My Favorite Albums (#60-41), 2020
The list no one asked for continues
I’ve known what albums I wanted to include on this list for a while and I’m starting to regret waiting until the night before to write each entry. College really taught me nothing.
Below is a playlist with one standout track from each project on my favorite albums list, that will be updated with each post.
Catch up on previous lists!
My Favorite Albums (#80-61), 2020
My Favorite Albums (#100-81), 2020
60. New Beginnings by REASON
Released: October 9th, 2020
Features: ScHoolboy Q, Rapsody, Alemeda, Ab-Soul, Vince Staples, Isaiah Rashad, JID, Mereba
Producers: AC The Producer, Kal Banx, WU10, Nabeyin Newz, James Delgado, The 90’s, !llmind, Mario Luciano, S1, SmokeyGotBeatz, Arte Mitchell, Nostxlgic, Tae Beast, Nils, Business Boi, Devin Williams, Fortune, Tariq Beats, My Guy Mars, Mike & Keys
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
Recommended For Fans Of: Kendrick Lamar, IDK
New Beginnings is Reason’s second album on the notorious label Top Dawg Entertainment, and if you didn’t know that he was signed to them, you’d at least hear that he’s influenced by their roster. Reason definitely has to work into his own style and voice, as there is too much shades of Kendrick on this for it to be considered that original (Kendrick even pops in for ad-libs only on the track Show Stop). But this album is a strong follow up that shows us he undoubtedly has the talent to create an album of this level (or better) that is entirely his own voice.
Standout track: Stories I Forgot
59. Forward Motion Godyssey by Post Animal
Released: February 14th, 2020
Producers: Adam Thein
Genres: Rock, Psychedelic
Recommended For Fans Of: Sugar Candy Mountain, Kikagaku Moyo
For their sophomore album, Post Animal retreated to a house in the mountains of Big Sky, Montana. The result is their biggest sounding music to date. Despite dropping from a 6-piece to a 5-piece, with Joe Keery dropping out to focus on Stranger Things and his solo music, their sound seems to have gotten bigger. Between the heavier cuts, and the more psychedelic ones, there’s something for everyone.
Standout track: Post Animal
58. Chromatica by Lady Gaga
Released: May 29th, 2020
Features: Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK, Elton John
Producers: Lady Gaga, Morgan Kibby, BloodPop, Benjamin Rice, Axwell, Johannes Klahr, Tchami, Max Martin, Burns, Madeon, Skrillex, Liohn, Rami Yacoub
Genres: Pop
Recommended For Fans Of: Robyn, Kesha
I can’t help but laugh that after all the waiting and delays in the four years since her last solo album, this ended up releasing at the worst possible time. At the very height of quarantine and beginning of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, Chromatica dropped when every club/bar in the world was closed (most of these songs are begging to be played in clubs), and no one was trying to hear from white women. Nonetheless, when you just look at the music, it’s actually pretty fun. It’s not the same heights as The Fame era, but I think this album would have been better received if everyone had a non-pandemic summer to dance to it.
Standout track: 911
57. punk2 by brakence
Released: July 1st, 2020
Features: 50landing, login, Majent
Producers: brackence, ASMR Sharm, Logan Mcleod, Jack Obrocki, David Delgobbo, Majent
Genres: Hyperpop, Pop, Electronic
Recommended For Fans Of: Ericdoa, Glaive
brackence is another artist that’s excelling in the hyperpop lane, like I wrote about yesterday with Ericdoa. Like Charli XCX did with Pop2, punk2 offers a new chapter in a timeless genre. It may not appear punk on the surface, the sound pallette is much more electronic than your average punk band, but you can’t deny the punk attitude is present when brackence starts yelling over heavy distorted bass, particularly in the title track.
Standout track: fuckboy
56. Floral Prince by Field Medic
Released: October 2nd, 2020
Features: Pickleboy
Genres: Folk, Acoustic
Recommended For Fans Of: Florist, Phoebe Bridgers, Hovvdy
I wrote about Field Medic’s folk hero attitude in What I’ve Been Listening To, 10/13/20.
Standout track: i want you so bad it hurts
55. I Think I’m Good by Kassa Overall
Released: February 28th, 2020
Features: Joel Ross, Theo Croker, J Hoard, Melanie Charles, Angela Davis, Carlos Overall, Sullivan Fortner, Aaron Parks, Vijay Iyer
Genres: Hip-Hop, Jazz, Experimental
Recommended For Fans Of: Quelle Chris, London O’Connor
The best way to describe this album is its own original genre that Overall calls “Backpack Jazz.” A lot of these songs are abstract, forgoing basic song structure and often keeping lyrics minimal as well. Bandcamp describes the project by saying “themes of incarceration and claustrophobia weave through the record, but never drown out the feeling of a fragile but vital hope.” Fitting that he was able to include a feature from fan, supporter, and longtime prison abolitionist, Angela Davis.
