When a year ends, I always find myself thinking, “Wow this was a great year for music.” So far, each year seems to bring better and better music, and 2019 was nothing shy of this. It was a big year for music, with debut and returning releases from many of my favourite artists, so I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
Over the last few years, I have enjoyed looking back through my music catalogue and compiling a list of my personal favourites. Potentially inspired by Spotify’s personalized end of the year “Wrapped” playlists, I create a playlist of what I think was the year’s best music. Normally, I keep these playlists private – reminiscing by myself or just sharing with friends – but I truly think that this year had some of the absolute best releases.
Also, if you know me, have seen my Instagram, or have read my other articles, you will know that I absolutely love sharing music. So, this year, I thought I would write an article showcasing my top picks and share my thoughts with you! With that being said, I am in no way an authority when it comes to what music is the best. I am simply a music fan who wants to share my favourites with other music fans! I, in no way, intend to push my opinions on others or offend anyone else’s musical tastes.
Now, here are 10 albums that I enjoyed the most this past year! (In no particular order).
- Maggie Rogers – Heard It In A Past Life
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Maggie Rogers’ debut album came out this past year and, in my opinion, it is one of the 2019’s best albums! I have loved Maggie’s music ever since I heard “Alaska” and “Dog Years” off her EP, Now That The Light Is Fading. This album stays true to her folky musical roots but is super catchy and poppy at the same time. Maggie makes you want to cry on tracks like “Past Life,” but also makes you want to dance along to “Give A Little” and “Burning.”
- Billie Eilish – WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO
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I am sure that you have heard this album, or at least a song from it, like “Bad Guy.” There is no doubt about Billie’s talent. Her debut album only furthers what was set out by her previous singles and EP, don’t smile at me. Combining edgy pop beats and heartfelt lyrics, her music is truly unique and inspiring. Not only is Billie’s sound unique, but so versatile. With the perfect combination of upbeat and heartfelt songs, this album is sure to have a favourite song for everyone. Billie’s work, alongside her brother Finneas, has even earned her nominations for the upcoming Grammys.
- Julia Michaels – Inner Monologue
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You may have heard of Julia Michaels from her extensive songwriting work with artists like Fifth Harmony, Selena Gomez and Ed Sheeran, or her hit “Issues” off her debut album, Nervous System. Her most recent projects include two EPs that come together to form 2 parts of Inner Monologue. These EPs are filled with honest lyrics and poppy music. Happy-and-sad-at-the-same-time vibes. I had the amazing privilege of seeing Julia perform live (from the front row!!) and was blown away by her voice and genuine passion for music.
- Dermot Kennedy – Without Fear
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Dermot Kennedy had two releases this past year. His first, released in January, was a compilation of songs from his earlier EPs. Without Fear, his debut album includes some of those fan favourites, like “An Evening I Will Not Forget,” but also features brand new music! I think the best way to describe Dermot’s sound is a combination of folk and R&B, with a raspy voice and emotional lyrics. GQ magazine described Dermot as “…Ed Sheeran, but darker, more melancholy.” I definitely recommend listening to Dermot, but beware, tears may be shed.
- FINNEAS – Blood Harmony
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I have definitely talked about Finneas’ music in a few other articles, and above citing his work with sister Billie Eilish, but his debut solo EP Blood Harmony had to be among my favourites for 2019. With songs full of emotional songwriting and funky melodies, not to mention Finneas’ amazing voice, this EP just hits different. While the whole EP has an overall melancholic feel, songs like “I Lost A Friend” and “Let’s Fall In Love For The Night” are definite standouts for me.
- Clairo – Immunity
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If you haven’t heard of Clairo, here is your chance! After the quick rise of her “Pretty Girl” on YouTube and the success of her debut album Immunity, Clairo was named Apple Music’s Up Next artist in August of 2019. Immunity features Clairo’s beautifully soft voice, timelessly vintage vibes and poetically written lyrics. Something about this album feels dreamy yet angsty at the same time. “Alewife,” one of my favourites, features personal and emotional lyrics paired with a powerful driving track – making you feel like she is talking directly to you.
- Ed Sheeran – No. 6 Collaborations Project
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I, of course, had to include Ed Sheeran’s latest release in my favourites for the year. As one of my favourite artists, Ed never disappoints, but No. 6 Collaborations Project impressed me more than I expected. Paying tribute to his 2011 release, No. 5 Collaborations Project, No. 6 brings together the unmistakable writing characteristic of Ed and the work of several different well-known artists. From Justin Bieber, H.E.R. and Khalid to Eminem, Skrillex and Chris Stapleton, there’s a song on this album for everyone.
- Harry Styles – Fine Line
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After loving Harry’s self-titled first album in 2017, I was excited when he announced his sophomore record, Fine Line, released this past December. I can honestly say that I was not disappointed!! With a wide range of sounds and styles, Harry’s new album is better than I could have imagined. The lead singles, “Lights Up” and “Watermelon Sugar” combined catchy lyrics with alternative pop-rock music. Not to mention the extensive fake island marketing scheme used to promote “Adore You,” this album is truly a work of art.
- The Band CAMINO – tryhard
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A new find (and missed concert opportunity) for me, The Band CAMINO has quickly become one of my favourite bands. I first heard their 2016 song “My Thoughts On You” thanks to my sister and since I have been obsessed. The perfect mixture of alternative rock and indie pop, tryhard is full of catchy, angsty, singalong in the car songs like “Daphne Blue,” and “Break Me.” I truly love every song, and I hope you will too.
- Taylor Swift – Lover
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Last, but certainly NOT least, Lover. Now some people don’t like Taylor Swift, and that’s okay! I, for one, have been a life-long fan, but I really do think this seventh studio album her is one of her best. I highly recommend listening to this album, whether you’re a Swiftie or not. This album is poppy, versatile and overall just happy. Songs like the title track “Lover” pay homage to Taylor’s country singer-songwriter roots while “You Need To Calm Down” tackles political messages while serving as a catchy pop song. The album has a very summery feel, as Taylor described it herself, yet I can’t stop listening to it even now that it’s winter.
There you have it! 10 of my favourite albums from the past year. I hope this article brings you new music, and I would love to hear what your favourite music of 2019 was. Feel free to DM me on Instagram at @jonnicaahill! I am always looking for new music. I cannot wait to see what music comes in 2020. Happy listening!