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2020, man. What a year. What a shitty, dour, mournful, hateful, do-nothing year. Here's to hoping 2020 was nothing more than a hurdle for humanity to overcome. Life seemed to turn into an uphill battle, with light just now reaching the tunnel's end. Even art, the main form of escapism that could abate the tremors of reality, struggled to thrive in a world where creation was stifled to bedrooms and privately-owned studios. Lest it be the artists who provided when times weren't kind to them, or anyone. Though it didn't stand out against its recent predecessors, music in 2020 had one thing going for it: determination. The will to create when society crawls to a halt. The alms-giving charity when profit on-stage wasn't attainable. The desire to define culture even in the wake of an insurmountable zeitgeist.
Old favorites reclaimed thrones lost to fresh-faced up-and-comers, stalwart artisans doubled-down on neoteric atmospherics, irate revolutionists sought essential rallying cries, adept starlets used technology to ride out quarantine, and a slew of indomitable musicians purveyed through tumultuous uncertainty. Unlike the majority of us, music persevered, as it has shown for countless centuries beforehand.
As we enter list week, let's look forward by looking back and appreciating all the greatness 2020 offered, in spite of the wretchedness that prevailed. Hopeful discoveries and eager affirmations lie below. Chosen from a collection of 200 albums and 2,000 songs, I present Dozens Of Donuts' Top 50 Albums and Top 100 Songs of 2020. Enjoy.
Playlists For All 100 Songs: Apple Music | Spotify
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dj poolboi - like we were the last two people on earth
it's good to hear your voice | Listen
I'm bending some nonexistent rules by incorporating 'like we were the last two people on earth' here, a song initially released in 2018. But It's Good To Hear Your Voice came out in 2020, and that's when I heard it, so sue me. dj poolboi's minimalistic take on House, with charming synthesizers evoking memories hazed from a past best admired from afar, aims to indulge the senses in nostalgia that may or may not be legit.
I'm bending some nonexistent rules by incorporating 'like we were the last two people on earth' here, a song initially released in 2018. But It's Good To Hear Your Voice came out in 2020, and that's when I heard it, so sue me. dj poolboi's minimalistic take on House, with charming synthesizers evoking memories hazed from a past best admired from afar, aims to indulge the senses in nostalgia that may or may not be legit.
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Protomartyr - Worm In Heaven
Ultimate Success Today | Listen
Protomartyr has always thrived in the bleak. 'Worm In Heaven' is no different, except for the underlying sense of calm woven under its abrasive skin. A funeral accepted as concession, if you will. With tolerant pacing and some of Joe Casey's best lyrics, 'Worm In Heaven' bleeds as to release pent-up pain from a body strewn about by inflictions. It's a culminating presence, a successful close to what's presumably the band's final album.
Protomartyr has always thrived in the bleak. 'Worm In Heaven' is no different, except for the underlying sense of calm woven under its abrasive skin. A funeral accepted as concession, if you will. With tolerant pacing and some of Joe Casey's best lyrics, 'Worm In Heaven' bleeds as to release pent-up pain from a body strewn about by inflictions. It's a culminating presence, a successful close to what's presumably the band's final album.
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Standing On The Corner - G-E-T-O-U-T!!
Single | Listen
What could go better with coltish Zolo, a blend of concentrated drums and a janky keyboard, than a poorly-mixed child yelling about the ghetto? Standing On The Corner's 'G-E-T-O-U-T' blends grim prospects through the eyes of a child not yet accustomed to life's sore sights. Still containing the band's urban bustle, the distinction in tone works wonders re-imagining inner-city movement with the wonderment a child has on visual stimulants. Plus, it's just a blast.
What could go better with coltish Zolo, a blend of concentrated drums and a janky keyboard, than a poorly-mixed child yelling about the ghetto? Standing On The Corner's 'G-E-T-O-U-T' blends grim prospects through the eyes of a child not yet accustomed to life's sore sights. Still containing the band's urban bustle, the distinction in tone works wonders re-imagining inner-city movement with the wonderment a child has on visual stimulants. Plus, it's just a blast.
