- ‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift
‘Lover’ exemplifies the perfect evolution for Taylor Swift with its songs focused on true love. She gets more personal than ever on these songs. Each track takes on a new form, taking turns between intense and honest to fun and romantic. // MNR Must Listens: “Soon You’ll Get Better” ft. Dixie Chicks, “Death By A Thousand Cuts,” “Cruel Summer”
2. ‘thank u, next’ by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande came through with her second album in six months, which could have been a disaster, but instead, it is some of her absolute best work yet. The songs’ light weight is freeing despite the trauma it took to get here. // MNR Must Listens: “needy,” “ghostin,” “fake smile”
3. ‘Cuz I Love You’ by Lizzo
Packed with confidence and feel-good bangers, ‘Cuz I Love You’ proves that Lizzo is no one-trick pony. She flaunts her positivity across these joyous and soulful tracks. Also, some of you need to realize that Lizzo has some songs from 2019 that deserve to be hits, too. // MNR Must Listens: “Soulmate,” “Jerome,” “Like A Girl,” “Exactly How I Feel” ft. Gucci Mane
4. ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ By Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish expands upon the dark melodies with catchy harmonies on this album that she co-wrote and recorded all as a teenager. She is completely self-aware and sure of herself, both in life and in music. // MNR Must Listens: “my strange addiction,” “xanny,” “i love you”
5. ‘Norman F*****g Rockwell!’ By Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s ‘NFR’ is complex and transformative, and the instant pop classics on this album solidify her as one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Balancing between being complicated and a commentary on society, Lana looks inward on this album. // MNR Must Listens: “Love song,” “The greatest,” “The Next Best American Record”
6. ‘Happiness Begins’ by Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers returned with their first album in a decade, and they wondered if anyone would care for their comeback. Well, they definitely did. Happiness Begins is refreshing with its upbeat jams (“Cool”) and mature love songs (“Hesitate”). // MNR Must Listens: “Comeback,” “Rollercoaster,” “Don’t Throw It Away,” “Hesitate”
7. ‘Center Point Road’ by Thomas Rhett
Named after a road from his hometown, Thomas Rhett’s ‘Center Point Road’ is a nostalgic and soul-baring ride through the star’s journey to the top. Blending his old-school influences with the sounds of his contemporary peers, this album is a masterpiece. // MNR Must Listens: “Notice,” “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” ft. Little Big Town, “Up,” “Dream You Never Had”
8. ‘No.6 Collaborations Project’ by Ed Sheeran
With a list of features that any artist would envy and any fan craves, Ed Sheeran pulls in the star power from Bieber to Travis, H.E.R. to Eminem, and Cardi to Khalid. Every song is a different and often surprising take from Ed, showing his extreme versatility. // MNR Must Listens: “I Don’t Care” with Justin Bieber, “Beautiful People” ft. Khalid, “Antisocial,” with Travis Scott, “Remember The Name” ft. Eminem & 50 Cent
9. ‘What You See Is What You Get’ by Luke Combs
Luke Combs has never pretended to be anything but himself, making for the perfect album title with ‘What You See Is What You Get.’ While breaking out as the leading force of mainstream country, he has never failed to pay respect to his heroes from the nineties. // MNR Must Listens: “Dear Today,” “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Better Together”
10. ‘Fever’ by Megan Thee Stallion
‘Fever’ is solidifying proof that we are witnessing the birth of a star with Megan Thee Stallion. The Houston native exudes her assertiveness across these classic rap-inspired bops. // MNR Must Listens: “Cash S**t” ft. DaBaby, “Pimpin,” “Realer”
11. ‘Fine Line’ by Harry Styles
Harry Styles meshes pop, rock, folk, and the blues into one seamless sound on ‘Fine Line,’ and some of these lyrics are so deeply honest. This album is surprisingly experimental, and successfully pulls it off for the most part. // MNR Must Listens: “Falling,” “To Be So Lonely,” “Golden,” “Adore You”
12. ‘Romance’ by Camila Cabello
‘Romance’ is an album about, well, romance. Each song exemplifies a different facet of the mysterious and bewildering force of love, and Camila’s voice tests new waters that prove she can do so much. // MNR Must Listens: “Easy,” “Living Proof,” “First Man”
13. ‘Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent’ by Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi’s powerful voice takes center stage on his debut album, and, in the best way, its lyrics cut through you like a knife sometimes. He has rocketed to stardom this year thanks to his emotional songs and striking personality, and it seems he is only getting started. // MNR Must Listens: “Grace,” “Someone You Loved,” “Bruises”
14. ‘Baby on Baby’ by DaBaby
DaBaby is on a tear to the top, and his bouncing energy is obvious on his songs and his contagiously fun live performances. ‘Baby on Baby’ might be his major label debut, but he sounds like a seasoned pro. // MNR Must Listens: “Suge,” “Goin Baby,” “Deal Wit It”
