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Keep your fingers off the mute button for just a moment, everyone: it's time for the long-awaited thread of my top 30 albums of 2020!
30. Good News - Megan Thee Stallion
Suffering a gunshot wound in the summer, the OG hot girl's debut aims to set the record straight. It's a testament to her resilience and the dominance she commands that she can deliver such a sharp, empowering LP after undergoing such trauma
Suffering a gunshot wound in the summer, the OG hot girl's debut aims to set the record straight. It's a testament to her resilience and the dominance she commands that she can deliver such a sharp, empowering LP after undergoing such trauma
29. KiCk i - Arca
Though the latest album from Venezuelan experimental legend Arca may be her most accessible, her sound remains as relentlessly inventive and avant-garde as ever. ROSALÍA, SOPHIE and frequent-collaborator Björk bolster this eclectic vision of what music could be
Though the latest album from Venezuelan experimental legend Arca may be her most accessible, her sound remains as relentlessly inventive and avant-garde as ever. ROSALÍA, SOPHIE and frequent-collaborator Björk bolster this eclectic vision of what music could be
28. Seeking Thrills - Georgia
Going into 2020 I couldn't tell you who Georgia was, but as an early release this year, it wasn't long before I discovered her star power. Her vocals layered atop slick synth production emulate Robyn and inject joy into what became a miserable year
Going into 2020 I couldn't tell you who Georgia was, but as an early release this year, it wasn't long before I discovered her star power. Her vocals layered atop slick synth production emulate Robyn and inject joy into what became a miserable year
27. Strangers/Lovers - Dagny
One of the songwriting masterminds behind Never Really Over graces us with a debut LP full of similarly-effervescent electropop chronicling the unsteady evolution of a budding romance. A Robyn-esque gem that's anthemic and heartfelt in equal measure
One of the songwriting masterminds behind Never Really Over graces us with a debut LP full of similarly-effervescent electropop chronicling the unsteady evolution of a budding romance. A Robyn-esque gem that's anthemic and heartfelt in equal measure
26. After Hours - The Weeknd
Full of rich, addictive production toeing the line between nostalgia and experimentation, this new wave R&B record remains consistently engaging despite its hour-long runtime. Abel's never had trouble laying down his emotions but it's effortless here
Full of rich, addictive production toeing the line between nostalgia and experimentation, this new wave R&B record remains consistently engaging despite its hour-long runtime. Abel's never had trouble laying down his emotions but it's effortless here
25. Gaslighter - The Chicks
While it never reaches the astronomical heights of its scathing, cathartic title track, the return of The (née Dixie) Chicks after a 14-year hiatus serves as a reminder of their peerless skill in songwriting, characteristically defiant in its delivery
While it never reaches the astronomical heights of its scathing, cathartic title track, the return of The (née Dixie) Chicks after a 14-year hiatus serves as a reminder of their peerless skill in songwriting, characteristically defiant in its delivery
24. Petals for Armor - Hayley Williams
Williams uses this solo endeavour as an opportunity for introspection, appearing before us as a more emotionally vulnerable artist than the bombastic force we're used to. There's an understated beauty to these subdued alt-pop slow burners
Williams uses this solo endeavour as an opportunity for introspection, appearing before us as a more emotionally vulnerable artist than the bombastic force we're used to. There's an understated beauty to these subdued alt-pop slow burners
23. My Agenda - Dorian Electra
After playfully shattering toxic masculinity on 2019's Flamboyant, Dorian reclaims male-dominated genres for their own reconstruction whilst providing a biting analysis of incel culture set to ultra-abrasive production. At once insane and brilliant
After playfully shattering toxic masculinity on 2019's Flamboyant, Dorian reclaims male-dominated genres for their own reconstruction whilst providing a biting analysis of incel culture set to ultra-abrasive production. At once insane and brilliant
22. I Disagree - Poppy
Poppy further explores the heavier sound teased on her last album by employing elements of nu-metal, industrial and bubblegum pop on I Disagree, and it's this tonal juxtaposition that is key to its success. A gloriously unstable showcase of her versatility
