Looking to refresh your music library with some hidden gems? This year has been packed with stellar albums that may have flown under your radar. Whether you're into indie, experimental, or fresh takes on familiar genres, we've uncovered the best underrated albums that deserve a spot on your playlist.
From groundbreaking debuts to seasoned artists cementing their positions, these under-the-radar releases will elevate your listening experience. Ready to discover your next favourite album? Dive in and give these must-hear records the attention they deserve.
Don’t Forget Me by Maggie Rogers
This is her third album and arguably her best yet, the album serves as a reflection of past experiences blending elements of disco, rock and country which was written and recorded in just five days. Impressively, it in no way comes across as rushed and will hopefully serve as a springboard for Rogers as her career continues.
Prelude to Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party
This five-piece, growing a cult following across London’s indie venues present a lavish art-rock album. It is certainly not for everyone, with a very consistent, intense and immersive sound. Excellently composed, this is an album you have to respect even if the sound isn’t to your taste.
Dark Times by Vince Staples
Arguably Vince Staples most personal and emotionally charged album to date. Dark Times presents layered storytelling, dealing with themes such as depression, loss of innocence and loss, all wrapped up in warm and catchy beats. On first listen the album’s meaning can be easily lost as you are enveloped in the summery sound of the album.
#RICHAXXHAITIAN by Mach-Hommy
The Haitian-American rapper embarks on his first solo venture for three years. This project is a showcase of Mach’s vocal personalities, creative prowess and social consciousness. Precision, punchlines and timing characterise the 17 tracks in this album, with the fearless launch into Kreyòl throughout showcasing the relationship between identity and Mach’s work.
I Hear You by Peggy Gou
Drawing heavily on classic sounds from 80s and 90s house music, I Hear You serves as a nostalgic window into the magnum opus of dance music. The Korean DJ takes us on a tour through eras and sounds, breakbeats, a jungle loop slipped in, and several other interesting sonic experimentations throughout.
Fearless Movement by Kamasi Washington
A record which raises the bar for this age of Jazz music. Innovative, collaborative, this record is a fusion of genres done fantastically. This album is an example of pure creativity, pushing boundaries, improvising and exploring sounds. An intriguingly beautiful listen.
Lives Outgrown by Beth Gibbons
Her long-awaited solo album, 16 years on from the last project from Portishead, Gibbons’ performance is captivating. This album is not short of darkness, exploring loss and ageing, with breaks of light and warmth coming through, providing restbite. A unique sound characterised by low strings and snare-free drums, Lives Outgrown is a deeply personal project executed masterfully.
Britpop by A. G. Cook
A fantastic concept album from the lead producer of BRAT, another album on this list. With three discs spanning across the past, present and future, Cook explores a multitude of sounds, and shows himself off as a leader in the hyper-pop genre today.
World Wide Whack by Tierra Whack
A fantastic performer, with many nuances in delivery flow, World Wide Whack is more of an introspective album, different from the almost caricature-like presentation of herself in her debut Whack World. Direct lyrics and dark humour surround Whack’s character as she deals with themes around depression and anxiety in this punchy LP.
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