Music is practically the most fit example of subjectivity, and I think that’s one of the best things about it. Different ears can hear the same music and create such distinct and personalized meanings within them. In a song where I feel sadness, others might feel joy, and it’s that kind of funny little oxymoron that makes music feel so alive and moving.
With that thought in mind, I decided to write about some of my favorite indie and alternative focused albums of the past year so far. I’ve never been one to love full-on albums, but these are some standouts that I decided to make an exception for. I wrote a little bit about why I love them, and I hope they make you feel a similar way.
In no particular order, here are 10 of my favorite indie albums of 2020.
1. Orca by Gus Dapperton
“I’ve been saying the motto and the mission statement for the album is that everyone and everything has the ability to hurt. Everyone has the ability to heal and everyone has the ability to help. It’s me defining what my beliefs are.” -Gus Dapperton on this album
The tracks from this album are the songs you hear in those deep kinds of indie films that touch your soul and make you think existential thoughts. With Dapperton’s signature voice, grainy and thick with emotion, this is more teeth-grinding indie rock than the sounds he’s been known for, and the new sound fits him really well.
2. The Slow Rush by Tame Impala
Kevin Parker has always been consistent in his production of quality tracks, but his sound proves to be a little different each time. With each album he seems to be making more of a transition from alternative rock to pop. This album is his most pop-filled record yet and does not disappoint. With quality tracks like “One More Year,” “Lost In Yesterday,” and “Is It True,” this album easily makes my top 10 albums of 2020.
3. Set My Heart On Fire Immediately by Perfume Genius
This delicate and gut wrenching album is going to give you a true awakening. This is a collection of songs made up of memories of falling in love at night, waking up and falling deeper into your reality, and making new life-altering realizations. It transcends a lot of introspective music that I’ve heard in the past. I have listened to “On The Floor” daily for the past few months, it is able to touch my heart unlike any other song. “Whole Life,” “Jason,” and “Moonbend” are some other album highlights.
4. The New Abnormal by The Strokes
The Strokes have continued to churn out quality alternative music since their start in 1998. Their anarchist music has stayed consistently popular among young people because of the “teenager-in-love-in-the-middle-of-a-revolution” vibes. This album is no different, preaching stories of youth, acceptance, and growing up but never old accompanied with mellow guitar and drum tracks. “Ode To The Mets” “Brooklyn Bride To Chorus” “Selfless” are some of my favorite picks.
5. Dreamland by Glass Animals
Glass Animals have created a multidimensional masterpiece with this 2020 album. The first track of the album “Dreamland” is a homage to the memories of the past, a look back. From there, each song takes time reliving a memory. In “Tangerine” singer Dave Bayley sings of a lover who has changed beyond recognition. The rest of the album proves to be full of spirit, with tracks “Tokyo Drifting” and “Your Love (Deja Vu)” being some of the most lively.
6. Zeros by Declan Mckenna
Declan Mckenna continues to prove he’s a star on the rise with this new album. “Eventually, Darling” tells a story of a lover missing his ex, standing lonely and longingly thinking of the past on a balcony. “Rapture” is a sort of dance worthy song built on future fears. “Be An Astronaut” and “Beautiful Faces” are also beautifully written.
7. Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez by Gorillaz
The Gorillaz are another group with lots of quality experience in the music industry. On their newest album they feature artists from the likes of the alternative artist Beck, the iconic Elton John, U.K. grime artist Skepta, indie artist St. Vincent and more. “The Pink Phantom,” “Aries,” “Dead Butterflies,” and “Momentary Bliss” are some of my personal favorites from this album.
8. Forward Motion Godyssey by Post Animal
As someone who was supposed to see this band live in March before the ********, you already know I am a big fan of this album. The album is reminiscent of some 80s-Tron Gameplay soundtrack. “Schedule,” “Fitness,” and “Post Animal” are some of my favorites from this album.
9. Circles by Mac Miller
This hip-hop album, released posthumously after the early death of Mac Miller, holds a special place in a lot of Miller’s fans’ hearts. This album is so raw and tortured, I almost feel like I’m getting a peek into some journal Miller kept during his life. “Good News” and “Blue World” are some of my favorites, both hinting at some of Miller’s personal traumas.
10. Folklore by Taylor Swift
I know what you’re thinking, not an indie album, I know. But Taylor Swift brings a new sound to this album, a sound that is a lot less pop and more folk than her last, and I would consider this to be indie compared to her other albums. It’s a big change for Swift, and one that works beautifully. I feel like this is what woodland fairies listen to. Or gypsies. “Cardigan,” “August,” and “Exile” are some of my favorites from this album.