My Favourite Albums of 2020

 

2020... What can we truly say about this complete clusterfuck of a year? In all seriousness, it's been a year of confusion, depression, anxiety and misery. You know what they say though "in tough times, at least we will get some good music!" This was as true as ever this year as there were some truly excellent albums being released left, right and centre. I feel kinda bad about not covering more but because of stress and anxiety this year I've had to drop the blog completely. So, I genuinely apologise about this. To make up for it, instead of creating an "arbitrary number of best albums for the year", I am just going to talk about every album that was exceptionally good this year. The music that helped me through this tough year and put a smile on my face.

As a music blogger, I feel like I should be trying to guide you to music that you'll ultimately love. If I can do that, then I will consider myself successful in my endeavour. So, get ready to search these albums, if you haven’t already because these are my favourite albums of the worst year in recent memory 2020.



34. Ad Infinitum - Chapter 1: Monarchy
Well, let’s start things off with a little treat, shall we? This album took me completely off guard. A stunning, well-produced and impactful album that was consistently engaging and interesting to listen to. Clearly, a lot of time and effort went into this. The stunning production is complemented with engaging songwriting and excellent lyrical work. I have loved listening to this album this year. The band takes you on a journey on this record and I was pleasantly surprised. Ad Infinitum have my attention now, hopefully, they won’t drop off my radar anytime soon.
Listen to Chapter 1: Monarchy

 

33. Battering Ram - Battering Ram
This was one of the albums from earlier in the year that caught my attention. It’s good and I think that Battering Ram would make a great addition to any gig or festival lineup. These are songs that will get a crowd moving and singing. Their focus on tight musicianship and a bold sound suits them well. They are able to craft some big sounds with great writing. They have a great sense of groove and rhythm that makes then very enjoyable to listen to. It’s the kind of band you see on a Friday night with a beer in hand and headbang through their set. Great album and I look forward to more from them.
Listen to Battering Ram

32. Sepultura - Quadra
Earlier this year, thrash metal titans Sepultura released their fifteenth album… And I loved it. It hit just the right sweet spot of complex themes mixed with captivating and interesting content. It is a concept album based on numerology, the number four and its significance as depicted on Quadrivium. So the album is split into 4 segments all focussed on different styles and musical elements. For me, listening to this album and breaking it down has been a fun deep-listening exercise. Also, the record kicks into high gear and gives us one of the best Sepultura experiences since Nation.
Listen to Quadra

 

31. The Cadillac Three - Country Fuzz
I think we can all agree we’ve needed some good vibes and some good ol’ fashioned drinking music. Well, The Cadillac Three ad you covered in 2020 with their fourth album Country Fuzz. Them good ol’ boys gave some excellent tunes that kept the mood just right. In all seriousness, I have been jamming to this album on and off this year. It’s a chill record that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The fuzzy guitar, the pumping bass and drums, the dulcet tones of the steel lap guitar and tie it up with the pretty bow of the vocal performance and you have yourself a fine little piece of countrified rock n roll. If you’re in need a little pick-me-up then stick this record on and have a good time.
Listen to Country Fuzz



30. Kvelertak - Splid
It’s weird looking back on the year and realising that Splid came out in February. I mean, it’s one of those albums that feels like it’s always been here. More and more I have been listening to Kvelertak and Splid maybe one of their best albums. Although, it might be because it’s so damn memorable. The way this album sounds is epic, the heavy guitar, the powerful and well-written lyrics and the excellent production just come together most skillfully. I would implore you to go listen to this one. Kvelertak is one of those bands that just keep getting better with age.
Listen to Splid



29. Häxan - White Noise
Fun Fact, one of the last bands I got to see live before the lockdown was Haxan! Ah, fun memories. Anyway, they also brought out an album this year and I’ll tell you what… it’s pretty fricking good! A solid piece of rock n roll goodness that is worth your time. It’s a simple album but an effective one that warrants repeated listens. The trio has constructed a well-written and finely produced record with simple rock n roll ingredients that all come together and it makes music that I wanted to come back to again and again. Häxan is a fun band to listen to with momentum behind them. The album is a great foundation for them to move forward and I’m excited for more.
Listen to White Noise 



