My Favorite Albums Of 2020 So Far
As we near the halfway point of what has been the longest year in recent memory, I’ve started reflecting on some of the great music which has been released so far in 2020. The albums featured here have all been added to my permanent library, and have been in heavy rotation, serving as great escapes from the chaos which has surrounded us recently. I’m sure more fantastic projects will be released by the end of the year, and that the end of year list will look very different, but regardless, these are my favorite albums of 2020 so far.
5. Reunions - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
My review of this album discussed both the highest and lowest points of a good Americana album in-depth. Since the project’s release last month, this project has aged fairly well, but the criticisms I levied against Isbell’s newest offering still stand. Some of the songs featured here are among Isbell’s best, but the album’s tone and pacing aren’t as cohesive as some of his previous projects. That being said, this is still a good and enjoyable listen, and the song “Overseas” still amazes me.
4. how i’m feeling now - Charli XCX
The fact that this album was made entirely in quarantine is still astounding. While not as polished or vibrant as her 2019 magnum opus Charli, Charli XCX was still able to put together a thoroughly impressive collection of tracks. The production is incredible on this project, and many of the songs here are songs I listen to frequently. Great music which aptly communicates the feelings associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Song For Our Daughter - Laura Marling
This is the only project on my mid-year list which didn’t get its own in-depth review on my blog. March and April were slightly tumultuous times, and unfortunately, this project got lost in the shuffle. Since then, though, I’ve been obsessed with this album. Laura Marling channels the sounds and emotions of Joni Mitchell’s album Blue, all while offering new perspectives and techniques which differentiate this beautiful album from others in an otherwise oversaturated singer-songwriter genre. This album isn’t perfect, but it is great, and for that reason it earns a score of 8/10 and a place on this list.
2. Fetch The Bolt Cutters - Fiona Apple
This rugged, raw, and relentless album still ruminates in my mind from the first listen I gave it. The subsequent listens have allowed me to further appreciate the nuances and hidden gems this project has to offer, which layer upon one another beautifully. Released not too long into the coronavirus pandemic, this album came at the perfect time, allowing us all to relate to the sentiment “I’ve been in here too long”. I still find that this album should’ve ended at its jaw-dropping climax, and that the final two tracks seem unnecessary, but overall, Fiona Apple succeeded yet again with this great album.
1. RTJ4 - Run The Jewels
Great music not only achieves the fundamental qualities which accompany a pleasant listening experience, but it also meets a moment’s needs, which is exactly what RTJ4 did upon its release. The national emergency we’re currently facing and have been facing for centuries has finally received a spotlight, but change is just beginning in this country. The murder of innocent black Americans at the hands of police is the most vile and repugnant example of the discrimination black Americans face on a systemic and regular basis. This project reminds us that black lives always have and always will matter. El-P and Killer Mike’s production, lyricism, and truth-telling on this album are unparalleled, and while there are a couple slow moments which prevent me from calling this project perfect, it’s damn close, and it is my favorite album of 2020 so far because of that.
Which albums are your favorites of 2020 so far? Which projects are you anticipating before the year ends? Make sure to let me know, and enjoy listening to these great projects through these difficult times. Thanks for reading.