2025 fave albums
table of contents:
a little intro
Oct. 3 // [TOP FAVE] Welcome to JJ World — JJ World
Feb. 14 // Ghostholding — venturing
Feb. 28 // Sinister Grift — Panda Bear
Feb. 28 // Soft Spot — Honningbarna
Mar. 1 // La Brea — Hesse Kassel
Mar. 21 // 45 Pounds — YHWH Nailgun
Mar. 28 // Only Dust Remains — Backxwash
Apr. 16 // Lifetime — Erika de Casier
May 2 // Pirouette — Model/Actriz
May 6 // Equus caballus — Men I Trust
May 9 // Fancy That — PinkPantheress
May 26 // Um mar pra cada um, — Luedji Luna
Jun. 6 // Lotus — Little Simz
Jun. 13 // Antes que a Terra acabe — Luedji Luna
Jun. 13 // Hymnal — Lyra Pramuk
Jun. 20 // Stars — Cocojoey
Jul. 25 // Vanisher, Horizon Scraper — Quadeca
Aug. 22 // That Wasn't a Dream — Pino Palladino & Blake Mills
Sep. 12 // You're Weird Now — Guerilla Toss
Sep. 19 // Oh Snap — Cecile McLorin Salvant
Oct. 3 // Speak — Sam Wills
Oct. 10 // Goodness — feeo
Oct. 24 // KROK — SOYUZ
Nov. 7 // Stardust — Danny Brown
Nov. 11 // The Sword & the Soaring — Navy Blue
final thoughts
a little intro
hi hi thanks for clicking on this
OKAY SO, some backstory. this year in particular, i listened to a fuckton, i mean a fuckton of music this year, specifically albums. there are a couple reasons for this:
i discovered rateyourmusic.com, which is absolutely massive. RYM is a very popular music database/review website, often known for its passionate fanbase and often boutique curation somewhat akin to Pitchfork. it's garnered an...interesting reputation in online music spaces, especially in regards to what the collective userbase deems quality/noteworthy releases. being on there pretty heavily this year, it's pretty clear the stylistic biases the community has (anyone into metal/post-rock?)
however! i don't use the site for its forum aspect, nor do i use it to judge whether something is good or bad objectively. no the reason i use it is because of it's STELLAR potential for music discovery. the site not only has its own "recommendations" page, but also pulls from a suuuuuper wide scope of different sources, with all of its members voraciously seeking out and listening to new and interesting artists and albums. its hugely detailed genre list also makes finding something extremely specific yet extremely unique disgustingly easy, and it's genuinely incredible. plus, even though i just said earlier i don't use it to judge music on it's "objective" quality......the albums that do rise to the top ratings-wise do actually end up being extremely worth a listen most of the time (and at the very least, allows the opportunity for you to expand your taste dramatically, which is only a good thing)
the embrace and practice of new! this year personally was further tiptoe-ing into new experiences on an overall scale. i tend to be quite a creature of habit in general, but especially with my personal music listening. before this year, i had rarely sought out new music outside of occasional algorithm recommendations from pre-existing songs in a pre-existing favorite music playlist. but with the thesis of New + the discovery of rateyourmusic, i decided to challenge myself and actively prioritize seeking out new albums that came out specifically in 2025
because of this, i listened to...maybe 600 albums? that sounds impossible but that's about 50 albums per month roughly, and with needledrop recs, rym stars + eyecatchers on the current month list, extra favorite genre listens (digital fusion, jazz, art pop), and best new music pitchfork listens (most of which are either repeats or very quick skips lol), it actually ends up around that number pretty consistently. sometimes more
i'll also note that there are some albums that within the first 60 seconds, i know it's fully not my thing and i can pretty confidently predict what the sound is and where it's going. in this case, i skim through the first few tracks a bit and go "ok gotcha, not my thing" and move on to the next. so the efficiency makes things much much more feasible, and allows me to listen to more and more music to find hitters
