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Home » Taylor Swift

Top album picks for 2022

December 9, 2022 by Cynthia Orlando

This year saw a profusion of superior album releases across all music genres.

Coldplay, The Weekend, Brian Eno, The Black Keys, Beyonce, Sharon Van Etten and Harry Styles had top-notch albums. There were also first-rate recordings from George Ezra, Wilco, Father John Misty, Tate McRae and Adele.

You say there was so much music out there you couldn’t decide what to buy?

Here’s a few of my top picks.

Kurt Vile – “Watch My Moves”

With “Watch My Moves,” the former lead guitarist of rock band The War on Drugs focuses on the here and now.

His dreamy, meandering psych-folk tracks are hard to resist. Recorded in Vile’s new home-based studio, “Moves” conveys a man at peace with life and with himself.

Watch for “Palace of OKV in Reverse,” a complex, gorgeous low-key jam. His free-wheeling “Flyin (like a fast train)” is a perfect answer to life’s pressures. And like much of the album, upbeat “Hey Like a Child” feels like an afternoon walk in the summer sun.

“Mount Airy Hill” might be the album’s centerpiece. It’s impressionistic dream pop with sublime guitar and Vile’s straightforward storytelling.

In short? “Watch My Moves” is Kurt Vile’s best work yet.

Wet Leg – “Wet Leg”

One of this year’s most delightful music highlights came from England’s Wet Leg. Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers excel at catchy post punk rock with great hooks and clever lyrics.

Of course if you’ve been paying attention you’ve already heard exceptional “Chaise Lounge.” The catchy tongue-in-cheek hit single was written in a day.

Other not-to-be-missed tracks from the rhythm-guitar duo: playful “Being in Love,” sassy “Angelica” and dance track “Wet Dream.”

Everything here is musically tight, engaging and often humorous.  “I don’t want us to ever lose sight of having fun,” says Teasdale. Maybe that’s why NME called the album “an instant classic.”

In short, seeing Wet Leg’s album debut enter U.K. charts at #1 was a thrill.

They’re nominated for several Grammys, including “Best New Artist.”

Here’s wishing them all the best.

Taylor Swift – “Midnights”

Reflection, revenge and midnight confessions are the inspiration for Taylor Swift’s “Midnights,” a concept album. The new release keeps breaking streaming records and is Swift’s fifth to quickly sell more than a million copies.

Musically, “Midnights” is packed with synth and reverb. The album also triumphs with exceptionally choice lyrics, giving fans lots to consume.

Swift is a master at setting the scene, and excels at being an honest, unflinching, articulate storyteller. For instance, the way she recounts a New York City romance on mournful “Maroon.” Listen also for tender, whimsical “Lavender Haze,” intimate “Mastermind” and autobiographical “You’re on Your Own, Kid.”

All 13 tracks were produced by Swift and longtime friend Jack Antonoff.

“Midnights” apex is hit single “Anti-Hero.” The lush electro-pop track explores Swift’s insecurities in ways both commanding and cathartic. “This song is really a guided tour through all the things I tend to hate about myself,” says the artist.

Of the seven bonus tracks, “The Great War” and “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve” are masterworks. One could question the bonus track designation, but let’s not quibble. Both tracks were co-written with Aaron Dessner (The National, Big Red Machine).

It’s a cinch “Midnights” will be Grammy-nominated come 2024.

That’s a ways away, but things look promising.

Beach House – “Once Twice Melody”

Baltimore-based Beach House never fail to satisfy.

With their soft psychedelia and layered shoe gaze, the indie-rock duo specialize in making us feel good.

This year the band went twice the distance with double-CD release “Once Twice Melody.” The 18-song album was released in “chapters.” Primarily recorded in Baltimore’s Apple Orchard Studio, it reached #12 on the Billboard 200.

Opening track “Once Twice Melody” evokes Fleetwood Mac’s early “Future Games” with an arresting, more ethereal vibe.

Is it possible for one song to convey both inspiration and heartbreak? Beach House’s celestial “Superstar” does.

Sample lyrics: “When you were mine / we fell across the sky.” Its sweeping, cinematic vibe resonates like a soundtrack we’ve all lived through. 

There’s really no other act delivering the complex, atmospheric arrangements Beach House so consistently crafts. Bravo.

Tears for Fears – “The Tipping Point”

This year music connoisseurs were bowled over by Tears for Fears’ stellar new release, “The Tipping Point.” It’s on our playlist!

It’s the band’s first new album in seventeen years, and Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal are still a powerful songwriting duo. “Tipping Point” is bold, engaging, musically solid, and intimate.  

“No Small Thing” is an expansive opening track. It’s also a hint we’re about to embark on a journey. “This song is definitely a journey,” says band member Curt Smith, adding, “albums for us should be a journey.”

The mesmerizing title track was inspired by the death of Orzabal’s wife Caroline in 2017. It’s passionate rock n’ roll that’ll give you goosebumps.

Alt-rock “End of Night” is perfect for ringing in the New Year. And “My Demons” is a commanding rocker with astute commentary about extremist violence.

“The Tipping Point” was seven years in the making. An artistic achievement, it was well worth the wait.

Lizzo – “Special”

It’s rare when a band or artist consistently delivers to their fans just what they want. This year, Lizzo once again gifted to us all the goods we crave via her sensational “Special.”

Lizzo’s music instincts continue to impress. Maybe that’s because she studied classical music and flute while attending University of Houston.

On “Special,” Lizzo soars with the luscious sounds of pop, soul, R&B, hip-hop and disco.

Rolling Stone called the album “a radical political statement.” That’s possible, though topics like friendship, mental health, girl time and body-positivity aren’t exactly radical. “Enjoy being yourself, no matter what others think” is the kind of message everybody needs to hear.

Lizzo’s “2 Be Loved (Am I Ready)” is the emotional boost we all need. “Grrrls” is irresistible. And even if you’re just home alone, “Birthday Girl” will give you a night on-the-town.

To sum up: jubilant “Special” is a fun-loving tonic you’ll want to have on repeat.

Bonnie Raitt – “Just Like That”

What a joy it was to experience Bonnie Raitt’s new “Just Like That” this year. It’s on our playlist!

Raitt’s finely honed blues instincts, trademark vocals and ample helpings of sizzling slide guitar are legendary. That perfect, bluesy way she belts: “Pretty soon the melody, is like a rainstorm tin-roof symphony” is pure Raitt.

What could be better?

As you might expect, the accomplished Raitt, a 12-time Grammy award winner (and Stratocaster fan) is surrounded by exceptional musicians. They include bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson, drummer Ricky Fataar, and new musicians Glenn Patscha (keyboards) and Kenny Greenberg (guitar).

“Love So Strong” with its punchy Reggae vibe is a perfect pick for Raitt and company to cover. Rock n’ roll standout “Livin’ for the Ones” reminds us to count our post-pandemic blessings.

Don’t miss first-class title track, acoustic “Just Like That.” Based on a true story, the song describes a mother meeting her dead son’s heart recipient for the very first time. Raitt’s vocals are impeccable, and it’ll have you bawling.

To sum up?

The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner has no one to impress, but she keeps dazzling us nonetheless.

Lucius – “Second Nature”

This year American indie pop duo Lucius dropped colorful and creative “Second Nature.”

In the past, Lucius has provided vocals for outstanding acts like Harry Styles, The War on Drugs and singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. Their new release takes things to another level.

“Second Nature” boasts tasteful arrangements with soaring atmospheric synths. The beautiful opening harmonies on remorseful “24” will stop you in your tracks. And wistful “The Man I’ll Never Find” is an instant classic.

Most definitely lend an ear to electro-pop single “Next to Normal.” It’s a top-tier, catchy dance track with a playfully spooky vibe.

Life’s twists and turns are often hard to negotiate with grace. Keeping “Second Nature” on standby seems like an excellent backup plan.

Noah Kahan – “Stick Season”

Don’t miss American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season.”

It’s folk-pop reminiscent of Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers. However, that said, it’s the heart and soul of musician Kahan that makes “Stick Season” a real standout.

