The Ultimate Guide to the Best Albums of 2020: A Year in Review!
Hey there, music lovers! Welcome back to our humble abode of all things tunes. You know what time it is? It's that special time of the year when we put on our top hats, grab our monocles, and dive into the musical equivalent of the Oscars - the best albums of 2020! So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's embark on this sonic journey together, shall we? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and 2020 albums of the year.
The Year That Was...
2020, huh? What a year, right? From the pandemic to the protests, it's been a rollercoaster ride. But amidst all the chaos, one thing remained constant - our love for music. And boy, did the artists deliver!
A Musical Revolution
In a year marked by social distancing, musicians found new ways to connect with their audience. We saw live streams, quarantine covers, and even albums recorded in isolation. It was a testament to the power of music, bringing people together even when they were apart. So, let's raise a glass (or a mug, we don't judge) to the artists who kept our spirits high and our feet tapping.
The Crème de la Crème: Our Top Picks!
Alright, enough chit-chat! You're here for the goods, and we're not ones to disappoint. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best albums of 2020. Remember, these are personal picks, and music is subjective, so if your faves didn't make the cut, don't @ us.
1. "Folklore" by Taylor Swift
Yep, you heard it right, Swifties! Our girl Taylor kicked off the year with a bang (or should we say, a whisper) with her eighth studio album, "Folklore". This indie-folk gem was a departure from her usual pop fare, and we were here for it. From the hauntingly beautiful "Cardigan" to the protest anthem "The Man", "Folklore" was a masterclass in storytelling. Plus, who can resist an album that was literally written in isolation?
2. "After Hours" by The Weeknd
The Weeknd took us on a dark, moody ride with "After Hours". This R&B/pop crossover was a departure from his usual sound, but it worked. From the haunting "Blinding Lights" to the introspective "Scared to Live", "After Hours" was a rollercoaster of emotions. And let's not forget the iconic high-pitched vocals that had us all singing (and laughing) along.
3. "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" by Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple's fifth studio album was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait. "Fetch the Bolt Cutters" was a raw, honest exploration of love, loss, and everything in between. With its unconventional song structures and lo-fi production, it was a breath of fresh air. And let's not forget the iconic "Kick me under the table all you want" line that had us all living for the drama.
4. "SAWALIVE" by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers had a big year, and it all started with "SAWALIVE". This indie-rock gem was a follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2017 debut, and it didn't disappoint. From the introspective "Garden Song" to the protest anthem "I Know the End", "SAWALIVE" was a raw, honest exploration of what it means to be alive in 2020.
5. "Miss Anthropocene" by Grimes
Grimes' fifth studio album was a departure from her usual sound, but it was a welcome one. "Miss Anthropocene" was a synth-pop gem that explored themes of climate change, artificial intelligence, and the end of the world. From the danceable "My Name Is Dark" to the introspective "New Gene", it was a thought-provoking listen.
Honorable Mentions
And now, for our honorable mentions. These albums were just as great, but they didn't quite make the top 5. You know what they say, there's an honor in being honorable.
- Fleetwood Mac's Mick Fleetwood and Christine McVie - "Mick Fleetwood & Christine McVie" - Lana Del Rey - "Norman Fucking Rockwell!" - Rina Sawayama - "SAWAYAMA" - Run the Jewels - "RTJ4" - Tame Impala - "The Slow Rush"
So, What's Next?
Well, that was a lot, wasn't it? But fear not, music lovers! There's always more on the horizon. So, keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for new releases, and who knows? You might just find your new favorite album.
And remember, folks, music is subjective. If your faves didn't make the list, that's okay! We're all just here to enjoy the tunes. So, crank up the volume, sing along, and let the music move you.
Until next time, stay safe, stay sound, and keep on rockin'!