Variety Staffer Chloe Sears shares eight albums from 2020 which she found especially notable. Graphic by Micah Shannon
Pop: “Rare” by Selena Gomez
Photo fair use of Interscope Records
In her latest album, “Rare,” pop star Selena Gomez stops acting for the paparazzi and ignores media scrutiny so she can finally be herself. Through intense ballads and electronic dance music, Gomez takes the strong, independent attitude she explores in her second album, “Revival” and runs with it freely in “Rare,” giving this album a more mature feeling than previously released albums. In an interview with Genius, Gomez speaks up about the meaning about the first song in the album, also titled “Rare.” The singer says that despite the lack of intimacy with her fans, she still finds ways to connect with them through the emotional vulnerability of her lyrics, which reveal her long-lasting fight with herself for self-esteem and confidence. Gomez achieves this through a number of songs, including “Rare,” “Look At Her Now” and “Fun.”
Indie Pop: “Manic” by Halsey
Photo fair use of Capitol Records, LLC
Halsey’s autobiography about growing up in the spotlight, “Manic,” is a mixture of uplifting guitar melodies and electronic music, featuring singer-songwriter Dominic Fike and alternative artist Alanis Morissette. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 17, “Manic” is the first album Halsey has written in a state of mania. The singer, known as Halsey before she became famous, proclaims that while “Manic” is her third album, it is Ashley’s first. The artist talks about her struggles with identity in an interview with Rolling Stone, saying she’s tired of forming new personalities to go with her costumes and wants to start showing fans who she truly is. A revelation at its core, Halsey’s “Manic” is full of inspiring tracks that fans can take to heart as powerful advice from a singer who no longer wants to deny the struggles she has faced in life.
R&B/Soul: “Alicia” by Alicia Keys
Photo fair use of RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
“Alicia” is a refreshingly honest album full of upbeat, groovy music in which the powerful artist Alicia Keys sings freely about her personal life and current events, including police brutality and her love life. Her seventh album since 2001, Keys’ lyrics in “Alicia” are intimate and reflective as she sings unabashedly. The album’s initial release was delayed for six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned out to be perfect for those who needed comfort during this difficult year. “Alicia” radiates hope and stability through lyrics and relaxing, rhythmic tones.
Hip-Hop/Rap: “Pluto x Baby Pluto” by Future & Lil Uzi Vert
Photo fair use of Atlantic Recording Corporation & Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment
In a rap album made to be played on repeat, two artists teamed up to create an out-of-this-world album that overflows with energy through upbeat and fast-paced electronic music. Equal in strength, power and style, Future and Lil Uzi Vert’s coexistence in this new compilation highlight each other’s strengths and makes their solo tracks stand out that much more. With ten of the sixteen tracks from the album making Billboard’s Top 100 list, the success of this album reflects both their hard work, and makes both artists very deserving of their accomplishments.
Rock: “Party Favors” by Sir Chloe
Photo fair use of Terrible Records
Sir Chloe’s “Party Favors” is an impressive combination of the artist’s best singles and recently recorded songs. Including “Too Close” and “Animal,” well-known tracks with guitar-based melodies and edgy drum beats, the passionate album showcases the strength in vulnerability through candid lyrics in Sir Chloe’s first full-length album. After forming the band in college as an academic project with her brother and friends, Dana Foote became the lead guitarist and vocalist for their low-energy rock band. “Party Favors” is a fantastic first album, and a great follow-up to the singles released in 2019.
Country: “What You See Ain’t Always What You Get” by Luke Combs
Photo fair use of River House Artists LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment
In his newest album, country singer Luke Combs incorporates a variety of instruments to create harmony in his music, including drums, guitars and banjos. As an average man from Nashville who became a tremendous country star, Combs uses his strength as a songwriter to put his unique perspective into his music, making each track relatable to fans as he sings about the struggles of everyday life.
Multilingual Artists: “PAUSA” by Ricky Martin
Photo fair use of Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC
Singer-songwriter Ricky Martin released his Spanish EP “PAUSA,” his first release in five years since “A Quien Quiera Escuchar” won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album in 2015. The Spanish tracks include collaborations with many familiar Latin artists such as Sting, Carla Morrison and Diego El Cigala. Martin surprised his fans with “PAUSA” instead of “Movimento,” the album he was scheduled to release earlier in the year because he felt “PAUSA” was more appropriate at the time. This unexpected EP is a collection of six intimate and personalized tracks. Martin’s goal is to allow himself and his fans to pause everything hectic and stressful in their lives, and relax through the calm nature of his new music.
International Artist: “Love Goes” by Sam Smith
Photo fair use of Capitol Records Release, copyright Universal Music Operations Limited
After years of singing about heartache and trouble, U.K. artist Sam Smith heals themself through a montage of upbeat sing-a-long ballads in which they open up about finding freedom in an exposé about the beauty and torture of love. Smith was supposed to release “Love Goes” over the summer with the title “To Die For,” but they decided the title was insensitive due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years after the release of their last album “Too Good at Goodbyes,” “Love Goes” is a powerful follow-up album about the frustrations of healing from heartbreak and loving again.