...ANYWAY, enough gabbing about blah blah blah, here's a write-up of me talking about all the albums i loved (there are 25 buckle up muahaha), and maybe, JUST maybe...you'll find an album that piques your interest and discover something sick as fuck. note! this is in chronological order, not ranked, WITH the exception of my favorite album which is first
ok here we go:
[TOP FAVE] Welcome to JJ World — JJ World
Released: Oct. 3
Genre: jazz-funk, lounge
Fave songs: The Ballfields, Priscilla Ponders, Cornelious Considers
[https://jjworld.bandcamp.com/album/welcome-to-jj-world]
...this is my favorite album of 2025. and it is horribly horribly underrated, so i'm gonna try to sell this as best i can
remember that laidback groovy funk that 70s children's TV shows would often use? like "little birdie" from charlie brown, or schoolhouse rock. or even those random hidden gems of cozy retro library music you'd stumble across on youtube at 3am? this is that, in the best way possible
so this is written by "JJ World" which is a duo band consisting of jake sherman (a jazz keyboardist who i've been a longtime fan of since college) and jason burger (a jazz session drummer). "Welcome to JJ World" is a concept album abstractly detailing a fictional fairytale children's book, complete with characters and interstitials and even a very thorough narrative on the album's bandcamp page
the songwriting and musicianship is at the forefront here, and goddamn all of the tracks are not only compact and efficient, but also DAMN catchy and groovy throughout. it knows exactly what it is and what its influences are, right down to the clear nostalgic recording fuzz from the 70s. it is so dedicated to its playfulness and is endlessly replayable, at least to my ears. please listen to and support this project, it really deserves it
notes:
- the whistles throughout the album are so goddamn cute it's gonna kill me
- somehow "The Ballfields" is the perfect name for the ultra-cozy vibe
- i swear to god it sounds like a cornet playing on "Fanfare for JJ", but credits say saxophone so?? ok???
- i will love "Cornelious Considers" forever, those insanely satisfying chord stabs will always give me chills
- love the slight michaeltone bends in the melody of "Can It Be Enough?", along with that intriguing ominous ending
Ghostholding — venturing
Released: Feb. 14
Genre: indie rock
Fave songs: Play my guitar, Something has to change, We don't exist
[https://janeremover.bandcamp.com/album/ghostholding]
i have never felt more like a hot brooding e-boy than when this album is on. ty jane remover
notes:
- i don't know why the drums on "No sleep" don't bother me but they don't
- "We don't exist" is very fun and satisfying to sing, it is yodel-core
- i looooove how the harmony dips with the melody @ 00:15 on "Halloween"
- this is the ultimate depression night drive album
Sinister Grift — Panda Bear
Released: Feb. 28
Genre: neo-psychedelia, psychedelic pop
Fave songs: Praise, Ends Meet, Ferry Lady
[https://pandabearmusic.bandcamp.com/album/sinister-grift]
i've loved animal collective since high school, yet i've never gotten into panda bear's solo discography aaaaand hey pretty good! insanely catchy, insanely vibey, perfect for sipping a pina colada on acid
notes:
- it is very fun to fill in a middle third voice on “Praise”
- somehow “Just As Well” reeeeally reminds me of animal collective
- WOW that super slow vibrato on “Ferry Lady”
- i need to spend more time with “Left in the Cold”, so haunting
Soft Spot — Honningbarna
Released: Feb. 28
Genre: post-hardcore, noise rock
Fave songs: MP5, God gutt
[https://shop.honningbarna.no/collections/musikk/products/vinyl-soft-spot-gul]
this is a needledrop/rym rec for the ages, holy shit this album RULES. so much super noisy scream rock/metal just blends together for me to the point of dissociating while listening, but woooooow once "Amor fati" came on, i was completely sold. i think it's cause there's enough distinct spaces in all of the tracks' form to let moments really hit. also killer fucking cover
notes:
- the screaming of "MP5" is so fucking visceral i actually almost started crying the first time i heard it, esp when they do that SICK triplet lead-in at 01:48 with the drop fuuuuck
