Walker “…Be tryna numb the pain…” Some songs sample 90s R&B, including “Body” (702’s “Get it Together”) where Walker brings ample smoothness, despite the lustfulness and some profanity, “Playing Games (Extended Version)” featuring Bryson Tiller (Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name”), and “Come Thru,” featuring Usher (Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna…”). That merely scratches the surface really.  Over It, which experienced its fair share of commercial success – more of a rarity than the expectation of an urban contemporary album – is a must-hear LP.

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15. Solange, When I Get Home

Columbia

Although not as accomplished as A Seat at the Table was in 2016, When I Get Home gives Solange yet another unique R&B album. Furthermore, it gives listeners everywhere one of the best and most intriguing albums of 2019. Arguably, When I Get Home is a bolder album than A Seat at the Table, despite the fact that it takes a simpler, often repetitive approach. For the more open-minded listener who enjoys their fair share of alternative R&B, this project will likely tickle your fancy.

There are some awesome songs on When I Get Home.  The laid-back, jazzy “Down with the Clique” features ear-catching production, while Solange delivers absolutely angelic vocals.  The lyrics are spare but this record sticks by all means.  The same can be said about “Way to the Show,” which pays homage to Houston, Texas, particular the key lyric, “Way to the show, candy paint down to the floor.” There’s also the left of center bop, “Almeda” (co-produced by Pharrell Williams and featuring Playboi Carti), “My Skin My Logo,” where Solange emulates and features Gucci Mane, and “Binz,” which is heavily influenced by rap.  The aforementioned records, and many more make When I Get Home one of the year’s best.

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14. Bring Me the Horizon, amo

Sony

Cutting straight to the chase, amo is a very different album for English rock band Bring Me the Horizon.  If you are more inclined to open-mindedness, embracing the experimental spirit and willingness of Oli Sykes and company to ‘go against the grain,’ you’ll realize just how awesome and intriguing this “emotional” new album truly is.

In an age where rock music is forced to reinvent itself, Bring Me the Horizon do a damn good job of doing so on amo, which features surefire gems with the likes of promo single “MANTRA”, the aggressive “Wonderful Life”, featuring Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth) and the dynamic blend of rock and hip-hop on “Why you gotta kick me when I’m down?”  That even manages to leave out “Nihilist Blues,” “Sugar honey ice & tea,” and “Mother Tongue.” Stacked LP.

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13. Bon Iver, i,i

Jagjaguwar

Grammy-winning alternative collective Bon Iver, led by Justin Vernon, definitely has its own distinct sound.  This sound is an acquired taste but it’s hard to deny that the music is quite intriguing. Initially, i,i didn’t rouse me in the same way that it did others upon hearing it. Furthermore, it didn’t quite ‘tickle my fancy’ in the same respect that Bon Iver’s previous album, 22, A Million (2016), did.  However, after setting i,i aside and returning to it, it’s charm and proficiency is undeniable.

There are a number of accomplished moments on i,i. Arguably the crowning achievement is “Faith”, an absolutely fantastic record that’s well-written, well-produced, and ear-catching gem. “Faith” makes you think as a listener; it’s a deep, philosophical piece of art.  Of course, there’s also the brilliant Record of the Year nominee, “Hey, Ma,” which also features captivating production and standout lyricism. Vernon sings beautifully, alluding numerous things, such as mental health, drug use, and environmental issues. Beyond “Faith” and “Hey, Ma,” other moments of excellence include the piano-heavy “U (Man Like You),” the snare-heavy “Naeem,” and the soulful, folksy “Marion,” filled with some gorgeous vocal harmonies.    

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12.Taylor Swift, Lover

Republic

With the release of 1989 in 2014, Taylor Swift solidified her transformation from country musician to pop superstar.  It was an enjoyable album, but don’t call the Album of the Year perfect or necessarily the best album of 2014.  Her 2017 follow up, reputation had its fair share of moments, but ultimately wasn’t as noteworthy.  Why mention two past albums? Well, the album at hand, Lover, has a case not only as her best pop album, but also ranks as one of the best albums of 2019.

Interestingly, not all of Lover’s advance singles necessarily solidified the album’s status among the elites of 2019.  “ME!” is a bright, bubbly collaboration with Brendon Urie that also suffers from being schmaltzy.  Meanwhile, “You Need to Calm Down” is a wasted opportunity for Swift to be a legit straight ally.  Many folks, like Christina Cauterucci of Slate, criticized it, dubbing it “… A Teachable Moment About How Not to Be an Ally”.  Ouch!

