Written by The Legends of Tomorrow Team
Thank you for sticking with us for all of 2020! Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, this was our biggest year yet, from reviews, to interviews, to articles, to new team members, to our first runs of stickers, to our first-ever print issue.
We don't plan on slowing down in 2021, so keep an eye out for even more content on the site, new writing contributors, and, eventually, our second print issue. Wishing you all of the best in 2021!
With the rollercoaster that was 2020 coming to a close last night, a great year of music also comes to an end. We at Legends of Tomorrow wanted to show some love to our favorite albums that were released during this unpredictable time. Here are our picks!
Founder and Co-Owner Madison Boyce: “Beatdown Generation” by Millington
Read Mads' full album of the year list here!
Read Mads' full review of "Beatdown Generation" here!
Unlike most, I knew what my top release of the year would be months ago. In early April, Albany, New York's Millington released “Beatdown Generation”, an Ep that set the bar high for the rest of the year's releases.
The fact that frontman Cody Okonski records and produces everything for the band all on his own in his home is something to always keep in mind when listening to them. With this six-track EP, Millington does the perfect job at blending elements of ska with that of pop-punk.
About a month before their EP was set to release, they dropped the lead single, “Misery”, which incorporates everything the band is known and loved for. Furthermore, in the title track “Beatdown Generation” the line “Did you lose all the feeling when you fell through the ceiling?” is pictured in the cover art done by Kt Bierman, which is one of my favorite things about this EP.
All in all, this release was the perfect addition to Millington’s flawless discography. This is a band you want to keep on your radar going into 2021.
Co-Owner Jennifer Moglia: “I Won’t Fade On You” by Elder Brother
Read Jen's full album of the year list here!
Read Jen's full review of "I Won't Fade On You" here!
In 2020, I found myself not loving some of my more anticipated albums and going back to ones that I didn’t even know were coming out this year. Elder Brother’s “I Won’t Fade On You” was a perfect example of this.
I had never listened to the alternative band prior to the release of their single “Projector” back in September, and it blew me away. The track pairs strong emotions of frustration and exhaustion in a relationship with soft instrumentation, and it became one of my favorites on the record.
Other highlights include the heartbreaking “OK, Alright”, the groovy bassline and super fun melodies on “I Get so Tired of You”, and the one-two punch of “Hair” and “High”, where the band’s storytelling ability truly shines. In such a tumultuous year for just about everyone, “I Won’t Fade On You” was the perfect soundtrack to it, discussing love and heartbreak in all of its forms over chilled-out instrumentals and catchy choruses.
At the end of the day, it’s safe to say that this album definitely made me a fan of Elder Brother. I can’t wait to see them when it’s safe for touring to resume (here’s to hoping that their east coast run with Microwave and Save Face gets rescheduled!!).
Some picks from some of our team members...
Emily Lutz: “Remote” by Wallows
Read Emily's full album of the year list here!
Read Emily's full review of "Remote" here!
My top release of the year is “Remote” by Wallows. Out of all of the negatives that this pandemic has brought on, it gave us an EP that went above and beyond expectations.
Made completely from Facetime sessions and voice memos, the indie trio proved that, while it was no easy feat, they could still do what they love even in the worst of times. This release allowed Wallows to explore their sound and try some things that differed from their previous works.
The band has added a spoonful of pop to their indie roots to create a release that is absolutely brilliant and has blown me away. This has been a big year for Wallows, as they’ve grown a ton in exposure, and I can’t wait to see how much more they grow and the new music they release in 2021.
Richie Oliver: “Tea for the Tillerman²” by Yusuf/Cat Stevens
It took me by surprise to learn that in 2020, Yusuf was going to release "Tea for the Tillerman²." This album is a re-recording of his 1970 classic, with all new instrumentation; this album is also poignant, as 2020 is the 50 year anniversary of the original, and it sees Yusuf a full 50 years older, now recording at the age of 72.
Even though Yusuf is now 50 years older than in 1970, his songs still hold the worldview of a 22-year old man struggling to find truth. Lyrically, his songs feel weighted, not from age, but from experience.
Starting with “Where do the Children Play?” Yusuf's lyrics, “I know we’ve come a long way / We’re changing day to day” take on a new meaning when sung by the now 72-year-old. In fact, almost all the songs on here have that impact.
Moving deeper into the album we see Yusuf experimenting with different musical genres, straying from his folk style. His new version of “Wild World” is a great example of this, as we see Yusuf reworking the somber folk ballad into a groovy, Bossa-Nova type bop.
This experiment brought out a mixed reaction from me. Although I loved the instrumentation, it felt weird to want to dance along to “Wild World,” with its message of a scary world and lost love.