- "God gutt" is my go-to final song at the gym, you just feel so powerful by the end it's insane (i reeeally wish that section at 02:37 was longer but i'll take it)
- i wish i could speak norwegian, i'd be chanting that "King Spud" chorus relentlessly
- bucket list addition dancing to "Ultraoyer" in a dark sweaty underground club
La Brea — Hesse Kassel
Released: Mar. 1
Genre: post-rock, art rock
Fave songs: En Tiempo Muerto, Vida En Terranova
[https://hessekassel.bandcamp.com/album/la-brea]
so this was a toss-up since the songs are so long for my goblin ADHD attention span, but i can't deny my feelings when i listen to these tracks goddamn it. hesse kassel is a chilean band and this is their debut and WOW killer stuff. so many of the tracks just develop in such satisfying and interesting ways, like 10min songs go by like snaps that
and that voice? phew
notes:
- the pleading @ 03:00 on "Postparto" really made me lock in
- gorgeous harmonies on "Vida En Terranova"
- no seriously the voice is ear candy to me idk i think im gay
45 Pounds — YHWH Nailgun
Released: Mar. 21
Genre: experimental rock
Fave songs: Castrato Raw (Fullback), Pain Fountain
[https://yhwhnailgun.bandcamp.com/album/45-pounds]
hey look at that more abrasive shit lol (somehow all clumping together towards the first half of the year). yes ok YHWH Nailgun might be the equivalent of that pretentious edgy art school noise rock band, but like...man it is actually, pretty cool. their sound is so specific and interesting, with really obvious technical chops (insane drumming, wacky time sigs, etc etc) and such a focused vision. i'd be extremely curious to see where they go from here and how their sound develops, we'll see??
notes:
- zach, my guy, i hope you use a lozenge once in a while
- what even are the opening chords of "Pain Fountain", i just love it
- shoutout to PETA for "Animal Death Already Breathing" and "Ultra Shade (Beat My Blood Dog Down)"
Only Dust Remains — Backxwash
Released: Mar. 28
Genre: conscious hip hop, abstract hip hop
Fave songs: Wake Up, Undesirable, History of Violence
[https://backxwash.bandcamp.com/album/only-dust-remains]
phew ok this one. so backxwash is a zambian/canadian rapper who's released 5 albums over like 6 years. her music is super personal, dealing with themes of self-hate, queerness as a trans woman, religion (being raised as devoutly christian), etc etc. so obviously not the breeziest listen, but man the fucking vulnerability and authentic expression is so impactful
from what i understand, her previous work is darker/more nihilistic, and this album in particular follows her growth internally. so even though it doesn't hold back from darkness, there's more light especially nearing the end. it's not really a...playlist album or anything lmao (i don't listen to this nearly as much as other albums on this list), but as a whole experience all the way through, it is very very affecting
notes:
- hmmm, almost like someone yelling "wake the fuck up" in "Wake Up" does something to you
- the last verse to "History of Violence", phew
- i think overall i just love her delivery, feels so fucking direct
Lifetime — Erika de Casier
Released: Apr. 16
Genre: downtempo, alternative R&B
Fave songs: Miss, You Can't Always Get What You Want, The Garden
[https://erikadecasier.bandcamp.com/album/lifetime]
heavy album this, noisy album that, how about a vibey whispery trip-hop album
guarantee this will loosen your shoulders and teleport you back to the early 2000s, Dreamcast-era style. giant rec, could live in this album forever...
notes:
- the melodies on "You Can't Always Get What You Want" are immaculate with that syncopated drum beat
- my only criticism is on "The Chase" where the melody and chords do not match at all, it's very grrrrrrrrr
- the melody on "The Garden" is mwah
- floating, the album
Pirouette — Model/Actriz
Released: May 2
Genre: dance-punk, industrial rock
Fave songs: Cinderella, Headlights
[https://modelactriz.bandcamp.com/album/pirouette]
gay!!! gay dance-punk!!!!!! yes!!!!!!!!!!!
