Written by Emily Lutz
With a year of so many lows, I think we can all agree that all the music put out this year is what really got us through it. The following is a list of releases that stood out to me; keep reading to see if your favorites were included!
5: “Pink Elephant” by Stand Atlantic
Released: August 7th, 2020
Favorite Track: “Blurry”
How to Support: Merch via MerchNow and @standatlantic on Twitter
This album is what really got me into Stand Atlantic, making it a must-have on my list. “Wavelength” was the third single released from it, as well as the song that drew me in and made me listen to the rest of their discography.
The appeal of “Pink Elephant”, for me, at least, is that no song on the album sounds like another. It keeps you wondering where they’re going to take it next, and you’re intrigued while going from track to track.
The whole LP is infectious, exciting, and experiments with new genres sonically, with the band wearing their hearts on their sleeves in terms of lyrics. Stand Atlantic's sophomore album proves that they'll only continue to improve and get more popular with each release.
4: “Never Satisfied” by The Middle Room
Released: November 6th, 2020
Favorite Tracks: “Hold That Thought” and “Why Worry”
How to Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, The Middle Room on Facebook, and @themiddleroompgh on Instagram
Probably the most unrecognizable name on this list is The Middle Room, but getting familiar with them is long overdue. After playing their first and only show right before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Pittsburgh pop-punk group released their debut EP later in the year.
“Never Satisfied” reminds me of what this summer could have been like, had we not been quarantined. This release is super strong for a first EP, and it's nothing short of exhilarating.
After listening multiple times, I had a tough time singling out one song I favored more than the rest. “Hold That Thought”, the band’s most popular and most-streamed song thus far, makes me miss the energy of live music and a rowdy crowd, while I was hooked on "Why Worry" less than halfway through the track.
Feel-good releases are important in a year that feels so outwardly gloomy. “Never Satisfied” by The Middle Room fit that mold perfectly for me.
3: “Plastic Hearts” by Miley Cyrus
Released: November 28th, 2020
Favorite Track: “Plastic Heart”
How to Support: Merch via Official Artist Store and @MileyCyrus on Twitter
I hadn't listened to any of Miley Cyrus' music in years, but when I found out that she put out a rock album, I was immediately drawn in. From the first track I listened to, I knew this had to be in my top five.
I had listened to “Plastic Hearts” before any other tracks on the album, and it is now on my list of favorite songs of all time. There are definitely strong themes of empowerment for women on this track, and that carries on throughout the album.
Whether it be through her music or her hairstyles, it’s been really special and even inspiring getting to watch Miley Cyrus grow up and become the person she wants to be, not caring about what anyone thinks. I’m absolutely ecstatic that this was the last album I came across in 2020 because it presented a perfect way to end an otherwise terrible year.
2: “Hello, It’s You” by Bearings
Released: November 20th, 2020
Favorite Track: “Better Yesterday”
How to Support: Merch and Vinyl via MerchNow and @bearingsband on Twitter
Another sophomore release on this list comes from Ontario pop-punk group Bearings. This was an album that was highly anticipated by myself and many others for quite some time.
“Hello, It’s You” is definitely the best full-length album that came out this year, in my opinion. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and reminds me why I love and appreciate this band so much, in addition to reminding me just how cool music can be.
For example, I understand that the opening track, “Better Yesterday,” is meant to be about a past relationship, but I was able to relate it back to the relationship that I have with myself. Songs that can be perceived in different ways and still be so relatable is a huge reminder of why I love music so much.
The track I'm most excited to see live when it's safe for shows to happen again is definitely "Sway", which I'm sure will become a staple for pop-punk fans everywhere. “Transient Colors” is such a good closer to this album, and I can already see everyone jumping around and going crazy when the band finally gets to play it live; if you haven’t said "hello" to this album yet, what are you waiting for?
1: “Remote” by Wallows
Released: October 23rd, 2020
Favorite Track: “Talk Like That”
How to Support: Merch via Official Artist Store and @wallowsmusic on Twitter
It's crazy to think that my favorite release of this year wouldn't have happened if a global pandemic didn't strike at the same time. Bands throughout the music industry as a whole have had to figure out a way to continue doing what they love despite any distance, which is no easy feat; through Facetime calls and voice memos, indie trio Wallows created a release that went above and beyond expectations.
Wallows used this EP as an outlet to explore new sounds, leaning more towards a pop-focused sound and proving that change can be amazing. Everyone in the group has said that this EP has some of their favorite songs that they have released thus far, and as a supporter, it's nice to see them be so content and happy with who they’re growing into.
Were any of these releases in your Top 5 of the year? Let us know by tweeting us @lgndsoftmrw!
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