First Quarter Review 2020

My Top 25 Albums released in January, February, and March

5 min readMay 6, 2020

1. Waxahatchee — Saint Cloud

Katie Crutchfield’s idiosyncratic voice shines more beautifully than ever over dustier, more confidently and proudly Southern songwriting. Every song is a precious gem.

2. Grimes — Miss Anthropocene

I’ve found Miss Anthropocene to be a real grower, probably because it took me a while to accept that it’s truly a sonic shift from Grimes’ past work. It’s darker and more sinister, more pulsating and spacious. And turns out, it’s super excellent.

3. Bad Bunny — YHLQMDLG

Bad Bunny’s latest collection puts an artsy, experimental twist on reggaetón, and his weirdo persona arguably comes out more than ever, here. But none of that distracts from the ultimate strength of the album, which is its huge, satisfying beats.

4. Poliça — When We Stay Alive

Channy and company have created a more simplified, less drum-heavy sound on their 4th proper studio album, making it better suited for reflective breakfast preparation than for bitter night driving.

5. Andy Shauf — The Neon Skyline

A tender, casual portrait of two people trying hard — but not that hard — to not fall back in love, with fun cameos from more different instruments than you can count on both hands.

6. Tame Impala — The Slow Rush

The Slow Rush contains some of Tame Impala’s funkiest, most exquisitely catchy singles yet, and also some of its weirdest, most atmospheric moments. I have yet to understand how it manages to feel so cohesive.

7. Mick Jenkins — The Circus

This short but sweet collection from one of Chicago’s best rappers is his most focused and precise work since 2015’s Wave[s].

8. Caribou — Suddenly

If Dan Snaith’s last two albums as Caribou were largely ostentatious and groove-focused, this one is a bit more internal and reflective. But that doesn’t mean you won’t dance.

Read my review of the chillest track on the album, “Magpie,” on The Wild Honey Pie.

9. Lord Apex / Bushi Vibes — darkskies

I learned about British rapper Lord Apex in a dim coffeeshop, and that tells you a lot of what you need to know about his shadowy, dingy sound. The man is good at what he does.

10. Half Waif — The Caretaker

I’m certain The Caretaker will continue to rise in my ranking as the year goes on. Nandi’s music always does. It’s subtle stuff, and you have to give it your undivided attention to get the most out of it.

11. J Balvin — Colores