34. Ryan's Top Albums of 2020

12/22/2020

Hey All,

I said this in my last blog post, I know it's been a while. Between everything going on in the world right now and working hard on my follow-up to Haunt, I've neglected this blog page. But I have recently appeared on a podcast to talk about Haunt, so that was fun! You should definitely check that out if you haven't already. I might have revealed some fun tidbits about my next book. More news about that to come soon, promise!

It's safe to say that because I've been writing a lot, I've been listening to music a lot this year, and there has certainly been a plethora of great records to come out in this *blessed* year of 2020. I thought I'd share what I've been listening to and what's inspired me, and I hope to hear your thoughts, and what music has kept you sane this year as well. Here are my top albums of 2020 (edited 2/15/2021):

9. Lady Gaga - Chromatica

Mother Monster is back, full-swing, with an engaging dance record. I'd be lying if I said I didn't love me some Gaga, but I'd also be lying if I said this was my favorite of hers. It's a fun album nonetheless, and it's clear she had a blast making it. The best song on the tracklist is easily "Sine from Above," featuring Elton John. This whole collection just makes you want to dance!

8. HAIM - Women in Music, pt. III

HAIM's work is a perfect balance between catchy and powerful. They know they're good, and it shows (in the best way). And of course, they own their power in the title of their third record. Soft vocals are met with heavy bass in a wonderful dichotomy of sound that HAIM has certainly mastered. Best tracks: "Los Angeles," "The Steps," and "Gasoline."

7. Future Islands - As Long As You Are

I first discovered Future Islands after the release of their single "Seasons" in 2014, and the accompanying viral video of the band's performance on Letterman. But as they've continued to prove with this new release, the beautiful As Long As You Are, Samuel T. Herring's unique voice paired with the synth-heavy instrumentals makes every track just as hypnotic as the last. Best tracks: "Glada," "The Painter," and "Hit the Coast."

6. Seether - Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum

Seether has remained consistent over the years, perhaps slowly getting less heavy on certain recent albums, but Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum is a return to form, not only in tone and sound, but in Shaun Morgan's dark and shadowy lyrics, full of anger and frustration. It's not to say we want him angry, but it's clear that this record comes from a personal place in his heart, one that he really connects to. And as a listener, it shows. Best tracks: "Beg," "Failure," and "Written in Stone."

5. Miley Cyrus - Plastic Hearts

Yes, similarly to Gaga, one of these things is not like the others. But hear me out: Miley delivered with this new record. She is in her element, and the rasp in her voice perfectly compliments the '80's rock 'n' roll vibe she is going for in most of these tracks. After many albums, Miley has found a sound that she has matured into and suits her so well. Best tracks: "Gimme What I Want," "Night Crawling (feat. Billy Idol)," "Bad Karma (feat. Joan Jett)," and "Edge of Midnight (Midnight Sky Remix) [feat. Stevie Nicks]."

4. Sevendust - Blood & Stone

Sevendust is one of those rare bands that is consistently delivering, and always nails it. This is their thirteenth album, and it's always great to see what they've got up their sleeves with every new release. Blood & Stone is energetic, fierce, and passionate. Vocalist Lajon Witherspoon has one of the best voices in today's metal & rock genres, and I hope to see them continue on this amazing trajectory. And--easily my favorite album cover art of the year. Best tracks: "Dying to Live," "Blood from a Stone," and "Criminal"

3. Gleemer - Down Through

I only found Gleemer maybe a year or so ago, but was immediately drawn to their dreamy alternative sound. Down Through is no exception--it is filled with anecdotal stories that feel so personal and real, lined with anxious thoughts and aching feelings that just radiate your bones. This is a fantastic third album that I continuously find myself revisiting. Best tracks: "Brush Back," "Spread Out," and "Down Through."

2. Deftones - Ohms

Anyone who knows me won't be surprised that this record is so high on my list. Throughout all their changes in sound and style, I've always loved Deftones, and with Ohms, it feels as though they've given it their all, blending the darker, chugging sounds of their earlier days with the lyrics, vocals, and synths that they've added to the mix as of late. It feels right, and Deftones touches upon themes of isolation and being lost in your own thoughts that are definitely relatable in 2020. They've hit a home-run, for sure. Best tracks: "Radiant City," "The Spell of Mathematics," and "Headless."

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)

In This Moment – The In-Between
The Used – Heartwork
JoJo – Good to Know
10 Years – Violent Allies
Nothing But Thieves – Moral Panic

1. Hayley Williams - Petals for Armor

I'll try not to ramble, since I feel like I could write a dissertation on this album. When Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams first announced a solo record, I wasn't sure what to expect. But if Paramore's most recent album was any indication, it was safe to say this would be deeply emotional, and in hindsight, that was an understatement. Every track on this album is different, yet they flow together so naturally. It's evident in the lyrics that Williams has put her all into these songs, and I'm sure some of them were hard to write and record, let alone (eventually) perform in front of audiences. I tip my hat off to her, for giving us one of the most unique records of the year, and by and far my favorite. It's sad, it's exciting, and it's a beautiful record overall.

Best tracks: "Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris," "Crystal Clear," and "Over Yet."

All album cover images from YouTube Music

What were your favorite albums of the year? Do you agree with any of the choices on my list? Let me know in the comments! Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year, and I'm looking forward to some exciting announcements in 2021. Keep an eye out!

- Ryan

Buy Haunt here. Preview my books here. Find me on social here.

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