This article presents the top 10 albums of the week as voted by DN’s music critics: Mattias Dahlström, Kajsa Haidl, Matilda Källén, Sara Martinsson, Johanna Paulsson, Frida Söderqvist, Po Tidholm, and Gabriel Zetterström. The list focuses on albums released within the last two months and doesn’t require prior review in DN. The previous week’s ranking is indicated in parentheses.
Holding onto the top spot for the second week is Moonchild Sanelly’s ”Full Moon,” a vibrant and energetic pop/electronic album described as a ”vitamin kick.” The South African artist, likened to Charli XCX, delivers a bold and playful exploration of tequila-induced anxiety. New to the chart at number two is The Weather Station’s ”Humanhood,” a folk-rock offering showcasing the Canadian artist’s genre-bending versatility with infusions of flute and jazzy trumpets. Bad Bunny, the trendsetting megastar, enters the chart at number three with ”Debí tirar más fotos,” an Afrocaribbean pop album highlighting Puerto Rican musical styles like salsa and bomba.
SZAR’n’b’s ”Sos deluxe: Lana” drops from second to fourth place. The album, with its 15 new tracks, is praised for its perfectionistic quality and considered well worth the wait. Indie-pop veterans Saint Etienne slide down two spots to number five with ”The night.” This album marks an intriguing evolution for the band, featuring soothing ambient sounds and recorded rainfall, inviting a sense of tranquility. Making a strong debut at number six is Songhoy Blues’ ”Héritage.” The Malian rockers embrace a more acoustic and subdued sound on this album without sacrificing their characteristic drive and passion.
Cameron Winter, vocalist of Geese, lands at number seven with his witty and whimsical solo debut, ”Heavy Metal.” The album is characterized by its offbeat humor and unconventional pop arrangements. Anna Ternheim enters the chart at number eight with ”Psalmer från sjunde himlen,” her first album sung in Swedish. Collaborating with Kent’s Jocke Berg, Ternheim delivers a sympathetic and ethereal listening experience. British duo Lots of Hands debuts at number nine with ”Into a pretty room,” presenting a refreshing take on lo-fi slacker pop inspired by 90s influences.
Rounding out the top 10 is the Brighton-based duo Lambrini Girls with their debut album ”Who let the dogs out.” This energetic and confident offering, filled with clamor and swagger, showcases their noisy rock sound, and anticipates their upcoming shows in Sweden. The album slips down three positions from its previous week’s ranking of number seven. This list provides a snapshot of the current musical landscape, highlighting a diverse mix of established artists and emerging talents. Each album offers a unique sonic experience, demonstrating the breadth and depth of contemporary music.
In summary, the DN’s music critics’ top 10 album list showcases a diverse range of genres and artistic expressions. From South African pop to Canadian folk-rock, Puerto Rican Afrocaribbean pop, and Malian rock, the list embraces global musical influences. It acknowledges established acts like Saint Etienne and emerging artists like Cameron Winter and Lambrini Girls. The top three highlight Moonchild Sanelly’s energetic pop, The Weather Station’s genre-blending folk-rock, and Bad Bunny’s celebration of Puerto Rican musical heritage. The remaining entries represent various styles, from indie-pop and desert blues to lo-fi slacker pop and noisy rock.
The list emphasizes the dynamic nature of music, with albums moving up and down the chart, reflecting the ever-evolving tastes and preferences of listeners. New releases constantly challenge the status quo, while established artists continue to explore new sonic territories. The presence of both international and local acts speaks to the global interconnectedness of music, with artists drawing inspiration from diverse cultural experiences. The list serves as a valuable guide for music enthusiasts seeking to discover new and exciting sounds.
The annotations accompanying each album provide concise and insightful summaries, highlighting key features and artistic characteristics. These descriptions capture the essence of each album, providing listeners with a glimpse into the musical world they offer. The use of descriptive language like “vitamin kick,” “genre-bending versatility,” and “soothing ambient sounds” paints a vivid picture of each album’s unique sonic identity. The comparisons to established artists, such as Charli XCX, provide further context and understanding for listeners.
The inclusion of the previous week’s ranking adds another layer of information, showcasing the dynamic movement of albums within the chart. This feature allows readers to track the trajectory of each album, observing which albums are gaining momentum and which are gradually declining in popularity. It reflects the constant fluctuation of the music scene, with new releases constantly challenging the established order. The list’s format, with its concise descriptions and ranking system, makes it easily digestible and accessible to a wide audience.
The list’s emphasis on recent releases underscores the importance of staying current with the ever-changing musical landscape. By focusing on albums released within the past two months, it provides a snapshot of the most relevant and impactful music of the moment. This approach ensures that the list remains fresh and engaging, reflecting the dynamic nature of musical creation. The absence of a requirement for prior review in DN expands the scope of the list, allowing for the inclusion of albums that might not have received widespread media attention.
Furthermore, the list transcends mere commercial success, highlighting albums that are deemed artistically significant and culturally relevant. It recognizes artists who are pushing boundaries, experimenting with new sounds, and challenging conventional notions of genre. This focus on artistic merit elevates the list beyond a simple popularity contest, transforming it into a curated selection of music that is deemed worthy of recognition and appreciation.
Finally, the list serves as a testament to the power of music to connect people, inspire creativity, and reflect the diverse experiences of human existence. It celebrates the artists who create these sonic landscapes and the critics who dedicate their time and energy to appreciating and understanding the nuances of musical expression. The list is a vital resource for anyone seeking to explore the richness and diversity of contemporary music.