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Fleet Foxes - A Long Way Past The Past
Shore | Listen
A valid critique of Fleet Foxes, perhaps, is the limited ways in which you can praise their pastoral grandeur. Variety is not their strong suit. But technical embellishment of acoustic simplicity sure is, and that can be seen decidedly on 'A Long Way Past The Past.' Pecknold's tepid vocals, his heartfelt poetics, and mollifying chords that glide like birds in a flock heading south for winter. Music doesn't get much more pleasurable than this.
A valid critique of Fleet Foxes, perhaps, is the limited ways in which you can praise their pastoral grandeur. Variety is not their strong suit. But technical embellishment of acoustic simplicity sure is, and that can be seen decidedly on 'A Long Way Past The Past.' Pecknold's tepid vocals, his heartfelt poetics, and mollifying chords that glide like birds in a flock heading south for winter. Music doesn't get much more pleasurable than this.
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Quelle Chris - Sudden Death
Innocent Country 2 | Listen
Lyrics that provide optimism when dread is all that surrounds, production that flutters around tender Neo-Soul with nimble percussion, an antiquated piano, and harmonizing vocals reminiscent, of all things, but Doug's theme song. Yes, the 90's Nickelodeon show. 'Sudden Death' hits all the right notes, enlightening those to a harsh reality while simultaneously providing them an outlet to feel okay.
Lyrics that provide optimism when dread is all that surrounds, production that flutters around tender Neo-Soul with nimble percussion, an antiquated piano, and harmonizing vocals reminiscent, of all things, but Doug's theme song. Yes, the 90's Nickelodeon show. 'Sudden Death' hits all the right notes, enlightening those to a harsh reality while simultaneously providing them an outlet to feel okay.
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The Orielles - Come Down On Jupiter
Disco Volador | Listen
Ah, the Space Age Pop renaissance. One can find these fireball retro-futurists in the annals of Indie, whether it's Bruno Pernadas, Vanishing Twin, or now The Orielles. 'Come Down On Jupiter' set their tone ablaze with a litany of structural shifts, tropical-flavored grooves, and entrancing euphoria. Both neat and earnest, sleek and steady, soaring and grounded, The Orielles straddled the line between past and future; present be damned.
Ah, the Space Age Pop renaissance. One can find these fireball retro-futurists in the annals of Indie, whether it's Bruno Pernadas, Vanishing Twin, or now The Orielles. 'Come Down On Jupiter' set their tone ablaze with a litany of structural shifts, tropical-flavored grooves, and entrancing euphoria. Both neat and earnest, sleek and steady, soaring and grounded, The Orielles straddled the line between past and future; present be damned.
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Charli XCX - anthems
how i'm feeling now | Listen
Featuring the killer PC Music trilogy of Danny Harle, Dylan Brady, and BJ Burton on production, and a verse crafted entirely by her dedicated fans, Charli XCX's 'anthems' makes a resounding statement amidst a worldwide quarantine. No opening line could've countered the zonked out synthesizers and paralyzing bass better than "I'm so bored." It's the dismal rallying cry for millions of extroverts, partygoers, and socialites who thrived on intimate interactions with strangers. By proxy, 'anthems' begs for that time to return.
Featuring the killer PC Music trilogy of Danny Harle, Dylan Brady, and BJ Burton on production, and a verse crafted entirely by her dedicated fans, Charli XCX's 'anthems' makes a resounding statement amidst a worldwide quarantine. No opening line could've countered the zonked out synthesizers and paralyzing bass better than "I'm so bored." It's the dismal rallying cry for millions of extroverts, partygoers, and socialites who thrived on intimate interactions with strangers. By proxy, 'anthems' begs for that time to return.
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Fiona Apple - I Want You To Love Me
Fetch The Bolt Cutters | Listen
'I Want You To Love Me' begins Fetch The Bolt Cutters with a childish, almost amateur-level trot. That is, of course, before Fiona Apple's crescendoing piano drips, ballet-step vocals, and off-kilter poetics slowly gain momentum, turning the once-nondescript opener into a glorious reboot of her breaking heart humanity. By song's end, the quiver has turned into a bark, pianos have given way to drums, and patience is replaced by fretful haste.