This is the third studio release from the Vermont native. It’s an album with a powerful, relatable theme: small town nostalgia, homecoming, and reflection.

In a recent interview, Kahan describes “Stick Season” as the time between “peak foliage and Halloween…a time of transition.”

Kahan knows how to write songs that build momentum. The album’s crisp, passionate title track is perfect testament to that.

He covers a friend’s sobriety in “Orange Juice,” recalls teenage loneliness in “Come Over,” and relays explosive frustration in rockin’ “Homesick.”

It’s a shame this absolute gem of an album didn’t receive any Grammy nominations, possibly because it was released late in the year. Don’t let that stop you from adding it to your collection.

Taylor Swift – “Red, Taylor’s Version”

Swift’s original “Red” sounded amazing to begin with. “Red, Taylor’s Version” (“Red TV”) gives us these tracks again, this time with more sparkle, finesse, and a fuller sound.

Red TV was re-recorded and re-released late last year as part of Swift’s effort to regain control of her master tapes.

Owing to the lush, immaculate production of arena rockers “Holy Ground” “State of Grace” and “Starlight,” Red TV easily surpasses the original. There are subtler differences, too. For instance, when Swift sings “you’re the lucky one” there’s now a mature, wistful wisdom to the vocals.

Around the globe, music reviews for “Red, Taylor’s Version” were consistently glowing. NME and American music magazine “Spin” praised all aspects of the release.  The New Zealand Herald called it Swift’s “magnum opus.”

Guests include Phoebe Bridgers on the exquisite “Nothing New,” a guitar-led folk ballad about the fickleness of the music industry. And Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody returns with his velvety smooth vocals on top-notch “The Last Time.”

Generously included are nine additional songs Swift wrote during the same time period. By all means don’t miss these spectacular “from the vault” tracks. Top-tier mentions: infectious “Message in a Bottle,” tender “Nothing New” and brilliant power-pop “Forever Winter.”

And of course, there’s now the epic ten-minute version of “All Too Well.”

“All Too Well” is up for a Grammy for Song of the Year – I think she’ll get it.

🎵Closing Notes


Coldplay’s Simulcast

Coldplay’s global live simulcast in October from Buenos Aires was a smash hit.

Even in small town Eugene, Oregon, it got an enthusiastic reception from moviegoers.

A simulcast in a movie theater is not exactly the same as a live concert – but also, absolutely, it’s the next best thing. The sensational setlist included mega hits Higher Power, The Scientist, Paradise, Hymn for the Weekend, Viva la Vida, A Sky Full of Stars and Clocks.

Best of all was the sheer excitement of a simulcast! The sight of 70,000 fans splashed across the screen while Coldplay performed so many heavy hitters was a thrill.

Two thumbs up for what I hope is an emerging music trend.

Let’s hope more artists follow suit.


Keep your eye on Brandi Carlile 

Brandi Carlile’s “In These Silent Days” is an absolutely “must-have.”

The album is up for a Grammy, and was included in my Top 10 last year, here.


Live music returned

This year also marked a joyful return to live shows, touring and music festivals.

Fleet Foxes, Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper, Jesse Colin Young, Lord Huron, Rebelution and so many more played here in the PNW.

And Lizzo’s two sold-out shows at Portland’s Moda Center were phenomenal.

Support our local music venues!


That’s a Wrap

Happy Holidays…and stay safe out there.

Thanks for listening to KRVM and supporting listener-powered radio!

Filed Under: Music, Music Scene, New Music Tagged With: 2022, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, KRVM, Kurt Vile, Lizzo, Lucius, Music, Taylor Swift, Tears for Fears, Top 10 albums

A Spectacular Music Year: Ten Albums Not to Miss

December 6, 2021 by Cynthia Orlando

After a relatively quiet 2020, this year a flood of new music hit the market. What rose to the top?

Looking back

Adele dropped beautifully vulnerable, much anticipated “30” last month. Pop star Billie Eilish gave us phenomenal “Happier Than Ever” in June. Ed Sheeran released new ‘=‘ to mostly positive reception.

