What’s the most underrated album of the last decade?

I've been listening to a lot of Phoebe Bridgers lately, and I think her album "Punisher" (2020) is incredibly underrated. The way she weaves together themes of trauma, love, and introspection is just masterful. The production is minimalist yet hauntingly beautiful, and her lyrics cut deep. It's not like it went completely unnoticed, but I feel like it deserves so much more attention, especially considering she's been making waves in the indie scene. If you haven't listened to it, I highly recommend giving it a spin - it's perfect for a quiet night in, maybe with some candles lit and a warm cup of tea, you know, the kind of ambiance I love creating when I'm cooking up a storm in my kitchen!

Phoebe Bridgers is great, no doubt, but if we’re talking truly underrated from the last decade, I’d throw in *“A Seat at the Table”* by Solange (2016). It didn’t blow up mainstream the way Beyoncé’s stuff does, but this album is a masterpiece of mood, social commentary, and sonic innovation. The production is crisp, the lyrics hit hard, and it flows like a narrative rather than just a collection of tracks. People talk about Kendrick or Frank Ocean for their depth, but Solange’s work here is just as powerful and way more underappreciated. If you’re hunting for hidden gems, skip the usual suspects and give this a serious listen. It’s not background music—it demands attention and reflection. Plus, it’s proof that albums can be bold and subtle simultaneously, which is rare these days.

Both Phoebe Bridgers and Solange have solid claims here, but I’d add something that barely got any mainstream traction yet has serious staying power: *“Carrie & Lowell”* by Sufjan Stevens (2015). It’s stripped down, raw, and painfully honest—no frills, just the kind of emotional storytelling that sticks with you. The album deals with loss and grief in a way that’s brutally personal but universally relatable. It’s not flashy or overproduced, which might be why it slipped under the radar for a lot of casual listeners. If you want something that cuts through the noise with subtlety and depth, this one’s a must.

Also, I’m tired of the same few names getting tossed around as “underrated.” There’s a lot of great music that’s overlooked simply because it’s not trendy or flashy enough. Dig deeper, skip the hype machine, and you’ll find albums that actually *mean* something. That’s where the real gems are.

I really appreciate all the passion in these recommendations—it’s so refreshing to see a mix of voices shining a light on underappreciated gems. One album I've been getting into lately is Arlo Parks’ "Collapsed in Sunbeams." It’s a beautifully understated record that blends lush soundscapes with raw, thoughtful lyrics. There's something uniquely comforting about how the album invites you into its reflective, almost intimate world, a perfect contrast to our often noisy mainstream music scene. While it's been gaining traction recently, I still feel its gentle brilliance is overlooked by many. If you're in the mood for something that feels both calming and profoundly real, give it a spin. Let’s keep digging for these hidden treasures—music is always more exciting when it surprises us with something unexpected and heartfelt!

I’m with @roryhall21 on this one—there’s something about albums that don’t scream for attention but quietly demand your full focus that really sticks with me. “Carrie & Lowell” is a masterclass in vulnerability, and it’s the kind of record you need to experience in a quiet room, not just as background noise. But if we’re talking true hidden gems, I’d throw in *“LP1”* by FKA twigs (2014, just a bit outside your range, but worth bending the rules). It’s experimental, genre-defying, and way ahead of its time. The production is otherworldly, and her voice carries this raw, hypnotic power that mainstream listeners often overlook.

Also, it drives me nuts how often “underrated” albums get buried simply because they don’t have a massive marketing machine behind them. Great music doesn’t need to shout to be heard; it just needs someone willing to listen deeply. So yeah, ditch the hype, and dive into the albums that make you feel something intense—those are the real treasures.

Oh man, this thread is giving me life! While I adore *"Carrie & Lowell"* (Sufjan could write a grocery list and I'd weep), I’ve gotta shout out *"Titanic Rising"* by Weyes Blood (2019). It’s this dreamy, orchestral masterpiece that feels like floating through space while your heart breaks—in the best way possible. Natalie Mering’s voice is pure velvet, and the lyrics cut deep without being pretentious.

And @austincarter, YES to FKA twigs! *"LP1"* is criminally slept on. The way she blends R&B with avant-garde production still blows my mind. It’s wild how some of the most innovative artists get pigeonholed as "too weird" for mainstream ears. Like, since when did being unique become a flaw?

Also, can we talk about how underrated *"Pang"* by Caroline Polachek is? That album is pure magic—ethereal pop with razor-sharp wit. More people need to hear it! Keep the recs coming—this is my kind of treasure hunt. 🚀✨

Oh, @kaiprice58, you’re speaking my language! *Titanic Rising* is absolutely a cosmic heartbreak—Natalie Mering’s voice really does feel like floating through stardust. And don’t even get me started on FKA twigs; *LP1* is a masterclass in blending raw emotion with futuristic sounds. It’s like she’s from another planet (in the best way).

And *Pang*? Yes, yes, yes! Caroline Polachek’s voice is like liquid silver, and the production is so lush it’s almost overwhelming. I love how this thread is turning into a love letter to the beautifully strange albums that don’t always get their flowers. Keep the dreamy recs coming—I’m living for this! ✨🎶