21 Best Albums of 2020 (So Far) | Year in Review 💿🎧

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Bad Bunny, Childish Gambino, Fiona Apple, Lady Gaga, Perfume Genius, RTJ & The Weeknd appear on 21 Best Albums of 2020 (So Far).

Ah, it’s that time to select the BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR).  Like 2018 and 2019, I chose 21 albums that truly stood out to me so far during a most turbulent 2020. But first, before diving into who takes top honors, lets reminisce back to my top-five best albums when it was all said and done over the past few years, shall we?

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2019 

Beginning with 2019, the five musicians and respective albums that ‘tickled my fancy’ were (1) Ariana Grande, Thank U, Next, (2) Lana Del Rey, Norman Fucking Rockwell!, (3) Billie Eilish, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, (4) Lizzo, Cuz I Love You, and (5) Vampire Weekend, Father of the Bride. Tyler, the Creator (IGOR), Just missed the top five on 25 Best Albums of 2019, though he made the cut on 21 Best Albums of 2019 (So Far) – blame Lana Del Rey. I would love to point out, all five of my top five were nominated for the highly coveted Grammy for Album of the Year, with Billie Eilish ultimately winning.  Only Ariana Grande failed to get a Grammy, while Tyler, the Creator won Best Rap Album (we all know IGOR should’ve been nominated for AOTY btw).

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2018

In 2018, the five musicians and respective albums that moved me with their music were (1) Janelle Monáe, Dirty Computer, (2) Arctic Monkeys, Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, (3) Ghost, Prequelle, (4) Father John Misty, God’s Favorite Customer, and (5) Pusha T, Daytona.  Left out of the top five on 45 Best Albums of 2018 was Ezra Furman (Transangelic Exodus).  Worth noting, there were two lists prior to the final edition: 21 Best Albums of 2018 (So Far) and 30 Best Albums of 2018 (So Far Revised).

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2017

Okay, let’s revisit one final year, shall we? In 2017, the five musicians and respective albums that stimulated my ears something fierce were (1) Kendrick Lamar, DAMN., (2) Jay-Z, 4:44, (3) Lorde, Melodrama, (4) Father John Misty, Pure Comedy, and (5) The National, Sleep Well Beast.  Number six on 50 Best Albums of 2017 was Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (The Nashville Sound).  Three of the top five albums were nominated for the Grammy for Album of the Year, while all six albums were either nominated or won Grammys.  Also, there were three previous editions of the final list: 20 Best Albums of 2017 (So Far); 25 Best Albums of 2017 (So Far) 2.0; Infographic: 40 Best Albums of 2017 (So Far) 3.0.  Kendrick Lamar and DAMN. Never ceded the no. 1 spot.

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So, enough old history – let’s make new history! The premise is the same as it always has been on 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR).  This list of the best albums I have PERSONALLY listened to and/or reviewed in 2020 is subject to change by the end of the year.  There are always adjustments, and after the year is finished, I feel like The Musical Hype does a bang-up job with selecting the crème de la crème. Appearing on this list are Bad Bunny, Childish Gambino, Fiona Apple, Lady Gaga, Perfume Genius, Run the Jewels, and The Weeknd. Check out the list for yourself to see where these artists and their respective albums rank on 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR).  First, how about five HONORABLE MENTIONS, in alphabetical order by the musician’s first name!  They MIGHT appear on the final edition of the list…or not. 

5 Seconds of Summer, CALM :

Arguably, the band’s best album to date.

Adam Lambert, Velvet :

A sleek pop album by the openly gay superstar that we all know should’ve won Season 8 of American Idol, hands down.

J Balvin, Colores :

Bad Bunny earns the biggest Urbano Latino triumph of 2020, but people shouldn’t sleep on this ‘colorful,’ well-rounded affair.

Ro James, MANTIC :

This fine, incredibly underrated R&B album was very close to earning one of the 21 spots.

Ryan Beatty, Dreaming of David :

Sigh, sometimes, I feel like I’m the only person who gives this guy any love.  Post-Boy in Jeans, Beatty still writes compelling songs about boys in my book.

Ok! Without further ado or fanfare, in descending order, here are the 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR)!

