EXPLORE the full Best Albums of 2020 index here

#23 | BLACK THOUGHT | Streams Of Thought, Vol. 3: Cane and Able
Republic | Buy

According to Jesse Ducker: “Sure, the project features pure lyrical performances as masterful as anything that Black Thought has ever delivered, but the Philly emcee also explores themes such as social justice, police brutality, and just how fucked up this planet is circa 2020. Thought grapples with a crumbling society, seeking to find meaning amongst world that’s reeling from the constant pound of COVID-19, police brutality, and environmental disasters. This is a project with a lot on its mind, with Thought rhyming like the world’s about to end. Which it just might….It’s no longer surprising how Black Thought continues to astound as an artist, but Cane and Able is still an impressive next step in his progression. Apparently, he’s already recorded the fourth volume of the Streams of Thought series, and I personally can’t wait to experience what comes next. Until then, the third volume will give me lots to chew on.”

NEXT ALBUM >

LISTEN:

WATCH:

Jamiroquai’s ‘Travelling Without Moving’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary

Three decades on and despite loads of unwarranted criticism, Jamiroquai’s terrific third studio album still sounds as fresh and invigorating as ever.

Bob Dylan’s ‘Modern Times’ Turns 20 | Album Anniversary

‘Modern Times’ mourns a musical idiom by giving it another good try, because if it’s in your bones, that’s how you grieve stuff anyway.

The Roots’ ‘Game Theory’ Turns 20 | Album Anniversary

The Roots’ seventh studio affair is the disquieted soundtrack to learning you’re in a game engineered for you to lose—a first-person shooter with your weapons removed.