2019 was a great year for music, one of my favourites of this decade even. So much so that I couldn't contain my list to a top ten. So here are my top 15 albums for 2019.
1. A Pill for Loneliness - City & Colour
I'm not sure I ever thought City & Colour would make a top ten list of mine, let alone top it. This album surprised me in all the right ways. Dallas Green brings back his calming melodies but adds a whole new layer of electronic sampling and rock to back his ultra talented lyricism.
2. Lover - Noah Gundersen
Unless you are deep in the indie rock scene or watched FX's hit show Sons of Anarchy, Noah Gundersen is probably an unknown to you. Make no mistake, this artist is full of talent, and the range he displays on this album shows he's not going anywhere. Whether it's the raw emotion on "Robin Williams" or the way he throws his voice on "Lover," there is something on this album for everyone. His progression as an artist might make this his "coming out" album. Keep an eye out.
3. Jesus is King - Kanye West
Aside from the cultural significance this album has, the combination of rap and gospel on this album is beautifully well done. I can't say there are any bangers but the production quality and the honesty Kanye is displaying about his faith make this a very compelling album from front to back. The talented Sunday Service Choir is the icing on the cake and brings life to songs like "Selah." The Kenny G feature on "Use This Gospel" is definitely something I didn't realize I needed in my life.
4. Without Fear - Dermott Kennedy
The emotion this man carries in his voice is unmatched. In his first full length album we can see what Dermott is all about. With songs like "Moments Passed" and "Power Over Me" Dermott's range and emotion carry what would be a good indie album to far greater heights. His singing with such depth and conviction is something that will keep me coming back for more.
5. Philophobia - Amber Run
Bands from across the pond don't always get the love they deserve. Three albums in and Amber Run is still trying to find their identity, but what is clear is the band's song writing prowess that debuted on their 5am album is still evident and their talent as a band is starting to catch up. "Affection" is hands down my favourite on the album, Joe Keoghs voice is so smooth, and the song is full of feeling. For something a little more upbeat, "Carousel" showcases the bands talent to make a catchy rock song that you'll want to hear over and over.
6. Fine Line - Harry Styles
I like Harry Styles and I don't care who knows. The man knows how to make pop music. Not top 40 mumble-rap-dance-pop nonsense, but channeling the sounds of The Beatles and Bowie this is the feel good album we all need. He seems to have gotten over his boy band roots, and so should you. His chart topping sing "Adore" is a great pop ballad, but for something a little more fun throw on "Watermelon Sugar," and think back to your first summer love.
7. Fever Dream - Of Monsters & Men
Some bands take a rubric they've had success with and just run with it. Fever Dream is a clear sign that this Icelandic talent is trying to step away from what made them successful and flex their musical muscle. Different from their last couple of albums, Fever Dream aims for a bigger sound and achieves just that. While "Alligator" might be getting all the radio plays, "Vulture, Vulture" is arguably the best track on the album.
8. 1952 - Geoffroy
Geoffroy has his own unique sound, not just in tone, but in style. Perhaps downbeat electronic R&B might be as close as I can describe it. 1952 is a cohesive album that you can groove to from front to back. "Fear of Falling Apart" is my favourite on the album, and the song I would recommend starting with on your first listen.
9. un love - Reuben and the Dark
These guys have always exhibited a hint of greatness, putting out albums that have a couple of really good tracks. un love is where they have finally found their groove. Maybe it's because they aren't burdened to put out something that will get radio plays, but un love is their best full album, full of upbeat tracks as well as emotionally charged ballads. I think the thing that sticks out most to me is the use of harmonies, they are beautifully sung and well timed.
10. Unfurl - Ry-X
I'm sure Ry-X wouldn't be impressed if you called him the thunder from down under. But Ry-X is primed for breaking out in North America. His last two albums have been nothing short of stellar. Unfurl is a continuation of the sound he has perfected and it isn't stale whatsoever. With perfect use of ambience and melody, songs like "Hound" and "Fumbling Prayer" showcase the unique and calming music that is present throughout the album.
11. SYML - SYML
Another on the list of solo artists who got better after they left the band. SYML's first full album after a string of successful singles and EP's is not a let down. "Where's My Love" is hands down the best track on the album but the there isn't a large drop off to all the rest. SYML is rolling through YEG this spring and I for one will not be missing out.
12. III - Banks
Can you make an angsty dark-but-poppy electronic album? Banks says yes, her brooding sound combined with some downbeat tracks behind her make for an album that not only showcases her talent as an artist, but conveys her stories and makes us feel. If you're looking for a song to groove to, "Gimme" definitely fits the bill.
13. Wild - Tourist
I have a soft spot for electronic music. This album is perfect for driving, chilling, studying, or whatever. This album flows seamless from track to track without getting stale or repetitive, which I think, is the true test of an instrumental LP. When its not a frozen wasteland outside, roll down your windows and crank "Bunny."
14. Assume Love - James Blake
This is perhaps the most experimental album on this list. If you listen to interviews with James Blake you'll understand why. Guests spots from Andre 3000 and Travis Scott provide a dynamic to this album that you probably didn't see coming. James Blake combines it all with his classic melodic vocals and somehow makes it all work.
15. i,i - Bon Iver
This was a tough album to judge for me. I loved 22 A Million a lot. A lot a lot. It took a while to get past that and judge this album on its own merits. Bon Iver takes some of the experimentation from 22 A Million and combines it with more of their indie sound from earlier in their career. Their first single "Hey Ma" showcases just that, and is arguably the best song on the album. What's not missing here is Bon Iver's penchant for deep and emotional lyrics, and isn't that what were really here for?
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