Poppy further explores the heavier sound teased on her last album by employing elements of nu-metal, industrial and bubblegum pop on I Disagree, and it's this tonal juxtaposition that is key to its success. A gloriously unstable showcase of her versatility
21. Black Country Disco - Tom Aspaul
This sublime debut is a brisk and beautiful display of how simple details can resonate strongly with the listener. The queer perspective arouses a familiarity with a place I've never visited - an area for which the writer's love is palpable
This sublime debut is a brisk and beautiful display of how simple details can resonate strongly with the listener. The queer perspective arouses a familiarity with a place I've never visited - an area for which the writer's love is palpable
20. Crave - Kiesza
Taking an extended absence from music following a car accident, Kiesza triumphantly returns as a force to be reckoned with. All of the Feelings evokes the kind of pop euphoria only captured by the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, elevated by her stunning vocal power
Taking an extended absence from music following a car accident, Kiesza triumphantly returns as a force to be reckoned with. All of the Feelings evokes the kind of pop euphoria only captured by the likes of Carly Rae Jepsen, elevated by her stunning vocal power
19. Confetti - Little Mix
The UK's greatest girlband have reached a career peak with Confetti, an expression of unadulterated joy which signifies greater creative freedom being exercised following their split from Syco. Outstanding singles with a stronger thematic focus than LM5
The UK's greatest girlband have reached a career peak with Confetti, an expression of unadulterated joy which signifies greater creative freedom being exercised following their split from Syco. Outstanding singles with a stronger thematic focus than LM5
18. DISCO - Kylie Minogue
After a brief stint in the country-pop realm, Kylie returns to what she's always done best: glittery, saccharine 80s floor-fillers - ironically at a time when no one can do so. Each track glides so gracefully into the next like the DJ set that never was
After a brief stint in the country-pop realm, Kylie returns to what she's always done best: glittery, saccharine 80s floor-fillers - ironically at a time when no one can do so. Each track glides so gracefully into the next like the DJ set that never was
17. 1000 gecs and the Tree of Clues - 100 gecs
If you thought 100 gecs couldn't be more aggressively-produced, you are sorely mistaken. These remix tracks enlist PC Music's finest (and Fall Out Boy) to unlock their full potential, making for an exhilarating, truly chaotic listen
If you thought 100 gecs couldn't be more aggressively-produced, you are sorely mistaken. These remix tracks enlist PC Music's finest (and Fall Out Boy) to unlock their full potential, making for an exhilarating, truly chaotic listen
16. Róisín Machine - Róisín Murphy
Murphy's latest LP may have hit at the height of the disco renaissance, but this well-crafted collection of pulsing house beats has been marinating for the better part of a decade. Self-reflective lyrics only enrich these future disco classics
Murphy's latest LP may have hit at the height of the disco renaissance, but this well-crafted collection of pulsing house beats has been marinating for the better part of a decade. Self-reflective lyrics only enrich these future disco classics
15. Club Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa
Dua's commitment to her brilliant sophomore era needs to commended. Blessed Madonna has deconstructed the album into an authentically sweaty, breathless DJ set, with star-studded guest features amplifying the existing greatness of the tracks
Dua's commitment to her brilliant sophomore era needs to commended. Blessed Madonna has deconstructed the album into an authentically sweaty, breathless DJ set, with star-studded guest features amplifying the existing greatness of the tracks
14. Set My Heart On Fire Immediately - Perfume Genius
Mike Hadreas' fifth LP is a stunning homage to 80s pop and classic rock, carried by his exceptional songwriting and ability to convey the longing and vulnerability of queerness through haunting, emotive vocals. A masterclass
Mike Hadreas' fifth LP is a stunning homage to 80s pop and classic rock, carried by his exceptional songwriting and ability to convey the longing and vulnerability of queerness through haunting, emotive vocals. A masterclass
