- 2 days ago
Music in the 2020s has already given us some incredible moments! Join us as we count down our picks for the most memorable, impactful, and best-sounding records released so far this decade. From groundbreaking hip-hop to indie darlings to pop superstars redefining their sound, these albums have shaped the musical landscape of our current era.
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00:00Welcome to WatchMojo and today we're counting down art picks for the most memorable, impactful
00:11and or best sounding record released in the 2020s.
00:22Number 10 Montero – Lil Nas X After Old Town Road, Lil Nas X proved he was
00:28far from a one hit wonder.
00:37Montero allowed him to spread his wings as a bold artist.
00:40The result was a massive success, but it also courted some controversy.
00:44His title song's fantastical video pushed buttons and let him explore his identity.
00:57Headlines might make him sound like a provocateur, but the performer is much more than that.
01:04His intuitive mix of hip-hop and pop make for other awesome tracks like Sun Goes Down and
01:08Industry Baby.
01:10Even though he's been a star for a few years, this album only makes you more excited for
01:23his next effort.
01:24Number 9 Punisher – Phoebe Bridgers On her second album, the indie darling earned
01:28mainstream attention.
01:29Phoebe Bridgers delivered her signature rock and pop sounds once again.
01:43With both catchy singles and devastating deep cuts, the artist achieved a new level of success.
01:49Many of the tracks brilliantly excavate her personal life, relationships, and emotional state.
01:54Bridgers brings the same level of artistry to Kyoto as she does to the likes of Moonsong.
01:59Each step of the way, her intricate lyrics rise to the top alongside incredible production
02:20values.
02:21There's also the epic track, I Know the End, creating a moving meditation that builds to a
02:26furious finale.
02:39Number 8 – Call Me If You Get Lost – Tyler The Creator On his seventh album, this rapper
02:44shows no signs of slowing down.
02:46Tyler The Creator doesn't mince words on Call Me If You Get Lost.
02:54The prolific performer teams up with a variety of artists, as well as hip-hop icon DJ drama.
03:00You can't box him into one sub-genre, with singles like Lumberjack keeping audiences on
03:04their toes.
03:06He's able to combine humor, personal struggles, and romantic pursuits into his art.
03:13Through a series of quick and imaginative videos, he adds a visual element to these unforgettable
03:18tracks.
03:19The MC also received plenty of positive notice for his work.
03:22Following his Grammy win for Igor, he once again won Best Rap Album for this one.
03:27Number 7 – Harry's House – Harry Styles On his third outing, Harry Styles is more than
03:41comfortable with his pop sound.
03:53His huge hit, As It Was, represents just one element of this entertaining album.
03:58Letting out his emotions, this artist covers his bases with an expansive effort.
04:02He's able to take retro sounds and make them new again.
04:04Having shed his One Direction years, the singer and writer brings his best songs like Late Night
04:12Talking and Satellite.
04:14You also can't deny the good times on something like music for a sushi restaurant.
04:23Some might have been surprised to see this win album of the year, but the elaborate production
04:32more than justifies the award.
04:35Number 6 – Beyoncé
04:37Among the most beloved figures in modern music, this performer seems to be on a historic run.
04:43Beyoncé continued her streak of acclaimed and hit albums with Renaissance.
04:46After her generational work on Lemonade, the singer reminded everyone of her dynamic musical
04:59vision.
05:00This effort finds her moving back into dance music territory.
05:02On songs like Break My Soul, she makes you want to move and think.
05:07The groovy production has you hanging on every individual beat.
05:19With sharp names like America Has a Problem, the artist keeps the energy up through her eclectic
05:24work.
05:25She didn't stop either because Cowboy Carter was an engaging and country-fried follow-up.
05:30Number 5 – Brat
05:40On one of the big summer albums of 2024, Charli XCX turned the title into an important cultural
05:46term.
05:53She also brought a feisty energy to her music.
05:56Whether or not you understand the full scope of Brat, you can still enjoy it.
05:59The electro-pop on singles like Von Dutch never fails to be awesome.
06:06In her music video for 360, the singer brings together a mix of iconic and zeitgeist celebrities
06:13to get her point across.
06:15Her assertive musical statements become joyful earworms.
06:18The in-your-face style packs a positive punch, but it also charts a course for her pop future.
