I know what you’re thinking. “Jordyn, it’s 2021! Why are you ranking albums from last year?” Well, that question is easy to answer. As much as 2020 was … a trainwreck, to say the least, I did enjoy the music released. If it wasn’t for the music, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the year. In fact, there were a lot of albums I loved that helped me through 2020. While I wanted to include every album I fell in love with last year, though, I knew that wouldn’t be possible – so, I narrowed down the list to my top ten favorites.
A few albums on this list are ones I had covered in previous articles (which I’ll provide the links to), but I tried to include ones I hadn’t discussed yet. It was difficult picking my top ten albums, but I managed to do so! Without further ado, let’s get onto the list!
- Ungodly Hour by Chloe x Halle
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Back in September, I did a review of Chloe x Halle’s highly anticipated second studio album “Ungodly Hour.” While it’s been half a year since the critically acclaimed album was released and people are still talking about it all over social media, I simply have to mention it again. It’s just that good.
I have been following Chloe x Halle since the release of their debut extended play “Sugar Symphony” in April of 2016, but with much certainty, I can declare “Ungodly Hour” their best work yet. With themes centering around female empowerment and being unapologetic about oneself, sister’s reported that they wanted to center the album around an individual’s imperfections.
“It’s okay to not be perfect all the time,” Halle Bailey said in “New Music Daily Radio” with Zane Lowe. “We wanted to challenge the idea of us being these perfect angels that everybody has this image of us in their head.”
You can tell the sisters poured their hearts into each and every song, which isn’t a surprise given their immense talent for composition and producing. “Ungodly Hour” proves Chloe x Halle have a bright career ahead of them, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes them.
Favorite Tracks: “Forgive Me,” “Tipsy” and “Lonely.” - Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa
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Another album I did a review on, “Future Nostalgia” is one of my favorite pop albums of 2020. I feel as though western pop has been experiencing a decline these past few years, with a few exceptions here and there, and Dua Lipa’s sophomore album is definitely one of them. A throwback to music from the past few decades such as ‘80s disco and synthpop with a modern spin, “Future Nostalgia” encompasses a variety of songs that speak on topics such as women empowerment, the fear of falling in love and vulnerability.
If you’re someone who’s new to Dua Lipa’s discography, I think “Future Nostalgia” is a good place to start. While her previous album was spectacular, her sophomore album cements her status as one of today’s rising pop artists.
Favorite Tracks: “Levitating,” “Love Again” and “Break My Heart.” - Good News by Megan Thee Stallion
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If you asked me which artist had the best 2020, I would say one name with confidence – Megan Thee Stallion. Last year was definitely eventful for the Houston rapper; her single “Savage” went viral on TikTok after dancer Keara Wilson created a choreography for the song, thus creating the “Savage Challenge.” Not only that, Megan Thee Stallion also collaborated with fellow Houston singer Beyonce for a remix of “Savage,” which helped the song reach number one on the Billboard 100. That summer, Megan Thee Stallion featured on Cardi B’s single “WAP,” which became her second number-one single.
With these achievements under her belt, critics and audiences were excited to see what Megan Thee Stallion had in store for her debut studio album. Fortunately, she did not disappoint! “Good News” explores a variety of topics such as sex-positivty, confidence and the rapper’s own personal life. It’s a cohesive album that shows Megan Thee Stallion is one of this generation’s rising female rappers, and I can’t wait to see the mark she leaves on the music industry.
Favorite Tracks: Circles, Freaky Girls and Don’t Stop. - Cape God by Allie X
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I’d heard of Allie X before, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to check out her discography. Her extended plays were simply amazing, but it was her second studio album “Cape God” that hooked me in. I felt as though I’d been taken on a whimsical journey the first time I’d given the album a spin, and I didn’t want it to end.
What I love most about “Cape God” is how unique and experimental it is. It’s unlike any other work of art I’ve heard and I urge readers to give the album a listen if they’re searching for something new. Allie X’s sophomore album accurately reflects why she’s one of this generation’s best alternative-pop artists and I can’t wait to hear more from her.
Favorite Tracks: Devil I Know, Love Me Wrong and Susie Save Your Love. - how i’m feeling now by Charli XCX
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While I (rightfully) referred to Allie X’s “Cape God” as experimental, I think Charli XCX’s fourth studio album “how i’m feeling now” takes this to another next level. I have known of Charli XCX’s for a few years now and even listened to a few songs of hers here and there, but this was her first body of work I listened to from beginning to end. I’m glad, too, because this album has definitely made me curious about the British singer’s artistry.
If I could describe the album in one word, I would say “overwhelming,” but in a good way, of course. Upon first listening to “how i’m feeling now,” I was taken aback by the glitchy, electronic instrumentals, pitched vocals and brazen lyrics. Most people would have been turned off by such factors, but if you’re familiar with experimental and hyperpop, you’ll be fine.
