IEYL’s 2020 Music Roundup

A compilation of this year’s best music

What a year it has been! If anything has stayed constant in 2020, it has been music. Unfortunately, musicians’ touring schedules have been overwhelmingly restricted. This has negatively affected their revenue generation and audience growth. However, many musicians have created more and put out a ton of music. As a ferocious consumer of the art, I’ve been well fed.

Music has been there to confirm my fears, lift my mood, and explain abstract ideas. It’s been a friend and a reliable source of entertainment for many. So, what are my thoughts about the BEST music this year? This article is my attempt to articulate those opinions. I’ve detailed my favorite 15 songs and albums. Furthermore, I’ve included special categories like Rookie of the year, veteran of the year, best live album, and, my personal favorite category, artist of the year.

I hope you are satisfied with this list. There may be new faces in here for you. I promise that they are well worth the discovery. In short, sit back, grab a snack, open some YouTube/Spotify tabs and explore If Ever Your Listening’s 2020 Music Roundup!

Rookie Of The Year

David Keenan

David Keenan is a great young folk soloist from the cobbled stoned streets of Dundalk. He started off the year strong with an incredible debut album. A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery unraveled his unforgiving upbringing and resilient spirit. David has a gift for storytelling. He magnificently strung together complicated emotions and ideas into elegant prose. The cavernous album paints a vivid picture of David’s worldview.

Although COVID cut his tour short he continued creating in 2020. By the second half of the year he released a wonderfully personal live album and poetry book. The poetry book, Soundings of an Unnamed Bird sold out almost immediately and contained all new lyrics. His live album, Alchemy & Prose adds new grit and shape to his impactful debut. It also contains songs from his previous string of EP’s. His new film, also titled Alchemy & Prose, chronicles his rise through the Irish folk scene.

2020 featured David’s growth from relative regional presence to folk mainstay. He has taken the rest of the year off to work on the follow up to A Beginners Guide. David has earned rookie of the year through his consistent quality art creation. As the film hits the internet David closes the first chapter of his rags-to-riches career.

Honorable Mentions:

• Orion Sun
• Arlo Parks

Best Live Album

Evoluiu (ao Vivo)- MC Kevin o Chris

MC Kevin o Chris is the de facto King of Funk Carioca in Brazil. His story began in 2014. At the time, he was DJing in Duque de Caxias, his home town, and making a name for himself. His beats, along with his partner, DJ Davinzho o Greg, were faster than usual. The 150 BPM sub category of funk took funk Carioca by storm by 2018. His incredible work ethic and touring schedule made him a major figure in the Brazilian Funk scene. With chart-topping singles like “Vamos Pra Gaiola” and “Ella e o Tipo” he became the center of the country’s pop world. By 2019 he was getting invited by Post Malone to guest perform at Lollapalooza and received an official guest verse by Drake. Evoluiu, or evolved, is Kevin’s first live album. It also represents his growth in recent years.

The one hour and eighteen minute celebration features lively audience members and a tirade of anthemic jams. Kevin also recruits popular guests like Wesley Safadao, Orochi and Gaab. His brand of Funk Carioca is beautifully energizing and exhilarating. Kevin also has fantastic chemistry with the audience. The live album never lets up. It is a thrilling experience. If you are unfamiliar with MC Kevin or Brazilian Funk in general, Evoluiu is a great place to start. The genre’s drum pattern may surprise you at first. It can be a little overwhelming. However, once you understand the musician’s melodies and flows, the music is intoxicating. Evoluiu is miles ahead of any live album I’ve experienced this year. It is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. MC Kevin o Chris is an international pop sensation with a country behind his back. The larger than life character is one artist to look out for in 2021. He has another live concert show coming up. If Evoluiu is any indicator, it will be well worth the listen.

Honorable Mentions:

• Live and Stripped by BANKS
• Look At Me Don’t Look At Me by Mountain Man

Songs of the Year

15. Aeroplane Bathroom — Gordi

On “Aeroplane Bathroom” Gordi is dealing with grief. That depressing solemn feeling is expressed through Gordi’s shaking vocals and the instrumental’s slow keys. I highly recommend letting this song wrap itself around you. It’s all-consuming ambiance is emotionally satisfying and ends with the peacefulness of a good therapy session.

14. Speak — Jhene Aiko

Chilombo promoted self-happiness and self-love. After the pain shared on “Triggered” and “None of Your Concern” comes Speak. It is a gorgeous cut that features heavenly chords and Jhene’s fluttering vocals. After putting on a disapproved dress Jhene gains back some of her confidence and swears to continue putting on her “free”. In other words, speak positive energy onto your life and the rest will follow.

13. People I’ve been sad — Christine and the Queens

In between glittering trap drums and bouncy drums Christine unleashes her anthem-ready vocals. “People” was an unexpected foreshadowing of the year. It came out right before COVID hit the states and couldn’t have been a clearer warning. Christine continues to do a great job at creating accessible danceable bilingual hits.

12. Cayendo (Acoustic)- Frank Ocean

When Frank lays acoustic confessionals over unplugged instrumentals he is at his best. Who knew it would sound even better in Spanish? “Cayendo” was one of Frank’s sporadic drops in 2020. On “Cayendo” he is battling rejection. He is clearly upset with what comes after, because, as he says, he still really really loves his ex. This song is a great partner to be vulnerable with.

11. Only You Freestyle — Headie One ft. Drake

Headie One and Drake tackle this airy drill beat like a comet plummeting earth. They both spit with unbelievable ferocity and urgency. It’s quiet the lyrical banger. Each of their verses stretch over a minute and thirty seconds in length. Packed with bravado, these MC’s have a lot of chest-pumping to do. While Drake airs grievances against a slew of foes Headie exercises drill pomp and circumstances.

10. Delete Forever — Grimes

At first listen, the banjo sounds terribly out of place. What is it doing in this synth-pop song? However, like the idea of death, we get used to it over time. Moreover, the banjo starts to become the glue to the song. It turns into the most logical instrument to place in that section of the track. Grimes made “Delete Forever” to salve her feelings after the the death of several close friends in a short period of time. Hopefully, like when i hear that banjo now at the beginning of the track, she thinks about them with a smirk.

9. Lilacs — Waxahatchee

Waxahathee’s beautiful melodies and the chorus’s heart-warming sentiment allays our greatest fears. “Lilacs” sound like flowers blooming at the dawn of Spring. The descriptive lyrics signal the physical reaction to love. It is both disabling and haunting, but also inviting. Love is something worth surrendering to.

8. Invisible String — Taylor Swift

This song is just downright pretty. Reflecting on Taylor’s impeccable 2020 projects, Folklore and Evermore, it is exciting to hear her story on “Invisible String”. Most of the other tracks were from the point of view of fictional characters. With “Invisible String” we hear Swift return with characteristic wit and playful stories. This dazzling tune feels like a conversation with an old friend.

7. Paris — Saint Saviour

Saint’s heavenly vocals naturally blend with the elegant chords on “Paris”. The arrangement features many fun and creative sounds. This sophisticated listen represents the best of baroque pop. It’s full of ear-grabbing instruments from all parts of the sound stage.

6.. Ring — Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso does something rare on “Ring’s” chorus. Amelia’s vocals drop as the hook moves on. The following verses therefore start from this tranquil place. The peace is met by a meditative helicopter sounding drum pattern. “Ring” feels like pure bliss and represents Sylvan’s versatile singing abilities.

5. Unkind — Kacy Hill

Kacy’s voice is her greatest weapon. She wields it with soaring grace on this protective single. “Unkind” represents saving yourself from future disappointment. At the first sign of unkind behavior, Kacy pledges to leave. The song features satisfying drums and a stunning outro.

