"Streaming has mutated the album as a format over the past decade, lengthening tracklists, shifting where likely hits get placed, and chipping away at song runtimes. But this year, artists seemed less beholden to the bean counters at record labels and tech companies, releasing albums tailored to their own stories and musical interests.
These 10 records, spanning death metal, Americana, dance, rap, and more, don't just feature some of the most striking and virtuosic songwriting of the year."
-Stephen Kearse-