28. Mezmerized - Electrolyse
This was a project that I was really excited about. Every song that Mezmerized released up to the release of this album had my attention. So, when the album dropped in September, you bet I listened to it over and over. The energised, pulse-pounding rock music kept me engaged and the beautiful lyrics and vocal work painted pictures with words. It was worth the wait and the build-up to have a well-produced and performed album that makes me smile with every listen. They may be a new band however their debut album feels like it’s been a part of my playlists for years. Great hooks and bouncy music goes a long way in my books and I think anyone who reads this should give this record a shot.
Listen to Electolyse



27. Amaranthe - Manifest
Well, Amaranthe is back with a new record. Their sixth album, in fact. Yet again, I love it. I don’t think I’ve ever really turned away from them since I first heard The Nexus in 2013. They continue strong with their latest album and though not my favourite of their releases. I still feel like this is a strong entry into their catalogue. The songs flow into one another and the album feels pretty tight, with little to no wasted space. It just feels like hit after hit and they leave little breathing room. Not only is the quality of the songs great but the calibre of special guests that appear on the album is impressive. The genre fluidity is excellent as Amaranthe play fast and loose with the rules of heavy metal. A fun listen that will have you headbanging in no time.
Listen to Manifest



26. Ward Thomas - Invitation
Stepping away from the world of heavy metal and hard rock with have the country duo of Ward Thomas and their fourth studio album, Invitation. A main staple of the modern British country music scene, the twin sisters remain once of the most consistent. Working those amazing harmonies and beautiful melodies into complex themes and ideas to create down-to-earth poetry that is a treat to listen to. I think this album was something that was definitely needed in 2020. Amongst all of the headache of life outside, it was comforting to listen to music so honest and pure. Ward Thomas make passionate and honest music that evokes emotion with every beat of the production. A stellar album from a band that is so driven and passionate.
Listen to Invitation



25. Orianthi - O
Seven years since her last album, Orianthi returns with her new album, O. Let me just say that it’s fantastic to hear Orianthi branch out on her own again. O is an album that hits you with the best of what she knows how to do. Riffs, solos and hooks for day. The Australian guitar maestro gives us some hard rock tunes that will keep you going for days. The excellent guitar work lifts this album up and you can hear how she twists her influences into her own sound. The bluestones and the pop-like hooks flow quite well together as you listen to consistent tune after consistent tunes. It’s so nice to hear her music again and well worth the seven-year wait. Welcome back, Orianthi!
Listen to O

 

24. Katatonia - City Burials
For a year that’s all been all doom and gloom, summer was a pretty hard thing to get through. Coming out right around the start of the lockdown was the new record from Katatonia. City Burials became my album of the summer and an album I was recommending left right and centre. Not only is Katatonia one of those bands that can keep me hooked in but City Burials is my favourite Katatonia album now. I don’t care what anybody says about that. This is the best work that they have put out. I have never listened to one of their albums so much. The deep and passionate lyrical content, the excellent musical design, the massive sounding country, it all just feels so grand. Well worth your time.
Listen to City Burials




23. Hollywood Undead - New Empire Vol 1 & New Empire Vol 2
Well, well, well. If it isn’t my nostalgia ringing. Hello, Hollywood Undead. How have you been? Yeah. they may be on the list because I listened to them as a teenager. Yet New Empire Volume 1 and Volume 2 both make my list as they’re genuinely fun listens that sound great. Though Volume 1 takes a heavier direction was taken it’s still the same band underneath. Whilst Volume 2 makes more of an attempt to be classic Hollywood Undead. They’ve always been able to negotiate their rap side and rock side quite well. The rock music is a foundation for their rap lyrics and their rap lyrics are usually intense or “rock n roll” enough to still be relevant in the hard rock world. However, I’m lumping both albums into one spot as neither really exceeds in quality over the other.
Listen to New Empire Vol 1
Listen to New Empire Vol 2