4. Falling Apart — Slow Pulp

“Falling Apart” demonstrates the feeling of interminable depression. Nothing seems to be going right. It also doesn’t look like it ever will. This is the opposite of a pep talk, it is a resounding and successful buzz kill. Despite its melancholy theme, “Falling Apart” sounds gorgeously serene and features soothing strings and drums.

3. Eugene — Arlo Parks

“Eugene” is devastatingly sad. Arlo Parks has proved herself throughout the year with gripping intimate singer songwriter tunes. Among her singles, Eugene reigns supreme. Her relatable unrequited love bleeds through her whispery vocals and slick chorus. It’ll be hard to hear a better description of friend-turned-lover-turned-stranger.

2. Garden Song — Phoebe Bridges

On top of murky chords Phoebe croons with yearning passion. “Garden Song” reflects her fears and motivations. From awkward movie dreams to flatbeds Phoebe writes with eye-grabbing clarity. This unnoticeable ambitious tune is steeped in creative imagery. Sometimes, she blames it on the water. However, over time, Phoebe believes everything she wants will come into fruition.

1. Anything — Adrianne Lenker

‘I don’t want to talk about anything, i don’t want to talk about anything, i want to kiss kiss your eyes again, wanna witness your eyes looking.’ These love-soaked lyrics bring comfort in our hyperactive, tumultuous world. This song calls for relaxation and adoration. The mesmerizing chords set a calming backdrop for Lenker’s vivid songwriting.

Honorable Mentions:

• 929 — Halsey
• Deep Pockets — Drake
• Origin Of The World — David Keenan
• Never Want To Be In Love — Savanah’s Conley
• The Next Fix — Crack Cloud

Veteran Of The Year

Fiona Apple

Whenever Fiona drops it feels like no time has passed. However, its been eight years since the critically acclaimed The Idler Wheel arrived. Her presence was needed and felt eerily prescient in 2020. The legendary baroque pop singer-songwriter returned with the raw and gripping Fetch The Bolt Cutters. The album was passionately intimate. We got to see more behind the curtains details about Fiona’s elusive life. Her phenomenal songwriting has also improved with time. She gave us deliciously dramatic tales from middle age. There were a lot of harsh moments to unpack on Fetch but one thing was sure. Fiona has not lost her free spirit thought-provoking curiosity.

Fetch has been applauded across most publications and for good reason. Songs like “Shameika” are a therapists dreams. “Ladies” provides a refreshing take on women empowerment. Fiona’s layered harmonies on opener “I Want You To Love Me” is reminiscent of Idler. Fetch gives significant insight into life in your 40’s. There is still a lot to learn and room to improve. Musically, like Fiona, you can find new ways to create and unpack your life’s story.

Honorable Mention:

• Kathleen Edwards
• Eminem

Artist Of The Year

Amelia Meath

Its Amelia’s boundless work ethic that makes her IEYL’s top artist of 2020. She has produced quality content for two groups, including concert movies, two live albums, 1 new studio album, 1 EP, a podcast, and a slew of singles. She masterfully balanced serene folk music with Mountain Man and transcended electro-pop through Sylvan Esso. Her industry friendships extend to fantastic musicians like Moses Somney, who directed Sylvan Esso’s music video for “Frequency”. Up to 2020, most of Amelia’s time was dedicated to Sylvan Esso. Along with Molly and Alexandra she recently put out a Mountain Man album in 2018 titled Magic Ship. This album resurrected new life into the former triplet and featured euphoric Americana folk music.

This year Mountain Man continued their 2019 tradition of innovative and varied covers. They reimagined songs from artists like Wilco, Neil Young, and Simple Gifts. In the covers they maintained their calming and soothing style. In the summer they surprised fans with the transcendent live album Look at Me Don’t Look at Me. This album sparkled with the spiritual warmth of church. They performed music from their first two albums at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Throughout the 27 track experience the girls bantered and shared deeply personal stories.

Mountain Man’s 2020 output would have more than satisfied Amelia’s fans. However, her fans also received the wave of new music and projects from Sylvan Esso. The WITH Live Concert Film was gorgeously filmed and artfully directed. It welcomed fans into personal conversations between Amelia and Nick. Their inhibitions and excitements were public for the world to consume. There was also unexpected Mountain Man content to enjoy as well. There was plenty of close intimate backstage moments and simple gaming scenes to satisfy all types of audiences. The accompanying live album was brilliant and shared a glimpse of their fun live performances. They really spoiled their fans at this point, but there was more coming. In late September they dropped their third project Free Love to critical acclaim. This short and sweet album breathed new life into the electronic duo. Their music left the concert-ready dance interludes behind and welcomed more restrained synths and stunning vocals. Amelia definitely shined more on this project. Their was no massive chorus’s like “Die Young” and “H.S.K.T.” . Instead, they adopted smooth and subtle trap drums on songs like “Ring” and restrained bangers like “Runaway”. Free Love is one of the most accessible pop albums of 2020. Also, their podcast broke the fourth wall of their music. The stories they tell are so intimate it feels invasive. The album was made up of distant and disparate ideas. Even though the podcast isn’t cohesive it adds texture and context to the album. After listening to Shaking Out The Numb the songs sound three dimensional and more human.

Amelia is in a creative zone. Her massive outpouring of context was a real treat to receive. As a fan, it feels so good to hear her at a new creative peak. In 2020, she balanced two contradictory genre groups with ease and passion. It will take me years to fully appreciate the breadth of music, videos, and podcast she released. Maybe one day, I’ll make sense of the sheer weight of it all. Until then, I’ll categorize it as love-themed. She put love and vulnerability ahead of everything. She led with it, and she continues to push good positive energy out into the world. This bright and inspiring vision signals the best in all of us.

Honorable Mentions:

• Taylor Swift
• Lil Uzi Vert

Top Albums

15. Fetch the Bolt Cutters — Fiona Apple

On Fetch Fiona expands her radical independence into her 40’s. This confidence, freeing, and gorgeous album feels alive. Throughout the album we hear the growth of her famous elusive and self-reliant personality. For example, we learn about Shameika’s impact on Fiona’s self-confidence. There are wondrous and tragic love songs woven into several patches of the album. “Cosmonauts” is a dark bluesy tale of monogamy. On “Drumset”, Fiona’s wants and needs collide ferociously against those of her lover.

Despite life’s hardships, Fetch is undeniable filled with fortitude. Fiona’s boldness and firmness survives all the upsets. She also takes the reigns of the production. The album has a live feel. It is filled with the personality and natural hiccups of live music. Furthermore, Fetch represents fearlessness. Don’t be a afraid to take power into your own hands. The results won’t always be pretty, but you’ll be better off in the long run. Fiona also fabulously taps into art-rock, reggae, blues, soul, jazz and a plethora of genre fusions. The level of care and thought in the album made the wait absolutely worth it.

14. The Fallen Crimson — envy

The band is back together. After a troublesome karaoke phase frontman Tetsuya Fukagawa has returned. The melodic hardcore band has united to make one of the most expansive albums of 2020. Their veteran status has enabled them to address the subtly of soft rock grace and ferocity of screamo with equal rigor.

The Fallen Crimson’s vivid lyricism showcases the depth of their emotional trials. For example, “Hikari” describes rebirth through morning metaphors and helplessness through pouring rain. While the Japanese translations aren’t always linear the feeling is felt through the imagery. “Swaying Leaves” carries hopes and dreams for the future. This is juxtaposed against a “bloodless” world.

Envy searches for meaning and optimism in a dismal environment. As they navigate hopelessness and pain they grow to appreciate the little gifts in everyday life.

13. Miss Anthropocene — Grimes

On Miss Anthropocene Grimes turns tragedy into beauty. The strikingly gorgeous album is weighed down by heavy-hearted lyrics and topics. Grimes is wrestling with loss, pain, and rejection at every corner of the album. However, the music sounds overwhelmingly positive.

