The Top Albums of 2020

2020 was one hell of a year. From global pandemics to politics to human rights to the growing mental health crisis, the world has pretty much told us that it is in desperate need of something joyous. Like always, music was there to save us all from the pits of 2020 hell, and boy are we grateful! It’s no secret that this year took a turn for the worst and a lot, if not all, of us are struggling right now. We hope the music released this year brought a smile to your face and a dance to your step.

We only chose 5 records this year for our top albums list mainly because of time constraints and personal matters but our honorable mentions list is a long one to shine a light on everything that made our year so much more bearable.

Please know that we love and appreciate you all and we look forward to what 2021 has in store!

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5. Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia

Released: March 27, 2020

We’re pretty sure Dua Lipa didn’t set out to release her stunning sophomore record, Future Nostalgia, during a worldwide pandemic but it was exactly what the universe needed. This record became a therapeutic outlet and a beacon of light for so many of us during a time of tragedy and uncertainty. Mixing elements of past decades of influences with her own special blend of pop goodness, Future Nostalgia put Lipa at the top of the charts while nestling her way into the hearts of listeners who so desperately needed to dance away the pain of 2020.

Key Tracks: “Pretty Please” | “Levitating” | “Cool”

4. LANY – mama’s boy

Released: October 2, 2020

LANY has never made a bad record – at least in our eyes – but the band’s third release, mama’s boy, is exceptionally good. Blending their signature indie-pop sound with an affection for their homeland, mama’s boy offers an up-close and personal look into the band’s upbringing as tales of love, loss, and existential matters come into play with a bit of a country twang. TDL approved!

Key Tracks: “paper” | “heart won’t let me” | “sad”

3. Selena Gomez – Rare

Released: January 10, 2020

It feels like Selena Gomez released her highly-anticipated album, Rare, at the most perfect time: pre-COVID insanity. Quite possibly her best and most mature release to date, Rare is a genuine and heartfelt glimpse into Selena’s life over the past five years as she sheds her past and walks boldly into the light to become the strong and beautiful woman she was meant to be.

Key Tracks: “Vulnerable” | “Crowded Room” feat. 6LACK | “Rare”

2. Taylor Swift – folklore

Released: July 24, 2020

There are certain records released during an artist’s career that completely change the game and introduce an entire new audience to their music. folklore is that album for Swift. Released as a surprise album during a time when fans needed something to be joyful about, folklore reminded us just how exciting it is to be a Swiftie and with sister record, evermore, out now and also a surprise, we think it’s safe to say that there is absolutely nothing holding this girl back!

Key Tracks: “august” | “mad woman” | “exile” feat. Bon Iver

1. Chain Gang of 1974 – Honey Moon Drips

Released: May 29, 2020

The thrill of listening to a Chain Gang of 1974 song is unlike any other. Now try adding in record, Honey Moon Drips, into the mix and you’ve got yourself an overwhelming blend of synthy bliss and bittersweet nostalgia. Meant for long night drives and those cinematic moments we tend to experience while falling in love, Honey Moon Drips became an escape from the shitshow that was 2020 as we look toward brighter days to come.

Key Tracks: ” The Hurt Is Good” | “Times We Had” | “Giving It Up”

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Honorable Mentions

Juliper Sky – Visions of a New Age
The New Division – Hidden Memories
lovelytheband – conversations with myself about you
Sasha Sloan – Only Child
COIN – Dreamland / Indigo Violet
joan – cloudy
Wallows – Remote
The Aces – Under My Influence
Echosmith – Lonely Generation
In Parallel – Fashioner
HAIM – Women In Music Part III
The 1975 – Notes on a Conditional Form
Halsey – Manic
La Bouquet – Chaotic Good
Honestly – Inside Your Eyes, Without You Beside Me
LIGHTS – Dead End
Transviolet – Born To Rule
Troye Sivan – In A Dream