Best Music of 2020

[whatwhatsaywhat]

fleet foxes is pleasant

sufjan is good but too long

deftones is great

 

[Geologyst]

Yep, recorded and toured and then that was that.

incidentally Helplessness Blues is aoty every year for me

 

[yukbon]

deftones is great

fuck yes it is

 

[Viking Dan]

fleet foxes is pleasant

sufjan is good but too long

deftones is great

fuck yes it is

Deftones Rule.

 

[Rip_City]

I'll have to admit, I've scrapped my list from Q1 and remade it several times over. This list is a lot more honest and reflective of what I've listened to, but albums will be moving up and down (as well as added) over the coming weeks. Also differing from the Q1 list is that it is in very rough descending order. I'll also be perusing others' lists and checking out unfamiliar titles.
If you don't mind @DownIsTheNewUp, I'm gonna steal your format for my list. A fourth tier will be added for honorable mentions in time.

Tier I (excellent):

1) Laura Marling - Song For Our Daughter [singer-songwriter]​

2) Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia [dance-pop]​

3) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol. I [avant-garde jazz]​

4) Caribou - Suddenly [electronic]​

5) Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind [psychedelic rock, art rock]​

Tier II (great):

6) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher [indie folk]​

7) Charli XCX - How I'm Feeling Now [electropop, quarantine jams]​

8) Boldy James & The Alchemist - The Price of Tea in China [gangsta rap, boom bap]​

9) Somni - Home [downtempo electronic]​

10) Jeff Parker and the New Breed - Suite for Max Brown [nu jazz]​

11) Shabaka and the Ancestors - We are Sent Here by History [nu jazz, spiritual jazz]​

12) Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman [indie folk]​

13) Deserta - Black Aura My Sun [shoegaze, dream pop]​

14) Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters [art pop, singer-songwriter]​

15) Run the Jewels - RTJ4 [hardcore hip-hop]​

16) R.A.P. Ferreira - Purple Moonlight Pages [abstract hip-hop, jazz rap]​

17) Moses Boyd - Dark Matter [nu jazz, acid house]​

Tier III (good):

18) Allie X - Cape God [pop]​

19) Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Alfredo [gangsta rap]​

20) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? [dance-pop, disco]​

21) Against All Logic - 2017-2019 [industrial techno, deconstructed club]​

22) Grimes - Miss Anthropocene [indie electronic, art pop]​

23) nthng - Hypnotherapy [ambient techno]​

24) Rina Sawayama - Sawayama [dance-pop, alternative metal]​

25) HAIM - Women in Music Part III [indie rock, pop rock]​

26) Hum - Inlet [shoegaze, alternative metal]​

27) Nicole Atkins - Italian Ice [singer-songwriter]​

28) Soccer Mommy - color theory [indie pop]​

29) Leo Takami - Felis Catus and Silence [new age, ambient]​

30) Chloe x Halle - Ungodly Hour [alternative R&B, trap]​

Q3 update.

I didn't think that two pop albums would dominate my listening habits in the new decade, but I am here to report that is the case here. Placements have been jostled around repeatedly, due to my indecisive nature, and I'm certain it will look different once more in the "finalized" Q4 list. Expanded to a fourth tier. Could edit this and the following chart in the coming days, perhaps add a few unranked honorable mentions.

Tier I (outstanding):

1) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? [dance-pop, disco]​

2) Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia [dance-pop]​

3) Caribou - Suddenly [electronic]​

4) Deserta - Black Aura My Sun [shoegaze, dream pop]​

5) Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas [neo soul, singer/songwriter]​

Tier II (excellent):

6) Kelly Lee Owens - Inner Song [tech house, art pop]​

7) Jeff Parker & the New Breed - Suite for Max Brown [nu jazz]​

8) Boldy James and the Alchemist - The Price of Tea in China [gangsta rap, boom bap]​

9) Laura Marling - Song for Our Daughter [singer/songwriter]​

10) Somni - Home [downtempo electronic]​

11) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy and Lee: Instrumentals Vol. I [avant-garde jazz]​

12) HAIM - Women in Music: Part III [indie rock, pop rock]​

13) Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind [psychedelic rock, art rock]​

14) Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters [art pop, singer/songwriter]​

15) Run the Jewels - IV [hardcore hip-hop]​

16) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher [indie folk, singer/songwriter]​

17) Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman [indie folk]​

Tier III (great):

18) Moses Boyd - Dark Matter [nu jazz, acid house]​

19) Allie X - Cape God [pop]​

20) A.A.L. - 2017-2019 [industrial techno, deconstructed club]​

21) Shabaka and the Ancestors - We are Sent Here by History [nu jazz, spiritual jazz]​

22) Charli XCX - how i'm feeling now [deconstructed club, quarantine jams]​

23) R.A.P. Ferriera - Purple Moonlight Pages [abstract hip-hop, jazz rap]​

24) Lemon Quartet - Crestless [ambient jazz, new age]​

25) Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville [avant-garde metal, technical death metal]​

26) Jessy Lanza - All the Time [UK Bass, synthpop]​

27) HMLTD - West of Eden [glam punk, art rock]​

28) Necrot - Mortal [death metal]​

29) Leo Takami - Felis Catus and Silence [new age, ambient]​

30) CHANCE デラソウル - Besides [plunderphonics]​

31) Jess Williamson - Sorceress [singer/songwriter, Americana]​

Tier IV (good):

32) Grimes - Miss Anthropocene [art pop, indie electronic]​

33) Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist - Alfredo [hardcore hip-hop, jazz rap]​

34) Julianna Barwick - Healing is a Miracle [new age, ambient]​

35) Sevdaliza - Shabrang [art pop, trip hop]​

36) nthng - Hypnotherapy [ambient techno]​

37) illuminati hotties - Free I.H.: This is not the One You've Been Waiting For [indie rock, noise rock]​

38) Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA [dance-pop, alternative metal]​

39) Yumi Zouma - Truth and Consequences [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

40) Soccer Mommy - color theory [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

​

The chart:

 

[gaporter]

Q3 update.

I didn't think that two pop albums would dominate my listening habits in the new decade, but I am here to report that is the case here. Placements have been jostled around repeatedly, due to my indecisive nature, and I'm certain it will look different once more in the "finalized" Q4 list. Expanded to a fourth tier. Could edit this and the following chart in the coming days, perhaps add a few unranked honorable mentions.

Tier I (outstanding):

1) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? [dance-pop, disco]​

2) Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia [dance-pop]​

3) Caribou - Suddenly [electronic]​

4) Deserta - Black Aura My Sun [shoegaze, dream pop]​

5) Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas [neo soul, singer/songwriter]​

Tier II (excellent):

6) Kelly Lee Owens - Inner Song [tech house, art pop]​

7) Jeff Parker & the New Breed - Suite for Max Brown [nu jazz]​

8) Boldy James and the Alchemist - The Price of Tea in China [gangsta rap, boom bap]​

9) Laura Marling - Song for Our Daughter [singer/songwriter]​

10) Somni - Home [downtempo electronic]​

11) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy and Lee: Instrumentals Vol. I [avant-garde jazz]​

12) HAIM - Women in Music: Part III [indie rock, pop rock]​

13) Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind [psychedelic rock, art rock]​

14) Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters [art pop, singer/songwriter]​

15) Run the Jewels - IV [hardcore hip-hop]​

16) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher [indie folk, singer/songwriter]​

17) Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman [indie folk]​

Tier III (great):

18) Moses Boyd - Dark Matter [nu jazz, acid house]​

19) Allie X - Cape God [pop]​

20) A.A.L. - 2017-2019 [industrial techno, deconstructed club]​

21) Shabaka and the Ancestors - We are Sent Here by History [nu jazz, spiritual jazz]​

22) Charli XCX - how i'm feeling now [deconstructed club, quarantine jams]​

23) R.A.P. Ferriera - Purple Moonlight Pages [abstract hip-hop, jazz rap]​

24) Lemon Quartet - Crestless [ambient jazz, new age]​

25) Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville [avant-garde metal, technical death metal]​

26) Jessy Lanza - All the Time [UK Bass, synthpop]​

27) HMLTD - West of Eden [glam punk, art rock]​

28) Necrot - Mortal [death metal]​

29) Leo Takami - Felis Catus and Silence [new age, ambient]​

30) CHANCE デラソウル - Besides [plunderphonics]​

31) Jess Williamson - Sorceress [singer/songwriter, Americana]​

Tier IV (good):