In addition to the dark subject matter the album is magnificently spacey. The synths and background vocals are mixed wonderfully and give off hypnotic vibes. “Delete Forever” is tethered to the earth by a single Banjo. Moreover, “IDORU” features earth bound birds chirping. Other than these earthly noises the synths and rhythms are otherworldly. For example “IDORU” features Grimes’ angelic upper register and an euphoric outro. “Violence” has a psychedelic atmosphere. It sounds like we’re practically in space.

Miss Anthropocene is musical escapism. It floats above earthly problems and finds the silver linings. Grimes gives into her feelings no matter the conflict. The album feels freeing because it gives up on perfection. On this stellar album Grimes gives herself a break and becomes a North Star for many people in pain.

12. Songs — Adrianne Lenker

Like nature, Songs is simultaneously simplistic and intricately nuanced. Adrianne wastes very few lines on each delicately crafted line. Thematically, she explores different close relationships. For instance, she captures true unwavering love on “Anything” and pure friendship on “My Angel”. The album is as calming as a spiring day walk in the park.

Adrianne continues to make genre-leading contemporary folk music. Despite her hurried output the quality never diminishes. In fact, Songs might be her best album. It will take a couple years to fully digest and appreciate the imagery behind each track. Powerful thoughtful analogies are her strong suit.

Songs is an intentionally vague title. It invites the listener to visit each song and unearth its meaning. Lines like ‘closest friend invisibly’ subtly signal distance with a childhood friend. When she refuses to be the owner of your fantasy on “Anything” she indirectly deny’s responsibility for squandering her lovers dreams, if they never achieve them. Consider Songs a masterful representative of folk’s current peak.

11. Moveys — Slow Pulp

Slow Pulp really grows as a group on Moveys. The album’s wide range of sounds is kept together through Emily’s soft and intimate vocals. This project feels up close and personal. Their stories shake with the vulnerability of a secret. They weren’t just repeating past glory on Moveys, they were coming up with a grander, cleaner sound.

There’s a lot to be desired on this album. Slow Pulp dives into funk-influenced drums on “Moveys” and 90’s alternative rock with “At It Again”. Emily’s whispery presence matches the songs melancholy ambiance. There isn’t a lot to smile about. The band therapeutically created music this album cycle as they navigates through two years of tragedy. Growing up together, the group sounds comfortable sitting in each others misery. Hopefully, by the end you are more comfortable facing your pain too.

10. Women in Music Pt. III — Haim

Haim has dropped their impressive third album with Women in Music Pt. III. The pop-rock sister group expanded their sound and brought listeners closer into their personal lives. Haim has always been critically acclaimed but now here they flex multi-dimensionality. After countless years of sold out tours and awards they continue to exceed expectations.

Women in Music takes a stab at everything from Americana Folk to Funk and Indie Rock. It’s a bright summer album and a reminder of life outdoors. As good as Haim was in the past this album is a new high. From top to bottom the production is colorful and ambitious. Their slower tracks like “I’ve Been Down” are just as compelling as their danceable ones like “Another Try”. Album highlights like “Gasoline” aren’t just easy pop songs either. They are technically complex and wondrous.

Haim came out of 2020 better than they went in. Women showcased their versatility. Furthermore, it foreshadowed several exciting new potential directions for their future music.

9. Color Theory — Soccer Mommy

Color Theory features Soccer Mommy taking bedroom pop deeper into alternative rock music. Despite the increased size of the instrumental the songs don’t feel any less intimate or personal. In fact, Soccer Mommy describes newfound hardships attributed to fame and personal relationships.

Mesmerizing tracks like “Yellow”, “Royal Screw Up” and “Circle The Drain” received several revisits this year. Their heartbreaking subject matter were hard to look away form. Color Theory’s internal gaze reflects the introversion stay-at-the-home orders produced.

