Good day, everyone! It’s been a long time since I published my article here. Personally, I am not a huge fan of albums. Sometimes, I listen if I clean my room. However, I mostly focus on streaming stand-alone singles. For instance, I love the recent collaboration of PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson on “Stateside.” However, I’m not a fan of PinkPantheress’ and Zara Larsson’s recent albums. Although it is not my main preference, I noticed that I listen to B-sides more often as I got older. For example, I listen to BLACKPINK’s B-sides on their new EP “GO” more often than their title track. Nevertheless, I have some albums that I personally like, which I’m going to share.
10) JENNIE - Ruby
Let’s start this list with my least favorite. Yet, I still love it like the others. As a BLINK for over 8 years, this album resembles her IT Girl energy. Since its release, I listened to this album from the start to the middle of it. I’m just sad that they didn’t push “Damn Right” and “with the ie (way up)” as singles. If her founded label pushed it, the album would definitely be a hit. Moreover, I love how she chose the tracks since it seems like I’m listening to a work of art. It looks like a body of work that doesn’t feel like a cash grab compared to their group’s discography. I just put her lower since I’m not a fan of her slow songs, but I love 3/4 of the whole album.
9) Kendrick Lamar - GNX
This is the first time I loved listening to a rap album made by a man. This album is somewhat listenable, and I love his flow every time he drops a verse. It was also brilliant how he sampled some old songs and turned them into something new. For instance, “luther (with SZA)” and “peekaboo (feat. azichke)” mind-blowed me with how he sampled them. If he released some of his singles as part of his disses with Drake, it would be more lit. But you know, I love how he created this type of album, which is more personal and less focused on diss.
8) LISA - Alter Ego
My bias in BLACKPINK is LISA, so I ranked her a bit higher. Anyway, this album of LISA is more experimental. Others said that she would be more successful compared to the other girls. Yet, it turned out to be the opposite. It doesn’t sound like her branding, and I think that’s the point of this masterpiece. I love all her tracks, and two of her songs entered my Top 5 most streamed songs on Spotify. Particularly, I repeat “Born Again” and “When I’m With You” like a ritual last year. I only dislike one of her songs from the album, but the rest are good.
7) Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl
Now, let’s move on to the recent album of Taylor Swift. As usual, Taylor Swift never misses. Many people like her previous songs that sound sad, depressed, and dark. As a big fan of pop, I love how this one feels more pop compared to TTPD, which is depressing. The songs from “The Life of a Showgirl” are just tailored to make you feel happy and groovy. I love all the tracks, but I’m not that much of a fan of “Eldest Daughter.” Sorry for that. It is my recent favorite, so I put it lower in the ranking. Let’s see in the next few days if I still listen to it like I often do. I’m also glad that she didn’t release a deluxe version yet. She’s not greedy enough to do that with this album.
6) Taylor Swift - Midnights
It’s been three years, and I still love this album. For me, this is an album I can listen to without skipping. It is also the best album to play while working or studying at night. “You’re On Your Own, Kid” is my most played song from the album, and it still remains one of my favorites. Whenever I play that song during emotional moments, I get emotional. I don’t know why. Anyway, I’m not a fan of the deluxe version, but “You’re Losing Me” is something I also love to play.
5) BLACKPINK - The Album
Their entertainment company was very creative in naming their projects during this era—“The Show,” “The Movie,” and “The Album.” As someone who studied marketing, it’s very low-effort but effective branding. This was the time when BLINKs were upset, including me, since we only got 8 tracks after one year of waiting. I love all those tracks, and it helped me to ease my boredom during the pandemic. Plus, this was the time when you could still hear more Korean in their songs compared to now. For me, this is their best era.
4) Taylor Swift - 1989
Personally, this is one of the best albums that Taylor Swift has created. It completed my childhood, especially when I played her singles on music channels and YouTube. Now that I got older, I appreciate all of the tracks more. I’m not a die-hard fan, but I really appreciate this album. I’m not that comfortable listening to her re-recorded version, but I love “Clean” and “Is It Over Now” from The Vault.
3) ROSÉ - rosie
Out of the albums released by BLACKPINK members (not yet JISOO), this is my favorite. She is also the most successful among them who debuted outside of YG Entertainment. I still remember how I was obsessed with the song “APT.” along with others. Until now, it still remains my favorite, and there’s no denying that it dominated globally. The songs in the album feel like they were written during her heartbreak. It still surprised me that she had an ex since many BLINKs label her as a man-hater. I just wish she released a deluxe version.
2) Taylor Swift - reputation
This is my most liked album from Taylor Swift and my second favorite overall. For me, this album feels like revenge, which is dark, powerful, and emotional. When you listen to it, you feel like you’re facing imaginary haters. But towards the halfway to the end, you learn to move on and appreciate those who support you. It’s like a rollercoaster ride feeling. It is the official home of the songs with banger non-singles like “Don’t Blame Me,” “Gorgeous,” and “Call It What You Want.” I’m just surprised that “Getaway Car” is also a single, but it doesn’t have music video.
1) Olivia Rodrigo - SOUR
Of course, my number one is this album. SOUR feels like it was made for me, and I’m proud that I listened to it at the perfect time. She wrote it when she was 17, and I also listened to it at that age. It’s a no-skip album, and I’m proud to declare that you won’t get tired of listening to it repeatedly. It feels like experiencing heartbreak even if you haven’t gone through it. Many rumors say it was about Sabrina Carpenter, which is linked to her ex. I also think this contributed to Olivia’s relationship with Taylor Swift changing.
That’s just my Top 10 albums.