While the pop girlies have been leveling up the last few years, this year, they really dominated the cultural conversation. "Brat summer" became so ubiquitous that Kamala HQ took it on with their late summer branding. "Do you think they're going to play Hot to Go!?" was asked at funerals, classical concerts, and middle school plays for Tick-Toks. Espresso could not be avoided. And of course the Taylor & Beyoncé spring releases with the eras tour continuing its dominance and Beyoncé giving a Super Bowl level half-time performance on Christmas day on Netflix.
I fell victim to the charm of many of the aforementioned "pop girly" artists in addition to a few others. And, a few other miscellaneous artists snuck into my top ten. Some old favorites - Vampire Weekend, Kendrick Lamar, a new local favorite - Indy band Wishy, and newbie rap phenom Doechii.
Live, I have two highlights:
1. Vampire Weekend performed at the Everwise Amphitheater with a massive setlist, sounded great, tons of banter, took requests for cover songs, and totally redeemed my perception of their live shows (from a couple shows 10+ years ago).
2. Hurray for the Riff Raff performed at the Hi-Fi in Fountain Square. They blew the roof off at this small venue. Expert lyricist while also rocking out. I'm new to this band but I'll be listening more closey moving forward.
Okay, my top ten albums along with subsequent Honorable Mentions.
And a playlist of 100 songs with fave tracks.
10. Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us
The boys are back. The album calls back to their early albums while maintaining their evolved production and creativity. Their live shows can't be missed as they're fully comfortable. Track Mary Boone is a masterpiece of sound.
9. Doechii - Alligator Bites Never Heal
Doechii is dominating the rap scene. Her album slaps. Incredible flow and a fresh voice. Check her performances on Colbert and Tiny Desk and with Issa.
8. Wishy - Triple Seven
Hometown (Indy) heroes. Gauzy garage band goodness. Triple Seven is their LP debut and it's great. Looking forward to seeing more of them.
7. Sabrina Carpenter - Short n' Sweet
Pure pop. Naughty with a wink. The sharpest writing and delivery.
6. Kendrick Lamar - GNX
Relaxed and cool. Without the grandiose nature of Mr. Morale, GNX is Kendrick at ease, doing what he does best. Can't wait to see his Super Bowl performance and live next summer. Also, of course, the diss battle with Drake gave us euphoria and Not Like Us.
5. Remi Wolf - Big Ideas
Remi's always been cool. Here she's fully come into her own, feeling confident and collected. She's kept her sense of edge while creating a sound that's full and realized.
4. Clairo - Charm
Ideal Sunday morning album. Laid back and warm. Love the movement from bedroom pop to 1970s pop. Keep them coming, Clairo!
3. Gracie Abrams - The Secret of Us
Apparently gets some slack but she knows how to write a pop song.
2. Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter
Queen Bey goes country(ish). In anticipation of this one, I wasn't sure what would result. She doesn't miss. Collaborations ranging from country royalty to up-and-comers.
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1. Charli XCX - Brat
Brat discourse dominated the cultural conversation this year, a result of good marketing. Good thing the base product holds up. Charli has been at it for a minute and she's firing on all cylinders here. Pop bangers, club hits, while also maintaining a level of authenticity and vulnerability. Then, she released the expanded version. Then, she released an a-list collab remix album that maintains the Brat heart while creating something entirely new.
Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)
- Omar Apollo - God Said No
- Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
- Bon Iver - SABLE,
- Everyone's Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense
- Rui Gabriel - Compassion
- Hovvdy - self-titled
- Hurray for the Riff Raff - The Past is Still Alive
- I Saw the TV Glow soundtrack
- Jamie XX - In Waves
- Dua Lipa - Radical Optimism
- Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well
- Porches - Joker
- Maggie Rogers - Don't Forget Me
- Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department
- SZA - SOS Deluxe: LANA
- Toro y Moi - Hole Earth
- Transa (compilation album)
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