Happy to announce I've just released my new single "Sad Boi Dreams"! I created this song after I had just gone through something awful but in it's creation I found peace. I hope you all enjoy it! It's more of an ambient and chill vibe. A song that is great to have on in the background and study to!
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I loved this! I wish Iâd gotten a better photo, but I wanna share it anyway! This is âYou And Meâ by Shallou as I see it because of synesthesia, a condition which causes me to see music visually when I hear it!Â
You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2020 here
My Previous monthly lists from 2020: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
My list last year for my top albums of 2019 can be found here.
Honorable Mention:
Aluna - Renaissance
Genre: Synth Pop / Dance
Lead singer from AlunaGeorge steps out on her own with this fast paced romp. She brings along many well known producers like Diplo (who sheâs signed with as a solo artist), KAYTRANADA, SG Lewis and more.
Proof: Warrior (Feat. SG Lewis) / Body Pump
Big Gigantic - Free Your Mind
Genre: Electronic / Dance
The Colorado duo Big Giganticâs big breakout was their sixth album in 2016âs Brighter Future that really expanded the reach of their high octane music. Four years later we have their follow up in this joyous affair. With their use of horns (one of them is a trained saxophonist) they always have a big band feel that meets the club in their sound that's so infectious.
Proof: Burning Love (Feat. Kidepo) / Youâre The One (Feat. Nevve)
Cam - The Otherside
Genre: Country / Pop
Iâm not typically a big country fan but this country with a little infusion of pop is something I can ride for. Really digging the ways Cam expanded on a typical country vernacular while still staying true to it as well.
Proof: The Otherside / Classic
CloZee - Neon Jungle
Genre: Electronic / World Bass
CloZeeâs musical landscapes are living breathing entities. Her music is lush and vibrant that seem to flow to and frow with a breeze. Not what most people would attribute to the genre which is why it stands out.
Proof: Winter Is Coming / Heya
dvsn - A Muse In Her Feelings
Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul
The third album by Toronto R&B duo dvsn and this is by far their best. A seductive and savory exploration through love, sexuality and heartbreak.
Proof: Dangerous City (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Buju Banton) / A Muse
This is sort of a greatest hits with some new songs masked as a debut. The fact most of these songs we have heard before and some way back to 2015, knocks this album back a bit on my list. That being said Duke Dumont is one of the best at funk infused dance music and this album bangs!
Proof: Ocean Drive / Together (w/ How To Dress Well) // Ocean Drive (Purple Disco Machine Remix) / Together (Luttrell Remix) w/ How To Dress Well
Empress Of - Iâm Your Empress Of
Genre: R&B / Pop
Empress Ofâs sophomore album Us was quite an upward trajectory from her already good debut album. On her third record here that momentum is kept going with a little flair. This is her most danceable record yet with some nostalgic synths added to her musical attire thatâs an accessory worth attention but not too distracting.
Proof: Bit of Rain / Love Is A Drug
Fakear - Everything Will Grow Again
Genre: Electronic / Dance / Tropical House
French DJ Fakearâs eclectic sophomore album is lush and expansive in itâs sound. You feel enveloped in an exotic and kinetic world that you canât help but get lost in while listening.Â
Proof: Sekoia / Rituals (Feat. Luiza Fernandes)
Georgia - Seeking Thrills
Genre: Synth Pop
This sophomore album by the english singer is a riot full of pulsating beats and neon lit synth patterns. The singing has Santigold/M.I.A. vibes without being an emulation.
Proof: Never Let You Go / Ray Guns
Halsey - MANIC
Genre: Pop / R&B
Itâs been a pretty dramatic rise for the singer. She was already a sensation by the time her debut album Badlands came out in 2015. Now sheâs one of the sought after features and a pretty big act in music. This third album MANIC is her most consistent, powerful and best. She has perfected how to utilize her raspy voice and how to connect with the listener and evoke strong emotions.Â
Illeniumâs ASCEND was my 3rd favorite record of 2019. As quite a nice gift Illenium dropped off this super sized remix album with at least one remix of each song off the glorious album.Â
Proof: Good Things Fall Apart (3LAU Remix) Feat. Jon Bellion / In Your Arms (Alan Walker Remix) Feat. X Ambassadors
Even if you donât know Kingdom off the top of your head youâve probably heard a Kingdom produced song without knowing. Heâs been a behind the scenes go-to producer and runs a label that has such artists as Kalela and Dawn Richards on it. Neurofire is a smooth soulful electronic album that has such an contagious bob to it you canât help yourself but start dancing.
