2020 cover

2020

Molly Nilsson · 2018

36 min · 10 tracks · synth-pop

Ethereal synth-pop textures intertwine with intimate storytelling, creating a dreamy soundscape that evokes nostalgia and reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Every Night Is New — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush synths and reflective lyrics about new beginnings, embodying Nilsson's signature blend of optimism and vulnerability.
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    Gun Control — A poignant commentary on societal issues wrapped in catchy melodies, this track stands out for balancing dark themes with an infectious pop sensibility, showcasing Nilsson's lyrical prowess.
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    Days of Dust — With its hauntingly beautiful arrangement and evocative lyrics about impermanence, this track captures the essence of longing and nostalgia that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's ethereal sound and introspective lyrics create a unique blend, though its pacing affects overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered synths that create a lush, atmospheric backdrop for the vocals.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, adding an intimate and personal touch to the storytelling.
  • The pacing varies significantly; tracks like 'Every Night Is New' maintain a steady tempo while others, such as 'Intermezzo: My Mental Motorcycle', introduce interludes that disrupt the flow.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • introspective reflective moments
  • dreamy soundscape exploration
  • mid-tempo flow for focus

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time '2020' was released in January 2018, Molly Nilsson had already established herself as a distinctive voice in the synth-pop genre, following her previous album 'Zodiac' from 2016. This album marked her continued evolution as an artist, showcasing her ever-growing confidence in production and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Nite Jewel· Grimes· Cold Cave

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Every Night Is New 3:46
  • 2 A Slice of Lemon 3:52
  • 3 Out of the Blue 2:49
  • 4 Your Shyness 3:34
  • 5 Intermezzo: My Mental Motorcycle 3:11
  • 6 Serious Flowers 4:04
  • 7 I'm Your Fan 2:36
  • 8 Gun Control 3:52
  • 9 Days of Dust 3:33
  • 10 Blinded by the Night 5:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata