47 Albums That Made 2019 Seem Almost Bearable

"Brooklyn rapper Kota the Friend's debut album absolutely needs to be listened to sequentially and all the way through — the pacing is just perfect. Foto tackles issues of self-esteem, love, and family against mellow beats and with introspective and insightful lyrics. Songs like 'Solar Return' and 'For Colored Boys' act as love letters to the rapper's young son, and the heartbreakingly honest 'Bagels' explores confident confessions of insecurity. 'Alkaline' and 'Backyard' are also favorites — they're upbeat and fun to dance to, but the lyrics will still make you think. I've been listening to this album (in order!) nonstop." — Britt Stephens, content director