SAPB's Favorite Albums 2019
Last night’s Grammy Awards honored some of the biggest names in music. Although only nine awards were presented during the televised ceremony, Billie Eilish was the uncontested star of the night, taking home all four of the award show’s biggest honors: Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Album of the Year. For SAPB’s first blog post, rather than debating whether the Grammy’s got it right, we decided to simply take a look back at the albums our Executive Board loved most in 2019.
Hollywood’s Bleeding Post Malone
Viktoriya Manolova Fundraising And Collaborations Co-Director
This was my favorite album of the year because Post Malone is one of my favorite artists and while he remains consistent with the sound and feel of his records, he manages to incorporate slight changes that keep his fans eagerly awaiting his next release.
Heard It In A Past Life Maggie Rogers
Elizabeth Short Comedy Vice Chair
This album manages to convey so many beautiful messages about growth and finding yourself in several unique styles. When you put these songs on, you can't help but feel seen and heard. Not to mention, it's fantastic dance music.
Norman Fucking Rockwell Lana Del Ray
Sophia Cavalluzzi Hospitality Chair
This was my favorite Lana album since Born to Die. It's perfect for my sad girl moments but also makes me happy at the same time.
1000 Gecs 100 Gecs
Sean McManus BUMP Vice Chair
It's just the best and craziest blend of genres I've heard in a long while and I think it just goes really hard.
Lover Taylor Swift
Joseph Delli Gatti Insights Chair
I don't follow music too much anymore, but back when I used to follow it, I enjoyed Taylor Swift's music. I have heard a couple of songs from this album so far that I like. (Plus, my sister is a major fan of Taylor Swift and would never forgive me if I did not have her album as my favorite.)
Pony Rex Orange County
Jess Brown Concerts Chair
My favorite album of 2019 is Pony by Rex Orange County. Even though it is a recent release, it hasn't failed to take over my music library. Pony is an album that incorporates bubbly synth and string instruments to walk you through Alex's journey. I love this album so much because track after track I feel I can resonate with the honest accounts of the joys of love and life and also the fear that comes with change and uncertainty. Overall his vulnerability and the sincerity that comes from it gives something for all listeners to grasp on to and, no matter the mood, allows you to sing your heart out.
Father of the Bride Vampire Weekend
Maya Kallman Fundraising And Collaborations Co-Director
I love switch up between really happy upbeat songs and quieter more reflective ones. There's a song for every mood on this album :)
While We Wait Kehlani
Jill Pizzuto Comedy Chair
Because every song is an absolute bop, and Kehlani is an absolute goddess.
Cuz I Love You Lizzo
Christopher Wright Vice President of Programming
This was my favorite album of 2019 because Lizzo undoubtedly made her mark with some incredible music in this album. It felt like a refreshing mix of soul and R&B that you just can't help but listen to over and over. Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande was another favorite of mine.
Death Race Juice WRLD
Nick Stanton Festivals Chair
My favorite album of 2019 was Death Race for Love by Juice WRLD. I've been a big fan of his since early 2018, and I like that I can listen to his songs in different settings and with different people. After listening to the album multiple times this year, I've realized I never get tired of it and can play it at any time of the day.
Heaven Surrounds You Surf Curse
Shaye Dorsey Executive Coordinator & Insights Vice Chair