Beyoncé - BEYONCÉ
78

Beyoncé’s self-titled album shows her artistry at new levels. Some of these tracks do feel bloated, however. A lot of this was kind of messy and shockingly sexual (which isn't always a bad thing, but it just caught me off guard here). This might be a hot take, but I feel like this is a little overhyped. Overall, however, it’s a solid record that highlights her range and ambition.

Beyoncé - Lemonade
92

With her most personal album yet, Beyoncé truly pulls back the curtain with Lemonade. It is bold, ambitious, and emotionally powerful. The album explores themes of pain, empowerment, and resilience, while blending genres to create a personal statement. Beyoncé’s vision comes through clearly, with every element feeling deliberate. It’s an unforgettable work that cements her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation.

91

Renaissance is Beyoncé's most polished record. It’s her least personal, but it doesn't detract from the album’s message about empowerment and living fully that comes through in its bold production and confident performances. Renaissance showcases her artistry with such a clear vision and statement. It's such an immaculate dance album. The album feels cohesive and celebratory, making it one of her strongest recent releases.

Beyoncé - COWBOY CARTER
80

Cowboy Carter shows Beyoncé experimenting with a country sound without ever losing the feeling that you are listening to a Beyoncé album. This is a long listen, however, and even though its only 10 minutes longer than Renaissance, it felt way longer. I feel like some songs could have been cut without losing any of the artistic value. However, I truly don't understand how people can say that this is not a country album when this is way more country than some ... read more

Charli xcx - True Romance
66

True Romance is a mixed bag. Some ideas and moods land, but the album struggles with cohesion and pacing. It shows flashes of promise but ultimately feels inconsistent.

77

Charli shows growth and experimentation, though it’s inconsistent at times. I was actually shocked that my least favorite was the track with cupcakKe, considering I am a big fan of not only her, but their previous collaborations. Some moments really shine, while others feel underdeveloped. It’s a solid step forward that demonstrates her willingness to take risks.

Charli xcx - how i'm feeling now
84

This album is so intimate and so experimental. The unique perspective of a pandemic lockdown album is so interesting and Charli's creative risks pay off most of the time. There are a few tracks that are a little too abrasive for me, but it’s a rewarding listen that is no doubt a highlight in Charli’s discography.

83

Crash is energetic, playful, and consistently engaging. I get that it isn't near the level of experimentation that her previous records were, but that does not detract from its quality. The production is polished and it shows Charli playing with catchy pop without losing her identity. This new direction has barely any misses and, even thought not as striking, is still a cut above most albums in this genre.

Charli xcx - BRAT
90

Brat is bold and confident while also managing to be vulnerable and candid. Charli is completely in her element with great production and a clear aesthetic. The album blends ambition, personality, and cohesion in a way that makes it near impossible to deny its excellence. It’s a standout release that showcases Charli at the peak of her creative capacity.

Lorde - Pure Heroine
80

Pure Heroine shows early signs of Lorde’s artistry. Some parts feel underdeveloped, but the vocals and lyrics hint at what she’s capable of in later work. An extremely impressive album for a 16 year old. Overall, it’s a solid introduction to her style with plenty of room to grow.

Lorde - Melodrama
90

Melodrama feels polished and fully realized. The production, vocals, and emotional depth create a truly great record. Everything feels deliberate, and the album captures a wide range of moods without ever losing focus. It’s ambitious, personal, and Lorde’s most compelling release yet.

Lorde - Virgin
78

Virgin shows Lorde’s artistry, though it does feel like it lacks songs that truly stick out. The moods and production are interesting, but some parts blended together. Overall, it’s a solid addition to her discography.

Conan Gray - Wishbone
78

Wishbone is defiantly a step up from his previous work. I actually liked this more than I thought I would, even if it is a little too generic at some points. Few moments don’t land, but, overall, it’s a solid, engaging project that shows Conan growing as a songwriter and performer.

Conan Gray - Kid Krow
70

Kid Krow shows Conan’s potential with some strong moments, but the album is uneven. The production and songwriting are solid, though a few parts feel too generic. It’s a promising debut, even if it doesn’t fully stick the landing.

Ethel Cain - Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You
86

Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You is intimate, emotive, and consistently engaging. Her ability to make an hour long album feel short is so compelling. While it doesn’t quite reach the same heights of its predecessor, it showcases strong growth and experimentation, with a sound that feels personal and authentic.

Ethel Cain - Preacher's Daughter
90

This is a bold, polished, and fully realized statement. I honestly didn't have very high expectations going in and was pleasantly surprised. The album has a strong sense of identity and purpose, that feels deliberate and controlled. It’s cohesive and shows a very clear artistic vision. The record is emotionally engaging, ambitious and feels both personal and cinematic. One of the most compelling releases I've listened to.

Lana Del Rey - Born to Die
78

Born To Die sees Lana carving out her signature sound, though it’s uneven at times. The style and aesthetic are clear, but some elements feel inconsistent. Still, it’s a strong introduction and has enough ambition to keep it engaging.

Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
78

Ultraviolence is moody and atmospheric, with Lana really leaning into her darker side. I don't have an issue with the lyrical content as I feel like it's supposed to be diaristic, not aspirational. Despite dragging a little bit, it does has moments of artistry and lyrical excellence that keep it interesting.

Lana Del Rey - Chemtrails Over the Country Club
80

This album is quieter and more introspective, showing Lana exploring subtle moods and textures. It’s consistent and polished, though it lacks some of the immediacy and punch of her stronger albums. Still, it’s compelling in its melancholy and dreamy atmosphere.

Lana Del Rey - Norman Fucking Rockwell!
91

NFR is Lana at her absolute best. It's cinematic, dramatic, and she's fully in control of her aesthetic. The production is lush and consistent, and her vocals feel effortless yet emotionally charged. There is really no skips on the record. It’s cohesive and ambitious without ever feeling overproduced, making it her best release yet.

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