With 2019 coming to end, I thought I’d reflect on some musical highlights of the year, by looking back at some of my favourite albums that have come out this year.
IGOR by Tyler, the Creator
Fave tracks: RUNNING OUT OF TIME, A BOY IS A GUN*, GONE GONE / THANK YOU
I am a big fan of IGOR’s preceding album, ‘Flower Boy’, but for me, this one tops it. Tyler shows off his talent for production and composition by giving a lot more space to instrumental sounds than he ever has before. His rapping, singing and choice of contributors are incredible too. I was lucky enough to see him perform in London – he put on one of the best performances I’ve ever seen from an artist!
Angel’s Pulse by Blood Orange
Fave tracks: Dark & Handsome, Good For You, Gold Teeth
I love how Blood Orange fuses and intertwines different ‘genres’ – R&B, soul, hip-hop, indie, alternative pop. This was definitely one of those mixtapes that grew on me more and more as I continued to re-listen to it. Having read that the songs on this mixtape are a collection of one-offs and leftovers from other projects, his talent to create such consistent quality music is even more inspiring.
GREY Area by Little Simz
Fave tracks: Boss, Selfish, 101FM
Little Simz is an incredible story-teller, who has the ability to write clever, emotional lyrics against a background of incredible varied production. Her voice fits well over the smooth instrumental on ‘selfish’, as well as the upbeat ‘101FM’. She’s definitely one of the most talented voices in UK Hip Hop right now!
When I Get Home by Solange
Fave tracks: Almeda, My Skin My Logo, Binz
Solange is a genius! When I listen to this album she manages to transport me into her own headspace and experiences. She experiments with song structure, lyrical flows, and manages to create a project that surpasses expectations following her highly acclaimed 2016 album A Seat at the Table.
Assume Form by James Blake
Fave tracks: Mile High, Can’t Believe The Way We Flow, Where’s the Catch?
This album is a lot more stripped back, and less experimental than Blake’s previous projects. I think it is a beautiful album throughout. I love his manipulation of a classic soul sample in Can’t Believe The Way We Flow, and Andre 3000’s verse on Where’s the Catch? is also a big highlight.
Stuck On Repeat with Leah 