Didn't get nearly enough top 10s for the end of 2019? Well here's one more. Here are my top 10 albums of 2019, in no particular order:

When Of Monsters and Men (OMAM) released their first album, "My Head is an Animal," in 2011, I was in 9th grade. Before then, I had never had a "favorite band."

Of Monsters and Men took that position.

"FEVER DREAM" is a wonderland for anyone who likes Of Monsters and Men. While this album contains more pop elements and electronic instruments than their previous albums, OMAM still manages to let some of their Icelandic folk/indie roots shine through. I personally really enjoy the new sounds they're making.

In addition, I love bands that sound the same live and in studio. I saw these guys over the summer, and I can testify that they are just as good live as they sound on the album.

Favorite Songs: "Ahay", "Alligator", "Wild Roses"

Full disclosure: I have been a Taylor Swift fan since her first album in 2006. She was also my most listened to artist of 2019, so it shouldn't be a surprise that this is on my list.

Taylor Swift's "Lover" features a more grown-up sound than has existed on her previous albums. Overall, this album is more similar to "1989" than her last album, "Reputation," with lighter, upbeat pop songs and I'm 100% here for it.

Where Swift really shines is in her songwriting. Songs like "Death By a Thousand Cuts" and "Soon You'll Get Better (feat. Dixie Chicks)" Showcase Swift's poetic style of lyric-writing. "Soon You'll Get Better" and "Paper Rings" also feature country vibes, which hearken back to Swift's beginnings.

As far as pop goes, the first two tracks are strong entries. While she hasn't released it as a single yet, "Cruel Summer" will hit the top 10 when it is released, and you can hold me to that. It's just too catchy. And that's that.

While "1989" is probably still my favorite T-Swizzle album to date, Lover makes a strong case to be no. 2. Only time will tell.

Favorite Songs: "I Forgot That You Existed", "I Think He Knows", "Paper Rings", "It's Nice to Have a Friend"

This album was a dark horse to me. I chose to listen to it to review it for The Utah Statesman, the newspaper I work for.

I am glad I did.

In "III", you'll hear more of Colorado-based The Lumineers' signature acoustic sound. What makes this album special is the underlying stories that accompany this album through the lyrics and associated music videos. These stories tell tales of addiction and the destruction that occurs in the addicted, their friends and their families. These stories also tie in to characters introduced in previous Lumineers albums.

Pretty heavy stuff.

But the lyrics are so hauntingly beautiful, they stick with you days after you listen.

If I had one word to describe this album in one word, it would be that: beautiful.

Favorite Songs: "Donna", "Gloria", "Democracy"

If there were a definition for "gorgeous albums" in the dictionary, this would be it.

Ritt Momney is a great songwriter and this album is as close to a masterpiece as you can get in the world of the indie singer-songwriter genre. The lyrics for these songs could easily stand alone as poetry, but their emotional depth is increased when music is added.

One of the things I appreciate most about Ritt Momney is his use of electronics to auto-tune his voice. While many artists use auto-tune to (in my opinion) cover up a sub-par voice, Ritt Momney uses this tool to add interest and emotion.

Favorite Songs: "(If) the Book Doesn't Sell", "Pollution/Disclaimer", "Wormwood"

Confession time:
Billie Eilish used to scare me, which kept me from listening to her music.
After listening to her debut album, I can now appreciate her music (but she still scares me a little bit, tbh).

This album is different from any other pop album that came out in 2019. And that's what makes it so good.

Billie's mostly whispered vocals, combined with her brother, Finneas', unique production caused Billie Eilish to enter my top 5 most listened to artists on Spotify for 2019. This album plays like an album should: a cohesive piece of work. The final track, "goodbye", wraps up the entire work as a reprise of the songs that came before. It's just so satisfying.

Listen, if you still aren't sure about her, try giving some of my fav songs a try. Just don't watch her music videos. They will give you nightmares lol.

Favorites: "bad guy", "you should see me in a crown", "when the party's over",

For as long as I do these lists (which is probably not long tbh), Jacob Collier will probably be on my list solely for the musicianship present on his records.

Like, this guy recorded his first album in his basement bedroom and won two Grammys for it.

That kind of talent.

Djesse Vol. 2 is a little calmer overall than Collier's previous volume. There is a bit more acoustic material and these songs give you time to soak in the multi-layered harmonies and polyrhythms. Songs like "Make Me Cry", "Sky Above", and "Feel" are good examples of this.

