The Best Albums of 2020

From global stars to unknown artists, music plays a big part in our lives. If you’ve tried braving a long commute without your headphones, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Swap the bustle of the city, the arguments between your friendship groups and the nagging of your partner for your favourite album and you’ll find – for at least a few moments – your peace.

Artists know this, so they’ve been working harder than ever to put together albums that will last a lifetime. Sure, it helps to be paid millions in the process – but who’s counting?

To help you settle all the musical arguments you’ve been having recently, we’ve put together the definitive list of the best albums of the year. If your favourite doesn’t make it, there’s always next year (right?).

J Hus, Big Conspiracy

Few rappers command more hype in the U.K. than J Hus, and for good reason. His Big Conspiracy album, released earlier this year, was only his second, but like everything else he touches, it was a huge success.

It became a No.1 album, performing better than his previous effort, Common Sense – which, by the way, was also very good.

The Weeknd, After Hours

When The Weeknd dropped his fourth studio album, After Hours, on March 20th, it took music-lovers and the industry at-large by storm. We’ve come to know The Weeknd for his soulful R&B vocals – but with this effort, he felt the need to switch it up. Thankfully, it works. On After Hours, there’s a song for everyone (but between us, the album cover could’ve been a little less gory, right?).

Chloe x Halle, Ungodly Hour

When Beyoncé discovered Chloe x Halle’s mesmerising YouTube cover of her iconic track of “Pretty Hurts” – and made the duo the opening act for her Formation World Tour – Chloe and Halle’s careers skyrocketed. Talented in both acting and singing, the sister duo have gone on to hit great heights; performing at the 61st Grammy Awards, being nominated for a Soul Train Best Album of The Year Award, performing at Coachella, starring in the American TV show Grown-ish and, this year, releasing their second R&B studio album Ungodly Hour.

The album has been praised by music lovers all over social media, with many fans labelling it “musically innovative” and “an absolute masterpiece”. The sisters infuse contemporary R&B with elements of blues and new wave pop, creating a compelling and enjoyable listen. So, make sure you stream Ungodly Hour to get your musical dose of the talented duo Chloe x Halle.

Aminé, Limbo

American rapper Aminé made waves when he dropped his second studio album, Limbo, this August. Reaching number 10 on the U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Charts, Limbo puts a spin on the traditional sound of Hip Hop. Aminé is known for creating expressive, versatile and immersive tracks, and with his 2020 album he didn’t hold back. Limbo shows Aminé’s level of versatility better than ever, switching from old-school beats on tracks like “Woodlawn” and “Burden” to slow sultry R&B numbers like “Easy”. The album even includes features from Young Thug, Charlie Wilson, Slowthai, Summer Walker, and other artists you know and love. So, if you enjoy the new wave sound of modern rap, then Limbo by Aminé is definitely one to check out.

Juice Wrld, Legends Never Die

The second studio album from late American rapper Juice Wrld, Legends Never Die, was released this July, and when it dropped it left a great impact amongst fans by continuing the legacy of the talented rap artist. Featuring unreleased tracks, the album infuses emo rap and traditional rap, making it a unique and genuinely enjoyable listen.

On Legends Never Die you can expect to hear features from The Weeknd, Trippie Redd, Marshmello, Halsey and other great artists. Following its release, the reaction from the public was overwhelmingly positive, and the album reached around 500,000 digital sales and registered the biggest opening week for a posthumous release since 2Pac’s The Don Killuminati. Reviewers have labelled Legends Never Die as “adrenaline-inducing” and “extremely outstanding”; this album is a must-listen.

Victoria Monet, Jaguar

The funk-inspired R&B EP Jaguar, from American singer-songwriter Victoria Monet, has introduced a new sound to the music industry. Jaguar dropped on August 7th of this year, and since then fans worldwide have been raving about how beautifully-written and produced the EP is. Victoria, with her great writing skill and soulful vocals, adds a sense of naturalness and vulnerability to each track, taking listeners on a unique and emotional journey. Artists like Khalid and SG Lewis also feature, adding even more musical greatness to the EP. If you enjoy the elements of neo-soul, disco, funk and R&B all wrapped into one, then Jaguar is one EP you’ve simply got to listen to.

Dominic Fike, What Could Possibly Go Wrong

For a 24-year-old Florida rapper recently out of jail for a house arrest violation, Dominic Fike has had a good year. The release of his debut album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong, marked the fulfilment of much-publicised potential for an artist whose blend of Brockhampton-esque vocals with old school guitar melodies has established him as one of the industry’s most exciting young stars. Fike defines himself as “genre-less”, which, by extension, means his music is for everyone. That means you, too.

Wizkid, Made in Lagos

Made in Lagos may have been released fairly recently, but judging by the response and the music itself, it’s already one of the best this year. It’s WizKid, with features from Burna Boy, H.E.R., Skepta and Damian Marley – what more could you want?

Speaking of music, check out our article on the rise of British grime.