76–100 | My Favorites My First 100 Album Reviews
In celebration of reviewing 100 albums on my blog, here is my favorite picks from my 76th to 100th reviews.
76.) Preacher’s Daughter by Ethel Cain — “Ptolemaea”
Like many who have listened to Ethel Cain’s debut album Preacher’s Daughter, I was taken by its large sound and deep lyrical content. I could have easily picked the lead single “American Teenager” or the soft yet hard hitting “Hard Times” as a personal favorite. Nothing hits quite like the viscerally miasmic sound of “Ptolemaea”. You’ll be hard pressed not to feel a little scared after hearing this torturous psychedelic rocker.
77.) Amanda Leigh by Mandy Moore — “Nothing Everything”
Mandy Moore’s 2008 album Amanda Leigh was one record I would have never thought I would have been taken by. Her love for the 70s folk-pop genre comes through wonderfully. I absolutely love the harpsichord forward “Nothing Everything” the most. It’s blend of strings, 70s pop, and baroque sounds keep me coming back for more everytime.
78.) Forever, Ya Girl by KeiyaA — “Rectifya”
KeiyaA had one of my favorite R&B releases of 2020. Her powerful sampling and lyricism displays the strength and beauty of black culture. My favorite track is the smooth jazzy vibe of “Rectifya”. There are so many layers around the need to be rectified after being used and throw aside that you will find a new meaning with each listen.
79.) Raven by Paula Cole — “Secretary”
Paula Cole really came back with a vengeance with her 2013 kickstarted album Raven. Nothing compares to the sultry S&M flavored “Secretary”. Cole takes on the subject eloquently as the down tuned electric guitar adds some grit. Paula’s beatboxing takes this palpable sexuality right to the edge.
80.) White Trash Revelry by Adeem the Artist — “Middle of a Heart”
I was excited to see that non-binary Americana musician Adeem the Artist released their sophomore album. Their songwriting and musicianship has only gotten stronger on this release. The best comes from the heartbreaking tale of growing up and dealing with PTDS on “Middle of a Heart”. Adeem paints this story beautifully.
81.) Uh Huh Her by PJ Harvey — “The Darker Days of Me and Him”
Harvey’s switch from sumptuous to frazzled tone on Uh Huh Her had its ups and downs. For an album that could be misconstrued as angry, it has so much playfulness and love that gives the album life. Nothing matches the slightly psychedelic and longing tones of the closing song “The Darker Days of Me and Him”. It’s moving on through heartache message comes through fantastically.
82.) Hounds of Love by Kate Bush — “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”
Stranger Things may have given this Kate Bush gem a second wind nearly 40 years after its release, but “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” has always been the zenith of Bush’s already powerful 1985 album Hounds of Love. The momentous drum beat and intense emotionally need to garner your lovers understanding of hardships makes the song something otherworldly. Add the music video into the mix and you have a classic.
83.) Nicole by NIKI — “The Apartment We Won’t Share”
I was immediately taken by NIKI’s introspective look at a doomed teenage romance when I heard the lead single “High School in Jakarta”. The songwriting on “The Apartment We Won’t Share” hit the hardest for me. NIKI conjures up such heartbreaking imagery of the life she will never have with this man she has broken up with. It’s a gem off this record worthy of multiple listens.
84.) The Moon and Stars: Prescription for Dreamers by Valerie June — “Within You”
Valerie June went a more new age route for her 2020 album The Moon and Stars: Prescription for Dreamers. The most interesting track for me is the trap leanings of the ambient tune “Within You”. June is able to meld the two together wonderfully.
85.) Model Citizen EP by Meet Me @ The Alter — “Feel A Thing”
It’s always exciting to see diversity in the pop-punk/emo realms. Meet Me @ The Alter’s 2021 Model Citizen EP will have you back to naughty oughties with their brand of Paramore-like bangers. My favorite is the single “Feel A Thing” bright edge on making a change is perfectly crafted for fans of the genre. Gotta give bonus points for its 8-bit additions.
86.) Dissolution Wave by Cloakroom — “Dissolution Wave”
I have been a fan of the Shoegaze genre for quite sometime. Cloakroom does a wonderful job taking the sound into a more modern space. I love the sound of the title track the most. If you are a fan of 90s alt group Hum, I think you will love this song.
87.) Scarlet’s Walk by Tori Amos — “Gold Dust”
I had a very difficult time trying to choose a favorite off of Tori Amos’s 2002 epic Scarlet’s Walk. While I feel the heart of the record comes in at “I Can’t See New York”, the emotional power of the album closer “Gold Dust” can’t be matched. You feel the sea change in her mindset with motherhood through her effortless piano work and lush string backing. It’s a must listen.
