It is pretty hard to find an album containing a full list of ultimate hits. Most of the time, there are those four or five songs halfway through that you just can’t get into and have to skip. However, being able to find that album with zero skips is one of the most rewarding feelings you can encounter. Whether you’re just in need of some background music for your errands, or actively searching for some anthems to belt out in your car, this list of immaculate albums has you covered.
Blonde – Frank Ocean
If you are coming out of a breakup or just generally feeling down, then Blonde is the album for you. Although commonly referred to as a concept album, I would argue that Ocean’s last release to date is more of a commentary on the different stages of heartbreak, examining an array of emotions including anger, grief, loss and nostalgia. Personally, I find that Blonde is a meditative space that is a great opportunity to reconnect with deeper parts of yourself that are often overlooked on a day-to-day basis.
My Favourite Track: Godspeed
An Evening With Silk Sonic – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
This is the most recently released album on the list, having come out in November of last year. However, its novelty should not put you off in the slightest. An Evening With Silk Sonic is the debut album from the endlessly smooth duo Silk Sonic, comprised of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Situated in the realm of 1970s R&B, the album not only explores a range of fusion styles but also features funky legend Bootsy Collins, who interjects with some witty narrative.
My Favourite Track: Fly As Me
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill
I think there’s something incredible to be seen in those artists that can release one album and then never give us anything else again. Lauryn Hill knew exactly what she was doing when she dropped The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which was so different from the rest of the 90s hip-hop scene surrounding her. Instead of promoting violence and a bullish sense of masculinity, Hill opted for moments of truth and vulnerability. She tuned into her black heritage, combining African-American and Caribbean music, to produce a project that was completely representative of herself as a human being.
My Favourite Track: Doo Wop (That Thing)
Lost & Found – Jorja Smith
As an artist local to my hometown, I have always been inspired by Jorja Smith and I can distinctly remember counting down the days before her debut studio album release. Lost & Found is a coming-of-age story that anybody stumbling their way through adolescence can relate to. Blending together the individual colourful tones of R&B, soul and hip-hop, Smith manages to create a kaleidoscopic rainbow of sound that is nothing short of enchanting. Her velvety voice floats over every track effortlessly.
My Favourite Track: Don’t Watch Me Cry
Swimming – Mac Miller
Mac Miller will forever be that artist that left this earth too soon. Swimming was his fifth album and was released following his breakup with Ariana Grande. This context is vital to understanding the hurt that underpins the entirety of this album. Whether it is the confusion laced into the lyrics of ‘Come Back to Earth’ with Miller looking ‘for a way out / Of [his] head’ or the gracefully emotive string section introduction to ‘2009’, there is a constant dull ache that listeners can feel throbbing in both the head and the heart.
My Favourite Track: Self Care
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