2020 was an interesting year. There was a constant need to get away from reality that year, and the best way for me to do that was through music. There is no doubt that even though last year was pretty terrible, the music was quite the opposite. Here are my top 5 favorite albums from 2020.

At number one is Music to Be Murdered By Side A and B by Eminem. This album is probably my favorite of the whole year lyrically because it showed Eminem’s growth since his 2018 album Kamikaze. I love the production on this album and the lyrics are incredible. The rap god really fixed 2020 with this album.

At number two is the wonderful Savage Mode II by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin. I absolutely loved this album. I listen to it almost everyday. If ever there were an album that would be considered immaculate, this would be it. I cannot express my love for this album. The environment created by this album can literally be enjoyed by anyone. It’s ridiculous how much I love this album. This one would sonically be my favorite of 2020.

Third on my list is After Hours by The Weeknd. I cannot describe the vibes this album gives off. It makes you feel good and empowered yet it’s got a very sad and depressing element at the same time. Honestly this album was a masterpiece by The Weeknd and I am very angry that it didn’t get nominated for a Grammy.

Coming up in fourth is Euphoric Sad Songs by RAYE. This album was very special to me because I could relate to the songs on deep levels. It is also an incredible album because of its production. I had discovered RAYE in the summer of 2020 and I was instantly hooked on her voice. I was very excited when this album was released. I 100 percent recommend this album to absolutely anyone.

Last but certainly not least on my list is Colores by J Balvin. This album gives me ‘beginning of quarantine and summer’ vibes. You would think that any music that reminds me of quarantine would make you feel bad or sad, but this album was the perfect escape for me when everything started earlier in 2020 and I will always remember it for making me happy. Also I just love J Balvin so much. As a Colombian, his success makes me very proud.

What should be taken away shouldn’t be all the bad things that happened, but rather all the good that we felt. All those moments, big or little, when we were genuinely happy. This music helped me through 2020. At the end of the day, I have to congratulate not only these artists, but artists everywhere, because they remind us what it is like to be alive even in the darkest times.