Standout track: Please Don’t Kill Me (Feat. Joel Ross & Theo Croker)
54. R.I.P. Apathy by Blushh
Released: April 17th, 2020
Genres: Rock, Pop, Punk
Recommended For Fans Of: Pom Pom Squad, Charly Bliss
This is an album about getting out of your own head. Blushh front woman Shabnam Ferdowsi wrote in a note that this album came together after moving back in with her parents at 26, being isolated from her social life, and feeling physically and emotionally stuck. It’s a feeling many of us had to get familiar with during quarantine. But the music (and Ferdowsi’s note) is here to remind “that I have somethings to give a shit about. That I am happier when I get out of my head.”
Standout track: All My Friends
53. Sen Morimoto by Sen Morimoto
Released: September 18th, 2020
Features: KAINA, AAAMYYY, Lala Lala, Kara Jackson, Qari, NNAMDÏ, Joseph Chilliams
Genres: Jazz, Indie, Hip-Hop, Electronic
Recommended For Fans Of: Any featured artist
I wrote about this album and the power of community in What I’ve Been Listening To, 10/28/20.
Standout track: Woof
52. KRAZY KARL by NNAMDÏ
Released: July 3rd, 2020
Genres: Jazz, Big Band, Orchestral
Recommended For Fans Of: Sen Morimoto, Luke Titus
NNAMDÏ might be one of the best musicians alive right now. Case and point is this album, that was seemingly made on a whim in response to events of the summer (NNAMDÏ also released his album BRAT and a short EP called Black Plight this year prior to the release of this album). Eclectic instrumentation, and track names like “Coochie Cannon” & “Milkshake made my tummy hurt! It must be poisoned!” make this album a blast from start to finish. Also the album artwork was painted by Zelooperz, featured in yesterday’s list!
Standout track: The Lord is My Glock, I Shall Not Want
51. Magic Oneohtrix Point Never by Oneohtrix Point Never
Released: October 30th, 2020
Genres: Electronic
Recommended For Fans Of: Tim Hecker, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma
How does one follow up making the soundtrack to one of the most anxiety inducing movies ever made (Uncut Gems)? Well the music video linked below should give you an idea. Oneohtrix Point Never is already a highly regarded electronic producer, and it’s clear why when you listen to this album. I do wish he would flex his vocals more often though. I think a whole album of songs like Long Road Home would be incredible.
Standout track: Long Road Home
50. Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon by Pop Smoke
Released: July 3rd, 2020
Features: Quavo, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Swae Lee, Future, Rowdy Rebel, 50 Cent, Roddy Ricch, Tyga, KAROL G, Lil Tjay, King Combs
Producers: 808Melo, WondaGurl, Jenius, 5ive Beatz, Deleyto, Tyy Beats, Dez Wright, CashMoneyAP, Palaze, Jess Jackson, Mike Dean, Wylo, MobzBeatz, Mora Beats, Swirv, Hakz Beats, SephGotTheWaves, PittThaKid, Yung Swisher, Buddah Bless, Seth Da Chef, Yamaica, JW Lucas, Rxcksta, DJ Drewski, K-Mack, Ray Lennon, Billy J, Mustard, Bongo ByTheWay, Palaze, Luci G, Beat Menace, Dizzy Banko, Kiwi, Kdi, IamTash, SpunkBigga, Young Devante, Jugraj Nagra, Carson Hackney
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
Recommended For Fans Of: 50 Cent, Migos
I never realized how much 50 Cent and Pop Smoke had in common until I heard them together here on his posthumous album. Between Pop Smoke interpolating the hook to Candy Shop, his hook on Gangstas, and the speed with which they both ascended to being one of the hottest artists in hiphop off of their debuts, there’s a lot of parallels in sound and career. It’s a shame we won’t get to see more collaborations between them. As far as posthumous albums go, this one was handled well. It sounds comparable to his releases while he was alive, this project just includes his biggest features to date. R.I.P. Pop Smoke.
Standout track: Make It Rain (Feat. Rowdy Rebel)
49. Couldn’t Wait to Tell You… by Liv.e
Released: July 31st, 2020
Features: C.S. Armstrong, Lord Byron, Akeema Zane
Producers: mejiwahn, Daoud, Shungu, Ben Hixon, Liv.e,
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz
Recommended For Fans Of: Keyiaa, Erykah Badu, Earl Sweatshirt
I wrote about this free-flowing project in What I’ve Been Listening To, 8/11/20.
Standout track: Lessons from My Mistakes…but I Lost Your Number
48. White People Love Algorithms by Chris Crack
Released: April 19th, 2020
Producers: Cutta, Blckwndr
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
Recommended For Fans Of: Westside Gunn, Joesph Chilliams
Chris Crack’s output is ridiculous, with five albums in 2020, including 2 in the month of November alone. While they’re all consistent, there’s something about White People Love Algorithms that kept me coming back to it (though I will say my favorite song of his this year was not on this album). Crack’s energy and charisma is contagious.