The album follows the emotional patterns of blue, yellow and gray. These emotions are matched by mostly mellower songs like “Bloodstream” and “Royal Screw Up”. This color theme represents Mommy’s emotional maturity and attention to minute details. That proclivity towards emotional comprehension has made her songs more potent and real. Listeners feel like they know Mommy because she’s not afraid to let us in. She leans towards the heavier topics for now, and we are all the better for it.

8. Tomorrow Again by Saint Saviour

On Tomorrow Again we are reminded to listen. Listen to our conscious, listen to our loved ones, listen the world around us. Saint isn’t afraid to look at the uglier side of life but she always ends up hopeful. The positive mood is met with gorgeous swaying strings and several symphonic instrumentals.

One of the album’s strengths is its vivid songwriting. Saint grabs the ears with dreamy imagery. Most of the songs reference the sky. The sky’s evolutions signal the different emotions Saint is channeling. These moments aren’t vastly changing or sporadic neither. They feel natural.

The album sounds overwhelming bright and fantastical. A lot of the music videos reflect these themes through their cartoonish design. Saint also has good reason to bring out her inner strength. This is the first time she is singing as a mother. Tomorrow Again encourages us to look forward to the future despite the problems of the current.

7. Saint Cloud — Waxahathee

Saint Cloud was an welcomed new direction for Waxahathee. She stripped her production back to make a fantastic Americana folk album. Throughout the album she used locations to tether her experiences. More specifically, she revisits old feelings and describes new explorations through the Deep South.

This version of Waxahathee sounds both new and familiar. A lot of her inspirations are greats from the region. She has described the direction Bob Dylan and Dolly Porton provided in the making of the album. Saint Cloud is also an absorbing record. It’s recognizably minimalistic productions is complemented by Waxahathee’s raw vocal performance. This album gives her origin story the perfect musical foundation.

6. A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery — David Keenan

A Beginner’s Guide represents David’s long road to excellence. After years of self-contempt and poverty he found his voice through music. As a result, the album unpacks heavy topics with the unforgiving directness of the Irish winter.

Both Keenan’s songwriting and vocal delivery deserve praise. His songs hum with the air and wisdom of an aged man. Furthermore, he sings with incredible personality and flair. Each recording sounds delightfully complex and real. Its interesting to think about the amount of takes each song deserved. A lot of his references will not be common knowledge for non-British Isle listeners. However, once you explore the poets and legends you will open your mind to a new world of folk lore and mystery.

A Beginner’s Guide unlocks the door to self-discovery. It welcomes therapeutic venting and trauma discovery. Through delicious melodies and creative storytelling Keenan creates a wickedly thoughtful and impressive debut. This album features an artists who has in obvious control of the fundamentals. After the album was released he played for a sold out crowd at Olympia Theatre. It was a heart-warming moment between Keenan and the city that gave me so much.

5. A Quickening — Orlando Weeks

A Quickening is a mesmerizing concept album about the birth of Orlando Week’s first born child. The former Maccabees frontman created a beautifully personal debut album. The project creates an alluring sonic landscape to be desired. It’s moody chords signal the shocking dream state before your life changes forever. Despite this being a solo venture, the album is stunningly orchestral.

The album’s sound may have been informed by his illustration background. Each song is delicately pieced together with the attention of a famous symphony. Certain instruments only arrive briefly and at faint volume. The project sets a mood and sustains it until the final track release. And it is anything but quick.

4. Punisher — Phoebe Bridgers

Punisher takes the misty singer-songwriter aura of Stranger to new heights. Phoebe didn’t have a lot to prove but she executed like she did. The album is full of gorgeously strummed chords and vivid songwriting. It’s mood fantastically matches the night-time sky on the cover. Below the mist Punisher is a love-torn ambitious venture.

We also hear Bridgers on heavier hitting production. “Kyoto” is a vibrant single which doesn’t compromise her person-focused lyrics. Not all of the singles were bright and shining. “Garden Song” follows more cohesively from her usual sound. Her voice floats over the subtle chords on this album highlight. She continues to add little ear-grabbing details in her verses while forecasting her motivational dreams.

