When KQED Arts & Culture looked back on the year in Bay Area music, we saw that the most compelling albums helped us contemplate our relationships to ourselves and our communities. Our favorite albums asked questions instead of speaking in absolutes, and nudged us towards empathy, understanding, catharsis and even joy. 

<p>When KQED Arts &amp; Culture looked back on the year in Bay Area music, we saw that the most compelling albums helped us contemplate our relationships to ourselves and our communities. Our favorite albums asked questions instead of speaking in absolutes, and nudged us towards empathy, understanding, catharsis and even joy.&nbsp;</p>

KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.

<p>KQED serves the people of Northern California with a community-supported alternative to commercial media. We provide citizens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions; convene community dialogue; bring the arts to everyone; and engage audiences to share their stories.</p>