88.) Renaissance by Beyonce — “CUFF IT”
Beyonce made magic again with her dance/house inspired release Renaissance in 2022. I found it very difficult to pick one favorite off the album, but “CUFF IT” just has the spark. Beyonce’s funk/soul coated track on getting ready to get turnt is just too good not to return to again and again.
89.) Blank Page EP by The War and Treaty — “Lover’s Game”
The War and Treaty are such a talented rising group in the Americana realm. They’re 2022 Blank Page EP teases what’s to come on their next release Lover’s Game in 2023. I love the title that shares their net album’s title. Tanya and Micheal’s powerful vocals give the song an energy that you will be in awe of.
90.) We Are Born by Sia — “You’ve Changed”
Sia’s shift to a brighter pop tone on 2010’s We Are Born pairs well with her silly demeanor. The best comes from the lead single “You’ve Changed”. It’s bright toy box like indie rock/pop sound goes great with Sia’s unique vocal style. The music video only matches its euphoric nature. You’ll be coming back for more after listening to this one.
91.) Sometimes Y by Yelawolf & Shooter Jennings — “Jump Out The Window”
If you were to tell me that I would like a anthemic rock album by country musician Shooter Jennings and rapper Yelawolf, I would have laughed. While not perfect, it had its moments of shine. It’s best is the catchy 80s rock influenced release “Jump Out The Window”. Both artists really capture the energy of the era they are tapping into on this track.
92.) Press EP by Flora Cash — “You’re Somebody Else”
I found Flora Cash’s Press EP to be a bit underwhelming with its rather generic indie pop sound and shallow lyrics. The big single “You’re Somebody Else” did come across as the star of the show. It’s chorus around anxiety turning your partner into a stranger of sorts will have you humming it well after your first listen.
93.) Oyster by Heather Nova — “Walk This World”
Heather Nova bridged folk and alternative rock fantastically on her 1994 album Oyster. The best off this album has to be the edger tone of the lead single “Walk This World”. Nova’s performance really puts across the longing urge for love that brings across in the song’s lyrics. It was a perfect choice as a lead single off this record.
94.) HOLY FVCK by Demi Lovato — “HOLY FVCK”
I was a bit disappointed with Demi Lovato’s hard rock foray HOLY FVCK. The title track, “HOLY FVCK”, continues to be one that I return to. I find their juxtaposition of good and evil to come off rather strong. They also match the hard rock vibe well vocally. I just wish the rest of the project maintained this standard.
95.) Let Her Burn by Rebecca Black — “Crumbs”
I am not sure who hurt the reviewer at Pitchfork (who I never give much reverence anyways), but Black’s debut is anything but derivative. She has a powerful presence and the lead single “Crumbs” proves that hyper-pop can be acceptable and interesting. I highly recommend giving this ode to clinging onto a toxic relationship for attention a listen. It’s a bop.
96.) El Bueno Y El Malo by Hermanos Gutierrez — “Cielo Grande”
I am so happy that I happened upon the instrumental work of Hermanos Gutierrez. Their latest album, El Bueno Y El Malo, paints the American southwest beautifully through their guitar work. My favorite is the track “Cielo Grande” (“Big Sky”). It effortless conjures the panoramic view of puff cumulus clouds on a desert sky.
97.) Desire, I Want to Turn Into You by Caroline Polachek — “Blood and Butter”
Caroline Polachek didn’t have to go so hard with her many influences on this sophomore ode to Desire. The single “Blood and Butter” is one I continue to return to. It’s blend of Ray of Light era synths, Imogen Heap-like sound, and bagpipes make for a truly fabulous listen. It’s as smooth as butter sonically.
98.) La Dona by Teena Marie — “I Love Him Too”
Teena Marie’s return to the music industry with 2004’s La Dona did a great job melding her funky brand of soul with modern R&B. My favorite track off this LP has to be her duet with De De O’Neal “I Love Him Too”. The two do a fantastic job playing the other woman as they grapple with the knowledge their man is cheating .
99.) Smiling With No Teeth by Genesis Owusu — “Centrefold”
Genesis Owusu’s debut album Smiling With No Teeth does a great job delivering the concepts of depression and discrimination through the metaphor of two black dogs hunting him down. My personal favorite has to be the funky blur of “Centrefold”. Owusu sells the themes of sorrow as this alluring woman tempting him in very well. Love the reversed and chopped sections in the chorus.
100.) Aims by Vienna Teng — “Hymn of Axciom”
My 100th review focused on the Vienna Teng’s last album Aims. After listening to this record from top to bottom, my favorite track is still the vocoder filled acapella “Hymn of Axciom”. It’s winding melody’s highlight the ominous reach of data collection so well.
