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Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens
March 31, 2015 // Indie Folk

Famously among the most emotionally packed albums of the last decade, Carrie & Lowell packs much of its punch in the sheer reality of the sadness it contains. The story behind the record is tragic for lack of a better word, and this album is literally the release of the pent up anguish and unfulfilled longing that the events behind it caused. If you don't already know what the story is, I'd recommend taking a look online and what not. I haven't yet experienced the loss of a loved one, so I can't say I can relate to or find comfort in the project in the same way that many other listeners can, but Stevens opens a window into a part of life we all pass through at one point or another, peculiar as his situation may have been. With this in mind I appreciate the subtlety and reverence of the music, fragile teary vocals with a minimalist folk accompaniment. Though I do wish the delivery of the songs was a little more varied throughout the album and the electronic codas weren't as prominent (except maybe the very last one), there is no denying that heart and soul were put into the writing and recording of each song. Nothing feels half-done, and the lyrics are dense and poetic. As sad as it all is, there is a feeling of release and assurance through it all. Perhaps further down the line I will appreciate this album more than I already do, but it certainly has left a mark in the hearts of many.

Rating: 72/100

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Have You In My Wilderness by Julia Holter
September 25, 2015 // Art Pop

Though it maintains warm, bittersweet, and ethereal in atmosphere in a similar vein to her previous work, Have You In My Wilderness sees Julia Holter embrace a sound that is more direct and even pop-oriented than before. I prefer the tracks that create a more immersive experience, such as Lucette Stranded on the Island and Sea Calls Me Home. Lush soundscapes and Holter's enchanting vocals guide the listener through a journey full of beauty and wonder on these tracks. Songs like Everytime Boots and Silhouette, though some of the most conventional songs she's crafted, are charming, playful and entertaining.

Rating: 77/100

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★ (Blackstar) by David Bowie
January 8, 2016 // Art Rock

Now synonymous with the end of David Bowie's celebrated career and his largely unparalleled contributions to the modern music scene we know today, Blackstar was released only two days before its author's passing. This created some considerable commotion as the many cryptic self-references to death found throughout the album were suddenly put into context once it occurred. As impressive as it all was, I tend to dissociate the music from the context just slightly in cases where it seems to be all that people remember about the album, at least just to look at the project from a different angle. I consider Blackstar a good album not only because of the peculiarity of its release but mainly because of how deliberate it is. I always find the "weaker" tracks like 'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore, Sue and Girl Loves Me to be particularly intriguing because they display how much thought was put into every aspect of the project. Those songs could not have any more juice squeezed out of them, and perhaps they just lack the potential of the title track and Lazarus (which for many and me are clear standouts), but it certainly sounds like every song was given the same amount of attention. I see it as a case where would-be filler is properly tended to and made outstanding. I enjoy the instrumentation and jazz styling of the album as well as the great liberating feeling at the end of it. It's a proper swan song for an artist that deserves such.

Rating: 79/100

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A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead
May 8, 2016 // Art Rock

Having recently gone through a difficult split from his partner of 25 years, Radiohead's ninth album could be said to reflect Thom Yorke's emotional state after said event. It's subtle, intensely sad and fragile at many points. Its lyrics are poignant in describing love and regret. These aspects of the project give it a distinguished spot in the band's discography though they often leave the album sounding underwhelming and a little too quiet at times. Nevertheless, it is certainly among the band's best-textured releases and all the songs have sufficient substance to them.

Rating: 76/100

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Atrocity Exhibition by Danny Brown
September 30, 2016 // Experimental Hip Hop

Danny once again lets us step into the manic indulgence of his world. I skipped Old and I only have XXX to compare this to, but I see that the themes of both are still very similar. While on the topic of drug and alcohol abuse, unchecked sexual indulgence and crime as Danny tends to speak on, in a way this feels far nearer to a point of no return, a little more defeated, or just lost in the downward spiral he describes to open the album. There are moments in the project, like on Ain't It Funny and White Lines, which see Danny deep in the mix of the song, with his musical surroundings being loud and overstimulating yet bizarrely enjoyable, conveying the loop he feels stuck in. Really most of the instrumentals are far more "out there" and eclectic than they were on XXX, which was already unique. Sometimes it's not even so easy to notice how frantic the instrumentals are because of how smoothly and effortlessly Danny raps over them. His technical ability is seldom challenged these days. Despite all these great points going for it I find that some tracks, despite how well produced they are, simply cause some drag during the second half.