22. Brent Cobb - Keep Em On They Toes
This album quietly made it onto my list this year. I was looking for some calm down music and when I’m looking for calm, collected and meaningful music, I always turn to country and folk music. What an album I managed to find. Brent Cobb has always been one of those artists that have been on my radar but one I’ve never really had a chance to listen to. I am very happy that I have found this on. Keep Em On They Toes is a soulful and beautiful record that almost brought me to the edge of tears. Let it never be said that Cobb doesn’t put his very soul into his music. The genuine passion he shows on this album is outstanding. The soft guitar and country-style storytelling work wonders as you hear the passion ooze from Brent’s pen. Genuinely something unique and I hope I keep on top of his upcoming work in the future
Listen to Keep Em On They Toes



21. Moonlight Haze - Lunaris
Moonlight Haze is the gift that keeps on giving. Since the band’s inception in 2018, they have been steamrolling out great content. Song after song that just finds that right balance of passion, emotion and intensity. Their latest release Lunaris is yet another commanding passion project that further solidifies them as one of my favourites rocking the metal scene in Europe. From the blazing start to the poetic and beautiful end this record was damn fun to have on when I went on my daily walks to escape the lockdown. I hope that 2021 brings me to a Moonlight Haze show as I have to see these guys live.
Listen to Lunaris



20. Bullets & Octane - Riot, Riot Rock N Roll
Bullets & Octane are back and it feels so good to be getting some new music from the veteran rockers. It feels like they’ve hit their stride as a band and they know how to make this style of music. They have just made it look so easy when they keep making music this consistent and this fun. Riot, Riot Rock N Roll is a solid reminder of why I have been a fan of their music for so long. The grit, the intensity and the engaging fun of their music should be enough to keep any fan of rock music coming back for more. They’re are one of those bands I got into as a teenager and that I gravitated to instantly. So there’s a lot to listen to. I would recommend this as drinking music or driving music (not both). They’re just a perfect storm of glam, sleaze and punk rock. Being just so crazy yet so brilliant in their music. I genuinely love this band, always happy for new music.
Listen to Riot, Riot Rock N Roll



19. Breaking Benjamin - Aurora
If you’re like me you saw this album and thought “Wow it feels like I haven’t heard them in years''. I genuinely hadn’t really thought of Breaking Benjamin in years. So when I saw this album, I have fallen in love with their music all over again. Yeah, sure it’s an acoustic remix album, but it’s one done right. It’s not just the band picking up acoustic instruments and playing their greatest hits. Hell, I’d argue that a lot of the songs here aren’t hits. The songs are well-produced and given new life in this album. I’d even go as far as to say that I prefer the Aurora remixes over the original tunes. Especially the new version of “Dear Agony”. It may be a remix record but it’s a damn fine one. Also, this album has got me back into listening to Breaking Benjamin.
Listen to Aurora



18. Hatari - Neyslutrans
Well, what do I say about this album? I mean I don’t think the words exist to describe what I feel when I listen to Hatari. They’re so abrasive and harsh on the ears yet I can’t drag myself away from them. Their album Neyslutrans is a vicious and bombarding listening experience. Their very public image incorporates elements of anti-capitalism and BDSM and I don’t think I’m qualified to comment on their politics. However, their music is commanding and it catches your attention. The minimalist beats over the cold electronica set a terrifying mood, it’s only compounded by the shrieking guttural vocals which gives their music this biting and cutting edge. The music is consistently pounding and aggressive. The cold, almost-mechanical tones hit hard and I’m just left in awe of what I’ve heard. An insanely interesting album and I thin one you should give a go.
Listen to Neyslutrans



17. Norah Jones - Pick Me Up Off The Floor
Well, this is a mammoth record to look at and we’ve not even hit the top 20 yet. Norah Jones will go down in history as one of the great songwriters and musicians of the generation. Like there’s nothing anything anyone will do to change that. She is fantastic. Her new album is a two-hour-long masterclass of soul, jazz and blues. The soulful piano and Norah’s mesmerising singing is enough to fill you with emotion. She has a magical presence and the music on this album is simply gorgeous to listen to. When I close my eyes and just listen to the record I just get filled with emotions and thoughts. She is one of those performers that just gives so much to her music. Norah has a gift for evoking such elegant and creative imagery in her words. Everything feels off-the-cuff and improvised, yet carefully controlled and well-constructed. If you’re asking how it can be all of those things, welcome to the wonderful world of Norah Jones.
Listen to Pick Me Up Off The Floor