notes:
- "Vespers" is an excellent opener, i can't explain it but it is
- the little detail in "Cinderella" of the sparkly chimes @ 02:21 right when he's talking about the idealism of a princess bday party YES
- usually not a fan of celebrating mean cunty vibes but fuck "Diva" gets a pass
- "Headlights" made me cry...makes me cry
Equus caballus — Men I Trust
Released: May 6
Genre: bedroom pop
Fave songs: Come Back Down, Carried Away
[https://menitrust.bandcamp.com/album/equus-caballus]
ok so this is part of a double album release (Equus asinus), but i like this one more. just immaculate chill vibes that are reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and Hall and Oates (are these good comparisons oh god). it's basically the groovy equivalent of Lifetime earlier in this list
this was a suuuuuuper last-minute addition (literally the last album added). basically listened to this initially but it didn't fully click, so i put it on the "Revisit" list for later. after re-listening and absorbing it more, it hit waaaaay more
as an aside, that's something i really love about doing this giant music listening experience: some albums immediately strike something inside and eventually lose its luster and die out, and some albums, like this, don't hit upon first listen, but you sense that it has the potential to, it just needs some time, familiarity, or the right context to really open up to you. kinda like people...hmmmmm......
notes:
- the fact that the plucky 3rd motif in the background of "Come Back Down" doesn't get irritating to me is a miracle
- so much of this album just gives road trip vibes (i listen to a lot of my music in the car lol)
- also i have no idea what they're saying, it's just that kind of music style (very much Sade syndrome)
Fancy That — PinkPantheress
Released: May 9
Genre: dance-pop, UK garage
Fave songs: Girl Like Me, Tonight
[https://shop.pantheress.pink/gb/pinkpantheress/fancy-that/]
WOOPS just discovered pinkpantheress this year and wow i love her stuff so much. not only unbelievably catchy, but god the fullness of everything is just so satisfying to hear. bring her in as president
notes:
- i will never get tired of the opening to "Girl Like Me" with the mute and then pad swell GUH so good
- the "HAH, HAH," in "Stateside" is suuuuch a nice melodic bit
- get me into a club stat, can cosplay as a sexy extrovert for like a good 30min
Um mar pra cada um, — Luedji Luna
Released: May 26
Genre: progressive soul
Fave songs: Karma, Rota
[https://www.noizerecordclub.com.br/en-us/products/nrc-099-luedji-luna-um-mar-pra-cada-um]
hey question do you like extremely smooth brazilian neo-soul...oh everyone raised their hand ok well y'all need to listen to luedji luna's work. this whole album is super well produced, super well written, super well performed, just glides through with complete ease. maaaaaybe just skim through the first song and then after THAT, it will be the smoothest thing you will ever listen to this year
notes:
- an absolute sucker for the chord progressions on "Rota"
- first time listening to "Harem", @ 2:24 when Liniker's voice came on, i genuinely did not know what to do with myself
- the chorus of "Joia" is ascendant turns out, typing this from beyond the grave rn
Lotus — Little Simz
Released: Jun. 6
Genre: conscious hip hop
Fave songs: Free, Peace, Lotus
[https://store.littlesimz.com/collections/lotus]
SIMZ TIME
so i heard her introvert album a couple years back and though it didn't fully stick with me, it was cool enough to where i'd listen to whatever she put out in the future. and i'm really really happy this is the album i fully connected with. big reason is that this project came out of a super turbulent conflict with her previous main music producer, so this is her without the guy and it's amazing
i really mesh with the sound she curates, that clean laidback groove (almost nujabes-like at points). some seriously stellar musicianship at play, esp. with inclusions like moses sumney and yussef dayes. also, maybe controversially, for rap music i have to connect with the music first before the actual lyrics, and luckily the music passed so i could fully appreciate her extremely reflective and personal insights. the vibe is just so right