'I Want You To Love Me' begins Fetch The Bolt Cutters with a childish, almost amateur-level trot. That is, of course, before Fiona Apple's crescendoing piano drips, ballet-step vocals, and off-kilter poetics slowly gain momentum, turning the once-nondescript opener into a glorious reboot of her breaking heart humanity. By song's end, the quiver has turned into a bark, pianos have given way to drums, and patience is replaced by fretful haste.
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Dan Deacon - Fell Into The Ocean
Mystic Familiar | Listen
Ever since Bromst, Dan Deacon has found pleasure in providing extremes for both nature and technology, only to bridge the ever-extending gap with monumental ideas seemingly unnecessary, like a Rube Goldberg machine. 'Fell Into The Ocean' is perhaps his most crisp example of this ('When I Was Done Dying' his best), fantasizing of relishing in nature from the perspective of a robot who recently gained sentience.
Ever since Bromst, Dan Deacon has found pleasure in providing extremes for both nature and technology, only to bridge the ever-extending gap with monumental ideas seemingly unnecessary, like a Rube Goldberg machine. 'Fell Into The Ocean' is perhaps his most crisp example of this ('When I Was Done Dying' his best), fantasizing of relishing in nature from the perspective of a robot who recently gained sentience.
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Katie Dey - Dancing
Mydata | Listen
It seems as though Katie Dey's entire aesthetic revolves around the concept of mournful dancing. Upbeat Glitch Pop with torment guiding the strings that cavort Dey, like a marionette doll trapped in eternal Hell. 'Dancing' inserts catchy, two-step synthesizers and steaming percussion in an effort to offset such dire lyrics like "constantly unraveling" and "I will do whatever I'm told." It's a grim state, one that finds Dey enduring an out-of-body experience, for coming to grips with reality is tougher than dancing away.
It seems as though Katie Dey's entire aesthetic revolves around the concept of mournful dancing. Upbeat Glitch Pop with torment guiding the strings that cavort Dey, like a marionette doll trapped in eternal Hell. 'Dancing' inserts catchy, two-step synthesizers and steaming percussion in an effort to offset such dire lyrics like "constantly unraveling" and "I will do whatever I'm told." It's a grim state, one that finds Dey enduring an out-of-body experience, for coming to grips with reality is tougher than dancing away.
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clipping. - Looking Like Meat
Visions Of Bodies Being Burned | Listen
When Death Grips emerged in 2011, most were fascinated - if not alarmed - by how accessible Experimental Hip-Hop could become. We've come a long way since Ex-Military, as was evident on clipping.'s Visions Of Bodies Being Burned. But there's still nothing wrong with that infusion, exemplified grotesquely on 'Looking Like Meat,' with its busted speakers and agro vocal gasconade. To think Diggs' opening verse, a technical marvel, becomes ousted by Ho99o9's jaw-dropping performance is all the proof one needs to know of the sheer domination that is 'Looking Like Meat..
When Death Grips emerged in 2011, most were fascinated - if not alarmed - by how accessible Experimental Hip-Hop could become. We've come a long way since Ex-Military, as was evident on clipping.'s Visions Of Bodies Being Burned. But there's still nothing wrong with that infusion, exemplified grotesquely on 'Looking Like Meat,' with its busted speakers and agro vocal gasconade. To think Diggs' opening verse, a technical marvel, becomes ousted by Ho99o9's jaw-dropping performance is all the proof one needs to know of the sheer domination that is 'Looking Like Meat..
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King Krule - Stoned Again
Man Alive! | Listen
King Krule's aesthetic works wonders in the ephemeral, the fleeting moment between awake and asleep where reality begins to bend. 'Stoned Again' doesn't even feel sane, capering around disseminated memories like a fever dream from a manic head case. Loopy guitars, ominous synthesizers, and an unpredictable leader dawdling erratically between whispers and parched yelps helps define 'Stoned Again's' unnerving enigma.
King Krule's aesthetic works wonders in the ephemeral, the fleeting moment between awake and asleep where reality begins to bend. 'Stoned Again' doesn't even feel sane, capering around disseminated memories like a fever dream from a manic head case. Loopy guitars, ominous synthesizers, and an unpredictable leader dawdling erratically between whispers and parched yelps helps define 'Stoned Again's' unnerving enigma.
