This year has been an eclectic year for music as this list will testify! The list is in no particular order and features standout albums that i first heard this year. They are not nessercarily released this year, although several are.
O Sun O Moon
Bruce Cockburn
I had the pleasure of hearing Bruce Cockburn doing a solo set at Greenbelt Festival this year. Although he has been around for a very long time, he is not someone I have particularly listened to.
His newest album flows from one song to the next beautifully and is full of stories, characters and the call for justice. Plus, the guitar playing is pretty good!
A combination of the music and the memories of sitting in a field listening to the songs on a sunny august afternoon means this is an album i will keep coming back to for a while.
Where the Angels Fall
The Cat Empire
In a slight change of tone, my next favourite album this year is the latest from The Cat Empire. This band has long been my go to option for cheer up music and this album certainly continues that trend. The first three tracks are upbeat and get you woken up then the pace slows for a little bit.
Definitly worth a listen if you need something to play at a joyful occasion or need jollying up.
Shining in the Half Light
Elles Bailey
Elles Bailey (and band!) were one of the musical highlights of greenbelt festival this year. This album is packed with rocky-bluesy tracks from the upbeat “Cheats and Liars” on the first track to the more soulful “Colours Start to Run”.
Where the World is Thin
Kris Drever
One of the few live gigs this year, outside of festivals, was Kris Drever at Union Chapel. It was a great evening with the Scottish Folk Singer and band, and this album from a few years ago has become a favourite of his releases. It is thoughtful and covers some interesting topics, including the COVID call to action in “Hunker Down”. A song about the moon, “I’ll Always Leave the Light On” and a bit of WWI history in “Scapa Flow 1919”.
The album is varied and is good as a close listen and as general background music.
Siskin Green
Siskin Green
Another musical highlight of Greenbelt this year were Siskin Kin. They describe themselves as a feminism, folk and faith band and produce interesting versions of classic hymns and their own songs. They captured the audience at Greenbelt and their first (and currently only) album is a great listen.
Personal favourites include “Love is the Touch” and “Canticle of the Turning”.
Fractioned Heart
Gable Price and Friends
The last album on this list we heard at the Big Church Festival this year. Based in California, the Christian Rock Band Gable Price and Friends provided a polished and exciting set.
Their music is distinctly Christian but doesn’t follow the usual tropes of worship music and so provides a refreshing change. Although occasionally they touch on areas of Christianity, I am not always a fan of the album. It is good!