January
Illinois - Sufjan Stevens
Now in 2026, this is my favorite album I’ve listened to this year. It’s been an obsession. Despite listening to songs on this album before, this time I was much more delighted by it.
Among favorites: John Wayne Gacy, Jr., The Man of Metropolis Steals our Hearts, The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!, They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh!, Chicago, Casimir Pulaski Day, Jacksonville, Come On! Feel the Illinoise!. In summary, almost all of the album. The interlude songs were pleasant too.
Beautiful instrumentals. Some of the production, maybe I’m attributing this wrongly, reminded me of Fiona Apple. For example, the DIY like sounds from Fetch the Bolt Cutters and such melodies. Beautiful piano, some choir sections as well. It gets more rhytmic at times, just so good!!!
When I hear the beginning of The Predatory Wasp.. song, it’s like a shiver gets through me - such a beautiful melody. I also love the lyrics of this one, God… Casimir Pulaski Day as well..
Shall I say 10/10, 9.5/10?
From Elvis in Memphis - Elvis Presley
I’m aware I was not the most focused person while having this album in the background… I love Suspicious Minds the most, and I knew of it beforehand (when Priscilla (2003) was released…). I see I also added I’ll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms) to my Favorites - I love the romantic songs, what can I say.
Again, I feel very shaky in any judgements I share, because it usually takes me 2 encounters to fully “get” either a song, album etc., similar to my The Beatles obsession last year (2025 Album log). Maybe this will change too with Elvis. For being The Kind of Rock, surely I did not familiarize myself enough with his discography. Anyways, The Beatles clear :*
Private Dancer - Tina Turner
I enjoyed the first half of this album more, even though I still liked it a lot. So 80s in sound, I loved it. Shame on me for not knowing Turner is called The Queen of Rock, oopsie.
Favorites: What’s Love Got to Do with It, Show Some Respect, Private Dancer
Appetite for Destruction - Guns N’ Roses
I think this is the first time I listened to this album fully. What a classic.
It feels a bit weird - I haven’t listened to some hard rock in a while.
choke enough - Oklou
Looking at the end of this month, choke enough is the album I’m still listening to almost daily. harvest sky is my favorite song, I love the collab with FKA Twigs for viscus too. I feel that some other songs might be too… quiet, foggy, for my liking, I’m not really sure how to express that. I do not really trust my opinion here, cause if I come back to it in the future, I might do an 180.
The Tiny Desk Concert was so beautiful.
Second Toughest in The Infants - Underworld
A blast. Great electronic music to work and to move to.
Blue Lines - Massive Attack
There was always something bugging me regarding the voice of Horace Andy is songs like One Love… On another listen, I found the album much better, with songs like Safe From Harm and Be Thankful For What You’ve Got.
Granted, I still feel that Mezzanine is a superior album.
Transient - Gaelle
This album was recommended to my by a friend via a TikTok which compiled “albums to move to”, and it truly matches the description. I loved the mix of r&b, house even, maybe like Frou Frou at times. Give it Back was my favorite.
February
Breath From Another - Esthero
This album was among the highest rated ones in the Trip Hop category on RYM, so I gave it a try.
I’m in love with Heaven Sent, the blend of rock in here is amazing. The vocals sound like Bjork at places, funnily enough. Overall, the genre blend in this album is really tasteful. Indigo Boy is one of my favorites as well, the title track too.