Proof: High Enough (Feat. Tiara Thomas) / His n Hers (Feat. Semma)
Lady Gaga - Chromatica
Genre: Pop / Dance
Despite her immense success, Lady Gaga is not a complacent woman. After readjusting her sound to something more stripped down on 2016âs Joann, Gaga did another about face this time leaning into the EDM world and making an ecstatic dance record. Linking with many big hitter DJs for production work in Tchami, BloodPop, Madeon, Skrillex, Axwelll and others, who create a great vivacious platform for Gaga to strut all over.
Proof: Stupid Love / Replay
LÄpsley - Through Water
Genre: Indie Pop / Electronic
Itâs been four years since British singer LĂ„psleyâs debut album. But it seems that time was well utilized as this is a great leap for the artist. I enjoyed her understated debut but here she was able to incorporate a little more kinetic energy in her recording while keeping the sentimentalism of them really effectively.
I havenât heard the early EPs from Australian dou Lastlings so first listening to this album was quite a pleasant surprise. Thereâs some definite influences from fellow Australian act RĂFĂS DU SOL here. And influences that they utilize nicely.
Proof: Deja Vu / No Time
The Strokes - The New Abnormal
Genre: Alternative / Rock
Itâs not often an extremely successful rock group after an extended hiatus returns and makes one of their best albums. Working with Rick Ruban the legendary New York group returns after seven years with an album that exerts a high level of confidence and maturity. It doesnât scream out at you as an album yet the music is incredibly in depth and rewarding.
Proof: Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus / Not The Same Anymore
Sylvan Esso - Free Love
Genre: Synth Pop
For their third album the North Carolina based duo took a slightly scaled back sound as the tone is a bit more somber and muted then their past albums. The indie pop is much more dominant over the Electronic aspects of their music. It still however is their enjoyable meshing of the two and thereâs still plenty of danceable moments, they are just more interspersed in a more internal faced record.Â
Proof: Ferris Wheel / Frequency
Tchami - Year Zero
Genre: Electronic / Dance
The French DJ Techami finally drops a debut album and what a blast this is. Year Zero is a joy ride form start to finish with no real filler tracks of straight enjoyable dance records.Â
Proof: Ainât That Kind Of Friend (Feat. Modesty) / Ghosts (Feat. Hana)
Tyler Swift - evermore
Genre: Indie Pop / Folk
The second of Taylorâs 2020 albums; made with the Nationalâs Aaron Dessor. This one you can tell is a bit of tracks that didnât fit the construct of folklore. This has a bit of a âthrown togetherâ feel, which sounds more harsh then how I mean it. With that being said these are still more of probably my favorite iteration weâve seen of Taylor so I enjoy it immensely. More on folklore below.
Proof: âtis the damn season / ivy
We Are The City - RIP
Genre: Rock / Alternative
This is the fifth by the Concadian Rock group but the first I have heard by them so I canât offer insight on how this fits in their past work. But when I heard the guitars and crashing drums come in on the thunderous opener âKiller B-Side Musicâ I was instantly hooked. This is a fun and emotionally gripping journey through this groups organized chaos.Â
Proof: Killer B-Side Music / Saint Peter
The List:
Last One Out: The Naked And Famous - Recover
Genre: Synth Pop
New Zealand band The Naked and Famous return with their fourth album full of their patented form of catchy synth pop meant to excite and evoke. The songs are take their shoes off and make themselves at home in your head demanding a sing along.
Proof: Sunseeker / Bury Us / Come As You Are / Coming Back To Me
35. Grimes - Miss Anthropocane
Genre: Synth Pop / Electronic
Itâs been an odd couple years for the singer/producer Grimes as her high profile relationship has pushed her further into the celebrity life then she has been in the past. Despite the chios she still is an extremely talented musician and this stellar album shows that off nicely. I feel Grimes was a bit too harsh on her previous album, 2015 Art Angels, which had a more general pop sensibility. I genuinely loved Art Angels. With her own frustration Grimes went back closer to her early sound with this follow up. Her ability to bend song structures to her will creates an ever changing and unpredictable landscape for the lister to get lost in.
Proof: So Heavy I Fell Through The Earth / Violence (w/ i_o) / Idoru / We Appreciate Power (Feat. HANA)
34. Taylor Swift - folklore
Genre: Indie Pop / folk
Taylor had a busy quarantine using this time to link up with Aaron Dessner of the National and Jack Antonoff to make not one but two albums. The first one here a surprise drop in July hit everyone in all the feels. The stripped down sound felt right at home with the isolation a lot of us were feeling during this pandemic. Taylorâs writing is as piercing as ever over these mellow and somber tracks.
