Anderson is an industry favorite known for his versatile skillset and swagger,

and Knxwledge is seen as a legend in underground hip-hop / bandcamp beats.

Together, they've already found success with their eclectic debut, Yes Lawd!,

an album that was very fitting for their generally upbeat and lively discographies.

However, they switch it up on this album by honing in a sort of woeful R&B,

opening up on numerous hardships, from the well-documented to the suppressed.

Over the years, the multilingual band has raised the bar for indie pop production.

Now they've risen up the charts, breaking into the Billboard's top 20 albums,

and finally solo debuting on the Hot 100 with the dissociative No One Noticed.

With compositions so dreamy that you don't notice the equally devastating lyrics,

this album can provide a cinematic soundtrack to nearly any mood or season.

Aptly, many elements were inspired by Three Colours: Blue, a cinephile essential.

Capitalizing on the internet fame brought on by her confident lead single, Nasty,

Tinashe seems to have rebounded significantly after a few downbeat projects.

For example, No Broke Boys can be seen as Tinashe finding her own self worth,

and works as a spiritual successor to No Scrubs, appropriately inspiring a mashup.

Even the sadder songs include a little optimism and a glimpse into her growth,

filling out a short, sexy, and serene tracklist that's the yang to BB/ANG3L's yin.

1

2

3

4

5

The lead singer of MUNA leans into her folk influences in her first solo album,

seven years worth of songs that didn't fit the band's beloved indie pop groove.

More acoustic but just as gay, it's a relief to sense her individuality all throughout.

Working with Phoebe Bridgers' producer, Tony Berg, there's the spirit of a debut,
but it feels as polished and elevated as a project from any long-time solo act.

While MUNA has much in store, we can happily wait it out with these 12 tracks.

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

6

A staple on these end-of-the-year lists, no pun intended.

2

3

4

5

6

At 27 tracks, the Queen's era of country and americana is her most extensive yet.

Only two years after the widely successful disco / house record, RENAISSANCE,
this was promoted as a second act, but feels as singular as any of her projects. 

It is also more collaborative than the last, featuring country stars of old and new,
and explores the elusive nature of genre by bringing in more worldly influences.

This includes flamenco, funk carioca, and even covers The Beatles' Blackbird.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Look! Even Emmy-winning documentary editors can be exceptional jazz artists!

Jokes aside, Arooj has been a queen of consistency since her 2021 breakthrough,

and has since become a staple amongst each year's Grammy Awards nominees.

In this album, she hones in on her usual Pakistani folk and minimalist influences,

but also taps into other styles, such as American be-bop jazz, a welcome surprise.

An experimental love letter to darkness, Night Reign is arguably Arooj's best yet.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

Easily sparking the most widespread sensation of any album from this year,

everyone was bumping to these instant club classics, often times back to back.

Even if the illustrious and electric Charli XCX wasn't in your rotation before,

no one can deny the energy this unleashes, even if listening from your bedroom.

The subsequent remixes further cemented this album into music immortality,

with my favorites including Lorde, Troye Sivan, Tinashe and The Japanese House.

1
2
3
4
5

[And the award for Best Album Cover goes too...]

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5