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Perfume Genius - On The Floor
Set My Heart On Fire Immediately | Listen
Though 'Describe' thrust Perfume Genius into uncharted territory, 'On The Floor' finds him right at home. Over delicate, Disco-inspired multi-rhythms, Mike Hadreas kindles despondency into a rallying cry for sentimentalists. Just like Chumbawamba's 'Tubthumping,' Perfume Genius gets knocked down, but will always get up again. Like a performative art piece, 'On The Floor' turns emotional frailty into a crusade for individual betterment.
Though 'Describe' thrust Perfume Genius into uncharted territory, 'On The Floor' finds him right at home. Over delicate, Disco-inspired multi-rhythms, Mike Hadreas kindles despondency into a rallying cry for sentimentalists. Just like Chumbawamba's 'Tubthumping,' Perfume Genius gets knocked down, but will always get up again. Like a performative art piece, 'On The Floor' turns emotional frailty into a crusade for individual betterment.
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Poppy - Concrete
I Disagree | Listen
You know you've created a provocative piece of music when you're able to simultaneously offend both the Metal and Pop crowds. To one, hearing "chewy, chewy, yummy yummy yummy" is enough to grimace with rage. To the other, gargantuan riffs like hell-raising Avenged Sevenfold have you running for safer pastures. 'Concrete' is a purpose paradox, celebrating its absurdity with an excellent Alt-Country outro. Because why not.
You know you've created a provocative piece of music when you're able to simultaneously offend both the Metal and Pop crowds. To one, hearing "chewy, chewy, yummy yummy yummy" is enough to grimace with rage. To the other, gargantuan riffs like hell-raising Avenged Sevenfold have you running for safer pastures. 'Concrete' is a purpose paradox, celebrating its absurdity with an excellent Alt-Country outro. Because why not.
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JPEGMAFIA - BALD!
Single | Listen
Veteran and All My Heroes Are Cornballs proved JPEGMAFIA was capable of making cohesive, artistically-striking albums. His slew of singles in 2020 proved he was also a hit-making machine. None were greater than 'BALD!,' a smooth yet shifty, accessible yet complex single that gracefully incorporated Atmospheric Drum & Bass to a Cloud Rap facade. Effortless, Peggy flows over beats that sound as familiar as they are foreign. A thoroughly-encapsulating torrent of ideas.
Veteran and All My Heroes Are Cornballs proved JPEGMAFIA was capable of making cohesive, artistically-striking albums. His slew of singles in 2020 proved he was also a hit-making machine. None were greater than 'BALD!,' a smooth yet shifty, accessible yet complex single that gracefully incorporated Atmospheric Drum & Bass to a Cloud Rap facade. Effortless, Peggy flows over beats that sound as familiar as they are foreign. A thoroughly-encapsulating torrent of ideas.
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Lingua Ignota - O Ruthless Great Divine Direcctor
Single | Listen
A voice unmatched. Though residing in modern day Rhode Island, Lingua Ignota feels not of this century. Her brooding tenor, ritualistic salivation, and intimidating presence would find more equitable footing in the medieval ages, where savagery was conducted by royalty and not hoodlums. On 'O Ruthless Great Divine Director,' she essentially assumes the role of mass murderer Elizabeth Báthory; The Blood Countess. With a lulling bravado, Ignota gives way to scorched earth depravity by song's end. Foul wickedness and pummeling ruthlessness becomes her calling card.
A voice unmatched. Though residing in modern day Rhode Island, Lingua Ignota feels not of this century. Her brooding tenor, ritualistic salivation, and intimidating presence would find more equitable footing in the medieval ages, where savagery was conducted by royalty and not hoodlums. On 'O Ruthless Great Divine Director,' she essentially assumes the role of mass murderer Elizabeth Báthory; The Blood Countess. With a lulling bravado, Ignota gives way to scorched earth depravity by song's end. Foul wickedness and pummeling ruthlessness becomes her calling card.
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The Strokes - Bad Decisions
New Abnormal | Listen
We've known since 2001 that The Strokes struggle with originality. Their entire genesis lies in revival territory, for one. Yet their mimicry often results in encapsulating work, ditching the straggling components while highlighting the best. 'Bad Decisions' does exactly this with New Order's New Wave. A melodious guitar riff, impassioned lyrics about fateful romance, and a catchy hook all accentuate an era that merged remorse with regalia.
