7. Mind of Mine - ZAYN
A year after leaving One Direction, Zayn Malik becomes the first member of the band to release a solo effort in its world-conquering wake. Rife with pop-R&B slow jams and stunning candor, Mind of Mine is an elegantly sung declaration of independence that is at once moody, ornate, and thoroughly impressive.
8. Coloring Book - Chance the Rapper
On this, his first masterpiece, Chance evolves—from Rapper to pop visionary. Influenced by gospel music, Coloring Book finds the Chicago native moved by the Holy Spirit and the current state of his hometown. “I speak to God in public,” he says on “Blessings,” its radiant closer.
9. Glory - Britney Spears
“Here’s my invitation, baby / Come feel my energy,” Britney Spears sings in the opening track of her ninth album. Her vocals have never sounded stronger, from the elastic yelps of “Private Show” to the scorching “What You Need.” “Clumsy” rockets from handclaps into the stratosphere just as Britney exclaims, as only she can: “Oops!”
10. This is Acting - Sia
Going into her seventh album, Sia Furler wanted to try “an experiment.” She would record self-written tracks already pitched to but rejected by A-listers. “I feel like they’re hits, but nobody wanted them,” she said. She was right. This Is Acting dives headfirst into pop’s waters but its bold and beguiling songs retrain their author’s earthy edge.