Leon Bridges dropped lovely, ambient “Gold-Diggers Sound.” Americana newcomer Allison Russell’s “Outside Child” received deservedly wide acclaim. Rhiannon Giddens gave us intimate, wondrous “They’re Calling Me Home,” recorded under quarantine in Ireland.

New to the pop scene was Los Angeles-based Olivia Rodrigo who dropped critically acclaimed “Sour” in May. And Coldplay gave us euphoric concept album “Music of the Spheres” in October. All this, plus numerous EP’s from many quality indie bands and artists.

In short, it was a spectacular year for new music.

Top Ten

Here’s my annual roundup of the year’s best albums.

Arlo Parks  “Collapsed in Sunbeams”

London singer-songwriter Arlo Parks made a splash in the music world this year. She won Breakthrough Artist at the 2021 Brit Awards, then took home the prestigious Mercury Prize in September.

Her intimate, touching “Collapsed in Sunbeams” debut released early this year. “Sunbeams” boasts Parks’ lilting vocals with smooth touches of acoustic guitar and synth.

Tracks are crisp, relatable, polished. Dreamy “Green Eyes,” for example, delivers a compelling message about self-acceptance. Comforting “Hope” soars with a catchy melody and spot-on percussion.

When it comes to music, Parks says she always trusts her “gut feelings.” It’s paid off.

Celeste “Not Your Muse”

Celeste Waite is Great Britain’s newest pop icon. Not yet widely known here in the U.S., the American-British singer-songwriter gifted us this year with “Not Your Muse,” her debut.

“Not Your Muse” artfully blends bright pop songs with pensive ballads perfect for Waite’s unique, sultry vocals.

New romance in your life, anyone? Dance track “Tonight Tonight” is an explosion of engaging jazz pop.

And watch for heartfelt, soulful “Ideal Woman.” 

“Love is Back” is the shining pop optimism we need right now. “A Kiss” is timeless and transcendent, and sure to be covered by other artists.

Waite received the BRITs’ Rising Star Award last February. “Not Your Muse” is a promising debut from an artist to watch.

Lord Huron “Long Lost”

Indie band Lord Huron released superb “Long Lost,” their fourth studio album, in May.

This time around the band is steadfastly focused on timeless, haunting compositions about love and loss.

Early on comes exquisite alt-country “Mine Forever.” Like the rest of the album, it boasts imaginative vocals, spectacular harmonies and an expansive, cinematic sound. Toe-tapping “Love Me Like You Used To” is perfect folk-rock for heartache. “I Lied,” a duet sung by lead singer Ben Schneider and Allison Ponthier, is gorgeous.

The title track describes a blissful respite into nature. It’s akin to a modern day Roy Orbison rhapsody.

And the atmospheric good vibes just keep coming.

Why this gem of an album didn’t receive a Grammy nomination is a head scratcher. “Long Lost” is on our playlist. Here’s proof that Lord Huron spent their time wisely during last year’s lockdowns.

Jon Batiste  “We Are”

“We Are” (on KRVM’s playlist) is Jon Batiste’s fifth studio release.

The album’s engaging, expansive vibe is a perfect anecdote for these trying times. The Colbert Show Music Director – a native of New Orleans – gifts music lovers with thirteen exceptional R&B/Soul tracks (nineteen, if you buy the Deluxe edition).

Batiste graduated from New York City’s prestigious Juilliard music school, and it shows. On the new album we might hear jazz, hip-hop or soul, but no matter the genre, it’s all good.

“I Need You” is pure joy, and a perfect soundtrack for your New Year’s Eve party.

Title track “We Are” boasts the St. Augustine High School Marching 100 marching band, and a gospel choir. It honors, powerfully, the protest marches of last year’s Black Lives Matter protests.  

Listen also for exuberant “Freedom,” high-spirited, jazzy “Adulthood,” and “Cry,” with its stellar blues guitar solo.

On moving “SING,” Batiste’s pitch-perfect falsetto, alternately poignant and joyous, is astounding.

Kacey Musgraves “star-crossed”

Here’s an album to soothe us through dark winter days and beyond. Released in September, Kacey Musgrave’s newest explores the incremental deterioration of intimate relationships. “Let me set the scene,” she croons.

