Another year, another slew of songs on repeat to revitalize and carry us through. Here are my ten most-played albums ranked by how much they wrenched my heart, caught my tears and/or jolted my body into dance.

Big Red Machine - Big Red Machine

Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon creating a warm hug of clamor and calm.

H.C. McEntire - Lionheart

A soulful, Southern modern-day country album laden in love, life’s learnings and hope. What a treat it was to be in the crowd for her hometown record release show at The Pinhook last February.

Christine and the Queens - Chris

Smashing the patriarchy one epic music video at a time, Chris, both the artist and the album, is making waves and disrupting the pop scene’s formulaic ways.

 Florence and the Machine - High As Hope

The day “Sky Full of Song” was released, I sat at my desk and played the video 12 times in a row. And then there was “Big God” which numbed me in rightness, followed by “100 Years.” If you poke around this blog, or if you know me personally, you’ll know this lady holds a big spot in my soul.

Tash Sultana - Flow State

Holy heavenly god of talent melting faces, bending minds and breaking disbelief. I had the pleasure of seeing her live this year, an incredible one-person-nine-instruments show. Her energy is electric and her love of playing, sharing and being one with the music is palpable. She’s got my ears for good and I look forward to the lifelong sonic creations from this musical genius.

Lykke Li - so sad so sexy

I was in a sad place when this album came around and boy did it soak me up.

Slothrust - The Pact

Leaning on the heavier side of my taste, this album’s got it all: grit, reverb, catchy guitar riffs, punchy percussion, bends of Southern folk undertones and dry, sardonic, self-aware lyrics. Additionally, and not exclusive to this release, Leah Wellbaum is a badass.

Natalie Prass - The Future and the Past

Somewhere between Prince and Hall and Oates lives this Natalie Prass goldmine.

Rhye - Blood

Sexy and sad and soft and tender. So damn lovely.

Jenn Champion - Single Rider

This album took me by complete surprise. Before it graced my ears, I hadn’t heard of Jenn Champion. Perhaps that’s why it became an instant love. There was no anticipation, no expectation. Simply an out-of-the-blue wooing that whisked me away into sweet sonic oblivion.

Cheers to these artists and all they’ve shared with us.

xxChris

Banner Image taken at Discos Paradiso