13. Fetch the Bolt Cutters - Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple is an artist who refuses to be restricted by the meaningless parameters of genre, and it's this theme of liberation from expectation that powers this sprawling, painstaking, experimental masterpiece. A raw, triumphant symphony
Fiona Apple is an artist who refuses to be restricted by the meaningless parameters of genre, and it's this theme of liberation from expectation that powers this sprawling, painstaking, experimental masterpiece. A raw, triumphant symphony
12. 2000AND4EVA - Bree Runway
Bree's debut mixtape is bold, exciting and a perfect exhibition of her fearless versatility, challenging the notion that Black artists cannot succeed in certain genres by dominating them. Despite its genre-bending nature it couldn't be more cohesive
Bree's debut mixtape is bold, exciting and a perfect exhibition of her fearless versatility, challenging the notion that Black artists cannot succeed in certain genres by dominating them. Despite its genre-bending nature it couldn't be more cohesive
11. Plastic Hearts - Miley Cyrus
The consistent quality present on Plastic Hearts is representative of an artist confidently stepping into her prime; this glam rock-adjacent pop is the sound Miley's smoky voice was always built for. Midnight Sky is the obvious, perfect standout
The consistent quality present on Plastic Hearts is representative of an artist confidently stepping into her prime; this glam rock-adjacent pop is the sound Miley's smoky voice was always built for. Midnight Sky is the obvious, perfect standout
10. evermore - Taylor Swift
Similar to her approach on its older sister, Swift opts to forgo her usual electropop beats and instead strip the production back to push her signature polished songwriting to the forefront. The fictional narratives she weaves are as vivid as ever
Similar to her approach on its older sister, Swift opts to forgo her usual electropop beats and instead strip the production back to push her signature polished songwriting to the forefront. The fictional narratives she weaves are as vivid as ever
9. Ungodly Hour - Chloe x Halle
These Beyoncé-certified siblings are unparalleled prodigies in their field, with their angelic harmonies providing the perfect contrast for this album's decidedly mature lyrical content. They also set a terrific precedent for lockdown performances
These Beyoncé-certified siblings are unparalleled prodigies in their field, with their angelic harmonies providing the perfect contrast for this album's decidedly mature lyrical content. They also set a terrific precedent for lockdown performances
8. What's Your Pleasure? - Jessie Ware
Ware's return to her dancefloor roots arrives amidst a new influx of similarly disco-centric eras. However, her marriage of slinky, nostalgic 80's-inspired basslines with shimmering, sophisticated production grants it a timeless quality
Ware's return to her dancefloor roots arrives amidst a new influx of similarly disco-centric eras. However, her marriage of slinky, nostalgic 80's-inspired basslines with shimmering, sophisticated production grants it a timeless quality
7. Punisher - Phoebe Bridgers
On her incredible emo-folk album, Bridgers carries her existential dread with a sobering candour, her sardonic lyricism and depiction of innocuous details serving to flesh out the bleak psychedelia she paints. An overwhelmingly cinematic experience
On her incredible emo-folk album, Bridgers carries her existential dread with a sobering candour, her sardonic lyricism and depiction of innocuous details serving to flesh out the bleak psychedelia she paints. An overwhelmingly cinematic experience
6. Women in Music Part III - HAIM
The title alludes to the sisters' shared grievance of misogynistic journalists undercutting their talent, but it's Danielle's frank chronicle of her depression that powers this 70s soft rock classic. A skillful affirmation of their versatility
The title alludes to the sisters' shared grievance of misogynistic journalists undercutting their talent, but it's Danielle's frank chronicle of her depression that powers this 70s soft rock classic. A skillful affirmation of their versatility
5. Chromatica - Lady Gaga
It's a delight to see one of the strongest forces in music this century triumphantly return to her electropop roots with characteristic flair. Gaga utilises the full cathartic power of dance music during a time in which we could all use a little relief
It's a delight to see one of the strongest forces in music this century triumphantly return to her electropop roots with characteristic flair. Gaga utilises the full cathartic power of dance music during a time in which we could all use a little relief
