Early last year for no particular reason other than putting together a playlist composed of songs released within the course of the year, I started doing just that. The idea is simple really: name the playlist 2020, hear a song, verify that it came out that year and add to playlist if it did. I've made a few playlists in my day but this is the first time that I've put one together that only consists of songs from one year.
That year just so happened to be 2020.
While the fate of live music ceased to exist for most of last year, new music never stopped.
Thank goodness for that.
This is the longest playlist I've made to date and keeps getting longer as I come across songs that I missed last year (chances are by the time you read this, it's gotten longer than 60 songs).
Naturally, some of the songs are quarantine related in one way or another. Some were made during quarantine with only a few being written, produced and recorded pre-covid. It was fun putting this post together because it chronicles the pandemic through music. It's my ears' musical timeline of COVID-19.
It's a reminder that there are some good things that came out of last year.
1. Deleter - Grouplove
The high energy first track off of the first new album from Grouplove since 2016 pulls you right in to the fun. No news yet on new tour dates for the new album including their stop at the Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz but we're hopeful we'll see them soon!
2. clementine - Halsey
One of my favorite tracks from 2020 off of my #1favorite album of the year. The pop starlet was set to go on tour in support of Manic last year which of course was paused. Now that she's expecting her first baby soon I wonder if and when we'll see a Manic tour.
3. stardew - Purity Ring
I was super excited about Purity Ring's third instalment, Womb which dropped on April 3rd, 2020. I was also super excited about seeing them on tour for the new album last year, too. It's been years since the last time I saw Purity Ring live! Hopefully their shows will be rescheduled.
4. No Time to Die - Billie Eilish
Written by her and her brother Finneas, recorded in a bedroom studio and released on February 13th, 2020, Billie Eilish is the youngest artist to ever write and record a James Bond theme song in the 007 franchise. She won a Grammy award for "No Time to Die".
5. Cellophane - Pom Pom Squad
There have been many versions and interpretations of "Cellophane" over the years and there's something about this one from Pom Pom Squad that makes it stick out and be seen.
This 4 piece all girl punk/grunge band from Brooklyn released "Cellophane" earlier last year as a single.
6. circle the drain - Soccer Mommy
Soccer Mommy had been getting more and more hype since 2019 and was on the brink of bigger break through before the pandemic. Her second album, Color Theory was released on February 28th, 2020 and "circle the drain" is on it. Really looking forward to seeing this little indie queen live.
7. Hold On - DRAMA
The debut album from the Chicago based duo DRAMA, Dance Without Me dropped last February. Their tour started shortly after that with three shows at The Independent in San Francisco in early March 2020 which were likely some of the last shows they played at the pandemic broke. As fate would have it Sweet Sound Bites covered one of those shows which was one of the last live shows we officially covered pre-pandemic.
DRAMA's single "Hold On" is catchy and fittingly enough, it happens to pair well with living through these days.
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| DRAMA at The Independent March 4th, 2020 photo by Marc Fong |
8. Your Love (Deja Vu) - Glass Animals
Glass Animals were set to tour last year, playing smaller more intimate venues in support of their anticipated third album, Dreamland. They gave us what I think is the best track, "Your Love (Deja Vu)" in February 2020, about three months before the album dropped in May. Please play at smaller more intimate venues this year!
9. Gaunt Kids - Phantogram
On March 6th, 2020 Phantogram released their forth album, Ceremony and "Gaunt Kids" is my favorite track off of it. I can see the strobe lights as they play it now. . .
10. Don't Slack - Anderson .Paak & Justin Timberlake
Anderson .Paak and Justin Timberlake teamed up for a song on the Trolls World Tour soundtrack and of course it's fun, it's catchy and it's dancey.
11. Mortherfuckers Got to Go - Deap Lips (Deap Vally & The Flaming Lips)
Deap Vally and Flaming Lips teamed up to deliver an LP last year as Deap Lips. Their debut, self titled, 10 song album came on March 13th, 2020 with "Motherfuckers Got to Go" as the garage rock anthem for needing to get Trump out of office that all fellow non-Trumpers needed.
12. C-side - Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
Rockers Khruangbin and guitar aficionado Leon Bridges released an EP last February titled, Texas Sun. While I do love the title track, "C-side" offers more of a retro, relaxed vibe. It was released ahead of the EP in January but apparently I didn't come across it until a little later in the year.
