3 Lizzo:

I didn’t want to like Lizzo, because it seemed like she came out of nowhere and took Grammys from people I really like. I hadn’t even heard her name out there, and knew nothing of any of her songs (I guess the one pitfall of losing radio who crams hyped things down your throat). Suddenly, she was a name I heard everywhere.

But her tunes won me over. Like, big time. For awhile I actually thought she was going to be my #1 album for 2019. I like the female empowerment, the cool-factor within the songs, and the production value. But my biggest reason was that this album makes you excited to listen to it. And the feminism and body positivity sneaks in while you’re dancing. It’s good.

–>P.S. Here’s an unpopular (honest) opinion: I Judged on the songs, not the red carpet. I acknowledge, like most white, cis women in America (the 1st world?) I have been socialized with certain beauty standards. I simultaneously hate these standards and sometimes feel pressured to abide by them. I think it’s important to love your body. But also strive for a healthy, toned body. And I strongly believe you should wear what makes you happy and comfortable. I know I usually do. But I do think the formality of an event should be considered, as should what flatters. I find her immodest outfits a travesty and train-wreck (not in a prude-way). I think she could dress dramatically and show who she is in a more tasteful way. And I always think everyone’s clothes should fit them properly.

Saying that, her ‘fuck-your opinions’ attitude is what shines through her music and is exactly why I ranked her album so high.

-”Soulmate” has a good message, but that percussion is straight out of 2016. Also, I will never think trilling is edgy or gagsta-cool.

-”Jerome” using ‘juicy pots’ in a lyric is yuck! I do like the sound of ‘your style and that beard ooh.’ What I love is, ‘Take ur ass home come back when ur grown.’ Yes! Strong woman speaking her mind.

-”Like a Girl” is my favorite. Super-empowering. It has a very Karmin vibe with sassy-smart-pop-rap. “Heaven Help Me” has that sound too.

-”Truth Hurts” hooks you!

-”Better in Color” so that’s where big dick energy came from?! Also, I normally do not care for screaming in a song, but it’s cute and goes perfectly with the tone (see what I did there?) of the story she’s telling in the song.

-”Cuz I Love You” has an epic background with good singing that hits all the right notes.

-”Tempo” is too repetitive. I do like Missy’s breakdown.

-”Good as Hell” is catchy and uplifting.

2 Set It Off”

I had this tied with Mika for a minute, and this album went above his, because the whole album was strong, with no throw away songs. This is filed under ‘Alternative Rock’ which I feel isn’t really a thing anymore. And I wish it was because that used to be my favorite genre-what a relief to hear it (I guess I’ll accept any iteration of it as this point) in 2019! It sounds like pop with gruff singing to me, but I did like it. They just might be a manufactured band, and you can hear a lot of influences, samples, and possible straight up copying of other bands. And that sounds like a criticism on my part, but it isn’t. I like that they’ve incorporated a lot of the sounds I like, while keeping things energetic and fresh. The track list is diverse as a result of this, with each song featuring a different artist’s vibe: Fall Out Boy, Epic (video game), boy band, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Jonus Brothers. . .

-”Go the Bed Angry” Nice pop duet!

-””Hourglass” sounds reminiscent of Fall Out Boy, with slightly more rock.

-”Stitch Me Up” is a boy band song.

-”Unopened Windows” I can tell this song was included to showcase some singing ability. And it works moderately. I’d say the singing is slightly better than mediocre.

-”Criminal Minds” I like the fast speed

-”Kill the Lights” sounds like Panic at the Disco and Fall Out Boy. And you know how I’ve been known to like those bitter lyrics!

1 Taylor Swift:

I hate how the first thing I have to do is a disclaimer justifying my choice. Taylor is as successful and rich as she is because she is talented. And hardworking, and smart, and good at marketing and business and promotion. And fuck society for hating on that. And the disclaimer: Now, now now before you judge me for being too white, too mainstream, too pop–a sellout of a reviewer, let me justify this choice. Just like the other artists on this list, it’s solely based on this year’s album only. Fashion, likeability, my personal staple-favoritism, does not factor into the decision of my album countdown. The art alone is judged. Yes, I’m obsessed with Kaylor in a very real way. And I love the Easter eggs and videos and marketing genius that is Taylor Swift the brand. But I chose Lover as top album, because it is the perfect embodiment of 2019. It’s so many songs. There is a story of each one, which pretty much sums up the goings on of the year–it’s always something these days…

-”Lover” and it’s many iterations is beautiful and self-written with introspection and pure romance. I get heart eyes everytime I hear it.

