Top 2020 albums recognized for excellence
In a year marked by uncertainty and change, music provided a beacon of light and solace for many. The top albums of 2020, as celebrated by various music communities and critics, showcased a diverse range of sounds and themes that resonated deeply with audiences.
One of the most notable releases was Bob Dylan's *Rough and Rowdy Ways*, marking Dylan’s first album of original material in nearly a decade. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the 17-minute track "Murder Most Foul," which topped Billboard’s Rock Digital Songs Sales chart, giving Dylan his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart as a recording artist. Critics hailed it as some of Dylan's best work to date, underscoring his enduring influence as a songwriter.
Another standout album was The Weeknd's *After Hours*, widely celebrated for its dark, synth-driven production and emotional lyricism. The album spawned the blockbuster single "Blinding Lights," which became one of the biggest hits of 2020 and a cultural phenomenon. The album's cohesive storytelling and atmospheric sound reinforced The Weeknd’s place as a major pop and R&B innovator.
Fiona Apple's *Fetch the Bolt Cutters* was praised for its raw, intimate, and experimental sound. Critically lauded for its inventive production and emotionally candid songwriting, the album was seen as a breakthrough work that challenged conventional pop structures and themes.
Taylor Swift's *Folklore* and *Evermore* were also highly acclaimed. Noted for their indie folk and alternative rock style, a departure from her previous pop-centric albums, these sister albums resonated deeply with listeners seeking solace and reflection.
Run the Jewels' *RTJ4* was acclaimed for its sharp political commentary and aggressive, tight production. Released amid global protests, the album captured the zeitgeist of social justice movements and was seen as an anthem of change.
Dua Lipa's *Future Nostalgia* was celebrated for its disco-inspired dance-pop sound, while Lady Gaga's *Chromatica* marked a return to Gaga’s dance-pop roots. Both albums balanced club-ready bangers with emotional depth, reflecting themes of mental health and resilience.
Megan Thee Stallion's *Good News* was highlighted for its confident lyricism and catchy trap beats, establishing Megan as a dominant force in hip hop. HAIM's *Women in Music Pt. III* was praised for its blend of rock, pop, and R&B with introspective lyrics, capturing the challenges of womanhood and mental health with honesty and nuance.
Other notable releases included Phoebe Bridgers' *Punisher*, which sculpted a night terror into a daydream, and Caribou's *Suddenly*, a full-on submergence in a swirling pool of gothic shoegaze. The year 2020 has been challenging for various communities, including the music community, but these albums served as a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and unite.
The list of favourite new albums is a reflection of the past 12 months within the website's community, featuring albums like Porridge Radio's *Every Bad*, a soul-cleaning album that feeds on feelings turned sour and uses them as a weapon against personal demons, and SAULT's album, a stirring, staggering, and powerful release that maneuvers through disparate sub-genres to create a magnificent medley of exaltation.
In conclusion, the top albums of 2020 provided a soundtrack for a year like no other, offering a musical journey through uncertainty, resilience, and hope. Each album is notable not just for its commercial success but for pushing creative boundaries and resonating deeply with audiences during a tumultuous year.
The music community celebrated a diverse range of albums in 2020 that served as a beacon of light and solace, providing a soundtrack for a year marked by uncertainty. These albums, such as Bob Dylan's "Rough and Rowdy Ways," The Weeknd's "After Hours," and Fiona Apple's "Fetch the Bolt Cutters," showcased entertainments that resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting themes of resilience, social justice, mental health, and hope.