13. Boss Bitch - Doja Cat
The Birds of Prey soundtrack features a lot of fun singles from artists, including: Halsey, K-Flay, Sofi Tukker and Megan Thee Stallion but "Boss Bitch" from Doja Cat is the best and it's still on repeat.
14. As You Move Through The World - MGMT
MGMT's molassesy, 7 and a half minute instrumental single "As you Move Through The World" was the introspective duo's answer to sheltering in place/not being able to tour and we are here for it.
15. Persona Non Grata - Bright Eyes
Last August Bright Eyes released their first album in 9 years. Four singles proceeded Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was and one of those singles was "Personal Non Grata" on it. With an early release date of March 24th, it was the first single off the new album.
16. yankee and the brave (ep.4) - Run The Jewels
Last year Run the Jewels released RTJ4 a couple of days ahead of schedule on June 3rd, 2020 following the uproar surrounding the murder of George Floyd by a police officer. "yankee and the brave" was one of the first singles off of their 2020 album.
17. DOPE - Jessie Reyez
Jessie Reyez has been on the scene for a little but her debut album just came out last year. There was no way to foreshadow the 29 year old's Before Love Came to Kill Us release date of March 29th, 2020 to have rather unfortunate timing but hopefully it will be revived sometime soon on stage. "DOPE" will be a fun one to be in a crowd for.
18. Fragile - MNDR
MNDR said that she wrote this song to get her through the tough times when we first found ourselves sheltering in place. "Fragile" was released on April 3rd, a feeling a lot of us have felt as we navigate the ups and downs of this on-going pandemic.
There's still no real confirmation of if and when to expect a follow up to her only full length album to date, 2012's Feed Me Diamonds.
19. Sludge - Squid
A fellow festival worker suggested this song to me and I am happy he did because I probably never would have discovered it on my own. It's a vibey mix of psychedelic rock and rock with a "hard" rock layered buildup that gets harder and funkier after it hits that peak.
20. Call My Phone Thinking I'm Doing Nothing Better - The Streets, Tame Impala
I can't remember the last time we heard from The Streets but they teamed up with Tame Impala on a new song last year. Kind of an odd couple as far as duos go but The Streets style and Tame's slow digs work together on this little break up diddy.
The main lyric from the song makes for a long song name, "Call My Phone Thinking I'm Doing Nothing Better". It's almost like they used up all of their creative juices on the song and when it came time to name it they said just use that one lyric, you know, the one.
But hey, a new song is a new song.
21. Kyoto - Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers' 2nd album, Punisher, topped a lot of Best Albums of the Year lists last year. "Kyoto" tops the my list as the best song from that album. It's beat is upbeat with a sparkly hopefulness, a solid guitar hook and Phoebe's soft vocals carrying it all through. It offers the right juxtaposition to get you going: head in the clouds with your feet on the ground, one foot in front of the other moving you onward and upward.
22. Savage - Megan Thee Stallion
Savage was one of the first big hits of 2020. If you weren't (or aren't on TikTok) you might have missed it. Or, maybe you didn't know it was a TikTok dance sensation?
This song put Megan Thee Stallion on the map, and for good reason. It's catchy, sassy and fun.
Listen.
Learn.
Love yo' self.
This is hot girl shit right here.
23. Walls - The Lumineers
To mark the one year anniversary Tom Petty's passing, indie-folk stars The Lumineers did a stripped down cover of "Walls". It's as touching as it is fitting for these times.
24. Heavy Balloon - Fiona Apple
Another album that topped Best Albums of the Year lists last year was Fiona Apple's Fetch The Bolt Cutters. This is her fifth studio album, following 2012's The Idler Wheel and "Heavy Balloon" is my favorite track from it. 2016 - 2020 felt like one big heavy balloon, with 2020 weighing in the heaviest so it's relatable to the masses as well as individually. Powerful stuff. Caution: it's un-assuming chorus may randomly get stuck in your head.
25. Multiply - Love Fame Tragedy, Jack River
In 2019 The Wombats front man, Matthew "Murph" Murphy went solo with his project Love Fame Tragedy. Last year the quarantine appropriate titled EP, Five Songs to Briefly Fill The Void was released and on it, "Multiply".
It's a little bit dancey, a little bit indie and definitely a vibe. I can see it being added to the rotation by DJs at SF's premier indie club, Popscene.
26. Shangri-La - EOB
On April 17th, 2020 Radiohead guitarist, Ed O'Brien released his first solo studio album, Earth. I was immediately drawn to the high, feel good energy of "Shangri-La". You don't have to be a die hard Radiohead fanatic or a fan of Radiohead beyond what's played on the radio to appreciate this one.
27. The Rope - Lane 8, Polica
If I could dedicate a song to festivals and my life as a festival worker "The Rope" by Lane 8 ft. Polica would be it. Before I started working music festivals fulltime I don't think I fully realized, recognized, acknowledged or admitted to myself exactly how un-happy I truly was. Working music festivals allowed me to find my true self and my tribe. It got me out of my comfort zone and gave me a sense of belonging and a sense of being home with family, things I hadn't had in a long time and wanted so badly. When I listen to this song I am flooded with all the feels: happy, sad, mourning, grateful, thankful, heartbroken, joyus. It makes me want to dance and happily cry every time I listen to it.
All that from this one song.
28. angel - Kali Uchis
Eight months before her 2020 LP, Sin Miedo (del Amory Otros Demonios), Kali Uchis released her 2020 EP, TO FEEL ALIVE.
"angel" is a confidence boosting anthem with a chill, lounging poolside vibe that you can vibe with any day of the week no matter where you are or what you're doing.
It's a sleeper single from 2020 that should not be missed (ladies!).
29. Zen - X Ambassadors with K.Flay and Grandson
This is probably my favorite COVID-19 quarantine related song. It's an X Ambassadors song featuring K-Flay and Grandson fit together in a way that makes you want to sing along with them. "Zen" is a little mainstream rock with a pop flare mixed with a little modern, indie rap-rock to lift your COVID-19quarantine spirits. It's release date is May 15th, 2020 which was about 2 months into rippling lock downs across the country AKA when the reality of COVID life really started to settle in AKA when we all needed some zen.
30. Mr. Motivator - IDLES
IDLES was on the top of my "gotta see live list" in 2020 and they still are. On May 19th, 2020 they released their single "Mr. Motivator" and it solidified that want, that need to see them live. This song really gets your blood pumping and heart pounding with the shouting, intense guitar hooks and thrashing of drums. Can you envision a mosh pit breaking out when IDLES start playing this song at a show, too?
31. Cloud Vision - Bay Ledges
The way this song opens is like a warm Summer's day at the beach. "Cloud Vision" by Bay Ledges who's based out of Los Angeles California offers a fresh breath of that good, crisp California air. Bay Ledges also released three other singles last year: "Up", "Stay", and "New Daze". Can't get enough of these chill vibes.
32. ENERGY - Disclosure
Five years passed between Disclosure's 2nd album, 2015's Caracal and their 3rd album, 2020's Energy. I for one had no idea that the British duo were working on new music of their own so the August release was a welcomed surprise.
Title track Energy was released as the 3rd single from the album on May 21st, 20220. It's a bit more bass and drum than what I remember of Disclosure and I dig it: it has a great energy and an important (albeit cheesy...but true!) message. Plus, I love the album cover art.
33. I Think You're Alright - Soccer Mommy
Last May Soccer Mommy announced a single series where her and fellow indie starlet Jay Som traded covers: Soccer Mommy covered "I Think You're Alright" and Jay Som covered, "Lucy".
"I Think You're Alright" by Soccer Mommy is a sweet and tender listen.
34. We Got Love - Teyana Taylor, Lauryn Hill
Teyana Taylor's 3rd album, simply named The Album was released on Juneteenth and features guest appearances from Eryka Budu, Kehlani, Big Sean, Lauryn Hill, Future, Rick Ross, Quavo and Missy Elliot.
Last but definitely not least on the 23 track album is "We Got Love". It features Miss Lauryn Hill and has the power to put you in a good mood every time you hear it. It is a beacon of hope in tough times, you gotta love it.
35. Up From A Dream - HAIM
HAIM's 3rd studio album, Women in Music pt. III was originally scheduled to drop last Spring on April 24th, 2020 but was delayed until Summer June 26th due of course, to COVID.
"Up From A Dream" is a distorted, indie-pop ride driven by a garage rock vibe. It's a COVID related single with feels we've all felt in this waking life.
36. Flash Flood - Diet Cig
Aching to let some built up angst loose in a grungy yet approachable way? Diet Cig's "Flash Flood" is the answer. This track from the New York duo's sophomore album, Do You Wonder About Me? which was released last Spring is #7 out of 10 but it's #1 in my book.
38. Sunseeker - The Naked And Famous
On July 24th, 2020 Aucklanders The Naked And Famous released their 4th album, Recover. "Sunseeker" is reminiscent of their synthy, indie-pop sounds from their 2010 debut: optimistic undertones twinkling with melancholy overtones.