The highest point on "Tea for the Tillerman²" is Yusuf’s newer reworking of his classic song, “Father and Son.” In this new version, Yusuf takes the role of the father, and lets the recording of his younger self take the role of the son; something about hearing a 72-year-old Yusuf sing the words “Look at me. I am old, but I’m happy,” just brought tears to my eyes.
Hannah Clough: “Big Vibe” by Seaway
2020 has been one of the most difficult years for the music industry and I give every artist that chose to release something this year a ton of credit. My favorite album of 2020 would have to be "Big Vibe" by Seaway.
Regardless of circumstances, this band made a super fun album. It really lives up to its name with a tracklist full of mood boosters.
The opening track, “Brain in a Jar”, is probably my most listened to song on the album. Everything about it screams "Seaway", from the eccentric guitar riffs to the all-around summer vibes (even though it was released on October 16th, 2020).
Hopefully, we’ll get the opportunity to hear some of these songs live when touring
is safe again, but, until then, the best we can do is throw a mini-show in our homes.
Either way, Seaway crushed it this year, and I can’t wait to see what 2021 holds for them.
Bethany Clancy: “Hello, It’s You” by Bearings
Read our full review of "Hello, It's You" here!
I discovered Bearings a few years ago when they performed at Seaway's annual "holiday shaker" show, a little after their release of their EP “Nothing Here Is Permanent.” Now four years later, their sophomore album, “Hello, It’s You”, has become my favorite album of 2020.
This infectious pop-punk release has everything to cure you of the mid-pandemic blues. For a little less than a half-hour, this album takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
There are upbeat songs, like “Better Yesterday,” and “Super Deluxe”, but also some softer ones like “Lovely, Lovely” the cliche, yet wholesome slow song on the album. “Nothing Here Is Permanent” is a series of songs that I hold very near and dear, but with “Hello, It’s You,” my array of favorite Bearings songs has expanded.
This record shows the growth that Bearings has gone through, both as a band and as individuals since their first full-length, “Blue In The Dark.” Whenever live shows can happen again, hearing this album in that kind of setting is sure to be magical.
Julieta Vega: “Afterburner” by Dance Gavin Dance
Read Julieta's full review of "Afterburner" here!
As the year comes to a close, I reflected on the music that helped me get through this unpredictable time. The first album that came to mind was “Afterburner” by Dance Gavin Dance.
This record was released about a month into quarantine and helped me feel a little less alone. Dance Gavin Dance continued to showcase their talents, blending different genre styles and complex lyricism.
The incorporation of rap, Spanish, and electronic influences made “Afterburner” shine. The catchiness of “Parallels” and the emotion packed into “Nothing Shameful” display the unique contrasts of the album.
Guitarist Will Swan unveiled jaw-dropping rhythms that transitioned wonderfully from track to track. He didn’t stop there, also showing off his rapping skills on “Into The Sunset.”
“Afterburner” was filled with unexpected songs like the Spanish ballad “Calentamiento Global” and the heavy call-out track “Born To Fail.” All in all, this album offered company during an unexpected time with its genre-twisting tracks and catchy lyrics.
Astrid Elstrom: “Petals for Armor” by Hayley Williams
Read Astrid's full album of the year list here!
If one album fits the mood of 2020, it's "Petals for Armor" by Hayley Williams. Using surreal pop styles and intricate lyricism, this record conveys so many different emotions, from growth to sacrifice, to self-discovery.
My favorite tracks on the album are “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” and “Crystal Clear,” purely based on the beautiful imagery and metaphors tucked into them. A part that sticks with me from the former is the second verse; “Think of all the wilted women / Who crane their necks to reach a window / Ripping all their petals off cause / 'He loves me now, he loves me not' / I myself was a wilted woman / Drowsy in a dark room / Forgot my roots / Now watch me bloom.”
More often than not in writing, women and femininity are compared to flowers. However, the way Williams goes about presenting these analogies in the song is more resilient than fragile.
Whenever I listen to this song, I feel as if there is this emotional barrier that starts to break down and express this softer and lighter side of myself and experience a sort of vulnerability. Overall, this album is so well-written and masterfully arranged, and never fails to bring comfort to the listener.
Erika Nissen: “Young Culture” by Young Culture
Read our full review of "Young Culture" here!
Choosing favorite albums at the end of the year is always a challenging thing to do, especially as 2020 comes to a close. Though it feels somewhat strange to be choosing an album that was only released a little over two months ago, there is no doubt in my mind that my album of the year for 2020 is Young Culture's self-titled debut full-length.
This 10-track LP is not only timeless and eclectic, but it truly encapsulates this band's sound. From explosive, upbeat pop-punk anthems like “Better Off As Friends” and “Holiday In Vegas”, to softer tracks like “Laylo”, it’s evident that the trio pulled inspiration from a wide variety of genres.
Themes of adolescence, young love, and mental health have always been consistent throughout their discography, and that is no different with this release. In 30 minutes, listeners are able to truly get to know Young Culture and the path that they are carving for themselves in the industry.