16. The Shires - Good Years
The Shires are up there for me as one of my personal favourites. I always look forward to their music and when I heard that they were coming out with a new album I was hyped, I was also looking forward to hearing them live again (that’s been put on hold though). This album is really good, maybe not quite as good as their previous album, Accidentally On Purpose. Still, a solid album from two really fine songwriters. Crissie and Ben work off of one another so well. Their chemistry is undeniable, with Crissie being the powerhouse golden vocals of the duo, whereas Ben acts more of the emotional core. Good Years is a bit of a comedown album. Unlike their previous albums, this one feels a little more in the direction of smooth AM rock or adult-alternative. It feels like modern-day Nashville country, it’s soulful and well-written with very clean production.
Listen to Good Years



15. Ashley McBryde - Never Will
When I was first introduced to Ashley McBryde, her album Girl Goin’ Nowhere was immense and I didn’t know how she would ever top it. Good lord did she give it a real good go. Like I mean this is a super strong album. Ashley is just relentless on this album here fantastic vocal performance is only matched by well-executed musicianship. A genuinely pleasant record, that I'm sure pretty much anyone could put on and enjoy in some way or another. Even if you're not the biggest fan of country music, this is still a great album with some damn catchy songs to stay stuck in your head long after the album is over. The album is not just aiming for the country radio audiences, there's more of a broader sound to it. The album caps off with a bit of a silly ode to styrofoam of all things, which I thought was a cute little way to end it off and left me with a smile on my face.
Listen to Never Will



14. Deified - Anthrobscene
Shifting back to the heavy metal now and woo boy what a record. This is such a solid album. The intense heavy guitar and hardcore work just hit me right in my core. It’s always so good to see a band grow over the years and I’m so happy to see Deified grow from their debut album to now. The evolution of their music is great they still have the same intensity but now they have matured a bit, their music has more of a guttural punch. Like I said in my review on Heavy Magazine. It’s a gripping album that you just want to leave on repeat. It has all the hallmarks of a solid sophomore run and the songs should be a part of their live set repertoire for a while to come. It’s compelling, replayable and feels like a genuine passion project.
Listen to Anthrobscene



13. Beans on Toast - Knee Deep in Nostalgia & The Unforeseeable Future
Another entry on the list that I’ve doubled up as it’s essentially two sides of the same coin and both are by the same artist. Beans on Toast is one of those artists that just blows my mind with his output. Every year like clockwork a new album comes out. This year is he graced us with two new albums. Both of which are really freaking good. Knee Deep in Nostalgia is a record where he looks on his past and tells stories from his time growing up. Then you have The Unforeseeable Future which largely focusses on the modern-day and songs directly about the coronavirus and the state of society. The thing I’ve always liked about Beans on Toast is that he just has this ungodly gift of bringing things down to such a human level. All of his music is this relatable poetry coming from a guy who is just observing the world. I know that sounds really generic but his music is remarkably profound. Once again amazing music from him and albums that I would 100% recommend.
Listen to Knee Deep In Nostalgia
Listen to The Unforeseeable Future



12. Black Stone Cherry - The Human Condition
I’ve not been this pumped while listening to a Black Stone Cherry album in a while. After the underwhelming Magic Mountain and the relatively decent Kentucky and let’s not talk about the blues covers EP’s. This was freaking great! I’ve loved jamming out to this record. It feels like they’ve finally brought something fresh and new. They sound alive again and that’s really nice as a fan. I love Black Stone Cherry, I’ve seen them live over 10 times, yet I’ll be so happy to hear these songs live. They’re anthemic and powerful. They sound confident and energised which is so nice to hear. The heavy rock elements are glorious, oh my goodness, that sounds amazing. I remember putting this album on for the first time and I was stunned. Just so good and I’m happy to hear one of my favourite bands back with such a good record.
Listen to The Human Condition



