Top 10 Artists of 2020

 

Top 10 Artists of 2020

2020 was a year where some of my favorite artists from the last past few years (BTS, TVXQ, and NCT) underwhelmed. On the other hand, new favorites arose in the Johnny's groups, Japanese indie artists, and a Kazakh superstar breaking out for me. Still, 2020 had some artists dominating, and I wonder where they will go later.

Finally, I excluded rookies from the countdown as I have a different countdown for them. But if I had included them, SixTONES would make it in at number 9.

Honorable Mentions:

SuperM

NCT

BTS

SB19

King & Prince

Golden Child

Jaejoong

Yonezu Kesnshi

YOASOBI

Exile Tribe

10. Dua Lipa

Image Source: Green Wave Gazette

Dua Lipa makes this list not just because of her releases (of which, nothing has yet to peak Don't Start Now), but because of her massive influence in setting the retro trend of 2020. I mean, Future Nostalgia sets a new bar for modern mainstream American album. Her attempts to remix her own tracks were middling, but at least she tried at that.

9. TXT (Tomorrow X Together)

Image Source: Rolling Stone India

 

I did not realize how good TXT's 2020 was until I compiled my Top Songs of 2020 list, and realized that they had a great 2020. I blame my ignorance on their inconsistent discography, which had some great and middling songs this year. Still, Blue Hour, Drama, Everlasting Shine, and Ghosting stand as some of the best songs this year.

8. Official Hige Dandism

Image Source: Higedan

 Higedan were responsible for my favorite song of 2020 in Laughter. It dominated their 2020, easily being a modern classic. That does not mean the rest of their 2020 was dull, as they released a solid mini-album. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Higedan is they became popular and viral because of good music, and are maintaining popularity through unique and good releases. It is a classic style rarely seen in modern times, but Higedan is a group that is known for its timeless releases.

7. Sexy Zone

Image Source: The Bias List

 After years of being that immature Johnny's group with a terrible name, Sexy Zone finally got their act together in 2020. Pop X Step may not have fully been heard by me yet, but from what I heard, it is a great start to the year. They peaked their discography with Run, a modern masterpiece and one of 2020's most acclaimed songs, surging with emotion and energy. Finally, they are together as five once again, ready to dominate 2021 as well.

 

6. Dreamcatcher

Image Source: Kpop Wiki

 Dreamcatcher had a prolific 2020, with hardly a month going by without some promotional activity or the other for the group. Member Handong participated in a Chinese competition show, giving the group some clout in the region (Handong also got a solo debut, but the mixing was pretty bad, I think the song would sound great live, though). Meanwhile, Siyeon's Korean debut was one of my favorite's from 2020. Their first full-length album was one of the year's best, and Scream finally gave them that recognition they needed. Critics finally took note of the group's unique style, while they also released a great EP, letting them have an excellent 2020. I credit this to their increasing involvement in song development, and their partnership with production team Edenary. And the members of course.

5. Reol

Image Source: Asian Jamss

When it comes to dream 2020 partnerships, Reol and her producer Giga may top. Reol herself released a studio album this year, before topping her early year efforts with The Sixth Sense and Q?. Not only did both of those songs make my top 50, but they were also successful. In fact, commercially and critically, this was Reol's big year of expansion. The future looks bright from here.

4. Arashi

Image Source: Arama Japan

Farewells are always bitter-sweet. Unfortunately, Japan had several farewells this year. Unfortunately, my favorite AAA and LDH's E-Girls' farewells were wrecked due to the pandemic. Thankfully, Arashi made it right through the pandemic. Though their tours were canceled, they gave us a steady flow of music. This is Arashi was one of my favorite 2020 albums, and Kite one of my favorite singles. Several of their songs invoked feelings of nostalgia. Unfortunately, they got hit badly by several of their English singles. Which, with the exception of Whenever you Call, were underwhelming. I don't get it. Whenever a story ends, introducing a style or new genre which the writers are not familiar with is always a bad idea. Arashi did their best with the new genres, though I wish we got more classic Arashi. Thankfully, every moment of classic Arashi we got was worth it, and their discography finally being on streaming platforms was additionally amazing.

3. Dimash Kudaibergen

Image Source: Dimash Dostar

Dimash was let down by his lack of a 2020 album. Still, if you combined the material he released this year into an album, then you have a pretty incredible album. His material is still driven by his vocal prowess to a massive degree, and he is perhaps the best vocalist active at the moment. He had two songs in my top 10, an incredible feat. His high-note neat the end of Across Endless Dimensions is one of the year's most thrilling moments, same with Your Love's whistle moment. His partnership with Igor Krutoy is thrilling, and I am curious to see where it goes further. Overall, there is a reason he is slowly becoming a modern legend.

 

2. Sid Sriram

Image Source: Rolling Stone India

Clearly, Sidharth "Sid" Sriram is not buying the idea that Indian music is going through a bad patch. In 2019, he proved he was a full-fledged singer in his own right, and in 2020, he proved that he is the modern king of Indian music. Samajavaragamana and Neeli Neeli Aakasam is all he needed to guarantee a spot on the list, but he snuck this high due to the consistent quality of the songs he sang, as well as how his voice shaped each of these with a unique style.

 

1. Miyavi

Image Source: Chokkanteki

I mean, who else would top? Miyavi had an incredible 2020, releasing the massive Holy Nights album, one of my favorites from the year. It is about as good as his 2013 album Miyavi, and that is high praise. His wild rock style is now more refined and controlled, while still keeping the bombast of his debut days. The surging chorus from Bang might be one of the year's best moments, musical or otherwise. In fact, Bang is the first instant 10 for me since 2014! That does not mean the rest of his 2020 was dull. Need for Speed is surging in its speed, hitting that old, missing, rock style. At the same time, B-Sides such as Danger Danger and Heaven is a Place on Earth let him show different sides of his music. His rock-riff version of Somewhere over the Rainbow truly was unique while authentic. Truly, Miyavi lighted up one of the worst years in modern times with his fantastic music.