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The Top 100 Albums of the 2020s (So Far)

The best albums of the decade to date, ranked.

100 albums

  1. 1
    Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple
    Alternative & indie

    Fetch the Bolt Cutters

    Fiona Apple · 2020 · Epic

    Percussive, liberating songs recorded at home.

    Released 17 Apr 2020

  2. 2
    Renaissance by Beyoncé
    Pop

    Renaissance

    Beyoncé · 2022 · Parkwood / Columbia

    A continuous tribute to house, disco and ballroom culture.

    Released 29 Jul 2022 · 16 tracks

  3. 3
    Folklore by Taylor Swift
    Pop

    Folklore

    Taylor Swift · 2020 · Republic

    A hushed, storytelling turn made during lockdown.

    Released 24 Jul 2020 · 16 tracks

  4. 4
    Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Punisher

    Phoebe Bridgers · 2020 · Dead Oceans

    Wry, haunting indie songs.

    Released 20 Nov 2020 · 4 tracks

  5. 5
    Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar
    Hip-hop

    Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers

    Kendrick Lamar · 2022 · pgLang / Top Dawg / Aftermath / Interscope

    A raw double album about therapy, family and trauma.

    Released 13 May 2022 · 19 tracks

  6. 6
    Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny
    Latin & Brazilian

    Un Verano Sin Ti

    Bad Bunny · 2022 · Rimas

    A summer album of reggaeton, dembow and Caribbean styles.

    Released 6 May 2022

  7. 7
    Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz
    Hip-hop

    Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

    Little Simz · 2021 · Age 101

    Cinematic, orchestral hip-hop from North London.

    Released 3 Sep 2021

  8. 8
    Brat by Charli XCX
    Pop

    Brat

    Charli XCX · 2024 · Atlantic

    Club-ready pop that defined a summer.

    Released 21 Jun 2024 · 1 tracks

  9. 9
    SOS by SZA
    Soul & R&B

    SOS

    SZA · 2022 · Top Dawg / RCA

    A sprawling, genre-hopping R&B blockbuster.

    Released 9 Dec 2022 · 23 tracks

  10. 10
    Latin & Brazilian

    Motomami

    Rosalía · 2022 · Columbia

    Reggaeton, flamenco and experimental pop collide.

  11. 11
    Promises by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & the London Symphony Orchestra
    Jazz

    Promises

    Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & the London Symphony Orchestra · 2021 · Luaka Bop

    A single, luminous piece for saxophone, synths and strings.

    Released 26 Mar 2021 · 9 tracks

  12. 12
    Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa
    Pop

    Future Nostalgia

    Dua Lipa · 2020 · Warner

    Disco-pop including “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now”.

    Released 13 Dec 2019 · 1 tracks

  13. 13
    After Hours by The Weeknd
    Soul & R&B

    After Hours

    The Weeknd · 2020 · XO / Republic

    Neon-lit ’80s pop including “Blinding Lights”.

    Released 20 Mar 2020 · 14 tracks

  14. 14
    Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice
    Alternative & indie

    Blue Weekend

    Wolf Alice · 2021 · Dirty Hit

    Dreamy and ferocious indie rock.

    Released 1 Jan 2000 · 17 tracks

  15. 15
    Ants from Up There by Black Country, New Road
    Alternative & indie

    Ants from Up There

    Black Country, New Road · 2022 · Ninja Tune

    Epic, emotional chamber rock.

    Released 4 Feb 2022 · 10 tracks

  16. 16
    Bright Future by Adrianne Lenker
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Bright Future

    Adrianne Lenker · 2024 · 4AD

    Intimate songs recorded live in a wooden studio.

    Released 22 Mar 2024 · 12 tracks

  17. 17
    Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You by Big Thief
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

    Big Thief · 2022 · 4AD

    A generous double album recorded across America.

    Released 11 Feb 2022 · 20 tracks

  18. 18
    Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé
    Country

    Cowboy Carter

    Beyoncé · 2024 · Parkwood / Columbia

    Beyoncé reclaims country music’s Black roots.

    Released 29 Mar 2024 · 27 tracks

  19. 19
    GNX by Kendrick Lamar
    Hip-hop

    GNX

    Kendrick Lamar · 2024 · pgLang / Interscope

    A West Coast victory lap including “Not Like Us”.

    Released 21 Nov 2024 · 12 tracks

  20. 20
    Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter
    Pop

    Short n’ Sweet

    Sabrina Carpenter · 2024 · Island

    Witty pop including “Espresso”.

    Released 23 Aug 2024 · 12 tracks

  21. 21
    Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish
    Pop

    Hit Me Hard and Soft

    Billie Eilish · 2024 · Darkroom / Interscope

    Billie Eilish’s most expansive album.