-”The Man” The political message and feminism is at the forefront of this jam, and it’s refreshing to hear it. I love how cheeky, yet unapologetic Taylor Swift is as she wonders what her career, finances, and life would be like without the patriarchal chains every woman wears knowingly or unknowingly. Calling it out is good for her and awesome for gals everywhere to hear.

-”Paper Rings” All the symbolism, all the romance! Taylor is really at her best when she’s telling a detailed story using metaphors.

-”Soon You’ll Get Better” It’s the ‘eat your veggies’ track, that we might not like as much as sugar,but that we need to hear. It’s very serious and somber subject-matter, but she’s really showing vulnerability and sharing a personal struggle that’s universal. Also, cool is that the Dixie Chicks were brought back from political purgatory to feature on the song and their country vibe sounds amazing.

-”You Need to Calm Down” political AND fun. Sing-aloud anthem with a message. It’s fun and important. It’s the statement we’re hungry for, the inclusion we demand.

-Cornelia Street” Features one of the most emotive moods on the album. The singing, volume, and production emphasize feelings.

-”Afterglow’ This song is written from the opposite perspective that Taylor usually takes. I like that it shows introspection, maturity, and accountability. It shows she’s not only grown as an artist, but as a person.

-”False God” I think we can all agree we need to hear Swift singing about oral sex. And good for her for doing it obviously and unashamedly. And the brass in this song is a different vibe than we usually hear from Swift’s work, and really adds something.

-”Daylight” I’m glad this is a more practical love song. We do not have the dreamy syrup-love of the early days. It’s an acknowledgment that sometimes (even true) love is messy and imperfect. Not everything is a fairytale and sometimes strife comes about. It’s a great last track that closes the album beautifully.

-”Archer” Tay (um we’re on a nickname basis, because her music makes me feel like she and I are best friends!) gets a really bad wrap for talking shit in her songs. Let’s give her credit where credit is due for showing maturity in showing she sometimes is the archer and sometimes the pray.

-”Death by a Thousand Cuts” This song tells of a turning point and evokes much sadness. The bridge (always a Taylor strong point) is A+ here.

-”Cruel Summer”. So it was a major mistake not to make this the first single and maybe even release it late May/early June–you know as the summer jam. Also to showcase the album content a little better. And I think “Me!” could still have been released in June as the 2nd single because summer is a time for light content. And gay pride is accepting of a little campiness that is “Me!” But nobody called and asked me(!). *Read* Taylor please call me or write me anytime, for advice (ha ha) or just to chat. I’m obviously joking, but for real, contact me.

-”It’s Nice to Have a Friend” It’s a little disjointed, possibly containing more than 1 subject, but what a nice take on love. Childhood and friendship evolving. It’s a little talked about love that everyone experiences and not that many people sing about.

-”I Forgot that You Existed” I’m ranking these tracks based on what I feel are the strongest song elements, messaging, and critically/technically (judged by people, overall). This particular track is probably in my top 4 on the album, but I think since it speaks to the haters (yet again, which mind you I love, but critics and the public at large are tired of, and find immature) it’s down here. I do find it super-catchy, and personally love a bitter song.

-”Miss Americana” A symbolic gesture of a song that shows Taylor is finished with all the high school-type drama. She’s grown up now and the stupid games aren’t worth the stupid prizes.

-”Me” is the light and fun side. We don’t always have to take everything so serious. It’s the shameless spelling and let-loose dancing song. Also, marketing to the kids? Smart.

-“London Boy” You have to be clever to write satire. And Swift’s humor shines through on this gem.

-”I Think He Knows” for me personally, this song has a pronoun problem that I can’t get on board with… Kaylors know what I’m saying.

So there you have my choices for the top (and bottom) albums of 2019. And if you’re wondering where (my former in my imagination girlfriend) Brandi Carlile is on this list… Because after all she took on a side-project, The Highway Women. I like the idea of a female country/Americana group. But honestly, I would have had to put it in the changed their sound category, and I just don’t have the heart to but Brandi on the bottom of any list. Mostly, because I have hope she will return to her earlier sound and all will be well again in my fandom. But for now–it’s omitted. But the rest is accurate. At this moment in time. Hope you enjoyed my list–it’s a year of picking out albums, listening to the songs, comparing elements, and writing–not a small undertaking. But I love it so I hope you do too.