Proof: cardigan / my tears ricochet / seven / august
33. Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia // Club Future Nostalgia
Genre: Synth Pop / Dance
English singer Dua Lipa confidently busts out the sequence for this dazzling sophomore album. As the title suggests this is a futuristic blast from the past with influences from the 70âs disco and 80âs synth pop in a modern ensemble. The songs are all catchy af and danceable as hell but you still never lose sight of the true centerpiece and that is Duaâs authoritative voice. She has the perfect vocal conflexion for electronic songs as it's commending enough to not get lost in the kinetic ensembles but also light and malleable enough to ride the harmonies with grace. As can be seen by her getting all the GRAMMY nominations the world is taking note of this pop force.
Proof: Donât Start Now / Cool / Physical / Break My Heart // Hallucinate (Paul Woolford Remix) / Donât Start Now (KAYTRANADA Remix) / Physical (Mark Ronson Remix) Feat. Gwen Stefani / Cool (Jayda G Remix)
Montreal based producer KAYTRANADA picks up right where his 2016 debut left off with this smooth and sensual vibe fest of an album. The album doesnât ever go for anything too high or too low. The tempo is pretty consistent in a controlled bob that can get a crowd up and dancing or can be played in the background for a chill environment.
Proof: Go DJ (Feat. SiR) / 10% (Feat. Kali Uchis) / Need It (Feat. Masego) / The Worst In Me (Feat. Tinashe)
31. The Killers - Imploding The Mirage
Genre: Rock / Alternative
With over 16 years in the game, The Vegas rock group and one of my personal all time favorite bands has not lost a step. Imploding The Mirage follows their 2017 Wonderful Wonderful as a return to their early form. This new album is a triumphant and boisterous affair exuding with confidence that only a group together this long can employ.
Proof: Dying Breed / Caution / Running Towards a Place / When the Dreams Run Dry
30. Blanche - EMPIRE
Genre: Indie Pop
21 year old Belgium singer Blancheâs raspy commanding voice is one beyond her years. Itâs very delicate while demanding your attention. On this debut she utilizes the effective voice nicely by surrounding it with a cinematic harmonious backing.Â
Proof: Empire / Till We Collide / Fences / How Does That Sound
Connecting from an admiration of each otherâs music, Seattle electronic duo ODESZA and Australian DJ Golden Feature team up for this new trio that merges their sounds while give us something completely new from the artists. Where ODESZAâs sound is more light and airy this collaboration is darker and dense. The weight of each track give them a powerful emotive feel as they blend into each other while the album progresses.Â
Proof: HEART ATTACK (Feat. lau.ra) / KNOW ME (Feat. Gallant) / TENSE / DAWN (Feat. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs)
28. GASHI - 1984
Genre: alt-R&B / Synth Pop
Itâs been a long road GASHI, growing up as an Albianian refugee before his family settled in Brooklyn as a child. GASHI struggled initially to learn English and eventually used music as his tool to learning the language. Dropping out of college to focus on music GASHI dropped a mixtape and couple albums that were pretty below the radar. It seems in 2018 connecting with DJ Snake was a catalyst for the singer. His last two albums have a focused synth heavy vernacular with an 80âs nostalgia. Thereâs a slightly haunting tension in his music that brings a level of wonder and mystery. The slight reverb makes the tracks feel as though they are recorded in a dark void with the jabbing synths as youre neon guilding light.Â
Proof: Mama (Feat. Sting) / Paranoid / Never Give Up On Me / Mr. Ferrari
27. Caroline Rose - Superstar
Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative
Starting as a more folk/country based artist, the NY based artist took a dramatic shift in her music to a more indie rock style with some hints of synth pop and the move has proved rather fruitful. On her fourth album Caroline has hit a rather confident sweet spot. Superstar is filled with tunes you can jam out to with reckless abandon.Â
Proof: Nothingâs Impossible / Got to Go My Own Way / Someone New / Back at the Beginning
26. Jason Ross - 1000 Faces // 1000 Faces Remixes
Genre: Electronic / Dance
Seven Lionâs understudy takes an emphatic step out of the shadows and itâs quite a big step! 1000 Faces pushes the twin cities DJ in the mix of top electronic DJs. He definitely shows off how he learned the use of dead space from Seven Lions but in his own style for dramatic drops in his ensembles. Suspense is used almost as an instrument leading to crashing moments meant to get you up and moving and your feelings yanked on.
