Best of

The Best Of: 2024

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2024 was the first year since 2019 that felt somewhat normal. No shutdowns, no mass panic, and no widespread illness. Despite that, I didn’t consume as much media as I once did. Still, I kept up my tradition of creating a “Best Of” list. While music and TV had standout years, movies and video games felt like they fell short in delivering top-tier entertainment. Take a look at my list below, and let me know what your “Best Of” picks for 2024 are!

Read more: The Best Of: 2024

Best Movie
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
The long-awaited sequel to one of my favorite childhood movies finally came to life. While the story wasn’t perfect, it gave me everything I hoped for—a chance to revisit the world of Beetlejuice. It also happened to be the only movie I saw in theaters this year, during a date night with my wife while my sister watched our 1.5-year-old. Rumor has it there’s another installment in the works, and you can bet I’ll be first in line to see it!

BeetleJuice Beetlejuice Movie

Runners-up: The Instigators, The 4:30 Movie

Best TV Show
From
One of the most underrated streaming shows currently airing is From. It stands out in today’s binge-watch era by sticking to a weekly release schedule, reminiscent of traditional TV. This approach builds anticipation and keeps viewers engaged week after week, adding to the show’s unique appeal. With Season 3 now complete, the show seems to be gaining more momentum and recognition, but it still feels like a hidden gem. Unfortunately, like all great TV series, fans are left with a long wait for the next season, which only adds to the suspense and excitement. Part of its under-the-radar status likely comes from its home on MGM+, a relatively obscure streaming service that many people overlook. But make no mistake—this is a show worth seeking out. If you haven’t discovered From yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this gripping series and see what the buzz is all about.

From TV Show

Runners-up: Landman, Silo

Best Music Album
Post Malone – F-1Trillion
In a move that surprised the world, Post Malone ventured into country music with the release of his first country album—and unlike the attempts of some other pop stars, this one is genuinely great. Seamlessly blending his signature style with the rich sounds of Texas country, Post delivered an album that feels both authentic and innovative. The project features collaborations with several established country heavyweights, adding depth and credibility to the album while still letting Posty’s unique sound shine through. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, packed with tracks that feel like instant classics. As if the original release wasn’t enough, the extended version, Long Bed, includes a collection of solo songs that showcase Post’s versatility and storytelling prowess even further. These additional tracks prove he’s not just dabbling in country but genuinely understands and respects the craft. Fans are already speculating about what’s next for Post Malone—whether he’ll continue exploring the country scene or venture into yet another unexpected genre. Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: Posty knows how to keep us guessing, and we’re all here for the ride.

Post Malone F-1 Trillion: Long Bed Album

Runners-up: Muscadine Bloodline – The Coastal Plain, Quinn XCII – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Best Song
I Had Some Help – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
F-1 Trillion delivered a collection of undeniable hits, but the standout track of the summer was undoubtedly “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen. This collaboration brought together two chart-topping powerhouses to create a timeless anthem that perfectly captures the genre. The blend of Post Malone’s signature style and Wallen’s country grit resulted in a genre-defying masterpiece that resonated across audiences. The lyrics hit home with heartfelt storytelling, while the infectious melody made it impossible not to sing along. It’s the kind of song that feels just as fresh on a summer road trip as it does on a quiet night under the stars. With both artists at the top of their game, “I Had Some Help” feels like an instant classic, the kind of track you’ll be revisiting for years. It’s a testament to their ability to push boundaries and create something truly memorable. If this song is any indication of what’s to come from either artist, the future of music looks incredibly bright.

