As always, here are my top 20 albums of the year 2019. I added 5 additional albums without much description to make it 25, just so you can see the 5 that were left off. Please find a spotify playlist at the bottom of the list or you can access here. Enjoy for 2019!
25. Greyson Chance – portraits
RIYL: Nick Jonas, Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles
Standout Track(s): “West Texas”, “Shut Up”
Ya…. the little kid from Oklahoma who came to fame way back when with his cover of Gaga’s “Paparazzi” that took everyone from Ellen to (as of writing) 66 million people on YouTube by storm is all grown up. Oh, and he dropped one hellava pop album this past year on his own. Written, recorded, every aspect Greyson had a hand on it. Sugar coated goodness with a tent of Shawn Mendes, this album is a great basis to grow and build upon to become the next pop star we, honestly, all forgot about. (Label: AWAL)
24. Sol – Soon Enough
RIYL: Blue Scholars, Russ, Bryce Vine
Standout Track(s): “The Kids”, “The Plug”
Sol has been in the game for a long time, and is a true staple of the PNW hip-hop scene. Soon Enough hits all levels of good that Sol has shown on previous efforts, mixing unique beats, cheerfulness, honesty, and life experience to form something beautiful. Probably not for everyone, but if you like the old sounds of the underground, check this one out. (Label: Zilla Music)
23. Catfish and the Bottlemen – The Balance
RIYL: The Wombats, The Kooks, The Hunna
Standout Track(s): “2all”, “Longshot”
One of the best guitar-first bands making music today. The Brits bring great energy on this album, and a solid follow up to 2016’s banger The Ride. Gonna be a festival staple for some time I have a feeling. (Label: Island)
22. Freddie Gibbs – Bandana
RIYL: Pusha T, Big K.R.I.T., Danny Brown
Standout Track(s): “Crime Pays”, “Giannis”
You’ll see this one on a lot of other EOTY lists. Freddie took a huge step towards the limelight with this one, and the accolades are rolling in. One of the year’s best rap albums. (Label: RCA)
21. Wilder Woods – Self-Titled
RIYL: Anderson East, NEEDTOBREATHE, Nathaniel Rateliff
Standout Track(s): “Supply & Demand”, “Light Shine In”
It was a great mystery for some time when the single dropped just who was behind the moniker Wilder Woods. None other than Bear Rinehart, the frontman of NEEDTOBREATHE. I’ve never been a big NTB fan, but this album carries a soulful touch to it that is classic-sounding and infectious. (Label: Atlantic)
20. Bruce Springsteen – Western Stars
RIYL: Springsteen
Standout Track(s): “Hello Sunshine”, “Sundown”, “Chasin’ Wild Horses”
I am a self-proclaimed big time fan of The Boss. The River is one of my all time favorite albums, and Nebraska isn’t too far behind on that list. While I was eager-yet-reserved to hear the more twang/country sounding Western Stars, I learned that, on first listen, it didn’t connect. By about spin no.5, I was hooked. Springsteen will go down as one of the best ever and certainly of a generation, and to see him be able to pull an album like this off is nothing short of incredible. The Boss still reigns. (Label: Columbia)
19. Beck – Hyperspace
RIYL: Beck
Standout Track(s): “Die Waiting”, “Stratosphere”, “Everlasting Nothing”
Just like Springsteen before, Beck is truly one of a kind. From the groundbreaking 90s smashes Mellow Gold and Odelay, to the Grammy-winning, more stripped/folky Morning Phase, and everything in between that bends a bit more different from the previous, Hyperspace brings in a good amount of electronics, along with choirs and a true inner-space listening voyage of sound and emotion. Beck teamed with producer hotshot Pharrell, and that sound is heard immediately in the first single, “Saw Lightning”. Really… this album is a good cultivation of Beck’s albums combined, while still having that edge of something new. Had I had this album more than the month-ish it has been out, it coulda popped up a few more spots. (Label: Capitol Records)
18. Scarypoolparty – Exit Form
RIYL: A Perfect Circle, AWALNATION, Twin Shadow
Standout Track(s): “Diamonds”, “Vampire Shade”, “Out Loud”
From American Idol to Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, Scarypoolparty, alas of LA-based singer and jack of all trades Alejandro Aranda, really had himself a hellava 2019. The multi-instrumentalist was a finalist on season 17, signed a deal with Hollywood Records, had a sold-out 30 date headlining tour, and collab’d with artist Twin Shadow and dynamic drumming legend and former Mutemath beatkeeper Darren King to release his debut album Exit Form. Now, you may ask yourself how an American Idol finalist snuck onto my list. Trrust me, give this album a listen, it’s the furthest thing from what you would think when you hear the words American Idol.
