The end of the year is one of the most special times for me. Between Christmas and New Years, I find myself feeling pensive, maybe even nostalgic, about the previous year. And this year, whoa. There’s a lot to process. But I’m going to start with the easy stuff. Music.
I have continued working (and commuting about 30-50 minutes each way) throughout the year. The two things that have gotten me through this, as always, are music! and audiobooks!
For the last few months, however, I’ve been on an all music kick. Oddly enough, this is also how I started the year. The year began for me with upbeat & dance-worthy Dua Lipa while it is ending with a introspective folk/indie Taylor Swift double-header. But don’t worry, I’ve also got Miley Cyrus to lady-rage rock out in a way you just haven’t heard before, bringing back some classics from different decades (and sometimes the original artists too).
What follows are three separate lists. Favorite albums–meaning these are the albums, whole albums from track 1 to the end, that I listened to on repeat. Then there is a list of songs, usually things that were either 1) released by some of my already-fave artists, such as First Aid Kit & Billie Eilish, or 2) recommended by Amazon Music’s “your soundtrack” methodology, especially songs like “Air Forces” by Mustafa or “Control” by Zoe Wees. The third list includes albums that I’m surprised I didn’t listen to more. Maybe I really like a song from the album, such as with Sault, or have previously really liked the band (maybe even enough to see them in concert) as is the case with Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit or the Chicks. Maybe I’ll get to these albums?
Before you scroll to the lists, however, I interrupt you with this Spotify playlist. For each of my fave albums, you get two songs–plus all the other songs. And one song from each album I haven’t really dug into yet as a bonus. Over 2 hours of music to help you pass the time, provide a soundtrack to read the rest of this website, or just get inside my head, you know, whichever you prefer…
What are your favorite albums and/or songs? Should we talk about our least favorite or should I just not mention Harry Styles and Camilla Cabello? Leave any feelings or opinions in the comments! Next LIST in my 2020 list series will be BOOKS! Stay tuned in the coming days.
Fave Albums:
- Dua Lipa, “Future Nostalgia”
- Taylor Swift, “Folklore” & “Evermore”
- Miley Cyrus, “Plastic Heart”
- Haim, “Women in Music Pt. III”
- Sylvan Esso, “Free Love”
- Phoebe Bridger, “Punisher”
- Fleet Foxes, “Shore”
- Tame Impala, “The Slow Rush”
- Adrienne Lenker, “Songs & Instrumentals”
Fave Indivual Songs (not on fave albums):
- “Wildfires” by Sault
- “Come Give Me Love” by First Aid Kit
- “Heather” by Conan Gray
- “Lemon” (feat. Sharon van Etten) by Local Natives
- “Underdog” by Alicia Keys
- “Air Forces” by Mustafa
- “Harmony Hall” by Vampire Weekend
- “My Future” by Billie Eilish
- “Therefore I Am” by Billie Eilish
- “Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish
- “7 Seconds” by Porridge Radio
- “Control” by Zoe Wees
- “July” by Noah Cyrus & Leon Bridges
Albums I’m surprised I didn’t listen to more:
- Fiona Apple, “Fetch the Boltcutters”
- Lady Gaga, “Chromatica”
- Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, “Reunions”
- The Chicks, “Gaslighter”
- Sault, “Untitled (Black Is)”