Proof: When the Night Falls (w/ Fiora) / One that Got Away (w/ Dabin & Dylan Matthew) / Known You Before (w/ Seven Lions & Emilie Brandt) / 1000 Faces (w/ Dia Frampton) // Leave Me To Wonder (Just A Gent Remix) w/ Fiora / When The Night Falls (AWAKEND Remix) w/ Fiora / Known You Before (Trivecta Remix) w/ Seven Lions Feat. Emilie Brandt / Shelter (No Mana Remix) Feat. Melanie Fontana
25. HAIM - Women in Music Pt. III
Genre: Pop
The HAIM sisters are slowily chipping away at their sound adding in more elements, while also chipping away at the patriarchy. Women in Music Pt. III is a further expanding the trios musical pallet with more R&B and Jazz sensibilities then weâve heard from them before. Their strength is still their strong consistency. At 16 tracks this album still feels like there isnât a wasted moment, every song is solid in its own right and contributes to the overall arc of the project. My sneaky favorite track is the smooth â3 AMâ that sounds like it could be on a Janet Jackson album with itâs soulful and catchy as hell chorus and bouncy beat that get your head bopping and shoulders rolling.Â
Proof: Gasoline / Donât Wanna / 3 AM / Now Iâm In It
24. PVRIS - Use Me
Genre: Rock / Scythe Pop / Alternative
Rock music as a genre has been a bit pushed back from the limelight the last few years. However that doesnât mean the genre is dying and great acts like PVRIS prove that. Following up their thrilling 2017 album All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell we see the rock group experimenting more with their sound. The 2019 EP gave us a teaser of the ways Synth Pop will infiltrate their vernacular more on this record. That doesnât mean they are âgoing straight popâ here as this is still a rambunctious form of rock music. Just more blurry around the edges. PVRIS and lead singer Lynn are able to evoke such strong emotions in ever track, itâs impossible to not feel and sympathize with what her emotion is for that track while listening.Â
Proof: Death of Me / Hallucinations / Old Wounds / Wish You Well
23. Disclosure - ENERGY
Genre: Electronic / Dance
After a decade in the genre and more then a 5 year break from their exhilarating sophomore album Caracal (one of my personal favorite records of 2015), the London DJ duo return with this double album stuffed with euphoria inducing dance tunes. The name of the album is the consistent throughline, every track is bursting with vibes and energy. Thereâs also an obvious globalization with their already inclusive music with many songs featuring singers in other languages and using themes from that culture in the beat making. Itâs quite a thrilling journey that keeps you guessing song to song what will come up next.
What an impressive debut from the 27 year old Atlanta rapper. I wasnât up on Deanteâ until this album came out so I donât have knowledge of his rise but this was a great introduction to him. You can really see the merging of older Atlanta influences from Goodie Mob, Outkast and Ludacris with new hip hop from J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Wale in his sound. Hip Hop is in a funky moment right now as thereâs a bit of a struggle on what the dominant sound and style will be. This is a necessary struggle for such a diverse and malleable form of music. For me this is my favorite form of the genre and seeing new artists like Deanteâ and JID come in with such vigor letâs me know itâs not going to die off.Â
Proof: I Remember / I Got Money Now (Feat. JID) / Circles / Angels
21. Alina Baraz - It Was Divine
Genre: R&B / Soul
The soothing and sultry vocals of singer Alina Baraz have been some of my favorites since she slid on the scene as the vocalist on Urban Flora EP with producer Galimatias in 2015. Her soft and understated Soul music flows and sways in your head like a mellow gust of wind picking you up and carrying you to a better place. Starting from her previous project, Alinaâs partnership with Khalid has quickly become one of my favorite pairings, that I hope they continue.Â
Proof: Morocco (Feat. 6LACK) / Endlessly / Off The Grid (Feat. Khalid) / More Than Enough
20. Harry Styles - Fine Line
Genre: Alternative / Indie Pop
On the first round of albums from the One Direction boys I will admit I was more drawn to ZAYNâs alt-R&B sound. But even with that I still enjoyed and could tell Harry was doring much more musically on his 70âs rock influenced self titled solo debut. It only took him two tries to perfect his sound on this brilliant follow up. On Harry Styles I felt Harry was emulating his influences a bit too much but here heâs perfect keeping that same nostalgic vernacular while modernizing the sound. The 26 year old brit boasts a level of confidence here that is pretty engraved in the music. The R&B banger :Adore Youâ was my favorite song on the album on the first few listens but eventually the emotionally gripping closer âFine Lineâ caught up with me for all the feels.