32) Grimes - Miss Anthropocene [art pop, indie electronic]​

33) Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist - Alfredo [hardcore hip-hop, jazz rap]​

34) Julianna Barwick - Healing is a Miracle [new age, ambient]​

35) Sevdaliza - Shabrang [art pop, trip hop]​

36) nthng - Hypnotherapy [ambient techno]​

37) illuminati hotties - Free I.H.: This is not the One You've Been Waiting For [indie rock, noise rock]​

38) Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA [dance-pop, alternative metal]​

39) Yumi Zouma - Truth and Consequences [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

40) Soccer Mommy - color theory [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

​

The chart:

View attachment 67869

Surprised Sawayama is that low

 

[debianlinux]

Surprised Sawayama is that low

But noting how high KLO is

 

[debianlinux]

Q3 update.

I didn't think that two pop albums would dominate my listening habits in the new decade, but I am here to report that is the case here. Placements have been jostled around repeatedly, due to my indecisive nature, and I'm certain it will look different once more in the "finalized" Q4 list. Expanded to a fourth tier. Could edit this and the following chart in the coming days, perhaps add a few unranked honorable mentions.

Tier I (outstanding):

1) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? [dance-pop, disco]​

2) Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia [dance-pop]​

3) Caribou - Suddenly [electronic]​

4) Deserta - Black Aura My Sun [shoegaze, dream pop]​

5) Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas [neo soul, singer/songwriter]​

Tier II (excellent):

6) Kelly Lee Owens - Inner Song [tech house, art pop]​

7) Jeff Parker & the New Breed - Suite for Max Brown [nu jazz]​

8) Boldy James and the Alchemist - The Price of Tea in China [gangsta rap, boom bap]​

9) Laura Marling - Song for Our Daughter [singer/songwriter]​

10) Somni - Home [downtempo electronic]​

11) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy and Lee: Instrumentals Vol. I [avant-garde jazz]​

12) HAIM - Women in Music: Part III [indie rock, pop rock]​

13) Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind [psychedelic rock, art rock]​

14) Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters [art pop, singer/songwriter]​

15) Run the Jewels - IV [hardcore hip-hop]​

16) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher [indie folk, singer/songwriter]​

17) Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman [indie folk]​

Tier III (great):

18) Moses Boyd - Dark Matter [nu jazz, acid house]​

19) Allie X - Cape God [pop]​

20) A.A.L. - 2017-2019 [industrial techno, deconstructed club]​

21) Shabaka and the Ancestors - We are Sent Here by History [nu jazz, spiritual jazz]​

22) Charli XCX - how i'm feeling now [deconstructed club, quarantine jams]​

23) R.A.P. Ferriera - Purple Moonlight Pages [abstract hip-hop, jazz rap]​

24) Lemon Quartet - Crestless [ambient jazz, new age]​

25) Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville [avant-garde metal, technical death metal]​

26) Jessy Lanza - All the Time [UK Bass, synthpop]​

27) HMLTD - West of Eden [glam punk, art rock]​

28) Necrot - Mortal [death metal]​

29) Leo Takami - Felis Catus and Silence [new age, ambient]​

30) CHANCE デラソウル - Besides [plunderphonics]​

31) Jess Williamson - Sorceress [singer/songwriter, Americana]​

Tier IV (good):

32) Grimes - Miss Anthropocene [art pop, indie electronic]​

33) Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist - Alfredo [hardcore hip-hop, jazz rap]​

34) Julianna Barwick - Healing is a Miracle [new age, ambient]​

35) Sevdaliza - Shabrang [art pop, trip hop]​

36) nthng - Hypnotherapy [ambient techno]​

37) illuminati hotties - Free I.H.: This is not the One You've Been Waiting For [indie rock, noise rock]​

38) Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA [dance-pop, alternative metal]​

39) Yumi Zouma - Truth and Consequences [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

40) Soccer Mommy - color theory [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

​

The chart:

View attachment 67869

Nthng is making my list too! Lot of overlap with you.

 

[gaporter]

Q3 update.

I didn't think that two pop albums would dominate my listening habits in the new decade, but I am here to report that is the case here. Placements have been jostled around repeatedly, due to my indecisive nature, and I'm certain it will look different once more in the "finalized" Q4 list. Expanded to a fourth tier. Could edit this and the following chart in the coming days, perhaps add a few unranked honorable mentions.

Tier I (outstanding):

1) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? [dance-pop, disco]​

2) Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia [dance-pop]​

3) Caribou - Suddenly [electronic]​

4) Deserta - Black Aura My Sun [shoegaze, dream pop]​

5) Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas [neo soul, singer/songwriter]​

Tier II (excellent):

6) Kelly Lee Owens - Inner Song [tech house, art pop]​

7) Jeff Parker & the New Breed - Suite for Max Brown [nu jazz]​

8) Boldy James and the Alchemist - The Price of Tea in China [gangsta rap, boom bap]​

9) Laura Marling - Song for Our Daughter [singer/songwriter]​

10) Somni - Home [downtempo electronic]​

11) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy and Lee: Instrumentals Vol. I [avant-garde jazz]​

12) HAIM - Women in Music: Part III [indie rock, pop rock]​

13) Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind [psychedelic rock, art rock]​

14) Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters [art pop, singer/songwriter]​

15) Run the Jewels - IV [hardcore hip-hop]​

16) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher [indie folk, singer/songwriter]​

17) Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman [indie folk]​

Tier III (great):

18) Moses Boyd - Dark Matter [nu jazz, acid house]​

19) Allie X - Cape God [pop]​

20) A.A.L. - 2017-2019 [industrial techno, deconstructed club]​

21) Shabaka and the Ancestors - We are Sent Here by History [nu jazz, spiritual jazz]​

22) Charli XCX - how i'm feeling now [deconstructed club, quarantine jams]​

23) R.A.P. Ferriera - Purple Moonlight Pages [abstract hip-hop, jazz rap]​

24) Lemon Quartet - Crestless [ambient jazz, new age]​

25) Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville [avant-garde metal, technical death metal]​

26) Jessy Lanza - All the Time [UK Bass, synthpop]​

27) HMLTD - West of Eden [glam punk, art rock]​

28) Necrot - Mortal [death metal]​

29) Leo Takami - Felis Catus and Silence [new age, ambient]​

30) CHANCE デラソウル - Besides [plunderphonics]​

31) Jess Williamson - Sorceress [singer/songwriter, Americana]​

Tier IV (good):

32) Grimes - Miss Anthropocene [art pop, indie electronic]​

33) Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist - Alfredo [hardcore hip-hop, jazz rap]​

34) Julianna Barwick - Healing is a Miracle [new age, ambient]​

35) Sevdaliza - Shabrang [art pop, trip hop]​

36) nthng - Hypnotherapy [ambient techno]​

37) illuminati hotties - Free I.H.: This is not the One You've Been Waiting For [indie rock, noise rock]​

38) Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA [dance-pop, alternative metal]​

39) Yumi Zouma - Truth and Consequences [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

40) Soccer Mommy - color theory [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

​

The chart:

View attachment 67869

Nthng is making my list too! Lot of overlap with you.

I also have a lot of overlap, most of my contenders appear on the @Rip_City list the only notable is exclusion is Rosenstock

 

[gaporter]

also worth noting that there is an underdog of the year that will likely appear on my list and my list alone

 

[debianlinux]

also worth noting that there is an underdog of the year that will likely appear on my list and my list alone

No! Never! You don't say!

 

[Hollywood]

Q3 update.

I didn't think that two pop albums would dominate my listening habits in the new decade, but I am here to report that is the case here. Placements have been jostled around repeatedly, due to my indecisive nature, and I'm certain it will look different once more in the "finalized" Q4 list. Expanded to a fourth tier. Could edit this and the following chart in the coming days, perhaps add a few unranked honorable mentions.

Tier I (outstanding):

1) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? [dance-pop, disco]​

2) Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia [dance-pop]​

3) Caribou - Suddenly [electronic]​

4) Deserta - Black Aura My Sun [shoegaze, dream pop]​

5) Lianne La Havas - Lianne La Havas [neo soul, singer/songwriter]​

Tier II (excellent):

6) Kelly Lee Owens - Inner Song [tech house, art pop]​

7) Jeff Parker & the New Breed - Suite for Max Brown [nu jazz]​

8) Boldy James and the Alchemist - The Price of Tea in China [gangsta rap, boom bap]​

9) Laura Marling - Song for Our Daughter [singer/songwriter]​

10) Somni - Home [downtempo electronic]​

11) Alabaster DePlume - To Cy and Lee: Instrumentals Vol. I [avant-garde jazz]​

12) HAIM - Women in Music: Part III [indie rock, pop rock]​

13) Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind [psychedelic rock, art rock]​

14) Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters [art pop, singer/songwriter]​

15) Run the Jewels - IV [hardcore hip-hop]​

16) Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher [indie folk, singer/songwriter]​

17) Bonny Light Horseman - Bonny Light Horseman [indie folk]​

Tier III (great):

18) Moses Boyd - Dark Matter [nu jazz, acid house]​

19) Allie X - Cape God [pop]​

20) A.A.L. - 2017-2019 [industrial techno, deconstructed club]​

21) Shabaka and the Ancestors - We are Sent Here by History [nu jazz, spiritual jazz]​

22) Charli XCX - how i'm feeling now [deconstructed club, quarantine jams]​

23) R.A.P. Ferriera - Purple Moonlight Pages [abstract hip-hop, jazz rap]​

24) Lemon Quartet - Crestless [ambient jazz, new age]​

25) Imperial Triumphant - Alphaville [avant-garde metal, technical death metal]​

26) Jessy Lanza - All the Time [UK Bass, synthpop]​

27) HMLTD - West of Eden [glam punk, art rock]​

28) Necrot - Mortal [death metal]​

29) Leo Takami - Felis Catus and Silence [new age, ambient]​

30) CHANCE デラソウル - Besides [plunderphonics]​

31) Jess Williamson - Sorceress [singer/songwriter, Americana]​

Tier IV (good):

32) Grimes - Miss Anthropocene [art pop, indie electronic]​

33) Freddie Gibbs and the Alchemist - Alfredo [hardcore hip-hop, jazz rap]​

34) Julianna Barwick - Healing is a Miracle [new age, ambient]​

35) Sevdaliza - Shabrang [art pop, trip hop]​

36) nthng - Hypnotherapy [ambient techno]​

37) illuminati hotties - Free I.H.: This is not the One You've Been Waiting For [indie rock, noise rock]​

38) Rina Sawayama - SAWAYAMA [dance-pop, alternative metal]​

39) Yumi Zouma - Truth and Consequences [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

40) Soccer Mommy - color theory [indie pop, bedroom pop]​

​

The chart:

View attachment 67869

Dude that yellow font is making my eyes bleed

 

[gaporter]

No! Never! You don't say!

You know what it is?

 

[dhodo]

Dude that yellow font is making my eyes bleed

 

[Captainfog]

Fleet Foxes update.

I actually think it's really boring. Pecknold takes himself far too seriously.

 

[BjorgenFjorgen]

Fleet Foxes update.

I actually think it's really boring. Pecknold takes himself far too seriously.

I find it hard to disagree with this. I've listened to it four times so far and the only time I really enjoyed it was when I watched the accompanying film on YouTube and I was high. There are a lot of really nice textures going on but I don't think most of the capital-S songs are that great ("Featherweight" and "I'm Not my Season" notwithstanding). The three-page press release he put out where he says something like "Fleet Foxes has always been my vision etc. etc." was a huge turn-off. Of course I may eat my words in three months and ten more listens but that's my initial impression.

 

[McGlam]

I never gave Fleet Foxes a chance before (prob because their association with FJM) and I really like the new album. Very soothing.

 

[debianlinux]

Fleet Foxes update.

I actually think it's really boring. Pecknold takes himself far too seriously.

I've never really jived with FF and then I listened to their song exploder and started actively detesting them.

 

[Geologyst]

Fleet Foxes update.

I actually think it's really boring. Pecknold takes himself far too seriously.

i've been a die-hard fleet foxes guy and I really think this album is just ok. It's really missing those epic moments that the older albums had in spades. Also he says "Corduroy heath" on this album.... like ok, we get it dude,

 

[Heath]

"Corduroy heath"

how rude, I haven't worn corduroy in YEARS, I live in Texas for christ's sake