Thankfully, Lover has plenty of redeeming qualities (and songs).  “I Forgot That You Existed” feels and sounds like ‘pop gold,’ with Swift delivering a playful performance oozing with personality.  There’s nothing cruel about “Cruel Summer,” which benefits from a fantastic chorus, as well as an utterly thrilling bridge.  Then there’s that one single that ended up being deservingly nominated for song of the year, “Lover”, where Swift tackles the familiar topic of love, and excels at it.  There are also worthwhile moments such as “The Man,” “Paper Rings,” “Soon You’ll Get Better,” and “False God.” Is it a bop? You bet!

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11. BROCKHAMPTON, GINGER

RCA

According to Kevin Abstract of BROCKHAMPTON, their fourth album, iridescence, “Didn’t get the reaction we wanted”. In my opinion, iridescence was respectable enough, but their fifth studio album, GINGER, is stronger. The boys whetted listeners’ eager palates with some stellar advance singles, all of which are part of the reason why GINGER is among the best albums of 2019.

The minimally produced “I Been Born Again” captivates from the jump, featuring some standout contributions from Abstract along with Merlyn Wood and Dom McLennon. “If You Pray Right” features kick ass production in its own right, sampling the Three 6 Mafia joint, “Break Da Law ‘95’”. “Boy Bye” represents one of several moments where McLennon goes off, referencing weed, Johnnie Cochran, and Michael Keaton via Birdman.  Arguably his most memorable verse comes on the crème de la crème, “Dearly Departed”, which also finds Abstract and Matt Champion making reference to ex-member, Ameer Vann.  In addition to those gems, GINGER has plenty more standouts, hence why ultimately, it ranks among the best albums of 2019.

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10. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Ghosteen

Ghosteen Ltd.

Likely, a number of folks haven’t heard one of 2019’s most gorgeous albums, Ghosteen.  Ghosteen arrives courtesy of alternative singer/songwriter extraordinaire Nick Cave (& the Bad Seeds of course).  Ghosteen followed up another marvelous album by the collective, Skeleton Tree, which I pegged as the 2^nd best album of 2016 (behind Beyoncé’s Lemonade).  Ghosteen is another brilliant addition to Cave’s amazing discography, not to mention a must-hear LP. One reason for this is how deliberate the pace, sound, and overall vibe are.

Ghosteen begins radiantly with the balladry of “Spinning Song,” which sets the tone with its haunting, unhurried nature and softer palette of sounds.  The momentum of the album continues with a candidate for most accomplished song, “Bright Horses.” Contributing to its excellence is a background consisting of supporting, choral vocals, strings, and the continuation of the lushness established by “Spinning Song.” Other selections contributing to one of the year’s most elite offerings include “Ghosteen Speaks,” which offers some unique synth and choral vocal work, as well as the chilling, enigmatic “Leviathan.” Ghosteen runs a bit long, but it’s difficult not to get sucked into the hypnotic nature of the album.

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9. Beyoncé, Homecoming: The Live Album

Sony

Homecoming: The Live Album is the rare exception to the unofficial, non-live album pick on the best albums of 2019 (NOTE: there is no rule stating live albums are disqualified, for the record).  Homecoming: The Live Album isn’t just any live album; It is comprised of performances from Beyoncé’s historic performance at Coachella, where she became the first African American woman to headline.  Even without being present at the performance or seeing the visual, Homecoming: The Live Album is quite a treat to say the least.

Beyoncé smartly integrates HBCUs into the mix, including drum lines and step show skits.  This adds more personality, further accentuating the big-time hits from the multi-Grammy-winning R&B artist.  The gems are endless obviously, with “Freedom,” “Formation,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” “I Care,” and a trio of Destiny’s Child songs – “Lose My Breath,” “Say My Name,” and “Soldier” – standing out.  If you’re not a fan of live albums, this just might be the live album that changes your mind.

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8. Brittany Howard, Jaime

ATO

Jaime, the debut solo album by Brittany Howard, best known as the front woman of Grammy-winning alternative collective, Alabama Shakes, is quite the eclectic, reflective affair. Although Jaime is named after Howard’s late sister, according to an interview, Howard asserts, “The record is not about her… it’s about me.” Throughout this awesome project, she does a magnificent job of sharing her emotions, serving up philosophical takes on life, and ultimately, being relatable to the audience.

