Thank you
@BubblegumBoy for making the tread this year. Have been in a bit of a weird place so my mind hasn't been on posting as much lately, but there have been so many great recommendations already I intend to check out. (Some of my most-played albums this year were ones I found in last year's thread...!)
For my part, I bring to the table:
Jack J - "Blue Desert"
Vibe: ‘90s downbeat, Balearic, shoegaze-y; equal parts romantic and unsettling. Pretty close to my AOTY.
Fave tracks: "Wrong Again," "At My Door"
Liam Benzvi - "...And His Splash Band"
Vibe:
The queer album of the year. Beautiful soundscapes, heartfelt lyricism, and airtight pop melodies with contributions from Blood Orange, SSION, and others.
Fave tracks: "Other Guys," "2N4"
Zsela - "Big For You"
Vibe: A mix of crunchy alt-rock, nocturnal R&B, and (somehow) 90's adult contemporary. I love the way she uses her voice and the guitarwork here is sublime. Nilufer Yanya girls need to give this one a listen for sure.
Fave tracks: "Not Your Angel," "Fire Excape"
Gossip - "Real Power"
Vibe: This was posted but... It needs to be shouted out again. A mature effort bursting with some of their most catchy hooks but also Beth's most heartbreaking lyrics. The middle 8 of "Edge of The Sun" cuts me open every time I hear it.
Fave tracks: "Edge of The Sun," "Crazy Again," "Give It Up For Love"
World Brain - Open Source
Vibe: Bridging the digital and the organic, and dream pop with something more grounded, this is a relaxing balm of a record for troubled times featuring a distinct Fench touch.
Fave tracks: "Open," "Ville fleurie"
I also second Gavin Turek, Ravyn Lenae, and Maeta - all essential listening for R&B girlies.