2020
The music of 2020 was shaped by both the global pandemic and a wave of social and cultural movements, with artists reflecting on themes of isolation, resilience, and activism. Pop music saw a blend of established stars like Taylor Swift, who released Folklore—an introspective, indie-folk album—and newcomers like Billie Eilish, whose Everything I Wanted continued her rise to stardom. Hip-hop remained dominant with influential releases such as Megan Thee Stallion’s Good News and Lil Baby’s My Turn, which provided a voice for social justice movements. R&B also experienced a surge, with artists like The Weeknd, whose album After Hours produced the massive hit “Blinding Lights,” and Beyoncé, who released the politically charged Black Is King. The year also saw the rise of virtual concerts and online events, adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Despite the difficulties of 2020, music became a source of comfort and expression, as artists turned to digital platforms to connect with their audiences. Overall, 2020 was a year of adaptation, introspection, and activism in music.
