This year was about returning power to the artists.

With the rise of DIY recording processes outside of the bedroom pop genre and the prominence of mental health, the music created in 2019 was more introspective than ever. Artists were not afraid to be experimental with their sounds and ideas, which made it so that their true voices shone through. Some artists changed the entire outline of a genre, while others put a full spectrum of emotions on show.

The albums we have chosen to highlight affected us and our KCSU community in big ways by showing us how music continues to evolve and grow.

Cheers to an amazing year of music!

— Monty Daniel, Music Director

Find “top albums of the year” reviews by some of your favorite DJs below.