I had a bit of a pop music year, since I wasn’t DJing and I was in the car a lot exploring New Zealand! Sasami’s entry into pop sound was expertly executed and endlessly catchy. Asheville’s Indigo De Souza’s new album is a dance-y delight. I couldn’t get enough of Blondshell’s intimate release, on which she shreds and devastates in equal measure. I’ve long been a fan of country-tinged rockers Wednesday, and their latest album’s intricate character portraits and picture-painting storytelling keep me coming back for more. Jensen McRae makes the best of heartbreak with her rich voice and clever lyrics, backed by the stellar producer Brad Cook. Japanese Breakfast’s latest album is a sonic dream that stands up to endless repeat listens. HAIM let loose and had a whole lot of fun (with Rostam producing!), and I couldn’t help doing the same. Snocaps arrived just in time for me, because I was diving back into p.s. eliot’s discography this year before Katie (of Waxahatchee) and Allison Crutchfield dropped this suprise new project that adds Brad Cook and MJ Lenderman for an infectious and nostalgic romp. I discovered the timeless, folk-tinged sound of Way Dynamic by way of Katie Crutchfield’s blog, and can’t get enough. Lastly, Wet Leg rocked out yet again this year and I dig it. Honorable mentions go to Dean Johnson, Geese, Reyna Tropical, and Florry for also-great releases that I wanted to put on this list but couldn’t fit!
| Artist | Album | Label | |
| 1 | Sasami | Blood On the Silver Screen | Domino |
| 2 | Indigo De Souza | Precipice | Loma Vista |
| 3 | Blondshell | If You Asked For a Picture | Partisan |
| 4 | Wednesday | Bleeds | Dead Oceans |
| 5 | Jensen McRae | I Don’t Know How But They Found Me! | Dead Oceans |
| 6 | Japanese Breakfast | For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) | Dead Oceans |
| 7 | HAIM | I quit | Columbia |
| 8 | Snocaps | Snocaps | ANTI |
| 9 | Way Dynamic | Massive Shoe | Spoilsport |
| 10 | Wet Leg | moisturizer | Domino |
