To mark the halfway point of the year, I'd like to take note of my favorite albums so far listed in alphabetical order.
2019 has been a whirlwind full of surprises, comebacks, and bold statements so far. All in all, there's been a ton of great music and there's certainly more to come. To mark the halfway point of the year, I'd like to take note of my favorite albums so far listed in alphabetical order. Let's go!
Aldous Harding
Designer
The New Zealand singer-songwriter's third album has the most gorgeous guitar pop of 2019 with plenty of harmonies, acoustic guitar tones, strings and overall some great songs. It's pure ear candy. I bet you can't find a prettier album than Designer this year.
Billie Eilish
When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Undoubtedly the biggest breakout debut from any pop star this year, When We Fall Asleep has refreshingly eerie production from her brother while having gorgeous balladry and catchy bangers. At the age of just 17, Billie Eilish deserves all of the praise and acclaim. At that young of an age, there's more to come for sure.
black midi
Schlagenheim
Say what you will, but black midi have released one of the craziest, off the wall records this year. Coming off some really unexpected and surprising buzz, the band's debut album, Schlagenheim, mixes math rock, post rock, noise, metal, and drone into a unique sound. It's such an insanely cacophonous batch of tracks that are really hard to describe. It's a weirdly satisfying album, but one you will not forget this year.
Carly Rae Jepsen
Dedicated
After the success of "Call Me Maybe" and Emotion, Carly Rae Jepsen takes a victory lap on her new album, which has the elements of why she's such a great pop star. Dedicated has plenty of 80's inspired radio singles that you'll be singing all Summer long.
Caroline Spence
Mint Condition
The Nashville-based singer-songwriter's label debut is full of emotionally pretty, often gentle love songs. Caroline Spence adds her country flare to a beautiful degree, crafting a more polished sound that keeps with you like the Summer sun.
The Chemical Brothers
No Geography
No Geography marks the duo's best album in years with some great political bangers that hark back to their older records. The Chemical Brothers still have it, despite being over three decades into their career.
Deerhunter
Why Hasn't Everything Already Disappeared?
Each album being different than the last, Deerhunter keep dazzling and surprising. The group's eighth studio album, one that focuses on a fictional apocalyptic devastation on society, is one to not pass up on.
Faye Webster
Atlanta Millionaire's Club
The 21-year-old's third album is a collection of sweetly heartfelt songs that pay homage to her hometown. The songs sound more mature, making Faye Webster a much stronger candidate in the young indie singer songwriter realm than her contemporaries.
Foals
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1
The UK band's latest efforts, being half of an upcoming double album, are arguably their best in a very long time. It's a very fun, danceable venture and is exciting that only half of the picture is here so far.
Helado Negro
This Is How You Smile
A celebration of race and family, Helado Negro's latest collection is warm and inviting. This Is How You Smile burrows through the negativity gracefully and pushes towards keeping your head high.
Jamila Woods
LEGACY! LEGACY!
Jamila Woods makes a big statement of race and identity on LEGACY LEGACY! With grand, elaborate instrumentation matched with dominant vocals, her second album is one of the best R&B records of the year.
Karen O & Danger Mouse
Lux Prima
An unexpected collaboration, Lux Prima pushes Karen O and Danger Mouse out of their respective comfort zones. It allows them to take risks that pay off, like the nine-minute title track or the lush country-tinged pop of "Turn the Light."
Kevin Morby
Oh My God
A concept record on religion, Kevin Morby is no stranger to crafting a great lyrical tune. Oh My God has his band refining their style, pushing Morby to a higher status as a great singer songwriter.
Lambchop
This (Is What I Wanted to Tell You)
Transitioning from folk to full-on autotune electronica is nearly awkward for just about every artist, but not Lambchop. They transition gracefully as if they've done this style through their whole career. It's one of the very few autotune crooning folk records that is tastefully balanced.
Mannequin Pussy
Patience
One of the most notable punk rock records of the year, Patience contains just as many sweet guitar melodies over lovesick singing ("Drunk II," "Fear/+/Desire") as their are throaty shrieks over ear shattering noise ("Cream," "Drunk I"). It's probably the most exquisite mix of punk and indie to hear in 2019 and it's only 25 minutes long.
Mark Ronson
Late Night Feelings
The new album from all-star producer Mark Ronson is a breakup album full of what he describes as "sad bangers." Featuring A+ performances from Lykke Li, Angel Olsen, YEBBA, Alicia Keys and more, Late Night Feelings is pure sad pop music to wallow in and dance to.
The Raconteurs
Help Us Stranger
The Raconteurs, led by Jack White and Brendan Benson, make a surprisingly exuberant comeback on Help Us Stranger. It doesn't even sound like their first album in 11 years because they seem to never miss a beat. With hard hitting songs, huge riffs, and great production, the band sounds like they're having a lot of fun and it shows.
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Mettavolution
The acoustic guitar duo known for their back and forth strumming make some of their most compelling work yet. Mettavolution tries new effects, tempos, and even a stunning 19-minute Pink Floyd cover.
SASAMI
SASAMI
One of the best debut albums and breakout artists of the year, Sasami Ashworth has some of the best new indie rock has to offer on SASAMI. After being a backing member in different bands, Sasami finally takes the main spotlight and the results are remarkably exciting. Hopefully, Sasami will continue her already solidified solo career in the near future.
Sharon Van Etten
Remind Me Tomorrow
Sharon Van Etten trading guitars for dark synths may come off as a shocker, but Remind Me Tomorrow has some of her best performances to date. Some songs, like "Comeback Kid" and "Seventeen," are massively impressive.
Solange
When I Get Home
When I Get Home, Solange's companion to A Seat at the Table, is much darker, raw and brooding. It is shorter than its predecessor, but it's still a fiery, essential statement from someone who has no trouble proving her excellence.
Stella Donnelly
Beware of the Dogs
Stella Donnelly's debut album is full of dark wit and lyrical surprises. Beware of the Dogs has some of the best one-liners over cutesy indie pop instrumentals. A fun and clever album for all the indie singer-songwriter fans out there.
Vampire Weekend
Father of the Bride
After six long years, Vampire Weekend make a faithful return with the band's fourth album. A collection of 18 songs, Ezra Koenig focuses on the deterioration of both romantic and societal mishaps. Father of the Bride is mature, beautiful, enriched with detail, full of surprises, nuggets that you can find months after listening. It's bright, celebratory, and larger than life.
Voyou
Les bruits de la ville
The French artist's debut album refreshingly blends French dance pop with tropicália. Les bruits de la ville includes a handful of tropical bangers, a stunning Yelle collaboration, and a couple of surprisingly gorgeous piano ballads, proving that Voyou isn't a one trick pony.
William Tyler
Goes West
One of guitar music's hidden treasures, William Tyler still dazzles and continues to show his craftsmanship on Goes West. As far as Americana goes, you really can't do any better.
Listen to the "Best of 2019" Spotify Playlist, containing my favorite tracks of the year that updates regularly:
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