Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 110 Best Albums of the 2010s, representing a varied cross-section of artists, genres, and styles. Click “Next Album” below to explore each album in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & album index here.
THE NATIONAL | High Violet
4AD (2010)
Selected by Rayna Khaitan
It’s no secret that I’m a rabid fan of The National. And although I’ve been relentlessly singing their praises for nearly 15 years, at this point, the world has certainly caught up. If Boxer (2007), the quintet’s fourth album, catapulted them to indie-charting success, its successor High Violet cemented their unequivocal brilliance. For me personally, their 11 flawlessly poetic tracks softened my heart-obliterating blow of moving from New York City to California. Like the record itself, it was a necessary transition, deftly encompassing the terrifying changes we must endure as we grow—and perhaps even try to grow up.
LISTEN & WATCH:
