10. Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple.
Smart, moving, and often hard to listen to–a very different kind of record from an artist who remains relevant after 30 years. And speaking of blasts from the past, check out #9…
9. Wildflowers and All the Rest by Tom Petty.
An amazing reissue of the solo album that completely changed the trajectory of his career, along with the “second record” (it was intended as a double album), some crisp demos, and, of course, Petty’s amazing live performances of the songs from the album tour. This was truly the year to rediscover Tom Petty, for many reasons (check out my “best covers of 2020” post for many more)!
8. Auto-Pain by Deeper. Recorded just before their lead guitarist took his own life, this is an extraordinary album made more poignant by the fact of his death.
7. Black on Purpose by Salaam Remi.
A soul-based protest album that draws on the seminal black protest albums of years past, all the way back to “Strange Fruit.” Along with Do It For the Culture 2, this was a great year for Mr. Remi.
6. As God Intended by Che Noir and Apollo Brown.
Buffalo’s newest rap star. And Noir also released an EP titled After 12 that proved she doesn’t need Apollo Brown to be awesome. A great year for this emerging artist–she is definitely one to keep watching.
And if you like it, try the razor sharp The Sharecropper’s Daughter by Sa-Rock.
Hit next for the top 5!