06:23It's far-reaching social and musical influence can't quite be quantified yet.
06:42Number 4 – GnX – Kendrick Lamar During 2024, Kendrick Lamar became even more famous.
06:48His feud with Drake grew to near astronomical levels.
06:51As the two traded diss tracks, K-Dot also found time to release an album.
07:00GnX is another high watermark for his career.
07:03The rapper asserts himself on hits like Peekaboo with an infectious flow behind him.
07:06No stranger to the chart, the record did well on the Billboard 200 and spawned more singles
07:19like Squabble Up.
07:20This work and the press surrounding the rivalry only made him more iconic.
07:24But don't forget about his stunning SZA collaboration.
07:31At the Super Bowl halftime show in 2025, the artist brought these worthy songs to an even
07:36larger audience.
07:37Number 3 – Fetch the Boat Cutters – Fiona Apple
07:40It might have been a while since her last record, but Fetch the Boat Cutters finds this artist
07:44in top form.
07:45Fiona Apple reintroduced herself to old fans and likely made a new few ones along the way.
07:57Using GarageBand, the singer showed that she could make user-friendly software sound amazing.
08:02The tracks feature densely layered landscapes and a couple surprises.
08:05On the single, Shamika, the cascading piano forms the foundation of a career best work.
08:10Apple isn't afraid to stretch out and make unorthodox sounding music.
08:13I used to walk down the streets on my way to school, grinding my teeth to a rhythm invisible.
08:21You can't guess where she'll go next with instrumentations that boggle the mind.
08:25It's also equal parts heart-wrenching and exciting.
08:28Then I know that you do.
08:32Number 2 – Folklore – Taylor Swift
08:35Surprising fans during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor Swift gave listeners a musical hug.
08:40Folklore contains a series of well-constructed and poignant songs.
08:44Call it cottagecore or not, but this album finds the artist in peak form.
08:48When I felt like I was an old cardigan under someone's bed.
08:56You put me on and said I was your favorite.
09:00She shed some of her pop excess from the late 2010s and returned to her singer-songwriter roots.
09:06There's a mix of pop, folk, and maybe a few hints of country in there too.
09:10Swift also works with the likes of Bone Iver, sealing the deal on fans on her more indie and alternative side.
09:15I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending.
09:21You're not my homeland anymore.
09:25Cardigan is just the tip of the iceberg, with the relatable story of Betty being especially heartbreaking.
09:30I'm only 17, I don't know anything, but I know I missed you.
09:37The record marked her third Grammy win for album of the year.
09:40Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
09:43The new abnormal, The Strokes.
09:45Julian and the crew show they still have a knack for rock grooves.
09:49Don't go there cause you'll never return, I know you think of me when you think of it.
09:55Sometimes I might be introvert, Little Sims.
09:58The artist forged a multi-genre statement that defies musical boundaries.
10:02Sometimes I might be introvert, there's a war inside, I hear battle cries.
10:07The record, Boy Genius.
10:09Three indie superstars mind meld for a stellar debut album.
10:12Only God was above us, Vampire Weekend.
10:28Indie rock is doing fine, thanks to Ezra Koenig and his merry band.
10:33You kept the call, the year that you owned.
10:39Finished first, and the next one wasn't yours.
10:45Two star and the dream police, McGee.
10:48His cool production parts and production techniques make for a unique sound.
10:52So are you looking up?
10:54Let's go wild.
10:56So if you wanna go, then baby go wild.
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11:17Number 1. SOS SZA
11:21Following the greatness of her first record, SZA became an essential R&B artist.
11:25Her follow-up SOS is far from a distress signal.
11:28It finds the singer in complete control of her image, sound, and imaginative songwriting.
11:41The Grammy-winning album includes work from a slew of high-profile producers and guest stars.
11:47Along the way, her exemplary voice guides you through introspective and raw lyrics.
11:57I Hate U makes her statements clear, while Shirt finds her in another lyrical tour de force.
12:02She always keeps you guessing with her incredible vocals and musical instincts.
12:15With everyone from Benny Blanco to Phoebe Bridgers joining in, this album stands out for its versatility.
12:21Did we forget another worthy album from the 2020s? Let us know in the comments down below.
12:32Please don't laugh, only half of what I said was a joke.
12:39Dr.
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