40.
Bad Bunny:

“Un Verano Sin Ti”

Arguably the biggest album of the year, Bad Bunny’s latest album was everywhere. With infectious and charismatic tracks that span multiple genres, Bad Bunny made the world move without sacrificing an ounce of authenticity.

Top 3 Tracks:
Un Verano Sin Ti, Moscow Mule, Callaita

Listen: Bad Bunny, “Un Verano Sin Ti”

39.
Hikaru Utada:

“BADモード”

J-pop legend Hikaru Utada returns with an album that finds them exploring an emotional chapter of life over varying instrumentals. From old R&B to Skrillex production, Utada leaves a bit of something for everyone.

Top 3 Tracks:
Face My Fears, Darenimo Iwanai, BAD MODE

Listen: Hikaru Utada, “BADモード”

38.
Syd:

“Broken Hearts Club”

A concise, retro-soul album from The Internet’s lead singer and Odd Future affiliate, “Broken Hearts Club” by Syd brings the listener along for a love-filled adventure. Her smooth voice sounds phenomenal on this style of production.

Top 3 Tracks:
Fast Car, Right Track, CYBAH

Listen: Syd, “Broken Hearts Club”

37.
Rod Wave:

"Beautiful Mind"

With so much chaos in life, sometimes it’s a voice like Rod Wave’s that can get us through the day. “Beautiful Mind” finds the soul rapper continuing to do what he does best: shining a light in the darkest places.

Top 3 Tracks:
Alone, Yungen, Sweet Little Lies

Listen: Rod Wave, "Beautiful Mind"

36.
Loyle Carner:

"Hugo"

English rapper Loyle Carner drops a 10-track epic, leaving a small margin for error. His latest effort commands respect, with an articulate cadence on the microphone that over the right production, is truly inspiring.

Top 3 Tracks:
A Lasting Place, Hate, Speed of Plight

Listen: Loyle Carner, "Hugo"

35.
Taylor Swift:

"Midnights"

The highest first week sales the industry has seen in a long time comes to no one’s surprise. Taylor Swift delivers her 10th studio album, combining many of her best elements from previous Taylor eras.

Top 3 Tracks:
Sweet Nothing, High Infidelity, Maroon

Listen: Taylor Swift, "Midnights"

34.
Future:

“I Never Liked You”

One of the hardest working artists of this generation, Future returns with a new project full of what has brought the Atlanta rapper so much success. It may not reinvent the wheel, but sometimes that’s not needed.

Top 3 Tracks:
WAIT FOR U, CHICKENS, 712PM

Listen: Future, “I Never Liked You”

33.
Fousheé:

“softCORE”

Showing a new versatility, Fousheé drops a punk project that screams more than it sings. While the contrast can be quite stark, it’s refreshing to see the singer breathe new life into the genre.

Top 3 Tracks:
let u back in, smile, spend the money

Listen: Fousheé, “softCORE”

32.
KA:

“Languish Arts / Woeful Studies”

The underground legend KA drops not one, but two full length albums that continue an autobiographical narrative of KA’s rough upbringing. Every bar is potent and honest, with KA educating the world from the perspective of a professor who has seen it all.

Top 3 Tracks:
Ascension, Forgive Me, We Hurting

Listen: KA, “Languish Arts / Woeful Studies”

31.
Denzel Curry:

“Melt My Eyez See Your Future”

Straight from the creative brain that is Denzel Curry’s, this new LP finds the artist tackling serious topics over illustrious production. Hearing him in this new light feels refreshing, and Denzel shows he cannot be boxed in.

Top 3 Tracks:
Walkin, Ain’t No Way, Mental

Listen: Denzel Curry, “Melt My Eyez See Your Future”

30.
Kenny Beats:

"Louie"

An extremely airy album that feels like a light summer breeze, Kenny Beats curates a sound from beautiful samples and light features from friends. Amidst everything, the masterful production is clearly at the forefront.

Top 3 Tracks:
Last Words, Still, Hooper

Listen: Kenny Beats, "Louie"

29.
Action Bronson:

“Cocodrillo Turbo”

On his latest album, Action Bronson’s bars are witty, he details his culinary preferences, and blends fiction with reality. He continues to live an exciting life, and this feels like the accompanying soundtrack.

Top 3 Tracks:
Storm Of The Century, Subzero, Jaguar

Listen: Action Bronson, “Cocodrillo Turbo”

28.
Beyoncé:

“Renaissance”

A resurgence to dance music, the Queen has returned with a fantastic album that doubles down on defiance and self-love. “Renaissance” is a magical trip meant to be enjoyed with movement.

Top 3 Tracks:
ALIEN SUPERSTAR, BREAK MY SOUL, CUFF IT

Listen: Beyoncé, “Renaissance”

27.
Beabadoobee:

“Beatopia”

Beabadoobee brings us into her hypnotic world. She details the last few years of life with her guitar and soft voice. The UK artist continues to evolve past the typical bedroom pop sound.

Top 3 Tracks:
See you Soon, Sunny Day, 10:36

Listen: Beabadoobee, “Beatopia”

26.
Black Thought & Danger Mouse:

“CHEAT CODES”

Raw hip hop at its finest, Black Thought proves he deserves to be in the conversation for best emcee of all time. Every bar is methodically calculated, all orchestrated behind Danger Mouse’s sophisticated production.

Top 3 Tracks:
Strangers, Belize, No Gold Teeth

Listen: Black Thought & Danger Mouse, “CHEAT CODES”

25.
FKA twigs:

“CAPRISONGS”

Officially dubbed as a mixtape, FKA twigs transports the listener to a new sonic plane. Experimenting with more avant-garde production that compels the listener to dance, her free spirit soars to new heights.

Top 3 Tracks:
careless, tears in the club, jealousy

Listen: FKA twigs, “CAPRISONGS”

24.
Roc Marciano & The Alchemist:

“The Elephant Man’s Bones”

The album that fans have been earnestly waiting years for finally arrived and it did not disappoint. The Alchemist crafted a special batch of beats that allowed Roc Marciano to fully embrace his pimp persona. Rap fans won.

Top 3 Tracks:
Daddy Kane, Think Big, Quantum Leap

Listen: Roc Marciano & The Alchemist, “The Elephant Man’s Bones”

23.
Metro Boomin:

“HEROES & VILLAINS”

One of the best albums released by a producer, Metro Boomin is a true artist and master of his craft. Each beat sounds cinematic with a slew of familiar faces to bless each track with an equally hard hitting feature.

Top 3 Tracks:
Walk Em Down (Don’t Kill Civilians), Umbrella, Creepin’

Listen: Metro Boomin, “HEROES & VILLAINS”

22.
Nas:

"Magic"

Although a stopgap release before the highly anticipated KD3, “Magic” captures a nostalgic New York hip hop sound that makes it all the more compelling. At a concise 9 tracks, Nas & Hit-Boy eliminate any filler.

Top 3 Tracks:
Wave Gods, Ugly, 40-16 Building

Listen: Nas, "Magic"

21.
Harry Styles:

“Harry’s House”

One of the stronger pop releases of the year, Harry Styles floats over instrumentations filled with synths and horns. His evolution as an artist is admirable as he delves further into the groovy sonic landscape.

Top 3 Tracks:
Satellite, Daylight, Grapejuice

Listen: Harry Styles, “Harry’s House”

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