What is the defining album of the 2020s thus far? It’s an unanswerable question, really. In 2020, Fiona Apple released a near-perfect record into a quarantined world. Four years later, Cindy Lee and Charli xcx sparked their own phenomena. Psyops, comebacks, festival headliners, underground superstars—they’re all present and they’re all brilliant. This list, originally curated in 2024, has been revisited to reflect the evolving landscape of the decade, including the best albums from 2025. Here are the best albums of the 2020s so far.
A Decade of Sonic Evolution
The 2020s have been defined by a rapid shift in how we consume and categorize music. From the rage-infused trap of Playboi Carti to the experimental R&B of Kelela, artists have consistently pushed boundaries. The list includes genre-defying works from Caroline Polachek, whose Desire, I Want to Turn Into You remains a masterclass in ornate pop, and Beyoncé, whose RENAISSANCE served as a vital communal celebration.
The Vanguard of Experimentalism
The underground has been equally influential. Soul Glo’s Diaspora Problems shifted the tectonic plates of hardcore punk, while billy woods continued to solidify his status as a kingpin of modern underground rap with Aethiopes. Meanwhile, artists like ROSALÍA and SZA have proven that mainstream success and artistic integrity are not mutually exclusive, delivering records that will undoubtedly influence the shape of pop for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As we continue through the decade, the definition of a “classic” is being rewritten in real-time. Whether it is the folk-infused honesty of Adrianne Lenker or the genre-bending brilliance of Dijon, the music of the 2020s reflects a world in flux—anxious, hopeful, and endlessly creative. We will continue to update this list as the decade unfolds, capturing the sounds that define our time.