The former service industry dishwasher mixes the industrial wall-of-sound a la Trent Reznor and NIN, the gritty vocals of AWOLNATION, and a dash of the likes of A Perfect Circle and the 90s alt-radio sound. Bravo on a solid debut. Talent will always rise and be seen, and SPP made his mark, albeit smallmto start, but people are watching and taking note. (Label: Hollywood Records)
17. Ian Noe – Between the Country
RIYL: Hayes Carll, Robert Ellis, Jason Isbell
Standout Track(s): “Meth Head”, “Letter to Madeline”, “If Today Doesn’t Do Me In”
If you could bottle up the feeling growing up in a small town, Ian Noe bottled it up damn fine. The Americana/folk sounds that the Kentucky native came up with have a bit of Whiskeytown moments mixed with classic wordsmiths like John Prine & Guy Clark. it’s not quite as “rough around the edges” or forward as suddenly widely popular Americana artist Tyler Childers, but Ian Noe has what it takes to become a fixture in the scene and be around for a long time on the back on this gem. (Label: Thirty Tigers/National Treasury)
16. The Bros. Landreth – ‘87
RIYL: Lukas Nelson, John Mayer, Benjamin Booker
Standout Track(s): “Salvation Bound”, “Something”, “Is It Me?”
The Canadian brother duo came onto my radar with this debut album Let it Lie nearly 4 years ago, and it blew me away with the tones and vocals they captured. Think bluesy, sexy moments of John Mayer, the roots influence of Foy Vance, the eagerness and twang of Lukas Nelson, and the delicacy of John Hiatt rolled into one. This album has a bit of something for everyone. Nonetheless, the soulful blues sound is alive and well - now let’s just get this band on the radar in the states. (Label: The Orchard)
15. James Gillespie – Safe.
RIYL: Dean Lewis, Hozier, Ben Howard
Standout Track(s): “What You Do”, “Him.Her.”, “Lost”
The singer/songwriter genre has seen an explosion of late, with the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Dean Lewis, Hozier, et al. Thanks Ed. Notwithstanding, I am a fan of what is coming out, namely from the UK/Ireland. James Gillespie, the English born, Scottish raised artist rides the waves of sadchill, mellowcore songwriting that just hits you in the feels with the deep, chilling voice that, to steal a word from the Germans, is peak herbstgefühle feels. (Label: Operator Records)
14. Motherfolk – Family Ghost
RIYL: COIN, Colony House, Tyson Motsenbocker
Standout Track(s): “Kill the Sun”, “Red Eye”, “Neither Do I”
Balancing the lines nicely between indie rock and a surf-type vibe, Motherfolk are neither folk nor mothers. However, Family Ghost is a boppy good time that any fan of indie rock will enjoy. It strays a bit from the sound of their 2017 album Fold, but the steps taken are steps that could see this band playing with the Walk the Moon’s, Coast Modern’s, and Hippo Campus’ of the world very, very soon in a town near year . (Label: AntiFragle)
13. Benny the Butcher – The Plugs I Met
RIYL: Pusha T, Jay Rock, Wale
Standout Track(s): “Crowns for Kings”, “5 to 50”, “Sunday School”
Man… this album takes me back to the mid/late 90s rap. Maybe it’s the mention of Puff, OJ, Shaq, Melrose Place, the term “what’s the dilly”, and the Rakim-like track scratching. Something about it just has one heck of a nostalgia factor for me. “5 to 50” goes hard, and “Crowns for Kings” might be one of my favorite songs of the entire year. While it’s only 7 songs, it’s that strong of an effort to land high on here. Every single song is worth a listen, but the three stand outs above are musts. (Label: Black Soprano)
12. Maren Morris– Girl
RIYL: Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Hurd
Standout Track(s): “The Bones”, “GIRL”, “To Hell & Back”
The DFW native, Maren came into her own after her solid debut major label album and a massive feature on Zedd’s “The Middle”. With a marriage late last year and a baby on the way this coming year, Maren had time to carve out a great crossover country album in the vein of fellow Texan badass Kacey Musgraves. While this one still leans a bit more country and a bit less mainstream, Morris recently re-released her single “The Bones” with guest vocals from crooner Hozier and helped form The Highwomen with known names like Brandi Carlile and Amanda Shires, another album worth checking out from this past year. 2020 will surely be a bit more quiet for Maren, but she is here to stay. (Label: Columbia Records)
11. Bayonne – Drastic Measures
RIYL: Vacationer, Future Generationals, Barrie
Standout Track(s): “Uncertainly Deranged”, “Drastic Measures”, “I Know”
A sonic journey unlike any other on this list. Spacey, textured, layered, and as Bayonne put it himself “a kaleidoscope of tones”. Bright and airy, this indie electro gem from Austin’s own Bayonne is a sure shot to turn your day around and get you bobbing your head with a soundscape of pristine arrangements and clean vocals. (Label: Mom+Pop)
10. Maggie Rogers – Heard It In a Past Life
RIYL: King Princess, Sylvan Esso, boygenius.
