December's best includes D'Angelo, Charli XCX
A ranked selection of notable new recordings we heard in December.
1. D'Angelo and the Vanguard, "Black Messiah"
Did you think this vanished soul survivor would ever release another album? Did you think it would land so soon? Did you think it would ooze this much anger and wisdom and pleasure? Did you think it would be the man's finest hour? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you're D'Angelo. Welcome back.
2. Charli XCX, "Sucker"
The young British pop star strikes a variety of bratty poses on her second major label album, but beneath the sneers she's a romantic with a soft heart. And beneath that, she's a songwriter with the skills necessary to take up permanent residence in the top 40.
3. Theo Parrish, "American Intelligence"
On the cover of his stark and sprawling new album, the legendary Detroit house music producer poses for a portrait with a satisfied look in his eye, as if he's particularly proud of the dense pleasures therein and totally aware that this is the kind of stuff that's made him an American treasure.
4. Shy Glizzy, "Law 3"
Nothing on the D.C. rapper's new mixtape is quite as awesome as "Awwsome," the hit that introduced him to a much bigger listenership this year, but the emotive punch of his pinched voice sounds as commanding as his future seems bright.
5. Willie Nelson and Sister Bobbie, "December Day"
Come for one of the greatest singers of our time, joined here by his big sis, and watch him prove that he still has magic to share after 81 years on this Earth. Stay for the superb guitar solos.
6. K. Michelle, "Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart"
There's plenty of confessional heat on this heart-wringing R&B album, but the strangest sparks arrive with "Drake Would Love Me." It's a typical daydream that any pop fan might have about the starry object of their affection, but when a another star is holding the microphone, it feels mildly radioactive.
7. Whitey Morgan and the 78's, "Born, Raised & LIVE in Flint"
Great live albums don't make you feel like you're there; they make you wish you were there. This boisterous Michigan country singer - who covers Bruce Springsteen on his new live album the way Waylon Jennings might have - appears to know the difference.
8. Ghostface Killah, "36 Seasons"
He might not be the greatest storyteller hip-hop has ever seen, but he's getting close. His 11th album, which tells the tale of a Staten Island homecoming turned turbulent, is evocative enough to make you wonder if Ghostface might try a "Choose Your Own Adventure"-style concept album next.