The 10 Best Albums of 2020

Despite a challenging year, there was no shortage of new music. After a memorable twelve months, it’s now time to look back on the releases that helped us throughout this global pandemic. Here’s our list of the top 10 best albums of 2020.

10. Fine Line – Harry Styles

Harry Styles is thriving as a solo artist. Fine Line is an excellent blend of pop and rock elements. Styles expresses nontoxic masculinity in both his image and lyrics too. The album had a late release in December of 2019, but dominated the airwaves in 2020.The English singer’s sophomore album has no shortage of hits either. Standout songs on the album include “Watermelon Sugar”, “Adore You”, and “Falling”.

9. Map Of The Soul: 7 – BTS

BTS had a banner year. Map Of The Soul: 7 is the best selling album in the history of South Korea, and it appears that the Korean boy band is making a major splash in the United States too. Throughout their seventh album, the group showcases mastery of different styles of pop. Highlight tracks include “Boy With Luv”, “On”, and “Boy”.

8. Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers

Phoebe Bridgers continues to excel as an indie icon. Throughout Punisher, the Los Angeles native tells her story honestly, giving fans an introspective look into the singer-songwriter’s elaborate mind. The dark, gloomy mood of the album is heightened by emotional vulnerability. Highlight tracks include “I Know The End”, “Garden Song”, and “Kyoto”.

7. Eternal Atake – Lil Uzi Vert

This March, Lil Uzi Vert released his much anticipated sophomore album. Eternal Atake is a fresh, futuristic rap album, with lots of thrilling sounds and genre versatility. The Philadelphia based rapper exceeded expectations, taking his rap game to a new galaxy. Standout songs on the album include “That Way”, “Futsal Shuffle 2020”, and “Baby Pluto”.

6. Hollywood’s Bleeding – Post Malone

Hollywood’s Bleeding was released in September of 2019, and it’s momentum only continued into the new year. Post Malone’s latest project was the third most streamed album on Spotify throughout 2020. The Los Angeles based rapper is known for his ability to fuse different genres with pop and hip hop, creating memorable anthems for his fans. From Ozzy Osbourne to Young Thug, the features on Hollywood’s Bleeding are executed excellently. Standout songs include “Sunflower”, “Circles”, “Goodbyes”.

5. Future Nostalgia – Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa brought disco back with an upbeat collection of club hits. Future Nostalgia captures a retro 80s vibe with a contemporary twist. This is the English pop star’s most successful release yet, debuting at #4 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the UK Albums chart. Standout songs on the album include “Don’t Start Now”, “Physical”, and “Levitating”. 

4. Fetch The Bolt Cutters – Fiona Apple

After 5 years of recording sessions, Fiona Apple finally released her fifth album. Fetch The Bolt Cutters explores the realms of limitless experimentation, with lots of unconventionality and improvisation. The alt-rock singer’s final product is a raw, liberating work of art, what many would call a masterpiece. Apple’s vulnerability, both lyrically and musically, resonates well with listeners. Highlight tracks of the album include “Shameika” and “I Want You To Love Me”.

3. After Hours – The Weeknd

The Weeknd is having the greatest year of his career, breaking numerous records with his hit song “Blinding Lights” and topping Billboard’s 2020 Hot 100 Artists year-end chart. This success stems from Abel Tesfaye’s latest work After Hours, an album driven by new wave and dream pop sounds. The Canadian singer manages to balance a mainstream vibe with his new darker, psychedelic persona. Other radio hits on After Hours include “Heartless” and “In Your Eyes”.

2. Folklore – Taylor Swift

This July, Taylor Swift dropped the greatest surprise album of the year. Straying away from radio pop, Swift’s songwriting ability shines throughout a series of mellow ballads. The naturalistic elements of Folklore are fitting for a year of isolation. This experimental folk project is a historic release for Swift, making her the first artist to simultaneously debut both a #1 album on the Billboard 200 and #1 song, “Cardigan”, on the Billboard Hot 100. 

1. Eccentric – Ewreckage

Ewreckage is the hidden gem of the year. The New Bedford based artist exceeded expectations with his debut album Eccentric, which peaked at #1 in India. This work is drenched with sunlight, fitting for a California summer. From pop anthems to acoustic ballads, Eccentric covers a wide range of genres, making each track unique and memorable. Ewreckage’s versatile discography is a must listen for everyone. Standout songs include “Ocean”, “Thanks For Nothing”, and “Shivers”.