That isn't to say all the songs on this album are mellow. There are some high-energy performances here. The most prominent example to me is "Nebaluyo." This African-influenced tune has the craziest saxophone solo I have heard thus far. (If you're reading this and have other crazy saxaphone solos, send them to me. I'm always looking for crazy stuff.)

Favorites: "Make Me Cry", "Feel (feat. Lianne La Havas)", "It Don't Matter (feat. JoJo)", "Nebaluyo (feat. Oumou Sangaré)"

I'm a sucker for talented female pop artists.

Ariana Grande included.

She is one of the best pop vocalists in the market right now, hands down. I never thought I'd like her music when she first started, but I have really enjoyed the genre she's settled with: pop/r&b with some trap beats thrown in, just for good measure.

All I can say is, if you still think she's overrated, just go listen to a few live recordings.

Favorites: "NASA", "bad idea", "bloodline", "break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored" 

Over the summer, I worked in Salt Lake City and had to take the train every day. This gave me lots of opportunities to listen to new music and decide if I liked it. I had seen some buzz about Sego, a band from Utah, and their new album. One day, I decided to listen to it. It took a few listening sessions to get into "Sego Sucks," but it soon became one of my favorite albums of the summer.

"Sego Sucks" is the ultimate "Who cares?" album. Like, every song just makes me think of a surfer dude who literally could not care less what anyone else thinks of him and it's fun. Enough said.

Favorites: "Neon Me Out", "Shame", "Coming Home"

Sara Bareilles was one of the artists I was able to see in 2019 and I lucked out.

Sara is the real deal. After finishing work on her Broadway musical, "Waitress", "Amidst the Chaos" is her first non-"Waitress" album since 2013.

This album is one of my go-to stress reliever albums. It is such a pleasant album, with meaningful lyrics and just enough groove to keep you bouncing around the house as you listen. Sara's voice is the perfect blend of commanding and lifting.

This album is really just a pleasure to listen to.

Favorites: "No Such Thing", "If I Can't Have You", "Miss Simone", "Orpheus"

Last, but not least, we have another Utah band, "The Moth & the Flame." I have enjoyed their music since their EP, "&," came out in 2013.

Let's cut to the chase. You will probably like this album if you like alternative rock bands like Coldplay, early Imagine Dragons, and other smaller bands (including Sego (see above)).

My favorite song on this album is definitely "The New Great Depression." It is such a good song and it, plus its music video, talk about depression and mental illness in a way that I haven't heard before.

Give 'em a try! You just might like it!

Favorites: "The New Great Depression", "Beautiful Couch", "Do What You Love", "Red Rising"

• ​Father of the Bride by Vampire Weekend
• Search by NF
• Human by dodie
• Stranger Songs by Ingrid Michaelson
  

Surprise! Just as you thought all of the "Top __ of 2018" were over, I present you with one more. In case you don't know me in person, I am a music fan. As such, I felt it was only my moral and civic responsibility to share some of fav albums of 2018 (in no particular order).

(I realize it's been over 3 months since the last post. But that's the beauty of this blog here. There are no deadlines.)

CRAZYTALK - Mat Kearney

Oregon-native Mat Kearney is one of my favorite artists, and his 2015 album, "Just Kids," is a record I continue to listen to regularly. His newest release, "CRAZYTALK," did not disappoint. Mat continues his dive into a unique mix of EDM and chill vocals with this album. Mat's style of rapping/talking/singing gives the album some nice vibes. It's a great album to listen to when you need some time to relax.
Recommended tracks: Kings & Queens, Better than I Used to Be

Djesse (Vol. 1) - Jacob Collier

If you haven't had the chance to listen to musical prodigy Jacob Collier explain his take on music theory topics, go check it out. I apologize if your brain explodes (mine does every time). This album is the first of a four-part album series.  Jacob's album ranges everywhere from crazy jazz piano solos (All Night Long) to quiet, subtle choral music (Home Is) and everything in between. Now, I understand if some of his music just doesn't jive with you, but I believe music is all about broadening your horizons, and Jacob is a modern-day prodigy: doing things that no one else is with his crazy harmonies and polyrhythms.
Recommended tracks: The first 3 tracks on the album (listen to these in order), All Night Long