notes:
- man people are lame as hell i love "Young", it's hilarious and goofy and self-aware
- "Peace" has gorgeous gorgeous vocals, both features are so emotionally impactful
- of all of the 'fuck this producer' tracks on here, "Hollow" is my fave in terms of construction and musical style (when the strings come in @ 1:09 GUH)
- only slight weird thing is on "Blood", the double "i thought you were the favorite!!" is silly lol
- any time people on the internet piss me off, i'm listening to "Lotus"
Antes que a terra acabe — Luedji Luna
Released: Jun. 13
Genre: progressive soul
Fave songs: Ioio, Outono
[https://www.noizerecordclub.com.br/en-us/products/nrc-011-luedji-luna-antes-que-a-terra-acabe-1]
remember when i said Luedji Luna's release was the smoothest thing you'll hear all year? i also mean this one btw. yeah so surprise it's a double album (that's why the first album has a comma at the end of it), and both are stunning quality. and hey look at that, robert glasper is on this one which is absolutely perfect cause his music is super complementary. anyway, rehash rehash, also great blah blah blah
notes:
- MILTON, milton is on this album y'all
- the chorus of "Ioio" has such an interesting melody while still being insanely groovy
- "Outono" really does feel like a Black Radio B-side in the best way
Hymnal — Lyra Pramuk
Released: Jun. 13
Genre: post-minimalism, electroacoustic
Fave songs: Rewild, Meridian, Gravity
[https://lyrapramuk.bandcamp.com/album/hymnal]
oooooooh ok i am SO excited to share this one
lyra pramuk is an experimental contemporary composer/vocalist from berlin, and Hymnal is easily one of the most fascinating and singular albums of this year. it's rooted in heavy string writing and morphed with vocals and electronic ambience and distortion. the way it just swirls around and encompasses you is so hypnotic and entrancing to me. it's not uh, the easiest listen, not in terms of content but just due to its naturally challenging structures (+ i think it's a couple songs too long), but man as a whole album experience i really think it's worth it for how unique its sound world is
also i listened to this album while driving through a rainstorm and it somehow was the perfect backdrop
notes:
- i looove the vocal textures on "Incense" (and the whole album really)
- "Oracle" might be the most accessible track on the album, it's really really gorgeous in how it stutters and layers itself
- LICKING, PALM, LICKING, THE SUN, AFFIXED
- the relentlessly building intensity of "Gravity" is so inspiring to me
Stars — Cocojoey
Released: Jun. 20
Genre: bitpop, digital fusion
Fave songs: TRUST IN EVENTS, TINY SPRITE IN THE ORCHESTRA OF THE STARS
[https://cocojoey.bandcamp.com/album/stars]
HEY do you like queer explosive hypercolorful bitpop, me too apparently cause this album fuckin SLAPS goddamn it
somehow extremely catchy and engaging, while also managing to be musically complex, while also being cohesive and focused, while also beautiful and energetic and raw and reflective and pure a—
notes:
- who else here likes a comfy ass am i right ladies
- god the way "MIDNIGHT LICKING HOURS" goes between playful head-bobby bouncy vibes and hardcore screaming is just so good (the syncopation @ 2:07!!!)
- the section @ 3:40 during "TRUST IN EVENTS" is mwah
- the section @ 0:22 during "INFUSION BAbY" is mwah
- "TINY SPRITE IN THE ORCHESTRA OF THE STARS" got lodged in my brain this year
Vanisher, Horizon Scraper — Quadeca
Released: Jul. 25
Genre: art pop
Fave songs: RUIN MY LIFE, GODSTAINED, MONDAY
hmmm yesss a fellow qua i see...
been hearing about quadeca through the grapevine here and there, and luckily i had reason to check him out this year with Vanisher, Horizon Scraper. it is, maximalist as hell which can be very hit or miss for me, but i think this album pulls it off pretty well
notes:
- in "RUIN MY LIFE" that little pitch-shifted wobbly synth @ 1:59 is just so cute and perfect
- jazz progressions will rule the world, ty "GODSTAINED"
- "MONDAY" is easily the quaintest song on here, really feel like, garfield...?
