Let's Hit Replay on the 50 Best Albums of 2020, Shall We?

"Haim's Women in Music Pt. III celebrates a musical evolution for the band of sisters. The songs are strikingly personal, the instrumentals explorative, and the album, as a whole, is a story from start to finish. Long live this homage to Los Angeles." — Karenna Meredith, associate editor, trending and viral features

Purchase Women in Music Pt. III by HAIM ($13) or stream it.

"It took 10 years, but Cudi's Man on the Moon trilogy is finally complete. And it was worth the wait. Listening to Man On The Moon III: The Chosen took me back to the first instalment as Cudi raps about the ebbs and flows of life and his need for a mental escape. But I also sensed a certain development and maturity in him that I feel within myself. It seems as though we've grown together — artist and listener — and have found ourselves in an orbit of hope." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Man On The Moon III: The Chosen by Kid Cudi ($10) or stream it.

"Let's give it up for Ms. Megan Thee Stallion who went through such a traumatizing experience this year, fought through adversity, and still came out a champion like the Hot Girl she is. With beats that'll blast your speakers into oblivion and bars that are so sharp, you might hurt yourself rapping along, there are two things that you can't deny after listening to Good News: Megan Thee Stallion has one of the best flows in the rap game (period) and she's an ultrastrong powerhouse of a woman." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Good News by Megan Thee Stallion ($8) or stream it.

"OK, technically, this is an EP, but it's too good to leave out. Chika has been grinding for a long time, but I'm glad that she finally reached a career breakthrough this year. Industry Games boasts both confidence and humility, conviction and doubt. I love that Chika is aware of her talents and isn't afraid to let them shine — because when you have a rap flow like hers, you have to share it with the world — but she's also open about going through moments of frustration and internal struggles. Through it all, she has divine faith that keeps her steady, and that's something that I admire and relate to." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Industry Games by Chika ($6) or stream it.

"The day Halsey dropped Manic, I'm pretty sure I listened to it on repeat all day because I couldn't get over how much it resonated with me. The sound of the album is all over the place in a way that really captures the overlying theme of mental health and makes each song feel like its own mood-based diary entry. I've been a fan of Halsey's poetic lyrics for a while, but songs like 'Graveyard' and 'Clementine' really stand out as some of her most heartfelt songs to date. Also, I'm not a fan of country music but 'You Should Be So Sad' is my sixth most listened to song of 2020, and that's not for nothing. All in all, this is definitely my favourite album of the year." — Chanel Vargas, editorial assistant, trending and viral features

Purchase Manic by Halsey ($11) or stream it.

"We know Parx is a masterful songwriter who has penned hits for artists such as Ariana Grande and Panic! At The Disco, but we also need to give her acclaim for her own songs. Coping Mechanisms is a delightful LP, even though (or because?) it talks a lot about relationship shortcomings. Whether you're harboring ill will toward someone who hurt you or admitting your own liabilities, there's a track on this album for practically any romance-related emotion. My top picks? 'System,' 'Fixerupper,' 'Residue,' and 'Justified, which features the amazing Tank and the Bangas." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Coping Mechanisms by Tayla Parx ($8) or stream it.

"Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple is a rhythmic force of an album. To me, this record is all about someone who has been underestimated, dismissed, and gaslit deciding they've had enough. It was a cathartic message to hear in 2020, a tough year filled with plenty of injustices to be angry about." — Lisa Peterson, senior manager, social media

Purchase Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple ($11) or stream it.

"When The Weeknd dropped After Hours, I did not know what to expect. I initially wasn't a fan of the first single, but after he performed 'Scared to Live' on Saturday Night Live, I knew the album was going to get me in my feelings, and I was right. The Weeknd has a way with making heartbreak sound so beautiful that you actually forget that's what he's singing about. To say that I listened to this album on repeat is an understatement. So much so that it was no surprise that 'After Hours' was my most listened to song of the year. Other standout tracks include 'Hardest to Love,' 'In Your Eyes,' and 'Nothing Compares.'" — Monica Sisavat, editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase After Hours by The Weeknd ($12) or stream it.

"What can I say about Lipa's Future Nostalgia? The word 'iconic' comes to mind. This was one of the first major album drops that happened near the beginning of COVID-19 shutdowns, and it kept me from going stir-crazy. From the pop-synth '80s influences (you can't tell me 'Break My Heart' doesn't draw from Queen's 'Another One Bites the Dust') to Lipa's all-too-relatable attitude toward love and relationships, I love this project wholeheartedly. Throughout the spring and summer, I'd actually listen to this and Jessie Reyez's debut LP Before Love Came to Kill Us (which came out on the same day) back to back . . . to back. And I also learned a portion of 'Love Again' on the keyboard. Hands down, it's my favourite song off the album, as well as my second-most-played song of the year on Spotify." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa ($10) or stream it.

