Reflections on NPR’s “The Best Albums of 2020”

Reflections on NPR’s “The Best Albums of 2020”

There is something missing. It is obvious. I do not know the deal...

...where is folklore ! ! ! 

[sigh]

Anyways...moving along...

Wait...no...there's another essential album that's missing...

...where is Color Theory ! ! ! 

Ugh, ok, let's get on with this so-called "Best" list...

Ranking in at #50, I’m pleased to see Charli XCX’s pandemic vibe album listed at all.

Waxahatchee deserves a spot on this list for “Fire” alone. One of the best tracks I’ve heard in memory. The full album, Saint Cloud, is also an enjoyable listen and I'd highly recommend giving it a shot.

Ólafur Arnalds is an interesting inclusion. Seems a little contentious as I feel much of what this artist offers is essentially background music. Not that there’s anything wrong with background music.

Perfume Genius has been slowly winning me over. The most recent playlist I've made includes PG's tracks "Without You" and "Whole Life".

I was a little disappointed in Adrianne Lenker’s solo albums this year. I expect this is, in part, because I had high hopes given how good she is with Big Thief. Check out Big Thief's tracks "Forgotten Eyes", "Cattails", and "UFOF". 

New Tame Impala is overrated. "Borderline" is not that good a track.

Run The Jewels RTJ4 was good for a moment but I haven’t had a real drive to go back and re-listen.

Phoebe Bridgers’ Punisher is wayyy beyond album of the year. Should be up for album of the decade…and that should say something given we’re just getting this rocky monstrosity underway.

My favorite thing about Fiona Apple’s Fetch The Bolt Cutters is the album’s title.