The 2010s in music, oh boy, what a rollercoaster that was! It was a decade teeming with creativity, change, and a whole lot of Spotify. My playlist kept evolving every year, but some albums just left a permanent mark on my life’s highlight reel of soaring highs and sigh-filled lows.
Picture this: late-night car rides with my buddies, windows down, and all of us screeching sing-alongs—gloriously out of tune, of course. Those were the golden days, and music made it feel like driving through a magical wonderland. Honestly, hunting for new albums felt like a rite of passage—a fun little journey that taught me just as much about myself as the world.
So grab a beverage and join me for a walk down memory lane as I revisit five albums that defined the 2010s for me. They’ve stayed by my side like old friends and will probably do so for years to come. Let’s dive into this nostalgic trip, shall we?
Kendrick Lamar – “good kid, m.A.A.d city” (2012)
The first time I played this album, it was like I stumbled upon a pot of gold or got an exclusive pass into Kendrick Lamar’s world. His “good kid, m.A.A.d city” wasn’t just an album—it was a whole movie in sound form, vividly portraying his life in Compton. Songs like “m.A.A.d city” packed such a punch, while others like “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst” were soul-searching ballads.
Kendrick wielded his lyrics like a master artist, painting a raw and intricate picture of reality. Piecing together the album’s storyline, mainly through those voicemail snippets, felt like watching a beautifully chaotic film unfold. It was more than a playlist staple for sleepless city nights; it was the kind of album that sparked conversation—friends and I would eagerly chat about it during midnight snack runs or chilled Uber rides home.
Even today, playing “good kid, m.A.A.d city” brings back that same intensity; its storytelling power remains as vibrant and engaging as ever.
Frank Ocean – “Blonde” (2016)
Oh “Blonde”, where do I even begin? Just thinking about this album releases a surge of old feelings. On the night it dropped, I found myself in my room, headphones snug, lights dimmed, letting Frank Ocean’s brilliance wash over me like calming ocean waves.
What made “Blonde” truly special was its vulnerability. Whether it was the tender “Ivy” or the introspective “Nights,” Frank opened up, inviting us into his world of love, loss, and discovery.
There’s something magical about music that perfectly captures a time in your life, and “Blonde” did just that for me. It played backdrop to countless unforgettable memories—happy, bittersweet, and solitary ones alike. It felt like a comforting hug on heavy days, and each listen still unlocks something new and profound.
“Blonde” wasn’t just an album—it was a journey, one that I’d gladly embark on again and again for the wisdom and peace it continues to offer.
Adele – “21” (2011)
Can we really talk about the 2010s and not mention Adele? Her album “21” was both a cultural sensation and a musical tour de force. I still get chills remembering the first time “Rolling in the Deep” blasted from the radio—it was electrifying!
Adele poured herself into every song with a rawness that was eerily relatable. Tracks like “Someone Like You” and “Turning Tables” didn’t just top the charts—they found a place in our hearts, too.
What made “21” truly evergreen was its fearless honesty. Adele sang her truth with such feeling that even if you weren’t going through the same thing, her music made you feel as if you were.
It was the kind of album that brought people together in shared heartache and healing. Even now, revisiting “21” whisks me back to those moments, reminding me of strength found in candor and vulnerability.
Beyoncé – “Lemonade” (2016)
Goodness, “Lemonade” was more than just an album; it was a cultural milestone, a catalyst for change. Beyoncé’s masterpiece didn’t just demand attention—it reverberated through every facet of our lives with compelling stories and calls to action.
Every note, every visual in “Lemonade” wasn’t merely consumed—it was experienced. The album showcased various aspects of not only Beyoncé’s life but the shared struggles of women everywhere. Tracks like “Formation” were unapologetically fierce, while “Sandcastles” laid emotions bare, taking us on an intimate journey of pain, empowerment, and transformation.
Watching the “Lemonade” visual album was an experience unto itself, leaving me with chills and sparking endless discussions. Combining diverse genres, Beyoncé shattered norms, cementing her legendary status with an album that remains as impactful today as it was then.
Lorde – “Melodrama” (2017)
I still vividly recall the anticipation around Lorde’s “Melodrama”—the wait felt like an eternity, but goodness, was it worth it! The album was a kaleidoscope of feelings, brilliantly capturing the essence of youth, the chaos of transition, and that delicious sting of heartbreak.
Lorde had this knack for storytelling that felt both intensely personal and universally relatable. With songs like “Green Light” and “Liability,” she painted vibrant pictures of late-night adventures, soul-searching, and emotional untangling.
“Melodrama” reflected life’s beautiful messiness, and listening to it felt like flipping through pages of a diary full of heartfelt musings and scribbled confessions. It wasn’t just an album—it was a timeless chronicle, perfectly freezing a chapter in my life with its evocative storytelling.
Whenever I play “Melodrama,” it feels like reconnecting with a cherished friend who truly understands me. It’s a wonderful reminder of music’s power to capture those fleeting but influential moments in our lives, all bound by Lorde’s enduring authenticity.
As I wrap up this nostalgic escapade, revisiting these era-defining albums feels like catching up with close companions, each with their tales and treasured memories etched into my heart. They haven’t just marked a decade; they’re still echoing through the corridors of time, whispering promises of continued relevance. Here’s to music—the timeless buddy we never realized we needed so much.
Courtesy of @lordemusic