1. Lucius Second Nature

The Brandi Carlile-produced album has plenty of hooks and lyrics that dig deep and vocal harmonies galore.

2. Beyoncé Renaissance

A rebirth and throwback to 90s house music whose intention is to inspire joy and escapism through dance music.

3. Sharon Van Etten We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong

One of many “pandemic records” on this list, Van Etten recounts her experiences of the past two years and the changes and struggles that it brought.

4. Mitski Laurel Hell

Transformation is the theme here, as she examines her struggles with relationships including the one with herself and her career.

5. The Weeknd Dawn FM

The concept is a “psychedelic radio” station blending genres and musical styles that sounds like a throwback with a contemporary edge.

6. Angel Olsen Big Time

Written during a time of struggle, this old-school country album finds Olsen digging deep into her pain and offering an honest and painstaking look at the highs and lows of life.

7. The Smile A Light For Attracting Attention

Consisting of Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner on drums, this could be considered Radiohead light, but it still packs a punch.

8. Amanda Shires Take It Like A Man

Take It Like a Man is the seventh solo studio album by singer-songwriter and fiddle player Amanda Shires. She’s part of the supergroup The Highwoman but makes it clear that she can stand on her own.

9. Fontaines D.C. Skinty Fia

The opening track “In ár gcroithe go deo” perfectly sets the somber tone of their third release from the Irish post-punk band.

10. Florence + The Machine Dance Fever

The title of the album was inspired by choreomania, an uncontrollable urge to dance, especially in a frenzied, convulsive manner. Florence Welch deals with big feelings on this record which is also her most personal.

11. S.G. Goodman Teeth Marks

Her striking voice has a soulful aching quality that perfectly suits her country rock-tinged sound.

12. Amber Mark Three Dimensions Deep

On her debut full-length album, The R&B singer-songwriter’s soulful voice takes center stage and shines brightly.

13. Julia Jacklin Pre Pleasure

On her third album, the Australian singer-songwriter ponders her past with introspection, seeking answers to questions she’s not afraid to ask.

14. Yeah Yeah Yeahs Cool It Down

Reflection, destruction, and isolation are some key themes in these post-pandemic times. The band’s first album in nine years touches on all of them and doesn’t miss a beat from where they left off in 2013.

15. Arctic Monkeys The Car

The band builds on their last album “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”, fusing art rock, jazz, and lounge elements with lush orchestration.

16. Spiritualized Everything Was Beautiful

The album showcases the band’s numerous influences including psychedelic and classic rock, gospel, blues, and free jazz.

17. Lissie Carving Canyons

Filled with self-reflection and heartbreak but with the promise of healing. Comparisons can be made to Fleetwood Mac, specifically Stevie Nicks, and that is a good thing.

18. Beach House Once Twice Melody

Moody and quiet, this album is filled with all the dreamy and atmospheric sounds we’ve come to expect from the band.

19. Spoon Lucifer On The Couch

Another year, another Spoon album...solid as ever.

20. Destroyer LABYRINTHITIS

Thirteen albums in, Dan Bejar continues to push his music into some challenging, yet exciting directions.

Honorable Mentions

Joy Askew Everything Is Different

Big Thief Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You

Muna Muna

Taylor Swift Midnights

Weyes Blood And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow