Top Ten Albums of the Year
2020 has been a whirlwind. But thankfully, we’ve gotten music that has helped us make sense of these times or provided us with a sense of joy. Anyways, here are the top ten projects of this year. Enjoy!
10. Apolonio by Omar Apollo.
Omar Apollo’s Apolonio chronicles his journey towards self dicovery. Though Apollo is swimming through the confusion and uncertainty, he presents it in a cohesive and structured manner. This doesn't mean he is not willing to play with funk and rock influences like on “Stayback” and “I’m Amazing.” Apolonio shows Apollo disregarding the boxes society has placed him and is finally come to his own.
9. Ho, Why is you here? by Flo Milli
Flo Milli’s mixtape presents this nineteen year old rapper as quick and cunning. The DIY beats lingering in the background add an extra sting as she delivers her snappy lyrics. Milli is establishing herself as rap’s mean girl with ruthless rhymes and sarcastic banter.
8. Gore by Lous and the Yakuza
Gore by Lous and the Yakuza is a fresh and innovative project. Through the intricate beats and catchy melodies, Lous is able narrate her life story without holding anything in. Lous’ debut album demostrates that she has much in store to come.
7. Lianne La Havas by Lianne La Havas
Lianne La Havas shares a heartfelt story of love and heartbreak. This project provides a space for reflection and solitude. Her voice and the acoustics adds an extra coating of comfort and understanding needed in these precarious times.
6. Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)
It seems like Kali Uchis surpass her previous standards with this Sophomore Album. Uchis manages to merge to RnB and Latin influences without resorting to mimicry. Sin Miedo is a perfect example of a highly produced album that does not lose the artist’s idenity.
5. Women in Music Pt. III by Haim
After the three year hiatus, the trio finally decided to drop their third project Women in Music Pt. III. Este, Danielle, and Alanna come together to make an exciting album that harnesses their unique sound. It seems like this piece of work, was worth the wait because of its perfect execution.
4. Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers
Bridgers soft and soothing voice creates an atmosphere of sadness and solitude which is much needed at this time. Her calm demeanor does not distract from her bluntness and honesty. Punisher displays Bridgers immense creativity and her willingness to write with intetion.
3. Sawayama by Rina Sawayama
Rina Sawayama is slowly establishing genre breaking Pop maven. No single song sounds the same as she is able to bridge Y2k sounds with a sharp violin or a style eighties trumpet instrumental with a strong guitar. However, it still manages to be a cohesive body of work. Sawayama proves Rina has the potential to become a multi dimenosnal artist.
2. Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fionna Apple
Fionna Apple manages to encapsulate her complex feelings and emotions through Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Though some might say these tracks were better fitted as demos, the sharpness added character to the project. Her raw vocals serve as a pathway for clarity. Apple’s work helps her process her feelings while we reflect on our’s.
- Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa
It was almost impossible not to dance while listening to Future Nostalgia. The beats were lively and energetic while the melodies were catchy and attention grabbing. Every song was carefully constructed and thought through. Lipa manages to help us enjoy the past while moving towards the future.
