What is the best indie album of the 2020s so far?

The early 2020s have delivered some remarkably vital indie music — from bedroom confessionals and post-pandemic catharsis to sprawling folk epics and raw noise-rock breakthroughs. Which record has already secured its place as the decade's best? Cast your vote!

1

Punisher

Phoebe Bridgers' 2020 sophomore album, cementing her status as a generational indie songwriter with lush, emotionally shattering folk-pop.

2

Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

Big Thief's ambitious 2022 double album, sprawling across folk, country, and noise-rock with boundless warmth.

3

Jubilee

Japanese Breakfast's 2021 joyful indie pop breakthrough, Michelle Zauner's most vibrant and celebratory work.

4

The Record

boygenius' 2023 debut full-length, bringing together Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus for an indie rock supergroup triumph.

5

Wet Leg

Wet Leg's 2022 self-titled debut, a witty and infectious indie rock record from the Isle of Wight duo.

6

Home Video

Lucy Dacus' 2021 album, a razor-sharp collection of autobiographical indie rock songs about memory and adolescence.

7

Rat Saw God

Wednesday's 2023 noisy alt-country album about Southern memory and heartbreak, a breakthrough for the North Carolina band.

8

Sometimes, Forever

Soccer Mommy's 2022 album, blending 90s indie rock nostalgia with crystalline production and personal introspection.

9

God Save the Animals

Alex G's 2022 album, a beautifully strange indie pop record exploring faith, love, and sonic experimentation.

10

HEY WHAT

Low's 2021 album, a searingly distorted and beautiful late-career statement from the Minnesota minimalist duo.

11

Shade

Grouper's 2021 collection of unreleased songs, meditative and otherworldly ambient folk from Liz Harris.

12

Any Shape You Take

Indigo De Souza's 2021 album, a raw and emotionally vulnerable indie pop/rock record about love and identity.

13

I Got Heaven

Mannequin Pussy's 2024 album, a sharp and emotionally intense indie punk record balancing aggression and vulnerability.

14

Underdressed at the Symphony

Faye Webster's 2023 album, her most polished and emotionally resonant indie pop statement.

15

songs

Adrianne Lenker's (Big Thief) 2020 intimate solo acoustic album recorded in a Massachusetts cabin during the COVID lockdown.