There is no shortage of selections that can and should be considered gems from Jaime.  The nonlinear, Grammy-nominated “History Repeats” kicks off Jaime exceptionally, fusing alternative rock, neo- and retro soul. The moving “Georgia” expands the list of LGBTQ+ songs.  Here, Howard is honest about her sexuality (“Is it unnatural? / Georgia, is it cool? / I wanna tell you that I love you…”); much appreciated and quite respectable.  That only scratches the surface! “Stay High” is infused with ample soul, hearkening back to neo-soul, while maintaining an alt rock sensibility and vibe.  The socially conscious “13^th Century Metal” is wild, characterized by its loud, rhythmic backdrop, and a unique spoken word performance by Howard.  All in all, Jaime is easily one of the best albums of 2019.

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7. Raphael Saadiq, Jimmy Lee

Columbia

Sigh, we had to wait eight years for a new studio album from Raphael Saadiq.  Fortunately,  Saadiq returned with a contemporary masterpiece – his very personal, socially-changed, fifth studio album, Jimmy Lee. An album underrated in regard to commercial performance, Jimmy Lee is a deep, must-hear affair regardless of genre.

The crown jewel from Jimmy Lee is the socially-charged “Rikers Island”, where Saadiq begins an entirely new conversation that’s not merely limited to the infamy of the universally panned Rikers Island correctional facility. The record deals with disturbing, hurtful subject matter for black families.  Of course, there’s more excellence, including the powerful “Glory to the Veins” (featuring pianist Ernest Turner), where AIDS hits Saadiq close to home (“…I lost a brother to AIDS / Still, he laughed every day”).  Other bright spots include the opener “Sinners Prayer,” the sinful, heartbreaking “So Ready,” or the heavy, but gorgeous “Something Keeps Calling.” Seventh place on this list is arguably too low for this gem.

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6. Tyler, the Creator, Igor

Columbia

Keeping it 100, IGOR definitely wasn’t the album that anybody expected from Grammy-nominated rapper Tyler, the Creator.  Regardless, IGOR easily ends up being a superb, utterly creative addition to his discography, not to mention one of the best albums of 2019.  Maybe what’s most impressive about IGOR, particularly following Flower Boy (2017) is just how much Tyler has grown as a musician and even as a person.  There are no misses whatsoever to be found on the album, with a liberal number of gems.

The crème de la crème is “Earfquake,” which features an ear-catching backdrop, and uncredited appearances by Charlie Wilson and a spot-on verse performed by Playboi Carti.  Later, on Running Out of Time,” he seems to reference his sexuality, opening up much like he did throughout the course of Flower Boy (“So / take your mask off / I need her out of the picture… / Stop lyin’ to yourself / I know the real you”).  He thrives on “A Boy is a Gun,” fueled by the Ponderosa Twins Plus One classic “Bound,” and delivering a memorable line, “Boy, you sweet as sugar, diabetic to the first degree.” That doesn’t even account for the other songs that makes this an album to beat – “I Think”, “New Magic Wand”, and “Are We Still Friends?”

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5. Vampire Weekend, Father of the Bride

Sony

Vampire Weekend fans were subjected to a six-year wait for Father of the Bride, the highly-anticipated fourth studio album by the Grammy-winning alternative collective (Modern Vampires of the City, 2013).  Even with the exit of Rostam Batmanglij, Father of the Bride still ends up being accomplished to the nth degree; Ezra Koenig and company deliver a jam-packed affair that never misses the mark and is nothing short of superb. Sure, 18 tracks are a lot to ask of listeners, but the band does a marvelous job of limiting run time under an hour in addition to clever songwriting, intriguing production, and fantastic vocals by Koenig.  As with previous projects by VW, the musicianship is quite noteworthy.

The gems are abundant, starting with “Hold You Now,” featuring Danielle Haim which brilliantly samples Hans Zimmer (“God Yu Tekem Laef Blong Mi” from The Thin Red Line soundtrack). Follow-up “Harmony Hall” exemplifies ear-catching excellence, while “Bambina” is short but incredibly sweet – and that’s just the first three consecutive songs! That leaves out jewels like the soulful single “Unbearably White”, the feel-good “Sunflower” (featuring Steve Lacy), or the lovely “2021” which samples Japanese musician Haruomi Hosono.  Originally chosen as the best album of 2019 (21 Best Albums of 2019 (So Far)),  Vampire Weekend still has a legit argument for top honors.

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4. Lizzo, Cuz I Love You

Nice Life / Atlantic

Cuz I Love You marks the third album for Lizzo, though for many, it’s the most visible project (her major-label debut) from the genre-bending Minneapolis rapper, singer, and songwriter. Simply put, Cuz I Love You is a triumphant album. Vocally, she sounds marvelous, while her personality really helps Cuz I Love You ascend to the next level.  In regard to consistency, there are no miscues – every song has replay value.  While she exhibits ample swagger, she also has messages worth hearing advocating for feminism and positive body image.

