Written by Hannah Clough
While any artist who put out music during a global pandemic deserves all of the credit in the world, a few of those releases stuck with me more than others. Keep reading to see if your favorite artists made my list!
5. “LEVELS” by Fame On Fire
Released: September 8th, 2020
Favorite Tracks: “I’m Not Dead Yet”, “Down”, “It’s Okay”
How To Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @FameOnFireBand on Twitter
Starting out at number five, we have the debut album from Florida-based rockers Fame on Fire. “LEVELS” was one of the most unexpectedly great albums for me this year.
Its tale of love, heartbreak, and mental health issues was so compelling that it had to make my list. A standout track on this release would have to be “I’m Not Dead Yet”, which touches on a feeling of hopelessness and digging your way out of your own head.
4. “Manic” by Halsey
Released: January 17,2020
Favorite Tracks: “3 AM”, “I Hate Everybody”, “929”
How To Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @halsey on Twitter
Following at number four is "Manic" by Halsey. As someone who has been listening to Halsey since 2014, I knew that I would love this record.
This release is one of the most forgotten about ones this year since it dropped on January 17th, but the fact that she opened up really bared her soul for all to hear is the reason it got a spot on this list. My favorite track on this album is "3 AM", for the way that it brightens the mood in the middle of a somber album.
3. “Unplugged” by State Champs
Released: August 14, 2020
Favorite Tracks: “The Recipe”, “A Thousand Hearts”, “10 AM”
How To Support: Merch Via Official Artist Store, @State_Champs on Twitter
Residing in the acclaimed middle spot is "Unplugged" by State Champs. Even though it's only an EP, I think that it's one of their strongest releases to date.
Despite not every track on this release being new, they still managed to give a solid effort that’s thoroughly enjoyable. Highlights include “A Thousand Hearts”, featuring pop-punk’s favorite saxophonist Saxl Rose.
2. “Young Culture” by Young Culture
Released: October 16,2020
Favorite Tracks: “Anywhere I Go I’m Taking You With Me”, “American Idle”, “Compass”
How To Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @YoungCultureNY on Twitter
Coming in at number two is the Self-Titled debut from the cover band of Legends of Tomorrow Issue One, Young Culture. They are one of the most versatile bands in the scene right now, so no one knew what to expect from this album.
It's safe to say that they hit it out of the park here. A standout track from this release would have to be “Anywhere I Go I’m Taking You With Me”, one of the sweetest songs on the album lyrically.
1. “Big Vibe” by Seaway
Released: October 16,2020
Favorite Tracks: “Brain In a Jar”, “If You Let Me”, “Pathetic”
How To Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @seawayband on Twitter
Finally closing out the list at number one is "Big Vibe" by Canadian rockers Seaway. This release is one of their best to date and the year wouldn’t have been complete without it.
Fans never know what to expect from these guys since they’ve covered almost every genre under the sun, but this 80’s pop-punk style album is one you can’t sleep on. If you listen to one song from this record, make it “If You Let Me”; this song will get you in your feelings and make you want to find that special someone.
Did your favorite releases of the year make Hannah's list? Let us know by tweeting us @lgndsoftmrw!
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