Best New Psychedelic Rock Albums of 2020

A look at the best new psychedelic rock albums of 2020 so far, including releases from Tame Impala, The Flaming Lips, and more.

Introduction

Listed below are the best new psychedelic rock albums of 2020, ranging from traditional sounding 60s and 70s revivalism to modern experimentalism, all of which exhibit mastery of the genre’s key sonic ingredients: reverb drenched guitars, mind-bending song structures, and trippy sound effects. With so many great new psychedelic rock albums released this year, it was difficult to narrow down the list to just ten, but these are the records that we think best capture the spirit of this endlessly inventive genre.

The Best Psychedelic Rock Albums of 2020

It’s been a great year for psychedelic rock music, with many new and innovative albums being released. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best new psychedelic rock albums of 2020.

Tame Impala – The Slow Rush

After a five-year wait, Tame Impala returned in February with The Slow Rush, an album that finds Kevin Parker exploring his more pop-leaning tendencies while also expanding his sonic palette. The result is an ambitious record that feels both comfortable and new, a delicate balance that Parker pulls off with ease.

The Strokes – The New Abnormal

The New Abnormal is the seventh studio album by American rock band the Strokes. It was released on April 10, 2020, through Cult Records and RCA Records. The album was produced by Rick Rubin and mixed by David Schiffman. The album artwork was designed by Troi Boivin.

The album was preceded by the singles “At the Door”, “Bad Decisions”, “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus”, “The Adults Are Talking”, “Ode to the Mets”, and “Why Are Sundays So Depressing”. The Strokes released “Bad Decisions” as the lead single from The New Abnormal on February 10, 2020.

The Raconteurs – Help Us Stranger

If you’re looking for a throwback to the classic era of rock ‘n’ roll, look no further than The Raconteurs’ third album, Help Us Stranger. Jack White and co. have crafted an instant classic, full of psychedelic riffs and catchy hooks that will stay with you long after the album is over. From the opening track, “Bored and Razed”, to the closer, “What’s Yours Is Mine”, The Raconteurs provide a non-stop tour de force that is sure to please fans of classic rock.

The Black Keys – Let’s Rock

The Black Keys are back with their ninth studio album, Let’s Rock. The follow-up to their 2017 album Turn Blue, Let’s Rock was recorded at Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville and finds the band reunited with producer Danger Mouse. The result is a return to the raw, garage rock sound of their early releases, with a sound that is both vintage and modern.

The album features the lead single “Lo/Hi,” which is a perfect example of the Black Keys’ signature sound: catchy hooks, filthy guitars, and tight grooves. Other highlights include the driving rocker “Go,” the psychedelic trip “Eagle Birds,” and the bluesy ballad “Shine A Little Light.” Let’s Rock is a welcome return to form for the Black Keys, and an essential addition to any psychedelic rock collection.

Weezer – Weezer (Black Album)

On their thirteenth album, the self-titled “Black Album,” Weezer return to their poppy roots, delivering a record with catchy hooks and summertime anthems. This is the most fun Weezer have sounded in years, and it’s refreshing to see them having so much fun on an album. The Black Album is perfect for any fan of pop music, and it’s one of the best albums of 2020.

Conclusion

It’s been a great year for psychedelic rock, with new music from some of the genre’s most iconic artists and exciting debuts from fresh talent. Here are our picks for the best new psychedelic rock albums of 2020.

-Ty Segall – First Taste
-The Orwells – Terrible Human Beings
-Hot Snakes – Jericho Sirens
-The Black Lips – Satan’s graffiti or God’s art?
-Thee Oh Sees – Orc
-King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Flying Microtonal Banana
-White Fence – For The Recently Found Innocent
– Woods – Love is Love