Proof: Watermelon Sugar / Adore You / Lights Up / Fine Line
19. Sufjan Stevens - The Ascension
Genre: Synth Pop
Sufjan is an artist that likes to bounce around in styles project to project and this might be his most dramatic bounce as he takes on a more electronic palette then his normally acoustical vernacular. It still is a Sufjan album and very internal and subdued in vibe, but with a more expansive musical landscape that makes his normally intimate and crouched music a bit more of an expansive and sprawling affair. The moments of emotional outburst are mostly through the synths and drums rather than Stevenâs words and lead to the tracks all individually wound tight with tension and then carefully crafted moments of erupting release.Â
Good things come to those who wait and we had to wait quite a while for the sophomore album from the sister duo of Krewella. zer0 is a burst of danceable pop tunes stuffed with numerous outside influences on the sisters. Thereâs some general pop influences from artists like Christina Agulaera, thereâs electronic backings with notes taken from contemporaries like Alison Wonderland and thereâs a definite spine of their Pakistani heritage audibly visible as well. This is quite a confident and exhilarating cannon shot of an album by the duo I feel has been a bit criminally overlooked.
Proof: Good On You (Feat. Nucleya) / Anxiety (Feat. Arrested Youth) / Ghost / Greenlights
17. Jack Garratt - Love, Death & Dancing
Genre: R&B / Pop / Electronic
British singer Jack Garratt returns with his bursting soulful vocals over a unpredictably windy electronic pallet. Every track by Jack Garratt takes the listener on quite a picturesque journey with dramatic shifts in tone and pace. In much less deserving hands this can be a recipe for a disastrously chaotic listen but as mentioned before Jackâs smooth vocal delivery is an effective juxtaposition to the kinetic melodies. You never know what the next turn is but whenever you feel lost, Jack extends his voice as a helping hand to reel you back in. Eventually you just know youâre along for a ride and to buckle up and enjoy.
Proof: Time / Return Them To The One / Better / Circles
16. Charli XCX - how iâm feeling now
Genre: Synth Pop / Dance
Only 8 months after her third album Charli returns with possibly her most refined project of her career. Made during the first month of the stay at home order from the pandemic, how iâm feeling now is an album about isolation and loneliness. Equipped with her standard unique form of deconstructionist pop and electronic melding with a dash of 0 fucks given, the rushed nature is sort of a vernacular the tracks wear proudly on their sleeves. Thereâs a stripping of some of the plasticity making the raw emotions of the tracks stand out.
Proof: forever / enemy / i finally understand / anthems
15. Louis The Child - Here For Now
Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop / Dance
After a couple EPâs and a speedy rise, the Chicago based Electronic duo Louis The Child release their debut full length album and flex a bit more diversity then weâve previously seen from them. WIth a sound a bit more geared to expand their audience the group dables more in R&B, Hip Hop and pop then in their more electronic focused EPâs. This expansion is not a dilution at all though. Their unique melding of grooves in unorthodox way is on full display across this joyous album.
Proof: Nobody Like You (w/ Vera Blue) / Donât Mind / Free (w/ Drew Love) / Fade Away
14. Jessie Ware - Whatâs Your Pleasure
Genre: Pop / Dance / Soul
Needing a reset, UKâs Jessie Ware took a break from music to focus on her family and other forms of collaboration like her podcast Table Manners. Shortly after the birth of her second child, the itch came back but with a new outlook on life it was a different itch. Jessie has been one of the great sad song writers of the last 10 years, on Whatâs Your Pleasure? Jessie wanted to focus more on the positive love she has in her life and how she just wants to joyously dance in celebration of it. Using Disco as her muse Jessie makes a modern discoteca equipped the listener with alacrity and positivity while promoting they get up and get down. The timing of such an album was quite intuitive and brilliant by the singer. She started recording the album in 2019 but by the time it was ready to release was in the middle of a pandemic. Perfect timing for such a jubilant album.
Proof: Spotlight / Save A Kiss / Adore You / Mirage (Donât Stop)
13. Buscabulla - Regresa
Genre: Latin / Pop / Dance
When Latin synth pop duo Buscabulla returned home they did to a post-hurricane Maria Puerto Rico. After years in New York they were returning to a place they love but that was forced to change dramatically. The married couple came equipped with a new record deal and new found personal stability, but chose to surround themselves in the instability their friends and family were forced to live with after the natural disaster. Despite the chaos their music evokes hope, and joy. My limited and very broken knowledge of Spanish doesnât give me much of an insight on the song meanings but the vibe of this whole album just gets me up off my butt and moving my feet and hips. The latin based rhythms with an Electronic pop influence makes this project quite an infectious and joyous romp.
Proof: VĂ mono / El Aprieto / MĂo / NTE
12. Purity Ring - WOMB
Genre: Synth Pop
The third album from Canadian duo is a bit of a return to their darker and more brooding sound of their debut from the glossier and brighter sophomore album. Some of these descriptors may sound like a negative but trust me it is not. Now I seem to be in a minority that enjoyed the more electronic and pop focused sophomore album a bit more than their debut but it was still their debut that drew me in to them so this return is not met with any dismay from me. Always fascinated with the human body, WOMB is a coming of age album focusing on the weird things our body begins doing as we mature and how that affects us emotionally. It took them five years for this third album from another eternity but sometimes maturation just takes some time.Â
Proof: pink lightning / i like the devil / vehemence / stardew
11. Run The Jewels - RTJ4
Genre: Hip Hop
The first track is quite an exhilarating indication that even though this is the fourth record from the duo Run The Jewels, they havenât lost any of their vigor. Dropped early during the protests going on around the country for police violence, RTJ had impeccable timing for their best project to date. All RTJ albums are quite a whirlwind and this is no exception. Both artists have been in the industry for over 20 years, but their collaboration has brought them both to new heights of notoriety for each of them. With this new stature nothing has changed in their music though, they still want to provide you music to party to and music to revolt to.
Proof: yankee and the brave (ep. 4) / JU$T (Feat. Pharrell WIlliams & Zach de la Rocha) / the ground below / a few words from the firing squad (radiation)
10. Super Duper - HALLELUJAH!
Genre: Electronic / Dance
The full length debut from Nashville producer Super Duper is quite an endorphin shot in the ear. I first found out about Super Duper seeing him open for Petit Biscuit a couple years ago without knowing anything about him. I enjoyed his use of electronic backdrops with reverb and echo to create space within it along with the cleaver voice samples and hard hitting drum patterns to inhabit said space. I immediately found his debut EP and eventually his follow up. When his EP Prelude came out earlier this year there was a noticeable uptick in the pop sensibilities in his sound. Sometimes this can be considered a negative but here it added another form of personality. His earlier albums were all expansive landscapes but the increase in pop singers and vocal samples adds a further human element for the listener to identify with as they explore these powerful backdrops.
Proof: We Had Everything / Quiver (Feat. Lonas) /Â Feel Good (Feat. Bre Kennedy) / All On You / Religion (Feat. Bre Kennedy)
9. Joji - Nectar
Genre: R&B / Pop
Japanese singer George Miller has come a long way from his jokester YouTube days to his sophomore album here. Beginning his career in entertainment as an online shock humor performer, Joji is known for being responsible for the âHarlem Shakeâ meme craze years ago. In 2017 Miller decided to focus on a legit music career dropping off his debut EP In Tongues that year. The EP was a good introduction but suffered a bit of consistency. The kinks were ironed out a bit for his debut album, Ballads 1 which had the gut wrenching âSlow Dancing In The Darkâ. There still was a bit of consistency issues present though but those are all but fully worked out on this impressive sophomore effort. Creativity was never an issue for Jojiâs music but needed to be channeled more in a cohesive direction across a whole project and it seems he is able to find that focus here. âRunâ is up there with one of the most beautiful songs to come out this year. It is pretty impressive the growth Joji has made in four years and I canât wait to see whatâs next.
Proof: Daylight (w/ Diplo) / Run / Sanctuary / Afterthought (Feat. BENEE) / Your Man
After a few lovely EPâs over the years, LA producer Shollou dropped off his melodic and ethereal debut full length. Shallouâs form of electronic music is very subdued and modest on the surface yet expansive and encompassing the deeper you venture as a listener. Where the music lacks in flash it does not lack in complexity, emotional depth and infectious melodies. Shollou created worlds of subtlety and sophistication, that double dips as easy listening sounds or music to immerse yourself and get lost in.
Proof: Forget / Mutual Love (w/ Zachary Knowles) / Silhouettes (Feat. Vancouver Sleep Clinic) / Older (w/ Daya) / Good Together (w/ Ashe)
7. The Weeknd - After Hours
Genre: alt-R&B / neo-Soul
One of my favorite artists making music today (and one of the inspirations of me making this blog in the first place), The Toronto based singer Abel Tesfaye goes a bit back to his roots while still expanding his musical palette on his fourth full length record here. As the 2018 EP My Dear Melancholy, hinted to us, the neon lighting synth pop of his precious two records are taking more of a back seat for the dark and moody R&B melodies of his first record and mixtapes.The difference is his early mixtapes were a consistent mood but After Hours is a whole experience. Now as a more seasoned artist Abel is able to more effectively mold the atmosphere to his will. And take in previous explorations as well as new ones into his atmospheric sound seamlessly. âBlinding Lightsâ that would have fit perfectly on Star Boy or âIn Your Eyesâ equipped with some new jazzy saxophone yet neither standing out in the whole composition of the project show this dexterity off well. The former being possibly the most successful single of 2020.
Proof: Scared To Live / Heartless / Blinding Lights / In Your Eyes / After Hours
6. Jonah Mutono - GERG
Genre: alt-R&B / Soul
London based Kenyan singer Jonah drops off a gorgeous debut album here. Jonah, who himself grew up in a very religious family, has been hiding his sexuality and this album addresses how that puts a strain on him and his relationships. GERG is a gripping expose as the singer comes to terms with his own needs and desires and brings to light them for the audience to see and feel. His voice is both commanding and soothing, mostly in a deep somber tone but can get up to some surprising heights when needed. His music sort of sounds like a cross between Kwabs and Frank Ocean. âThe Lowâ which specifically is above loving someone in private from your family is maybe one of the most feels inducing songs of 2020.Â
Proof: Shoulders / If You Mean It / The Low / Circulation / South Bank
5. Phantogram - Ceremony
Genre: Synth Pop
Despite the chaos in the world that is defining 2020, the return of one of my favorite groups in music is about finding the love that will keep you positive and moving through it. Itâs been a bit of a journey for the New York duo with some thrilling highs and heartbreaking woes. After the success of their 2009 debut album Eyelid Dreams. The group really took their time on their sophomore effort knowing this will more be what defines their direction and sound then the debut. After a couple EPs to hold fans over when 2014âs Voices dropped it was a triumphant release that pushed their notoriety in the indie pop world to great heights. The next year was a gifted creative experiment collaboration with Oukastâs Big Boi in the Big Grams EP, but later that year tragedy struck with lead singer Sarah Barthelâs sister committing suicide. Three was released in 2016 written and recorded during the morning of this death which led to a much more emotionally charged offering. For their fourth album they could have kept with the darker vernacular of its predecessor but after going through the healing process from their own heart break, Sarah and Josh wanted to instead offer a record of healing and hope to the world in a time we all need it. That doesnât mean Ceremony is devoid of the impacting sentiments of before. Ceremony is still as much a personal record as Three, but looks more to the future with a hopeful viewpoint then the past looking record before it. A necessary step for anyone to take towards healing from a trauma and/or tragedy. Nothing shows this off more than the poignantly brilliant âPedestalâ, possibly the most passionate and emotionally intimate record of the groupâs career, that never fails to leave me in goosebumps no matter how many times I listen.
Proof: Dear God / Into Happiness / In a Spiral / Pedestal / Let Me Down
4. Childish Gambino - 3.15.20
Genre: Hip Hop / R&B
For possibly his final album as Childish Gambino, Donald Glover left us an interesting crescendo of his musical career. 3.15.20 is a conglomerate of his previous albums wrapped up in a concise and cohesive, yet exploratory and eclectic album. The Boom Bap inspiration of CAMP, the spaced out futuristic wonder of Because The Internet, and the nostalgic and funk driven change up of Awaken My Love! are all represented here. The way the album meaders has been something critiqued of this record, but I find itâs part of itâs creative charm. Time being a theme of the album you feel the way time is a bit aimless as it just progresses, which leads to the moments you remember really sticking through. On your first listen you never know what time has in store for you on the upcoming track. Some may think this is peculiar and too subtle of a final statement, but I think it fits the artists perfectly. Donald can be in your face, but as his career in comedy and Television progressed he found his sweet spot at being subtle and rewarding those that pay attention to the margins.Who knows what is next for Donaldâs career (he is halfway to an EGOT), but if this is the end of his musical journey I am very glad to be a witness of it.
3. Kacy Hill - Is It Selfish If We Talk About Me Again
Genre: R&B / neo-Soul / Synth Pop
It has been quite a journey for the 26 year old singer to this point. After beginning a career in modeling at the age of 16, a venture that she sort of fell into and wasnât something she was passionate about, Hill also began dabbling in music. While on tour with Kanye West as a backup dancer for the Yeezus Tour, Kanye heard a self released single of hers and immediately signed her to his G.O.O.D. Music label. This is around when she popped on my radar. After a 2015 EP and a 2017 Album, Kacy decided to leave the label which leads us to this self released sophomore album from the singer. It seems the roller coaster of the young singerâs career up to this point has given a clarity for Hill to create her most emotional gripping and cohesive project. Part of the strength of this album was working intimately with Francis and the Lights who is a producer on 6 of the 11 tracks and gives the project itâs common vernacular. Utilizing Francisâ Synth and bass heavy backdrops, Hill allows her sweet falsetto to hit some impassioned locations. There is a sort of yin and yang to her vulnerable lyrics and the darker cavernous production that give each track depth. Kacy is now in full control of her music and we see she is very capable with this role.
Proof: To Someone Else / Much Higher / Porsche / I Believe In You (Feat. Francis and the Lights) / Six
2. Kasbo - The Making of a Paracosm
Genre: Electronic / Future Bass
Itâs easy to get lost in the lavish and vibrant ecosystems of Swedish producer Kasboâs immersive music. Kasboâs debut album Places We Donât Know was easily one of my favorite and most replayed albums of 2018. For the follow up. Kasbo ups the ante a bit with this lush and cinematic offering; each song is rich with so many layered melodies and bursting with gripping emotion. The coatings of pianos, synths and vocal samples are woven together with an orchestral composition. The tracks all have a form of deep breathes inward and explosive exhilations that lift the listener up in their swirling harmonies. Though the pieces all are vast and expansive they are both introspective and affectionately personal. Kasbo had a very tough time in between his debut and sophomore albums, with an undiagnosable bout of severe hearing loss. Once his hearing returned and he was able to continue where he left off on his music you can hear the sense of leaving it all out there in this project. He doesnât know if the condition will return so he made sure to make this project one that conveys what he needed to convey; which despite that scary premonition is unbridled hope.
Proof: Play Pretend (Feat. Ourchives) / Blur / Lune (Feat. Vancouver Sleep Clinic) / Staying In Love (Feat. Nea) / Show You
1. Tame Impala - The Slow Rush
Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic
From the opening chopped up and synth-out vocal sample you realize this journey the multi-instrumentalist from Australia is about to take us on is one much different than his previous efforts. It took Kevin Parker 5 years to follow up his mega acclaimed third album Currents. The album pushed him to a new stature selling out large amphitheaters on his own and as a consistent festival headliner. The long wait and meteoric rise proved fruitful for this outwardly exuberant and extroverted yet simultaneously introspective and internal album. The Slow Rush is for anyone that connects with people who while socially at parties or clubs constantly feel hidden to the world. Those who both see the world moving around them at a fast pace yet still feel as if they are moving in slow motion.
Musically, The Slow Rush is a sonic fondue pot of many genres and timelines melted and stirred together. Thereâs both nostalgia and futuristic aspiration swirled in every track with footsteps in every decade from the 60âs to 2020. Imagine Hall & Oates, Pink Floyd and Daft Punk having a musical orgy while on acid. Despite the sheer vast amount of styles and genres being pressured into this album there is an uncanny level of sophistication by Kevin in this science experiment of an album. The projectâs crescendo is the psychedelic thunder cloud of âIt Might Be Timeâ. The track starts out airy, spacious and understated, slowly synth keys start jabbing in, yet still donât ready you for the bombardment of 808âs, and symbol crashes of the momentous chorus that hits you right in the gut and gets you on your feet.Â
The Slow Rush is both an album you can put on at a party as well as chill alone and vibe out to. On the surface are the euphoric dance indications but a deeper inspection, should one wish to take on, finds the emotional and gripping crosscurrents that are interwoven throughout. If thereâs levels of protection from past pain, and uncertainty for the future holding you back, well âit might be time to face itâ.
Proof: One More Year / Borderline / Posthumous Forgiveness / Breathe Deeper / On Track / It Might Be Time
Meh:
ARTHUR - Hair of the Dog, The Black Lips - Sing in a World Thatâs Falling Apart, Bring Me The Horizon - POST HUMAN: SURVIVAL HORROR, Bruno Major - To Let A Good Thing Die, Cuddle Magic - Bath, Don Toliver - Heaven Or Hell, Eminem - Music To Be Murdered By, Foogiano - Gutta Baby, Frances Quinlan - Likewise, French Montana - CB5, Future - High On Life, Future & Lil Uzi Vert - Pluto x Baby Pluto, iann dior - Iâm Gone, Ichiko Aoba - Windswept Adan, IDLES - Ultra Mono, Jacob Collier - Djesse, Vol. 3, Jason Mraz - Look For The Good, Jaunt - All In One, Jaye Jayle - Prisyn, Lil Baby - My Turn, Lil Uzi Vert - Eternal Atake, Lil Uzi Vert - LUV vs. The World 2, Machine Gun Kelly - Tickets To My Downfall, Masiwei & Higher Brothers - Prince Charming, MHYSA - Navaeh, Nicolas Jaar - Cenizas, RARE Sound & K Camp - Rare Family, Rich The Kid - BOSS MAN, Rich The Kid & YoungBoy Never Broke Again - Nobody Safe, Rico Nasty - Nightmare Vacation, Social Club Misfits - MOOD // DOOM, WHIPPED CREAM - WHO IS WHIPPED CREAM?
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