Aside from loving this record for musical reasons, I was also able to form some bonds, make some memories and create some opportunities for myself thanks to this band and the people I met because of them, which I'll forever be grateful for. I am really looking forward to what Young Culture has in store for the future after such a fresh and dynamic start.
Gemma Marshall: “Fresh-Faced & Effervescent” by The Fairview
Read our full review of "Fresh-Faced & Effervescent" here!
To say I’ve waited years for this album is an understatement. The first time I had ever heard of The Fairview was back at the Mansfield, Massachusetts date of Warped Tour in summer 2016. Two of the members walked up and down the early access line promoting their performance time on the local stage, yelling “We suck but we try.”
I was almost 14 at the time and thought that was the funniest thing ever, so I looked them up. Soon after, I saw the band perform for the first time in Providence, Rhode Island, and immediately fell in love not only with their music but with the local scene as a whole.
I have never once felt unwelcome or unsafe at a show that The Fairview is playing, and that feeling of security is so special and important to our music scene. Now I’m 18, and they were the last band that I saw live this year before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
When “Fresh Faced & Effervescent” came out I had it on repeat for weeks; I was so unbelievably proud and excited for them. The band had alluded to this album's existence for a few years, which drove the fan in me nuts, but when it finally was released, it all made sense.
The Fairview worked so hard for years to get this album right, and it paid off; this release is absolutely perfect. Impressive instrumentals and powerful choruses combine for an emotional, energetic pop-punk record.
“Plan B” is my favorite track, not only for the fun pop-punk sound and beautiful vocal harmonies, but for that final line, “I’ll still sing with a broken jaw if it’ll mend the soul of someone else.” This lyric hit home especially for me; my local music scene mended my soul a long time ago, and The Fairview was a big part of that.
Megan Langley: “Self Care” by Yours Truly
Read Megan's full review of "Self Care" here!
During the whirlwind of chaos that was the year 2020, self-care was necessary, both in regards to looking after our own well-being and also in the form of Yours Truly’s debut album of the same name. Lyrically, the album touches on various different situations that many people may connect to, such as mental health (“Together”), the loss of a friend and/or family member (“Funeral Home”), love, relationships, and heartbreak (“Half Of Me” and ”Heartsleeve”), and more.
Musically, the record is packed with uplifting (and mostly upbeat) tracks, like “Vivid Dream”, “Glass Houses”, and “Ghost.” Each song contains stellar performances and catchy hooks and instrumentals that will leave listeners wanting to return time and time again.
“Self Care” is an album that quickly became the soundtrack to the last few months of my 2020. It also serves as further proof as to why Yours Truly needs to be on your radar if they aren’t already.
Jessica Woodward: “No Good Left to Give” by Movements
Read our full review of "No Good Left to Give" here!
It’s that time of year again! Yes, the holidays but more importantly, time to think about our favorite albums of 2020.
There were so many amazing new releases this year, but “No Good Left to Give” by Movements took the cake for me. While they branched out and diversified their sound, they managed to maintain their uniqueness.
Songs like “Skin to Skin” and “Don’t Give up Your Ghost” show progressive musicality and positive lyrics, while “In my Blood” and “Seneca” bring a soft yet melodic feel. This album has helped me through some long hours at work and even longer car drives, and while this year has had its share of ups and definitely a lot of downs, "No Good Left to Give" was by far one of the best things to come out of it.
David Tauscher: “The New Abnormal” by The Strokes
This year has been absolutely insane, to say the least. Thankfully, the one thing we could take comfort in wasn’t completely taken away from us; 2020 has been a surprisingly great year for music.
My favorite record that came out this year was "The New Abnormal" by The Strokes. While others came close, this record brought out something I haven’t felt for an album in years.
This release made me feel as if I was discovering a new band for the first time, bringing about the excitement of finding a new artist and digging through their entire discography without having it feel like a daunting task. The instrumentation and vocalist Julian Casablanca’s delivery are what sold me on this album.
From soaring highs to softer lows, his vocals are a major highlight of this LP. Everything flows very well from one song to the next, the sequencing is wonderful and these songs sound like they'll translate well to a live setting for sure.
And some quick picks from the rest of our team!
Rachael Lim: “I Can Feel You Forgetting Me” by Neon Trees
Emerson Swoger: “Petals for Armor” by Hayley Williams
Texas Wonder Photography: “Burst and Decay Vol II” by The Wonder Years
James Delia: “Find Sense. Feel Love. Make Light.” by House and Home
Jayme Stewart: “No Eternity in Gold” by Like Moths to Flames
Lyric Beyerl: “Wake Up Sunshine” by All Time Low
Averie Ridings: “Everything Means Nothing” by Blackbear
Brittany Beers: “Wilderness” by Spencer Crandall
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