1989

Just when you think you've heard it all, an album like this comes along.

This has some of the best individual songs of the decade even if the album has weak spots.

A few incredible songs surrounded by more forgettable material.

Some interesting ideas here that don't always pan out. You can tell they were trying to push in a new direction and I respect that, even if the results are mixed. A couple of tracks are genuinely great.

The arrangements here are stunning. You can tell real care went into every detail.

A confident, mature work. You can hear the growth from their earlier releases.

Incredibly well-crafted. A few moments don't work but the highs are very high.

This hits a sweet spot between accessibility and experimentation that very few albums manage. It's catchy enough to enjoy casually but deep enough to reward close listening. Smart, well-crafted music.