We've known since 2001 that The Strokes struggle with originality. Their entire genesis lies in revival territory, for one. Yet their mimicry often results in encapsulating work, ditching the straggling components while highlighting the best. 'Bad Decisions' does exactly this with New Order's New Wave. A melodious guitar riff, impassioned lyrics about fateful romance, and a catchy hook all accentuate an era that merged remorse with regalia.
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Karrots - Chalk
Karrots I | Listen
Like a rabbit sprinting across green mounds, 'Chalk' finds itself entranced with America's natural beauty. Unperturbed by political fiascos, racial injustices, or global warming, Karrots' enthralling acoustics bounce gleefully to a land where concern is of no concern. Russell Cowick's sole verse assumes this role, one of regret and mistakes not letting down a soul whose body remains in the present. Joy has never been so wonderfully contained.
Like a rabbit sprinting across green mounds, 'Chalk' finds itself entranced with America's natural beauty. Unperturbed by political fiascos, racial injustices, or global warming, Karrots' enthralling acoustics bounce gleefully to a land where concern is of no concern. Russell Cowick's sole verse assumes this role, one of regret and mistakes not letting down a soul whose body remains in the present. Joy has never been so wonderfully contained.
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Childish Gambino - 19.10
3.15.20 | Listen
With Funk-oriented drums instigating a gravitating pull and a bewitching hook that's endlessly addictive, 3.15.20's best song prides itself on Childish Gambino's picnic day Neo-Soul. Channeling Michael Jackson at times, Anderson .Paak in others, '19.10' sways with unflappable persistence. All the power lies in the rhythm, and the preying tendency it inflicts upon the listener. To hear Gambino insist upon the hook, replacing a would-be third verse with an unrelenting binge of salaciousness never grows old.
With Funk-oriented drums instigating a gravitating pull and a bewitching hook that's endlessly addictive, 3.15.20's best song prides itself on Childish Gambino's picnic day Neo-Soul. Channeling Michael Jackson at times, Anderson .Paak in others, '19.10' sways with unflappable persistence. All the power lies in the rhythm, and the preying tendency it inflicts upon the listener. To hear Gambino insist upon the hook, replacing a would-be third verse with an unrelenting binge of salaciousness never grows old.
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Ela Minus - they told us it was hard, but they were wrong
acts of rebellion | Listen
You know, this was one of those 'try it cause of the cover' singles. And what a right decision that was, as Ela Minus' reinvention begins here. 'they told us it was hard' pounces with an exacting sneer, building in the shadows of a singer transforming her stage into a pulpit. Competing percussion, ping-pong synthesizers, and an ominous gander into the void of underground Deep House steers listeners' ligaments to an uncomfortable expanse of ecstasy.
You know, this was one of those 'try it cause of the cover' singles. And what a right decision that was, as Ela Minus' reinvention begins here. 'they told us it was hard' pounces with an exacting sneer, building in the shadows of a singer transforming her stage into a pulpit. Competing percussion, ping-pong synthesizers, and an ominous gander into the void of underground Deep House steers listeners' ligaments to an uncomfortable expanse of ecstasy.
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A.G. Cook - Crimson & Clover
7G | Listen
Now this is how you modify a song 50 years passed its origination date. The simple riff, A.G. Cook's gentle vocals, along with the charming Brill Building all nourish the Psychedelic tendencies of Tommy James' 1968 original, while expanding upon it with strident, Noise Pop flair. The duality present, with grimacing guitars and perforated synth stabs dominating the first half, and Alaska Reid's distant, rippling cascades in the second, allow 'Crimson & Clover' to satiate Cook's knack for merging extremes.
Now this is how you modify a song 50 years passed its origination date. The simple riff, A.G. Cook's gentle vocals, along with the charming Brill Building all nourish the Psychedelic tendencies of Tommy James' 1968 original, while expanding upon it with strident, Noise Pop flair. The duality present, with grimacing guitars and perforated synth stabs dominating the first half, and Alaska Reid's distant, rippling cascades in the second, allow 'Crimson & Clover' to satiate Cook's knack for merging extremes.
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HAIM - Up From A Dream
Women In Music Pt. III | Listen
There's an understated sense of confidence spewing from 'Up From A Dream.' It asserts HAIM's position as demarcated songwriters, not having to rely on romantic tropes from a genre and gender inundated with such trivialities. It's about a dream, something inherently meaningless. And they're okay with that. The manic guitars, Western gallop, and intrinsic Country Pop feel all blend in frantic harmony. Sitting in an aggregated state of limbo between awake and asleep.
There's an understated sense of confidence spewing from 'Up From A Dream.' It asserts HAIM's position as demarcated songwriters, not having to rely on romantic tropes from a genre and gender inundated with such trivialities. It's about a dream, something inherently meaningless. And they're okay with that. The manic guitars, Western gallop, and intrinsic Country Pop feel all blend in frantic harmony. Sitting in an aggregated state of limbo between awake and asleep.
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Backxwash - Black Magic
God Has Nothing To Do With This | Listen
If we're to gather the refuse of Trap and attempt to make it a critically-convincing genre, 'Black Magic' would be the result. With a thunderous bass, ghoulish exterior, and eyes fixated on Metal's unrelenting blitzkrieg contorted as urbane aesthetic, Backxwash effectively confronts the genre by ratcheting up the fervency. As ravenous rapper, Backxwash treats each line, each ad-lib, as the sacrificial lamb, energized by society's crumbling scaffold.
If we're to gather the refuse of Trap and attempt to make it a critically-convincing genre, 'Black Magic' would be the result. With a thunderous bass, ghoulish exterior, and eyes fixated on Metal's unrelenting blitzkrieg contorted as urbane aesthetic, Backxwash effectively confronts the genre by ratcheting up the fervency. As ravenous rapper, Backxwash treats each line, each ad-lib, as the sacrificial lamb, energized by society's crumbling scaffold.
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Lil Yachty - T.D.
Lil Boat 3 | Listen
With a testosterone-driven sneer and imposing swagger, Lil Boat 3's sole triumph, 'T.D.,' presents itself as an unofficial sequel to Lil Boat's infamous posse cut 'Minnesota.' A similar beat, crafted by restrictive means, utilizing a thwarting bass and gratifying loop gives free rein to Yachty and friends to flex their shifty flows and exigent demeanor. As Hip-Hop fans are prone to do, let's rank the verses: Tierra Whack, Tyler The Creator, Lil Yachty, and A$AP Rocky.
With a testosterone-driven sneer and imposing swagger, Lil Boat 3's sole triumph, 'T.D.,' presents itself as an unofficial sequel to Lil Boat's infamous posse cut 'Minnesota.' A similar beat, crafted by restrictive means, utilizing a thwarting bass and gratifying loop gives free rein to Yachty and friends to flex their shifty flows and exigent demeanor. As Hip-Hop fans are prone to do, let's rank the verses: Tierra Whack, Tyler The Creator, Lil Yachty, and A$AP Rocky.
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Katie Gately - Bracer
Loom | Listen
Straying from her luminous past, Katie Gately's Loom resides in a feeling unsettled. One, musically, defined as Neoclassical Darkwave. Nowhere is that seen better than on the brooding, ten-minute 'Bracer,' which slinks around plummeting guillotines and nefarious sorcery, before twisting the tethers of reality by incorporating quirky medieval artistry with traipsing ease. Though as off-kilter and topsy-turvy as ever, 'Bracer's' final moments capture lunacy finding form. For the better too.
Straying from her luminous past, Katie Gately's Loom resides in a feeling unsettled. One, musically, defined as Neoclassical Darkwave. Nowhere is that seen better than on the brooding, ten-minute 'Bracer,' which slinks around plummeting guillotines and nefarious sorcery, before twisting the tethers of reality by incorporating quirky medieval artistry with traipsing ease. Though as off-kilter and topsy-turvy as ever, 'Bracer's' final moments capture lunacy finding form. For the better too.
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A.A.L. - If You Can't Do It Good, Do It Hard
2017 - 2019 | Listen
Prior to 'If You Can't Do It Good,' 2017 - 2019 had been a rather humdrum affair. Casual, almost soporific Deep House that toyed around Against All Logic's knack for demanding Electronic as if it were biding its time. Then those drums hit, and the tone of 2017 - 2019 shifts dramatically. Off-the-wall synthesizers, militant percussion, and a contentious feminist inciting a dance floor riot combine to form a vicious, five finger death punch to the face.