“Star-crossed” is a pop album with touches of dance, rock, psychedelic music, even jazz flute. The gorgeous title track – embellished with lush electronic synth beats – is interstellar. The album’s rich sound may derive from the discerning ear of veteran mastering engineer Gregory Calbi.  

Hit single “Justified” scores points for its ability to convey the raw, mixed emotions that come with divorce.

“I think that there is always reward in choosing to be the most vulnerable,” Musgraves, a Texas native, said recently. “I have to remind myself that’s one of the strongest things you can do, is to be witness to being vulnerable.”

Nostalgic, playful “Simple Times” tugs at the heartstrings. Who among us hasn’t yearned for times long-gone, or the simpler days that preceded COVID?

With “There is a Light” Musgraves comes full circle. Not to sound too corny, but she’s found the hope that comes from within.

She’s wrapping things up, and closes with finale’ “gracias a la vida.” Sung in Spanish, it’s beautiful, touching, memorable.

The War on Drugs  “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”

The War on Drugs are beloved for their unique hypnotic roots-rock sound. Their 2017 “A Deeper Understanding” won them a Grammy the following year for Best Rock Album.

New “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” delivers a dreamy, top-notch collection of heartland rock n’ roll. It’s a hard-driving but intimate collection of tracks bursting with musical textures and lovely nuanced layers of sound.

Lyrical themes are of searching, overcoming challenges, reflection and fatherhood. It was recorded remotely during last year’s lockdown,

Cinematic “Harmonia’s Dream” boasts soaring chords, a rich synth vibe and War on Drugs’ trademark driving beat.

And don’t miss the stunning, guitar-embellished title track. This shimmering rock anthem features backing vocals by New York band Lucius. It’s among the year’s top rock tracks.

Warm and expansive, “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” is a perfect soundtrack for your next road trip.

The Sizzos “She’s Driving Down”

This year’s under-the-radar success story comes from Portland Oregon’s The Sizzos.

Frontman George Zaninovich has 20+ years playing guitar and writing songs for Portland and San Francisco bands. “She’s Driving Down” is his first solo project.

“Driving Down” is a solid collection of diverse, noteworthy alt-rock tracks that merit repeated listens. Zaninovich says the the pandemic and last year’s protests for racial equity influenced the album.

Moods vary, from subdued “Franklin Roller” and bluesy “Glass Bird” to mysterious “Tule Fog.” Collaborators include Kabir Green (vocals) and Joe Dagostino (slide and EBow).

Watch for celebratory “Cut Loose.” About friends, family and Robert Cray, it boasts an expansive vibe, lead guitar sizzle and alluring harmonies.

Sarah Jarosz “Blue Heron Suite”

Highest praise for Sarah Jarosz’s “Blue Heron Suite,” released in May of this year. “Suite” centers on an emotional year for Jarosz, the year her mother was diagnosed with cancer.

The album originates from a 2018 work commissioned by the Massachusetts 2017 FreshGrass Festival. Acoustic instrumentalist Jarosz is joined by Jefferson Hammer (guitar and harmonies) and Jeff Picker (bass).

“I like to think of the song cycle (on Blue Heron Suite) as a quiet acknowledgment of life’s many uncertainties,” says Jarosz. “You never know what will be thrown your way, but you can always work to try to face the highs and the lows with grace and strength.”

Jarosz’s sparse arrangements on “Suite” are meditative and powerful, solidly capturing the subject matter. Reflective “Morning,” for example, weaves together guitar, bass and vocals most exquisitely. Somber bass, finger-picked guitar and Jarosz’s bright vocals convey tension and resolution throughout.

“Blue Heron Suite” was recorded at Reservoir Studios in New York City. This delicate, evocative piece is meant to be listened to start-to-finish.

Brandi Carlile “In These Silent Days”

Brandi Carlile has done it again. The seasoned, charismatic musician really only emerged from the shadows with the 2018 release of “By the Way, I Forgive You.” It earned her a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, and, much wider exposure.

She released “In These Silent Days” this fall. It’s a hefty collection of tracks that satisfy.

