Q3 update.
I didn't think that two pop albums would dominate my listening habits in the new decade, but I am here to report that is the case here. Placements have been jostled around repeatedly, due to my indecisive nature, and I'm certain it will look different once more in the "finalized" Q4 list. Expanded to a fourth tier. Could edit this and the following chart in the coming days, perhaps add a few unranked honorable mentions.
Tier I (outstanding):
1) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? [dance-pop, disco]
2) Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia [dance-pop]
3) Caribou - Suddenly [electronic]
4) Deserta - Black Aura My Sun [shoegaze, dream pop]
5) Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas [neo soul, singer/songwriter]
Tier II (excellent):
6) Kelly Lee Owens - Inner Song [tech house, art pop]
7) Jeff Parker & the New Breed - Suite for Max Brown [nu jazz]
8) Boldy James and the Alchemist - The Price of Tea in China [gangsta rap, boom bap]
9) Laura Marling - Song for Our Daughter [singer/songwriter]
10) Somni - Home [downtempo electronic]
11) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy and Lee: Instrumentals Vol. I [avant-garde jazz]
12) HAIM - Women in Music: Part III [indie rock, pop rock]
13) Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind [psychedelic rock, art rock]
14) Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters [art pop, singer/songwriter]
15) Run the Jewels - IV [hardcore hip-hop]
16) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher [indie folk, singer/songwriter]
17) Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman [indie folk]
Tier III (great):
18) Moses Boyd - Dark Matter [nu jazz, acid house]
19) Allie X - Cape God [pop]
20) A.A.L. - 2017-2019 [industrial techno, deconstructed club]
21) Shabaka and the Ancestors - We are Sent Here by History [nu jazz, spiritual jazz]
22) Charli XCX - how i'm feeling now [deconstructed club, quarantine jams]
23) R.A.P. Ferriera - Purple Moonlight Pages [abstract hip-hop, jazz rap]
24) Lemon Quartet - Crestless [ambient jazz, new age]
25) Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville [avant-garde metal, technical death metal]
26) Jessy Lanza - All the Time [UK Bass, synthpop]
27) HMLTD - West of Eden [glam punk, art rock]
28) Necrot - Mortal [death metal]
29) Leo Takami - Felis Catus and Silence [new age, ambient]
30) CHANCE デラソウル - Besides [plunderphonics]
31) Jess Williamson - Sorceress [singer/songwriter, Americana]
Tier IV (good):
32) Grimes - Miss Anthropocene [art pop, indie electronic]
33) Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist - Alfredo [hardcore hip-hop, jazz rap]
34) Julianna Barwick - Healing is a Miracle [new age, ambient]
35) Sevdaliza - Shabrang [art pop, trip hop]
36) nthng - Hypnotherapy [ambient techno]
37) illuminati hotties - Free I.H.: This is not the One You've Been Waiting For [indie rock, noise rock]
38) Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA [dance-pop, alternative metal]
39) Yumi Zouma - Truth and Consequences [indie pop, bedroom pop]
40) Soccer Mommy - color theory [indie pop, bedroom pop]
The chart:
View attachment 67869
