SETTING THE MOOD
I’ve never understood why critics so often separate best-of lists into genres. Best rap. Best country. Best Latin. People don’t listen to music that way. We don’t separate styles into boxes. We listen based on mood, jumping from hip-hop to boy bands to in
1. “Residente,” Residente
Residente, the more vibrant half of Puerto-Rican hip-hop duo Calle 13, struck out on his own for this opus, which was recorded around the world after he took a DNA test. He was inspired to visit several places in his background, including Siberia, China, Armenia and Ghana. The result is a breathtaking collection of sounds and styles that defy genre. Talk about world music.
2. “American Teen,” Khalid
R&B singer Khalid plays like John Legend’s younger, cooler brother. The 19-year-old’s debut album is warm, inviting and aware of musical trends without pandering to them. It’s a blend typified in the single “Young, Dumb & Broke” and album tracks “Another Sad Love Song” and “8TEEN.” He’s up for five Grammys, including best new artist, heralding the arrival of an important new talent.
3. “Melodrama,” Lorde
It’s difficult to believe that “Melodrama” is just Lorde’s second album in four years. She’s quickly established herself as a major pop force and solidifies that status on this terrific collection, which moves through moods with ease. Much of its success is in the rich, layered production, shouldered by Lorde and Jack Antonoff.
4. “Flower Boy,” Tyler, the Creator
The rapper’s fourth studio album is rich in lyricism and soul, flowing beautifully from track to track. Tyler, the Creator is assisted by a stable of inspired guests, including Frank Ocean, Jaden Smith, Estelle and Lil Wayne. Each song creates its own sense of time and space.
5. “MacGregor Park,” Fat Tony
The Houston native made the move to Los Angeles not long ago. He’s since upped his national profile considerably but still reps hard for Htown. This album, from the title to the tunes, is a love letter to his hometown. And it’s a gorgeous listen from start to finish.
6. “DAMN.” Kendrick Lamar
Lamar has already established himself as one of this generation’s leading voices. And he continually ups the ante with each album. This one — with titles ranging from “DNA” and “HUMBLE” to “LUST” and “PRIDE” — is an easier listen than previous albums. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less bracing.
7. “The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone,” Lee Ann Womack
Texas native Womack is one of country music’s most gifted interpreters. She continues to push herself on this collection of inspired covers and originals. Producer Frank Liddell, who is also Womack’s husband, wraps everything in a smoky, souful haze that moves this from pure country to somewhere much more interesting.
8. “Bluebird of Happiness,” Tamar Braxton
Braxton has long been one of R&B’s most underrated vocalists. She earned some well-deserved acclaim for this album, whose standouts include searing, tear-yourheart-out ballads “Blind,” “My Man,” “How I Feel” and “Empty Boxes.” Braxton originally said this was her final album. But she’s much too talented to hang it up now.
9. “Harry Styles,” Harry Styles
The former One Direction member dirtied things up a bit with this solo debut, which channels several of his rock heroes, including The Beatles and Rolling Stones. Its pair of singles, the haunting “Sign of the Times” and the raging “Kiwi,” give a good idea of the album’s breadth of sounds.
10. “La Trenza,” Mon Laferte
Chilean singer Laferte sifts through retro pop, bolero, cumbia and more on her fifth album, which has the selfassured sparkle of a new artist. She has a sweet, raspy tone that serves the material well.