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21. Lil Uzi Vert, Eternal Atake

Atlantic 

Often, the final album or two of my ‘Best Albums … (So Far)’ lists tend to be either surprising, left-field, or random.  I don’t necessarily think acknowledging Eternal Atake (and Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2) is far-fetched. This marked the first album by the Grammy-nominated rapper since 2017 (Luv is Rage 2). It certainly has its fair share of bangers including “Lo Mein” and “Homecoming” (Eternal Atake) and “Strawberry Peels” (Luv vs. The World 2).  Also, the smoother “Urgency,” featuring Syd (Eternal Atake) is noteworthy: “Treat my dark skin like my redbone, yeah / Tell my redbone call my red phone, yeah.”

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20. Mac Miller, Circles

Warner

Circles, the posthumous album by Mac Miller is definitely worthy of acknowledgement among the 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR). Posthumous albums can be hit or miss, but Circles – in the works prior to Miller’s untimely death – is soundly executed overall.  Important to note is the fact that Circles isn’t a lighthearted hip-hop album, definitely contrasting his earlier, more fun works. That said, this is easily his most mature, and shows the direction he was headed next in his career had he lived.  The “Good News” is that despite his untimely death at the age of 26, the legacy of Miller lives on.  Also, besides the aforementioned crowning achievement, other standouts include “I Can See” and the gorgeous “Hand Me Downs.”  

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19. Charli XCX, how i’m feeling now

Warner UK 

As horrible and totally unfortunate as COVID-19 has been, the pandemic gave musicians the opportunity to be creative in ways they might not ordinarily be. On how i’m feeling now, the true ‘quarantine’ project, Charli XCX reflects on her own personal emotions and life over the course of 37 minutes of intriguing music.  There’s a rawness about the album, but that’s part of the charm; the rawness feels right given situation in which it was constructed.  Even if finesse is questionable at times, how i’m feeling now would be a viable pop album, global pandemic or not.  All 11 songs are worthwhile while the gems like “forever”, “claw” and “anthems” shine incredibly bright. 

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18. Ozzy Osbourne, Ordinary Man

Epic

It’s definitely rare that we get a new album by an iconic musician, particularly one in their seventies. Ozzy Osbourne is far past his prime, but man, does he sound reinvigorated throughout his first album released in a decade, Ordinary Man. Perhaps his 12^th studio album isn’t perfect, but there are no glaring miscues by my estimations. His most ‘woke,’ effective cuts explore the inevitable end – that’s definitely true to the Osbourne script. The crème de la crème include the hellish “Straight to Hell”, the reflective “Ordinary Man” featuring Elton John (!), and the morbid “Under the Graveyard”.  Also, Osbourne deserves some credit for the totally nuts “It’s a Raid,” which features Post Malone, and its free-flowing f-bombs.  For good measure, Osbourne states at the end, “Fuck you all.”

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17. Conan Gray, Kid Krow

Republic

Want to know how to slay a full-length, debut album? Just ask Conan Gray, because he does just that on Kid Krow. Kid Krow is another one of those really good albums that hasn’t received enough attention from my perspective.  It’s a shame, considering Gray has the full package. The songwriting is potent throughout, and Gray does a nice job of balancing slower, more emotional cuts with quicker, more energetic ones. The production suits him throughout, mostly helmed by Dan Nigro.  Vocally, Gray is quite impressive, never overreaching nor underwhelming; he knows when to pull back and when to push.  Gems include the friendship-longing “Comfort Crowd,” the rousing synth-pop of “Wish You Were Sober” (“This party’s shit, wish we could dip / Go anywhere but here…”), the feisty, playful, and pissed off “Checkmate,” and my personal favorite, the narrative-driven “The Story”. Hmm, 17^th is feeling a tad bit low for this project, isn’t it? 

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16. BTS, Map of the Soul

Bighit Entertainment

If K-pop needed its big-time, classic album, BTS definitely came through with Map of the Soul.  Much like what Bad Bunny has done for Urbano Latino, BTS has definitely made K-Pop mainstream cool. 75-minute albums are definitely a lot to digest, but when the album is as diverse and varied as Map of the Soul is, it’s nothing short of a pleasure to listen to.  Maybe more than the individual songs, it’s how well the Korean heartthrobs balance pop, hip-hop, and R&B.  Among the many gems are “Boy with Luv” a superstar collaboration with Halsey, the chill “Make it Right,” the confident, swagger-heavy “Dionysus” (all reappearing from Map of the Soul: Persona), and “Louder than Bombs.” Well-executed crowd pleaser.

