CHS Music Men count down their top 10 albums for 2020, rank December albums en masse

Gus Creter - Junior, Co-Editor / Parker Johnson - Junior, Layout Editor | Columns

Gus’ Top 10 Albums 2020

1. Mac Miller - “Circles”

Mac Miller’s posthumous album, released right at the beginning of 2020, is one of the most intimate musical experiences I have ever felt in an album. This is due to the soft, beautiful singing from Miller as well as the stripped back and tasteful instrumentals.

2. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - “Alfredo”

Freddie Gibbs managed to top last year’s “Bandana” in his collaborative effort with The Alchemist. The powerful production perfectly backs up Gibb’s dizzying flows and makes this album the concrete choice for my favorite rap album of 2020.

3. Tkay Maidza - “Last Year Was Weird Vol. 2”

Tkay Maidza is an Australian artist who has slowly been growing her fanbase over the last few years. “Last Year Was Weird Vol. 2” presents her most consistent crop of songs yet, with lush production and an eternally engaging voice on top of it.

4. Run the Jewels - “RTJ4”

Killer Mike and El-P’s “RTJ4” is easily the most relevant album of the year. Both MCs cover topics of police brutality and other systemic problems in the United States over classic production. They have never sounded as natural covering these topics as they do now.

5. Leanne La Havas - “Self-Titled”

Leanne La Havas’ self-titled release presents one of the most beautiful neo-soul albums I’ve heard in years. From the effortless vocals and stripped back yet powerful instrumentals to the fantastic cover of Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes,” this was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.

6. King Krule - “Man Alive!”

“‘Man Alive!’ by King Krule thematically and sonically expands on King Krule’s discography through his exceptional lyric writing skills and it’s really cool.” said Martin Stricklin, noted massive King Krule fan. I couldn't agree more.

7. Dua Lipa - “Future Nostalgia”

Dua Lipa’s 80s pop throwback album was a complete success in every sense of the word. Her witty wordplay and bouncy instrumentals allowed this album to take the title of my favorite pop album of 2020.

8. Joji - “Nectar”

All that I have to say about this career-defining album from former internet celebrity, Joji, is that the latter half of the album is my favorite string of tracks all year. The lowkey vibe stemming from Joji’s vocals and choice of production never fails to keep me intrigued.

9. Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats - “UNLOCKED”

Both Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats are masters at their craft, improving more and more with each project. The chemistry between the two artists provides for some of the most energetic music of the year.

10. Kid Cudi - “Man On The Moon III: The Chosen”

Despite being released on Dec. 11, this album has earned a spot on my year-end list, even if only for the sound. Every piece of psychedelic production and a classic Cudi hum puts a smile on my face, especially considering Cudi sounds as ready-for-performance as ever.

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Parker’s Top 10 Albums of 2020

1. The Strokes - “The New Abnormal”

Seven years have passed since The Strokes’ latest release, and “The New Abnormal” completely deserves the wait! Each song is amazing in its own way -- you can’t go wrong with listening to this album. The Strokes took a more electronic approach without sacrificing their signature sound on the album as well and they absolutely killed it with this release.

2. Dominic Fike - “What Could Possibly Go Wrong”

My opinions on this album took a complete 180 over time. At first, I was so disappointed with the album, often feeling like Dominic lost what made his last project called “Don’t Forget About Me, Demos” so good, but over time, each song got consistently better and better until the album reached the point at which each song is an incredibly enjoyable piece of art. Listen to “Politics and Violence,” and if you enjoy it, you’ll definitely enjoy “What Could Possibly Go Wrong.”

3. Peach Pit - “You and Your Friends”

I was upset coming from Peach Pit’s first album, “Being So Normal” to “You and Your Friends.” I thought it felt almost unoriginal, and had no cohesive idea, unlike their first album. With later listens, this mindset completely changed. Each song on “You and Your Friends” is similar, but each has very different ideas at the same time, which ends up making each song enjoyable over repeated listens. I would say this is a must listen to anyone that enjoys indie rock at all!

4. The Happy Fits - “What Could Be Better”

What an exciting album! The way that the band is able to make you groove along to songs such as “She Wants Me (To Be Loved)” or “What Could Be Better” is just plain crazy. I can’t help but be filled with joy and excitement everytime I listen to this album.

5. Racoma - “This Front Room”

I’m not usually a fan of the indie/alternative folk genre, but I was blown away after repeated listens of “This Front Room.” I was a fan of some of Racoma’s previous music, but the quality of each song and their lyrics is just incredible. This is the album to listen to whenever you need to relax and unwind on a stressful day.

6. King Krule - “Man Alive!”

This is by far the hardest album to categorize under a genre, but for a good reason. “Man Alive!” could be described as a form of alternative jazz, but don’t overthink it. Just listen to the album -- I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you are open to experimental music.

7. Jean Dawson - “Pixel Bath”

What an enjoyable album! I can’t help but be filled with energy and excitement when a song comes on shuffle or I am just craving a listen to “Pixel Bath.” Listening to “Pixel Bath” is always refreshing because Jean Dawson’s style is a very fresh take on the energetic alternative rock genre.

8. Oliver Tree - “Ugly is Beautiful”

Despite the meme status that Oliver Tree has garnered, I find a lot of songs on “Ugly is Beautiful” very enjoyable and fun to listen to. Oliver Tree isn’t trying to write an emotional project, he was just having fun producing the songs for “Ugly is Beautiful.” Once you get past this, Oliver Tree can unironically have some amazing songs to listen to.

9. I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME - “RAZZMATAZZ”

This two member band, consisting of only a bassist and drummer, finally delivered their debut album to great success. Compared to their previous EP, the band has gone with a little more electronic sound but still delivers the interesting music they always have.

10. Mac Miller - “Circles”

“Circles” is genuinely an amazing listen, regardless of your taste in music. Mac Miller delivers really heartful lyrics on songs such as “Good News” and the title track “Circles.” I can’t but feel like Miller poured every ounce of soul into this posthumous release.

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More Reviews:

• Kid Cudi - “Man on the Moon III - The Chosen” G: 85% P: 80%

• Jack Harlow - “That’s What They All Say” G: 60% P: 65%

• Taylor Swift - “Evermore” G: 50% P: 60%

• ShyGirl - “ALIAS” G: 80% P: 75%

• Fetty Wap - “You Know The Vibes” G: 40% P: 55%

• kmoe - “an internet love story” G: 70% P: 75%

• Chris Stapleton - “Starting Over” G: 80% P: 80%

• Dorian Electra - “My Agenda” G: 75% P: 75%

• Kali Uchis - Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) - G: 75% P: 70%

• Lil Tecca - “Virgo World” G: 35% P: 40%

• Rico Nasty - “Nightmare Vacation” G: 75% P: 60%

• Shawn Mendes - “Wonder” G: 55% P: 65%

• Steve Lacy - “The Lo-Fis” G: 70% P: 70%

• YUNGBLUD - “weird!” G: 55% P: 55%

• Bladee & Mechatok - “Good Luck” G: 65% P: 65%