"I discovered Phoebe Bridgers's Punisher later in the year, and I'm still kicking myself because I could've had more listening time if I'd only started sooner. The album allows Bridgers's aptitude for storytelling to shine in moving, and, at times, haunting tracks with vivid imagery that'll leave you on an emotional brink." — Karenna Meredith, associate editor, trending and viral features

Purchase Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers ($10) or stream it.

"What I love most about Reyez's music is that it's very multidimensional, and Before Love Came to Kill Us exemplifies that. In her debut album, she showcases her signature swagger and self-assertive inclinations but also peels back those layers to reveal scars and vulnerabilities that even the strongest person must fight to deal with and overcome. This album, along with Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia, also helped me immensely near the beginning of the pandemic and social distancing. As soon as I started to feel antsy about staying indoors indefinitely, I just played this LP and submerged myself in the music as a mental getaway." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Before Love Came to Kill Us by Jessie Reyez ($10) or stream it.

"Taylor Swift truly gave us a musical masterpiece with her surprise album, Folklore, proving yet again that she's the gift that keeps on giving. With such sharp lyrics and dreamy melodies, each song is even more enchanting than the next. After 2020, Folklore was the perfect escape this year, like a cosy cardigan that warms your soul." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

"As a die-hard Swiftie, I know what to expect when it comes to Taylor's album releases. There's much pomp and circumstance, generally a brand new Instagram aesthetic teased months before (sometimes accompanied by a full social media blackout), and Easter eggs dropping left and right leaving us to theorize our minds away. But on July 24th, a simple tweet changed all of that. The drop of her album Folklore really got me and my friends through so much. We had a virtual listening party at midnight, and, to this day, it's one of the best nights of my life. I'm not sure I'll ever feel that unexpected high ever again." — Charisandra Perez

Purchase Folklore by Taylor Swift ($13) or stream it.

"When Taylor Swift announced she was releasing another album this year, I couldn't imagine how it would top Folklore, but it did just that. Just like she said in her prologue letter, Evermore takes us deeper into the mystical forest that she established in Folklore with even more dazzling tunes and heartbreaking lyrics. Like many other Swifties, I've always felt a special connection with Swift's music, and I know for certain that will continue for 'evermore.'" — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Evermore by Taylor Swift ($10) or stream it.

"El Último Tour del Mundo is a thrilling sonic experience as Bad Bunny converges rock, hip-hop, electronic, and R&B. I'm especially obsessed with the steamy track 'La Noche De Anoche,' featuring Rosalía. I love the way their energy bounces off each other and how their voices meld together against the jaunty beat." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase El Último Tour del Mundo by Bad Bunny ($8) or stream it.

"There's something so soothing about Kevin Parker's voice. I've been a fan since his Innerspeaker days, and he never ceases to amaze me with every album that he puts out. While I wasn't able to see him perform live again this year, I'm forever grateful that he put out this album in 2020. I've lost track of how many times I've screamed the lyrics 'I'm about to do something crazy, no more delayin' / No destiny is too far' from 'Instant Destiny' at the top of my lungs. 'On Track' tugs at my heartstrings, especially with everything that has taken place this year — it gave me hope." — Nikita Charuza, editor, fashion

Purchase The Slow Rush by Tame Impala ($10) or stream it.

"Sometimes, all I want to do is talk about Thundercat and the overall good vibes I get from listening to this genius bass-playing wizard. I've totally turned into a misanthrope over the last several months and tend to avoid going outdoors, but when I do decide to take random walks around my neighbourhood, the chances that I'm listening to It Is What It Is while doing so are very high." — Samantha Sasso, editor, branded content

Purchase It Is What It Is by Thundercat ($9) or stream it.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think that Sawayama was released in the late '90s or early 2000s. It gives a lot of Y2K vibes in a really good, escapist kind of way. And I love that she has a strong sense of identity and thought. I'm excited to hear what other R&B-pop jams Sawayama will have to offer in future projects." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Sawayama by Rina Sawayama ($7) or stream it.

"It's nearly impossible for me to listen to Blackpink's The Album without getting up and grooving. Between 'How You Like That' and 'Pretty Savage,' this LP offers the perfect collection of bops to blast when you just want to let go and have a blast." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase The Album by Blackpink ($8) or stream it.

"Mother Monster blasted us into another world with Chromatica, and I don't think I'll ever return to Earth. It's a shame that we didn't get to hit the club and dance to bops like 'Alice,' 'Stupid Love,' 'Enigma,' and 'Rain on Me,' but Gaga at least gave us something fun and upbeat amid a tough year." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Chromatica by Lady Gaga ($12) or stream it.