Rating: 79/100

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Flower Boy by Tyler, The Creator
July 21, 2017 // Hip Hop, Neo-Soul

Unqualified as I am to comment thoroughly on the contrast between this album and Tyler's previous efforts, having never listened to any of these prior, it seems to be common consensus that this project marks a point of departure from a certain immaturity and negative attitude. He hints many times at the same speculation, particularly in Where This Flower Blooms. This same idea is evident in the overall emotion of the record, which I find to be liberating though much more subtle and without a necessary sense of victory, like that relief and levity you sometimes feel after you cry, particularly from frustration or sadness. Indeed he brings the listener in on many of the inner struggles that he seeks release for in this album, making this a very introspective journey accompanied with a very organic, colorful and yet laid back atmosphere. His production is greatly varied in its details though it is firmly grounded in that dreamy air I just described. I find the album to be consistent all the way through with many solid tracks rather than a couple big standouts. Perhaps See You Again is my favorite, though it's the one track that doesn't contribute as much to the project's theme as the others. It's just too lovely to dislike.

Rating: 81/100

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Saturation Trilogy by Brockhampton
2017 // Hip Hop

Anyone can release three albums in a year, but having not a single one of them suck is a feat worth noting. On top of the consistently refreshing and exciting tracks they perform over, the group puts together a collage of life stories and social perspectives that are highly representative of not only their world, but also that of their entire generation. I wouldn't say every single thing across the three albums is gold. I think there are only a couple particularly great songs in each album and the rest are good but not very noteworthy. I'm not gonna write much more, I just wanna get through the rest of the decade.

Rating: 75/100

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El Mal Querer by Rosalía
November 2, 2018 // Flamenco Pop?

As one of the most promising talents out of the Spanish flamenco academies comes Rosalía, an incredibly talented vocalist. Her debut album Los Ángeles (which I didn't cover to avoid redundancy but am greatly regretting already and might go back to it regardless) is one of the most haunting and harrowing albums I've ever heard, all done with a flamenco guitar and her virtuoso vocal performance with a traditional and now-trademark arab-flavored delivery. El Mal Querer, Rosalía's sophomore project, flips this idea of simplicity on its head by sporting a rare mix of flamenco and pop with an urban feel. Not only is the sound aimed for ambitious, but this is a concept album which outlines the story of Flamenca (a book from the 13th century, one of the earliest modern novels known). It tells the story of a toxic and doomed relationship, as well as its tragic end. A book to album adaptation if there ever was one, and a good one at that, exploring masterfully the victim's point of view in an abusive relationship in a cinematic manner without having to say much. This blows me away pretty much every time and I'd say it's among the most impressive concept albums of the decade.

Rating: 94/100

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Kids See Ghosts by Kids See Ghosts
June 8, 2018 // Experimental Hip-Hop, Pop Rap

I really like the first half of this project more than the second. It's exciting and full of energy at its best parts, though I find it drags slightly on the longer and slower cuts which are all beside each other to close out the record. Though every track is beautifully textured and masterfully produced, I do need to focus harder as the album goes on to grasp on to its falling momentum.

Rating: 82/100

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Igor by Tyler, The Creator
May 17, 2019 // Neo-Soul

As big a step forward for Tyler as Flower Boy was, Igor explores the many negative feelings and reactions of a person in a complicated love triangle. It's nothing one could foresee Tyler doing stylistically, a weirdly cheap though vivid mix of soul, R&B and hip hop that is as immersive as it is catchy and irresistible. It evokes emotion and tells a story from an intriguing perspective. It's engaging all the way through and greatly entertaining.

Rating: 86/100