    Released 17 May 2024 · 11 tracks

  22. 22
    The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
    Pop

    The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

    Chappell Roan · 2023 · Amusement / Island

    Camp, heartfelt pop including “Hot to Go!” and “Pink Pony Club”.

    Released 22 Sep 2023 · 14 tracks

  23. 23
    Guts by Olivia Rodrigo
    Pop

    Guts

    Olivia Rodrigo · 2023 · Geffen

    Pop-punk angst including “Vampire”.

    Released 8 Sep 2023 · 12 tracks

  24. 24
    Sour by Olivia Rodrigo
    Pop

    Sour

    Olivia Rodrigo · 2021 · Geffen

    A breakout debut including “Drivers License”.

    Released 21 May 2021 · 11 tracks

  25. 25
    30 by Adele
    Pop

    30

    Adele · 2021 · Columbia

    A divorce album including “Easy on Me”.

    Released 19 Nov 2021 · 12 tracks

  26. 26
    Evermore by Taylor Swift
    Pop

    Evermore

    Taylor Swift · 2020 · Republic

    Folklore’s wintry sister album.

    Released 11 Dec 2020 · 16 tracks

  27. 27
    Saint Cloud by Waxahatchee
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Saint Cloud

    Waxahatchee · 2020 · Merge

    Sober, sunlit Americana.

    Released 27 Mar 2020 · 11 tracks

  28. 28
    Tigers Blood by Waxahatchee
    Country

    Tigers Blood

    Waxahatchee · 2024 · Anti-

    Warm alt-country with MJ Lenderman on guitar.

    Released 22 Mar 2024 · 12 tracks

  29. 29
    Jubilee by Japanese Breakfast
    Alternative & indie

    Jubilee

    Japanese Breakfast · 2021 · Dead Oceans

    Joyous, colourful indie pop.

    Released 4 Jun 2021 · 10 tracks

  30. 30
    The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We by Mitski
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We

    Mitski · 2023 · Dead Oceans

    Orchestral country-tinged songs of love and loneliness.

    Released 15 Sep 2023 · 11 tracks

  31. 31
    Desire, I Want to Turn Into You by Caroline Polachek
    Pop

    Desire, I Want to Turn Into You

    Caroline Polachek · 2023 · Perpetual Novice

    Adventurous, soaring art-pop.

    Released 14 Feb 2023 · 12 tracks

  32. 32
    The Record by boygenius
    Alternative & indie

    The Record

    boygenius · 2023 · Interscope

    Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus united.

    Released 15 Aug 2006 · 11 tracks

  33. 33
    Romance by Fontaines D.C.
    Alternative & indie

    Romance

    Fontaines D.C. · 2024 · XL

    A bold, cinematic reinvention.

    Released 19 Nov 1991 · 12 tracks

  34. 34
    Skinty Fia by Fontaines D.C.
    Alternative & indie

    Skinty Fia

    Fontaines D.C. · 2022 · Partisan

    Dark post-punk about Irish identity in exile.

    Released 21 Mar 2022 · 1 tracks

  35. 35
    Wet Leg by Wet Leg
    Alternative & indie

    Wet Leg

    Wet Leg · 2022 · Domino

    Deadpan indie rock including “Chaise Longue”.

    Released 6 Jul 2022 · 1 tracks

  36. 36
    Collapsed in Sunbeams by Arlo Parks
    Soul & R&B

    Collapsed in Sunbeams

    Arlo Parks · 2021 · Transgressive

    Gentle, poetic songs that won the Mercury Prize.

    Released 29 Jan 2021

  37. 37
    Mother by Cleo Sol
    Soul & R&B

    Mother

    Cleo Sol · 2021 · Forever Living Originals

    Tender, maternal neo-soul.

    Released 19 Aug 2021 · 12 tracks

  38. 38
    Untitled (Black Is) by SAULT
    Soul & R&B

    Untitled (Black Is)

    SAULT · 2020 · Forever Living Originals

    A defiant soul album released on Juneteenth.

    Released 19 Jun 2020 · 20 tracks

  39. 39
    We’re All Alone in This Together by Dave
    Hip-hop

    We’re All Alone in This Together

    Dave · 2021 · Neighbourhood

    Ambitious rap about migration and fame.

    Released 23 Jul 2021

  40. 40
    No Thank You by Little Simz
    Hip-hop

    No Thank You

    Little Simz · 2022 · Forever Living Originals

    A surprise-released album with SAULT’s Inflo.

