Happy (almost) New Year! I know I have been gone for like months, but I wanted to return on a good note and share some of the music and artists that have been getting me through this whole pandemic situation. I know, who thought I’d be using the word pandemic in an intro – but here we are. Anyway, there were a lot of changes in the world and in my life, and that also includes changes to my taste in music and exactly how I absorb content. I found myself not wanting to really relate to anything at the start of this, and as I turned to a lot of new music in foreign languages, it kind of took me back to a purely sonic approach to determining what sounds actually caught my attention (detached from the lyrics themselves). So, you may see some things here that are new, surprising, or even shocking – but isn’t that what 2020 was all about? These few selections are based purely on my perceptions and are in no particular order. Let’s get into it!
La Vita Nuova – Christine and the Queens – February 27, 2020
When I think about music in 2020, one of the first albums that comes to mind is from Christine and the Queens. I remember actively diving into the EP La Vita Nuova only (coincidentally) weeks after its release. The accompanying film was shared alongside the release, and after putting off her music for far too long – I popped the YouTube video into my “watch later” queue. The notion of quarantine had just been talk at this time, so in an attempt to take my mind off of things I jumped right in.
I wonder if it was the combination of the enchanting scenery of the first few seconds in conjunction with the opening lines “it’s true that, people, I’ve been sad”, but something about the opening track pulled me in. And once I realized that this film was a “sampler” of the EP, if you will, I knew I’d be watching the entire thing. I love when artists do that because you can gain an overall understanding of the albums concept. The imagery was tinged with very artistic, haunting, and macabre elements – which worked harmoniously with the video’s location, and the sound of the songs. Aside from songs like “People, I’ve Been Sad”, the captivating choreography and beats for the tracks “Je disparais dans tes bras” and “La vita nuova” honestly diverted my brain from the fact that the songs were in French. This was honestly a turning point in my music exploration and I’m grateful for this film and EP! An absolute must-listen.
Must Hear: “People I’ve Been Sad”, “Nada, “Je disparais dans tes bras”
The Slow Rush – Tame Impala – February, 14, 2020
Can you believe it? 2020 was the return of post-Currents Tame Impala, and this era was truly snubbed by Covid-19! The Kevin Parker / live band hybrid we know and love, Tame Impala, dropped their long-awaited 4th studio album The Slow Rush. I think similarly to the last, this album had instant sentimental value to me because it was associated with a specific moment. Not only was this literally just an exciting return from one of my favorite artists, but it was also the last time I was in a packed crowd without a care. Just week before the album’s release, I attended a maximum capacity, packed out listening party for the record. I was literally so carefree and happy, and blissfully ignorant to what was to come in March.
Conveniently, the album focuses on perseverance, with the title track “One More Year” sounding a bit more ironic than it was probably ever intended. (The lyrics “Not caring if we do the same thing every week” definitely hits different now, huh?) The track “Breathe Deeper” is literally about just that, taking a moment to breathe and pushing yourself forward. The line “If you think I couldn’t hold my own, believe me, I can” is expressed like a mantra, telling yourself that basically – you got this. While there’s some personal moments and time for reflection on “Posthumous Forgiveness” and “Tomorrow’s Dust”, as the tracks continue, Tame doesn’t stray from the funk-inspired, soulful 70’s sound that we love. If you’re sad and need a pick-me-up, The Slow Rush is literally the album to go to. Especially lyrically. If you just want to dance? Still the album for you.
Must Hear: “Instant Destiny”, “It Might Be Time”, “On Track”, “Glimmer”
BE – BTS – November 20, 2020
Despite simultaneously existing within the same unfortunate reality, many artists in 2020 failed to directly address the ongoing pandemic in which we’ve all been similarly affected some way or another. While this overwhelming avoidance may not have been intentional, it could be felt by a lot of music lovers (like myself), as things seemed to continue forward with no change in subject matter as time progressed. Where many acts distanced themselves from our current situation – other artists really stepped up and made a point to face the facts. Artists like BTS, for example, looked this situation straight in the eye and did their best to create relatable, powerful, and inspirational content for those seeking comfort.
BTS’s latest album BE was actually unplanned, and was bred from the aftermath of a sold out world tour coming to a halt before it could even begin.The album directly addresses how the pandemic has affected their lives, with tracks about, isolation, depression, feeling overworked and missing the ones that you love. Titles like “Fly To My Room” and “Life Goes On” make the group’s intentions pretty clear, and they welcomed us to sit with our own feelings and recognize that things will get better with time.
With that said, while the subject matter is pretty heavy, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t upbeat tracks full of creative metaphors for this unique shared experience that we are all a part of. This collection of songs is short, sweet, and most notably contains the groups biggest contributions to songwriting, production, video/photo shoots, and overall concept. From “Blue & Grey” to “Stay”, the album takes you on an emotional journey inside your mind during this painfully isolating period of our lives.
Must hear: “Disease”, “Blue & Grey”, “Stay”, “Life Goes On”
(*Remember to turn on your English subtitles!)
Good News – Megan Thee Stallion – November 20, 2020
She did it – she finally did it! She dropped her ALBUM! Despite the astronomical success of Good News‘ predecessors Tina Snow, Fever, and Suga, Thee Stallion herself declared this to be her actual debut studio album and it was released to (unsurprisingly) positive reception. Hyped in advance by the previously released singles “Girls in the Hood” and “Don’t Stop” featuring Young Thug, the album was poised for success and that’s exactly how it went down. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 (just behind BTS’ Be), and with a 50 minute running time across 17 tracks – that’s a feat in itself.
It’s truly a shame that we can’t go to to the clubs on this one, because this album is a pure dance record. Hands down. This is the album you’d put on to get dressed before calling your Uber. The use of sampling on Good News is impeccable, and those who grew up in a very particular time will appreciate the instrumentation from Adina Howard’s “Freak Like Me” on “Freaky Girls”, which features support from SZA. The album itself opens with “Shots Fired”, Megan’s fire diss track aimed at ****(we don’t speak of him here), and samples “Who Shot Ya” from none other than the legendary Notorious B.I.G. Other guests on the record include Beyonce, DaBaby, City Girls, Big Sean, and more. And we can’t even talk about this album without the record-smashing hit “Body”, which naturally spawned a viral dance sensation that no one could escape from. I like to think “Savage” walked so “Body” could run, ya know? Anyway, I think every single song on here is a standout track, and Meg definitely chose her words carefully by waiting to release this as her official album.
Must hear: “Circles”, “Movie”, “What’s New”, “Cry Baby”
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