Alyssa Moore's Top 5 Albums of the Decade
I’m so excited Emily let me bully her into letting me write this! I moved to Philadelphia after spending four years in Pittsburgh for school and have already spent 75% of my time here going to concerts, so it’s great to share my music opinions with people! I tried to pick my top 5 based on which albums I listen to the most, though there are a lot more I could add, for example, the entirety of Big Time Rush’s discography. When I’m not at concerts or promoting BTR, I’m trying to convince people I’m funny with satire writing on sites like Points in Case and Sally Mag, check them out if you want!
Alvvays - S/T (2014)
In 2015, my friend made me a playlist absolutely filled with this album, and I was immediately hooked. The band has since released a second album, Antisocialites, which is probably a better exposition of their honed sound and style, but there’s something special about their self-titled debut record. The lyrics are incredibly pleading and desperate, but in lead vocalist Molly Rankin’s voice, it sounds wistful and cloudy. Backed with some indie pop, this has been one of my favorites for the decade.
Kevin Abstract - Arizona Baby (2019)
I debated putting one of the BROCKHAMPTON albums here instead, but I was so hopelessly dedicated to this solo album when it was released. I must have listened to “Joyride” almost 300 times. Abstract’s ironically straightforward lyricism and introspective-perspective make each track worth listening to 300 times.
Mal Blum - You Look A Lot Like Me (2015)
On paper, I am not a fan of Mal Blum. However, the pure punk backing gives energy and voice to creative and clever songwriting that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. Offset by stunning acoustic ballads filled with heartbreaking journeys of discovery, their soft voice makes this hardcore artist one I always go back to in tough times.
Twin Peaks - Wild Onion (2014)
I almost put every Twin Peaks album on this list but I didn’t want Emily to get mad at me. Anyway, I go hard for every record this band puts out. If you want rock n’ roll in 2019, this band is your best bet. They keep their music light and fun, giving all their songs a youthful vivacity and almost folksy relaxed tone. This record leans away from low and slow, but their later albums even that out. This one’s just fun.
Melodrama - Lorde (2017)
It’s a meme because it’s true. Melodrama was one of the best albums of the decade, hands down. Personally, she hit all the right beats of the adolescent experience right as her target audience was embracing that life. It didn’t hurt that she paired these experiences with exciting dance beats, unexpected approaches to song structure, and of course, killer vocals. What a great album, I can’t wait to rediscover it in a year and remember the vastness of the Lorde’s power.