I Had Some Help – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen Song

Runners-up: 10-90 – Muscadine Bloodline, Little Love – Joe Samba

Best Video Game
College Football 2025
With the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, College Football 2025 marks a groundbreaking return to form for the franchise, finally allowing real players’ names, likenesses, and personalities to shine rather than just faceless numbers. For fans of the old NCAA Football games, this isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a full-fledged revival. What sets College Football 2025 apart is that it’s not simply a rebranded version of Madden. The game has its own distinct vibe, capturing the passion, unpredictability, and traditions of college football. From the electrifying atmosphere of campus stadiums to unique playbooks tailored to college programs, it’s a refreshing alternative to the polished but often formulaic Madden series. In fact, I find myself preferring it to Madden’s 2025 entry, as it feels more dynamic and less constrained. The game does an excellent job of honoring its legacy while incorporating modern gameplay mechanics, making it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers. It’s a return to what made the series so beloved in the early 2000s, with updated visuals and deeper immersion. This first new installment in years has set the stage for what could become a staple in sports gaming once again. Here’s hoping EA keeps the momentum going and continues to build on this solid foundation for future seasons. College football fans finally have the game they’ve been waiting for, and it was worth the wait.

College Football 2025 Video Game

Runners-up: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Best Mobile Game
Balatro
One of the most unexpected gaming successes of the year was Balatro, a game that, if someone had described it to me, I would have never imagined playing. Yet, after hearing glowing recommendations from fellow gamers, I decided to give it a shot—and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Balatro is a unique take on the roguelike genre, blending it with the strategy of a card game. The twist? It’s built entirely around draw poker, using standard poker cards as its foundation. But it’s far from your average poker game. You build your deck as you play, factoring in thousands of possible modifiers, upgrades, and synergies that completely change how each round unfolds. Every session feels fresh, unpredictable, and endlessly replayable. What truly pushed Balatro into the spotlight was its release on iOS and Android later in the year, making it more accessible than ever. With the portability of mobile gaming added to the experience, it’s become a go-to game whether I’m at home or on the move. In fact, I’ve played Balatro on no less than four platforms this year, and each one brings its own unique charm to the game. What makes Balatro so special isn’t just its innovative concept, but the way it draws you in with simple mechanics that quickly reveal layers of strategic depth. It’s the kind of game that hooks you for hours at a time without you even realizing it. For a game I initially thought I’d never touch, it’s easily become one of my favorites of the year.

Balatro Video Game

Runners-up: NYT Games, Vampire Survivors

Best iOS App
HerePix
Self-Promotion Alert:
This September, I hit a big milestone—I released my very first iOS app, HerePix! The app is designed to let you easily see the photos you’ve taken at your current location. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite spot, reminiscing about past trips, or simply curious about what moments you’ve captured nearby, HerePix brings those memories right to your fingertips. Creating HerePix has been an incredible learning experience. As a developer, I built this app primarily for myself to solve a problem I often had, but it turns out it’s something others find useful too. And honestly, I have no shame in plugging it here—it’s a project I’m genuinely proud of! What makes HerePix special to me is that it perfectly blends function with nostalgia. It’s incredibly rewarding to open the app and instantly reconnect with photos tied to specific places. Plus, seeing other people enjoy and benefit from something I created has been just as fulfilling as the development process itself. Even though it’s my own creation, HerePix is hands down my favorite app of the year. If you’re an iOS user, I’d love for you to check it out—who knows, it might become one of your favorites too! Here’s to the start of many more exciting projects ahead.

HerePix.app

Runners-up: Overcast, Untappd

Best Podcast
Upgrade
If you’re an Apple enthusiast or just love keeping up with the latest tech, Upgrade is a must-listen weekly podcast hosted by two people I always enjoy hearing from, Myke Hurley and Jason Snell. The show dives deep into everything happening in the world of Apple, covering new product releases, software updates, and the latest industry trends coming out of Cupertino. What sets Upgrade apart is its thoughtful structure. With regular segments like “Snell Talk” and “Ask Upgrade,” plus breaking news and occasional insider insights, Myke and Jason strike the perfect balance between informative and entertaining. Their chemistry and shared passion for the subject make even the most technical discussions engaging and approachable. One of my favorite aspects of the show is their annual “best of the year” episode, the Upgradies, where they celebrate the best Apple products, apps, and even broader categories like movies and TV. It’s a fun, insightful way to reflect on the year in tech and culture. In fact, their approach to the Upgradies inspired my own yearly “Best Of” list—it’s a tradition I look forward to every year. If you’re into Apple or tech in general, Upgrade is the perfect way to stay informed and entertained while getting perspectives from two seasoned experts.

