Lana Del Rey REVIVES that cool Cali sound
Lizzo, Billie Eilish and Kanye West also had memorable releases this year
People keep telling us that the album is dead. And then acts just keep right on putting out great full-length albums, year after year. So, don’t believe the hype. Put in the time to enjoy an entire album, instead of just listening to a track or two, and we think you’ll find that it’s worth it. Looking for some recommendations? Here are our picks for the 10 best albums of 2019.
1
“Norman (Expletive) Rockwell!” Lana Del Rey: From the very first spin, this was the album to beat in 2019. And nothing really came close to topping the captivating beauty of Del Rey’s sixth album, a shimmering update on Laurel Canyon singersongwriter pop for the 21st century. The vocals are mesmerizing, the production is flawless and the songwriting is golden. Existing somewhere between Mulholland Drive and Del Rey’s imagination, this is California dreaming at its best.
2
“When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” Billie Eilish: The public was sold early on that Eilish — who released her first single at the age of 14 — could turn out to be “the next big thing.” And she’d definitely live up to that promise in 2019, releasing a thoroughly entertaining debut that would go on to become the most streamed album of the year. It’s a work built on teenage angst, bravado and a defiant outsider mentality, with Eilish — who turned 18 on Wednesday — coming across as nothing short of the voice of a generation.
3
“Ghosteen,” Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: The great singer-songwriter is dealing with one of the hardest things imaginable — the loss of a child — on this hauntingly beautiful, harrowingly devastating twodisc set. Cave’s teenage son Arthur died after falling from a cliff in 2015, but there is another presence felt on the album as well — that of Conway Savage, the longtime Bad Seeds keyboardist who died of a brain tumor in 2018.
4
“Jesus Is King,” Kanye West: It’s one of the boldest, bravest albums to come around in, well, forever. The always unpredictable West shocked the world with this love letter to his Lord and savior. Some cried hoax — that West was once again playing the crowd to get a reaction — but this turn to Christian rap comes across as heartfelt on the artist’s ninth studio album. It’s a work we’ll be discussing for years. And that’s a good thing.
5
“Cuz I Love You,” Lizzo: It was the year of Lizzo, with her fame and fan base seemingly doubling with each month on the calendar. She’s now arguably the most universally beloved entertainer in the game and all the reasons why can be found on her stellar major label debut, which is built on feel-good anthems that cry out for you to sing along and the kind of powerhouse vocals that will leave your head spinning.
6
“We Are Not Your Kind,” Slipknot: The Iowa act’s sixth studio album, and its first since 2014’s “.5: The Gray Chapter,” is another monster. It’s a swirling, experimental and undeniably heavy mix of thundering percussion, high-voltage electric guitar work and Corey Taylor’s vocal angst, collectively serving as further proof that Slipknot deserves to be ranked among the best metal acts of all time.
7
“From Out of Nowhere,” Jeff Lynne’s ELO: It’s basically a solo record for Lynne, who — minus one Richard Tandy piano part — plays every note on what is credited as ELO’s 14th studio album. But the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer uses the occasion to show why he’s considered one of the great pop music masterminds of all time, crafting a lush, sparkling collection of songs that should have longtime fans smiling.
8
“The Search,” NF: This is not an easy listen. The Michigan rapper — whose real name is Nathan Feuerstein — sounds desperate, like he’s fighting for his sanity, his life or both, as he takes listeners on the dark, bumpy ride that is his fourth studio album. But NF remains compelling throughout, combining strong vocals and expert storytelling with a glimmer of hope and faith.
9
“Psychodrama,” Dave: This full-length debut is nothing short of a star turn for the British rapper, who lives up to the advance hype and then some. “I could be the rapper with the message like you’re hoping,” the British hip-hop artist raps midway through “Psycho.” “But what’s the point in me being the best if no one knows it?” Don’t worry, Dave. The secret is definitely out.
10
“Father of the Bride,” Vampire Weekend: After way too long an absence, the New York City act finally returns with a sunny, upbeat and surprisingly unfussy follow-up to 2013’s challenging “Modern Vampires of the City,” providing a much needed breath of air — fresh or otherwise — to the indie-pop scene.