My Favorite Albums Of 2020 So Far

As we near the halfway point of what has been the longest year in recent memory, I’ve started reflecting on some of the great music which has been released so far in 2020. The albums featured here have all been added to my permanent library, and have been in heavy rotation, serving as great escapes from the chaos which has surrounded us recently. I’m sure more fantastic projects will be released by the end of the year, and that the end of year list will look very different, but regardless, these are my favorite albums of 2020 so far.

5. Reunions - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

My review of this album discussed both the highest and lowest points of a good Americana album in-depth. Since the project’s release last month, this project has aged fairly well, but the criticisms I levied against Isbell’s newest offering still stand. Some of the songs featured here are among Isbell’s best, but the album’s tone and pacing aren’t as cohesive as some of his previous projects. That being said, this is still a good and enjoyable listen, and the song “Overseas” still amazes me.

4. how i’m feeling now - Charli XCX

The fact that this album was made entirely in quarantine is still astounding. While not as polished or vibrant as her 2019 magnum opus Charli, Charli XCX was still able to put together a thoroughly impressive collection of tracks. The production is incredible on this project, and many of the songs here are songs I listen to frequently. Great music which aptly communicates the feelings associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Song For Our Daughter - Laura Marling

This is the only project on my mid-year list which didn’t get its own in-depth review on my blog. March and April were slightly tumultuous times, and unfortunately, this project got lost in the shuffle. Since then, though, I’ve been obsessed with this album. Laura Marling channels the sounds and emotions of Joni Mitchell’s album Blue, all while offering new perspectives and techniques which differentiate this beautiful album from others in an otherwise oversaturated singer-songwriter genre. This album isn’t perfect, but it is great, and for that reason it earns a score of 8/10 and a place on this list.

2. Fetch The Bolt Cutters - Fiona Apple

This rugged, raw, and relentless album still ruminates in my mind from the first listen I gave it. The subsequent listens have allowed me to further appreciate the nuances and hidden gems this project has to offer, which layer upon one another beautifully. Released not too long into the coronavirus pandemic, this album came at the perfect time, allowing us all to relate to the sentiment “I’ve been in here too long”. I still find that this album should’ve ended at its jaw-dropping climax, and that the final two tracks seem unnecessary, but overall, Fiona Apple succeeded yet again with this great album.

1. RTJ4 - Run The Jewels

Great music not only achieves the fundamental qualities which accompany a pleasant listening experience, but it also meets a moment’s needs, which is exactly what RTJ4 did upon its release. The national emergency we’re currently facing and have been facing for centuries has finally received a spotlight, but change is just beginning in this country. The murder of innocent black Americans at the hands of police is the most vile and repugnant example of the discrimination black Americans face on a systemic and regular basis. This project reminds us that black lives always have and always will matter. El-P and Killer Mike’s production, lyricism, and truth-telling on this album are unparalleled, and while there are a couple slow moments which prevent me from calling this project perfect, it’s damn close, and it is my favorite album of 2020 so far because of that.

Which albums are your favorites of 2020 so far? Which projects are you anticipating before the year ends? Make sure to let me know, and enjoy listening to these great projects through these difficult times. Thanks for reading.

Best Foot Forward: A Sneaker Series (Part 12)

As I stated in Part 11 of this series, I’ve been lucky enough to pick up some great sneakers this Spring. Variety is the spice of life, and because of that, I try to vary the sorts of footwear I add to my collection. The two pairs featured in today’s post are prime examples of quality craftsmanship and versatility in a color I had been meaning to add more of to my rotation: cool gray. Time to take a look.

Pair 1 (Left): New Balance 990 V5 “Castlerock”

From fashion week and designer lookbooks to couches and cookouts, New Balance has become a staple for any event, casual or formal. The 990 V5 silhouette is one of the most comfortable shoes in my entire collection, as its ultrasoft Ortholite insole provides maximum support without feeling too cushiony for long days on-foot. This “Castlerock” colorway can be dressed up or down, as its neutral gray blends in with any vibe. While some see these as dad shoes, I see this pair as an instant classic, and one I’ll be wearing very frequently for years to come, especially in the summertime.

Pair 2 (Right): Maison Margiela GAT Replica in Graphite

I’ve previously showcased my other pair of Margiela GATs on this blog, which I was fortunate enough to purchase in Chicago, Illinois a couple of years ago. That splattered pair is one I wear year round, and since then, I had been meaning to add another pair of Margielas to my collection. The pair that I recently picked up is made of quality leather and suede as opposed to my other pair’s canvas, which is a nice switch and demonstration of Margiela’s commitment to quality, luxury materials. This pair goes with just about anything and helps round out my rotation with another nice, all-gray pair of sneakers.

