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One month into 2020 and it already feels like we've got strong contenders for albums of the year.

Among the month's best albums, you'll find veterans of varying ages making some of the best music of their careers, but also a striking debut by a promising R&B singer.

It's truly been a great year for music, right up to the final months. November gifted us new albums by FKA twigs, Michael Kiwanuka and Mount Eerie.

In the sweaty month of July, we turned to Cuco's Para Mí,Burna Boy's African Giant and J. Cole's homie-gathering compilation Revenge of the Dreamers III.

A survey by automotive consultant group Planned Perspectives asked suppliers to rank their relationships with the six biggest U.S. auto producers. Toyota finished on top. GM was rated poor.

Pakistani authorities say they believe their troops have cornered Osama bin Laden's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, near the Afghan-Pakistan border. Pakistani forces are engaged in a fierce battle there with tribal leaders and al Qaeda fighters. U.S. officials say they cannot confirm the reports. Hear NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

Osama bin Laden's top deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, is reportedly cornered by Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border. The United States has offered a $25 million reward for the Egyptian-born Zawahiri's capture. Pakistani officials say a fierce battle with al Qaeda fighters is being waged. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

The Pentagon is expected to replace Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez as the top U.S. commander in Iraq. President Bush called Sanchez "exemplary," and officials say his transfer is part of a long-planned reorganization. Nevertheless, the move leaves the impression in some quarters that the administration is not satisfied with Sanchez's performance in Iraq. NPR's Michele Kelemen reports.

Songwriter Felice Bryant dies at age 77 at home in Gatlinburg, Tenn. She collaborated with her husband to pen some of the best-known tunes in country music and early rock 'n' roll. Her songs Bye Bye Love and Wake Up Little Susie were Everly Brothers standards, just as Rocky Top became a country standard. NPR's Melissa Block offers a remembrance.

Five out of these 10 records are debuts — a statistic that fits perfectly in the spirit of finding new music to fall in love with this year.