Despite Gaga baring her wounds and putting her trauma on full display, the 90s house beats are unwavering and Gaga's vocal refuses to falter, instead soaring over them with all the unmistakable drama we've been craving. A euphoric comeback that needs to make its dancefloor debut
4. Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa
After establishing herself as a streaming force, no one would've blamed Dua for half-assing a follow-up to her 2017 debut and riding the sales figures all the way to the bank. Instead, she opted for timeless songs, and subsequently changed the game
After establishing herself as a streaming force, no one would've blamed Dua for half-assing a follow-up to her 2017 debut and riding the sales figures all the way to the bank. Instead, she opted for timeless songs, and subsequently changed the game
As its title implies, FN sees Dua pay homage to the musical trailblazers who soundtracked her upbringing, spinning these inspirations into refreshing, ambitious pop-funk for a new generation. With an era this perfect, Dua can comfortably sit alongside her legendary contemporaries
3. how i'm feeling now - Charli XCX
Constructed entirely within the first 6 weeks of lockdown, this strictly solo endeavour from Charli is a refreshing change of pace after 3 consecutive feature-packed projects. Isolation sees her at her most yearning, reflected in her lyricism
Constructed entirely within the first 6 weeks of lockdown, this strictly solo endeavour from Charli is a refreshing change of pace after 3 consecutive feature-packed projects. Isolation sees her at her most yearning, reflected in her lyricism
The trademark maximist, avant-pop production from A.G. Cook shines brighter than ever, as Charli's self-imposed deadline pushes her creativity to new extremes. She capitalises on the underground sound her label allows her to explore, challenging traditional ideas of pop artistry
The instrumental chaos present on all three singles - especially on the manic Claws, spearheaded by 100 gecs' Dylan Brady - illustrates the feverish love Charli has for her boyfriend, as uncertain of where they stand as she is of this new world we all inhabit. Culturally poignant
2. folklore - Taylor Swift
The unexpected shadowdrop of folklore was a startlingly uncharacteristic move from Swift. Eschewing her tradition of releasing grossly-misrepresentative singles to precede excellent albums, she decided a change in events warranted a change in approach
The unexpected shadowdrop of folklore was a startlingly uncharacteristic move from Swift. Eschewing her tradition of releasing grossly-misrepresentative singles to precede excellent albums, she decided a change in events warranted a change in approach
In contrast to the transparent, collaborative approach Charli XCX took this year, folklore was recorded in total secrecy, making her surprise genre shift from electropop to indie folk all the more welcome. The stripped-back production imbues these songs with such evocative power
Departing from autobiographical songwriting and adopting a storyteller role to deliver fictional tales allows Swift to broaden the scope of her well-honed craft, among the industry's best. Her imagination is as brimming with cinematic, lucid detail and tangible emotion as ever.
1. SAWAYAMA - Rina Sawayama
On one of the most impressive debut LPs of all time, Rina Sawayama confidently establishes herself as the boldest, most exciting new voice in pop today. The critical impact of this eclectic debut is attributed to her effortless, inventive genre fusion
On one of the most impressive debut LPs of all time, Rina Sawayama confidently establishes herself as the boldest, most exciting new voice in pop today. The critical impact of this eclectic debut is attributed to her effortless, inventive genre fusion
On the sparkling anti-capitalist takedown XS, Rina honors the legacy of 00s Britney while peppering the chorus with stabs of KoRn-esque electric guitar. It's a clash that would prove dissonant in less capable hands, but Rina melts down familiar elements into an inspired synthesis
These contrasting nostalgic influences are symbolic of Rina's traumatic upbringing as a Japanese-British citizen. She channels Evanescence to tackle intergenerational anguish stemming from her parents' divorce, before rebuking racist microaggressions over thrashing guitar riffs
Despite the album's sonic diversity, Rina's intelligent, personal songwriting alongside Clarence Clarity's ingenious production provides a cohesive throughline for this journey through each aspect of her identity. She debuts fully-formed, possessing star power that will only grow