Sweetener - Ariana Grande

Whatever you may think of Ariana Grande and her style, she has got a VOICE and this album perfectly suits her style.  I listened to this album after seeing Ariana on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden. Since then, it has become one of my favorite pop albums. Like ever. This whole album is a bop, and is one of those albums I can listen to straight through over and over. And that's why it's on my list.
Recommended tracks: R.E.M., no tears left to cry, goodnight n go

Simulation Theory - Muse

Very solid album. I've been a Muse fan for a little while now, and have enjoyed their progression in each album over time. "Simulation Theory" continues their high-energy, politically-driven rock music (with the occasional classical piano feature). Muse's theatrical presence on stage, in their music videos, and in this album remind me heavily of Queen, which may be another reason why I enjoy their music so much. 
Recommended tracks: Break it to Me (LOVE the use of autotune and the solo around 2:45), Thought Contagion (that hi-hat tho)

Trench - twenty one pilots

TØP made it big with their 2015 album, "Blurryface." The follow-up to that album came in the form of "Trench." While different from Blurryface, this album still has the signature sound of twenty one pilots. The amount of world-building and mystique surrounding this album is really what made this album for me. The album represents anxiety/depression/mental illness as a city named Trench. Themes of dealing with depression and escaping "Trench" abound throughout the album, finishing with stark lyrics: "In time, I will leave the city/For now, I will stay alive." This spark of hope for those who feel none is one of the most powerful ways music can be used. I really admire twenty one pilots for being willing to talk about difficult topics in their music.
Recommended tracks: Pet Cheetah (if you're feeling a rave coming on), Jumpsuit (one of the best uses of screaming in music I've heard), Neon Gravestones (My absolute favorite song on this album. Gets me emotional every time. Such a powerful song.)

And that's a wrap! 2019 is already off to a strong start in the music, so I'm sure this  Let me know what your favorites were last year.

​Today was the definition of a perfect day in Logan.

​With it being so nice outside, I decided to set up my hammock in an area with lots of trees on campus. After sitting down, I began to notice everything around me. The trees were a fiery yellow. The wind blew fallen leaves across the grass below me. The sky was a stunning, continuous blue. I was overwhelmed in gratitude and almost in disbelief over how perfect the day was.

After sitting still and enjoying the setting, I decided to read some of the things I brought with me. I read some scriptures and some articles from the weekend newspaper. Eventually, I ended up finishing one of my favorite books, Coraline, for the third time.
 
(Have you read Coraline? If not, I highly recommend it. I highly recommend it, even if you have read it. It probably deserves its own dedicated post one day. Alexa, remind me to write solely about Coraline one day.)
 
At the beginning of the book, Coraline is convinced her life/house/situation must be the most boring and mundane thing in existence. After some terrifying experiences, Coraline makes it home again. Because of her experiences, she has a new outlook on her life, though.

“The sky had never seemed so sky, the world had never seemed so world. . . . Nothing, she thought, had ever been so interesting.”
 
At the end of the book, there was a Q&A with Neil Gaiman, the author. Gaiman was asked, “Are things really magical, or do you make them magical by believing in them?” His answer stood out to me:

​“I think most things are pretty magical, and that it’s less a matter of belief than it is one of just stopping to notice.”
 
How often do we miss the magic in life because we’re waiting for the grand finale instead of enjoying the rest of the show?

I know I do it way too often. I get caught up in the day-to-day routines of life. I do what needs to be done, but I don’t take time to notice the miracles around me. Those little screens (you're probably reading this on one) keep me from experiencing all this life has to offer. Every day, there are moments of magic that pass me by because I'm not looking for them.

This world is too awe-inspiring to just trudge through.

Let’s try to notice the magical parts of our lives this week.

Take a deep breath as you're going to work or school and notice the smells, sounds, sights, and people around you. Try eating a meal where you simply enjoy the food instead of scrolling through social media or reading a news article (even if the meal is nothing more than top ramen). Have a conversation with someone you haven't met before. Notice how you feel and acknowledge your emotions.

That's when life will begin to feel magical.

The world is lacking a lot of  things.

Love.
Understanding.
Forgiveness.
Honesty.

The list could go on and on, but people sharing their opinions on the internet is not on there.

Well, that's too bad, because the internet is getting another one today.

Don't worry, this won't be one of those propaganda machine. If anything it's for my own sake than anyone else's. I plan on posting about my adventures in the world we live in, my thoughts on things I read, and just finding ways to share what is going on in my brain. If you want to join in, feel free. If not, no hard feelings.

"And...here...we...go." - Joker