Standout Track(s): “Light On”, “Fallingwater”, “Give a Little”
Bursting onto the scene a bit ago with her song “Alaska”, Maggie took a big step this year with her debut album hitting the ether. “Light On” was well received as a single, and caught the attention of the industry with the likes of John Mayer dubbing it one of the best songs he’s heard and gushing about her talent. This whole album is a solid listen that i’ve revisited a few times this year. Keep your eyes out for album two and the skyrocketing success Maggie has ahead of her. (Label: Capitol Records)
09. Gang Starr – One of the Best Yet
RIYL: Rakim, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane
Standout Track(s): “Lights Out”, “Family and Loyalty”, “Hit Man”
While Gang Starr was and is, in theory, over due to Guru’s untimely death in 2010 and his distaste for other Gang Starr member DJ Premier, this album saw the light of day 9 years post-death thanks to Premier. The DJ bought some unreleased recordings that Guru had dropped before his death, put some beats under them, and here we are… with this posthumous album. For fans who grew up a fan of the early 90s East Coast hip-hop scene, the originators of jazz-rap, it’s a welcome back to the old sound while at the same time a burial and final goodbye of one of the greats with toasts from the likes of J. Cole, Q-Tip, Talib Kwei, and more. We still have Rakim to kick it with, and this to toast to the greatness that was Gang Starr and the absolute gem “Moment of Truth” was in the 90s. (Label: Gang Starr LLC)
08. Michael Kiwanuka – KIWANUKA
RIYL: Curtis Harding, Charles Bradley, Four Tops
Standout Track(s): “Solid Ground”, “Light”, Hero”
I’ve spoken about my love for the old soul, old school sound of Michael Kiwanuka previously when his debut album hit my top 20 nearly 7 years ago, and this album is just as magical as the first. A little more atmospheric, a little less stripped, a bit more polish and shine and notoriety behind the artist. Otherwise, this is just a wonderful throwback to the 50s and 60s Motown sound mixed with timeless elements of The Byrds and the laurel canyon scene during the mid-60s. Just a beautiful, classic throwback that will transport you back while never leaving the here and now. (Label: Polydor)
07. Kota the Friend – FOTO
RIYL: Saba, Taylor Bennett, Noname
Standout Track(s): “Church”, “Hollywood”, “Alkaline”
Are you grateful, what you been through / Was it painful, did it break you
Kota the Friend is an absolute rising star. With a bidding war started last year to sign the young Brooklyn MC, the mid-20something turned down three (yes… three) major label deals to take the road less traveled and take the indie route. As one of the Soundcloud “startups”, Kota took the route of “purging his past to focus on his future.” with the release of FOTO. The organic love Kota has found is nothing short of sensational, on the heels of having his father on his “business team” and Kota taking the reins as the “creative director” on the entire process of the album. The album itself is a trip down memory lane, a sentimental listen about Kota’s life growing up, his hyper-sensitive style, and about perspective of growing up, having a son, and the no holds barred, down-and-dirty truth of life. It’s inspiring, drowned in faith (Kota grew up a Jehovah’s Witness) the same way Chance the Rapper has brought his faith to the forefront of modern hip-hop. In the same category as Saba on last year’s list - this is a must listen for all alt-hip-hop fans. SZA, Schoolboy Q, Asher Roth, and others have praised FOTO - so time for you to indulge in the lyric masterpiece. (Label: Fitbys)
06. Mighty Oaks – Driftwood Seat
RIYL: Bear’s Den, Family of the Year, Gregory Alan Isakov
Standout Track(s): “Like An Eagle”, “Driftwood Seat”, “So Low, So High”
It’s not often that I put a true, 4 song EP on the top of my list - but when one hits that is this good - I must. The indie/folk trio from the PNW by way of Germany and the UK released this album in 2011 on their own, recorded in their bedroom. 8 years later, the band reimagined it, shined it up, and put almost a decade of influence and betterment into these breathtaking songs, stepping away from Universal/Astralwerks to self-release what has become a true staple in my listening catalog. All four songs, worth spending time with. Enjoy the 15 minutes of sonic, indie-folk bliss. (Label: independent)
05. The Teskey Brothers – Run Home Slow
RIYL: Leon Bridges, Anderson East, Matt Corby
Standout Track(s): “Paint My Heart”, “Carry You”, “Rain”