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15. Halsey, Manic

Capitol

Manic is by far the best album by Grammy-nominated alternative pop musician, Halsey.  If anything, the third studio album by Ashley Frangipane is probably one of the more underrated best albums of 2020.  There are no shortage of standouts including “clementine”, inspired by Clementine from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Rolling Stone), the country-tinged, full-on emotional pop of “You should be sad”, and her purported ‘first love song she’s ever written,’ “Finally // beautiful stranger”.  And we failed to mention the number one Billboard Hot hit snubbed by the Grammys, “Without Me”.  To reiterate, Manic is by far her best album.  She continues her conceptual vibes, but it’s her honesty, openness, and a greater level of authenticity that makes the album shine brightest. 

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14. Kehlani, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t

Atlantic 

Well-rounded, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t is an enjoyable contemporary R&B effort that finds the singer ‘keeping it 100’ from start to finish. For the most part, the material is strong, fueled primarily by matters of the heart.  Kehlani delivers excellent vocal performances throughout characterized equally by musical skill as well as the personality showcased.  There are a number of gems including opener “Toxic”, where that damn Don Julio made me a fool for you…,” “Everybody Business”, where she ignores the haters, and the makeup sex touting “F&MU” (“We fuck and make up like it’s Maybelline”).

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13. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Reunions

Southeastern

In 2020, Grammy-winning collective Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit returned with Reunions. Reunions marked another spectacular addition to the musician’s discography, following The Nashville Sound, which appeared as the 6^th best album on 50 Best Albums of 2017.  Yeah, Reunions is 13^th on 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR), but there’s nothing the least bit unlucky about this album.  It’s opens epically with the near-seven-minute, guitar-fueled gem, “What’ve I Done to Help.” The thoughtfully penned “Dreamsicle” follows, capturing unfortunate life circumstances brilliantly, while later, “River” blends countrified Americana with some southern gospel touches masterfully.  Comprised of a tight 10 tracks, there are no missteps whatsoever.

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12. Moses Sumney, Græ

Jagjaguwar

In an age where conformity runs rampant, and experimentation and innovative spirit seem to be null and void, there’s a musician like Moses Sumney. Sumney ranks among the more distinct musicians of present, unafraid to try new things.  He followed his critically acclaimed, 2017 debut album, Aromanticism, with another superb offering, Græ.  If Græ were to appear in a number of BEST OF top 10s, it wouldn’t surprise me. Sumney delivered a bold, creative piece of art with his sophomore album, led by gems like “Cut Me,” “Virile,” which explores masculinity, “Conveyor,” which explores the means to achieve, and “Me in 20 Years,” just to name a few.

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11. Run the Jewels, RTJ4

BMG Rights Management

The first rap album to appear on 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR) arrives courtesy of Run the Jewels. Anytime that El-P and Killer Mike return with a new project, it’s definitely a refreshing experience.  That’s certainly the case with RTJ4, the fourth album by this power duo. What makes RTJ4 accomplished is the fact that it showcases two skilled rappers that collaborate and feed off one another almost seamlessly in addition to making meaningful, socially conscious music, with expert rhymes, and creative production.  Gems are easy to come by on RTJ4 including the one-two punch of singles “Yankee and the Brave (Ep. 4)” and “Ooh La La,” as well as the thrilling “Ju$t” featuring Zack de la Rocha and Pharrell Williams.

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10. The Strokes, The New Abnormal

RCA 

You mean to tell me that The New Abnormal is merely 10^th? Yes, that’s the reality of the situation on this highly competitive, top-heavy list. Prior to the release of The New Abnormal, it had been more than seven years since The Strokes released a new studio album.  Following up Comedown Machine (2013), an album I reviewed but only vaguely remember, The New Abnormal ends up being The Strokes’ best album in years, arguably since the classic, Is This It.

Comprised of just nine songs, there’s little room for error. Good thing there are none to be found on The New Abnormal.  “The Adults are Talking” is an incredible opening statement about the inability for a subordinate’s voice to be heard.  “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” hearkens back to the 80s, while “At the Door” exhibits experimentation and innovative spirit.  Julian Casablancas is compelling from start to finish, showing the various capabilities of his voice, while instrumentally, the band is totally locked-in – “Drums please, Fab.”

