15. duval timothy – wishful thinking

one of my favourite pianists and composers, duval timothy released a stunning album this year, one full of light and colourful melodies and infectious moments. an album i keep returning to for its gentleness. review | the album

14. anaiis – devotion & the black divine

the now london-based soul artist anaiis has released a masterpiece with devotion & the black divine. stunning vocals throughout, with soulful and jazzy instrumentation throughout that meanders between tribal and angelic, it is a restless and captivating body of work that will continue being in rotation in years to come. review | the album

13. earl sweatshirt – live laugh love

this might be one of my favourite earl albums. short, punchy, with meandering stories, reference-heavy bars and an assertiveness in what he’s saying, the la rapper has crafted an album that is relatable and inspiring to listen to. some of the best beats i’ve heard him rhyme on in quite a while as well. live laugh love is one of the better hip-hop albums to come out this year, in my opinion. the album

12. turnstile – never enough

punk album of the year. never enough sounds like stadium music, it’s big, its grand, it’s loud. turnstile really turned it up on this album. the lighter, more melodic moments are met with raging guitar riffs and intense energy, and it is so catchy and infectious. a real standout for me this year. the album

11. jd. reid – sometimes i wonder

my review of this was just fire emoji’s, because that’s literally my reaction the whole way through this album. some dance-heavy hitters, some r&b moments, but always firing with undeniable beats and rhythms. some of my favourite beats i’ve listened to this year appear on this album. thank you jd. reid. review | the album

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