“You and Me on the Rocks” is a lighthearted ode to relationships, boasting punchy harmonies within a Joni Mitchell Blue-inspired arrangement. “Sinners, Saints and Fools” is classic Carlile. It’s a commanding storyline told rock n’ roll style, all the while throwing punches at organized religion.

“Stay Gentle” is like a musical tincture. It’s a good reminder that often songs with the most staying power are the sincere, simple ones.

“This Time Tomorrow” could’ve come straight off Carlile’s first record – simple, honest, heartfelt. Her vocals on heartbreaking “Right on Time” are unparalleled. She performed rock track “Broken Horses” on Saturday Night Live to warm reception.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Carlile is an artist who has never yet released a weak album. “In These Silent Days” is another for your collection.

Taylor Swift “evermore”

Taylor Swift’s “folklore” took Album of the Year in 2020. She released its sister album “evermore” a scant 5 months later.

The talented, prolific Swift has a way of making creative, complex songwriting look easy. Could “evermore” earn her another Grammy? Let’s take a look.

Like “folklore,” “evermore” finds the artist penning more songs in the singer-songwriter genre. She’s also expanding horizons.  Within “evermore”’s first three tracks the artful Swift takes us from finger-picking chamber folk (“willow”) to a sorrowful piano ballad (“champagne problems”) to lush, fast-paced pop (“gold rush”). Musically, you could say “evermore” approximates a book of short stories. But that would be simplifying it, as 3 to 4-minute tracks like “tis the damn season” “cowboy like me” and “no body, no crime” contain enough storytelling material for entire movie scripts.

She’s accompanied on “evermore” (on KRVM’s playlist) by Aaron Dessner (The National), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff. But it’s clear it’s Swift at the helm of sonically rich “evermore.”

In addition to a diversity of stories and styles, there’s a depth to these tracks that ensures them longevity and staying power. People will be spinning these tunes for years to come, and that’s something not seen too often in contemporary music.

We might assume “evermore” won’t win Album of the Year because “folklore” just received that title. The Recording Academy has a lot to think about because “evermore” is a pop-folk masterpiece.

More 2021 music picks

Looking for a few more holiday gift ideas? Here’s a few more highlights from the year!

  • Big Red Machine – “How Long Do You Think It’s Gonna Last”
  • Japanese Breakfast – “Jubilee”
  • Fleet Foxes – “Shore” **
  • Glass Animals – “Dreamland” **
  • Fruit Bats – “The Pet Parade”
  • Black Pumas – “Capitol Cuts’

** Included in my 2020 Top 10

That’s a wrap!

What a wonderful, musically-filled year it’s been.

Thanks for listening to KRVM, and supporting listener-powered radio!

Filed Under: Music Scene, New Music Tagged With: Arlo Parks, Brandi Carlile, Celeste, Jon Batiste, Kacey Musgraves, KRVM, Lord Huron, Music 2021, Sarah Jarosz, Taylor Swift, The Sizzos, Top 10 Albums 2021, War on Drugs

A prolific year for music

December 9, 2020 by Cynthia Orlando

2020 dished out more disappointment and misfortune than any year we’ve ever experienced or witnessed.

But hey, instead of taking stock of its countless calamities, let’s give thanks for the one good thing it gave us: a great music scene. Every month, there were at least half a dozen new albums to give thanks for.

Here are ten first-rate albums that got us through 2020 and are sure to keep us humming well into the New Year.

Tame Impala – “The Slow Rush”

This year Tame Impala, aka creative genius Kevin Parker, dazzled music critics and wowed fans.

“The Slow Rush,” released in February, held up well over the course of the year, never losing its allure. Parker’s keen ear for diverse sonic accents and his unique blend of psychedelic pop is second-to-none. Instrumentation by Parker, a creative perfectionist, was bold and euphoric. The album also gets high marks for its rich, soothing vibe, dreamy vocals, and lovely synth textures.

Brilliant tracks like “Borderline” “Lost in Yesterday” and “Is it True” put “Slow Rush” on the fast track for long-term acclaim.

