Best Albums of 2020 Artist Edition: Didirri

This year, in addition to our own Best Songs of 2020 and Best Albums of 2020, we asked some of our favourite artists to tell us about their favourite releases of this year as well. Throughout a confusing and isolated year, music in particular has been a place of refuge for many, with the communities that surround this music becoming more important than ever. Here, we ask artists from various communities whom we love and admire to engage in the very reason we exist: sharing music.

From emerging artists to living legends, acts with cult followings to artists on the verge of truly breaking through, this series includes so many different people. Hip hop, dance, psych, rock, pop, electronic and much more, the genres and sounds in this series are as varied as the metaphorical pages of Purple Sneakers itself, and offer something for everyone no matter what your taste might be. We’re so thankful to all the artists who provided their own lists, and to the extensive communities we’re grateful to tell the stories of every day.

For the Purple Sneakers team’s own count downs, read our Best Songs and Best Albums of 2020. To read the full Artist Edition series, check it out HERE.

2020 saw Didirri cement his position as one of the country's finest storytellers with the release of Sold For Sale, the eagerly anticipated follow up EP to his debut, Measurements. Written partly in the star-studded Los Angeles, partly in rural Victoria in isolation (by choice) with some close collaborators and in his bedroom, again in isolation but not by choice, we said at the time of the EP's release, "It’s a triumph of the human spirit, a celebration of the many versions of ourselves we move through." Having an unrivalled knack of putting his ponderings and observations into songs which are at once deeply personal yet entirely universal, Didirri connected with his fans in a time when both they and he needed it most, and in doing so, he delivered his finest work yet.

Punisher - Phoebe Bridges

This album is moody unique and an absolute emotional fireball, the writing in this album blows my mind. Really relatable lyrics but very specific imagery that I’ve never heard before. I couldn’t stop once I started and it is my favourite of this year

Clockwerks - Zoe Fox and The Rocket Clocks

Finally heading her debut album Zoe never fails to dance you into a dream like altered reality where humans have shark fins and everybody’s grooving.

The Passing Scene - Leah Senior

I have been listening to Senior for a very long time and this feels like she is in her zone. Beatles bliss and an album that feels retro AND original.

Shore - Fleetfoxes

Oddly I’ve never actually delved into Fleet Foxes before in my life but this album spoke to me and I feel it is a different venture for them, Although I’m not speaking from a place of much knowledge. All I know is this album is amazing and it is so apparent that they know who they are and how they feel.

Songs - Adrianne Lenker

The most raw album to come out this year. Lyricism that cannot be matched and a realness to the voice that mirrors the technical mastery of her guitar playing. I will be learning these songs for years to come and still not figure out all the secrets within them.

Mutable Set - Blake Mills

This is the mark of a producer just having fun at this point. Some serious depth and a very wild trip, I’m obsessed with how quiet the vocals are in this album.

Murder Most Foul - Bob Dylan

Emerging from his cave once a decade Bob Dylan drops and 18 minute song about JFK that seems completely irrelevant and I’m in love with it. Every time I listen to this song it’s like I'm out on a boat with record crashing over the edge of the deck. I almost prefer his voice as he gets older.

Golden Repair - #1 Dads

There are lyrics on this album that make me say “how hasn’t that already been written?” Stunning production and right up my alley. This was all I listened to in August.