That Wasn't a Dream — Pino Palladino & Blake Mills
Released: Aug. 22
Genre: chamber jazz, jazz fusion
Fave songs: Heat Sink, That Was a Dream
[https://shop.blakemillsonline.com]
YESSSS OK so i was only familiar with blake mills through one of his songs on a previous album, and hearing this was such a gift genuinely. somehow these two know how to do so much with so little, and the specific warm and quirky instrumental textures of these tunes are so lovely. i absolutely adore modern acoustic guitar jazz electronic fusion like this, i desperately need more cause this is so special (extremely sad i listened to this too late to catch a concert)
also maybe my favorite cover art of the year, something about it is so striking to me
notes:
- why does the minor second high guitar pluck pattern work so well in "I Laugh In The Mouth Of The Lion"
- holy shit the visceral groove of "Somnambulista" with the roaming ambiguous changes aaaaaaaaaa
- how the fuck did they make a nearly 14 minute song that repeats the same chord progressions throughout so consistently engaging, "Heat Sink" is magic
- if i ever learn acoustic guitar, i will be learning "That Was A Dream" ASAP
You're Weird Now — Guerilla Toss
Released: Sep. 12
Genre: zolo, neo-psychedelia
Fave songs: Life's a Zoo, Red Flag to Angry Bull, Panglossian Mannequin
[https://guerillatoss.bandcamp.com/album/youre-weird-now]
this album feels like it should be way lamer and cornier than it actually is, thank god cause folks this is a banger
notes:
- "CEO of Personal & Pleasure" being in 4/4 + 7/8 throughout, we love to see it!!!!!!
- you want the craziest fucking song of the year you listen to "Life's a Zoo" i'm taking no questions
- the drums of "Panglossian Mannequin" make me want to dance SO fucking hard every time it comes on
- the syncopation of the main melody on "Crocodile Cloud" is so addicting
Oh Snap — Cecile McLorin Salvant
Released: Sep. 19
Genre: vocal jazz, art pop
Fave songs: Anything but now, Take this stone, What does blue mean to you
[https://cecilemclorinsalvant.bandcamp.com/album/oh-snap]
initially this was a cool breezy listen, and then slowly over time it became one of my favorite albums of the year? it is EXTREMELY hodge podge, which is very intentional as an album embracing messiness as its thesis, and somehow it all super works for me. i reeeeeally gotta go back now and listen to her other albums
notes:
- i keep wanting to write an exclamation mark at the end of the title but it's not there and i have to live with that
- welcome to the stage, the universal overthinking anthem "Anything but now"
- "Take this stone" captured me very very intensely, it's so simple and striking and i keep singing with it around my apartment, for months now
- GOD the wailing @ 2:54 on "What does blue mean to you?" makes me want to cry i love it
- welcome to the stage, the universal new years resolution anthem "Eureka"
- one of the most fascinating endings of any album this year btw
Speak — Sam Wills
Released: Oct. 3
Genre: neo soul
Fave songs: No Pressure, Speak, Voicenotes
[https://store.samwillsmusic.com/collections/all-products]
heyyyyyy check it out my most listened to album, like in terms of minutes...which makes sense considering what it is: a super chill summer-night neo-soul album. i wouldn't say it's the most adventurous or conceptual thing in the world, but goddamn it you want super catchy melodies and some offensively smooth singing, here it is
when someone hands you the aux at a party and you freak out, just put this on and everyone will automatically love you i guarantee
notes:
- "No Pressure" is sexy as fuck there's no other way to put it
- the vocal layering @ 1:34 on "Coulda Been Us" PHEW (actually the layering on the whole album merits this reaction)
- more perfect melodies on "For The Night"
- "Voicenotes" proves male longing truly does exist
Goodness — feeo
Released: Oct. 10
Genre: ambient
Fave songs: Requiem, The Hammer Strikes the Bell, There is No I
[https://feeo.bandcamp.com/album/goodness]
