20 Watts Staff Picks: Favorite Songs of 2019
20 Watts staff members write about that one album that made their 2019s.
Father of the Bride
Vampire Weekend
Chiara Donio
The fourth installment from this indie-rock mainstay lands a bit airier, lighter, and jovial than their previous albums, while still maintaining Ezra Koenig's emotionally complex lyrics. This album is a myriad of sounds, in typical Vampire Weekend fashion, blending jam band vibes of the 90s with folky riffs of the 70s, and accruing collaborations with Steve Lacy and Danielle Haim. As a longtime fan of the band, this album represents a turning point from their moody, brooding aesthetic into an exciting celebration of life.
Favorite tracks: This Life, Harmony Hall, 2021
Ginger
Brockhampton
Josh Sholes
In the aftermath of the tumultuous departure of Brockhampton member, Ameer Vann, the group released Ginger in August, and I’ve been bumping it on repeat ever since. There is emotional depth, great storytelling, and funky beats, all of which are elements of a standout project. Also, in my opinion, “IF YOU PRAY RIGHT” could also easily be the song of the year, I just absolutely love that song.
House of Sugar
Alex G
Athena Myers
Hands down, House of Sugar is my favorite album of the year! There was so much versatility throughout the tracks and I felt that this album in particular really showed Alex G's growth as both a person and an artist. Read my review on House of Sugar as I go more in-depth here.
Igor
Tyler, the Creator
Chiara Donio
Tyler, the Creator turns the emotions up to a ten on Igor, an eclectic and ecstatic contemplation of agony. This album to me seems like a refining of creative production and style introduced on Cherry Bomb, while also reevaluating the sunny disposition on love brought up on Flower Boy. Incredible lyricism overlaying pulsing beats enhances Tyler's intense thoughts of desire in his relationship and/or lack thereof -- the lines between reality and fantasy are intentionally blurred. In my opinion, this is Tyler's best project to date.
Favorite tracks: I THINK, A BOY IS A GUN, EARFQUAKE
Jaime
Brittany Howard
Surya Vaida
Jaime is a spectacular album. It’s variation, charisma, and emotion translates to a stellar mixture of blues, rock, and soul, held together by Howard’s own incredible voice. Jaime is an album for the times we live in, a meditation on loss and belonging. Read my review for Jaime here.
MAGDALENE
FKA Twigs
Bella Grella
FKA Twigs delivers an intense album that takes listeners through her own heartbreak and self-discovery. Inspired by none other than Mary of Magdala, Twigs remains vulnerable on notable tracks “home with you,” and “cellophane.” With her creative vision at the forefront, listeners are left with Twig’s personal journey that is unapologetically and beautifully woman.
Norman Fucking Rockwell!
Lana Del Rey
Kyle Henderson
On her most recent studio album Lana Del Rey strikes gold yet again. Through her blend of heartbreaking lyrics of love and sorrow with somber musical elements, she creates what is easily one of her best works to date.
Over It
Summer Walker
Camryn Simon
Over It by Summer Walker was a shockingly raw depiction of love, feelings, and heart-wrenching pain. With songs such as “I’ll Kill You” and “Fun Girl,” Walker’s album almost feels like a diary. Her ability to deliver cut-throat lyrics alongside such a smooth melody preps Over It to be one of the best albums of 2019.
Revenge of the Dreamers III
Dreamville, J. Cole
Elizabeth Charette
This is the third compilation album released by the label Dreamville, founded and headlined by J. Cole, which involved 35 artists and 27 producers. This masterpiece was recorded in a span of ten days in Atlanta, Georgia, and was something that all hip-hop lovers appreciated. Dreamville even came out with a short documentary on the making of this album. J.Cole implemented his vision to see old and new rappers come together to form an album with music that has never been heard before.
SNAFU
Potty Mouth
Lark Allen
This all-female Massachusetts rock band captures 90s alt-rock nostalgia and mingles it with a refreshing, poppy twist. Released in March of 2019, SNAFU is polished and rugged at the same time, with catchy guitar riffs and loaded lyrics that’ll wake you up.
Two Hands
Big Thief
Surya Vaida
This album is a beautiful example of music and a musician’s capacity for storytelling. Adrianne Lenker and her band create vivid soundscapes that pull you in and hold you tight. It’s an indescribable feeling to hear Lenker’s own ghost-like voice growl and whisper over the music, constantly shifting, but always arresting in power.