While I don’t plan to purchase any shoes in the immediate future, I’m sure more additions can’t be too far down the road for another installment of this series. I’m focused on quality over quantity at the moment, so the next pairs I purchase will certainly be worth sharing. Can’t wait until then. Thanks for reading!

While you’re here, check out this link to help the Black Lives Matter movement.

Album Review: RTJ4 - Run The Jewels

“Critics want to mention that they miss when hip-hop was rappin’ / Motherfucker, if you did, then Killer Mike’d be platinum” - Kendrick Lamar, “Hood Politics”, 2015

Rap music is important and transcendent. Not only does its sound and production appeal to the masses, particularly young people, but it can be used as a vehicle to address and advance issues such as injustice, equality, and prejudice faced by millions, particularly giving a voice to the voiceless. To Pimp A Butterfly is the perfect example of a masterfully crafted rap album which discusses a wide variety of issues, and on it, Kendrick Lamar makes reference to one half of increasingly iconic rap duo Run The Jewels. Recently, Atlanta native Killer Mike has been a voice of reason, articulating the frustration of millions of black Americans after the continuation of police brutality and murders across the country. Dropped at the perfect moment, Run The Jewels continues their streak of releasing timely and relevant, hard-hitting rap music with the release of RTJ4. It’s exactly what we need right now.

The album’s opening track and lead single “yankee and the brave (ep. 4)” sets the tone for what is to come on this record. Its high-tempo and hard-hitting instrumental pairs perfectly with El-P and Killer Mike’s aggressive lyricism, indicating that no holds will be barred on the upcoming tracks. This proves to be true, as the following “ooh la la” and “out of sight” return to a classic Southern hip-hop sound featuring contributions from Greg Nice, DJ Premier, and 2Chainz. These tracks feel like the beginning of a revolution, an ushering in of chaos in response to a broken system which has failed its subjects.

The next two tracks, “holy calamafuck” and “goonies vs. E.T.” are just as impressive sonically, but are a slight decline in substance from the tracks coming before them. Besides criticizing and resisting mainstream media’s role in sometimes spreading disinformation and fear, these tracks are slightly more braggadocious and prideful than they are a commentary on the world around them. The next two songs, however, are one of the biggest one-two punches on a rap album in recent memory.

“walking in the snow” is a heartbreaking listen, especially when considering it was recorded in November 2019, months before the murder of George Floyd. Killer Mike’s entire verse is absolutely masterful and insightful, but the lines “And you so numb you watch the cops choke out a man like me / And ‘til my voice goes from a shriek to whisper “I can’t breathe”” are particularly crushing. This wasn’t simply an eery foreshadowing of the violent murder of George Floyd, but instead this line demonstrates the perpetual nature of police brutality in the United States, as the line was written to reference the murder of Eric Garner, who was killed similarly just years prior. These are systemic issues which have plagued black Americans for centuries, and Killer Mike is able to articulate that chillingly. The following track “JU$T”, written in collaboration with Pharrell Williams, features one of the most relevant and vicious choruses in recent memory, as Run The Jewels identifies the unjust irony of black Americans using money with the faces of former slave-owning presidents. Two absolutely incredible tracks.

“never look back” is one of the slower moments on this project, almost a calming down after the intensity of the two previous tracks. The themes of letting go of one’s past in an effort to build a brighter future are interesting, but the track gets lost in the shuffle to me. The following “the ground below” features an electric guitar riff which accompanies a killer bass, setting the stage for El-P and Killer Mike to metaphorically fight for their lives, all in style, as Killer Mike beautifully politicizes this track with the genius lines “Not a holy man, but I’m moral in my perversiveness / So I support the sex workers unionizing their services”. So good.

“pulling the pin” is a relentless takedown of capitalist American society, and sets up the album’s closer “a few words for the firing squad (radiation)” perfectly. The final track emphasizes the importance of giving a voice to the voiceless, as Killer Mike and El-P reflect on their journeys to their place in the rap game. Black empowerment is a consistent theme throughout this project, and that continues through the end of this album with brutal bar after brutal bar which encapsulate these issues perfectly.