11. Brian Fallon - Local Honey
This one came out on my birthday… Just thought I’d say that before starting. This album is so emotional. I love Brian Fallon’s music. I’d argue he’s never really written a bad song. Local Honey is deeply beautiful with some of the most heart-wrenching songs that Fallon has ever put to music. The record is a slow build and it might take you a few listens to really get it. Yet, there’s been few albums that have genuinely moved me to tears. His wavering vocals over his most solemn and heartfelt work in a long time just make me so happy beyond belief. The production is just stellar, it sharp and well-composed with amazing highs and desperate lows that make wonder is Brian is okay. A stunning album that earned my respect.
Listen to Local Honey



10. Unlucky Morpheus - Unfinished
Jeez, this album cooks so much. I mean wow. I was not ready to listen to this one the first time around. The way this album flows from song to song creates an epic feeling. The instrumentation is simply amazing. The violin, oh my days, the violin. It’s all just so glorious and powerful and any time I put on this album I’m hooked from start to finish. Unlucky Morpheus are amazing at what they do. This record is none-stop, hard-hitting symphonic black metal and they make every moment of the record a creative, enjoyable and captivating listening experience. I can’t count the way this album kept my engagement. Also, even though I don’t speak Japanese (learning, though) I feel like singing at the top of my lungs. A well-performed and well-written album that hits harder than a dump truck.
Listen to Unfinished



09. Chris Stapleton - Starting Over
When one of your favourite singers releases a new album it almost feels like getting a visit from a friend and catching up on recent events. Chris Stapleton is one of the best storytellers in modern-day country music. A soulful and thoughtful songwriter leaving all of his heart in his music. Starting Over is a great little record that keeps relaxed and calm and feels like really great comedown music. The modern master of country-soul has made a relaxing and simple album that doesn’t really go beyond its means. It’s another album that I’ve been enjoying on my evening walks, it’s super mellow and has helped clear my head. Needless to say, it sounds great with lovely clear instrumentation and Stapleton’s vocals soaring on top of the production. A sweet and beautiful record that was kept simple, clean and to-the-point.
Listen to Starting Over



08. The Outlaw Orchestra - Pantomime Villains
I can’t tell you how excited I was for this album. The Outlaw Orchestra have been one of my favourite bands to see live for a while now and I have enjoyed their last couple of EP’s. Yet, could they bring their infectious energy to their new album, you bet ya they did. They managed to bring some of their well-known gig favourites with some soon-to-be well-known gig favourites and it all comes together in such an enjoyable way. It’s a fun party record filled with some great sing-along tunes that will stay stuck in your head long after you’ve stopped listening. The infectious energy of this album has put me in a good mood when I’ve felt low this year, which is all I really needed this year. I did a full review of this album when it was released and I think I summed up my thoughts there. An awesome album made by great guys who love what they do.
Listen to Pantomime Villains



07. Trivium - What The Dead Men Say
I came to a weird realisation this year. I was looking forward to a Trivium album. I usually don’t get caught in the hype for their releases. On this album I did. I was following the teases and the single in the build-up to the release. Also a weird realisation, I’ve seen them live seven times I don’t even know how that happened. Anyway, in my opinion, What The Dead Men Say is the best heavy metal album of the year. It’s mastful in it’s writing and production. This is the best Trivium has sounded to me. Big hook, riffs and solos for days and endlessly catchy and quotable music. Trivium has always been great at delivering big metal singles but on this album even the album tracks are excellent. Every song on this album feels like it could be its own single and would probably sell on their own. An immense album that has served as my fix anytime I needed metal this year.
Listen to What The Dead Men Say



