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A Defining Year in Music
2020 was a year of upheaval—socially, politically, and musically. As the world stood still, artists created albums that captured uncertainty, reinvention, and raw emotion. Five years later, these records remain just as compelling, not just as time capsules of an era but as defining moments in their creators' careers—shaping genres and inspiring a new wave of artists.
Mac Miller – Circles
Circles is more than an album—it’s a farewell. Released posthumously, it solidifies Mac Miller’s evolution from frat-rap to introspective, genre-blending artistry. Building on the jazzy, experimental sounds of Swimming (2018), this album showcased Mac at his most vulnerable, with lo-fi production and stripped-down songwriting. Tracks like "Good News" and "Everybody" felt eerily prophetic, cementing the album as a heartbreaking but beautiful sendoff. It reshaped how posthumous albums are handled, honoring Mac’s artistic vision and further cementing his legacy as one of his generation’s most beloved and influential alternative hip-hop artists.
Adrianne Lenker – songs
songs is an exercise in intimacy. Recorded in isolation, it distills folk music to its essence—raw guitar, whispery vocals, and piercingly honest lyrics. Tracks like "anything" and "not a lot, just forever" are almost achingly beautiful, proving that simplicity can be a profound tool in songwriting. The album resonated deeply with those craving warmth and sincerity in a disconnected world, establishing Lenker as one of modern folk’s most vital voices and setting a new standard for emotionally charged, minimalist storytelling.
Jean Dawson – Pixel Bath
With the boundary-pushing, Pixel Bath, Jean Dawson crafted an album that merged hyperpop, punk, indie rock, and rap into something unpredictable yet cohesive. Songs like "Power Freaks" and "Triple Double" sound like transmissions from the future—a chaotic but intentional explosion of sound. With its genre-agnostic energy, Pixel Bath positioned Dawson as a fearless innovator who helped redefine the rules of experimental music, inspiring a wave of artists blending punk and hip-hop aesthetics.
Dominic Fike – What Could Possibly Go Wrong
Dominic Fike’s studio debut was both highly anticipated and divisive. While some felt it didn’t fully capture the potential of his earlier Don’t Forget About Me, Demos (2018), the album undeniably showcased his ability to craft earworm melodies and genre-fluid songs. Tracks like "Chicken Tenders" and "Politics & Violence" demonstrated his knack for catchy yet emotionally resonant songwriting. While not an instant classic, the album laid the groundwork for Fike’s hybrid pop-rock-meets-R&B sound, proving he was more than just a viral hitmaker.
The Strokes – The New Abnormal
When The Strokes returned with The New Abnormal, it felt like a band rediscovering its purpose. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album saw them embracing a more polished, synth-infused sound while retaining their signature garage rock roots. Tracks like "Bad Decisions" and "At the Door" proved that The Strokes could still innovate without losing what made them great. Winning a Grammy for Best Rock Album, The New Abnormal reaffirmed The Strokes’ relevance and enduring influence on indie rock.
Steve Lacy – The Lo-Fis
Less a traditional album than a collection of old demos and previously unreleased tracks, The Lo-Fis resonated by offering a raw glimpse into Steve Lacy’s creative process. As an artist who thrives in imperfection, Lacy turned sketches into something captivating, furthering his reputation as a DIY innovator. The release built a bridge between Apollo XXI (2019) and Gemini Rights (2022), reinforcing his lo-fi aesthetic while cementing him as a key player in modern indie R&B.
Omar Apollo – Apolonio
Apolonio was a major breakthrough for Omar Apollo, merging funk, R&B, and indie in a way that felt completely effortless. Songs like "Kamikaze" and "Want U Around" dripped with charisma, proving Apollo wasn’t just an indie darling—he was a rising star. The project helped pave the way for Latinx alternative artists breaking into the mainstream, advancing queer and Latinx representation in alternative R&B.
Brent Faiyaz – F**k the World
Brent Faiyaz took toxic R&B to new heights with F**k the World. This project felt like a manifesto of self-indulgence, full of lyrics dripping with arrogance, regret, and self-awareness all at once. Songs like "Clouded" and "Been Away" showcased his ability to make toxicity sound irresistibly smooth. The album helped define the sound of alternative R&B in the 2020s—moody, atmospheric, and unapologetically self-centered—cementing Faiyaz as a leader in the genre.
Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher
Punisher wasn’t just an album; it was an emotional wrecking ball. Bridgers perfected melancholic storytelling, crafting songs that felt deeply personal yet universally resonant. Tracks like "Kyoto" and "I Know the End" became anthems of existential dread wrapped in gorgeous arrangements. The album didn’t just solidify Bridgers as one of indie music’s most important voices—it helped reshape perceptions of indie folk and rock, proving they could be as influential as mainstream pop.
Lasting Impact
These albums weren’t just momentary successes; they shaped the musical landscape in lasting ways. Whether through raw emotion (Punisher, songs), fearless experimentation (Pixel Bath, The Lo-Fis), or reinvention (The New Abnormal, Circles), these albums remain essential—not just for nostalgia but for their lasting impact on modern music. Five years later, their influence still reverberates, inspiring the next wave of artists to create with authenticity and boldness.
