This was certainly a year of transition for me. Music kept me company throughout this year's ups and downs.
Like I mention every year, this list is in no particular order.
Noga Erez - Vandalist
While I just said that I'm not ranking these in any particular order, I will say that this is an album I repeat-listened to the most this year - on vinyl and (as my Spotify Wrapped will tell you) via streaming. This was also the year I discovered her previous album, KIDZ.
Favourite Track:
(this one was a bit of a toss up because this album has so many bangers, so honourable mention goes to "Dumb" and the title track, "Vandalist")
Eminem - The Death of Slim Shady
This is an album I listened to front-to-back a few times (oddly enough, while walking the dog). While there is a lot of controversy about this album, most of the clickbait hot-take social posts about specific tracks I saw floating around my feeds were from people who more-than-likely didn't listen to the album front-to-back. That would be like reading a chapter of a book and forming an opinion of the whole story.
Favourite Track:
(Tagalog in an Eminem song?! Yes please! I LOVE EZ Mil! I also really loved the song he wrote and recorded for his daughter, Hailie, called "Temporary.")
Brittany Howard - What Now
I bought a 7" 45RPM record of "What Now" in the Spring and it opened up the flood gate for me to listen to the rest of the album of repeat. There will always be a special place in my heart for Brittany Howard!
Favourite Song:
Gary Clark Jr. - JPEG Raw
I swear, anytime this man picks up a guitar and plays it within range of my ears, I'll never not make that nodding stank face of utter musical enjoyment!
Favourite Track:
Jack White - No Name
I'll admit, ever since leaving the world of alternative radio, I've mostly been reconnecting with my love for other genres and finding more hip-hop, R&B, and pop records. But this album and artist were quite obviously unavoidable!!
Favourite Track:
(the bridge/guitar solo in this track....*chef's kiss*)
The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstacy
I remember first hitting play on "Nothing Matters" when I was on the bus on my way to work and I'm pretty sure I uttered a clearly audible, "holy shit" as an initial reaction to how much I loved it.
Favourite Track:
(Honourable mention: "Caesar on the TV Screen")
Kendrick Lamar - GNX
This album is probably the best example of the term "pleasant surprise."
Favourite Track:
(Hard to pick just one song off this album. I also loved "tv off" among other tracks!)
Little Simz - Drop 7
A quick and easy listen if you're interested. A few tracks are even sub 2-minutes. But damn...the track "Mood Swings" goes HARD!! With that said...
Favourite Track:
Snotty Nose Rez Kids - Red Future
This album (and the title track) could arguably be considered Snotty Nose Rez Kids' best work! I thoroughly enjoyed this front-to-back listening experience!
Favourite Track:
The Black Keys - Ohio Players
While this isn't my favourite Black Keys album, it was still a pretty great listen!
Favourite Track:
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