06. Ninja Sex Party - The Prophecy
Ultimately, as long as you can make me smile then I genuinely tend to like you. Ninja Sex Party have never failed to at least get me to chuckle. The Prophecy is the fifth album of original material and it delivers one what they usually deliver on. Laughs, memorable hooks and big sing-along and quotable moments. It also feels like they’re not overstretching themselves either. All of their albums always feel like the right length. Ninja Sex Party have this great gift for being funny without being overbearing with it. Their comedic timing is excellent with the majority of the jokes on this record landing quite well. I thought it was damn funny but then again I o have a weird sense of humour. The comedic talents are matched by their musical prowess. Once again accompanied by TWRP on the backing instrumentation, it feels a lot more like a polished complete rock record.
Listen to The Prophecy



05. The Naked and Famous - Recover
Okay, I wrote nearly 3000 words on why I love The Naked and Famous so much. They’re so creative and it feels like they’re just free to do whatever they want in their music. They can be a deeply emotional indie-rock band one track and the next they are a lively electronica band and everything in between. Recover is a stand out album from them when I feel like they’ve really recaptured that experimental feel of the first record. The leaps from track to track, from minimalist beat-work to guitar-driven electro-rock, it just feels like they are making the music that makes them feel good instead of what is necessarily expected of them. This leads to an album that sounds beautiful and clear but also chaotic. This album was a real bright spot in what has been an utterly dismal year or sadness and confusion.
Listen to Recover





04. Silent Skies - Satellites
One of the last releases of the year and it skyrocketed up the list of my favourite albums. On my first listen, I felt deep emotions that I haven’t felt in a while. A beautiful and passionate record that is threaded by the amazing piano work and held together with amazing vocal performances. It’s a hauntingly captivating album that doesn’t really sound like anything else I was listening to this year. The only reason I knew this was coming out is that I’m a massive Evergrey fan and I was just looking up to see if they were working on anything through the lockdown period. When I stumbled on this album I was well and truly blown away. The gorgeous production and contemplative lyrics kept me hooked in and kept me returning to this record to play it again and again.
Listen to Satellites



03. Amy Macdonald - The Human Demands
I think this year we all needed hope. We all needed that bright spark to light was a dismal year. When I heard that my teenage icon Amy Macdonald was releasing new music this year, I was so happy. Her single “The Hudson” and “Crazy Shade of Blue” whetted my appetite and the album delivered in a big way. I’ll admit I was underwhelmed by her previous two records on release as they were slow burners and I eventually grew to like them. The Human Demands, on the other hand, I got instantly. Maybe I just needed this album more but I have probably listened to this album now well over 100 times. There are big hooks and wonderful lyrical work. It really feels like this big, hopeful and grandiose album that has rekindled my love for Amy’s music.
Listen to The Human Demands



02. ReoNa - unknown
This album needed to be on this list really. It’s so great. Even if you don’t like J-Rock, I would still recommend that you give this album a go. The debut album from newcomer ReoNa is such an entertaining one. Mixing elements of rock, pop, easy listening and adult-alternative and it’s all wrapped up in this tidy little bow how energised pop-rock that kept me smiling from start to finish. Then I would always go back and replay the whole thing again. Her vocals just shine as she just has so much personality and vigour in the upbeat rock tracks. Then such heart and soul in the ballads. You won’t regret at the very least checking this one out and the songs just hit so hard. The hooks get stuck in your head and the heart and feeling will move you.
Listen to unknown



01. Matty James Cassidy - Old Souls
The more I thought about it, the more it had to be this one. Matty James Cassidy is, simply put, one of the best songwriters around today. Every time he puts out a song, my heart just sings with glee. Old Souls is such a great album filled with emotive and well-chosen lyrics. Coming from a song-writer that puts so much of himself into his music. Matty dark and commanding vocal performance give his music a depth that draws you into the subject matters. Whilst the music is a warming southern style country rock that also manages to capture a rock ‘n’ roll style energy. It’s the kind of music that I love. Energised and fun rock’ roll sing-along anthems with clear an conscious effort to pay respect to artists influences. Superb songwriting and endlessly replayable, Matty continues to be one of my favourite singer-songwriters working today.
Listen to Old Souls

And thus concludes my favourite albums of 2020! Phew what a year of great music. Let's hope that 2021 is filled with great gigs! I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you next time. Happy New Year to all of my readers.