39. Dark Days - Local Natives, Sylvan Esso
Local Natives teamed up with Sylvan Esso last year to bring us a dreamy, almost aquatic re-do of 2016's "Dark Days" and the discrete layering of the two's vocals is alluring and serene. "Dark Days" reflects on happy memories from Summer days which turned dark from what ever bleakness that life bestowed. Now, we may relate those type of memories to the murky haze of existing through the COVID-19 pandemic.
40. Up Inna - Cadenza, M.I.A, GuiltyBeats
I had no idea that M.I.A was working on new music let alone releasing new music last year so "Up Inna" came as a surprise!
Ok, Ok, it's not strictly M.I.A but still, it's got enough M.I.A flare to call it an M.I.A song. It's funky, it's fresh, it's danceable. It has her signature tribal/world beats sound. It's not exactly instrumental yet there are no clearly distinct vocals and it has a touch of sass like only M.I.A can do.
41. Thrill - Future Islands
Before the August release date of their 6th studio album, Future Islands gave us a sneak peak with "Thrill". It is very distinctly Future Islands with the baritone tones leading listeners to envision Herring's lively stage presence lifting it up a bit.
(Wikipedia lists Future Islands as a synth-pop band, am I the only one who disagrees with that?)
42. WAP - Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion
The day this song came out was a pivotal day in this pandemic.
That day was August 7th, 2020. (was it really that far into quarantine??)
For anyone who doesn't know, WAP is an acronym for wet, ass, pussy and it got a lot of people riled up. While some view it as demoralizing to women, others see it as empowering to women. I am on the latter side of the argument. If men can sing about their dick and what they would do sexually with a woman why can't women sing about their vagina what they want to do sexually or have done?
If you listen closely there's also some COVID-19 tie ins in the lyrics...GOLD.
I know I know, M.I.A to Future Islands to WAP?! Whacky song transitions are what you get when you create a playlist by adding while listening, so bear with me...
43. Lockdown - Andersen .Paak
Andersen .Paak released one of the best COVID/lockdown/BLM driven songs of the season. Released on Juneteenth, "Lockdown" captures all the feelings surrounding being in COVID lockdown while BLM protests and riots rose across the country following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. It's a little out of order of the other songs and their release dates because after listening to it on repeat I failed to realize I hadn't added it to my 2020 playlist yet.
44. Sucker - Madeline Kenney
Oakland's own Madeline Kenney dropped her third album Sucker's Lunch on July 31st, 2020. Smack dab in the middle with song number five "Sucker" is the sweet spot of the album. It's the kind of easy listening you'd want to cozy up with on a rainy day. You'll find it's in kind of a weird placement for the flow of the playlist but it in a quirky way it works as a nice segue between Andersen .Paak's "Lockdown" and Fantastic Negrito's "Chocolate Samurai".
45. Chocolate Samurai - Fantastic Negrito
If memory serves, I shazamed this while doing the first number one quarantine pastime, Netlix and chilling (is that still a thing at this point or is it just Netflixing now?)
This one off of the aptly titled, Grammy award winning 2020 album Have You Lost Your Mind Yet? features the same appropriate question throughout the lyrics and will have you tapping your toes and smiling.
46. Meet Again - LP Giobbi, Little Boots
Before LP Giobbi was a DJ/pianist underground sensation she worked for Bay Area based concert promoter, Another Planet! Last year she teamed up with Little Boots for this light hearted dance floor number. Great little song for when you meet your friends in the club again.
47. my future - Billie Eilish
"my future" is the second song by Billie Eilish on this playlist. It came out on July 30th and it took a couple listens before it grew on me. It starts off subdued but then after a jazzy break down it's the Billie that we all know and love while discretely capturing her depth and range. Turns out "my future" is the leading single off of her sophomore album, Happier Than Ever due out at the end of July 2021.
48. SUPERBLOOM - MisterWives
Misterwives played some shows in support of their then upcoming new album, Superbloom in at the tail end of 2019 ahead of their 3rd album which dropped last Summer. One of my best festie friends turned my on to the title track, "Superbloom" and I'm so happy that he did because it positively lifts me up every time I listen to it because I am superblooming!
How many people out there have been super blooming during this COVID-19 quarantine?!
This one is for (all of) you!
49. sadder badder cooler - Tove Lo, The Presets
I didn't know that Tove Lo was working onew music before coming across this little callab she did with The Presets. "Sadder, badder, cooler" after quarantine? Obviously. This is the anthem of self-loving heartbreak that none of us knew we needed during this heartbreaking time.
