5 Albums That You Missed This Year

Though this year has been an absolute whirlwind of unexpected events, it has been an incredible year for music. From psychedelic music to rap to flamenco to rock, 2020 did not disappoint. With all of these new releases it can be overwhelming to keep track of which albums were worth saving, so here are five albums that you may have missed this year that you have to queue up next. 

If you already listened, then give them another listen anyway; these albums deserve more love than they got. 

Modus Vivendi– 070 Shake 

If you’re looking for fourteen tracks filled back to back with roaring synths and biting lyrics, 070 Shake’s Modus Vivendi is your best bet. Standing as one of my personal favorites of this year, this record is created in a way that allows Danielle Balbuena’s ethereal, dreamy voice to be the central instrument. Through heavy vocal modulation and layers of synths, tracks like “Flight 319,” “Rocketship,” “The Pines,” and, of course,  “Guilty Conscious” create a soundscape theme of both catharsis and rebirth. Of course the album title itself, Modus Vivendi is a Latin phrase commonly used when describing an arrangement between two parties with the hope of coexistence. The title is just a small glimmer into the complexity of the album’s lyricality. Regardless of whether you’re big on synths or not, this record is a must-have. 

Barnacles- SahBabii

Notably, the most unique artist to come out of the Atlanta rap scene in recent years, SahBabii has real range. Penning songs about curvaceous anime girls to songs about barnacles, SahBabii makes a point to make sure that no song of his is the same. On this record, every song flows into the next with beats that genuinely sound like honey in musical form. Songs to keep an eye out for on this album are, “Trapezoid,” “Giraffes & Elephants,” “Soulja Slim,” and, the leading single “Double Dick.” Though lyrically nothing makes any real sense in SahBabii’s musical world, eventually you begin to learn that each song of his is meant to be indulged, not understood. So take a minute to put on this record and step into SahBabii’s imagination.  

Colores- J Balvin

Following both record-breaking projects Vibras and joint project Oasis with Bad Bunny, Colores made its way to the Latin top charts with ease. His most ambitious concept project yet, J Balvin’s take on Colores was to create a song for each color and the mood which it emits. For example “Rojo” was cushioned in romantic synths and “Azul” takes its rightful place as an instant classic for the Miami beach scene. J Balvin took it one step further by creating a music video alongside Colin Tilley for every single song on the album, all of which are jam-packed with visuals parallel to the color being idolized. Highlighting classic reggaeton beats, songs to keep an eye out for on this record are “Azul,” “Amarillo,” “Verde,” and “Arcoíris.” Additionally, the cover art for this album was designed by the one and only Takashi Murakami with his trademark smiley face flower gracing the cover.

Who Cares?– Abby Jasmine

At only 22, New York native Abby Jasmine may be new to the music scene, but she is definitely here to stay. Following her 2018 album TRAP MOM, with the hit “No Hook,” Jasmine created another R&B classic again with Who Cares?. With features from Guapdad 4000 and Kash Juliano, this record has a Summer Walker flare mixed with the boldness of Princess Nokia. Some notable tracks on this album include “Do Better,” “Coneheads,” and “Poland Springs.” If you’re looking for somebody to add to a Sunset Drives playlist, then I promise you, Abby Jasmine is the one. 

Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez – Gorillaz

Gorillaz is back again with an instant classic. With a starstudded features list including artists ranging from ScHoolboy Q to Elton John to EARTHGANG to Skepta, this record does not fall short of perfection. Though the majority of this project speaks for itself with its funky beats and stellar features list, tracks to keep an eye out for are “The Valley of the Pagans,” “Pac-Man,” “Friday 13th,” and “Opium.” 

What are you still doing reading this article? Go queue these albums now!

Article by Sravya Gadepalli