ELSV'S 2020 - TOP ALBUMS OF 2020

AND HERE IT IS… ELSV’S TOP ALBUMS OF 2020

It’s been an interesting year for music and releases, especially in a Pandemic, with no concerts and a number of releases pushed back or put on hold because of the uncertainty of times. As 2020 went on, and the world seemed to get back on track and through it all some artist took their creativity to the next levels.

Albums that’s been in the rotation this year

Kehlani - “It was good til it wasn’t”
Eric Bellinger - “Eric B For President: Term 3”
Ye Ali - “Traphouse Jodeci 2”
Jojo - “good to know”
Pop Smoke - “Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon”
Omarion - “The Kinetion”
Chrystian Lehr - “Offline II”
Alicia Keys - “ALICIA”
Teyana Taylor - “The Album”

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Honorable Mention - KiD CuDi - Man On The Moon 3: The Chosen

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#5. JHENE AIKO “CHILOMBO” - You can expect a sonic experience when it comes to Jhene Aiko’s music. And with this release, the journey of sounds that Jhene Aiko puts together will always bring out an out of body experience through the conversations of relationships turmoil. Is good to see an album be an album; that isn’t 30 minutes. The album features the singles Triggered (Freestyle), None of Your Concern, Pussy Fairy (OTW,) and Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E.). Standouts / Favorites include Speak, Tryna Smoke, and Summer 2020.

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#4. NAS “KING’S DISEASE” - Back for his 13th studio album; a needed shift from the 6-7 ‘Wyoming Kanye Sessions’ Albums. The album for me brings back a mix of Nostalgia with something new. You get classic Nas. Its the opening and closing of the album. The launch of this particular story. By definition, “king’s disease” is when a person develops gout. Also called the disease of riches, it can be contracted as the result of the overconsumption of certain foods, mainly meat, seafood, and alcohol. As the common theme of the album, Nas uses this as a metaphor for how, in life, one must focus on the right things and avoid indulging in negative behavior. The album features the singles Ultra Black and Replace Me featuring Big Sean. Standouts / Favorites includes King’s Disease, The Cure, and Full Circle.

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#3. BRANDY “B7” - Finally. After almost 8 years since her previous studio album, Brandy releases B7. A clear shift from her previous works which saw her getting more personal than ever before. B7 including a change in format then her previous work, saw Brandy being more involved in the process and writing more; Taking us on her personal journey of the pass 8 years, from her mental health struggles to heartbreak and more. The album includes the singles Baby Mama featuring Chance The Rapper, Borderline and No Tomorrow. Standouts / Favorites includes, Saving All My Love, Unconditional Oceans, Rather Be, and Say Something.

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Tim Saccenti for Setta Studio

#2. RO JAMES “MANTIC” - Possibly one of the most underrated albums and overlooked artists this year. Ro James returned with his sophomore album featuring the singles Touchy Feely and Last Time. What surprises me is the lack of talk or promo around Male R&B acts. Seems there was a discussion of who was the R&B King, with no clear act decided and then its been quiet for Male R&B. The album which Ro James described as “THE MUSIC I CREATE EVOKES A FEELING OF ROMANCE, BUT I WANTED TO DISSECT THAT WORD AND BREAK IT DOWN BY TAKING THE ‘RO’ OUT OF IT. MANTIC REFERS TO DIVINATION AND PROPHECY—SEEKING KNOWLEDGE OF THE FUTURE THROUGH SUPERNATURAL MEANS. SPEAKING THINGS INTO EXISTENCE AND LIVING FORWARD, HAVING FAITH IN WHERE YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE, AND WHERE YOU’RE GOING.”

Standouts / Favorites includes, Roses, the Brandy assisted Plan B, Rain, Be Mine and Baby Blue. The albums closer, the acapella Look of Things leaves the album for what’s to come for Ro James, whether that is his 3rd studio album or a Deluxe Edition.

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#1. CHLOE X HALLE “UNGODLY HOUR” - the groups second album — a coherent, tighter collection that easily shows the duos growth — the sisters make it clear that they have layers. From the involvement in production and writing every song to the harmonies that showcase their signature sound, Ungodly Hour is a tribute to the moral complexities of young adulthood. The album’s 13 songs frequently reference late night hijinks, drunken texts and trysts cut short by insecurity and betrayal.

In addition to releasing during the pandemic — at the height of a shutdown — the duo wasn’t phased and didn’t slow up from creating some of the best visuals and virtual performances in support of the album. Pushing several of the album’s standouts including the singles “Do It” and “Forgive Me” plus “Ungodly Hour,” “Don’t Make It Harder on Me,” “Busy Boy,” and “Wonder What She Thinks of Me.”