For the second year in a row, grief has topped the list. Also of note, this is Swans' record fourth appearance on the list. Here goes:
1.
Mount Eerie A Crow Looked At Me: sounds, literally, like death…not good. (METACRITIC RATING 9.3/10)2. Arca Arca:
I’m always at a loss why critics fall so hard for Arca but maybe it’s the Spanish eh. (METACRITIC RATING 8.7/10)3. Brand New Science Fiction:
not sure what all the fuss is about. (METACRITIC RATING 8.8/10)4. Swans Deliquescence:
repeat offender, this time with a live album. (METACRITIC RATING N/A)5. Father John Misty Pure Comedy:
depressing to sit through in a single setting. (METACRITIC RATING 8.5/10)6. Converge The Dusk In Us:
typical that the metal bands continue to get free passes. (METACRITIC RATING 9.0/10) 7. Slowdive Slowdive:
a mostly instrumental, hazy affair, but nothing transcendal. (METACRITIC RATING 8.2/10) 8. Laurel Halo Dust:
Moontalk works but it’s the one cohesive gem surrounded by mis-hits and ambition. (METACRITIC RATING 8.4/10) 9. The XX I See You:
starts strong then mid-way it crashes into a yawn-fest. (METACRITIC RATING 8.5/10) 10. The National Sleep Well Beast:
the band always sound worn but too often this gives way to dad-rock weariness. (METACRITIC RATING 8.5/10) 
