More recent album releases from the 2020s
While these two examples haven't got the ultimate classic status of many albums above, they are, of course, very recent. Perhaps over time, their reputation will grow further. Both bring a fresh new sound and innovation. Each was widely acclaimed and well received, even if not huge in sales figures terms. Both, though, are seen as surprising omissions on the Grammy Album of the Year nominations lists.
Fiona Apple – Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)
Let’s keep that slightly different theme going with Fiona Apple’s release, Fetch the Bolt Cutters. The album brings more arty sounds and experimentation to our speakers. Especially on percussion.
This was Apple’s fifth album, and it did actually feature in some of the Grammy categories. It did win the Best Alternative Music Album award. Alongside, the excellent and popular single “Shameika” picked up the Best Rock Performance Grammy. Apple won’t be disappointed having bagged those two awards, but there was a feeling among many reviewers that a nomination in the broader Album of the Year category was due.
Black Country, New Road – Ants From Up There (2022)
A very indie-based sound, art rock, and other styles are merged here in this second album from the Cambridge, UK band, Black Country, New Road. Their sound is also quite experimental, but Ants From Up There is very accessible and listenable.
Intimate, emotional, and intense, it brings their music together brilliantly as a package and deserves the excellent reviews it has gathered. The album follows up on their debut disc by adding some softer tones and more melodic elements to their core style.
There is a similarity in places to Arcade Fire in the orchestration and the way songs build. But it’s not an obvious connection. They both share the status of missing out on a Grammy nomination for an album.