The Freshman 15: 2019's Best Debut Albums
Later this month, we'll release our final list of 2019's overall best albums. But our best of 2019 coverage continues right now with a look at the year's top newcomers in music.
Above is our list of the 15 best-reviewed debut albums of 2019, ranked by Metascore. Note that albums must have at least 7 reviews—and be a full LP, rather than an EP—to be eligible for inclusion. Albums are ranked by Metascore prior to rounding (based on scores as of December 7, 2019).
(#3) The final project from singer-songwriter David Berman, formerly of the Pavement-adjacent band Silver Jews, Purple Mountains emerged after a decade away from music for Berman, and found him backed by members of the band Woods. But Berman's tragic death less than a month after the LP's release (and just days before their first tour) means that the new band's self-titled debut will also be their final statement.
“With strings, thoughtful arrangements, backup vocals, and rich production plus David Berman's inimitable wordplay and phrasing, Purple Mountains is a true masterpiece.” —Exclaim
| Buy on |
|