Bridgers’ sound has always been singular. Punisher demonstrates her personal maturity and thoughtfulness. The album’s refined sound adds to her steady vocal delivery. The song’s move with the rush of low tide. Its a stunning listen that rewards repeated visits. Her unique place in indie has only brightened.

3. Windswept Adan — Ichiko Aoba

Aoba has created a mystical realm with Windswept Adan. The album gradually pushes the listener into the clouds of Aoba’s imagination. She has mentioned in the past that her dreams inspire most of her songwriting. Each track blends into another with the soothing nature of sleep. Her calming vocals sometimes indistinctly enters the track with meditative calm.

Ichiko is a prominent singer-songwriter in Japan’s music scene. Her music has been released through her own label, Hermine. The musical abstractness corresponds with the album title. Windswept Adan, and Adan meaning “of the earth”. Therefore we are in the land of the boundless and ethereal. For too long, Aoba was under-appreciated by western audiences. Windswept might be the cross-cultural project she deserves.

2. Free Love — Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso has done a great job describing Free Love’s inspirations on their podcast, Shaking Out The Numb. If you haven’t listened yet, you’re in for a treat. Moreover, this album demonstrate’s unexpected growth and accessibility. Prior to Free Love, most of Esso’s music was festival-bred and manufactured for big field speakers. However, this album has a restrained sound and captivating vision.

This project explores love’s many variance. It includes romantic and familial bonds and incorporates things and moments. For instance, the freedom expressed on “Rooftop Dancing” is awe-inspiring and joyful. The little girl peaking to hear a radio broadcast signals the attachment we have to sounds. These feelings and desires are all very human. Sylvan is fantastic at taking our passions out of the shadows and amplifying our emotions. This album represents the belief in love. The belief that love should be screamed and celebrated. The belief that love should be free.

1. Chilombo — Jhene Aiko

With Chilombo, Jhene teaches us about the power of healing. These songs act as manifestation capsules to our better selves. They are confidence-building, self-care inspired songs to grow with. This album fantastically represents Jhene’s eastern astethic and philosophy. Nevertheless, it speaks to young western audiences who are dealing with stress, pressure, and depression. Furthermore, she has exceeded her R&B peers and created elegant stripped back R&B.

The surreal sounds and various rhythms on Chilombo represent Jhene’s artistry. She grew up singing more standard R&B music in Los Angeles. Over time, she developed a sing-speak approach that complemented her mesmerizing voice. The production could be bare and the song could still speak volumes. She proved this with songs like “Bed Peace” and “3:16AM”. In their place was her self-affirming personality and intimate songwriting. Through the lyrics painfully honest storytelling Jhene found her strength.

After more commercialized albums and world-building projects Jhene settled into a more comfortable place. She was lauded by peers and respected in the industry. Chilombo is the product of her being a natural zone. The miraculous product features sound bowls and apply her musical vision to the current R&B landscape. The results are marvelous. She has the soul of a 1960’s jazz club singer on “Summer 2020 interlude”. Moreover, her silky vocals gorgeously contrast against the satisfying 808’s on “Pray For You”. The second half of “Born Tired” glides with the release of a great yoga session.

After the tumultuous relationship woes on “Triggered” and “None Of Your Concern” Jhene starts the healing process with speak. She encourages us to put on our “free” and move forward. Chilombo is the perfect escape from 2020. Not only is it inspiring but its message is beautifully liberating.

Thank you reading! I hope you enjoyed the music and hopefully learned about some new talented musicians. It’s been a unique and often times troubling year. However, I think there has been a lot of special and important reflection moments these past 365 days. If you are like me, and needed some quality escape time some weeks and days music has been a dependable destination.

Cheers to another year and a bright 2021! May we hear great new music and unearth classic old tunes in the new year, if ever you’re listening ;)