2019 Favorite Albums (5-1)

And here are my top 5 favorite albums of 2019:

5.

Angel Olsen - All Mirrors

Simultaneously intimate and epic, All Mirrors is a confident and dazzling display of Olsen's craft.

4.

Hayden Thorpe - Diviner

Thorpe, the former lead singer for art-pop rebels Wild Beasts, released his debut solo album Diviner which focused mainly on piano and his luxurious voice. His breathtakingly candid lyrics brought everything together in masterful fashion.

3.

Lana Del Rey - Norman Fucking Rockwell!

She finally did it after years of putting out excellent records, her masterpiece. Working primarily with producer Jack Antonoff (in surprisingly subtle mode), Del Rey goes searching for America. It's a frequently horrifying journey, but one that ends in hope.

2.

Charli XCX - Charli

One day the world will catch up with Charli XCX's future pop. Until then, I am just going to bask in her brilliance.

1.

Thom Yorke - ANIMA

I will admit it took me several listens to "get" this record. It's icy cold in spots, unrelentingly challenging, and frequently detached. But once you give in to the flow of the record, you hear the warmth in Yorke's aching voice and his concerns about both the world and the intimate reaches of our inner selves. It's a record that asks big questions, comes up short with answers, but gives into the flow of life, still searching, and still reaching.