Hozier

Best Albums of 2019 So Far (First Half of the Year)

AdminLeave a comment

So since we haven’t done many Monthly Picks posts this year, I thought we ought to take a moment to go over some albums that have shone through the rough in the first half of 2019. Six months in, 2019 hasn’t been exceedingly exciting in the alternative realm; sure, we got some spectacular debuts and long-awaited comebacks, some stellar singles and interesting EPs, but the amount of albums I’ve truly enjoyed has been sparse in comparison with previous years. And more pop-oriented! So let’s jump into the list, in no particular order.

  • Greyson Chance – portraits

Greyson Chance recrudesces with his real debut album, portraits. After gaining popularity back in 2010 from YouTube and Ellen, Greyson was shoved into the industry spotlight at a young age and released his original debut album in 2011. However, since Greyson has grown over the years, he’s dubbing portraits as his genuine artist debut. And genuine it is indeed. Greyson’s lyrical writing is emotive and captivating—he wears his heart on his sleeve. But while the subject matter may be pensive and thoughtful, he doesn’t hold back the fun you would expect from a pop record. From the bouncy single “shut up” to the booming percussion of “west texas,” from the exuberant vocal harmonies of “white roses” to the spirited synths of “lakeshore,” portraits is a refreshing listen from start to finish, coupling heartfelt emotion with upbeat musicality and charismatic vocal delivery. You don’t want to miss this outstanding LP. While you may not consider this alternative, I couldn’t keep it off this list considering I haven’t been able to keep it off my mind and stereo.

Favorite tracks: “west texas,” “yours,” “lakeshore,” “timekeeper,” “black on black”

  • Bastille – Doom Days

Trust me, I’m as surprised as you are. Back in 2016, I named Bastille’s Wild World one of the most overrated (and worst) albums of the year. Since gaining mainstream success back in 2013 with their debut Bad Blood, Bastille had yet to impress me in any way. There weren’t many songs on that debut that left me in awe, and their sophomore effort didn’t fulfill me either. But with their latest release Doom Days, I don’t hate it. In fact, I think it’s pretty darn good. I’m not sure if this is because I’m shocked that Bastille is actually winning me over for once or because it’s genuinely decent, but either way, Doom Days is a welcomed improvement in their discography. Lead singer Dan Smith has greatly refined his vocals, although there are a handful of moments on this record where the vocals feel a bit overproduced. The production overall, however, is certainly superior to the album’s predecessors, and the instrumentation sounds fresh and lively. The lyrical content displays recurring motifs of late night adventures and sober contemplation, and the tunes themselves are relatively catchy. The band described Doom Days as a concept record, but I don’t think I can give them much credit in that aspect. Nonetheless, Doom Days gets the stamp of approval from yours truly, and that really says something considering my negative history with Bastille.

Favorite tracks: “Quarter Past Midnight,” “Joy,” “Bad Decisions,” “Nocturnal Creatures,” “The Waves”

  • Maggie Rogers – Heard It In a Past Life

Maggie Rogers was bubbling under the surface in the indie pop scene for quite some time before releasing her debut LP Heard It In a Past Life. After the success of her 2017 extended play Now That the Light Is Fading, followers were on the edge of their seats for a full-length record. Finally, in 2019, Heard It In a Past Life certainly delivered without disappointment. This album is characterized by buoyant indie pop, dripping with syrupy sweet melodies and intellectual lyricism. It’s a dynamic listen, an array of upbeat pop anthems as well as more serious moments making up the tracklisting. Heard It In a Past Life is not a perfect album (some strange production decisions here and there), but it’s definitely an enjoyable spin.

Favorite tracks: “Burning,” “Retrograde,” “Give a Little,” “Fallingwater,” “Light On”

  • MILKK – HEADRUSH

Boy, I had been waiting for this album for a hot minute! Ever since MILKK released their single “Less Than 3” in 2018, I was anticipating more material from the indie pop trio. Their EPs Sad Girls and If You’re Reading This, I Love You cemented MILKK’s sound and left our mouths watering for a full album. HEADRUSH provided us with introspective indie pop, combining fun melodies with meaningful lyrics that explore the band’s intrapersonal struggles with anxiety and other mental health issues. HEADRUSH doesn’t hold back the earnest romantic balladry, showing a loving soft side and vulnerability. Musically, the LP presents catchy pop tunes defined by glistening synths and sleek guitar work, as well as slower pieces in contrast. MILKK’s sound is reminiscent of the California dazed vibe of bands like LANY or joan, paired with a darker, moodier image. All in all, HEADRUSH is bound to be on repeat for a long time.

