While another year of restrictions and uncertainty has certainly been a difficult time for artists who’ve had recording or touring plans cancelled, many have used it as an opportunity to make the best of a bad situation, using it as an inspiration for their latest projects. Some embraced the anxiety and unfamiliarity, allowing it to shape their surreal and experimental projects. Others attempted to combat it, finding solace in nature and focusing on a more relaxing and serene sound. Overall though, whatever direction the artists chose to take, this was a great year for music, and the following ten albums represent my personal standouts.
Karima Walker – Waking the Dreaming Body
Simultaneously haunting and yet somehow comforting, Karima Walker’s latest album seemed to act as the soundtrack to lockdown. The off-kilter folk songs and the incredibly transportive ambient tracks combine to create an experience as surreal as it is focused. Walker set out to explore the nebulous state between sleep and wake, and you’d be hard pushed to find a more accurate representation of such an abstract and intriguing concept.
Molly Linen – Days Awake
There aren’t many artists who master the art of pure, stripped-back beauty better than Molly Linen. Her latest project takes the foundations laid down by her 2019 EP, Outside, and elevates them to new gorgeous heights. It’s clear that Linen is something of a nature-lover and this comes across in spades through her gentile mix of acoustic guitar, light percussion, and serene vocals.
Ben Howard – Collections From The Whiteout
The mysterious themes and cryptic lyricism that are synonymous with Ben Howard’s music returned this year with his latest album. While Howard’s work usually focuses on his own personal feelings and reflections, Collections From The Whiteout draws inspiration from a variety of (often fairly morbid) news stories and personalities. With the help of Aaron Dessner, Howard also managed to carve out a new sound for himself, swapping the echoey guitar solos from Noonday Dream for synths, loops, and simple yet effective drum kits.
Cassandra Jenkins – An Overview on Phenomenal Nature
In a year when mental wellbeing was more important than ever, Cassandra Jenkins came through for all of us, releasing what feels like a warm hug in music form. The album explores a range of deeply personal themes, even touching on how Jenkins dealt with the death of a friend. Its unique blend of folk and jazz caught the attention of listeners all around the world, with ‘Hard Drive’ in particular finding a place on many end-of-year lists. Ultimately, Jenkins’ latest work feels like a spiritual journey filled with anecdotes and reflections, concluding with one of the most calming and immersive ambient tracks of recent years.
Yasmin Williams – Urban Driftwood
In contrast to the previous albums on this list, Yasmin Williams’ sophomore project doesn’t include any vocals whatsoever, simply letting her intricate guitar work do the talking. The album is far from simple, however, as the instrumentals she lays down contain just as much emotion and complexity as a fully lyricised album. The unique way that Williams creates her music is almost as interesting as the music itself, focusing largely on a lap-tapping style while also wearing tap-dancing shoes to bring some extra percussion.
José González – Local Valley
Musically, the acoustic guitar and groovy percussion of José González’ latest album will be familiar to any fans of his previous work. However, while the chilled-out instrumentals are a great first impression, the lyrics will keep you coming back, as you try to unpack the many philosophical themes and influences explored through the album. Ultimately though, this is an album about peace and love, which is just the kind of positivity that we all needed this year.
Andrew Wasylyk – Balgay Hill: Morning in Magnolia
The second fully instrumental album on this list, Andrew Wasylyk takes quite a different approach to Urban Driftwood, focusing on a more ambient style. Listening to the album conjures images of rolling hills, flourishing trees, and Scottish wildlife, which is exactly Wasylyk’s intention. The composter sought sanctuary from the anxiety and uncertainty of the early months of the pandemic by taking walks through Dundee’s Balgay Park. These walks began to seep into Wasylyk’s music and eventually formed this entrancing blend of jazz, ambient, and electronic elements, with a healthy dose of field recordings elevating the immersion.
Wyndow – Wyndow
One of the more unexpected projects of the year, Wyndow was formed by Laura J Martin and Lavinia Blackwall following a mutual love of Robert Wyatt. The duo’s debut album is an experimental treat, combining a variety of instruments with enigmatic lyrics and a beautifully surreal vocal style. Given that it was entirely written and recorded remotely, it’s extra impressive that the album provides such a focused and confident experience.
Reb Fountain – IRIS
Noir folk-punk isn’t a genre that I expected to appear in my end-of-year list, but the atmosphere Reb Fountain creates with her latest record is simply unparalleled. Right from the off, the solemn violin notes of the opening track set the dark and slightly ominous tone. Despite the variety of instruments and sounds presented with each track, this tone never quite disappears, flowing through the whole album and ensuring the listener’s attention is firmly grasped throughout the 41-minute runtime.
John Francis Flynn – I Would Not Live Always
The second debut album on this list, Dublin-based John Francis Flynn’s project provides an incredibly personal and moving experience, with Flynn’s harsh and worn yet somehow soothing voice taking centre stage. While Flynn’s vocals alone would probably make the album worthy of this list, he also manages to encapsulate a perfect blend of traditional and experimental folk, not afraid to push boundaries but never losing the palpable aura of a traditional Irish folk record.