Hello again - I hope you're enjoying this list. Or rather, I'm pretty ambivalent, because to quote Jenny and Johnny (RIP) - I'm having fun now.
I will start with the same sort of preamble as before: I am not writing this as a definitive guide, this is the list of albums I found most influential/noteworthy of the past decade. It's one person's opinion, so please don't swear by this. And if you disagree with me, I encourage you to write your own list instead of arguing with me, because you probably aren't changing my mind.
48.) "When the Night" - St. Lucia
It's hard for me to conjure up a debut album by an indie pop act this decade that had more joie de vivre than St. Lucia's. From the opening track "The Night Comes Again" all the way to "When the Night," there is an undeniable enthusiasm in almost every track spanning this album. IMO, St. Lucia hasn't really recaptured the promise of "When the Night" - as he's aimed toward a more defined synthpop sound since this 2013 work, but perhaps I haven't given his other work much of a fair shake. Some tracks lend themselves to skipping but most of the tracks on "When the Night"are impossible not to listen to without breaking into a smile at some point. In fact, scientists have named "Elevate" one of the best songs to get yourself into a good mood. (source)
HEAR: "Elevate," "Call Me Up," "The Night Comes Again"
46.) "Cuz I Love You," Lizzo
With the exception of perhaps Billie Eilish, it's hard for me to think of a more one-of-a-kind artist that has been so ubiquitous. All I've got to say about my level of respect for Lizzo is a.) she has an amazing amount of self-respect we could all benefit from and b.) SHE PLAYS THE FLUTE WTF. Lizzo has been on mainstream music's radar for a while, but always falling a little left of center. Until the past few years. But Lizzo reached legendary levels of popularity when "Truth Hurts" resurged this year, giving her her first number-one single (well-deserved). And damn if you listen to "Cuz I Love You" you know we are witnessing one of the most interesting artists of our time at her prime. I can't wait to see what she does next.
HEAR: "Tempo," "Juice," "Cuz I Love You"
COMING IN PART 3 - MORE ALBUMS!
I will start with the same sort of preamble as before: I am not writing this as a definitive guide, this is the list of albums I found most influential/noteworthy of the past decade. It's one person's opinion, so please don't swear by this. And if you disagree with me, I encourage you to write your own list instead of arguing with me, because you probably aren't changing my mind.
But for real, the last decade before the Earth melts into some Bisquick mix shit was full of good music. I can tell I am getting old because I am REALLY starting to abhor top 40 music (with the exception of Shawn Mendes, that kid is talented. Oh yes, and DNCE, which I realize now dates me a smidge. O.o)
48.) "When the Night" - St. Lucia
It's hard for me to conjure up a debut album by an indie pop act this decade that had more joie de vivre than St. Lucia's. From the opening track "The Night Comes Again" all the way to "When the Night," there is an undeniable enthusiasm in almost every track spanning this album. IMO, St. Lucia hasn't really recaptured the promise of "When the Night" - as he's aimed toward a more defined synthpop sound since this 2013 work, but perhaps I haven't given his other work much of a fair shake. Some tracks lend themselves to skipping but most of the tracks on "When the Night"are impossible not to listen to without breaking into a smile at some point. In fact, scientists have named "Elevate" one of the best songs to get yourself into a good mood. (source)
HEAR: "Elevate," "Call Me Up," "The Night Comes Again"
47.) "Red" - Taylor Swift
Of Tay-Tay's discography, I think "Red" was the moment people began to take her more seriously as musician. Well, if "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" didn't leave critics scratching their head at how a ridiculous song was such a genuinely strong pop song. This, to me, despite my fondness for "Speak Now" was the moment Taylor Swift dominated the decade. She dabbles in pop, folk, alternative, and even ... what would you even call "I Knew You Were Trouble?" Besides a kiss-off to Harry Styles? "Red" was a watershed moment for Swift, and she spent the rest of the decade evolving as an artist - even for her missteps like the "Reputation" era, she's always had one hell of a trick in her backpocket.
HEAR: "Red," "We are Never Ever Getting Back Together," "I Knew You Were Trouble," "All Too Well," "Starlight," "Begin Again," "Everything Has Changed"
With the exception of perhaps Billie Eilish, it's hard for me to think of a more one-of-a-kind artist that has been so ubiquitous. All I've got to say about my level of respect for Lizzo is a.) she has an amazing amount of self-respect we could all benefit from and b.) SHE PLAYS THE FLUTE WTF. Lizzo has been on mainstream music's radar for a while, but always falling a little left of center. Until the past few years. But Lizzo reached legendary levels of popularity when "Truth Hurts" resurged this year, giving her her first number-one single (well-deserved). And damn if you listen to "Cuz I Love You" you know we are witnessing one of the most interesting artists of our time at her prime. I can't wait to see what she does next.
HEAR: "Tempo," "Juice," "Cuz I Love You"
COMING IN PART 3 - MORE ALBUMS!
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