For the second year running, The Teskey Brothers take the no.5 spot - this time with their sophomore album Run Home Slow. As I said in last year’s review, “The Aussie’s carry the rootsy blues sound that is raw, untamed, and downright stunning” rings even more true for this album. “Paint My Heart” is like a spitting image of vintage Joe Cocker, will the bluesy roots will shake your soul. After finding success on tour this year with Tash Sultana - I truly believe the brothers are on the verge of cracking this thing wide open and being a household name on the same label that launched Childish Gambino, CHVRCHES, Mumford & Sons, and the likes. (Label: Glassnote Records)
04. Matt Maeson – Bank On the Funeral
RIYL: Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Lewis Del Mar, Amber Run
Standout Track(s): “Tribulation”, “Hallucinogenics”, “Go Easy”
This one took a bit of time to hit home with me. I loved the singles, the EP, and a lot Matt’s song made their way onto my Weekly 15 playlist. “Hallucinogenics” has been one of my favorite songs of the year, but it wasn’t until the fall and reconnecting with “Tribulation” that I reformed a new found love with Bank on the Funeral. The album, admittedly, probably woulda cracked my top 20 still, but not a top fiver. There are just so many good, raw songwriter pieces - not to mention one hell of a story about Matt’s life growing up (google it, quite interesting). This is one of those albums i’ll continue to revisit well into 2020, and with a sold out tour under his belt, I am very intrigued to see where the career arc leads. (Label: Atlantic Records)
03. Winnetka Bowling League – Cloudy With a Chance of Sun
RIYL: Smallpools, Andrew McMahon, flor
Standout Track(s): “Kombucha”, “Slow Dances”, “On The 5”
If there was a version of Garden State or The OC released in the 2020’s, I would be willing to take a gander that Winnetka Bowling League would fit in nicely on either soundtrack. From the brainchild of Matthew Koma, best known as the wordsmith behind Zedd’s smash hit “Clarity”, one-time touring guitarist of 90s alt-rockers EVE6, producer/co-writer to such stars like Shania Twain, Tiesto, The Knocks, and Carly Rae Jepsen, and most recently the soon-to-be-husband of Hillary Duff, this is an artist and a band rising, and rising quick.
I took a little liberty and combined the bands 2018 self-titled EP and 2019’s Cloudy With a Chance of Sun to form one full album full of California-soaked sunny indie pop. “Slow Dances” hits the hipster Cali vibes with its reference to Allbirds, and “Kombucha” touches on a very distinct Rooney-like 2000s sound, pumping you up with talking of burning sage, good vibrations, Japanese dry snacks, and of course that fizzy drink you see the Herringbone paperboy cap fella sipping on at Whole Foods. If you need a pick me up, give this album a spin, then revisit “On the 5” from the self-titled EP and hear what Sirius XM’s AltNation is pandering about on this quick rising feel-good indie rock band. (Label: RCA Records)
02. Dermot Kennedy – Without Fear
RIYL: Glen Hansard, Dean Lewis, Lewis Capaldi
Standout Track(s): “Moments Passed”, “The Corner”, “Dancing Under Red Skies”
Last year’s no.3 moves up one slot with his formal “major label debut”, consisting of a collection of new songs + a few previously released singles and/or tracks from previous EPs. Dermot kept true to his irish songwriter roots, while maintaining his love for hip-hop and previous works with famed Kanye producer Mike Dean, keeping some lustrous beats over booming vocals and tight acoustic guitar. As predicted, 2019 led to sold out shows left and right, and a 2020 that’ll see the crooner stop by the famed Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater, and surely a handful of festival dates with a much higher billing, with “Power over Me” hitting gold on the airwaves. (Label: Interscope Records)
01. Lana Del Rey – Norman F**king Rockwell!
RIYL: Lorde, Regina Spektor, a depressed Ellie Goulding
Standout Track(s): “Norman f**king Rockwell”, “Mariners Apartment Complex”, “Doin’ Time”
Let’s call it what it is… nothing short of a masterpiece. Racking up ‘top album(s) of the year’ nods from pubs and blogs left and right, this, this is the album i’ve been waiting for Lana to release since 2012’s standout Born to Die. The first time I heard her sorrowful, downtempo yet peppy version of Sublime’s “Doin’ Time”, I knew that Lana might be onto something special with this album — but I am not sure I even know it’d connect like this. Like most of Lana’s music, this is a sad listen, but damn if she doesn’t make you feel that happy-sad.
Not that i’d ever put Lana and Kacey Musgraves in the same boat, but with Kacey taking no.1 last year and Lana holding it this year - it’s only apt to tongue and cheekily say Lana is a less-Texas-more-depressed version of Kacey, but there is a mutual respect between the friends, who recently joined forces for Kacey’s Christmas special (now streaming on Amazon Video) and receiving rave reviews on their duet. This will be on repeat this fall/winter, and if it doesn’t stick the first few times, keep going with it. It took me 2-3 spins for everything to hit. (Label: Universal Records)