15. ‘GIRL’ by Maren Morris
Maren Morris comes through with a punch on her sophomore album, and it perfectly rides the line as a true-to-heart country record that tastefully borrows from pop. It’s empowering and genuine, just like Maren herself. // MNR Must Listens: “Song For Everything,” “All My Favorite People” ft. Brothers Osborne, “The Bones”
16. ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding’ by Post Malone
Post Malone is unapologetically himself on ‘Hollywood’s Bleeding,’ which is just another stop on his indomitable career. His infectious bridges lead you to a bursting chorus that could only come from Post Malone. // MNR Must Listens: “Enemies” ft. DaBaby, “Take What You Want” ft. Oozy Osbourne & Travis Scott, “I’m Gonna Be”
17. ‘HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM’ by Beyoncé
As if Beyoncé’s Coachella performance wasn’t historic enough, she had to go and drop this stunning live album in conjunction with its Netflix doc. She managed to take songs we already know and love and repackage them with all-new personality. // MNR Must Listens: “Sorry,” “Lose My Breath / Say My Name / Soldier,” “Before I Let Go”
18. ‘Free Spirit’ by Khalid
One of the rising forces in R&B, Khalid showcases his fully-developed style on the fun yet soothing ‘Free Spirit.’ The production might be the focal point of this coming-of-age record, but so is his falsetto and instantly identifiable voice. // MNR Must Listens: “Right Back,” “My Bad,” “Outta My Head” with John Mayer, “Saturday Nights”
19. ‘HIXTAPE: Vol. 1’ by HARDY
HARDY might not be a name you know yet, but it should. He recruited some prominent names in country like Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen, Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson, Cole Swindell, and Joe Diffie for the first volume of his ‘HIXTAPE,’ which covers the entire spectrum with its unique, refreshing styles and witty, original lyrics. // MNR Must Listens: “Nothin’ Out Here” ft. Thomas Rhett, “He Went To Jared” ft. Morgan Wallen, “One Beer” ft. Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson, “No Place Like Hometown” ft. Keith Urban & Hillary Lindsey
20. ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’ by Florida Georgia Line
Florida Georgia Line’s ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’ is a strong return to form that proves there’s more to them than what you’ve heard on their radio hits. It might be their most country record yet, and it is packed with harmonies and choruses flourished with endless fun country references. // MNR Must Listens: “Women” ft. Jason Derulo, “Y’all Boys” ft. HARDY, “People Are Different”
21. ‘KIRK’ by DaBaby
Nobody has more fun than DaBaby, as evident on ‘KIRK,’ with its joyous production and clever lyrics that prove his rapid growth since his debut. It’s a little absurd, obviously cocky, and sometimes ridiculous, but you can do that when you’re DaBaby. // MNR Must Listens: “iPHONE” ft. Nicki Minaj, “BOP,” “INTRO”
22. ‘Late Night Feelings’ by Mark Ronson
‘Late Night Feelings’ is perfectly melodramatic as it aims to dance away the pain. Coming from a DJ, this album is ironically better suited for after the club. Miley, Camila, and Alicia contribute to this album of sad bangers. // MNR Must Listens: “Find U Again” ft. Camila Cabello, “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart” ft. Miley Cyrus, “Late Night Feelings” ft. Lykke Li
23. ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ by Beyoncé
This companion album to the hit Disney film showcases today’s host of talent from the continent of Africa. Beyonce said that it is a love letter to Africa, and with contributions from Burna Boy, Wizkid, Kendrick Lamar, JAY-Z, and more, it does just that. // MNR Must Listens: “SPIRIT,” “BROWN SKIN GIRL,” “MOOD 4 EVA”
24. ‘Heard It In A Past Life’ by Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers is not your typical pop star, but she’s not trying to be, and that is why she stands out among the crowd. Her album is deliriously fun but simultaneously intensely personal. // MNR Must Listens: “Light On,” “Give A Little,” “Alaska”
25. ‘When I Get Home’ by Solange Knowles
Solange pays tribute to her Houston roots in bold, unexpected ways on this album. It challenges the listener and feels like an abstract dream as it crosses between R&B, jazz and soul. She expertly crafted these songs with production that is unforgettable. // MNR Must Listens: “Stay Flo,” “Almeda,” “Binz,” “Things I Imagined”
Honorable Mentions: ‘Father of the Bride’ by Vampire Weeknd // ‘IGOR’ by Tyler, the Creator // ‘The Big Day’ by Chance the Rapper // ‘The Highwomen’ by The Highwomen // ‘Blood Harmony’ by Finneas // ‘Revenge of the Dreamers III’ by Dreamville // ‘Inner Monologue’ EP Parts 1 & 2 by Julia Michaels // ‘Reboot’ by Brooks & Dunn // ‘A Real Good Kid’ by Mike Posner // ‘SHE IS COMING’ EP by Miley Cyrus // ‘SOUND & FURY’ by Sturgill Simpson // ‘MAGDALENE’ by FKA twigs // ‘Titanic Rising’ by Weyes Blood
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