These are the 5 best (and 5 worst) Pop/R&B albums of 2019 so far, according to Pitchfork
It may be hard to wrap one's head around, but we're already well into the second half of 2019. In the past seven months, we've heard a lot of new music-some good, some bad, some downright puzzling-and there's still plenty more to come. Many of the most talked about new releases end up reviewed by Pitchfork, whose notoriously fickle staff have done much to inform the listening habits of its readers, for better or for worse, since the mid-'90s.
Here, we take a look back at the 10 albums released over the last seven months that have made the best, and worst, impressions on the wielders of the mighty 'fork. Note: this list was determined by ranking studio albums categorized as "Pop/R&B" by Pitchfork. EPs, such as Miley Cyrus' SHE IS COMING, and live albums, such as Beyoncé's Homecoming, were not included.
The Best
5. thank u, next by Ariana Grande (7.9 score)
Released five months after the catharsis of Sweetener, these songs of affirmation feel lighter, freer, and more fun, carried effortlessly by Grande’s undeniable voice.
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Ariana Grande's thank u, next, reviewed by Rawiya Kameir https://t.co/DoSinoppTf
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) February 11, 2019
4. In a Galaxy by Rina Mushonga and Utopía by Romeo Santos (Tie, 8.0 score)
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Pitchfork album review: Rina Mushonga: In a Galaxy https://t.co/pTHK09ELFr #ffobandsmusic
- FFOBandsMusic (@ffobandsMusic) February 15, 2019
[Spoiler (click to open)]
. @RomeoSantosPage's Utopía consists of lovesick anthems oozing with drama https://t.co/PDLI4HEmrW
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) April 19, 2019
3. Miss Universe by Nilüfer Yanya (8.3 score)
The rapturous debut from the British singer-songwriter takes adventurous pop-rock crucibles to new heights with her illusory songwriting and stunning voice.
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Nilüfer Yanya's Miss Universe is named Best New Music https://t.co/XjLt9UzqlK
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) March 23, 2019
2. When I Get Home by Solange (8.4 score)
[Spoiler (click to open)]
. @SolangeKnowles' When I Get Home is named Best New Music, reviewed by @_anupa https://t.co/1vN3IqKbtw
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) March 5, 2019
1. LEGACY! LEGACY! by Jamila Woods (8.5 score)
The Chicago artist marries political commentary with deep introspection, resulting in a richly composed R&B album about the echoes of the past and the promise of the future.
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Jamila Woods' LEGACY! LEGACY! is named Best New Music https://t.co/RfWrUpFsTL
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) May 18, 2019
The Worst
5. Madame X by Madonna (4.8 score)
Madonna's 14th album feels stretched thin all over the globe, layered with an ambitious concept that ends up muddled and convoluted.
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Madame X is lyrically inarticulate https://t.co/VozJwOEPAH
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) June 18, 2019
4. Free Spirit by Khalid (4.7 score)
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Khalid has no edge, so his attempts at darker songwriting come off like “Riverdale” fanfiction https://t.co/ZoaHaxaNdj
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) April 10, 2019
3. Intellexual by Intellexual (4.3 score)
The Social Experiment members reintroduce themselves as earnest singer-songwriters, but their post-genre mashup production produces more vibes than actual songs.
[Spoiler (click to open)]
The production on Intellexual is elaborate, but the songs are vapid https://t.co/vFmRIX7s0F
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) April 20, 2019
2. In My Defense by Iggy Azalea (3.8 score)
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Iggy Azalea's only defense is to continue being offensive https://t.co/gyMWMUfqiy
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) July 25, 2019
1. LSD by Labyrinth, Sia & Diplo (3.2 score)
Diplo, Sia, and Labrinth combine forces for an album of truly forgettable pop music that is too tired to be wired.
[Spoiler (click to open)]
Labrinth, Sia, and Diplo are, at least, loud https://t.co/w8bnCPjaG1
- Pitchfork (@pitchfork) April 17, 2019
Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
9, 10, 11
What have been your favorite releases of the year so far? Biggest disappointments?