1) Mavis Staples's LIVE IN LONDON.
Mavis delivered a live album that was the finest album of 2019. I think it would have been the finest album of any year. This is an album that no true collector can be without. It's hard to pick one track to highlight but I'll go with "Love and Trust."
2) Coldplay's EVERYDAY LIFE.
Coldplay re-emerged with an album so good it matches their masterpiece A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD. If you ever were along for the ride with this band, make a point to catch up with them now. "Daddy" is my favorite track on the album.
3) Dionne Warwick's SHE'S BACK.
2019 had some strong music and the third strongest album of the year was made by a woman who first captured our attention in 1962 with "Don't Make Me Over." "Tears Ago" is my favorite track on the album.
But I love everything. And I'm thrilled Dionne's back.
4) Solange's WHEN I GET HOME.
The artistic sister. Solange continues to veer off the highway with her musical choices and it's a road trip we're glad to take with her. "Sound of Rain" is trippy, different and amazing.
5) James Blake's ASSUME FORM.
A strong confessional album. James has never been better. Here's the title track.
What we really need is for Solange and James to go into the studio together. They are pioneers and their collaboration would be something to here.
6) Mavis Staples' WE GET BY.
Mavis owned 2019. Not only did she release the incredible live album, she also released this studio album.
7) Billie Eilish's WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
I like Billie's album. I'm interested in what comes next. But I'm comfortable with it being number seven. Maybe I'm down-grading due to the 'poppy' nature of the album? Maybe.
8) Vampire Weekend's FATHER OF THE BRIDE.
This is a growth album for the group. It reminds me of one of the Rolling Stones' growth spurt albums, like AFTERMATH or BEGGARS BANQUET. I think this is an album that will only grow stronger with each listen. Here's one of my favorite tracks from the album, a duet with Haim's Danielle Haim, "We Belong Together."
9) Harry Styles' FINE LINE.
I love "Falling."
I love the whole album.
10) Middle Kids' NEW SONGS FOR OLD PROBLEMS.
America's never been sold on EPs. That's extend-plays. More playing time than a single, less than a full album. The band's from Australia. They deserve to be heard. Doubt it? Stream "Real Thing."
If that doesn't sell you on the EP, I don't think anything else will.
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Click here for my 2004 music piece, here for 2005, 2006 in music, 2007 in music, here for 2008, here for my 2009 piece, here for my look at the decade, here for my 2010 piece, here for my 2011 piece, here for my 2012 piece, here for my 2013 piece, here for my 2014 piece, here for my 2015 piece, here for my 2016 piece. here for my 2017 piece, and here for my 2018 piece.
