Best of the Month is decided by a number of different variables; voter counts from preceding posts, reader reaction ratings, gut feelings, and lots and lots of heated discussions.
Album of the Month
It’s hard to think of any artist in recent years that’s been more hyped up than Billie Eilish. She came out of left field, and her fearless, evocative style made her an almost instant internet star and darling of social media. At only 14, she perfectly embodied much of what this current generation is and experiences, for better or worse. And at 17 she somehow managed to live up to almost all of the praise that’s been heaped upon her with an album that’s as poignant and timely as anything we’ve heard in quite some time.
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? takes us through the labyrinth of her mind and emotions with a shocking level of vulnerability and self-awareness you wouldn’t expect from someone of her young age. But she has a clear vision, voice, and confidence that sets her apart from her peers, and though her debut isn’t perfect, it was easily the most exciting project to drop this month and it holds promises of a bright bright future.
Runner-ups
LION BABE – Cosmic Wind 
Foals – Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost, Part 1
Stella Donnelly – Beware of the Dogs 
American Football – American Football (LP3)
Video of the Month
Billie Eilish has taken a rocket ship to pop stardom, thanks in large part to her ability to tap directly into the collective cosciousness of this current generation of teens and young adults, which becomes particularly evident in her visuals and aesthetic style. Her quasi-emo pop gets brought to life in the video for “bad guy”, in what is equal parts early Eminem, American Horror Story, and meme culture. She has a strong eye and fearless creative approach that’s just unlike most of everything else that’s out there right now, and it’s why many consider her to be the voice of this generation.
Runner-ups
Solange – Almeda 
Vampire Weekend – Sunflower (ft. Steve Lacy) 
JID – Off Da Zoinkys 
Kehlani – Butterfly
Trailer of the Month
Despite whatever flaws the show might have, Stranger Things always manages to reel us back in by striking right at our nostalgic cores, and for the first official trailer for Season 3 those warm, nostalgic vibes are in overdrive. They know how to absolutely nail the look and feel of all those classic ’80s movies and when the always perfect “Teenage Wasteland” kicks into full gear we can’t help but sit back with big dumbass grins on our face, and just like that, the hype train starts rolling once again. It’s full of quick cuts and disembodied talk about being safe and not being kids anymore, promising for what will hopefully be their most epic season yet. At the least, they certainly know how to sell a season.
Runner-ups
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood 
Native Son 
MIDSOMMAR 
Good Boys