Sarah Jarosz – “World on the Ground”

Three-time Grammy winner Sarah Jarosz was once described as “a songwriter of uncommon wisdom” by the Austin Chronicle. It’s still a fitting description. In the midst of a frantic year, the bluegrass prodigy gifted us with soothing musical balm via ten tracks of her perfectly honed Americana.

“World on the Ground” is Jarosz’s fifth studio album. It imparts a compelling, grounded beauty enhanced by her graceful touches. Beautifully arranged, rock-tinged “Johnny” is on KRVM’s playlist.

From lovely and melodious “Eve” to poignant “Hometown,” “World on the Ground” triumphs.

Fleet Foxes – “Shore”

Much to the delight of fans, Seattle’s favorite Indie-folk rockers dropped “Shore” in September. A musically venturesome album, among its fifteen tracks are the eloquent “Sunblind” and riveting “Wading in Waist-High Water.”

Powerfully evocative “Featherweight” is stunning. Fans also love the melodic, sonically rich “Can I Believe You,” currently on KRVM’s playlist.

Talented frontman and lead singer Robin Pecknold wrote these songs as a way of coping with the year of COVID, and helping others cope, too. The gorgeous, comforting vibe of “Shore” will endure long after the pandemic has ended.

John Legend “Bigger Love”

In mid-May, gifted superstar John Legend released “Bigger Love.” It was an expansive album for Legend, who called it his “sexiest album to date,“ and a big hit with fans. Brimming with inspirational R&B tracks and romantic ballads, “Bigger Love” elevates, inspires, soothes.

Legend also stated he hoped the album would bring joy, and be uplifting in light of the George Floyd protests that took place during the album’s release.

He performed powerful piano ballad “Never Break” at this year’s Billboard Music awards, and dedicated it to his wife Chrissy Teigen. Its heartfelt vocals seem ready-made for a movie soundtrack.

Fabulous title track “Bigger Love” is soulful pop with Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Watch also for Legend’s rock ’n roll flavored “Wild,” featuring Gary Clark Jr.’s sizzling guitar solo.

Taylor Swift – “Folklore”

In a year as challenging and disappointing as 2020, one might expect music fans to reach for uplifting pop or raucous rock. But sometimes, an album built around loss, memories, storytelling, and reflection soothes best.

This partly explains the stunning success of “Folklore,” where Taylor Swift downshifted from pop to an alt-indie singer-songwriter vibe. In isolation, Swift worked remotely with The National’s Aaron Dessner. In four months and without any publicity, she created an album that spent 8 weeks at number one, and moved more units than any other in 2020.

Especially popular: mournful duo “exile,” nostalgic “seven,” exuberant “Last Great American Dynasty” and golden “August.” In a category all its own was the gut-wrenching “epiphany,” which drew parallels between wartime heroes and doctors and nurses on the COVID frontlines.

“Folklore” is my pick for Album of the Year.

Bob Dylan – “Rough and Rowdy Ways”

Bob Dylan’s “Rough and Rowdy Ways” covered it all: pop culture, mythology, mortality, and passing the point of no return. In other words, plenty to ponder in a year of lockdown.

There’s the 17-minute “Murder Most Foul” (song title from Hamlet), a stunning reflection on the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The sheer beauty of “I Contain Multitudes” is timeless. Bluesy “Goodbye Jimmy Reed” imparts a party-on, Rainy Day Women swagger. You’ll want to blast the volume for Dylan’s 7-minute, swashbuckling “I Crossed the Rubicon.”

A veritable treasure trove, “Rough and Rowdy Ways” is quintessential Dylan, and an instant classic.

The Big Moon – “Walking Like We Do”

London Indie-Rockers The Big Moon scored mightily with this year’s “Walking Like We Do.” From the lush opening chords of “It’s Easy Then” to its humorous closing track, the new album never fell short.

“Walking” affirms The Big Moon’s keen instinct for lovely melodies that righteously rock. Album highlights: “Why” is effervescent pop, while danceable “Your Light” and deliciously thunderous “Holy Roller” are destined for concert halls. “Don’t Think” delivers a dark, edgy vibe via ace bass guitar and compelling vocals. Upbeat “Waves” gleefully narrates the end of a romance. Vocals by lead singer Juliette Jackson are exceptional throughout.

