Our Top Albums of 2020
Bad Wreck Team
As we near the end of this year, we reflect on our experiences of growth and reflection. Some of those late night cries, chants in the car or solo bedroom dance parties would not have been possible without the abundance of new records released in 2020. In a year struck with so much change and transition, music was one thing that kept us all somewhat sane.
Just like other creative industries, the music world saw many shifts this year, like the indefinite pause of live music. Nonetheless, our favorite artists still came through and gave us amazing records showing us yet again how we can escape through music.
In no particular order, here are our favorite albums released this year!
Dreamland by COIN
fav track: Youuu
COIN’s Dreamland is perfectly titled as it encapsulates ethereal sounds through each track. The cohesiveness and effortless transitions between every song make the synth and instrumentals stand out even more. It’s safe to say that this album has been on repeat since the day it was released.
Women In Music Pt. III by HAIM
fav track: 3AM
HAIM’s third album undoubtedly makes the list of the best albums of 2020. The trio expresses a new sense of vulnerability and created a venturous sound that includes instant hits like “The Steps” and “Summer Girl”. This album was much needed for a year like this, and it will remain a favorite in years to come.
Folklore & Evermore by Taylor Swift
fav track: folklore - mirrorball, evermore - long story short
Swift’s eighth and ninth sister studio albums caught us by surprise when they were secretly created and released less than five months apart. The albums are rooted in the wonder of myth and storytelling that allows us to place ourselves in between the songwriting and relate in many ways. For instance in folklore, “mirrorball” displays the feeling of desperately trying to please in a space of insecurity. On evermore, tracks like “champagne problems” cut to the heart with the storyline of falling out of love. Swift’s songs with such complex emotions comforted us and were exactly what we needed to get through this year.
Dreaming of David by Ryan Beatty
fav track: Evergreen
Ryan Beatty brings forth self reflection and the nuances of relationships in his sophomore album. Dreaming of David makes you feel like you are transcending through Beatty’s thoughts and experiences with each track transitioning into one another. The album is sonically atmospheric and is grounded by its powerful lyrics.
Apolonio By Omar Apollo
fav track: The Two of Us
Omar Apollo’s take on openness and queer expression in Apolonio to create an uplifting and intimate energy for listeners. His diverse range of sound demonstrates his admirable curiosity as an up and coming artist. Apollo takes us into his unique vision with unforgettable numbers, and we’re utterly captivated.
Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers
fav track: Garden Song
Bridger’s melodies carry us into complete nostalgia and brutal reflection. Her work in her sophomore and grammy-nominated album, Punisher creates a world of its own with the immaculate vocals and lyricism. One of our favorite lyrics from “Garden Song” sheds light about society’s intense obsession with our devices, “And when I grow up, I’m gonna look up from my phone and see my life.”
Future Nostalgia By Dua Lipa
fav track: Levitating
Dua Lipa has cemented her place as a pop star icon with her album Future Nostalgia. Aptly named, the record gives us the 80s and disco sounds we love while infusing a shimmering freshness with Dua’s rich vocals, creating pop perfection. This album came to us at a perfect time, making it the best soundtrack for bedroom dance parties.
You and Your Friends by Peach Pit
fav track: Puppy Grin
Peach Pit is indie rock at its best. Their latest album, You and Your Friends shows a growth in their sound while keeping their anecdotal lyrics full of names of their IRL friends. Each song is like a snapshot into a different moment of someone’s life but also contains feelings we can relate to.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong by Dominic Fike
fav track: Why
Fike’s anticipated album titled What Could Possibly Go Wrong did not disappoint this year. His complete uniqueness in songwriting and sound surpass all expectations. Our most played song “Why” makes listeners wonder about their life while singing along with Fike’s fast-paced tune. His diversity in sound throughout the album is admiring and definitely extremely catchy.
Chip Chrome & the Mono-tones (Deluxe) by The Neighbourhood
fav track: Stargazing
The Neighbourhood takes us on a trip to the silver, sparkling world of Chip Chrome (lead singer, Jesse Rutherford's alter-ego) with their latest release. Already an amazing collection of songs, we fell even more in love with this album with the addition of tracks on the deluxe version. The NBHD gives us a breath of fresh air with their wide range of musical influences from hip hop to electronic.
Hold Space for Me by Orion Sun
fav track: Lightning
One of our favorite albums to play for winding down as it captures every raw emotion breathtakingly. Orion Sun accentuates her poetic lyricism and sound throughout the album with every track. Light rap verses in songs like “El Camino” to ballads in “Golden Hour” create a complimentary space to reveal vivid imagery and her intimate past.
hey u x by BENEE
fav track: All the Time (feat. Muroki)
What we love about hey u x is how BENEE has fun experimenting with a range of sounds and moods in each track. The album features several artists such as Flo Mili, Grimes, Gus Dapperton and many more, all of which add a unique touch to their songs. BENEE’s recent work proves why she’s a quickly rising star and makes us excited to watch her continue to grow.
color theory by soccer mommy
fav track: circle the drain
This album feels like you’re living as an angsty 90s teen in an indie movie. Color Theory is best listened to in order because certain parts of the album correspond to colors which all represent a different state of mind. The track “circle the drain” is a blue song and follows the singer feeling like her life is spiraling downwards.
Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞ by Kali Uchis
fav track: telepatía
Kali Uchis continues to blow us away with her incredible talent. The Colombian-American star released her first full length Spanish album and we’re in love. This project shows us a side of Uchis that is far more intimate and vulnerable. Her use of honesty through each track in her native tongue brings us into a state of euphoria and dreamlike fantasies.
SuperGood by Duckwrth
fav track: New Love Song
Following Jared Lee, aka Duckwrth, for some time now we were desperately looking forward to his latest album titled SuperGood. This release exudes nothing but fresh tunes and a taste of upbeat funky R&B mixed with some hip-hop. We’re obsessed and thoroughly impressed with all of the tracks on this album especially with those artist features. Duckwrth is en route to rising success and we’re absolutely pumped for it.
And a special shoutout to our favorite EPs of the year!
our little angel by ROLE MODEL
Indigo Violet by COIN
Happiness in Liquid Form by Alfie Templeman
sucks to see you doing better (extended) by Valley
BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd by Claire Rosinkranz
Listen to our playlist!