Standout track: Productively Stoned
47. Don’t Forget It by Prophet
Released: January 31st, 2020
Genres: R&B, Soul, Funk
Recommended For Fans Of: Blood Orange, Mndsgn
Prophet has taken an interesting path to get to this point. Don’t Forget It is his 3rd album, which comes just two years after his second album, but he waited 34 years since his first album to release the second. His debut album became a boogie cult classic in San Francisco during the 80s. Copies of a rare vinyl run of the album resell for hundreds online. Prophet made his return in 2018 with the Mndsgn produced album Wanna Be Your Man, and now he’s back again with this self-produced project. How many artists can say they’re releasing some of their best music over thirty years into their career?
Standout track: Don’t Forget It
46. Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers
Released: June 18th, 2020
Producers: Phoebe Bridgers, Tony Berg, Ethan Gruska
Genres: Indie Rock, Folk
Recommended For Fans Of: Lucy Dacus, Big Thief, Mitski
A.K.A. soft songs to be soft to. I kid, but the Phoebe Bridger’s craze has kind of been going off the rails in the months since Punisher released. My friend Tam classified it best a few weeks before the album dropped by saying “some people really cream their shorts for Phoebe Bridgers.” Can’t say the dedicated fanbase isn’t well deserved though. Bridgers has a knack for writing very personal lyrics that make listeners feel like the songs were made just for them.
Standout track: I Know the End
45. Rich Slave by Young Dolph
Released: August 14th, 2020
Features: Megan Thee Stallion, Key Glock, G Herbo
Producers: BandPlay, Juicy J, Sosa 808, Hunnit Band Yung, Drumma Boy, Supah Mario, Cassius Jay, Montana Corleone
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
Recommended For Fans Of: Key Glock, HoodRich Pablo Juan
Young Dolph has been dropping for years, and he’s still able to make fresh and hard hitting trap music. In an era where trap artists rise and fall off rapidly, the longevity of Dolph’s career speaks to his quality. Rich Slave is no exception, and might be my favorite album of his (Bulletproof makes a tough case though). And if you’re looking for some entertainment, you can scroll through the rest of Young Dolph’s discography on streaming. At the start of the pandemic, he re-uploaded most of the album covers to include masks.
Standout track: Hold Up Hold Up Hold Up
44. græ by Moses Sumney
Released: May 15th, 2020
Features: Jill Scott
Producers: Moses Sumney, Daniel Lopatin, Adult Jazz, Matthew Otto, Andrew Chugg, Ben Baptie, FKJ, John Congleton, James Blake,
Genres: Folk, Experimental, Soul
Recommended For Fans Of: Nick Hakim, serpentwithfeet, Tirzah
North Carolina singer Moses Sumney ambitiously follows up his debut album Aromanticism with this exceptional double album. Well more like one and a half album (12 songs on “disc 1” and 8 on “disc 2”). Sumney’s airy and poignant vocals over the unpredictable instrumentation makes for a project that’s hauntingly beautiful. This one is worth spending a lot of time with.
Standout track: Me in 20 Years
43. Uneasy Laughter by Moaning
Released: March 20th, 2020
Producers: Alex Newport
Genres: Alternative, Rock, New Wave, post-punk
Recommended For Fans Of: Nation of Language, Protomartyr
Pulling from 70s/80s post punk and new wave, Moaning breathes some fresh life into the genre on their latest album. I was captivated by this album the moment I heard the opening track Ego for the first time, and it went on to become one of my favorite tracks of the year. Additionally, I’ve linked the song Stranger below, to save you the pain of having to find it yourself by google searching “stranger moaning.”
Standout track: Stranger
42. Untitled (Black Is) by Sault
Released: June 19th, 2020
Features: Michael Kiwanuka, Laurette Josiah
Producers: Inflo
Genres: Alternative, Indie, Soul
Recommended For Fans Of: Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia
You’d be hard pressed to find an album blacker than this one. An (almost) all black cover, titled Black Is, thematically about black identity, and released on Juneteenth. Interestingly enough, the group is anonymous too, with no media interaction or performances. The sound on here is all over the place, and I mean that in the best way possible. Lots of different influences and genres are pulled from, but it feels cohesive through all 20 songs. The album is name your price on Bandcamp with a note that the proceeds will be going to charity.
Standout track: Monsters
41. The Price of Tea In China by Boldy James & The Alchemist
Released: February 7th, 2020
Features: Vince Staples, Benny The Butcher, Freddie Gibbs, Evidence
Producers: The Alchemist
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
Recommended For Fans Of: Griselda, Freddie Gibbs
Boldy James had a breakout year. I had never listened to him before this year, but this album (the first of four released in 2020) made me want to hear more from the get go. I gave this a chance because of The Alchemist’s reputation, but left being most impressed with James as a rapper. James is somehow able to sound laid back while also rapping with a sense of urgency at the same time. This album has the biggest features of the four, and Alchemist/James make an incredible team, but this is (spoiler alert) not even the highest ranking Boldy project on my list.
Standout track: Surf & Turf (Feat. Vince Staples)
Over halfway through now! Next 20 albums coming tomorrow morning.