My Top Albums of 2020 List
2020 was one of the most turbulent years in modern American history. With the world facing an ongoing global pandemic. The grotesque slaying of a black Minneapolis man that sparked protests around the world. And the whimpering end to Donald Trump's presidency, The world seems to be in a doldrum.
But despite the chaos and divisiveness, artists forged forward none the less. Whether trying to make sense of the world. Or simply, numb through the pain. |
| 10 |  | Sufjan Stevens
The Ascension
Another five years, another Sufjan Stevens album. This time around. The New York based singer/songwriter channels the serene lyricism of 2003's "Michigan", set to the electronic cyberspace back drop of 2010's "Age of ADZ". At it's core, The Ascension is a beating human heart, hardwired into a motherboard. |
| 9 |  | The Microphones
Microphones in 2020
After 20 Years. Phil Elverum dusts' off his old low-fi musical project for a 45 minute meta biographical song on the subjects of life, love, art and the meaning of everything in between. Referencing everyone from Stereolab, to Norwegian black metal band Mayhem. Elverum's existential struggle after the loss of his wife is still very present, and he healing process isn't easy. But there's progress, none the less. |
| 8 |  | Jaime Wyatt
Neon Cross
After signing with alternative county tastemakers New West Records. Jaime Wyatt brings the Bakersfield sound of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard into the modern zeitgeist. While her songs express plenty of heartache, frustration and lonely tears falling in her whiskey glass, there's rays of light peeking through the darkness. As far as Neon Cross is concerned. It only further proves the case that the future of country music is undoubtedly, female. |
| 7 |  | A.A.L. (Against All Logic)
2017-2019
Nicolas Jaar had an exciting year in 2020. And it all kicked off in January with the Sophomore release of his experimental house project. From sampling Beyoncé, dabbling in Aphex Twin IDM worship and recruiting No-Wave legend Lydia Lunch. Jaar's brand of savvy club music has you engaged from start to finish. |
| 6 |  | Fleet Foxes
Shore
Listening to Fleet Foxes 4th studio album is like exhaling a deep breath of relief. Robin Pecknold takes us on journey of boundless wonder, that never lets up its sense of grandeur. Resulting in one of the most feel good albums, in a much need year. |
| 5 |  | Fiona Apple
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
As the world entered lockdown, there was no more appropriate time for the release of Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Her first album in 10 years, and recorded over the course of 5 at her California home with a minimalist industrial production. Fiona Apple documents her life experience's of toxic love, bullying, vulnerability, inadequacy, and persevering through it with the support of inspiring friends. it may not be perfection. But it is, like all Fiona Apple albums. Top shelf medication for the soul. |
| 4 |  | The Avalanches
We Will Always Love You
Periodically teased all throughout 2020, and finally released at the tail end of the year. The Avalanches third full length album feels like a gift then anything else. Accompanied by a multi-generational ensemble of musical guests. The Australian duo offers 70 minutes of beaming psychedelic pop. While the meticulous plunderphonic sampling of "Since I Left You" maybe toned down. The party mixtape spirit is still the groups core aesthetic. |
| 3 |  | Moodymann
Taken Away
Still riding high of 2019's "Sinner", and experiencing a nasty encounter with the Detroit police department. The motor city DJ takes a firm step out of the shadows with his most accessible album to date. Weaving in and out of his influences, and pushing his musical scope to cinematic refinement. Kenny Dixon Jr. is as much of a techno shaman, as he is a scholar of black music. |
| 2 |  | Run the Jewels
RTJ4
Released the following week after the death of George Floyd. RTJ4 feels uncomfortably on the nose. An album experience adjacent to a red hot auger boring into the calcified hide of institutionalized racism. The combined lyrical dexterity of Killer Mike & EL-P, is unleashed in its full seething vitriol. But despite the exhausted cynicism of these modern times. The album is a celebration of the duos camaraderie. Resulting in the best rap album of 2020, and Run the Jewels finest hour. |
| 1 |  | Bob Dylan
Rough and Rowdy Ways
On his 39th album, The Minnesota native approaches his twilight years with sagacious optimism. Returning to his Americana roots. Dylan bestows upon us, ten exquisite tracks of original material In nearly a decade. Examining his life's career like a Freudian deconstruction of auteur theory, with all the chameleon-esque wordplay abound. But despite the gushing praise. Rough and Rowdy Ways, is a gleaming late stage detail on the life canvas of one of the most significant musical figure in American contemporary history. |
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