Black Thought is just one of the best to ever do it, and with the backing of Leon Michels, one of my favorite producers in pop music, this is just classy.

No... ultimately, I do not like this project. Lorde's performances are weak with writing that rarely hits over limp production that mimics something like Taylor Swift's Reputation. I did find the track GRWM a highlight of clever writing, where Lorde plays with the concept of "Get Ready With Me" videos contrasted against being a GRown WoMan, who wears T-shirts made for children because of their fashion capabilities. The last track, David, was the only song I thought was truly ... read more

This project feels like a collage of artistry that taps into some of the magic that made Brockhampton so special. It also proves that this is the space that Ian thrives in, composing a project with the batting swings from the likes of Quadeca, Danny Brown, JPEGMAFIA, Dominic Fike, Ameer Vann, and Love Spells. While I think the project leans into some bland elements of indie pop rap, this is still an exciting, genuine release from Kevin Abstract.

HAIM's newest record, "i quit" is a deluge of alternative pop experimentation that I find incredibly intriguing. The Haim girls dip their hands into all sorts of styles and genres, including rock, folk, and blues, blending it all into a blanket, nostalgic 2010s pop sound. While the production was exciting for me, I found the lyricism and the general pacing of the album lacking to grab my interest.

Don't let Mr. Carner's quiet demeanor detour you. hopefully ! is a warm, cooly produced hip-hop record filled with endearing themes of fear, purpose, and fatherhood.

The demanding virality of Benson Boone's hooks and performative moments is undeniable, whether good or bad. But in his sophomore album, only a year after the release of his first, Boone, as an artist, falls flat on his face when it comes to making good pop music--even bland pop music. The production choices are offensively chaotic, lacking drive or reason, and Boone's writing is baffling. While his vocal capabilities are impressive, Boone shows little knowledge of where to place his ... read more

Thought this was going to be a killer dance punk record from the opening track, but it just dissolved into bland alternative music with milk-toast production.

It just doesn't feel like much.

DOPAMINE kicks off right with Tecca's two most infectious songs from this summer, and continues rolling through seamlessly transitioned pop rap songs laced with a concept about escapism. But just like drinking too much on a Friday night, the album's momentum trails off into a dissatisfying conclusion, leaving you to wonder what the point even was...

This record is stellar. I am so impressed with what Miley was able to do here. The production is massive and lush, and her performances are killer. My biggest gripe with the record is that some of its writing and concepts leave me feeling mixed. Nevertheless, this is an important moment for music this year and for Miley. This is a must-hear for any pop fan.

POV: The Wylder and the Dutchess are both downed, the situation is dire, but the surviving Executor has his Ultimate Art ready...

Yo, what the heck! This is incredible. It's a chronically emo rock album, layered with so much noise and screaming and beauty that it honestly makes me think of a more hardcore The Microphones album. Despite the distortion and the experimentation, Weatherday still manages to make memorable hooks and mathy guitar riffs come through along with its harsh snares.

"If you want greener grass, you have to water where you are."

Little Simz has brought us some of the best hip-hop music of the modern era throughout her incredible career. In the face of tragedy and betrayal, Simz thought it might be over for her. Then she rediscovered her soul and brought us another remarkable addition to her catalog despite the crises she has suffered.

Lotus seeds thrive when drowning his water. Simz lays bare her anger against the friend who stole and gaslit ... read more

I like what 2hollis has been doing. This, however... is not it.

A serviceable outing for the dance star. Production is clean and high-budget, but Tate's performances and songwriting can be generally bland. It's got bops, for sure.

I love Cautious Clay, he's made some of my favorite albums of all time, but this is definitely his weakest. The production is skillful and the performances are great, but the record overall lacks the punch his other work has.

Ignore the score, honestly. This album is phenomenal. It's a feat to make an album so epic as an independent artist. Michel and James should be proud of themselves. During my experience, I just found the production, while thick and layered, ultimately hindered the pacing. There are additional mixing issues too, and I know "bums on AOTY are always yapping about mixing and have no idea what mixing even is", but I still thought some of the vocals and production elements often got ... read more

The highlights of Watchhouse's newest album include the title track, which builds a gorgeous folk world of cycles of working, loneliness, depression, and cynicism. Additionally, the two-parter Endless Highway is an excellent odyssey of roots brilliance, which I wish wasn't slipt into 2 tracks, and could just exist in its nearly 10-minute form, filled out with lush acoustic instrumentation in all of its many detours and bridges.

Yeule certainly stays committed to their over-the-top vision with this deep black, oil-soaked cyberpunk world. The music blends bright pop and violent rock unforgettably. While the record doesn't blow my mind, Yuele nevertheless lays out some of the most killer, danceable tracks of the year with thick, layered production.

A sharply impressive debut from kmoe under the deadAir label, making me nostalgic for the early indie scene of kids in 2020 making noise pop because they had nothing else to do. kmoe is one of the best survivors of this era, delivering a record fueled by passion and thick shoe-gazing noise.