For me:
The Cure - Songs for a Lost World.
Pleasantly surprised that it exists at all, given that it seemed like Robert Smith had just been trolling us about it for years at this point. Even more pleased, given how ropey most of the post-Wish lps have been that it’s actually really good!
Father John Misty - Mahashmashana
Loved Honeybear but have felt like it’s been diminishing returns for the past few releases and I was fed up with his schtick, but this is really great!
We had this thread a few days ago, but it didn’t gain that much traction
Ooops, didn’t see that! Ah well.
Kept growing and growing on me. Thought it was alright at first, but it’s really stayed in my head. Banger after banger.
See also: confidence man. Thought they were shite in the past. New album has fully converted me.
Jack White - No Name
Surprising in every way. Was obsessed with The White Stripes as a teen but had long written off Jack White as having lost it… But this showed that he still can play fast, loud garage blues with a real knack for a killer riff. Makes me feel 14 again!