Just like last year, I listened to a stupid amount of new music in 2019, so I have again assembled expanded best-of lists for the year. There will be six categories, each featuring ten of my favorite album releases of the year, followed by five honorable mentions (except the remasters/reissues — there just weren’t that many great ones this year). Each post will feature an introduction, followed by the list, except for East Asian pop/rock, which features full blurbs for each of the top ten picks. The complete list, posting schedule, and further information are as follows:
(12/27) Top ten remasters/reissues: Any remastered or reissued album from anywhere in the world, whether CD, vinyl, box set, etc.
(12/28) Top ten debut albums: Any artist who released an original studio album for the first time in 2019 from anywhere in the world.
(12/29) Top ten original soundtracks/original scores: Any original soundtrack or score composed exclusively for film, television, or video game from anywhere in the world.
(12/30) Top ten metal/hard rock: Any hard rock or metal album released by an English-speaking and/or Western band/artist.
(12/31) Top ten pop/electronic: Any pop or electronic album released by an English-speaking and/or Western band/artist.
(01/01) Top ten East Asian pop/rock (i.e. J-pop/K-pop): Any pop or rock album released in East Asia (especially Japan and South Korea).
Once again, these lists are not meant to be exhaustive, nor absolute: they are simply a reflection of the genres I listened to the most in 2019. In addition, a lot of great songs that never appeared on albums were released this year, or were featured on just-okay albums, and I won’t be getting the chance to discuss them in this year’s lists. But every year, I enjoy talking and sharing music with you all, and since I can tell you upfront there will be no Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, or Billie Eilish anywhere on these lists, I hope you all find something new here that hasn’t already been featured ad nauseum on everyone else’s lists.
Thank you to everyone who continues to visit this tiny corner of the Internet, leaves a comment, sends a message, or connects in some way. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year, and happy listening!
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