- Release date: January 24, 2020. - Metascore: 87 What we said: “It is punchy and concise; its stylistic leaps and short-circuits always feel intended … In the best sense of the phrase, Yves Tumor is off in a world of their own.” Read the full review. Behind the stage name, Mike Kinsella uses this project to show his range outside his 11-plus years in rock band American Football. What we said: “Leithauser performs with his customary passion, and this marks a pleasing new direction for a singular talent.” Read the full review. But today’s artists aren’t letting these aftershocks pause the show. - Release date: March 6, 2020. The duo decided to drop their album two days earlier than the original date following the protests that broke out against police brutality after George Floyd’s murder. The 50 Best Albums of 2020. - Release date: April 3, 2020. This new project is much different from previous releases, as the group trades in their usual uptempo house pulses for melancholy, eerie beats. The Pittsburgh hardcore/metal band leveraged a glossy yet fiendishly intricate kind of production for this masterpiece of heaviness, where big triumphant choruses are pummelled into tiny slivers of digital sound. by: UPROXX Music Twitter June 25, 2020. After making appearances in multiple projects, from Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book” and Talib Kweli’s “Radio Silence” to Curren$y’s “Pilot Talk: Trilogy,” “A Written Testimony” is Jay Electronica’s debut album. What we said: “Not so much an album as a sudden glorious eruption; after eight long years, an urgent desire to be heard.” Read the full review. Between the Covid pandemic, Trump, police racism and violence, and continuing environmental disasters, there have been so many dark things going on that its hard to discuss or digest music at all. Peruse this year’s best sounds—everything from sweet guitar licks infused with country twang, lyrical rhythm and blues, dreamy ballads, and the heavy distortion of hardcore punk. What we said: “The best album of the year so far.” Read the full review. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Label: RCA Records. - Metascore: 85 The 75 Best Releases of 2020 So Far. - Release date: April 3, 2020. 50 best albums of 2020 so far Uncertainties have rocked the start of 2020, crushing promises of live concerts at venues and festivals. - Release date: June 3, 2020. Yves Tumor’s latest album “Heaven to a Tortured Mind” is a perfect compilation of electronic, pop, and psychedelic rock. What we said: “A warm, fresh intimacy that feels welcome in a world of Zoom meetings and FaceTime catch-ups.” Read the full review. This project is everything but bad, having been widely acclaimed by critics. - Metascore: 91 - Metascore: 89 We’re at the half year mark and it’s been a pretty strange year so far. This is the seventh album by the British musical artist. Released: March 22. The album debuted at #1 on the U.K. The British indie-rockers advocate for political and social change on their new record—and in a timely manner, as protests against systemic racism and law enforcement are seen across the world. Here are 10 of Billboard Pride's favorite albums of 2020 (so far) by LGBTQ artists. You may also like: 100 best John Wayne movies. A list of the top albums of the year from Rolling Stone (First Half). “Homegrown” has since received favorable reviews. 7 months ago. This Japanese-British pop singer throws everything she has into this summer tentpole blockbuster of a record: hair-metal guitar solos, neo-Moroder synths, new jack swing, video-game mania, and melodies that demand a wind machine with variable settings. Rolling Stone's 50 Best Albums of 2020 So Far. - Metascore: 85 Sign up below to get the latest from Metal Hammer, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! “Eternal Atake” has since garnered over 400 million streams and is certified platinum by RIAA. The Best Albums of 2020 (So Far) These 20 albums reflect a reckoning with ourselves, the patriarchy, systemic racism, and our connection to the planet. “A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip” is the pop-rock duo’s 24th album, and on the day of it dropped found its place at #8 on the U.K. iTunes charts and #44 in the U.S. - Metascore: 84 “Song for Our Daughter” is Laura Marling’s ode to an imaginary daughter dealing with feelings of great sadness and the