Wow, the British invasion of R&B is upon us. Natanya is clearly well studied in 90s and early 2000s R&B, because this album is like a trip back to my middle school bedroom CD rack. Love how each track is its own, but is still cohesive enough to make the album feel whole. Favorite tracks: Dangerous, Guitar, On Ur Time

Solid piece of work from Kelsey Lu. Really loved the overall feel of the album. Super ethereal and lovely to listen to. There were a few tracks that weren't my style, but most of them flowed into each other easily without meshing together. Favorite tracks: KINDRED I, Too Much, I'm Not In Love (SOLID COVER), Foreign Car

Decent album! Not as good as Conrad's wHIMSY, in my humble opinion. Still some really great tracks on here. Additionally, it's got re-listen-ability, haha. I will continue listening to this album and likely find a few more favorites and develop a greater appreciation. It's one of those. Favorite tracks: KISSING IN PUBLIC, MR. E, FMU!

Really really amazing piece of work from Destin Conrad. Definitely one of the best and most cohesive albums I've heard in the past year. I can't wait to keep listening to it. Favorite tracks: wHIP, LOVE!, A Lonely Detective, HARD!

Arlo Parks presents a really smooth listening experience here with a few stand out tracks. Love the Sampha track, and I do like the overall feel of the album. However, I don't think I'll be reaching for this one when I want an active listening session. Nice for the background, but it struggles to stand out otherwise for me. Favorite tracks: Blue Disco, Heaven, Senses ft. Sampha, 2SIDED.

I've listened to this album a few times in the background, and I'll say one thing: it listens well. I've enjoyed most of it, but I will say that I probably need another listen to fully enjoy it. That being said... not bad! Boy Soda definitely has some notable influences: I heard Goldlink for sure, maybe some Musiq Soulchild. We'll see how I feel about this release in the future, though. It may not make it to another listen. Favorite tracks: Never the Same, Lil' ... read more

I wasn't sure about this album on the first listen. It felt a little too ambitious and disjointed. But upon second listen, I realized i just wasn't in the right headspace for this work. Great tracks (that blend together well... maybe too well...), and great vocals. I really enjoyed learning that Liv.e was behind this album. Pretty solid overall, but not outstanding. Favorite tracks: Lead It Up, DoobieDooWew, Thatsmyluvr, Douwannabwitastar!?

I listened to this album during a study session. Wow, what a mistake—I was regularly interrupted by my surprise at how much I enjoyed listening. beabadobee doesn't make any really challenging leaps on this album, but it's still a great listen. I will be revisiting it. Actually, let me start right now. Favorite tracks: Post, Beaches, Tie My Shoes, California, Take A Bite

Listen, I wanted to succumb to the hype of this album. I love a Black EDM moment. The BPM, however, was not for me. I think it was Sudan Archives’ voice that threw me off. And you know what? That’s okay. Maybe I’ll come back to this album eventually for another, more appreciative listen. For now, though, I’ll just be one of those who don’t get it. Favorite track: YEA YEA YEA

A (mostly) feel good album. Olivia's voice perfectly suits the style of the album, and it was easy for me to continue listening. I enjoyed this one, but need a few more listens to really soak it up. Favorite tracks: Lady Lady, So Easy (To Fall In Love), A Couple Minutes

Rochelle Jordan has given us an album with great house party energy. It's enough for people to dance if they want to, while still being able to play unobtrusively in the background of a conversation. That being said, it mushes together a little for me. Some of the tracks aren't really that different from others. However, there are some absolute bangers on here. Enjoyed listening, and would listen again. Favorite tracks: The Boy, Get It Off, Bite The Bait

Not really a pop girly, but wow I enjoyed this. Really solid release from front to back. I enjoyed the hints of country influence, a la the title. And I’ve already recommended this album to a friend. 8/10, will be put on my regular listening schedule this winter. Favorite tracks: Take a Sexy Picture of Me, Ready, Running/Planning

I'm a sucker for a good transition. I enjoyed this album, but it was slightly lacking for me. I think this style of EDM always leaves me wanting more depth or soul or something. Hard to explain, but I know it when I hear it. It's no house record, that's for sure. But again, that's more of a preference thing. Favorite tracks: Fuck My Computer, CSIRAC, It's You, All At Once.

The vocals were absolutely not it for me; this album is reminiscent of someone's uncle's 90s mixtape. I could appreciate some of the throwback vibes, but I just couldn't get into any of the tracks. It felt pretty mid overall. Favorite tracks: none really. Maybe this will take another listen, but I don't foresee myself doing that.

PHENOMENAL album. Picked this album up after finding an earworm (He's So Shy), and was SO glad that I found it. The Pointer Sisters have regularly appeared on my parents' and grandparents' Saturday morning cleaning playlists, but now I feel like I know them. Excited to dig deeper into their discography. Favorite Tracks: He's So Shy, Evil, Here Is Where Your Love Belongs.

There were some songs here that I really enjoyed. Namely, the middle of the album: Islands of Men, 100 Horses, and Half Real. That being said, I don't think Geese is really *for me.* I don't think this will become a regular album in my listening rotation, but I can appreciate it for the innovation that it brought to this year's scope of music.

First-time Wednesday listener turned fan. Really enjoyed this release, especially the earlier tracks of the album. Loved the mixture of alternative, indie, and harder rock genres. I can tell why this is a frequent pick for album of the year. Favorite tracks: Reality TV Argument Bleeds, Townies, Pick Up That Knife.