albums that got me through 2020.
Alright I’ll just go ahead and say it… 2020 was stressful AF.
But something that has really helped me navigate when times got tough was music. Depending on my mood, I could put it on and forget about the world for a moment or just wallow in it for as long as I needed to. Either way, music was something that helped me process the emotions I experienced during this insane year.
Here are some of the albums I’ve been listening to in hopes that maybe they’ll give you a little peace as well.
Plastic Hearts - Miley Cyrus
It’s the timing of this album for me. The same week it was released was the same week I suddenly lost my grandfather. While it’s fun and upbeat, it’s also angsty and angry, so it came as both a great distraction and a great way to process my grief.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Miley and she continues to not disappoint with this album. I really admire that she’s ever evolving and constantly trying to find the best version of herself. She’s always 100% Miley even if that means something different a year from now.
This might be a bold thing to say but, I think the way I feel about Miley might be the way earlier generations felt about Stevie Nicks. She’s just so fucking rad. Who else could get Billy Idol, Joan Jett AND Stevie Nicks to feature on the same album?!
Rumours - Fleetwood Mac
Speaking of Stevie… this album is a constant go-to for me.
Back in March when I was quarantining alone, missing my friends and family, I felt so isolated.
Rumours was always playing in the background of my childhood. In the car on a road trip or in the kitchen while we were cooking, it was always there. It’s an album that I have loved for different reasons as I get older but mainly it’s because it makes me feel close to my family.
Which is highly ironic considering what happened during the making of this album and the fact that a lot of the songs are about break ups.
Brightest Blue - Ellie Goulding
The type of music I like to listen to is the kind where you can feel the emotions of what the artist was dealing with while making the album.
If I feel like it wasn’t an emotionally driven piece of work then I’m likely to not be interested. I have a feeling like this was why I never really connected to Ellie’s earlier work.
Not to say that she didn’t put emotion and care into other albums she’s put out but when I heard this one… wow. I don’t know what she’s done differently that’s made me such a fan but I think it might be the rawness and honesty I feel when listening to the lyrics.
Go check out this album. Honestly, I think it’s the best thing she’s ever done.
Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa
I don’t think I can talk about albums that I loved listening to this year without mentioning Dua Lipa. She had the biggest year in music out of anyone by far.
You’ve likely heard the singles on the radio but if you haven’t heard this album in it’s entirety yet, I highly recommend. It’s strong from start to finish, no song is a throw away and it’s hella fun.
This was my go-to when I was feeling overwhelmed and couldn’t get out of my head. I’d play this, dance around and forget my troubles.
If only for a little while.
I Used to Know Her - H.E.R.
Remember how I said I’d use music to either distract or wallow? The song I’m Not OK is a GREAT example of the wallowing. When that song came on, I couldn’t help but just sit in my feelings.
The way her lyrics just cut through and speak so much truth (ex. Lord Is Coming) is something we need more of.
I think H.E.R. is one of the most underrated artists right now. Her talent is insane to me and she should be waaay bigger than she is in my opinion. Whether it’s this album or another, go give her a listen!
folklore/evermore - Taylor Swift
If you’re my friend IRL and you’re reading this… surprise!
Those who know me know I have never been a fan of Taylor’s music. Ever. I know I’m probably the only girl in my generation to ever say that but it’s true. Nothing against her really, I just never connected to anything she’s put out.
Until these two albums.
The fact that she was able to produce not one, but TWO albums this year is astonishing to me. Talk about a productive quarantine! (Not that you needed to be productive during quarantine… surviving is more than enough!)
It was because of this that I was intrigued to take a listen and very surprising to me, I liked what I heard.
I think the fact that these albums are very un-Taylor like is probably why I like them though. They’re a lot more chill than her previous work and I’ve really enjoyed listening to them while I’m cooking or washing dishes.
Coming Home - Leon Bridges
This is probably one of my all-time favourites and one I recommend everyone listen to. I’m convinced Leon Bridges is from another time and place.
Thing about a pandemic is that one day you’re fine, following the rules, staying safe and feeling like you’ve got a handle on it and then in a moment… the reality hits you. This album came in handy any time I needed a break from it all.
Whenever I needed to be transported this was the go-to. It’s just got this happy vibe and makes you feel good. And I haven’t met a single person who doesn’t feel the same way about it.
Man of the Woods - Justin Timberlake
JT has been a favourite of mine since *NSYNC but what’s really made me a fan for life is what he’s done since his days in a boyband.
What I love most about his music is if you listen to any of his albums, you can tell there’s been attention paid to every little detail. Each song is a part of a larger picture and each album is it’s own work of art.
Man of the Woods is a one of my favourites because it’s just an easy album to groove to. Any time I want to lighten the mood this is a great album to throw on.
Covers - James Blake
This one just came out a week ago and I’m obsessed. Covering a wide range of artists, from Billie Eilish to Stevie Wonder, there’s something for everyone on this EP.
I love the sound of James Blake’s voice so hearing him cover some classic songs has been very welcomed in a time where there’s so much uncertainty.
His take on Godspeed by Frank Ocean? Woah. Already an amazing song but James’ version is something else.
Give this a listen. I promise, it’ll soothe your soul when times get to be too much.