Even if you’re not familiar with those genres of music, though, I’d encourage you to give the album a chance. It’s an interesting, but fun listen!
Favorite Tracks: forever, party 4 u and anthems. - All About Luv by MONSTA X
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An album I did a review on almost a year ago, “All About Luv” is one of MONSTA X’s most ambitious works yet. Released entirely in English and aptly released on Valentine’s Day, the album deviates from the group’s hip-hop and EDM roots and instead focuses on electro-pop and R&B. Would I say the album breaks boundaries? Not exactly for western pop, but for K-Pop, I believe it does. After all, the last time I heard about a Korean artist releasing an all English album was BoA’s self-titled studio album back in 2009!
Going back to the album’s musical content, “All About Luv” consists of ten tracks centered around love. Whether this be heartbreak, falling in love or trying to fix a relationship that is near its end, the album doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to discussing its themes. If you’re someone unfamiliar with K-Pop and MONSTA X, this is a good place to start. “All About Luv” is a mature, cohesive album with a lot to offer.
Favorite Tracks: LOVE U, GOT MY NUMBER, and SOMEONE’S SOMEONE. - Super One by SuperM
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An album I did a review on almost a year ago, “All About Luv” is one of MONSTA X’s most ambitious works yet. Released entirely in English and aptly released on Valentine’s Day, the album deviates from the group’s hip-hop and EDM roots and instead focuses on electro-pop and R&B. Would I say the album breaks boundaries? Not exactly for western pop, but for K-Pop, I believe it does. After all, the last time I heard about a Korean artist releasing an all English album was BoA’s self-titled studio album back in 2009!
Going back to the album’s musical content, “All About Luv” consists of ten tracks centered around love. Whether this be heartbreak, falling in love or trying to fix a relationship that is near its end, the album doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to discussing its themes. If you’re someone unfamiliar with K-Pop and MONSTA X, this is a good place to start. “All About Luv” is a mature, cohesive album with a lot to offer.
Favorite Tracks: LOVE U, GOT MY NUMBER, and SOMEONE’S SOMEONE. - Never Gonna Dance Again by Lee Taemin
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An album divided into two parts before being released as one cohesive album, “Never Gonna Dance Again” is Lee Taemin at his best. Hailed as one of the best albums of 2020 (both in K-Pop and worldwide), “Never Gonna Dance Again” establishes Taemin as one of South Korea’s most unique artists overall.
While listening to both Act. 1 and 2, I thought, “Only Taemin could pull this off.” There’s no one else in K-Pop who’s as unique and artistic as him, and if you haven’t listened to any of his solo work or the work he’s done with his group, SHINee, I highly encourage you to give “Never Gonna Dance Again” a listen. It’s an experience, to say the least.
Favorite Tracks: Black Rose, Heaven and Exclusive. - Note-book: Me. & Note-book: U. by Chanmina
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Before I discovered K-Pop, I used to be a huge fan of Japanese Pop (J-Pop) music. Due to the latter being quite inaccessible in my younger years, though, I fell out of the genre after some time. Recently, though, Japanese music artists have been making their content available for international fans and because of this, I have been listening to more J-Pop. One artist I discovered on this journey is Chanmina, a South Korean/Japanese rapper and pop singer.
While her latest works Note-book: Me and Note-book: U are extended plays, I wanted to include both of them given the fact they’re related. Consisting of four tracks each, both bodies of work explore Chanmina’s artistry as a pop artist and rapper. They’re spectacular pieces of work and I encourage readers to give them a listen, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Japanese music.
Favorite Tracks: Lucy, KING and Picky. - NeoZone by NCT 127
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Last but not least, we cannot forget NCT 127’s “NeoZone,” the second studio album that launched NCT’s Seoul-based unit into international and domestic stardom. Now, I’ve been a casual listener of the group since their 2016 debut with “Firetruck,” but it was not until “Neo Zone” that I became a genuine fan.
Influenced by ‘90s pop, R&B and hip-hop, “Neo Zone” contains a diverse catalogue of genres for the group to experiment with. Personally, I find the group at their best with the R&B, funk and dance-pop tracks, but that doesn’t mean the others are bad. In fact, the entire album is incredible and is great to listen to from start to finish.
All in all, “Neo Zone” reflects NCT 127’s sound and style perfectly, showcasing they are a definite representative of the NCT brand. I’m not sure how they will top “Neo Zone,” but I can’t wait to see them do it.
Favorite Tracks: Elevator (127F), Love Me Now and Not Alone.
2020 was a great year for music and I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see what this year has to offer. What were your favorite albums of 2020? Who are you most excited to hear from this year?