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9. Tame Impala, The Slow Rush

Island 

After a five-year hiatus, Australian alternative collective Tame Impala, the brainchild of Kevin Parker returned in 2020 with their fourth studio album, The Slow Rush. That said, top-notch advance singles – “Posthumous Forgiveness” and  “Lost in Yesterday” among them – suggested that The Slow Rush was totally worth the wait. Obviously, securing a spot in the top-10 of the highly competitive 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR) speaks volumes.  Honestly, earlier in the year, prior to so many awesome albums arriving, The Slow Rush would’ve had a compelling case for the top spot.

As aforementioned, “Posthumous Forgiveness” and “Lost in Yesterday” are a couple of the bright spots.  The former finds Parker forgiving his father after passing away, while the latter speaks to the power of the past and moving forward into the future.  Prior to both of those, there’s the sick opener, “One More Year,” where the music alone would’ve secured its bop status, with infectious groove, programming/synths, and unique vocal samples.  There are no vibe-killing rubs to be found; there’s lots to like about The Slow Rush.

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8. Hayley Williams, Petals for Armor

Atlantic 

With the release of Petals for Armor, Hayley Williams made history. How so? Per Loudwire, Williams became “the first female to top the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart as both a solo artist and a member of a band.” That’s awesome, as is the album that earned her such honors.  Honestly, I wish more folks had checked out Williams’ solo debut – it’s pretty flipping amazing.

Out of 15 total songs, I dare you to find a bad one on Petals for Armor. Williams delivers a truly accomplished solo debut that lacks any glaring miscues.  The songwriting is personal, the production is clever, refined, and well-rounded, and the vocals are spot-on. There is no shortage of gems.  “Simmer” and “Leave it Alone” kick off Petals for Armor superbly, drawing ample emotion from the singer/songwriter.  On “Dead Horse,” she references her divorce.  Later, she comes through on the rosy, “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris,” which features a magnificent backdrop and promotes girl power with an assist from boygenius (Julien Baker, Lucy Daucus, and Phoebe Bridgers).

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7. Perfume Genius, Set My Heart on Fire Immediately

Matador

The top of the 21 BEST ALBUMS OF 2020 (SO FAR) is stacked.  Furthermore, the top six albums were pretty much locks.  Things can certainly change when the final list is released in December, but the competition at the top is formidable. That said, when listening to a truly superb album like Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, and realizing it lands at no. 7 on this list, feels like we’re selling this Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) crowning achievement short. On his fifth studio album, Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, the openly gay musician showcases a high level of musicianship, delivering a truly unique, artful listening experience.

Hadreas is reflective throughout the album, bringing many of his personal experiences to life via song.  There are NO bad songs whatsoever. On single “Describe,” he needs some to ‘describe’ good experiences to him because he’s been in such a bad spot.  “Without You” tackles the far too seldom covered topic of body dysmorphia and self-acceptance. The falsetto-laden “Jason” is about a one-night stand with a straight guy, while “On the Floor,” the second single, seeks fulfillment through love.  Honestly, I could go on and on about this marvelous, marvelous LP.

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6. Bad Bunny, YHLQMDLG

Rimas Entertainment

Puerto Rican Latin trap artist Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) released a truly compelling sophomore album, YHLQMDLG – Yo Hago Lo Que Me De La Gana (“I do what I want”). Regardless of coming in fifth or  sixth on 21 Best Albums of 2020 (So Far), bigger picture, YHLQMDLG successfully continues to bring urbano latino music to mainstream audiences. There’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into on the best of two albums Ocasio released in 2020.

There are a number of highlights. On standout opener “Si Veo a Tu Mamá,” Bad Bunny isn’t over his ex. “Ignorantes” featuring Panamanian singer Sech, encompasses matters of the heart, specifically heartbreak and a failed relationship, and includes a LGBTQ inclusive music video. And there’s also “P FKN R,” an energetic, totally fun shout out to Puerto Rico, or should I say, ‘Puerto Fuckin’ Rico.’ Ultimately, YHLQMDLG is incredibly confident, frank, and sexed-up urban Latin music.

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5. Lady Gaga, Chromatica

Interscope 

With the release of her sixth studio album, Chromatica, Lady Gaga drops her very best album since Born this Way.  Given her return to form, it was tough to exclude her from the top-five of 21 Best Albums (so far).  Chromatica, in essence, is the best realization of the versatile, dance-pop/electronic artist we’ve come to love in years. It’s creative, fun, and all in all, well-rounded.