So there we have it. Hopefully Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 declaration that Killer Mike should be platinum comes to fruition with the release of RTJ4, one of the best in this series of collaborative albums. In times of unrest and disruption, we turn to level-headed voices to beautifully articulate how we’re all feeling, which at times can be hard to identify. This project came at the perfect time and in the perfect fashion, as we are ushering in a long overdue revolution which will culminate in equality and equal treatment for every citizen in this country. This is my album of the year so far, and I highly suggest you give it a listen. Thanks for reading.

Favorite tracks: “ooh la la”, “out of sight”, “walking in the snow”, “JU$T”, “pulling the pin”, “a few words for the firing squad (radiation)”

SCORE: 9/10

Album Review: how i'm feeling now - Charli XCX

After the release of her 2019 magnum opus Charli, futurist pop-star Charli XCX earned herself much-deserved time away from creating and releasing music if she needed to step away. Instead, amidst what has been an unprecedented and challenging year in many regards, Charli XCX continued to spoil her fans by writing, recording, and producing a new full-length album in its entirety while in quarantine. While this album isn’t as influential or polished as Charli, how i’m feeling now encapsulates and reflects this year’s pandemic quarantine perfectly.

Experimentation tends to pique my interest when listening to new music, which is in large part why Charli XCX’s 2019 album was one of my favorites of the year. Simply put, her music sounds like it is coming from the future, and it is very possible that music to come will be influenced by what she’s doing now. how i’m feeling now continues this trend from track to track, pairing genuine and compelling lyrics with aggressive, highly condensed production which communicates a sort of cabin fever words just can’t convey. The heavy and industrial production contrasts with Charli’s robotic but loving vocals. The themes and topics covered aren’t nearly as abrasive as the sometimes punching bass and synth leads which Charli employs masterfully.

The themes of love and devotion used throughout this album are catchy and sweet, but are sometimes challenged by tracks which portray her in a different light, such as “detonate”. By expressing the wide range of emotions and personality traits which her relationships bring out of her, Charli’s lyricism becomes instantly more compelling and relatable than what would’ve come out of songs conveying perfect love stories. Self-reflection is common in times of isolation, which I’m glad this album acknowledges and accepts.

Charli’s honesty and genuineness are what make me such a fan of her recent music. The stellar production doesn’t hurt, either. While this album isn’t as perfect as it likely could’ve been given more time in an environment more conducive for music production, it captures a lot of the emotions which these dark times have shown us. Not every track is compelling, but the majority of the songs on this project are inventive, impressive, and hopeful. Definitely give this album a listen. Thanks for reading.

Favorite tracks: “pink diamond”, “forever”, “claws”, “detonate”, “c2.0”, “party 4 u”, “visions”

SCORE: 8/10

Best Foot Forward: A Sneaker Series (Part 11)

After what has been an unseasonably cool springtime in Georgia, the temperature is beginning to increase every day, and not every shoe in my collection is viable without risk of heat stroke anymore. I’ve sold some of my shoes recently and purchased more summer-friendly pairs which I’ve coveted for a long time. Part of these purchases were also rewarding myself for earning all As at school during the Spring 2020 semester, a feat I’m proud of given the circumstances and challenges presented by the pandemic. Let’s break down two of my collection’s most recent additions.

Pair 1 (Left): Air Jordan 5 Retro “Fire Red”

Nike’s SNKRS app which utilizes a raffle system to randomly give users the chance to purchase a pair of shoes hasn’t historically been kind to me. I can count the amount of pairs I’ve secured through this app on one hand, while the Ls I’ve collected using it are endless. Recently, however, I was lucky enough to pick up a pair of the classic “Fire Red" Air Jordan 5, one of my favorite colorways of this particular silhouette of all time. Black, white, and red are some of my favorite colors, and the details on this pair such as the reflective tongue and translucent icy outsole made this a must-cop in my opinion. Can’t wait to give these the wear and tear they deserve.

Pair 2 (Right): Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 “Zebra”

One of the most highly-coveted Adidas Yeezy colorways of all time, the “Zebra” has been an elusive pair which I’ve been meaning to add to my collection since they originally released in 2017. The design here is both loud and lowkey, the perfect option to pair with distressed jeans or sweat shorts during hot summer days. While I don’t agree with Kanye’s current political views, I stand for the systemic change he promoted in his early days of rapping and producing. I guess you could say I miss the old Kanye.

And there we have it. Two of the newest pairs in my collection. I’m very grateful for the sneakers that I have, and for the amazing athlete and musician who made them as amazing as they did. Luckily, I’ll have another “Best Foot Forward” post coming soon, as these two pairs aren’t the only ones I’ve snagged recently. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.