This is why we’re all here. The cause of the buzz in your eardrums, the ache in your feet, the tears on your cheeks, the smile on your face.
These capsules of life in sound, finite in length and yet seemingly infinite in number and possibility. Whether borne from Deafheaven or Devendra, Parquet Courts or Pusha T, this list aspires to contain 100 of the very best of them, the cream of the crop, somehow rising to the top in a year absolutely heaving with spectacular music of all shapes and sizes. This is the first 50.
Discover or rediscover. Find solace or set the roof on fire. Rekindle an old flame. Break your heart. Fall in love all over again.