My 2020 replay consisted of 4,041 hours of music. To put it in another context, I listen to A LOT of music, just about 168 days worth. I listen to all genres of music, but it takes a lot for me to consider an album great because I enjoy different playlists with a variety of artists. So, I decided to make this list.
- “CTRL” by SZA
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Just like everyone else in the world, I loved CTRL by SZA. The album captivated me with its raw and honest lyrics and dreamlike melodies.
The album contains songs about self-doubt, insecurities, cheating, and value, just to name a few. Some of the lyrics in this album are things that other artists have not had the courage to say out loud. Like in the first song, “Supermodel,” she shares a story about her infidelity to her ex because she wanted to hurt him, but eventually shares how hurt she is deep down.
This album changed my life during a time when I was really struggling with feeling inadequate and lost. It reminded me that I am not alone in my struggles and anytime I feel this way I go and take a listen.
On top of every song on the album being relatable, her sounds and beats are something refreshing that has never been heard before. From fast-paced tunes on “Prom,” to slow and gritty beats on “Pretty Little Birds,” this album has something for everyone.
Favorite Songs: Normal Girl, Drew Barrymore, 20 Something, Broken Clocks
- “Over It” by Summer Walker
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Summer Walker brings back real and raw ‘90s R&B in her debut studio album, Over It. In most R&B albums these days, there’s been a lot of black and white in the type of songs that are made. It’s either crushing over some guy or being extremely heartbroken. It’s left almost no space for a grey area, and this is where Summer Walker came in when she released this album in 2019.
This is a relatable album with mixed emotions. Walker is promiscuous one minute, like in “Anna Mae” and “Tonight,” and is faithful and in love the next minute, like in “I’ll Kill You” with Jhene Aiko and “Come Thru.”
This album (conveniently) came out during a time where I was going through massive heartbreak, so it saved me in a way because it helped me validate my feelings and realize that it’s okay to be sad, but also recognize my worth and realize I’m much more than what a guy dictates I am.
Favorite Songs: Every song is amazing this album has no skips.
- “Take Care” by Drake
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Even though this album came out in 2011, Take Care is timeless and arguably Drake’s best album.
In this album, Drake focuses on lost love and handling his newfound fame. As you can probably tell by now, I love albums that are raw and real, and this album encompasses just that.
Drake gives us heartbreak tracks like “Marvin’s Room,” “Doing it Wrong,” and “The Real Her,” which are guaranteed tear-jerkers.
The next minute, you’re up and rapping to “The Motto” featuring Lil Wayne. The album is also jam-packed with features from Rihanna, The Weeknd, and Nicki Minaj, just to name a few.
- “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
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This is one of the first albums I found on my own. Granted, I was literally four years old when it was released in 2006 so I found it later on in my teens, but it is still a classic nonetheless.
Amy Winehouse’s voice is timeless. She has a unique and easily recognizable voice that holds character, and this was perfect for such a personal album. Winehouse has the ability to sing about personal issues over upbeat melodies, like her personal struggles with addiction on “Rehab,” and struggles with love on “Back to Black” and “You Know I’m No Good.” She was an extraordinary vocalist and has the ability to tell stories through her music like no one else. Even after her passing, this album is considered one of the best albums of the 21st century, and Amy Winehouse is still a huge inspiration for female vocalists to come.
Favorite Songs: Back to Black, Rehab, You Know I’m No Good, Tears Dry on Their Own
- “F*** the World” by Brent Faiyaz
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Although technically an EP, F*** The World has been on replay since its release. The project includes ten smooth R&B tracks that can easily be added to “Vibes” playlists worldwide. Without listening to the lyrics, you’d think Brent Faiyaz is experiencing deep heartbreak just from the beats and the melodies of the album. However, after a few listening sessions you’ll start to see that Faiyaz is just another Future, but over R&B beats. Love is a game to him and there are no consequences to life.
Favorite Songs: Clouded, F*** The World, Rehab, Bluffin
- Honorable Mentions
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These are some random albums that did not make the list but are still just as amazing. I still replay them on a regular basis and are timeless.
Doo-Wops and Hooligans by Bruno Mars
T R A P S O U L by Bryson Tiller
I definitely did not mean for this list to be mostly R&B, but that does not take away from how much talent is shown in these albums and how much they mean to me. As proven on this list, I love albums that are real and raw, and all these albums speak to me on a different level. I hope you take a listen too!