Strangely enough, I’m finding myself feeling a wave of nostalgia for the year 2020. While that might sound quite unusual, I can’t deny the recurring thoughts I’ve had about that time. My experience during that year diverged significantly from the norm; I was one of the “essential workers”at a popular, albeit quirky grocery chain. As many were immersed in the virtual worlds of games like Animal Crossing, I was engaged in the gritty reality of working amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given my unique experiences combined with my affinity for unusual (and at times melancholy) music, the audio backdrop of my 2020 can only be described as unconventional. As we navigate the complexities of 2025, I find myself revisiting songs from that earlier year, drawing unexpected comfort from them. They reflect a familiar solitude, encapsulating the challenges I’ve navigated since. Perhaps, like they did during 2020, these tracks can guide us through the unpredictability of 2025.
9
The Weeknd – “Blinding Lights”
After Hours (XO And Republic Records)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NRXx6U8ABQ
“Blinding Lights”was undeniably a defining hit of 2020, having been released just before the pandemic shifted our world. Its parent album, After Hours, arrived right in the midst of lockdowns. Despite the isolation, people found themselves swaying to The Weeknd’s catchy anthem of longing and desire, enhancing their spirits during difficult times.
I remember driving home late from work, feeling drained and somewhat detached, while the pulsating rhythm of “Blinding Lights”mirrored the flickering freeway lights in my periphery. The song has witnessed numerous covers since then, including a notable acoustic rendition by X Ambassadors; however, it’s the original that lingers in my memory, compelling me to drive deeper into the night.
8
Skatune Network – “Misery Business”
Ska Goes Emo, Vol. 1 (Counter Intuitive Records)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmV_TiTA5t4
Paramore’s “Misery Business”has always resonated with me, despite its controversial aspects. When paired with the whimsical melodies of Jer Hunter, known as Skatune Network, the release of Ska Goes Emo, Vol. 1 in April 2020 was a bright spot amidst the gloom that followed the cancellation of my birthday karaoke outing due to the pandemic.
Skatune Network’s vibrant interpretation of “Misery Business”became my anthem for shaking off stress—whether dancing in my kitchen or belting it out in my car—during an exceptionally bizarre summer. Featuring Christine Goodwyne from the math-rock band Pool Kids, this version brings an energizing flair that matches, if not surpasses, the original’s intensity.
7
Meg Meyers – “Running Up That Hill”
Non-Album Single (300 Entertainment)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7iVWK2W48o
Although Meg Meyers’ cover of “Running Up That Hill,”originally a hit by Kate Bush, debuted in late 2019, it surged to popularity at the start of 2020, peaking on the Billboard Adult Alternative chart. As the pandemic shifted our realities, the song evolved from a nostalgic tribute into a powerful anthem for resilience amidst uncertainty.
6
Soccer Mommy – “circle the drain”
Color Theory (Loma Vista Recordings)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTc1w32Vbeo
Soccer Mommy, the moniker of singer-songwriter Sophia Allison, became a staple in my playlists during the early pandemic days. Her album, Color Theory, released just as the world was beginning to feel the impact of COVID, encapsulated the existential angst we all faced during those first few months, making it particularly relevant to my experience.
5
LoneMoon – “NAW NAW”
Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts Soundtrack (DreamWorks Records)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYgDYTZo1u8
An unexpected highlight of my 2020 was the animated series Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, which debuted its three-season run that year. The soundtrack was a delightful discovery, with LoneMoon’s “NAW NAW”standing out due to its infectious beat. It became one of the few genuinely uplifting songs from that year, providing much-needed cheer amidst a landscape of uncertainty.
4
clipping. – “Say the Name”
Visions Of Bodies Being Burned (Sub Pop Records)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjSaUFix09A
For fans of experimental hip-hop, clipping. stands out as a compelling group led by frontman Daveed Diggs. Known for his powerful presence in Hamilton, Diggs also excels in his music endeavors. Their 2020 album, Visions of Bodies Being Burned, offers a visceral sonic experience, melding genre boundaries through innovative soundscapes, with “Say the Name”being the most accessible track that hooked me from the start.
3
The Amazing Devil – “The Horror and the Wild”
The Horror And The Wild (Self-Released)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h-ogX4GfL8
As a fan of Joey Batey’s work on Netflix’s The Witcher, I was thrilled to discover his folk project, The Amazing Devil, in 2020. Their album release, featuring the captivating title track “The Horror and the Wild,”showcases a dynamic interplay between Batey and his collaborator Madeleine Hyland, eliciting a range of emotions with their engaging performances.
2
Matt Maeson (feat. Lana Del Rey) – “Hallucinogenics”
Non-Album Single (Atlantic Records)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy9sXy5oHjw
The remix of “Hallucinogenics”by Matt Maeson, featuring Lana Del Rey, initially caught my ear in September 2020. Maeson’s emotive vocals paired with Del Rey’s haunting harmonies created an alluring soundscape that captivated me; it’s a duo I had not anticipated but was pleasantly surprised by. With her upcoming album on the horizon, I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on Lana Del Rey’s future works.
1
The Mountain Goats – “Getting Into Knives”
Getting Into Knives (Merge Records)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8DSe47pNLc
For those familiar with my playlists, it’s evident that I have a penchant for melancholic indie rock. The Mountain Goats are emblematic of this mood, releasing multiple works in 2020, including the full-band album Getting Into Knives. This album, recorded just before lockdown, along with John Darnielle’s solo work, demonstrates the group’s poignant storytelling through beautifully subdued melodies juxtaposed with profound themes of revenge and intimacy.