    Released 23 May 2001 · 16 tracks

  41. 41
    Twice as Tall by Burna Boy
    African

    Twice as Tall

    Burna Boy · 2020 · Atlantic

    A Grammy-winning Afrofusion album.

    Released 12 Aug 2020

  42. 42
    Made in Lagos by Wizkid
    African

    Made in Lagos

    Wizkid · 2020 · Starboy / RCA

    Smooth Afrobeats including “Essence”.

    Released 11 Aug 2023 · 12 tracks

  43. 43
    Born in the Wild by Tems
    African

    Born in the Wild

    Tems · 2024 · RCA

    A long-awaited debut of alté soul.

    Released 18 Aug 2017 · 10 tracks

  44. 44
    Tyla by Tyla
    African

    Tyla

    Tyla · 2024 · Epic

    Amapiano-pop including “Water”.

    Released 11 Oct 2024 · 17 tracks

  45. 45
    Mr. Money with the Vibe by Asake
    African

    Mr. Money with the Vibe

    Asake · 2022 · YBNL / Empire

    Amapiano-infused Afrobeats.

    Released 8 Sep 2022 · 12 tracks

  46. 46
    Mañana Será Bonito by Karol G
    Latin & Brazilian

    Mañana Será Bonito

    Karol G · 2023 · Bichota / Interscope

    Reggaeton pop that topped the US chart.

    Released 27 Jan 2023 · 1 tracks

  47. 47
    YHLQMDLG by Bad Bunny
    Latin & Brazilian

    YHLQMDLG

    Bad Bunny · 2020 · Rimas

    A reggaeton party album.

    Released 12 May 2022 · 10 tracks

  48. 48
    Génesis by Peso Pluma
    Latin & Brazilian

    Génesis

    Peso Pluma · 2023 · Double P

    Corridos tumbados taken global.

    Released 17 Mar 2023 · 1 tracks

  49. 49
    Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) by Kali Uchis
    Soul & R&B

    Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios)

    Kali Uchis · 2020 · Interscope

    Dreamy Spanish-language R&B.

    Released 18 Nov 2020

  50. 50
    Call Me If You Get Lost by Tyler, the Creator
    Hip-hop

    Call Me If You Get Lost

    Tyler, the Creator · 2021 · Columbia

    A globe-trotting mixtape-style album.

    Released 19 Nov 2021 · 7 tracks

  51. 51
    Chromakopia by Tyler, the Creator
    Hip-hop

    Chromakopia

    Tyler, the Creator · 2024 · Columbia

    A theatrical album about adulthood.

    Released 28 Oct 2024 · 14 tracks

  52. 52
    Scaring the Hoes by JPEGMafia & Danny Brown
    Hip-hop

    Scaring the Hoes

    JPEGMafia & Danny Brown · 2023 · AWAL

    Chaotic, sample-mad experimental rap.

    Released 21 Mar 2023

  53. 53
    Haram by Armand Hammer & The Alchemist
    Hip-hop

    Haram

    Armand Hammer & The Alchemist · 2021 · Backwoodz Studioz

    Dense, poetic underground rap.

    Released 26 Mar 2021 · 14 tracks

  54. 54
    Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist
    Hip-hop

    Alfredo

    Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist · 2020 · Empire

    Luxurious, cinematic street rap.

    Released 6 Nov 2020 · 1 tracks

  55. 55
    RTJ4 by Run the Jewels
    Hip-hop

    RTJ4

    Run the Jewels · 2020 · BMG

    Ferocious political rap released amid protests.

    Released 25 Mar 2020 · 1 tracks

  56. 56
    Utopia by Travis Scott
    Hip-hop

    Utopia

    Travis Scott · 2023 · Epic

    Maximalist, psychedelic trap.

    Released 28 Jul 2023 · 19 tracks

  57. 57
    Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii
    Hip-hop

    Alligator Bites Never Heal

    Doechii · 2024 · Top Dawg / Capitol

    A Grammy-winning mixtape of wit and range.

    Released 29 Aug 2024 · 19 tracks

  58. 58
    Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy
    Soul & R&B

    Gemini Rights

    Steve Lacy · 2022 · RCA

    Funky bedroom soul including “Bad Habit”.

    Released 14 Jul 2022 · 10 tracks

  59. 59
    An Evening with Silk Sonic by Silk Sonic
    Soul & R&B

    An Evening with Silk Sonic

    Silk Sonic · 2021 · Aftermath / Atlantic

    Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak revive ’70s soul.

    Released 12 Nov 2021 · 10 tracks

  60. 60
    We Are by Jon Batiste
    Soul & R&B

    We Are

    Jon Batiste · 2021 · Verve

    A joyful Grammy Album of the Year.

