Every year when I sit down to choose my favorite music of the year (or even just look at my Spotify wrapped), I’m reminded of this one time in high school that has stuck with me to this day. I like many in high school decided I would make my taste in music and interests known through patches and pins on my backpack. To me, they seemed normal and they really ran the gamut crossing eras/genres/you name it. Now nothing about this seems salacious other than other kids gawking at my decision to possibly include these things next to each other. As if I was breaking some cardinal rule.

I don’t know why this sticks out in my memory. It’s certainly never made me waiver one way or another. I still continue to like a little bit of this and a little bit of that because no one has to be defined by one thing. I’m a music lover and that encompasses a lot. Maybe he just wanted to look cool in front of his dopey friends or maybe he’s just truly an asshole. Either way, it always crosses my mind when working on these lists as if I have to answer to anyone. At the end of the day, these are my favorite albums of this insane year and hopefully, you’ll agree or find something to check out you didn’t know about before with my highest recommendation.

This old Peanuts strip really sums up my relationship with music pretty well (and yes, it’s frequently shared among music lovers). It particularly speaks to me this year where music really became an escape from whatever was happening outside or in life. I truly miss live music so much and I never thought that would be something I’d ever have to come to terms with missing. Luckily albums were still there and being stuck indoors, there was plenty of time to check out new ones. I hope there is a return to live music in some capacity next year and I get to take in those feelings I love so much, but for now, there are albums (and many at that).

These are a few of my favorite albums of 2020. If you disagree with me, don’t at me. Like the guy in high school should have done, keep it to yourself. If you do agree, socially distant thumbs up. If you have an album you think I should listen to feel free to hit me up on Twitter or Instagram (@nicolebozzani).

Other Albums Worth Listening To: