Albums of The Year 2020: Part 1
Tags: Year In Review, Album Review, Albums Of The Year, 2020, Music

Honorable Mentions (Listed alphabetically)

Nicolas Jaar (Against All Logic)

2017–2019, by Against All Logic (Electronic)

A prolific year for sound design wizard Nicolas Jaar was highlighted by his second project under the Against All Logic moniker, another set of exciting house cuts that have plenty of groove while also showcasing Jaar’s talent for pushing the limits of his own music. Blockbusters: “Fantasy”, “Alarm”, “Faith”

We Will Always Love You, by The Avalanches (Plunderphonics)

A late entrant to the 2020 mix, the third album from Australian DJ’s The Avalanches is a sprawling and collab-heavy record that comes across some very fertile ground on its way through a mixed array of ideas. Blockbusters: “We Will Always Love You (ft. Blood Orange)”, “The Divine Chord (ft. MGMT and Johnny Marr)”, “Gold Sky (ft. Kurt Vile)”

Jump Rope Gazers, by The Beths (Indie Rock)

Despite a bit of a lull around the midsection, the sophomore effort from New Zealand’s Beths starts and finishes strong, showcasing strong pop rock songwriting chops in several moods and tempos both fast and slow. Blockbusters: “Dying to Believe”, “Jump Rope Gazers”, “Mars, the God of War”

Peaceful As Hell, by Black Dresses (Industrial Pop)

The last project from the now-defunct duo of Ada Rook and Devi McCallion is a brash and unapologetic take on noise pop that blends catchy hooks with abrasive production and throat-rending vocal performances, a truly one of a kind and now somewhat bittersweet release. Blockbusters: “BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP”, “MiRRORGiRL”, “EXPRESS YOURSELF”

Innocent Country 2, by Quelle Chris and Chris Keys (Jazz Rap)

While not quite as arresting as his 2019 record Guns, Detroit rapper Quelle Chris’ second team-up with producer Chris Keys boasts a bevy of strong features en route to delivering a complete package of thoughtful rhymes set to smooth and tasteful instrumentals. Blockbusters: “Grease from the Elbows (ft. Pink Siifu and Billy Woods)”, “Graphic Bleed Outs (ft. Merrill Garbus and Melanie St. Charles)”, “When You Fall… (ft. Nappy Nina, Fresh Daily, and 5ILL)”

Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee)

FREE I.H: This Is Not The One You’ve Been Waiting For, by Illuminati Hotties (Indie Rock)

Despite being a “mixtape” released as part of an agreement to escape a sour record deal, the latest from LA’s Illuminati Hotties nonetheless contains plenty of memorable material, songs imbued with an infectious energy and tons of unique personality. Blockbusters: “freequent letdown”, “content//bedtime”, “b yr own b”

I Disagree, by Poppy (Metallic Pop)

Uncanny valley pop star Poppy took a huge step into the unknown with her newest project, an album that fearlessly blends her usual electropop with heavy doses of nu metal and industrial rock with explosive results, showcasing both sugary sweet hooks and crushing riffage side by side. Blockbusters: “I Disagree”, “BLOODMONEY”, “Anything Like Me”

RTJ4, by Run The Jewels (Hip-Hop)

The fourth project from the now-legendary union between El-P and Killer Mike features some of El-P’s best production to date, and arrived at the perfect time for a country wracked by racial upheaval, a pointedly political and hard-hitting record well-suited for the times. Blockbusters: “Holy Calamafuck”, “Walking In The Snow”, “Pulling The Pin (ft. Mavis Staples and Josh Homme)”

The New Abnormal, by The Strokes (Alternative Rock)

Although perhaps a little bit too indebted to its inspirations, the return album from 2000’s alt rock darlings The Strokes offers the band’s most compelling material in over a decade, the band sounding fully rejuvenated by the time off and ready to channel the best of their favorite 80’s greats. Blockbusters: “The Adults Are Talking”, “Bad Decisions”, “Ode To The Mets”

Saint Cloud, by Waxahatchee (Country)

The fifth full-length album from Alabama’s Katie Crutchfield is a vulnerable and uplifting account of her battles with addiction and her decision to get sober, featuring no shortage of great melodies and some of the best individual tracks of her career. Blockbusters: “Can’t Do Much”, “Fire”, “Lilacs”

These albums above may have just missed the cut for my Top 50 this year, but each one has more than enough to offer to be worth a listen for any fan of the genres they represent. If any of them sound interesting to you, I heartily endorse all of them and recommend you give them a listen. Without any further ado, let’s get to the main event.