In today's episode of things you don't need to know but are nosy enough to check anyway, I show my favourite albums that have been released since the start of last year.
I'd go as far as saying that in the last year, music has never been more important. Somehow, it has an ability to either perfectly compliment or entirely change whatever moods we are in.
Whether we are mournfully staring out a car window as if we are the distressed main character of a heartbreaking film, or, as per the last year, out on our promised daily exercise, music is always there.
Naturally, music comes and goes in the same way trends do, some lasting longer than others. TikTok of course has brought about a whole new way for songs and artists to go viral, and unfortunately this can ruin the reputations of some songs. If I hear a new song I like I often pray that TikTok doesn't get its hands on it. Fortunately they've tended to steer largely clear of the following albums. So, I'll stop with the waffle and cut to the chase:
5. 3.15.20 - Childish Gambino
Admittedly, the last ever Childish Gambino album is also his most unusual. First of all, yes, the picture of the album has in fact loaded in, it's simply a white square with the words 'Donald Glover Presents' if you look close enough. Initially Glover uploaded the album to the website donaldgloverpresents.com on the 3rd of March 2020. Oh and notice that date is the album title. Not weird enough yet? Well, all but two of the songs are titled the minutes and seconds into the album they are. Strange man. But, aside from its bizarre presentation, it's a fascinating listen. It really should be listened to from start to finish as the ends of songs merge into the beginnings of the next but it's one of those albums which (cliché I know) takes you on a journey. Fortunately, I like that the songs are chaotic and I guarantee that by the end you will be thinking, what on earth did I just listen to? Exactly why I like it. Oh and 42.26 (formerly 'Feels Like Summer' and FIFA tune) is class, but 12.38 is the standout.
4. Zeros - Declan McKenna
It was actually Ollie who suggested I listened to this album when it was released last year. I was already a big fan of McKenna's previous work, but this cemented it. The only downfall for me? There's no iconic banger. Whilst most the songs are good, in particular 'The Key to the Life on Earth' there was no song I played on repeat. Nonetheless it's an album sure to lift any mood with its distinct enthusiasm and positivity. The experimental alt indie with a hint of 70's also has somewhat politically charged lyrics. If you're listening carefully enough to decipher the sometimes sobering words you notice the intentionally paradoxical nature of his work, which is subsequently quite thought provoking. Take the opener for example, titled 'You Better Believe!!!' (yes, with three exclamation marks) which is in fact about an asteroid hurtling down to planet earth to destroy us all. Sweet.
3. It Is What It Is - Thundercat
Thundercat is the perfect example of what I referred to earlier when I hope that TikTok doesn't get hold of it. If you're up to date with the popular songs from the TikTok, you will know two songs: 'Funny Thing' and 'Them Changes'. The former is from the current album and the latter from 2017, but both share one particular thing in common. An unbelievable bass line - the kind that changes the way you walk - with its unique twang complimented by Thundercat's captivating voice. Listening to this album from start to finish is genuinely enjoyable and I can't say that about too many albums. It's a complex and occasionally confusing collection of music where the lyricism shines. Thundercat, the stage name of Stephen Bruner, has always demonstrated his jazz influence, and It Is What It Is certainly continues that style accumulating in a compilation of enchanting funk grooves. And as I said, strongly recommend you try walking to the beat of Thundercat.
2. The Slow Rush - Tame Impala
Spotify believed it to be my most listened to album of 2020 but it settles for second on this list. I was beyond excited for this album to drop, the first in five years for Kevin Parker (the man behind the band). In all honesty I was initially slightly disappointed when I listened to it. I was probably hoping to find a new 'The Less I know the better', but I quickly fell in love with the psychedelic, time-themed album that is The Slow Rush. Parker himself is a perfectionist and that's clear through the multitude of layers and detail that goes on in every song. Borderline is without a doubt the strongest track on the album, albeit a tinkered re-release of the single version from 2019, which in my humble opinion was actually better. Sorry Kevin. But the continuous theme of time is certainly thought-provoking and Parker's psychedelia and natural talent for producing dance worthy beats means it was always going to be a hit. The album as a whole feels a bit like how I imagine an acid trip to feel.
1. Dreamland - Glass Animals
My favourite album from the last year is Dreamland. After its release at the peak of 2020 in August, I was initially basking in the glory of knowing this was going to be a huge album whilst it was then relatively unheard. It became the soundtrack of my summer to the point I even tried learning Denzel Curry's feature in 'Tokyo Drifting'. Which, by the way, is the single best hype verse I have ever heard. Admittedly, it isn't for everyone, demonstrated by the cautious critic reviews, but forget the music geeks. Half a year on and I listen to the album repeatedly. In that time, their popularity has grown exponentially. 'Heat Waves' found its way onto the FIFA 21 soundtrack and has since been hailed a 'FIFA banger'. Even though I'm happy Glass Animals are getting the recognition they deserve, it frustrates me that it will be largely remembered as a FIFA song to many, when it's so much more. Robbed of song of the summer because of corona, it's a song that I've already heard as the stadium celebratory tune at sports fixtures on TV. In short, it slaps. The album as a whole is a psychedelic trip down Indie Pop lane, which is also a record of deep personal tales. Put together it forms an exciting listen, with the occasional worldie of a tune.
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