The Top Albums of 2020 (That Got Me Through This Mentado Year)
The only thing I am taking from this year were these dope ass albums from my favorites and newly discovered artists.
5. Apolonio by Omar Apollo
Omar Apollo was an artist I discovered during what I call “The Latinx indie wave of 2017”. A lot of the artists from this era were delving into popular sub-genres at the time like lo-fi and bedroom pop. Since then, Omar Apollo has put out work that captures elements from familiar genres but puts a funky spin of his own. Apolonio is his most experimental album to date.
Favorite Song: Dos Uno Nueve (219)
4. Universe by Ambar Lucid
The first time I heard “A Letter To My Younger Self” by Ambar Lucid, I had to stop the car somewhere because I was too focused on crying and not enough on the road. Ambar Lucid has this very fairy-like, fantasy sound that illustrates the beauty of coming of age. And her delicate yet strong voice lends itself to the themes of personal growth and confidence. Her album, Universe, is full of affirming and optimistic songs that all of us deserve to hear right now.
Favorite Song: Story To Tell
3. YHLQMDLG by Bad Bunny
I swear I’m not a Bad Bunny fan page and I am like one blog post away from being one. But honestly, how could I not add this one to my list. It’s the album that came at the right time but arrived at the wrong place. It was obviously meant to be a song that transcended seasons and would’ve been perfect for summer outings. Instead, it gave us something to perreo to in our homes as we braved the initial phase of quarantine. This album managed to unify so many of us while we were apart which was a task San Benito may not have been prepared for but was the right person for the job.
Favorite Song: La Dificil
2. Regresa by Buscabulla
Buscabulla was my favorite artist I discovered this year. This indie-pop band from Puerto Rico is so groovy and new and exactly what I needed as I was experiencing burnout earlier this year. The songs on this album are about returning to your home after being away for a long time. It’s a theme I am not used to hearing and yet it is a very common story in this world. This story needs to be heard more often.
Favorite Song: NTE
1. Miss Colombia by Lido Pimienta
There are songs about love for someone, for oneself, and for Lido Pimienta’s case, the complicated love one has with their place of origin. My first introduction to Lido Pimienta and this album was with “Eso Que Tu Haces” and was immediately captivated. This album is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. It boldly confronts the pain and betrayal one can experience when you feel you are not loved back by the place you call home. To really understand the heart and soul of this album, I encourage you to read her interview with NPR where she explains the creative direction behind the album and her experience as an Afro-Latina mother navigating the music industry. Lido Pimienta is reclaiming her crown by expressing herself unapologetically all while breaking generational curses.
Favorite Song: Nada ft. Li Saumet