9. Hypersonic Missiles by Sam Fender

Sam Fender released his first studio album called Hypersonic Missiles. The album tackles tough topics, including male suicide, drug addiction, and white privilege. He provided his personal perspective of his lower class upbringing and feelings of despair that come with being trapped in a small town. Listen to: Dead Boys, The Borders, Saturday, and Will We Talk?.

8. Fine Line by Harry Styles

Although released in December of 2019, Harry Styles’ second studio album, Fine Line, comes in eighth in the top 9 albums of 2019. Although there is little organization and flow between the songs, Fine Line speaks honestly and is one of the most revealing albums of 2019, as Styles exposes his past fears of his own feminine expression and sexuality. Listen to: Falling, She, Sunflower (Vol.6), and Canyon Moon.

7. Here Comes the Cowboy by Mac Demarco

Mac Demarco’s fifth studio album speaks straight to the heart, featuring themes of Demarco’s own fears of isolation and the fine line between loneliness and independence. Although Here Comes the Cowboy can be a bit depressing, Demarco makes sure to add a few breathing points, such as the jangly, comical “Finally Alone.”

6. When I Get Home by Solange

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Solange Knowles comes completely into her own in her fifth studio album. Solange airs her grievances and sings powerfully about racial inequality and personal atonement. Some of the best songs from When I Get Home include Almeda, I’m a Witness, and Time (is). 

5. Father of the Bride by Vampire Weekend

After 6 years of stagnancy, Vampire Weekend returned to the studio to create Father of the Bride. One of the longest albums on this list, FOTB consists of 18 songs. The album is laden with Ezra Koenig’s classic guitar riffs and clever verses, and features artists like Danielle Haim of HAIM and Steve Lacy. 

4. Norman F***ing Rockwell! By Lana Del Rey

Lana del Rey makes an incredible comeback in her 6th studio album. Her usual melancholic, melodramatic tones are discarded in Norman F***ing Rockwell!. It is her most hopeful album yet, featuring an optimistic song titled “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have – but I have it”. Listen to: Mariners Apartment Complex, Cinnamon Girl, and Norman F***ing Rockwell.

3. Pony by Rex Orange County

Pony is Rex Orange County’s redemptive album. The album speaks of Rex’s personal pressure after creating two chart-topping albums, toxic relationships, and losing the ones you love. Far from just a breakup album, Pony is an emotional whirlwind, which comes satisfactorily full-circle. Some of Pony’s best songs include: Face to Face, Every Way, Pluto Projector, and 10/10. 

2. Ventura by Anderson .Paak 

Anderson .Paak’s 4th studio album is the smoothest thing you’ll hear in 2019. The album consists of 11 songs, combines R&B, rap, and classic soul, and features guests like Brandy, Smokey Robinson, and André 3000. Lyrics to songs like Make It Better (feat. Smokey Robinson) and Good Heels (feat. Jazmine Sullivan) are soulful and affectionate, as the album cover shows .Paak and his son, Soul, spending time together. 

1. IGOR by Tyler the Creator 

Tyler the Creator’s ninth album condenses all of the best aspects of his previous eight works into one amazing piece. The album is loud and brash, but stays personal to Tyler’s messages of triumph and strength. Some of the best songs on the album include: EARFQUAKE, WHAT’S GOOD, and GONE, GONE / THANK YOU