hey check it out, the one unique pitchfork best new album rec that actually feels justified woops. this is the kind of ambient album i am a total sucker for: hazy and lush and rhythmic and focused, with vocals. that being said, i think this is definitely impenetrable and easily one of the last albums i'll rec to anyone, but goddamn it this is just extremely my thing, so i'm happy
notes:
- right from the get "The Mountain" completely took me in and had me begging that the album didn't drop the ball (some do by the end and it's heartbreaking, this extremely did not thank god)
- the gentle yearning vocals over this stuttery hypnotic synth pattern on "Requiem" is fucking everything to me
- the way the chords just rock back and forth so gently during "The Hammer Strikes The Bell" is unbelievably soothing
- and of course it has to end with lush chord planing on "There is No I", like cmon feeo just take it take my wallet and run ok just go i cant
KROK — SOYUZ
Released: Oct. 24
Genre: chamber jazz, MPB
Fave songs: Kali ty zapytajes, Cichi karahod
[https://gruppasoyuz.bandcamp.com/album/krok]
this was a golden rym discovery i almost missed. SOYUZ is a belarusian jazz group who does stellar uh...ok they say it's not an MPB album but like......it kinda is the definition of it lmao. like sure it's a cultural fusion but stylistically? cmooooon
regardless, super lovely harmonies and performances, very very gentle and sweet overall. my only criticism is that it needs to be longer, which is the most complimentary criticism ever so still a win for them i think
notes:
- i can't handle how gentle the vocalist is on "Nici" (very reminiscent of Aca Seca Trio actually, also giant rec)
- the melody of "Kali ty zapytajes" is so sweet and cozy, especially with that added filter on it
- once again i am a sucker for acoustic guitar modern jazz on "Cichi Karahod"
- "Smak zyccia" reminds me of an obscure track off of an obscure indie game called "Samorost", so i automatically love it for that
Stardust — Danny Brown
Released: Nov. 7
Genre: experimental hip hop, EDM
Fave songs: Copycats, Lift You Up, Whatever The Case
[https://dannybrown.bandcamp.com/album/stardust-1]
grraAAAAAHHH ENOUGH PRETTY SHIT let's fucking CRASH
so i'm semi-familiar with danny brown's stuff, i discovered Atrocity Exhibition this year which completely blew me away, so i was hyped to actually be there on release for Stardust. it was very funny to see people kinda be alienated by this, with rap fans being like "the fuck is this annoying EDM shit" and hyperpop fans being like "the fuck is this weird rapping shit"
that kind of response is just so indicative of this album's suuuuper bold direction, like even if you hate this shit so much, you have to respect how strong and confident its sound is. also it's such a fun joyous album and i could not be happier danny brown is clearly in the best part of his life
notes:
- some of these tracks go so fucking hard, esp at the gym jesus christ
- "Copycats" makes me wanna rave and yell and jump around like i'm in my early 20s
- "Lift You Up" reaffirms my love of house music
- IssBrokie fucking destroyed "Whatever The Case" (+that beat???? SO cool)
The Sword & the Soaring — Navy Blue
Released: Nov. 11
Genre: drumless, abstract hip hop
Fave songs: The Bloodletter, Guardadas
[https://navybluethetruest.bandcamp.com/album/the-sword-the-soaring]
i still need to spend more time with this album, but as it stands it's a beautiful listen. all of the samples and general production are so weightless and deeply deeply reflective. don't really know navy blue that well, but i'm in from now on
notes:
- right from the get go, the line "i needed this when i was 6" just already hits way too hard
- i believe i could listen to "Guardadas" forever
- another tearjerker in the form of "Tale of Truth"
final thoughts
PHEW ok i'm done finally, took a very long time to decide and format and log everything (and maybe i won't do 25 albums next year? who knows), but wow this was actually super fun lol. i absolutely adore talking about and sharing music so much, so even if a total of 5 people read any of this, i'm still happy~
anyway, i'm tired and that's it i think, will be listening to double the amount of albums next year muahahahaha~