The Big Moon could easily bring down the roof at any of Eugene’s music venues. Here’s hoping, someday, they do.

Fiona Apple – “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”

Fiona Apple released gobsmacking “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” to widespread commendation in April.

It was her first release in 8 Years, and was worth the wait.

Exploring themes of sisterhood, resilience, and freedom, “Bolt Cutters” was recorded at Apple’s Venice Beach home. Here, she and a small backing band – David Garza on guitar, Sebastian Steinberg, bass, and Amy Aileen Wood, drums – sound amazing, intimate and vibrant.

On tracks like “Relay,” songwriting is in a league all its own. Sample lyrics: “Evil is a relay sport / When the one who’s burnt / Turns to pass the torch.”

Further underscoring her artistry are emphatic “Under the Table,” sparkling “Shameika,” the lovely, liberating title track, and explosive “On I Go.” As much about self-disclosure as it is about self-respect, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” is well-deserving of the widespread acclaim it generated this year. Apple’s compelling use of percussion imparts a cathartic vibe to every track.

Blitzen Trapper – “Holy Smokes, Future Jokes”

Blitzen Trapper’s “Holy Smokes, Future Jokes” bestowed 2020 with ten perfect tracks characterized by mystical themes, complex arrangements, and rich harmonies.

Multilayered folk-rock compositions like dreamy “Baptismal” were largely inspired by the book “Tibetan Book of the Dead.” Lead singer Eric Earley’s vocals are smooth, sincere, and engaging throughout. The pensive “Think Magically,” mysterious “Bardo’s Light,” and charming “Don’t Let Me Run” – now on KRVM’s playlist – were the perfect antidote for a frantic year.

Simply put, one of Portland’s best-loved bands delivered a “must-have.” Long may they reign.

Glass Animals – “Dreamland”

The newest release from England’s Glass Animals made a hefty splash in the world of music.

The band’s innovative psych-pop tracks boasted touches of synth and electronica, making for perfect radio airplay. Fans rhapsodized about the album’s shimmering, sunshine-y vibe.

On “Dreamland,” the band explores personal memories via multi-textured arrangements, hypnotic riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics. Music is embellished with sound snippets of old home movies, adding a nostalgic touch. Songs “Hot Sugar” and “Heat Waves” are dreamy and catchy. “Your Love (De’ja’ Vu)” and “Dreamland” are superb.

To sum up: over the course of a high anxiety, high stakes year, “Dreamland” offered a much-needed escape.

But wait – there’s more.

This year there were so many notable releases worth your time and wallet, we dare not stop here.

For those who appreciate a longer list, here are fifteen additional indie, rock, Americana, pop, and R&B albums you just might love!

The Strokes – “The New Abnormal”

Niall Horan – “Heartbreak Weather”

Andy Shauf – “Neon Skyline”

Bruce Springsteen – “Letter to You”

Lucinda Williams – “Good Souls Better Angels”

Doves – “The Universal Want”

Tennis – “Swimmer”

Waxahatchee – “Saint Cloud”

The Beths – “Jumprope Gazers”

Alicia Keys – “Alicia”

Bonny Light Horsemen – “Bonny Light Horsemen”

The Killers – “Imploding the Mirage”

Laura Veirs – “My Echo”

Watkins Family Hour – “Brother Sister”

Bombay Bicycle Club – “Everything Else Has Gone Wrong”

That’s a wrap!

It’s been a long year, music lovers, but we made it.

Thanks for listening to KRVM, and supporting listener-powered radio.

Filed Under: Music Scene, New Music Tagged With: 2020, Americana, Best of Year, Bigger Love, Blitzen Trapper, Bob Dylan, Dreamland, Fiona Apple, Fleet Foxes, folklore, Glass Animals, John Legend, KRVM, Music, Oregon, Rock, Rough & Rowdy Ways, Sarah Jarosz, Tame Impala, Taylor Swift, The Big Moon, Walking Like We Do, World on the Ground

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