10 favorite albums of 2020.
2020 was, of course, such a hard year for all of us. Fortunately we still have music to help get us through these days, and to bring us some joy in the world. Despite the extra challenging situations the pandemic brought to creators, there were a lot of great album releases last year in various genres.
Here are 10 albums that were particularly notable to me that I found myself listening to a number of times in recent months.
Fleet Foxes “Shore”
Their first album in three years, “Shore” is a stunning collection of really haunting and moving soft rock performances.
Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams “Plastic Bouquet”
This album is a collaboration by Canadian Americana duo Kacy & Clayton and New Zealand singer-songwriter Marlon Williams. Well crafted songs and recordings from some very underrated musicians.
Mapache “From Liberty Street”
If you can imagine a cross between The Everly Brothers, early Poco, Neil Young, and The Louvin Brothers, you might have a good idea of the wonderful music this duo creates. To me the whole album is a gem.
Nada Surf “Never Not Together”
I’ve been a big fan of this band for many years and it’s great to see them consistently put out wonderful albums.
Phoebe Bridgers “Punisher”
This young lady’s star is really rising lately. Her latest features some great indie-rock mixed in with some lovely and ethereal folk/singer-songwriter vibes.
Beabadoobee “Fake It Flowers”
AKA Beatrice Laus, her music very recently got on my radar although she’s been releasing material since 2018. Sounding to me like indie rock mixed with some emo plus 80s/90s power pop rock, I think this young musician has a promising musical future.
Jessie Ware “What’s Your Pleasure”
This London based singer’s fourth album showcases her range from soul grooves to disco dance pop. It’s a very accessible record that listeners of many ages can enjoy.
Fontaines D.C. “A Hero’s Death”
Being an Anglophile I have a big soft spot for countless UK bands. This band harkens me back to many “post-punk” bands from many years past, while still sounding very contemporary.
Bill Frisell “Valentine”
While he understandably gets pegged as a jazz musician, Bill’s music often touches many genres. He is a true maestro who always collaborates with other high level musicians.
Tame Impala “The Slow Rush”
While this band has gradually gotten away from their psych rock roots (which initially made me a big fan of theirs), their more poppy and dancey music still has a trippy quality that still draws me in.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Courtney Marie Andrews “Old Flowers"
Drive By Truckers “The Unraveling”
Fiona Apple “Fetch the Bolt Cutters"
The Jayhawks “XOXO”