Upgrade Podcast

Runners-up: Reconcilable Differences, Connected

Best Tech Product
Ray-Ban Meta
Smart glasses have arrived—well, sort of. Meta recently released a sleek pair of glasses (or sunglasses) that can do it all: talk to AI, snap pictures, and even play music. In short, they’re pretty impressive. With their blend of style and functionality, these glasses are poised to become the next big thing. They’ve already made a splash as one of the hottest holiday gifts this year, and it’s only a matter of time before you start seeing them everywhere. Read my review for more!

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Runners-up: Meta Quest 3s, reMarkable Paper Pro

Best New Apple Product
Mac mini M4 Pro
Apple redesigned the Mac mini for the first time since 2008. It got a lot smaller, faster, and better overall. Coinciding with the release of the M4 CPU, the Mac mini also gets the Pro version of the chip making it the current fastest desktop computer you can buy. I replaced my M2 Max Mac Studio with this tiny little guy and have been loving it ever since.

https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/

Runners-up: iPhone 16 Pro Max, AirPods 4

Fried Potato Shapes Ranked

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Rather than delving into the cliché “New Year, New Me” resolutions, let’s shift our focus to the realm of fried potatoes and the art of savoring them. In those moments of solitary contemplation, my thoughts often align with the contents of this specific list. While my intention in the new year may be to indulge less in these delectably greasy treats, the mere glimpse of this list allows me to mentally relish the flavors associated with each entry. of the ranked fried potato list.

1. Potato Tot
To craft the perfect tater tot, start by dicing a potato into petite pieces, shaping them into adorable tot forms, and then immersing them into the sizzling depths of the deep fryer. Tater tots, the result of this culinary perfection, effortlessly mixes the most exquisite qualities of hash browns and French fries, forming a mouthwatering, juicy nugget of flavor. The unique combination of textures and tastes places the tater tot in the esteemed position of my favorite among the diverse French fry shapes. It stands as a testament to the culinary genius that can be achieved by combining the crispiness of fries with the hearty goodness of hash browns. While not always readily available, the quest for the perfect tater tot finds its pinnacle at GetGo, which, as of my last update, stands out as the ultimate destination for indulging in these delectable treats.


2. Curly
When you cut a potato in a circular motion, you get the delightful curly fry, known for its unique shape and extra seasoning. While enjoyable, they secure the second spot on my list. Right now, Arby’s takes the lead with the best curly fry, thanks to their perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.


3. Crinkle-cut
Take a potato and skillfully slice it into strips using a specially designed serrated edge, and voila – you have the delightful crinkle-cut fry. These fries typically boast a slightly thicker profile compared to your standard French fry, and when deep-fried, they develop a satisfyingly crisp exterior. A recent addition to my preferred fry varieties, I must say that Raising Cane’s crinkle-cut fries have claimed the top spot as my current favorite. The unique texture and enhanced thickness of crinkle cuts bring a distinct and enjoyable twist to the classic French fry experience.


4. Fresh-cut
Skip the peeling process; simply cut the potato, submerge it in an ice bath, and straight into the fryer it goes. The fresh cut fry, characterized by its straightforward shape, often utilizes peanut oil for cooking, resulting in a distinct earthy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with a generous sprinkling of salt. When it comes to fresh cut fries, Five Guys stands as the unbeatable champion. Their mastery in preparing these fries, coupled with the earthy undertones from the peanut oil, makes Five Guys a top choice for indulging in the perfection of fresh cut fries.


5. Waffle
Fries cut with a special waffle blade on a mandolin get an alternating ridge of either side. Offering yet another unique shape on the fried potato, waffle fries are somewhat of a mind-bender when you look at them. It was until recently that the waffle fry became mainstream and it’s success is attributed to the best place you can get them right now, Chick-fil-a.


