When the data doesn’t match the vibes
Who cares what anyone says about data farming if it means I can track my listening history down to the minute? 😅
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On first thought…
The list according to how I rated after the first listen (4.5-5 stars)
Genuinely shocked some albums I didn’t give 5 stars on first listen considering how often I went back to a handful! Overall, I must have been critical in the top half of the year with most of my highest-rated albums having been released in the back half of this year.
I also found I was exposing myself to much more hip hop than in years prior. I’ve been out of touch and ready to tap back in!
Shown here in reverse chronological order from the date I listened to the album. Peep Cowboy Carter being the impetus for Music as Literature even existing!
On second thought…
The list according to my play count (Last.fm)
The 1975 foreverrrr!!!! For probably the 9th year in a row, they have been my top number of minutes listened. They’re always there for me, no matter what mood I’m in. There were so many standout albums this year and yet I often went back to the familiar place.
Third Thought’s an Alliteration
My list according to Composition, Lyricism, Impact and my own illogical feelings
Where a great book allows us to travel to other dimensions, these albums allow us to travel to the depths of our own memories and feelings. It’s these lyricists’ work that inspires me to keep writing about the music that drives our lives.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Unapologetically, and without hesitation: the best album of the year is Cowboy Carter.
This album is such an “I told you so,” and “I saw that coming” to *gestures around vaguely*. At risk of sounding hyperbolic, this album exists in the past, present, and future and will be talked about for years to come.
Nielly Listens 
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