Its hard to believe there was a best anything in 2020. But here we are with the year in our rear view, and looking back there was actually a lot of really good music released. I suppose that's what happens when artists are unable to tour. So I give you the official Ballads to Bangers definitive, comprehensive, ultimate, unquestionable, top fifteen albums list of 2020. Read em and weep.
15. The New Abnormal - The Strokes
Other than the occasional single, or song featured on Guitar Hero, I have never really been into The Strokes. Not for any reason in particular, but after hearing this album I spent some time listening to their back catalog and was even more impressed. To me this album is great because it not only is a good listen, but it marks the ability of The Strokes to adapt and put out great, relevant rock music after a lengthy and successful career. Something that can't be said for a lot of bands who may be in the twilight of their careers. My two favourite tracks on the album are 'Ode to the Mets' and 'At The Door'.
14. Changes - Justin Bieber
When this album got nominated for a Grammy a few weeks ago, Bieber complained that he was in the wrong category. That this album should have been nominated as an R&B album rather than Pop. When it boils down to it, he may have a point. Genre wise it does lean towards R&B. I like this album for that reason. It's different for the Biebs. There are some more poppy tracks that I enjoy like 'Yummy' and 'Changes'. But the album is mostly made up of tracks like 'Come Around Me' and Habitual' which contain smooth singing Biebs living up to the newly coined phrase "RnBieber".
13. Juvenille - CRi
I think at times my taste in music can be all over the map. I like lots of different types of music. After you finish reading this list of albums you might notice a bit of a trend for this year. Lots of Rock, Chill Electronic, and R&B vibes. I honestly didn't even notice until I put this list together. Regardless, CRi is a Canadian electronic music artist that I had never heard before this year. I like him because he sings like Matt Bellamy of Muse, and some of his beats remind me of Moby. I love the relaxed vibe of this album. Songs like 'Signal' and 'Never Really Get There' have been on repeat numerous times for me this year.
12. The Making of a Paracosm - Kasbo
Another theme running through this year's list is bands who I have never heard of before, or have never really listened to. I think it might be 5 out of the 15. I love it. I love discovering new music. Seeing a list like this year's makes all the hours of sifting through music every week worth it. Other than maybe 1 song a few years ago I had never heard of Kasbo before. Listening to the rest of their music I am not too surprised. It feels like EDM that does nothing to stand out. Which may sound a little harsh, but there's so much music out there. This album changed all that. They found a vibe and leaned into. Super chill, laid back, really well produced and featured artists that contribute really good vocals. 'Lune' is one of my favourite tracks because of all the aforementioned reasons (love the Vancouver Sleep Clinic feature) and its great hook. But the best track on the album for me is definitely 'Skogsrã' with its unique sounds and ethereal vibes
11. Ceremony - Phantogram
This album is a representation of a band perfecting their sound. Phantogram has been around for a few years but other than a single here or there, never made any waves. Alt-Rock is a huge genre and encompasses a wide range of music and artists. Phantogram has hit the nail on the head with Ceremony. They took elements of Rock, Electronic and Hip-hop music, threw it all in a blender and came out with a great album. This is most evident their single 'In a Spiral'. The standout for me has to be the voice of Sarah Barthel. The stripped down track 'Glowing' is a great showcase of her talent.
10. The Slow Rush - Tame Impala
This is another example of a band who has been around a little while but I never really got into. They are super talented, and after hearing a couple of interviews this year it's clear they put a ton of work and thought into all their music. I am not entirely sure how to describe this album. It's like if Alt-Rock has Island vibes. I think. Smooth vocals, simple instrumentation, overlaid with chill electronic sampling. I know that sounds pretentious, but just listen to 'Lost in Yesterday' and 'Borderline' and you will see what I mean. Promise.
9. After Hours - The Weeknd
He complained about the Grammy snub and he had every right to. The Grammys are stupid and we should not put too much stock in who they choose to honour or not. But still. I can't think of a song that got more plays this year than 'Blinding Lights' and the album has way more to offer than just that. This album is full of classic moody, overly honest, steeped in metaphor Weeknd lyrics that we have come to know and love. This album has a perfect mix of songs that sound like things he has always done ('Too Late') and songs that are different ('Alone Again'). If this isn't a "Grammy Worthy" album, I don't know what is.
8. Use Me - PVRIS
I would say any other year and it would be ranked much higher. But I had no choice, there is just so much good music. Anyway, I digress. This album is full of tracks I have listened to over and over again. 'Hallucinations', 'Dead Weight', 'Death of Me', and 'Old Wounds' are all very different sounding tracks and all quite good in their own respects. I enjoy these tracks in particular because they feel upbeat and contain that driving rock vibe but also contain elements of hip-hop that really mesh well together. And it's kind of angsty, and I like that.
7. My Love is a Hurricane - David Ramirez
I like a good "feelings" album but they are proving harder to find these days by anyone not named John Legend. There are a ton of love songs on this album but I can't say they really sound like traditional love songs. There is a small R&B presence on this album, especially on my favourite song 'Hallelujah, Love is Real', but the majority of songs are still trenched in a more Indie Folk genre. Ramirez voice is hella dreamy, and perfect for indie love songs. Like if you could combine burlap and silk. The beauty of this album is that although there is a very cohesive narrative, the songs are very different from one another. Definitely check out 'Coast to Coast', 'I Wanna Live in Your Bedroom', and 'Prevail!'.