will to become a better person. Memphis great Don Bryant brings back classic soul and R&B to the contemporary stage, belting out catchy hits about love and heartbreak. The Best Albums of 2020 (So Far) Twenty-five records that have kept us sane while sheltering in place. Lil Uzi dropped 18 songs flaunting trendy trap beats and fast bars. Produced by Roc Nation, Jay Electronica’s new release features Travis Scott, Jay-Z, and The-Dream. Get Stacker's best stories delivered right to your inbox. - Metascore: 89 Katie Crutchfield, better known as Waxahatchee, fuses her indie style with a folksy cadence on her new release “Saint Cloud.” The Guardian's Ben Beaumont-Thomas compared this album to "peak Dylan" (referring to icon Bob Dylan). Here, it’s warm, spirited and even funny.” Read the full review. - Release date: April 3, 2020. The best albums of 2020 so far Clockwise from bottom left: BC Camplight, Fiona Apple, Jay Electronica, Carla Bley, KeiyaA. What we said: “A marvel … this album is a masterpiece.” Read the full review. - Metascore: 84 These are the 50 best albums of 2020 (so far). Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan recently dropped his 39th studio album, “Rough and Rowdy Ways.” Dylan’s talent ages like fine wine, and the album is quickly selling. What we said: “Workaround is effervescent, full of swing and full of heart, and Dillon never compromises on the emotion and soul stemming from its dub roots.” Read the full review. You may also like: The richest country music stars, - Metascore: 83 - Release date: Feb. 28, 2020. - Release date: March 22, 2020. Perfume Genius’ latest installment navigates through different influences in each song, from soft-pop in “Jason” to alternative rock in “Your Body Changes Everything.” The voice behind Perfume Genius, Mike Hadreas, found the human body in its spiritual and physical form to be the inspiration for his music. If any of these albums make you think, sing-along, scream, laugh, or dance, this list will have done its job. In no particular order, check out some our favourite albums from 2020 so far below. So it seemed like a good time to take stock of the human experiment circa 2020 with our first-ever mid-year albums list. With so many new albums dropping every other week, it is easy to forget that almost everyone was just dancing to singles from Bad Bunny and Megan Thee Stallion three months ago. You may also like: 100 best Western films of all time, according to critics, - Metascore: 83 The most ambitiously melodic work yet from the Italian “pointillist trance” producer, who keeps the headiest moments of raves – the blissed-out breakdowns and energetic builds – constantly going until you’re dumb on dopamine. With cameos by notable names such as Mindy Kaling, Mahershala Ali and Yara Shahidi, Ahmed compiles voicemails and musical tracks that speak about issues of xenophobia and identity under the guise of a romantic breakup. Hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, made up of Killer Mike and El-P, filled their 11-track record “RTJ4” with their notably raw raps and hard beats. Following his highly successful album “Love is Rage 2,” which featured the hit single “XO Tour Llif3,” Lil Uzi Vert finally released “Eternal Atake” four years later. - Release date: June 12, 2020. Image via RCA Records. - Release date: May 15, 2020. - Release date: June 5, 2020. - Metascore: 94 So, before we get to the next six months, here are the 33 best albums of 2020 so far… This is her fifth studio album and has been highly acclaimed for her detailed lyricism and raw harmonies. Share Tweet Submit Pin. Fiona Apple’s “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” reached the top of the Billboard charts and is currently Metacritic’s highest-rated album. What we said: “In rock, technical brilliance can sometimes impede immediacy, but Code Orange use it to achieve total and thrilling omnipotence.” Read the full review. This album comes after her eponymous debut in 2017. Insider ranked the 20 best albums of 2020, weighing factors like critical acclaim, cultural impact, and listenability. After making their names during the ‘80s Paisley Underground scene with their alternative- and psychedelia-infused styles, The Dream Syndicate came together again to make experimental sounds of electric, psychedelic jazz. - Metascore: 98 “Circles” is Mac Miller’s posthumous album. The