From H.E.R. to Taylor Swift, women deliver the best songs of 2020
One thing that kept many people going in 2020 was music. In spite of the pandemic, female artists in particular released some of their best work. Their efforts reflect themes that may resonate more this year 鈥� compassion, confidence, and even heartbreak. Here are six standout songs chosen for their creativity and dauntlessness.
Chloe x Halle, 鈥淯ngodly Hour鈥�
The title track from Chloe x Halle鈥檚聽sophomore album easily describes the R&B duo themselves: ethereal and rhythmic. 鈥淯ngodly Hour鈥� is a quiet yet incisive song in which lyrical gems like 鈥淲hen you decide you like yourself / Holler at me鈥� easily fall on receptive ears. The sisters, both in their 20s, are wise beyond their years and possess the vocal range to turn skeptics into believers. The song reintroduces the world to artists who are working to bring light and love into considerably dim times.
Why We Wrote This
Music often kept people going in 2020, and some of the best songs were from female artists. Their efforts reflect themes that may resonate more this year 鈥� compassion, confidence, and even heartbreak. Culture columnist Candace McDuffie offers six standout songs chosen for their creativity and dauntlessness.
Taylor Swift, 鈥淓xile,鈥� featuring Bon Iver
The heartache queen surprised the world with the release of her studio album, 鈥淔olklore,鈥� in July. While a good deal of her discography surrounding relationships is whimsical 鈥� and even a tad self-deprecating 鈥� this project excavates her most vulnerable emotions and makes for a remarkable listen. 鈥淓xile,鈥� which features indie folk savant Bon Iver, is a brooding ballad about a devastating breakup. The collaboration feels wholly natural and makes listeners wonder what took the pair this long to join forces.
H.E.R., 鈥淒amage鈥�
As H.E.R. continues to comfortably nestle herself in the R&B genre, the singer gets back to basics on the sultry single 鈥淒amage.鈥� The artist pays homage to the greats who came before, sampling a Herb Alpert classic from 1987. On the surface, H.E.R. seems to be warning a potential lover of her willingness to walk away if she is not handled with care. Upon further inspection of the lyrics, it becomes clear that she is reluctantly showing her softer side. The risk pays off in the end, though. 鈥淒amage鈥� is easily one of her most gratifying tracks to date.聽
Fiona Apple, 鈥淪hameika鈥�
One of 2020鈥檚 best moments was the release of Fiona Apple鈥檚 fifth album, 鈥淔etch the Bolt Cutters.鈥� Not only did it amass universal acclaim 鈥� it was the first album to receive a perfect score from Pitchfork since Kanye West鈥檚 2010 album 鈥淢y Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy鈥� 鈥� but many critics declared it to be Apple鈥檚 very best work. Its lead single, 鈥淪hameika,鈥� embodies the unfettered artistry of the songwriter by basking in its experimental nature. Theatrical wonderment can be heard in Apple鈥檚 cadence and intonation through the track, which remains one of her signature moves.
Rina Sawayama,聽鈥淐omme Des Gar莽ons (Like the Boys)鈥澛�
This dance anthem is an exciting peek into Rina Sawayama鈥檚 alternate universe, where confidence 鈥� and women 鈥� reign supreme. 鈥淐omme Des Gar莽ons (Like the Boys)鈥� is a pulsating romp that combines lighthearted boasts with hypnotic percussion. The singer is simply alluring on a song in which she shamelessly proclaims her greatness. Even though clubs feel like a distant memory, this particular tune is the audible equivalent of a dance party to end all dance parties. (Some explicit language.)聽
Rico Nasty, 鈥渋Phone鈥澛�
Rico Nasty, one of hip-hop鈥檚 boldest personalities, made major waves in December with the release of her debut album, 鈥淣ightmare Vacation.鈥� The 20-something emcee has become famous for how quickly she can oscillate between complete rage and surprising docility. One of her sweeter moments on the record happens on 鈥渋Phone鈥� where she masterfully blends bombastic instrumentation with cartoonish, synthesized vocals. Catchiness infuses her braggadocio.
Candace McDuffie is the author of the recently published book 鈥�50 Rappers Who Changed the World.鈥�
