Brandy - Full Moon
85

This was actually insane, I was literally grooving the entire time. The production and pace is truly different from the usual R&B I listen to. The upbeat tracks in this album, like "All in Me," caught me off guard a little but it works SO well. Despite some of the tracks being faster than others, Brandy's vocals was consistently smooth throughout the album, keeping up with the soul of R&B in her own way.

saved: Full Moon, I Thought, When You Touch Me, Apart, Can We, What ... read more

Maruja - Tír na nÓg
87

this EP was literally amazing. the mixing of elements of rock and jazz was just *chef's kiss*. i feel like the saxophone on here carries a lot of the atmosphere of the EP, as in it really sets the tone of intensity i sense. i also really love that each song transitions into the other, which makes the flow and overall experience of this EP continuous. as i approach the second half of the EP, the instruments start to decrease its intensity, perhaps as if someone was taking in what was left ... read more

FKA twigs - EUSEXUA
85

first time actually listening to edm and holy shit this was INSANELY FUN to listen to. i never really saw myself enjoying edm but eusexua has changed that for me. will definitely need to expose myself to more fire edm albums.

saved: eusexua, girl feels good; perfect stranger; room of fools; keep it, hold it; childlike things

Muse - Origin of Symmetry
92

i was pleasantly surprised with this album. i've listened to a few songs by muse before but i never really explored any of their albums; i decided to start with this one. i saw a review that said that this is what radiohead would've sounded like if they explored this genre more and you know what, i completely agree. i feel this way particularly with the track "citizen erased," with the alt rock vibe from the tone of the guitar and vocal melody. i also loved their version of ... read more

Doechii - Alligator Bites Never Heal
83

fire. fun. good shit.

fav tracks: DENIAL IS A RIVER, CATFISH, WAIT

The Cure - Disintegration
92

This album was... I felt so much but also felt a sense of nothingness at the same time; I can't describe it. I loved the use of other instruments, like the organ and some chimes on the earlier tracks, and there was another one in "Lovesong," but I couldn't figure out what it was. I loved the atmosphere of this album. The production gave me this post-apocalyptic imagery where the "main character" feels free instead of frightened by this dark end of human existence. ... read more

Aaliyah - Age Ain't Nothing But a Number
82

Aaliyah's debut album shows her style and smooth R&B flow. Personally, I like her sophomore album more, but this album definitely sets the tone for where Aaliyah was going. Sure R. Kelly's face is plastered all over this album, but Aaliyah is glowing here.

Fav Tracks: Back & Forth, Age Ain't Nothing But a Number, I'm So Into You

My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
97

I remember listening to this album back in 2020, and I was so in awe of everything each track has to offer. This album has helped me go through so much in the past 4 years, and it has a special place in my heart. I just love the theatrical atmosphere this album brings, telling the story of "The Patient." I feel so much with this album, from the production, lyrics, the marching band propaganda, to even the music videos, every single aspect of this album has meaning and brings something ... read more

Björk - Post
85

I just listened to Björk for the first time, and wow, what a fun album! “It’s Oh So Quiet” was such a fun experience. The intro to the opening track totally caught me off guard with its grungy and distorted sound. It’s super progressive and has that wild 90s EDM vibe going on. But what really struck me is how, despite the loud and messy electronic production, the lyrics reveal a vulnerable side of Björk. She dives into themes of pleasure, love, and self-pity. ... read more

The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
83

It's been like 16 years since they last released an album. Although I haven't listened to much of their music, I'm very familiar with their sound, and this album shows that they didn't lose their touch. It is gloomy and depressing, yet a cathartic experience. This is the type of album you'd listen to at night with your headphones in while you're staring at the ceiling or closing your eyes, feeling the music course through your veins and letting the sadness take ... read more

Nine Inch Nails - Pretty Hate Machine
81

The production is very industrial, everything sounded aggressive and heavy with the distortions in the guitar, powerful drums, and bumping synths. This was paired with themes of angst, heartbreak, and, I guess, resentment(?) towards himself or his former lover. The lyrics were ambiguous and fully open to interpretation. I feel like some tracks were produced better than others, but I still like the album overall.

Top 3: Head Like A Hole, Terrible Lie, Sin

Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
93

This album serves as a reminder for those who are lost or need a reminder about certain things in life. Being caught up in a lot of problems can be overwhelming, and this album provides guidance and reassurance for the lost souls of the world. The title of the album, "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," can be interpreted in many ways. The word "miseducation" can be seen as ironic since she's educating her listeners about various problems one goes through in life by telling ... read more

Charli xcx - BRAT
87

Gritty club beats, chimey, sparkling synths—this entire album was just fun. I did like the upbeat, clubby songs more, but I found the contrast between the somewhat "sad(?)" lyrics and fun beats interesting. It's like going to the club and drinking to escape reality, how alcohol makes you look like a "happy person" when you're really not. The overall tracklist is great and well-diverse.

Top 3: Von dutch, Girl, so confusing, 365

Erykah Badu - Baduizm
91

"SHE NEEDS TO STOP!" I just loved this album, the production, her vocals, and just everything is *chef's kiss*. Whenever she did her vocal runs, it felt like it's as if she was dragging me with her, as I melted to the sound of her voice. From the way she sings, you can tell she's really feeling the music and is also having fun with it. This is definitely my go-to album for R&B.

Top 3: Appletree, No Love, Drama

Denzel Curry - KING OF THE MISCHIEVOUS SOUTH
84

I never thought I'd indulge in trap music, but here we are. Not only is this the first album by Denzel Curry that I listened to, but this is also the first trap album that entered my ears, and I can confidently say that I am satisfied and fully enjoyed this experience. The first half of the album was filled with hype songs, and the second half was a little calmer(?), but it still has that trappy, jumpy feel to it. Overall, a pretty solid album.

Top 3: ACT A DAMN FOOL, ANOTHA LATE NITE, ... read more

Aaliyah - One in a Million
84

The album has a major groove and a fun, funky bass line. The production is pretty consistent throughout; it is smooth yet gritty. It was also quite reminiscent of R&B from the late 90s (which is literally when this album was released). I feel like this album might have turned into some sort of "template" for recent R&B artists to draw inspiration from, I can definitely see the resemblance.

Top 3: One In A Million, If Your Girl Only Knew, Choosey Lover (Old School/New School)

Magdalena Bay - Imaginal Disk
97

This album makes you think differently about a musician's palette. It has dark undertones and chaotic sections, making it easy to get lost in the music and production. The basslines are intense, and the drums are intense. Mica's vocals are unique and not overpowering, allowing everything to be perfectly balanced—you can hear every detail. The modular synths throughout the album are phenomenal. The album feels like you're floating and being transported to another dimension. ... read more

Bobby Brown - Don't Be Cruel
80

Before I listened to the whole album, I was already familiar with "My Prerogative." After loving the one song, I decided to listen to this album, and it was fun. It was part of the popular wave of new jack swing in the 1980s, so I see why it piqued the interest of so many people at that time. The production of hard drums and groovy basslines complimented Brown's vocals well. His singing, mixed with the mellow and upbeat tracks, made the experience smooth.

Top 3: My Prerogative, ... read more

Arcade Fire - Funeral
97

This album was beautiful. It was theatrical, atmospheric, cinema-esque, and alluringly written. It was lyrically poetic, with many hidden meanings and metaphorical elements. The album's incorporation of chamber pop elements makes the experience so immersive, with the angelic strings and vocals. The changes in tempo and aura in "Crown of Love" and "Wake Up" drew me into the production, and the messages within the lyricism of "Rebellion (Lies)" struck a chord in ... read more

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