Pop-Culturalist.com

2020 has been tough, to say the least. But one thing that’s helped us navigate the challenging year has been music. It’s brought us together in a time when we’ve had to be physically apart. Here are five artists who helped us get through 2020.

Avenue Beat

If I had to pick the anthem of the year, it would be Avenue Beat’s “F2020.” Like the rest of the world, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, and Sam Backoff were feeling the effects of the global pandemic, a divided country, and the general anxiety that 2020 has brought. So they did what they do best and whipped out their keyboards, channeling their emotions into this pop masterpiece. But don’t take our word for it, the New York Times also picked it as one of the best songs of 2020.
Curated by Kevin

Devin Kennedy

It’s no secret: we’re big fans of Devin Kennedy. In a year with unexpected twists and turns, the Berklee College of Music alum kept our spirits high with not one, not two, but five new releases, each providing some much-needed escapism.
Curated by Kevin

Carly Pearce

Carly Pearce released her self-titled sophomore album back in February, which features the standout track “It Won’t Always Be Like This.” Little did we know then how often we would turn to that song (and, well, the whole album) to get us through this trying year. It goes to show you that music really has the ability to heal souls.
Curated by Kevin

Lizzo

Even though Lizzo’s album Cuz I Love You came out last year, it’s been playing nonstop for me in 2020. In a year when fun, inspiring music was desperately needed, turning to a solid favorite was only natural. When we’re seeing a lot less of other people in person, staying home, being on our own, and learning more about ourselves, could there be a better song to turn on and dance to than “Soulmate,” with lyrics like “‘Cause I’m my own soulmate”?
Curated by Taraneh

Russell Dickerson

Russell Dickerson’s Southern Symphony was the gift we needed this holiday season. Released in December, the album follows Russell’s 2017 gold-certified full-length debut, Yours, and gives us a deeper look into the man behind the music.
Curated by Kevin

Who did you listen to this year? Tell us in the comments below!

Photo Credit: Allister Ann (Carly Pearce) // Delaney Royer (Avenue Beat)