Top 40 Albums of 2020 (40-21)

2020 was clearly not a great year, and in the early months of the pandemic, I wondered if I’d even be up for doing a year-end list with so many artists canceling their releases without the ability to go on the road to promote. There was certainly a lot of great music put on the back burner, but despite my original uncertainty, a plethora of exciting new music was released over the course of the year. In fact, some artists used the pandemic as a moment to try new things or used this moment to make a statement. In fact, music was one of the few avenues of escape during a year of perpetual lockdown. Here are some of the albums that helped me make it through the year.

The Top 20 Albums of 2020 (So Far)

The Covid-19 virus has changed the way we live in 2020. Almost all  industries have been impacted by the changes to how we interact with the outside world, and the entertainment industry has not been immune to the crisis. The music industry, in particular, has found itself maneuvering through uncharted waters. In the modern era, artists make the bulk of their income from live shows where they can earn money via ticket sales and merch. Obviously, that money-stream has disappeared, and what remains are streaming services that fail to pay artists their fair share. 

As a result, many artists pulled their material from release in 2020, and I don’t blame them. Despite this curtailment in new music, some brave artists have still released some pretty amazing new music. Below you will find 20 incredible albums released before July 1st that have helped buoy my spirits during uncertain times.

Worst Album Covers of 2011

20. And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

“Taos of the Dead”

I appreciate that all of the Trail of Dead covers are drawn by front man Conrad Keely, and he's obviously a great artist, but there comes a time where you need to pull your singer aside and be frank with him. Enough with the spaceships and air balloons, the machine guns and monocles, and the idea theft of video games (“Final Fantasy” and “Star Fox”). Put the pen down, and SING.

19. Eric Church

“Chief”

It’s nice to see that the kind folks in the country music community have welcomed the Una-Bomber into their world with open arms.

18. 311

“Universal Pulse”

A glimpse of “National Geographic” in the year 3000.

17. William McDowell

“Arise”

Does anyone else see the irony in how William McDowell’s followers in the background resemble a zombie uprising?

16. William Shatner

“Seeking Major Tom”

As much as Captain Kirk tried to hide, Sulu just kept finding him.

15. Steven Tyler

“(It) Feels So Good”

Tyler opted for the Times New Penis font (of all the phallic-letters, N is the happiest to see Tyler’s mouth open).

14. Big Time Rush

“Elevate”

We all know white guys can’t jump, but are we supposed to believe that the guy on the right is actually jumping?

13. Drake

“Take Care”

Poor , sad Drake has to sit around alone with his golden goblet, his golden candle stick, and his golden owl (this cover would be an all-time favorite if instead of an owl, he was holding a golden turkey leg).

12. Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

“Rare Birds”

This cover is about as funny as Martin’s performance in “The Pink Panther”, or "Baby Mama", or "Bringing Down the House", or "Cheaper By the Dozen" or "Sgt. Bilko".... (Can someone remind me why is this man so beloved again? You can't give a guy a 30 year pass for "The Jerk".)

11. Maylee Todd

“Choose Your Own Adventure”

Remember that “Choose Your Own Adventure” book where you have the choice between going in a time traveling cave or wearing furry animal pants? Yeah, I always went with the time machine too.

10. John Lord Fonda

“Bang the Fire”

Should have worn sunscreen.

9. Kate Bush

“50 Words for Snow”

Snowballing a snowman - you see something new everyday.

 8. Dream Theater

“A Dramatic Turn of Events”

This picture is SO fake. Everyone knows that the wind would totally blow his hat off.

7. Sebastian Bach

“Kicking & Screaming”

Sebastian Bach is still releasing albums while Kip Winger sits at home. There is no justice in this world.

6. Millie Vanillie

“Green Velvet”

If you blur your eyes just enough, it looks like they both have udders.

5. Bilal

“Robots”

Our generation's "American Gothic".

4. Steve Miller Band

“Let Your Hare Down”

There's no way that rabbit is going to be able to maneuver its way down that ladder #animalcruelty

3. 31Knots

“Trump Harm”

When Joe wouldn’t commit to the shirtless cover, they came up with a genius back-up plan.

2. Lady Ga Ga

“Born this Way”

American Chopper totally missed the boat on their Lady GaGa bike. I would have gone with a meat-r-cycle.

1. Limp Bizkit

“Golden Cobra”

With “Gold Cobra”, Limp Bizkit tried going the Rick Perry route by making fun of themselves, but just like Perry, they still look like asses in the end.