6. Nectar - Joji
The vibes on this album are out of control. Roll your windows down, turn the heat up and let it ride. This guys story blows my mind, he was a big YouTube comedian named Filthy Frank, and then decided he wanted to make normal music. This album is only his second, but to me it sounds like he has been making R&B his whole life. It's so smooth, and catchy, and clever. I can't get enough of it. His voice is incredible and you can feel the emotion come through on all of his tracks. It's hard to pick favourites but I love 'Sanctuary', 'Run', and 'Tick Tock' the most.
5. BRONSON - BRONSON
It's not too often an EDM album makes it on my list, let alone this highly ranked. That should tell you how good this album is. It is spectacular. BRONSON is made up of the two members of ODESZA and some other guy. You can tell because both their names are in all caps. I fell in love with this album the first time I heard it. To me it's almost like you combined some of the sounds of ODESZA's music with an epic sci-fi movie soundtrack. It is so well rounded and each track is unique and showcases their strengths in crafting a song. For those who don't listen to EDM often, I find it very approachable. Only a couple of the songs have vocals but every song has catchy hooks that you just want to hear more of. "BLINE' is my favourite song on the album because of all the layers of sounds and changes in dynamics. I also love 'TENSE', it has been on my workout playlist since I first heard it.
4. The Ascension - Sufjan Stevens
"I like Sufjan as an artist but, and I don't think he has ever made a complete album that I love, just good songs here or there." I have literally said this multiple times, even once earlier this year to someone. Maybe Sufjan overheard. I dunno. This album is awesome front to back. In a world where concept albums are a dying idea Sufjan crushes it. He takes us on a beautiful musical journey and I am all for it. It's sad, and that's ok. I think that just showcases how good at writing songs he is. My choice for best song on the album is between 6! Thats crazy talk. But since I haven't been around in a while I will let you in on all of them. Because I miss you. Give a listen to 'Die Happy', 'Lamentations', 'Make Me an Offer I Cannot Refuse', 'Tell Me You Love Me', 'Run Away with Me', and 'Video Game'. You wont regret.
3. Shiver - Jonsi
I miss Sigur Ros. For now solo projects will have to do. This one is apparently 10 years in the making. I think it was worth the wait. It's more vocally driven then what I have come to expect from members of Sigur Ros (Jonsi and Alex namely) but I think thats also why I love this album so much. The fact that it is not all in English makes it that much better. You're not distracted by how the music and lyrics work together to form the song, but you are just experiencing the song as it hits you. It's less about listening to the music and more about feeling the music. And to me, that's sublime. 'Grenade' is one of my favourite songs of 2020, and 'Exhale' is the perfect "hey, everything's gonna be ok" type song. I highly recommend you grab some mulled wine, a warm blanket, and listen to it a few times.
I'm not crying. Your'e crying.
2. Folklore - Taylor Swift
Did you see this coming? Because I sure didn't. And I don't mean this album in general, because if you have spent any time listening to it you will know it deserves its place on my list. But I never saw this album coming. It's too good. Thought it's really no surprise with the likes of Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Aaron Dessner (The National) producing and co-writing much of the album. This is not to say Taylor Swift didn't contribute. Her unique pop cadence is still apparent (especially on 'my tears ricochet') and you can see her writing evident throughout the album. It just looks very different than we are used to. It still feels like a very personal album (Listen to 'cardigan') which is why it is such a good fit with her new folk sound. This album is front to back good like all top ranked albums should be. However 'exile' is head and shoulders above the rest.
1. Dreamland - Glass Animals
If there is allowed to be a delineation between new favourite band and all time favourite band? If so then Glass Animals are definitely my new favourite band. I have always liked a lot of their stuff but only listened casually. This year however, I have loved everything they have done from quarantine covers ('Young and Beautiful' originally by Lana Del Rey is next level), to filming a music video in an apartment, and finally to this incredible album. Dreamland is the culmination of Glass Animals journey in electro-pop. The album is cohesive with the classic Glass Animals vibe, but every song is so different. They are catchy and clever, they showcase their talent for manipulating instruments and integrating hip-hop. If there is one show I am dying to see post Covid it is without a doubt Glass Animals. Again, it's hard for me to choose the best. My favourites change day to day, which is the sign of a great album, so you should just listen to the whole thing. But I have to say when 'It's All So Incredibly Loud' came out I could not stop listening to the track. I think it is really unique, and the way they play with the dynamics in building the song is incredible. If you have never heard of these guys before do yourself a favour and check them out. All of it.
Well I hope you enjoyed reading! If you want to check out the songs I mentioned theres a playlist below. How convenient! I know I haven't been around for a while. A part me of hopes all 6 of my faithful readers missed me. But I didn't get any fan mail. So I can't be sure if I'll be back again.
Stay Safe.
Nathan.
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