    Released 15 Oct 2021 · 19 tracks

  61. 61
    Fearless Movement by Kamasi Washington
    Jazz

    Fearless Movement

    Kamasi Washington · 2024 · Young

    Spiritual jazz inspired by dance.

    Released 3 May 2024

  62. 62
    Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace by Shabaka
    Jazz

    Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace

    Shabaka · 2024 · Impulse!

    Shabaka Hutchings turns to flute in meditative jazz.

    Released 12 Apr 2024 · 11 tracks

  63. 63
    New Blue Sun by André 3000
    Jazz

    New Blue Sun

    André 3000 · 2023 · Epic

    An ambient flute album from the OutKast rapper.

    Released 17 Nov 2023 · 8 tracks

  64. 64
    Space 1.8 by Nala Sinephro
    Jazz

    Space 1.8

    Nala Sinephro · 2021 · Warp

    Harp, synths and jazz in hypnotic spaces.

    Released 3 Sep 2021 · 8 tracks

  65. 65
    Black Classical Music by Yussef Dayes
    Jazz

    Black Classical Music

    Yussef Dayes · 2023 · Brownswood

    London jazz drumming at its most expansive.

    Released 8 Sep 2023 · 19 tracks

  66. 66
    Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022) by Fred again..
    Electronic

    Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022)

    Fred again.. · 2022 · Atlantic

    Emotional dance music built from voice memos.

    Released 28 Oct 2022

  67. 67
    Sixteen Oceans by Four Tet
    Electronic

    Sixteen Oceans

    Four Tet · 2020 · Text

    Warm, meditative electronica.

    Released 13 Mar 2020 · 16 tracks

  68. 68
    What’s Your Pleasure? by Jessie Ware
    Pop

    What’s Your Pleasure?

    Jessie Ware · 2020 · PMR / Virgin EMI

    Sleek, sensual disco.

    Released 26 Jun 2020 · 20 tracks

  69. 69
    Disco by Kylie Minogue
    Pop

    Disco

    Kylie Minogue · 2020 · BMG

    Glittering lockdown disco.

    Released 6 Nov 2020 · 16 tracks

  70. 70
    Chromatica by Lady Gaga
    Pop

    Chromatica

    Lady Gaga · 2020 · Interscope

    Dance-pop including “Rain on Me”.

    Released 29 May 2020 · 17 tracks

  71. 71
    How I’m Feeling Now by Charli XCX
    Pop

    How I’m Feeling Now

    Charli XCX · 2020 · Asylum

    A hyperpop album made in lockdown with fans.

    Released 15 May 2020 · 11 tracks

  72. 72
    Sawayama by Rina Sawayama
    Pop

    Sawayama

    Rina Sawayama · 2020 · Dirty Hit

    Nu-metal, R&B and pop mashed together.

    Released 28 Jul 2023 · 1 tracks

  73. 73
    Midnights by Taylor Swift
    Pop

    Midnights

    Taylor Swift · 2022 · Republic

    Moody synth-pop including “Anti-Hero”.

    Released 21 Oct 2022 · 14 tracks

  74. 74
    Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey
    Pop

    Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd

    Lana Del Rey · 2023 · Polydor / Interscope

    Sprawling, confessional piano ballads.

    Released 19 May 2023 · 2 tracks

  75. 75
    Solar Power by Lorde
    Pop

    Solar Power

    Lorde · 2021 · Lava / Republic

    Sun-bleached acoustic pop.

    Released 20 Aug 2021 · 13 tracks

  76. 76
    Javelin by Sufjan Stevens
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Javelin

    Sufjan Stevens · 2023 · Asthmatic Kitty

    Luminous songs of love and loss.

    Released 22 May 2026 · 10 tracks

  77. 77
    And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow by Weyes Blood
    Alternative & indie

    And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow

    Weyes Blood · 2022 · Sub Pop

    Lush songs about connection in a fractured age.

    Released 18 Nov 2022 · 10 tracks

  78. 78
    Carnage by Nick Cave & Warren Ellis
    Rock

    Carnage

    Nick Cave & Warren Ellis · 2021 · Goliath

    Apocalyptic, tender lockdown songs.

    Released 19 Oct 2018 · 12 tracks

  79. 79
    Rough and Rowdy Ways by Bob Dylan
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Rough and Rowdy Ways

    Bob Dylan · 2020 · Columbia

    A late masterpiece including “Murder Most Foul”.

    Released 19 Jun 2020 · 10 tracks

  80. 80
    McCartney III by Paul McCartney
    Rock

    McCartney III

    Paul McCartney · 2020 · Capitol

    A one-man band album made in lockdown.

