A Year in Review: Music in 2020
In an abnormal year full of unforeseen challenges and adjustments, the music industry has remained one of the most reliable support systems to get us through it. Whether it was through participating in TikTok trends, keeping up with special projects from your favorite artist, or streaming that one song all through quarantine, we have counted on music to relate to our highest and lowest moments this year. Here is a look back on the top-charting artists and songs, as well as how the industry has responded to 2020’s plethora of unprecedented and unique events.
According to Billboard, the top male artist was Post Malone, with The Weeknd and Roddy Ricch in the second and third spots. Following the top three were DaBaby and Drake.
Billboard’s top female artists were led by Taylor Swift, followed next by Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa. Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat claimed the next two spots in the top five.
The highest-charting album of 2020 was Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding, which landed four songs in the top 10— an accomplishment achieved by only five other acts. My Turn by Lil Baby, Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial by Roddy Ricch, and Fine Line by Harry Styles are also among Billboard’s top five albums of the year.
The fifth-highest was Taylor Swift’s Folklore, which was the year’s longest-running No.1 album with eight nonconsecutive weeks, according to Insider. Folklore was also named Rolling Stone’s best album of the year, deeming her folksy surprise as “the definitive quarantine album.”
“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd reigns as Billboard’s top song of 2020, despite not receiving a 2021 Grammy Awards nomination. Following songs include “Circles” by Post Malone, “The Box” by Roddy Ricch, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, and “Rockstar” by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch.
As the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in March forced music venues to shut down and artists to postpone and cancel their tours, the live music industry had to find new ways to connect with their fans during a much-needed time. Though nothing can substitute for the thrill of an in-person live show, musicians of all genres turned to StageIt, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Twitch, and TikTok to provide intimate virtual performances for their fans. After a few amateur acoustic living room concerts in the first weeks of quarantine, the industry became creative, from hosting socially-distanced raves to viral Verzuz battles.
2020 also marked the year that the nation embraced the Black Lives Matter movement. As the killing of George Floyd incited thousands to demonstrate against police brutality, musicians also expressed their rage and exhaustion. With hip-hop at the core of the movement, anthems from Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” to “This Is America” by Childish Gambino became protest soundtracks. Black musicians also responded to the murders of black lives by writing songs and releasing provocative videos that reflected their grief, anger, and resolution amidst America’s long history of racial discrimination. Many prominent singers took to the streets and protested alongside activists. They also used their platforms to become more vocal about institutional racism by using social media and urging their followers to donate to impactful projects, signing petitions, and educating themselves.
When the world came to a halt early in the year, TikTok quickly became a relatable yet addicting outlet that many relied on to escape from the harsh realities of the real world. Through countless crazes, from the viral “Say So” dance to the Pinterest-inspired “Heather” trend, popular songs on the app managed to make the charts and boost fame for smaller artists. Trends like the “WAP” Dance Challenge (inspired by the summer hit, “WAP” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion) and the “Mad at Disney” Challenge (inspired by salem ilese’s song of the same name) helped to provide laughs and entertainment during a time of uncertainty. As TikTok remains one of the most popular apps of our time, the direct correlation between the Top 40 and the app’s most viral sounds will most likely remain for a long time.
2020 can definitely be considered an emotional roller coaster of a year, but it’s safe to say that music, of all genres, helped to inspire and comfort us all.