Honorable mentions:
Beer-battered
Shoestring
Steak

The Best City in the World: A Top 10 List

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Best City banner

As an avid explorer, I’ve compiled a thrilling top 10 list of the best cities I’ve had the pleasure to visit, and I would seriously consider calling my home. Buckle up as we embark on a journey through my favorite urban gems. Now, before I reveal the numero uno, let’s set some ground rules. These cities are not just passing vacation spots; they’ve left a lasting mark on my heart:

1. Extended Stays and Vibrant Vibes: To qualify for my list, I must have spent more than just a fleeting moment in these cities. I’ve truly immersed myself in their cultures, experiencing their pulse beyond the surface.

2. A Thriving Metropolis: All contenders boast a bustling metropolitan area, teeming with life and energy. The hum of city life is part of their charm.

3. Population Power: Only cities with populations exceeding 200,000 made the cut. The more, the merrier!

Without further ado, let’s unveil my top 10 picks:

10. Las Vegas, NV

In the bustling city of Las Vegas, there’s an abundance of excitement and activity. Although their former slogan was “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas,” I wouldn’t choose to be the one who remains in this vibrant city.
Pros:
A lot to do including gambling, shopping, and eating
Some of the best restaurants in the world
They now have sports teams

Cons:
Crime
Weather
Tourist and party destination

9. Cleveland, OH

“Cleveland Rocks!” is the catchphrase, but does it live up to the hype? When the weather is pleasant, it’s not a bad place to be.
Pros:
Along the lake
Sports and music
Small city vibes

Cons:
Rust belt
Winters
Sports fans

8. San Diego, CA

Southern California boasts a reputation for its rainless days, yet this comes with the trade-off of potentially limited drinking water. Nevertheless, nestled along the coast, it remains a city blessed with some of the finest weather in the entire United States.

Pros:
Weather
Near the ocean
Culture and jobs

Cons:
Natural disasters
Homeless issue
Sports teams are leaving

7. Venice, Italy

A city of canals, where boats are your main mode of transportation. It’s a dreamy and romantic destination to visit, but does its charm hold up for those who choose to call it home?

Pros:
Food
Uniqueness of a city on water
Italian culture

Cons:
Living on the water
Access to the mainland only via boat
Job opportunities

6. Memphis, TN

While it’s a legendary city known for its musical heritage, residing here might just be the primary reason to find yourself singing the blues.

Pros:
Food
Music/Culture
Along the Mississippi

Cons:
Crime/Shrinking population
Sports
Weather

5. Nashville, TN

Nashville, the other music city in Tennessee, leans more towards country tunes than blues. With each visit, Nashville has been nothing short of fantastic to me.

Pros:
Music/Culture/Sports
Food
Weather

Cons:
Tourist/aspiring musician destination
Increasing population
Traffic/publica transportation

4. Boston, MA

Undeniably one of the most popular cities on the East Coast, rivaling even NYC. But the big question remains: if you reside there, is adopting the distinctive Boston accent a must?

Pros:
Public transportation
Sports
Culture/Safety

Cons:
Winter
Cost of living
Big city

3. Austin, TX

A delightful slice of the North nestled in the heart of the South. When you’re in Austin, you’ll be surprised at how it defies the typical Texan stereotype. No wonder it attracts numerous California transplants; there’s a compelling reason behind this magnetic draw.

Pros:
Food/Culture
Not a typical southern Texas city
Job opportunities

Cons:
Politics
Weather
Climbing cost of living

2. Denver, CO

The mile-high city, where you can simultaneously soar to a mile above sea level and experience a different kind of elevation. Surprisingly, Denver is often overlooked as a fantastic place to call home, but its unique charms make it a hidden gem worth considering.

Pros:
Food/Culture
Sports
Mountains

Cons:
Crime
Winters
Climbing cost of living

1. Pittsburgh, PA

Famously known as the Steel City in the Rust Belt. However, don’t be deceived by its industrial past, for it is rapidly evolving into a favored technology and Hollywood hub. Despite its modest size, Pittsburgh boasts all the advantages of larger metropolises while gracefully sidestepping many of their downsides. Embrace the charm and possibilities that this dynamic city has to offer!