The biggest hit actually hails from the deluxe version of the album, “Truth Hurts” (the second-best song of 2019) where she tells her loser BF the truth, even though it hurts, kicking his ass to the curb. Of course, the gems start earlier than “Truth Hurts” on the track list, specifically with opener “Cuz I Love You”, a rousing, soulful record surprisingly produced by alternative band X Ambassadors.  Later, X Ambassadors also provide Lizzo a marvelous assist on the slow jam “Jerome” where she tells ‘Jerome,’ “Take your ass home / And come back when you’re grown.” One of the feistiest moments comes by way of “Tempo”, featuring the legendary Missy Elliott.  Here, Lizzo asserts, “I’m a thick bitch, I need tempo.” There’s more awesomeness, including “Like a Girl” and “Juice”.

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3. Billie Eilish, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

Darkroom/Interscope

Honestly, it’s hard to believe that Billie Eilish is only 17-years old.  She’s a prime example that “age ain’t nothin’ but a number” as she ‘knocks it out of the park’ on her major label debut, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?.  Eilish brilliantly establishes her artistic identity and shows a respectable level of versatility throughout. The big takeaway is that When We All Fail Asleep, Where Do We Go? is a rousing success that finds its young artist unafraid to embrace innovative spirit.

Honestly, there are no shortages of highlights including “Bad Guy” (the best song of 2019, #mic drop) which benefits from its infectious groove, catchy chorus, and a fun, if dark, playful style. “Xanny” cleverly tackles recreational drug use, while her breathy vocal tone and teenage angst make “You Should See Me in a Crown” a surefire delight.  That neglects to mention other gems such as “When the Party is Over”, the oddly satisfying “Bury a Friend”, and the suicidal “Listen Before I Go.” When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? definitely has an argument for the best album of 2019 and is seems to be the clear cut frontrunner at the 62^nd Annual Grammy Awards.

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2. Lana Del Rey, Norman Fucking Rockwell!

Interscope

Alternative pop singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey delivered arguably her best album to date with the explicitly titled, sixth studio album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!. Although she’s a truly polarizing musician, she possesses quite the distinct, beautiful musical instrument that she’s uses at her very best on NFR!. She’s only improved over the years, and NFR!, which is deservingly nominated for Album of the Year at the 62^nd Annual Grammy Awards, represents the fruits of her labors.

The elite songs run rampant throughout Norman Fucking Rockwell! – FACTS! “The Greatest” ranks among the crème de la crème, also earning honors as one of the best songs of 2019.  “The Greatest” provides punch to NFR! with its spirited guitars and retro-tinged sound. Del Rey is reminiscent, missing a past romance, New York, and rock-n-roll.  Of course, there’s also “Hope is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It”, a ballad including literary and cinematic references and finding Del Rey flaunting her falsetto (and some colorful, profane lyrics).  Of course, when analyzing this excellent album, one can’t leave off the Grammy-nominated title track, “Mariners Apartment Complex”, the epic (and lengthy)  “Venice Bitch”, “Fuck it I Love You” – hell, even her Sublime cover, “Doin’ Time” is noteworthy!

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1. Ariana Grande, thank u, next

Republic

Grammy-winning pop sensation Ariana Grande just keeps getting better and better – she truly outdoes herself on Thank U, Next.  Vocally, she remains on point, while the material is pretty captivating and fresh throughout.  Thank U, Next is by far her best album, and that’s saying something following the triumphs of Dangerous Woman (2016) and Sweetener (2018).  Furthermore, it is the pop album to beat in 2019.

Filled with hits, Ari gives us a sleek, urban contemporary slow jam with “Imagine”, embracing her role as a younger Mariah Carey.  Later, she picks up the rhythmic intensity on “NASA” where she asserts on the infectious, ‘space-centric’ chorus, “You know I’m a star, I’m a need space / I’m a need space, I’m a, I’m a need space (N-A-S-A).” Of course she’s fierce on former number one hit “7 Rings” as well as “Thank U, Next”, and that doesn’t even account for “needy,” “fake smile,” “ghostin”, or “Break up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored.” Thank U, Next is has a legitimate case for the best album of 2019.

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25 Best Albums of 2019 | Year in Review [Photo Credits: 4AD, Atlantic, ATO, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Fader, Ghosteen Ltd., Interscope, Jagjaguwar, Loma Vista, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, Polydor, RCA, Republic, Roadrunner, Sony]

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