Lady Gaga gives listeners plenty of variety throughout Chromatica. “Stupid Love” is in-your-face dance-pop that shows off her powerhouse vocals and yields a simple, yet infectious and irresistible chorus. “Rain on Me” is a superstar duet with Ariana Grande that both empowers and totally tickles one’s fancy – so, so, good! Then, there’s the biggest surprise – an unexpected collaboration with the legendary Elton John on “Sine from Above,” which isn’t a ballad but an innovative dance cut.   

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4.The Weeknd, After Hours

Republic

Although After Hours is edged out by a wilder, more experimental R&B album on this list, there’s no doubt in my mind that this is the best, most well-rounded album The Weeknd has released to date. That’s saying a lot considering the hits that graced Beauty Behind the Madness, as well as Starboy. Prior to its release, he released three compelling singles (“Heartless”, “Blinding Lights”, and “After Hours”), all of which are gems that prefaced this intriguing, featureless fourth LP.

The Weeknd throws familiar themes to listeners, while also incorporating some conceptual, cinematic ideas.  Furthermore, After Hours fully embraces crossover sensibilities stylistically.  While it’s primarily a R&B album, it’s one that incorporates the 80s, synthpop sound, which works out exceptionally well.

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3. Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia

Warner

And the best pop album of 2020 (so far) goes to… Dua Lipa and the incredibly consistent Future Nostalgia. The Grammy-winning English pop artist delivered a certified bop on her self-titled debut album yet she eclipses it on her totally electrifying sophomore album. From start to finish, the English pop star is on autopilot.  Not only is she ‘on,’ but I dare you find a chorus that won’t get stuck in your head after listening!

Nothing short of a home run, Future Nostalgia has no bad songs whatsoever – no glaring miscues.  There positives about each of the 11 songs.  At 37 minutes, it’s a consistent, engaging listen where there is no need to skip.  Vocally, she’s a beast.  As far as personality, she’s also a beast. “Don’t Start Now”, “Levitating”, and “Break My Heart” are examples of beastly gems.  

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2. Childish Gambino, 3.15.20

RCA

Had it not been for a certain, five-star masterpiece, the perfectly wild, intriguing 4 ½ star album, 3.15.20, would’ve topped this best albums of 2020 (so far) list.  Childish Gambino (the multitalented, multi-award winner, Donald Glover) clearly exceeds expectations on his fourth studio album. 3.15.20 is a prime example of a highly anticipated album in which the artist completely ‘throws a curveball’ yet achieves marvelous results.

3.15.20 is an instant classic – wild and unpredictable, but intriguingly and entertainingly so. Not intended as a commercial affair, Glover still manages to give us hook after hook in spite of this.  There are just so many contradictions, experiments, and surprises that you catch something you missed with each successive listen.  It’s polarizing, but definitely art.  Among the gems are the sex-fueled “12.38” (featuring Ink, Kadhja Bonet, and 21 Savage), hustling anthem “35.31,” and the epic, gospel-infused closer, “53.49.”

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1. Fiona Apple, Fetch the Bolt Cutters

Epic

Fiona Apple only releases an album ever so often – understatement. Prior to releasing her fifth studio album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters in 2020, the last album from the Grammy-winner arrived in 2012 (The Idler Wheel…). Despite long gaps between albums, Apple never disappoints when she returns. Fetch the Bolt Cutters ranks as one of best albums I’ve heard by any musician in years.

2020 has delivered some truly accomplished albums – Childish Gambino (3.15.20), Dua Lipa (Future Nostalgia), and The Weeknd (After Hours) among them.  Apple edges them all with this artsy, personal, and raw effort that captivates from start to finish. With four other incredible albums under her belt, Fetch the Bolt Cutters is nothing short of an instant classic.   Among the gems are “Shameika” and its infectious chorus (“But Shameika said I had potential”), the highly percussive “Relay,” and the incredible groovy “Heavy Balloon,” which features the additional awesome lyrics, “I spread like strawberries / I climb like peas and beans.”

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21 Best Albums of 2020 (So Far) | Year in Review [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Bighit Entertainment, BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Epic, Interscope, Island, Jagjaguwar, Matador, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Rimas Entertainment, Southeastern, Warner]

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