Pros:
Culture/Sports
All my family is nearby
It’s the only place I’ve ever lived
Food/Beer

Cons:
Public transportation/air travel
Lack of sunshine
Traffic

And that’s a wrap! Surprised, huh? Turns out, the very place I’ve called home all my life takes the crown as the best city in the world to reside in. Pittsburgh, nestled in western Pennsylvania, boasts an array of reasons that make it an ideal place to live and raise a family. The absence of natural disasters, milder weather, affordable cost of living, and, of course, the world’s finest sports teams and passionate fans are just a few of the reasons why Pittsburgh shines as a cherished haven.

Here are some honorable mentions, cherished places I’ve explored but didn’t quite make it to the top 10 list. While they remain attractive for a return visit, they fall short of being the ideal cities I’d call home.

  • Indianpolis, IN
  • New York, NY
  • Washington, DC
  • Orlando, FL
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Detroit, MI
  • Seattle, WA
  • Rome, Italy

Other considerations that didn’t make the population minimum:

  • Outer Banks, NC
  • Paradise Valley, MT
  • Ann Arbor, MI

The Best Of: 2022

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best of 2022 collage

The year 2022 might be remembered as the year we got back to “normal”. In the spirit of that, let’s revisit all the best things that happened this past year, even if 2022 wasn’t the best year for everyone.

Best Movie
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
The next entry in one of my favorite movies from 2019, Glass Onion is another murder mystery led by Daniel Craig. We first saw him in Knives Out which surprised many as a breakout hit and a fresh take on the murder mystery genre. Glass Onion is different, but good in similar ways. My favorite thing about Glass Onion is how the story unfolds and you aren’t trying to solve the puzzle the entire time.

Best TV Show
Severance
Seems like Severance came out so long ago that I had to check if it was indeed released in 2022. It premiered in February and was released weekly like the good old days. If you haven’t yet watched Severance (Apple TV+) be sure to check it out before season 2 premieres. It’s such a good show and I don’t think I can do it justice trying to explain it here. What I will do is say that it’s a sci-fi/thriller series set in an office.

Best Music Album
Dirty Heads – Midnight Control
In 2022 we began to see the fruits of labor from the lockdown and we got a lot of great music this year. The Dirty Heads have released their 8th album Midnight Control and it might be their best yet. Give it a listen, even if you don’t necessarily like their other music. They are definitely a genre-bending band and with each new album they introduce a refined sound.

Best Song
Morgan Wallen – You Proof
A country song about whiskey and breakups, what’s so good about it? I’m not sure, but You Proof is the song I listened to the most this year and almost all of those listens were by choice. Morgan Wallen is someone who keeps churning out good music and I’m not even a country music fan.

Best Video Game
Vampire Survivors
Lots of great games were released in 2022 (mostly for Playstation) and none struck me and reeled me in like Vampire Survivors. I actually didn’t notice this game until recently and I played it for hours on Xbox Game Pass, then bought it on Steam to play it on the go. it’s a simple game too. The only control mechanism is the direction your player moves. It has been described as a “pure hit of Dopamine”.

Best Mobile Game
Marvel Snap
Look… I’m not a big Marvel fan. I’m not a fan of card strategy games. I rarely play mobile games more than a few times. For some reason, I can’t put down Marvel Snap. It’s a simple card-based game that is absolutely free. Try it, but remember, I warned you that it’s addicting.

Best Podcast
SmartLess
Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes have a comedy podcast where they interview famous people but end up spending a lot of the time joking with one another. It’s a welcome change in my podcast rotation apart from my usual tech and movie/tv podcasts. I’m a Jason Bateman fan and his personality on SmartLess is a lot like some of his movie characters.

Best New Tech Product
Steam Deck
A mobile computer gaming machine that’s better in a lot of ways than the Nintendo Switch. I did an in-depth review on this beast, that you can read over here.

Best Apple Product
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple finally made a watch worthy of my lifestyle. No I don’t rock climb, SCUBA dive, or run marathons, but I am rough on technology. Read my in-depth review on the Apple Watch Ultra over here and let me know what you think!

Let me know your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, or where ever you saw this post!

Last year’s The Best of 2021

Top 10 Best Diet Sodas

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soda

First, before you roast me for talking about diet soda and exclaim how it is killing me, read this.

