Listening to a brand-new album for the first time from start to finish is a seriously unique and magical experience. You either click with it, let it grow on you, or play your favorite game of “let’s listen to this song for 20 seconds, give up, and skip.” Whatever your new-album listening rituals are, let us just say that 2020 is thriving so far in the music department. There are plenty of quality tunes, from groovy Tame Impala to pop ballad queen Selena Gomez to broody The Weeknd for you to sink your teeth (ears?) into. And if you’re not an album type (no judgment!), 2020 is full of quality stand-alone hits too. But for the listen-to-every-track stans, this list is for you. Because there’s nothing quite like listening to an album you truly vibe with over and over again.
[1]
Future Nostalgia, by Dua Lipa
The funk-pop queen whose anthem “New Rules” dominated literally every party playlist in 2018 is back with her second full album. No doubt Future Nostalgia, with its groovy disco beats and Dua’s trademark I-don’t-care energy, is sure to take over everyone’s weekend Zoom dance parties for the foreseeable future. Also, “Physical” is your new in-home workout track for always, you’re welcome.
[2]
Slow Rush, by Tame Impala
The Slow Rush is a lot slower than 2015’s Currents, but producer Kevin Parker maintains his classic psychedelic, “good vibes only” feel. Standouts like “Lost in Yesterday” and “Borderline” will transport you back in time, beachside.
[3]
~how i’m feeling~, by Lauv
Lauv’s debut album is full of quality collabs like “Who,” featuring K-pop fave BTS. Lauv’s seriously cute/seriously heartbreaking lyrics will have you deep in that bass and also deep in those feelings. Might I suggest “Sims,” in which Lauv imagines his perfect but unattainable life with his crush in (yes) the virtual world of Sims?
[4]
Women in Music Pt. III, by HAIM
Okay, so the Haim sisters’ third album might not be dropping until summer, but their EP I Know Alone is out now. And it’s SO GOOD. Jaunty singles like “Summer Girl”—with some bluesy flair—will get you right back in that carefree, nostalgic mood. Oh, and the music video will have you desperately searching your closet for your best summer shorts. Lyrics like “Sleeping through the day and I dream the same” from the title track will hit a ~little~ different right now.
[5]
After Hours, by The Weeknd
For starters, you need to initiate yourself into After Hours by watching the truly unnerving short film. The album, like the film, is a manifestation of The Weeknd’s villainously nihilistic persona. (Take a quick look at his bloody close-up on the album art for reference. Need I say more?) It’s a trippy blend of hip-hop and dream pop, but slower tracks like “Too Late” lean more toward R&B. This is some intense listening, in the best way.
[6]
Color Theory, by Soccer Mommy
If you’re in the mood for introspection, Sophie Allison’s Color Theory is required listening. This dreamy and gentle album examines the different colors of mental health from blue to gray. It has a cassette tape kind of feel that’s honest and raw but hopeful too. This is perfect material for your nightly hot tea and daydream-in-bed sesh.
[7]
Superstar, by Caroline Rose
You really have to listen to performative indie-pop singer-songwriter Caroline Rose’s fourth album in order. It tells the story of her quirky alter ego’s journey into stardom from Hollywood, California, to Hollywood, Florida. The album’s full of upbeat, electric synths, so it’s essentially a full-on dance party. The funky “Freak Like Me” will have you groovin’ all around your bedroom.
[8]
Manic, by Halsey
Halsey goes from “I HATE EVERYBODY” to “killing boys” to “Finally // beautiful stranger” in this album, and all I have to say is that the girl has range. If you’re a song jumper, you need to listen to this album from start to finish at least once, because the interludes blend beautifully with the songs. Plus, Halsey said you have to, so you must. Sorry, I don’t make the rules!
[9]
Circles, by Mac Miller
Mac Miller’s posthumous album is somber yet hopeful—for that, it’ll surely make your heart sink. It complements his previous album Swimming with a focus on navigating a cluttered mind with the optimistic intent of refreshing it. It’s the kind of album that begs to be listened to on a rainy day or during a pensive, pretend-you’re-in-a-music-video walk through the park.
[10]
Music to Be Murdered By, by Eminem
ICYMI, Slim Shady is back. Even though nothing will ever top his early days (raise your hand if you were rapping along to “Lose Yourself” when he performed it at the Oscars), his latest album will definitely grab your attention if you’re nostalgic for the era of highly technical rap styles.
[11]
Rare, by Selena Gomez
This album is alllll about losing love but finding yourself, so if either of those things have happened to you—even one without the other—you’ll have Instagram caption inspo for days.
[12]
How to Be Human, by Chelsea Cutler
Chelsea Cutler basically poured out her entire heart and brain into her first solo project. Seriously, she’s so open that listening to How to Be Human feels like eavesdropping on someone else’s breakup.
[13]
Changes, by Justin Bieber
We all know Justin killed it with his 2015 album, Purpose, so he had a lot to live up to with this new one. Changes isn’t all gold, but this album has a few bangers worthy of your time. Trust me!
[14]
High Road, by Kesha
Kesha returns to the free-spirited vibe we couldn’t get enough of in her early Animal days with her (v explicit) new album. She zeroes back in on how women are multidimensional!