20 Watts Staff Picks: Album of the Year

After Hours by The Weekend

Marisa Mastropieri, Staff Writer:

Amidst all the news about being snubbed by the Grammys,The Weeknd released his album, After Hours, this year with Rolling Stone stating it as “the biggest album of the first half of 2020.” The late 2019 singles, “Blinding Lights” and “Heartless,” were mainstay hits all throughout this tumultuous year. This album presents a mix of R&B and synth-pop sounds overlaid by classic The Weeknd lyracism about loneliness, intoxication, and using sex to cope. The euphonic intros and cinematic feel throughout the lineup of songs keeps the album engaging and suspenseful. 

Favorite Tracks: Hardest to Love, Heartless, In Your Eyes, Save Your Tears

grae by Moses Sumney

Surya Vaidy, Features Editor:

Stratospheric. It's the word that circulates constantly in my head when I think of Moses Sumney’s most intricate opus so far. Never having been one to be shy about exploring new sounds, Sumney somehow manages to push the envelope further than ever before on his sophomore album. On grae, music is like clay, consistently being pulled, formed, deconstructed, and reformed again. My ears were confused in the most incredible way. Sumney’s voice is elastic and impossibly smooth, as he transcends base musical genres and into something entirely his own. As an album, grae is grand and reserved at the same time, and it demands to be listened to. 

Favorite Tracks: Cut Me, Polly, Me in 20 Years

Man on the Moon III: The Chosen by Kid Cudi

Josh Sholes, Web Editor:

Kid Cudi’s magnum opus is without a doubt the Man on the Moon saga. The first two entries The End of Days and The Legend of Mr. Rager were released in 2009 and 2010 respectively, and now nearly a decade later, Cudi blessed us with an immensely cathartic conclusion to his beautiful trilogy. In the Man on the Moon trilogy, Cudi shares his vastly inspirational story of self-growth and acceptance, while utilizing the third entry as an uplifting yet emotionally complex bookend. On MotM III: The Chosen, Cudi reflects on darker times in his life while juxtaposing that to the happiness and peace he has now realized, which has been a common theme in much of his recent work, especially on KIDS SEE GHOSTS. Throughout MotM III, the influence of Cudi’s heir apparent, Travis Scott, can be substantially felt, remarkably so on the tracks, “She Knows This,” “Damaged,” “Heaven on Earth,” and “Lord I Know.” Cudi also dove into his bag and included some iconic samples like The Animals’ quintessential guitar riff from their 1964 hit track “The House of the Rising Sun” on “Elsie’s Baby Boy (flashback),” and a clip from Michael Cera’s cult classic film, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on “She Knows This.” Cudi also stepped out of his comfort zone on the drill track “Show Out,” which was an homage to Pop Smoke, who is also featured on the song. In a year that was marred by COVID-related delays and postponements (especially in the music industry, as many artists who were rumored to have released projects in 2020 did not follow through), I found this album to be magical and better than anything I could have ever asked for. Needless to say, I’ve been listening to this album on repeat since its release. While it is always difficult to choose a singular album of the year, some of my honorable mentions include: EVERYTHING by Kota the Friend, UNLOCKED by Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats, and now more than ever by Flatbush Zombies. 

Favorite Tracks: Heaven on Earth, The Pale Moonlight, Elsie’s Baby Boy (flashback)

The New Abnormal by The Strokes

Chiara Donio, Editor in Chief:

The sixth LP from garage rock pioneers The Strokes reminds me of why I diagnose myself as an obsessive-compulsive Strokes fan. Arriving at the beginning of the world’s new abnormal, the band delivers their signature recontextualizing of tunes from the past, but swap lo-fi riffs of the ‘70s for blasting synths of the ‘80s. The band fully and ironically embraces the ‘80s inspo, crediting Billy Idol on the bouncy “Bad Decisions,” and jokingly crooning “Oh the eighties bands, where did they go?” on “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus.” Though intended to be a lamantention on the world’s impending climate change problem, the album takes on a new meaning at the forefront of a global pandemic, with more emotional slow-burners than catchy singles. Frontman and certified enigma Julian Casablancas’ voice has never sounded better on the intense synth ballad “At the Door,'' a song I found myself listening to on repeat during the valleys of the lockdown. The closer, “Ode to the Mets,” my personal favorite, rings beautifully sad and nostalgic, with themes of loss and painful goodbyes. The lyric “the Rubix cube isn’t solving for us,” is a perfect metaphor for a damaged relationship, one that I believe is with nostalgia itself. From performing at a Bernie Sanders rally to Julian’s personal political activism, the band’s commentary stems from a genuine place of anguish that many of us felt so intensely during this tumultuous year. 

Favorite Tracks: Ode to the Mets, At the Door, The Adults are Talking

Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon by Pop Smoke

Eliza Charette, Social Media Director:

Following the young rapper’s tragic death in February, the posthumous Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon was released the following July. This polished debut album expanded on his already growing fame, with features and radio hits the world had not yet experienced, while still keeping his signature deep rich voice and pulsing drill beats. This album, although different from his releases, delivers his trademark Brooklyn drill sound and club banger vibes. Pop Smoke’s career was tragically cut short, but this incredible album represents his legacy to his fans and rap music as a whole. 

Favorite Tracks: Enjoy Yourself, Got it On Me, Hello

Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) by Kali Uchis

Elizabeth Kislev, Head Illustrator:

Kali Uchis takes a step back from her pop girl persona and steps into a mature, sultry, bond-girl sound with her newest album Sin Miedo (del Amor y Oreos Demonios). “vaya con dios'' and “que the pedí//” fill the room with brass sounds, smoke, and a dirty martini. Her masterful blend of spanish and english lyricism provide for the perfect romantic R&B album.

Favorite Tracks: telepatia, la luz (Fín)



Ungodly Hour by Chloe X Halle

Kyle Henderson, Features Editor:

Ungodly Hour, the sophomore album from R&B duo Chloe x Halle, has confirmed what many have already known: the sisters are here to stay. This album serves as a showcase of their talents with production, songwriting, and most of all, singing. It provides a variety of songs, from fun going-out anthems like "Do It," to slower, more powerful ballads such as "Wonder What She Thinks of Me," each and every song emphasizes the sisters’ heavenly vocals. The sisters harmonize effortlessly with each other throughout the album and show the reason that Beyoncé dubbed them her protegees just a few years ago. The album is also a continuation of their 2018 debut album, The Kids Are Alright, highlighting their growth as both artists and young women. Overall, Ungodly Hour is a cohesive and intricately beautiful second album that exhibits just how far Chloe x Halle have come since their YouTube cover days, and how the sky's the limit for their future success. 

Favorite Tracks: Forgive Me, Ungodly Hour, Busy Boy, Tipsy