Prior to 'If You Can't Do It Good,' 2017 - 2019 had been a rather humdrum affair. Casual, almost soporific Deep House that toyed around Against All Logic's knack for demanding Electronic as if it were biding its time. Then those drums hit, and the tone of 2017 - 2019 shifts dramatically. Off-the-wall synthesizers, militant percussion, and a contentious feminist inciting a dance floor riot combine to form a vicious, five finger death punch to the face.
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Mac Miller - Good News
Circles | Listen
Though his importance was never fully appreciated, or accepted, whilst alive, the outpouring of adoration following his death proved Mac Miller's reach was far more than as seen on the surface. While I wouldn't go so far as to proclaim Circles as his send-off eulogy, 'Good News' absolutely is. Inspirational lyrics that ring different posthumously, reassuring Neo-Soul that quells outside concerns to put the mind at ease, and a vocalist so in-tune with their imperfections that one can't help but relate. 'Good News' is honest, sincere, and candid. All virtues Mac Miller stood for until he no longer could.
Though his importance was never fully appreciated, or accepted, whilst alive, the outpouring of adoration following his death proved Mac Miller's reach was far more than as seen on the surface. While I wouldn't go so far as to proclaim Circles as his send-off eulogy, 'Good News' absolutely is. Inspirational lyrics that ring different posthumously, reassuring Neo-Soul that quells outside concerns to put the mind at ease, and a vocalist so in-tune with their imperfections that one can't help but relate. 'Good News' is honest, sincere, and candid. All virtues Mac Miller stood for until he no longer could.
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King Krule - Comet Face
Man Alive! | Listen
King Krule has insomnia mastered. It's one thing to conquer the creeping shadows and hair-raising tension with sonic transience, as he does often on Man Alive!. It's another entirely to worm catchiness into the fray of enclosing distress, which is accomplished vicariously on 'Comet Face.' Scattered background vocals intwine with a modish guitar riff and building intensity to incite a reaction of release. Something King Krule does with an insane, mid-track yelp.
King Krule has insomnia mastered. It's one thing to conquer the creeping shadows and hair-raising tension with sonic transience, as he does often on Man Alive!. It's another entirely to worm catchiness into the fray of enclosing distress, which is accomplished vicariously on 'Comet Face.' Scattered background vocals intwine with a modish guitar riff and building intensity to incite a reaction of release. Something King Krule does with an insane, mid-track yelp.
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clipping. - Pain Everyday
Visions Of Bodies Being Burned | Listen
More than almost any other Hip-Hop outfit, clipping. rely on gimmicks to achieve memorability. Not on 'Pain Everyday,' a tormented trudge that incorporates every schizophrenic delusion featured on Visions Of Bodies Being Burned. Frantic beat switches courtesy of Breakcore, ominous strings crying out like unbound souls, compounded Microsound, knotty verses performed by Diggs. 'Pain Everyday' has it all.
More than almost any other Hip-Hop outfit, clipping. rely on gimmicks to achieve memorability. Not on 'Pain Everyday,' a tormented trudge that incorporates every schizophrenic delusion featured on Visions Of Bodies Being Burned. Frantic beat switches courtesy of Breakcore, ominous strings crying out like unbound souls, compounded Microsound, knotty verses performed by Diggs. 'Pain Everyday' has it all.
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Waxahatchee - Lilacs
Saint Cloud | Listen
What changed with Waxahatchee in 2020? In all likelihood, not much. In fact, it was likely my shifting tastes and need for calming Americana during the country's worst time in recent memory. 'Lilacs' doesn't concern itself with anything but what lies in the heart. Earnest, reflective, soaring with replete soul, Waxahatchee's brand of Alt-Country empowers those down-and-out with the assurance that life starts with the self.
What changed with Waxahatchee in 2020? In all likelihood, not much. In fact, it was likely my shifting tastes and need for calming Americana during the country's worst time in recent memory. 'Lilacs' doesn't concern itself with anything but what lies in the heart. Earnest, reflective, soaring with replete soul, Waxahatchee's brand of Alt-Country empowers those down-and-out with the assurance that life starts with the self.
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100-51 | 20-1 | Top 50 Albums
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