"Grande's openness, honesty, and vocal aesthetic continue to be some of her biggest enchantments on Positions. Whether she's talking about some risqué moves in the bedroom, soul-searching, or her daily schedule — which involves team meetings, meditation, and studio sessions — Grande finds a way to make every subject matter feel both relatable and covetous. Additionally, her catchy hooks, poised punchlines, and fun rhythms work well together for the 41-minute collection of silky tunes." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Positions by Ariana Grande ($12) or stream it.

"If I could bottle this album up and use it in my skin-care routine, I would, because I'm sure it'd leave me glowing. I genuinely believe that Chilombo has some palliated effect, which is partially attributed Aiko's inclusion of sound healing crystal alchemy singing bowls. But, make no mistake, her sleek cadences are calming on their own, and they leave me in serenity." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Chilombo by Jhené Aiko ($12) or stream it.

"Because dropping one album in 2020 wasn't enough, BTS also graced fans with BE — an eight-track LP with both smooth tunes and upbeat dance bops. Melodies like 'Life Goes On,' 'Fly to My Room,' and 'Blue & Grey' are great wind-down songs while titles such as 'Stay' and 'Dynamite' always prompt me to have a one-woman party in my living room." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase BE by BTS ($9) or stream it.

"I'm still confused as to why on God's green Earth there were no women nominated for a Grammy in the best R&B album category for the 2021 ceremony, especially when LPs like The Album exist. In the words of Taylor's good friend Cardi B, 'What was the reason?!' But before I go off on a rant, let me just say that this project is cocoa butter for the soul. From the production to the vocals to the essence, Taylor paints an enlightening self-portrait that reflects some of her most meaningful values, including family, love, and sexuality. This intimately sophisticated collection of tracks is worthy of acclaim. And while I support Taylor's decision to retire from the music industry to do what's best for her, I sure hope this isn't the end of her symphonic career." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase The Album by Teyana Taylor ($12) or stream it.

"Beyoncé already gave us The Lion King: The Gift in 2019, but, of course, she took it up a notch this year with the deluxe edition. The new version features all of the tracks from the initial release sans interludes from Disney's live-action The Lion King. The latest project also includes both the original 'Black Parade' track, which Bey dropped on Juneteenth, and the song's extended version that boasts the marching band sound that Beyoncé loves to incorporate in her music. After experiencing this LP — and its corresponding film, Black Is King — I knew that somehow, someway, we were going to make it through 2020." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase The Lion King: The Gift [Deluxe Edition] by Beyoncé ($13) or stream it.

"Selena Gomez gave us some fun bops ahead of the release of Rare, but I wasn't ready for how emotional the album would actually be. 'People You Know' is absolutely devastating in the most beautiful way possible. She really put her heart on the line for this album, and I love her even more for it." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Rare by Selena Gomez ($10) or stream it.

"To Feel Love/d is an evocative ode to romance, intimacy, and cherishing. It's rich in soul and passion, creating a warm listen that wraps you in solace and, fittingly, love." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase To Feel Love/d by Luke James ($10) or stream it.

"Nas proved yet again why his legendary status is secured when he released King's Disease. With kinetic beats and rhythms, pointed lyrics, and complementary features — which includes Foxy Brown, Big Sean, and Anderson .Paak – the New York native sits high on his hip-hop throne while staying connected to his roots and the ethos of Black introspection." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase King's Disease by Nas ($10) or stream it.

"Shoot For the Stars, Aim For the Moon released in July, and as Pop Smoke's debut studio album and, tragically, his first posthumous project, the album held a heavy weight. With 34 songs on the deluxe version (19 on the initial release), this album bears his legacy proudly. He incorporated old-school sounds on 'The Woo' with 50 Cent and Roddy Ricch, he slowed it down in 'Mood Swings' with Lil Tjay and 'What You Know Bout Love,' and teamed up with rappers Lil Baby and DaBaby on 'For the Night.' With so many impressive features on the album, it's no surprise that all 19 songs on Shoot For the Stars, Aim For the Moon made it to the Billboard Hot 100. — Perri Konecky, editor, trending and viral features

Purchase Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon by Pop Smoke ($12) or stream it.

"5 Seconds of Summer has come a long way since 2011, and their latest album is solid proof of that. With Calm, the group reinvented themselves yet again by taking on an edgier sound with tracks like 'Easier' and 'Teeth.' However, they still stayed true to their roots with catchy tracks like 'Not in the Same Way' and 'Old Me,' which literally pays tribute to their past in the music video." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Calm by 5 Seconds of Summer ($10) or stream it.

"It Was Good Until It Wasn't feels like an immersive storybook that you don't want to end. Between Kehlani's soothing voice and the scrupulous auditory elements, this album and its exploration of love is R&B at its finest. To put it concisely, Kehlani did that." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase It Was Good Until It Wasn't by Kehlani ($10) or stream it.

