2026 listens
i’m way too lazy to do monthly listens so i’ll just chuck albums that I’ve listened to throughout the year into this list. i’ll write what i think about each album.
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will listen to this later
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Steve Lacy
Steve conveys vulnerability and desire for love and self-expression in each song. His vocals are enjoyable to hear and the features are a great addition. The only area where it's a little lacking is the instrumentals. Some of the songs had great production, while others felt a bit empty.
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Mac Ayres
if you know mac ayres then you definitely know ball. i discovered Mac in high school and loved his music ever since. "Magic 8ball" is smooth r&b with some great instrumentals and background vocals. my favorite song on this album is “Where you’re going tonight?”
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Odeal
this is a true summer album. it's feels like you're going to a beach party with some friends and experiencing new things along the way. This includes finding love, feeling happy to be in a vibrant environment, and emotional realizations that you might've ignored beforehand.
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Supreme Beings of Leisure
the beats are unreal. this is real dance music. i think “Supreme Beings of Leisure” represents a new generation of young people exploring themselves and letting go of their stress at a early 2000s club. such a fun listen.
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a phenomenal rap album. it’s funky, mixes in many types of instrumentals and beats, the bars are so good, and it’s a definite staple in JID’s discography. i adore JID’s musical style and how he utilizes different flows to convey a message to the emotional senses. the only song i dislike is "sk8" to be honest.
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Solange
one of the best albums ever released in the 2010s. Solange has messages of celebrating black culture, discovering yourself in a world that is fast pace and may feel like you’re behind, while exploring struggles as a young adult and feelings of anger. a must listen if you somehow haven’t heard “A Seat at the Table”.
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Madison Beer
“locket” is very “Sweetener” by Ariana Grande coded (in a good way)! i actually enjoyed listening to almost all of the songs on this album. from what i gathered, “locket” revolves around a woman who went through a break-up and is navigating that journey. pretty cohesive message. i will admit that the musical direction was a bit confusing? but i figure that it was an intentional choice. i’d give this album a solid 8.5/10
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Tinashe
Tinashe was giving out hit after hit on this album. “Songs For You” has no skips in my opinion and really showcases Tinashe’s talents. the production was great and the musical direction was cohesive and interesting.
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Kali Uchis
listening to Kali Uchis’s discography is so nostalgic to me. “Por Vida” is a great blend of genres that results in a dreamy and unique experience. it’s surreal and whimsical.
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