Top 25 Albums of the Decade: #16–20
Ah, yes. The last decade. 2010–2019. It was an incredible decade for music, a transitional one. It was the “boom” of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. In more recent years, genre-spanning artists such as Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish started massive takeovers.
In the next week or so, I will relay my favorite albums of the entire decade spanning from pop albums from Taylor Swift or Lorde to alt-rockers Linkin Park and even rapper NF. This is №16 — №20.
#20. The 1975 — A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships (2018)
UK pop band The 1975 is definitely my favorite music discovery of the decade. It’s also absolutely crazy that UK fanbases are so much more involved than others, which contributes a huge amount of my admiration for The 1975. A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships was drawn out as the millennial version of Radiohead’s OK Computer. It’s an album for millennials by millennials. Matty Healy is a superstar.
#19. Bleachers — Strange Desire (2014)
Jack Antonoff is a genius. Previously of fun.-fame, Antonoff has spent his life with the alt-rock band Steel Train in the 2000s, then with fun., and now leads a solo project led by the name Bleachers. The lead single to the debut Bleachers album was “I Wanna Get Better” — an incredibly catchy and magnificent tune. It was one of the best songs released this decade. Every Bleachers release feels like a movie and Strange Desire is no exception.
#18. Sigrid — Sucker Punch (2019)
Sigrid is under-the-radar right now but you’re going to want to hear about her soon. The Norwegian pop star leads with full-length album, Sucker Punch. The record is filled with big, booming pop tunes. “Sucker Punch” is an immediate hit, and just that — a ‘sucker punch’; “Don’t Feel Like Crying” and “Don’t Kill My Vibe” are massive uplifting, powerful anthems; “Business Dinners” attacks the ‘suits’ of the music industry; the entire album is a full, powerful, huge release and is a top-three release of 2019.
#17. Kesha — Rainbow (2017)
On Kesha’s third studio LP and first since 2012, the famed “Tik Tok” star opens up about sexual assault in the single “Praying.” The lyrical themes on Rainbow reflect that message: letting go of the past, self-worth, and female empowerment. Between 2012–2017, Kesha underwent numerous personal and professional struggles. She went to a treatment center for an eating disorder and was highly publicized during a legal battle with former record producer Dr Luke, whom she accused of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Rainbow is a wonderful record and deserves a spot on everyone’s list.
#16. Fun. — Some Nights (2012)
When I first heard “We Are Young” on alternative radio in 2012, I really enjoyed it. At the time, however, I was one of those kids who hated every song that became catchy or mainstream. If it was cool, I hated it, and if it wasn’t, I enjoyed it. In fact, I started to like “We Are Young” again soon after fun.’s label started pushing “Some Nights” and “Carry On.” I thought the latter songs were better anyway. Some Nights is a very good record though and fun. is a very underrated band that disbanded. At least we have Bleachers, though.
Top 25 Albums of the Decade: #21–25
21. Pale Waves — My Mind Makes Noises (2018)
22. Billie Eilish — When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019)
23. Taylor Swift — Speak Now (2010)
24. Troye Sivan — Bloom (2018)
25. Panic! At the Disco — Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! (2013)
