33. Ryan's Top 10 Albums of 2019

Hey all!

We're nearing the end of 2019, and I haven't posted to the blog in a little while, but I wanted to write about some of my favorite music that released over the last 12 months, and wish you all a happy holiday season and a happy New Year. Music is a huge inspiration for my writing, and plays a big part when it comes to my stories and poetry. It's important for me, so I thought it'd be appropriate for the Nothing Peak blog. So let's jump right in! Here are my Top 10 Albums of 2019!​

10. Brittany Howard - Jaime

There's no denying Brittany Howard's talent. And while Jaime is certainly a departure from her work in the Alabama Shakes, it still radiates with Howard's bluesy voice. It took me a few listens to get into, or to at least pick out favorite songs from, due to its experimental nature, but this record sure is memorable, and anything from Brittany Howard is sure to be great. 

9. Wallows - Nothing Happens

Wallows' debut full-length album is a lot of fun, and jams out with the shoegaze-y alternative sound that I've been super into over the last couple of years. I really enjoyed this record, and definitely look forward to seeing how this band grows going forward.

8. Lizzo - Cuz I Love You

How could I not include Lizzo on this list? Her confidence alone has secured her a spot in my Top 10, and the fact that Cuz I Love You is full of amazing tracks that each have such different styles to them. Lizzo defies the genres she is categorized in, and she is here to stay. 

7. Billie Eilish - when we all fall asleep, where do we go? 

It wasn't until the "Bury A Friend" single was released that I became interested in Billie Eilish's music. Her pop tracks are beautiful, with her whispering voice taking center stage, but this record is both creative and chilling, in many different ways. 

6. Slipknot - We Are Not Your Kind

In short: We Are Not Your Kind kicks ass. It's dark, it's heavy, and it's definitely more exciting and angrier than their previous record. Tracks like "Red Flag" and "Orphan" really round this album out; a majority of the tracks are rather long, some having slow-burning intros, but it's made up for in Corey Taylor's writing and vocals, matched with those signature Slipknot instrumentals.

5. Alter Bridge - Walk the Sky

Since I wasn't entirely blown away by Alter Bridge's previous record, I wasn't expecting the same, this time around. But I can't deny Myles Kennedy's powerful vocals and that unforgettable Mark Tremonti guitar. The track "Godspeed" was a right hook to the jaw that I wasn't expecting and love immensely. The record is pretty anthem-y, for the most part, and it does lack the darkness of their previous records, but it's a solid album that showcases the band's talents. 

4. Korn - The Nothing

The Nothing is an album that grew on me. I wasn't expecting the vulnerability that Jonathan Davis injected into this record; it's full of fear, remorse, and sadness that's channeled into each track. The energy that results is intense, and while there aren't any moments of Davis's metal-scat-singing, we do hear those familiar bagpipes. This was an album that surprised me, and that I respect for the band to put out something so personal and powerful. 

3. Tool - Fear Inoculum

Tool's new album is finally here, and it was definitely worth the wait. Fear Inoculum is instrumentally sound, which frankly won me over in the end. The tracks aren't as edgy as they were in Tool's earlier days, but I enjoyed the lengthier tracks and how they evolve as they progress. And Maynard's writing is thought-provoking and literary as ever. Happy to see Tool rocking the charts!

2. The Maine - You Are OK

Feel-good, catchy, and cinematic, The Maine returns with another fantastic album. You Are OK invokes a look at oneself while allowing listeners to sing and dance and be themselves. Every track is so much fun, and the final song on the album, Flowers on the Grave, ties everything together so nicely. The Maine, you've done it again. 

Honorable Mentions:
Palace - Life After
Saint Mesa - Nocturne
Lorn - Drown the Traitor Within
Better Off - Reap What You Sow
Within Temptation - Resist

1. Turnover - Altogether

Altogether really came out of left-field. Not only had I not known much about Turnover's plans to release a new album when their first few singles were released, I also hadn't expected them to incorporate elements of jazz into this record. It's relaxing, and softer than their previous two records, if one can imagine. But I can confidently say that I enjoyed this album the most this year, finding myself jamming out to nearly every track. I'm glad that Turnover continues to experiment with sound with each album, and I look forward to hearing more in the future! 

What were some of your favorite albums, EPs, and songs of the year? Are there more that I should check out? Leave a comment below! 

- Ryan

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