"I never thought I'd be the kind of person who would say, 'This insert-album-name-here changed my life,' but this album changed my life. Correction: all of The 1975's albums have changed my life, but Matty Healy had us waiting on this one for a very long time, so when it arrived, I was immediately emotionally attached; I can quite literally feel 'Frail State Of Mind' in my bones." — Samantha Sasso, editor, branded content

Purchase Notes on a Conditional Form by The 1975 ($12) or stream it.

"There's some discourse surrounding whether or not this album is cohesive enough because there are a variety of sounds and elements. I can definitely understand if the variation in components comes off as muddled, but I, personally, don't think Forward Motion Godyssey is disjointed. It's strung together by psychedelia and explorations of the unknown and uncertain. Overall, the hallucinatory quality makes it a great LP to escape into. My favourite track is 'How Do You Feel' — my most-played song on Spotify this year — followed closely by 'In a Paraside' and 'Damaged Goods.'" — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Forward Motion Godyssey by Post Animal ($10) or stream it.

"The sound of the cheering crowd at the beginning of this live album nearly made me cry because, wow, I miss concerts. At the same time, listening to Live at the Royal Albert Hall gave me a burst of energy, as if it actually transported me to the London venue where singer Alex Turner brought the house down with rousing performances of the band's greatest hits, including, 'Do I Wanna Know?,' 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?,' 'Arabella,' 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,' and 'R U Mine?' To say that this LP lifted my spirits would be an understatement, and what makes it even better is that proceeds made from purchasing the album or streaming it will go toward benefiting the charity War Child UK." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Live at the Royal Albert Hall by Arctic Monkeys ($15) or stream it.

"TeaMarrr's latest project bursts with personality, humour, and self-awareness. Developing emotional attachments in relationships isn't necessarily her forte, and I love that she owns that. I've probably played 'One Job,' in particular, too much, but I just love her wit and sharp quips." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Before I Spill Myself by TeaMarrr ($8) or stream it.

"This breezy pop album is a strong sophomore project for Utah-based band The Aces. You can tell that they poured themselves into it as they discuss different facets of getting over someone, falling for someone, and embracing who you are. Singer Cristal Ramirez even described the LP's creation as 'a spiritual experience' and 'natural self-expression that was meant to be.' While 'Daydream' is probably the most popular track — and for good reason because it slaps — my favourite songs are 'My Phone Is Trying to Kill Me,' 'Can You Do,' and 'All Mean Nothing.'" — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Under My Influence by The Aces ($10) or stream it.

"Hawke's debut album is an airy sedative — in the best way possible — laced with delicate vocals and commanding songwriting. It's a strong inauguration that leaves plenty of room for growth on Hawke's behalf, as well as hopeful anticipation within the listener." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Blush by Maya Hawke ($9) or stream it.

"Before this release, it had been eight years since Busta Rhymes's last album. Despite the long wait, this one came at the right time with the help of musical heavyweights such as Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross, and Q-Tip. An exploration of faith, human connection, and impending doom, Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God is an apocalyptic LP that's right on brand with 2020." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God by Busta Rhymes ($7) or stream it.

"The Strokes first released their single 'At the Door' from this album in February, and I listened to it on the subway while crossing over the Williamsburg Bridge into Manhattan. It was ruminative and redolent of past struggles, and it nearly brought me to tears. When the LP finally dropped, I wasn't disappointed. Right away, I knew that the cover art featured a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting (it's the late creative's 1981's work 'Bird on Money,' to be exact), so that was already a major bonus point in favour of the New York band. I'd be lying if I said I thought The New Abnormal was objectively amazing, but I also can't deny that it's reminiscent of a pivotal time in my life, which gave it an emotional impact that stuck with me. Besides, Julian Casablancas's falsetto in 'The Adults Are Talking' should make up for anything that's lacking within the album." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase The New Abnormal by The Strokes ($10) or stream it.

"Horan's second studio album is a breath of fresh air. I don't necessarily want to play it on repeat all the time, but listening to it every now and then makes me happy, and that counts for a lot, especially this year." — Brea Cubit, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Heartbreak Weather by Niall Horan ($12) or stream it.

"I'm a longtime fan of Us the Duo, and they really came into their own their Up Until Now album. In their own words, it really gets to the 'true core of who they are' with uplifting tracks about their family and love, as well as some special nods to their past, including a wedding version of their hit 'No Matter Where You Are.' With comforting melodies and soft vocals from Carissa and Michael, it was the perfect album to listen to this summer as I basked in the sun." — Kelsie Gibson, editor, celebrity and entertainment

Purchase Up Until Now by Us the Duo ($10) or stream it.