    Released 18 Dec 2020 · 11 tracks

  81. 81
    American Heartbreak by Zach Bryan
    Country

    American Heartbreak

    Zach Bryan · 2022 · Warner

    A sprawling, raw country breakthrough.

    Released 20 Sep 2019 · 7 tracks

  82. 82
    Rustin’ in the Rain by Tyler Childers
    Country

    Rustin’ in the Rain

    Tyler Childers · 2023 · RCA

    Short, joyous country songs.

    Released 8 Sep 2023 · 7 tracks

  83. 83
    Trail of Flowers by Sierra Ferrell
    Country

    Trail of Flowers

    Sierra Ferrell · 2024 · Rounder

    Old-time and bluegrass-inflected songs.

    Released 22 Mar 2024 · 12 tracks

  84. 84
    Starting Over by Chris Stapleton
    Country

    Starting Over

    Chris Stapleton · 2020 · Mercury Nashville

    Soulful, road-worn country.

    Released 13 Nov 2020 · 14 tracks

  85. 85
    They’re Calling Me Home by Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    They’re Calling Me Home

    Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi · 2021 · Nonesuch

    Songs of home recorded in Ireland during lockdown.

    Released 9 Apr 2021 · 13 tracks

  86. 86
    Hellfire by black midi
    Alternative & indie

    Hellfire

    black midi · 2022 · Rough Trade

    Frantic, theatrical art-rock.

    Released 24 Oct 2005 · 8 tracks

  87. 87
    Glow On by Turnstile
    Rock

    Glow On

    Turnstile · 2021 · Roadrunner

    Hardcore punk opened up with dreamy melody.

    Released 27 Aug 2021 · 15 tracks

  88. 88
    Fortitude by Gojira
    Metal

    Fortitude

    Gojira · 2021 · Roadrunner

    Environmentally driven progressive metal.

    Released 30 Apr 2021 · 11 tracks

  89. 89
    Ohms by Deftones
    Metal

    Ohms

    Deftones · 2020 · Reprise

    Heavy, atmospheric alternative metal.

    Released 6 Mar 2020 · 17 tracks

  90. 90
    New Long Leg by Dry Cleaning
    Alternative & indie

    New Long Leg

    Dry Cleaning · 2021 · 4AD

    Deadpan spoken word over post-punk.

    Released 2 Apr 2021 · 10 tracks

  91. 91
    Lahai by Sampha
    Soul & R&B

    Lahai

    Sampha · 2023 · Young

    Airy, rhythmic meditations on time.

    Released 20 Oct 2023 · 14 tracks

  92. 92
    My 21st Century Blues by RAYE
    Soul & R&B

    My 21st Century Blues

    RAYE · 2023 · Human Re Sources

    An independent debut that swept the Brits.

    Released 3 Feb 2023

  93. 93
    Rave & Roses by Rema
    African

    Rave & Roses

    Rema · 2022 · Mavin

    Afrorave including “Calm Down”.

    Released 25 Aug 2022 · 1 tracks

  94. 94
    Vice Versa by Rauw Alejandro
    Latin & Brazilian

    Vice Versa

    Rauw Alejandro · 2021 · Sony Music Latin

    Futuristic reggaeton and pop.

    Released 22 Sep 2026 · 11 tracks

  95. 95
    The Slow Rush by Tame Impala
    Alternative & indie

    The Slow Rush

    Tame Impala · 2020 · Modular

    Glossy psychedelic pop about time.

    Released 14 Feb 2020 · 12 tracks

  96. 96
    Women in Music Pt. III by HAIM
    Rock

    Women in Music Pt. III

    HAIM · 2020 · Columbia

    Candid, sunny soft rock.

    Released 26 Jun 2020

  97. 97
    Ignorance by The Weather Station
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Ignorance

    The Weather Station · 2021 · Fat Possum

    Anxious, beautiful songs about climate grief.

    Released 29 Sep 2021 · 19 tracks

  98. 98
    Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish
    Pop

    Happier Than Ever

    Billie Eilish · 2021 · Darkroom / Interscope

    Quiet songs that explode in the title track.

    Released 30 Jul 2021 · 16 tracks

  99. 99
    Manning Fireworks by MJ Lenderman
    Rock

    Manning Fireworks

    MJ Lenderman · 2024 · Anti-

    Wry, heart-worn indie rock.

    Released 6 Sep 2024 · 9 tracks

  100. 100
    Afrique Victime by Mdou Moctar
    African

    Afrique Victime

    Mdou Moctar · 2021 · Matador

    Blistering Tuareg guitar rock.

    Released 21 May 2021 · 9 tracks

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