20. Slauson Malone – EXCELSIOR
Woozy, ethereal, experimental, soulful, loud, abrasive, gentle. All these adjectives describe Slauson Malone’s album EXCELSIOR. His art defies categorization, and his music has always been fascinating to me, creating these airy, eclectic compositions that at times feel like field recordings. His occasionally idiosyncratic vocal delivery is unique and powerful, and channels his fears and anxieties about adulthood, the social expectations of masculinity, the economic issues plaguing his community, all poignantly throughout the 18-track album. The indie, guitar-led compositions are playful and are contrasted by more gentle, piano and string-led moments that capture the intensity and beauty of his art. Review
19. Kofi Flexxx – Flowers in the Dark
The frantic, rhythmic and tribal project from Shabaka Hutchings as Kofi Flexxx is an incredibly powerful one, with intense compositions that include some of my favourite moments in music this year. The collaborative and wildly adventurous project feels like I’m walking in a dense rainforest, observing nature around me contemplating life. Flowers in the Dark is an intense yet enriching listening experience, with reflective yet dynamic and dance-centric moments. The wind instrumentation throughout is stunning, and the compositions are adventurous and exciting. Review
18. Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove – Decay
Fatboi Sharif will go down as a hip-hop legend, no question about it. He’s carved his own lane with his wildly unorthodox style, disorienting and hallucinatory lyrics and delivery. Along with eclectic producer Steel Tipped Dove, he’s crafted an incredibly dense and experimental album with Decay. It’s not necessarily one to casually put on at any time, but if I’m in the mood for some weird experimental raps, this is my go-to. The way he’s able to create these abstract, dystopian and frightening worlds is so inspiring – his film influences shine through too via his storytelling, and over Dove’s usually dark and experimental production, this album really is a treat to listen to. Review / Interview with Fatboi Sharif & Steel Tipped Dove
17. Cleo Sol – Heaven
Cleo Sol’s Heaven is one of the most beautiful, soulful, and replenishing albums I’ve listened to this year. Her voice is as smooth as silk, and the music is just wonderful. A naturally romantic album, Cleo Sol also provides introspections into her own state of mind and her reflections on self-love and the love and acceptance of others. It’s a therapeutic listen, not only due to the content of her words, but the stunning soul arrangements throughout, and her ability to convey so much emotion in her voice. She’s one of my favourite singers at the moment, and Heaven is one of her strongest and most defined projects to date, in my opinion. Review
16. Noname – Sundial
Unapologetic, self-reflective and critical, Noname has reached new heights on Sundial, her most complete and well-polished album to date. All the talk of the controversy of that Jay Electronica verse distracted from the fact that she takes accountability for her own voice and actions, with moments throughout the album that shine a light on her imperfections and insecurities. I love the fact that she’s daring and able to talk freely about her shortcomings, while simultaneously highlighting other people’s contradictions, especially when it comes to capitalism and social issues. Production-wise, the album is lush and beautiful, with soulful arrangements and amazing beats, and it’s cool to see some London-based folks I know personally being credited on this impressive album. Review
15. Anysia Kym & Jadasea – Pressure Sensitive
New York experimental electronic music meets London experimental rap on this phenomenal album by Anysia Kym & Jadasea. Pressure Sensitive features some incredible production from Anysia Kym, who’s able to create loud, sometimes abrasive production while simultaneously creating smooth and ambient moments, which is testament to her talents and artistic versatility. Jadasea on the other hand flows effortlessly throughout the album, providing lively raps that perfectly capture London’s off-kilter and fascinating new sound. It’s an album that ebbs and flows effortlessly through these eclectic soundscapes. Review
14. L’Rain – I Killed Your Dog
L’Rain’s compositions are stunning throughout her albums, but I Killed Your Dog may be my favourite project of hers to date. Her compositions are intimate and stunning, with guitar-led melodies and electronic moments that are absolutely stunning throughout the 16-track album, as she tackles themes of love and loss, and the impact of hurting ones close to you. Her vulnerability on this album is beautiful and refreshing to hear, and the dynamic and ever-changing soundscapes on this album are ethereal and utterly hypnotic at times. It’s a gorgeous album and one I’ve had on repeat since it came out. Review
13. bar italia – Tracey Denim
Rock album of the year maybe? bar italia’s first of two albums that came out this year is a catchy, warm and inviting project, and one I’ve had on repeat since I discovered it. Tracey Denim has infectious riffs and hooks, all three members of the band play off each other so well, their chemistry is fantastic and their vocals are infectious. There’s nothing much else to say about this record. It’s simultaneously moody and fun, well arranged and incredibly catchy. Quite a few of the melodies throughout the album have stuck with me and have been playing in my head, and that is a sign of a great album to me. Review
12. JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown – SCARING THE HOES
Avant-garde icons of this generation JPEGMAFIA and Danny Brown released one of the most cacophonous and overwhelming rap albums of the year with SCARING THE HOES. It includes some of the most creative and interesting production I’ve heard this year, and probably some of the most adventurous production JPEGMAFIA has created to date, while both JPEG and Danny go back and forth on an album that is fun, creative and loud. Very much tapped into meme and internet culture, both artists are witty in their raps, showing their humour effortlessly over experimental and abrasive production. One of my favourite hip-hop albums to come out this year. Review
11. Actress – LXXXVIII
Legendary electronic musician Actress has released a phenomenal album that further cements his legacy as one of the key trailblazers of the electronic music scene within the UK. LXXXVIII is an eclectic body of work, with a diverse range of sounds, from club and dance-oriented compositions to more ambient ones, all sequenced perfectly. From eerie vocal samples, incredible drum sequencing and dynamic rhythms, Actress has come through again with an excellent body of work. Seeing him live late this year was a treat as well. Review
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