Favorite tracks: “Unsaid,” “Mean to You,” “Stupid,” “Honest,” “Here In My Head”

  • Emarosa – Peach Club

To be honest, Emarosa was never really a band I paid much attention to. Their sound didn’t appeal to me much and the songs failed to stick with me. But man, Peach Club turns all that on its head. Emarosa trades in their post-hardcore-tinged rock style for a more poppy direction. While the band holds onto their guitars and distortion, it’s certainly a bit more “cleaned up;” Peach Club is a sweet, delectable bite of ’80s-influenced rock with a coat of polish and neon lights. Really, when I saw that Emarosa announced a new record, I wasn’t all that intrigued. Until I hit play on the first few singles. Tunes like “Givin’ Up” and “Cautious” blew me away upon first listen, and I found myself being genuinely excited for the new material. Once the full album released, it certainly met my expectations. If you’re skeptical like I was or uninterested by Emarosa’s past catalog, I truly recommend giving Peach Club a shot. You might just fall in love with it.

Favorite tracks: “Cautious,” “Givin’ Up,” “Don’t Cry,” “Hell of It,” “So Bad”

  • Local Natives – Violet Street

Local Natives is one of my top three favorite bands of all time, so of course I might be a bit biased here. The California band has yet to disappoint me; all of their albums have a special spot on my shelf and I love each one so, so dearly. Their previous record Sunlit Youth, released in 2016, displayed a more experimental approach to their indie rock orientation by introducing synths and programmed percussion, as well as some politically-charged lyricism. For some fans, this style was a turn-off, but for me, I enjoyed the hell out of that LP. So how does Violet Street shape up? Local Natives dial their tone back to a more organic sound, fairly reminiscent of their debut album Gorilla Manor. Piano melodies, lively drumming, and twangy guitars constitute Violet Street, strengthening the authenticity of the album’s libretto. Heartstring-tugging subjects and impassioned vocal performances (those harmonies!) show no mercy for a weathered soul—the band never fails to deliver a captivating, affective listening experience. Violet Street is without a doubt another home run in Local Natives’ discography.

Favorite tracks: “Café Amarillo,” “Someday Now,” “Gulf Shores,” “Vogue,” “When Am I Gonna Lose You”

Honorable Mentions

  • Wallows – Nothing Happens

The highly-anticipated debut record from the indie rock trio Wallows provides listeners with youthful reverie and intuitive reflection while still maintaining a vivacious, fun musical attitude.

Favorite tracks: “Scrawny,” “I’m Full,” “Sidelines”

  • The Maine – You Are OK

The Maine offer up another helping of emo-tinged pop rock teeming with variety and ardent observation. You Are OK assures the listener that it’s okay to be human, it’s okay to be imperfect, all wrapped up in an exciting pop rock listen.

Favorite tracks: “Numb Without You,” “Flowers on the Grave,” “I Feel It All Over”

  • Bad Suns – Mystic Truth

After transitioning labels over to Epitaph Records, indie rockers Bad Suns don an edgier style on their third full-length record Mystic Truth. Raucous guitars and animated percussion make for an effervescent spin.

Favorite tracks: “The World and I,” “Hold Your Fire,” “Away We Go”

  • Alice Merton – Mint

Following the sleeper hit success of her 2016 single “No Roots” and the 2018 EP of the same title, Alice Merton finally unleashes her debut long-player titled Mint. Fresh, cool, and smooth, Mint lives up to its name with sleek indie rock with a pop appeal.

Favorite tracks: “Why So Serious,” “Homesick,” “Funny Business”

  • The Dangerous Summer – Mother Nature

The Dangerous Summer returned from their five-year hiatus in 2018 and quickly turned out another record in 2019, Mother Nature. As to be expected considering the band’s track record, Mother Nature is another welcomed make-you-cry addition in their repertoire.

Favorite tracks: “Bring Me Back to Life,” “Way Down,” “It Is Real”

  • Hozier – Wasteland, Baby!

It’s fucking Hozier, for crying out loud. We’ve been waiting on this legend to drop another album for nearly five years. Soulful vocal delivery and vibrant, organic instrumentation expertly define Wasteland, Baby!

Favorite tracks: “Movement,” “Nina Cried Power (ft. Mavis Staples),” “Nobody”

  • FEVER 333 – STRENGTH IN NUMB333RS

This quasi-supergroup’s debut record delivers irrepressible energy, angst, and guts through hard-hitting instrumentals and politically-charged lyricism. This hip-hop-meets-punk amalgamation is exactly the medium for their message.

Favorite tracks: “BURN IT,” “OUT OF CONTROL/3,” “ONE OF US”

  • The Japanese House – Good at Falling

With some contribution from The 1975’s Matty Healy, Good at Falling by The Japanese House fulfills the expectations that fans held for this long-awaited debut. The sleek indie pop and entrancing vocal performances will have you falling in love with this LP.

Favorite tracks: “f a r a w a y,” “i saw you in a dream,” “Wild”

  • The Driver Era – X

Ex-R5 members and brothers Rocky Lynch and Ross Lynch formed The Driver Era, an alternative pop rock project that certainly departs from their previous R5 style. X, their debut record, cements their rollicking rougher sound coupled with softer, more serious moments.

Favorite tracks: “Nobody Knows,” “San Francisco,” “Natural”

Let us know what your favorite albums of 2019 so far are in the comments below! Tweet at us over on Twitter, @AltColumnist!