Basically, if you don’t drink a ton of it and still maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s not bad for you. Who knew?

I prefer “diet” or “zero sugar” type sodas because of their perceived sweetness without impacting my glycemic index and adding to my overall daily calories. I would even go as far to say that I prefer the taste over traditional, full-sugar sodas. I enjoy a good soda pop but I don’t want to me left feeling like I just ate a bag of skittles.

Lost of love here for Coca-Cola company, and not so much for PepsiCo.
I’m staying with widely available selections in the US and not considering any seasonal or special editions.
Before you ask, yes Diet and Zero/Zero Sugar products actually taste different and are sold simultaneously.

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The Beard Blog Top Albums of 2021

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Back again for 2021 are my picks for the best music albums released this past year. It seems we got a lot more music this year than a normal year since literally everyone was quarantined during most of 2020. I have a theory that many music artists forced themselves to make music with all that down time which resulted in large quantities of music, but not the best quality.

My picks for the best 5 albums of 2021, ranked not by best to worst, but by release date. These albums were selected for their overall enjoyability. It is becoming more rare that albums are enjoyable from beginning to end.

Dangerous: The Double Album by Morgan Wallen (January 8, 2021)

This feels like it was released more than a year ago, but with the pandemic and Morgan’s racist slur controversy it feels a lot longer than it has been. Putting the video of drunk Morgan aside, this album is great. I attribute this album to my re-interest in modern country music. I think the genre is being redefined again and moving back towards its roots instead of trying to be pop. Because this album came out so early in 2021, I’ve logged the most hours listening to this than any of the others on this list.

Sob Rock by John Mayer (July 16, 2021)

The long-awaiting eighth studio album by John Mayer is a throwback to 80’s yacht rock and it’s intentional. While his last couple of albums were good Sob Rock feels like the most complete package since Continuum. My favorite song as of writing this on Sob Rock is Wild Blue, an upbeat mellow track with two great guitar solos. This album, like others on this list, was made to be listened to on vinyl. I wonder if that trend will continue in 2022 and beyond?

Heartland by Nelly (August 27, 2021)

Nelly finally released a country album! Sort of… After the commercial success of Over & Over featuring Tim McGraw Nelly fans have been clamoring for more country-ish songs from Nelly. The 2009 remix of Cruise with Florida Georgia Line increased that appetite even more. This album features some great guests including the aforementioned Florida Georgia Line, but my favorite is the track with Darius Rucker named ‘Ms. Drive Me Crazy’. I hope Nelly continues down this road as he may have found his niche in his second career in music, must like Hootie and the Blowfish’s Darius Rucker.

= by Ed Sheeran (October 29, 2021)

The first solo album from Ed since 2017 and we get another math symbol and he says he has one more coming (minus?). This may mark the first departure from pop music Ed has given us and that’s not a bad thing. As he matures he’s finding his artistry and that’s not always being at the top of the charts. This is a solid complete album, while not his best, is still one of the shining spots in year 2 of the pandemic.

An Evening with Silk Sonic by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and Silk Sonic (November 12, 2021)

I’ve been waiting and waiting for new music from Bruno Mars for years and we finally got it! Much like his last album 24K Magic, his latest album has some sort of a theme and a guest, Anderson .Paak. The duo does a good job of being cheesy enough to fit their vibe without becoming an Andy Samberg/Justin Timberlake SNL tune. Smokin’ Out the Window is by far my favorite song on this album with its funky sound, catchy chorus, and funny concept.

Honorable Mentions:

Sucker by Katastro (July 16, 2021)

A small independent album from a band I was mostly unaware of that came out over the summer and provided perfect summer driving music. If you’re a fan on the alternative/reggae genre, give this album a listen. It’s great from start to finish.

30 by Adele (November 2021)

How could I make this list and not include Adele? While this album is good, on my first three times through, I haven’t had enough time with for it to make my top list. The later tracks on the album hit hard emotionally and sometimes aren’t great for a casual listen.

Check out my lists from 2020 and 2019!