50. Beyond the Pine - Tash Sultana
Anyone else get on the Tash Sultana bandwagon a little late? It wasn't until I had the time to take the time to listen to her single "Beyond the Pine" last year that I started to understand the hype. I totally want to vibe out to her at mid day set at a festival now. Or better yet, a sunset set at a fest!
Another one featuring M.I.A!
FRANCHISE is the first song by Travis Scott that I can say I know by name and like!
Very catchy yet edgy with a dope beat.
52. KLK - Arca, ROSALIA
ROSALIA drew my initial attention to this one then Arca and the artwork of her forth album, KiCk i caught the rest of my attention. Arca is the stage name of Alejandra Ghersithe, the 31 year old Venezuelan musician, singer, composer, record producer and DJ based out of Barcelona who came out as non-bionary in 2018. "KLK" is an avant-garde electro-industrial work of art that can either relieve stress or induce it.
53. Do You Think We'll Last Forever? - Caroline Rose
This one is flirty and fun. The lyric "I want to climb inside you every single day" and it's catchy chorus is what got it added to this playlist as soon as I heard it and I hadn't even heard of Caroline Rose before that!
54. Under Pressure - Karen O, Willie Nelson
It's a lot of pressure to take on a big hit but last October Willie Nelson and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs took on"Under Pressure" and oh what a treat it is.
The beauty of this Queen/David Bowie hit is gently unearthed on this cover from this unlikely, kindered duo. Willie's noble, gravely drawl paired with Karen O's hauntingly sweet delivery is unpretentiously charming and charmingly chilling.
55. Therefore I Am - Billie Eilish
This is the third Billie Eilish song on this playlist is probably my favorite one that she released last year. It has that same conversational, off the cuff flare heard throughout her 2019 debut album, When We Fall Asleep Where Do We Go?
"Therefore I am" was released on November 12th, 2020 mere days after Joe Biden was announced President elect. Is that coincidental sass we hear or is this release date just coincidental?
56. Look Over Your Shoulder - Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar
As quarantine and shelter in place and protests went on and on and on did anyone else wonder where Kendrick Lamar was? On October 29th Busta Ryhmes dropped the throwback sounds of "Look Over Your Shoulder" featuring none other than Kendrick Lamar. This was the first single off of Busta's first album in 11 years. Extinction Level Event 2: The Wrath of God. The album, released the next day on October 30th, features more artists, including more from Kendrick Lamar but there hasn't been any other traces of new tunes from him yet.
57. Body - Megan Thee Stallion
Technically this is Megan Thee Stallion song number three and they're all so good I can't pick a favorite. "Body" is the lead single off her debut album Good News which both dropped on November 20th, 2020 along with the music video for "Body". This song fully embodies her signature hot girl shit vibe and will get all bodies workin', twerkin' and maybe even some WAP.
58. Star - A$AP Ferg Remix - Machinedrum, A$AP Ferg, Tanerelle
I have yet to listen to the original version of "Star" however I am a fan of the A$AP Ferg remix of it. It's rhythmic, it's hypnotic and it's also a song I would add to a morning playlist cause it has a fresh new day, new me, new outlook feel. Tanerelle's lovely vocals carry the song and A$AP Ferg lifts it. There's something about the juxtaposition of the two that make "Star" shine.
59. Lovin' Me - Kid Cudi, Phoeboe Bridgers
There was a big buzz surrounding Kid Cudi's album Man on the Moon III: The Chosen when it dropped on December 11th. This is his 7th album, his first new album in 4 years and one of 2020's hottest up and coming indie artists is on it."Lovin' Me" features Phoebe Bridgers was instantly my favorite track: Cudi and Bridgers voices complement each other really well, blending into the melodic tempo swimmingly while giving tips about self love. It's like a big hug.
60. Turntables - Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae says that she was motivated to write a song about how America is currently in between a lie and a real revolution. On September 15th of last year she gave it to us. "Turntables" is from the Amazon original movie "All In: The Fight for Democracy" which was available to stream as of September 18th. I had heard the song around it's release date and really liked it from the get go but for some reason didn't add to this playlist until much later. Turned out to be a rather serendipitous end to my 2020 playlist with this song because the tables are indeed turning.
Here's to looking forward to seeing some of this new music live soon!
And here's the link if you want to listen to my 2020 playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Uhr9OXwAfVYzFlKJ44b1j
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