These are the best Alberta albums of 2019, according to the Key of A

It's the Key of A's annual best of the year edition, where we share our top picks from the albums released by artists from Alberta in 2019.

Born, bred, or based in Alberta, that is. Some of them now make their homes in other places.But wherever they live now, they all share a deep connection to this part of the world.

Evan Freemanlives in Calgary. Hemakes shimmery, dreamy music.He released his latest album,Beyond the Stars, on the first of December.But he says he's been working on this music for years.His estimate more than 3,000 hours. All that work, has paid off I think it sounds gorgeous.

Rae Spoongrew up in Calgary andnow lives on the West Coast.A transgender artist, Rae uses the pronoun "they."This year, they delved into the psyche with an album calledMental Health.It's been finding its way onto a number of Best of the Year lists, including ours.

I've been a fan of the Calgary band36?for a few years now.Frontman Taylor Cochrane dreams up quirky, fluid, trippy music that may be hard to describe.But it's definitely finding an audience.The new album is calledMilk Mountain.

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and drummerCharlotte Cornfieldspent her school years in Edmonton. Her 2019 albumThe Shape of Your Namegot a rave review in the U.S. online music magazine Pitchfork. The Key of A likes it, too!

Calgary'sReuben and the Darkgot a surprise endorsement this month from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called them one of his favourite bands of all time. He's not alone. This year, Reuben and the Dark played to packed houses at festivals and soft seat theatres. Plus they released a terrific album on Arts and CraftscalledUn/Love.

Celeigh Cardinal, a Mtis musician from Alberta's Peace Country who now lives inEdmonton, makes the list for her 2019 albumSongs from a Downtown Apartment, which shines the spotlight on her big, fabulous voice.

Leeroy Staggerruns a recording studio in Lethbridge when he's not on tour. This year, he and his band hit the road in support of his latest,Strange Path. It may be a strange one, but it's a path that's definitely taking him places.

Edmonton'sNuela Charleshad a banner year, playing major festivals, releasing singles as well as a terrific album called Melt. Strength to strength. Can't wait to see where she goes next.

Nehiyawakis an Indigenous trio fromamiskwaciy on Treaty 6 territory also knownas Edmonton teaching the rest of us how to speak Cree, one word at a time. The band's name refers to Cree people; the album titleNipiyis all about water. Rivers are beautiful, they're also political. So is Nehiyawak's music.

Tegan and Sarareferenced their high school years in Calgary on their latest release, Hey! I'm Just Like You. They took the lyrics they wrote in high schooland turned them into mature, aware songs that still channel the urgency of youth.

• Share your favourite music released by artists born, bred or based in Alberta in 2019in the comments section below.

The Key of A best of 2019 episode airs on Dec. 28from 5 to 6 p.m. on CBC Radio 1, where it can be heard every week.