Oklahoma trio’s cinematic orchestrations of violin, guitar, percussion, and trumpet notes recall a nostalgic scene of orange sunsets on faraway open fields. Ohmme, a Chicago duo formed by Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart, is known for fusing their vocals together, creating a unique, trancy, and multifaceted sound. Ford, who is also a member of the folk band Be Good Tanyas, focuses on soul and groovy tunes on her solo project. Stereogum's 50 Best Albums Of 2020 So Far. Among her successful singles, “Don’t Start Now” reached #1 on the iTunes worldwide chart. In “We’re New Again,” McCraven transformed legendary soul and jazz artist Gil Scott-Heron’s 2010 album “I’m New Here.” McCraven, who is lauded for his use of jazz samples, reinvigorated Scott-Heron’s original record. A list of the greatest jazz albums released so far this year, as chosen by BBC Music Magazine critics Garry Booth, Barry Witherden and Roger Thomas - Metascore: 83 Soundtracks for fantasies played out in the minds of daydreamers are also in abundance, as with the silky and emotional vocals by Teyana Taylor in her recent release “The Album” and RICEWINE’s experimental, lo-fi melodies in “Lovesick.” Through headphones or loudspeakers, these enticing sound waves wash away nerves and worries for just a few precious minutes. By. ", - Metascore: 90 Staff. 2020 has pretty much been a disaster so far. In her single “The Kids Are Having None Of It,” Ford passionately speaks on the hate that breeds throughout the world. “Petals for Armor” is pop-rock legend Hayley Williams’ debut solo album. Yves Tumor 'Heaven To A Tortured Mind' Yves Tumor’s musical progression has been an exciting and surprising journey to follow. 20. His second album “Big Conspiracy” finds him addressing prison life, maturity, love, and prejudice in his raps. You may also like: Best Emmy nominated shows of all time, - Metascore: 90 “Suddenly” gave Snaith his highest ranking on the Billboard charts, peaking at #19 almost a month after its release. - Release date: March 13, 2020. on. This is Mills’ fourth album, and he has appeared in projects with Lana Del Rey, Diana Krall, and Weezer. - Release date: Jan. 17, 2020. - Metascore: 83 “Good Souls Better Angels” adds to Lucinda Williams’ vast, fierce, and husky rock catalog. As ever, you simply can’t take your ears off Meg Remy’s starkly poetic vocals, and her big arrangements, played by a 20-strong band, slink and shimmy with tiki-bar glamour. Katie Crutchfield calms the indie-rock squall of earlier albums to ponder her life in the bright, clear light on the other side of rain, and, leaning more towards Americana, creates an instant classic of US songwriting. “Dark Matter” is Moses Boyd’s sophomore album, parallelling the eclectic jazz and electronic beats found in his first release, “Displaced Diaspora.” Since making a name for himself as composer, producer, and bandleader, Boyd has worked with Zara McFarlane, Theon Cross, and Poppy Ajudha. - Metascore: 83 Cher from Clueless would probably file this under “complaint rock”: there is such acute disquiet to singer-guitarist Dana Margolin’s voice. Coming from a musical father, new wave artist Ian Dury, Baxter has made a separate name for himself. - Metascore: 84 Hailing from New Zealand, Nadia Reid dropped 10 tracks for “Out of My Province” filled with her signature soulful folk melodies. Known by many names, such as Hustler, The Fisherman, and Bouff Daddy, J Hus is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from London. What we said: “From a resolutely uncommercial background, they’ve somehow ended up making something that could be – and certainly deserves to be – big. - Metascore: 84 New music has added color to the haze that has been 2020. - Release date: April 24, 2020. The 25 Best Albums of 2020 (So Far) By Paste Staff | June 8, 2020 | 10:35am. The Soft Pink Truth’s haunting and expressive new album “Shall We Go on Sinning So That Grace May Increase” is a response to the political unrest in the world. Los Angeles native Thundercat blends genres, incorporating jazz, funk, and R&B into “It Is What It Is.” His first single off the album, “Black Qualls,” features Steve Lacy and Steve Arrington. - Release date: March 27, 2020, Formerly known as the bassist for the band Talk Talk in the U.K. and co-creator of the duo .O.rang, Paul Webb shines with his vocals as Rustin Man.