The 12 best albums of 2020
The power of music is always something that has brought people together. Seeing as 2020 has been a trying time for all, artists have taken the time to release new tracks that aid in distracting everybody from the chaos that this year entailed.
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The power of music is always something that has brought people together. Seeing as 2020 has been a trying time for all, artists have taken the time to release new tracks that aid in distracting everybody from the chaos that this year entailed. In order to help you unwind to new music, here are a few of the major music releases thus far.
After Hours, by The Weeknd
After Hours is the fourth studio album by The Weeknd, released on March 20th and featuring hit singles like “Blinding Lights,” “Heartless,” and “In Your Eyes.” The album received high review scores, especially for its spacey, 80s-inspired synth instrumentals. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200, and it stayed on the charts for an incredible 32 weeks.
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Legends Never Die, by Juice WRLD
Following his death in December of 2019, rapper Juice WRLD’s first posthumous album, Legends Never Die, was released July 10th to critical acclaim. The album’s 22 tracks include appearances from Halsey, Marshmello, The Weeknd, and Trippie Redd, as well as an interlude, where members of the music industry comment on the late rapper’s career. A deluxe re-release of the album and a follow-up album is rumored to be in the works.
A freshman at Pascack Hills and someone who is an avid Juice WRLD fan stated, “The album’s really good. I like putting it on while doing homework…‘Titanic’ is probably my favorite song on the album.”
Folklore, by Taylor Swift
Popstar singer and songwriter, Taylor Swift, released her eighth studio album, titled “folklore”, by surprise on July 24th (nearly a year after her last album release). Swift wanted to experiment with genres on this album, and she opted for a more indie and folk style. The album had immediate success, with all 16 tracks charting on the Billboard 100 at the same time (the track “Cardigan” debuted at the top spot).
Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, by Pop Smoke
Pop Smoke’s album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, was released on July 3rd, roughly five months after his death in February. A large variety of artists are featured on the album, including Quavo, DaBaby, Future, 50 Cent, and Roddy Ricch. The album had incredible success both in the music world and on social media, with a number of songs—such as “The Woo”, “For The Night”, and “Mood Swings”—charting high on the Billboard 100 and/or becoming widespread on social media platforms like TikTok.
A Sophomore at Pascack Hills stated, “I didn’t really listen to it much when it dropped, but I honestly think TikTok got me more into the songs…My favorite song is ‘For The Night.’”
The Goat, by Polo G
Rising-star rapper, Polo G, released his second studio album on March 15th. Titled The Goat, this album continued and built upon the rapper’s unique style, combining melodic hooks and drill rap to tell stories about major social issues like mental health. Some stand-out tracks include “Martin & Gina”, “Flex” (featuring Juice WRLD), and “Go Stupid” (with Stunna 4 Vegas, NLE Choppa, and Mike Will Made It).
Eternal Atake, by Lil Uzi Vert
A highly-anticipated release, Eternal Atake is rapper Lil Uzi Vert’s second studio album, releasing on March 6th with an equally-enjoyed deluxe edition that released on the 13th. Uzi had been teasing the album since 2018, hinting at a psychedelic, space theme and eventually letting his fans vote on the album’s final cover. The album is interesting for its use of samples, like the song “That Way” using snippets from “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys, and the song “P2” showing major similarities to another song by Uzi, “XO Tour Llif3”.
“I was so hyped for this album,” a Sophomore at Hills commented. “It took so long to come out, but I really think it was worth the wait… My favorite song is ‘Prices.’”
Future Nostalgia, by Dua Lipa
English singer and songwriter, Dua Lipa, took a unique approach when it came to her newest album, Future Nostalgia, released on March 27th. Lipa’s goal was to combine the styles of 70s, 80s, and 90s pop to create a stylized pop/dance/disco record. The album’s lead single, “Don’t Start Now,” became Lipa’s first top-three entry on the Billboard Hot 100, and it also became viral on TikTok.
Suga, by Megan Thee Stallion
Suga, the third EP from the female rapper, Megan Thee Stallion, was released on March 6th. The EP produced several chart toppers and helped Megan become one of the biggest rappers of 2020. This was perhaps encouraged even more by the popularity of her tracks, such as the hit single, “Savage”, on TikTok (which has clearly played a major role in music popularity in 2020).
Blame It On Baby, by DaBaby
Prolific rapper, DaBaby, released Blame It On Baby, his third studio album, during quarantine this year on April 17th. The album was a surprise release announced by DaBaby just a few days earlier, using cover art of the rapper wearing a face mask—of course, a nod to the current coronavirus pandemic. “Rockstar” (featuring Roddy Ricch) was the album’s stand-out track, and it received a “BLM” remix in August with a new verse addressing the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.
Heartbreak Weather, by Niall Horan
Niall Horan, a former member of the band One Direction, released his second studio album, Heartbreak Weather, on March 13th. The album’s lead single, “Nice To Meet Ya”, released in October 2019, being performed often by Horan live to promote the album’s release. The album was rated generally well, and it peaked at the number four spot on the Billboard 200.
Dark Lane Demo Tapes, by Drake
Chart-topping Canadian rapper, Drake, opted for a more experimental approach to his mixtape, Dark Lane Demo Tapes, released on May 1st. The album showcased a wider variety of genres compared to Drake’s usual releases, as well as features from rappers like Chris Brown, Future, Young Thug, and Playboi Carti. Based on statements made by Drake, it seems like Dark Lane Demo Tapes was intended as a precursor, or “warm-up”, to his next studio album releasing in January 2021.
Chromatica, by Lady Gaga
American pop superstar, Lady Gaga, released her sixth studio album, Chromatica, on May 29th after being delayed for seven weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. The album’s dance-pop tracks are complemented by featured artists, Ariana Grande, Elton John, and Blackpink. The track, “Rain On Me” (featuring Ariana Grande), is easily one of the album’s standout tracks, debuting at the number one spot on both UK and US charts.
These albums are available on all music streaming platforms, and if they’re not for you, there are more major releases coming this November and December. Music can be a great reliever of stress, so if you’re in need of a break from 2020, these are the albums for you.
