Editors' Choice for December 2019

Album cover for Romance

Romance

Epic

The former Fifth Harmony singer's ecstatic sophomore album finds her in the sway of new love with a candid pop sophistication.

— Matt Collar

Album cover for The Odd Czar Against Us

The Odd Czar Against Us

Silver Age
Rap

The rap supergroup's third full-length of 2019 is a bit more true to life than their usual comic-inspired output.

— Paul Simpson

Album cover for Duster

Duster

Muddguts / Numero / Numero Group

After a long break, the influential slowcore trio return to craft an impressive record that's a more lo-fi and sonically challenging take on their sound.

— Tim Sendra

Album cover for Encores

Encores

Decca

Not encores in the usual sense, but personal favorites of the great Nelson Freire, magnificently played.

— James Manheim

Album cover for Libertad 548

Libertad 548

Mr. 305

On his Mr. 305 label debut, the Miami rapper and friends deliver heady, beat-driven reggaeton and Latin rap wedded to soul, funk, and rock grooves.

— Thom Jurek

Album cover for WHO

WHO

Interscope / Polydor

The Who grapple with aging and the chaos of the modern world in this surprisingly lively album.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Album cover for Paraiso

Paraiso

Leaving Records

The elusive beatmaker (and chef) returns with a brief but tantalizing slice of daydream-worthy lo-fi ambient hip-hop.

— Paul Simpson