Time to cap off the year by celebrating what 2021 has gifted to us... musically. Here are my top 25 favorite albums of 2021.
2021 brought the public some dang good new music. Making up from last year's many delays and cancellations, many artists have decided to put out their career bests, impressive debuts, and stunning surprises. Although 2021 wasn't exactly the shiny and uplifting year we thought it would be, music certainly helped many get through it, including myself. This year possibly had the most positive reviews from me (an absolute ton of 8/10's) and a boat load of great albums to boot. And possibly the most reviews I've written... I have been writing a bunch this year. 2022 is looking promising as well: notably many artists may be pushing their new albums towards 2022 so they can "crosses fingers" tour off of it? All in all 2021 brought the good stuff in tons of different genres and styles... and a lot of it!
Any hoot, now on to my annual year-end lists! Here are my top 25 favorite albums of 2021 and my thoughts on each one of them. Enjoy and thanks for reading. See you in 2022!
(PS: If you want to cut to the chase, you can scroll to see the full list all the way at the bottom of this page.)
25.
Kacey Musgraves
star-crossed
Texas-based singer songwriter Kacey Musgraves brought the heartbreak with her highly anticipated follow-up to 2018's Golden Hour. star-crossed is another breakup album from a popular artist but Musgraves presents it in a subtilely cheeky way. It playfully guides her into the direction of lightly psychedelic pop on tracks like "Cherry Blossom" and "Simple Times." Although I felt like she could've pushed this sound further into a more cohesive and clean sound, star-crossed shows a lot of promise for what Kacey Musgraves could do in the future of pop music.
24.
Arooj Aftab
Vulture Prince
Pakistan-born and Brooklyn-based singer songwriter Arooj Aftab left a mark on a lot of listeners this year with her breakout third album Vulture Prince, leaving critics and listeners in awe. Her performances of traditional pop and South Asian music may be the most graceful and beautiful music you will hear this year.
23.
The Antlers
Green to Gold
This year marked a unique change of pace and mood for Brooklyn's The Antlers: positivity and happiness! If there was any sunny, warm, and inviting record to listen to this year it would be Green to Gold. The indie folk and pop placed here is done in such a cheery and galloping fashion that even you will smile at the bristling winds softly touching you as you sit in your rocking chair out your front porch during a midsummer's day.
22.
Parquet Courts
Sympathy for Life
Following up one of the decade's best albums is a difficult task but post punk rockers Parquet Courts deliver in a surprising way with Sympathy for Life. The band is now more focused on groove than they've ever been, sharing off their love for dance and funk music. The results are an eclectic mix that should please any fan of punk, pop, funk or dance music.
21.
Billie Eilish
Happier Than Ever
The world's biggest pop star had to follow up her debut album at some point. All the skepticism and hype buildup aside, Happier Than Ever is no sophomore slump. Eilish and her brother Finneas continue to push the envelope by trying out new sounds and refreshing takes on older ones, making it Billie Eilish's best album yet.
20.
The Weather Station
Ignorance
Tamara Lindeman's folk band The Weather Station came out with a statement on Ignorance. The album melds moody Americana and folk with jazz elements and a band kinsmanship that's tighter than ever before. The most admirable and powerful things about Ignorance is Lindeman's strong presence and voice. Her attention to detail with her songwriting and singing make a truly mesmerizing performance, one of the best this year has to offer.
19.
Darkside
Spiral
2021 marks the official comeback of Darkside, the myserteous duo of Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington. In many ways Spiral, the new album, acts as Psychic's spiritual successor. With similar attempts of blues and jazz within the electronica realm comes newer takes on acoustic instrumentation, making Spiral a livelier and brighter album than its predecessor. One of my most highly anticipated records of the year, Spiral should please the fans who've waited eight year for new music. Those who have stuck with Jaar and Harrington or are remotely interested in this type of music will not be disappointed.
18.
Courtney Barnett
Things Take Time, Take Time
Certainly things took some time for Australia's Courtney Barnett to craft her most patient and slow burning record to date. Things Take Time, Take Time is an introspective on the pain and suffering we've all faced from last year to now. The minimalistic instrumentation featuring synthesizers and drum machines wash over the listener like a therapeutic bath. Though it may not immediately click with you like her previous material, give it time and you'll find a rewarding experience.
17.
Lee Pardini
Homebodies
Piano extraordinaire and Dawes member Lee Pardini released his debut solo album Homebodies earlier this year. Though it is labeled under his own name, Homebodies is a hugely collaborative record that features other musicians like fellow bandmate Griff Goldsmith or Tortoise's virtuous guitarist Jeff Parker. The instrumentals sound so tight and fluid that Homebodies doesn't sound like a debut at all and more like a veteran record. The production and mixing alone make it an otherworldly, beautiful experience that is a can't miss in the jazz scene.
16.
The War On Drugs
I Don't Live Here Anymore
Philadelphia's The War On Drugs take the stadium to the next level with I Don't Live Here Anymore. Adam Granduciel is more in the forefront and on a pedestal in the center stage, showcasing the singer's voice and songwriting. The instrumentation is bigger and grander than ever and it's safe to say that The War On Drugs is one of rock's biggest and most ear grabbing bands in today's music landscape. Harmonious guitars, driving grooves, wavy synths, and captivating vocals still make up the band's DNA. They continuously hone in on their craft at creating truly timeless rock songs.
15.
Colleen
The Tunnel and The Clearing
Cécile Schott, who goes by Colleen, is a French composer and electronic musician who takes the listener down a rabbit hole of stunning, dizzying, and emotionally stirring electronic music. Her simplistic and minimalistic approach through her synthesizers and hushed voice may seem too general for some listeners on the surface. Once you give songs like "Implosion-Explosion" or "Gazing at Taurus - Santa Eulalia" the time they deserve, then you'll find that what she's doing here is exquisitely dreamlike and memorable. The Tunnel and The Clearing is a closer, more intimate look at the mind of Colleen and a record that many will hopefully enjoy because of it.
14.
shame
Drunk Tank Pink
Post punk has been one of the most defining genres of 2021 (you will see why throughout this list) and shame are one of these bands defining it. The young South London band's second album is a much more straightforward approach to punk and rock music than their contemporaries but don't let that fool you. They know how to make a great tune that sticks with you. The guitars, shouty vocal deliveries, and slick grooves are so sticky and tight that they will be in your head all year, for months to come. Drunk Tank Pink is so seamless and instant that any of these songs can be your favorite. Hell, all of them can be your favorites and there are few new records that have this enjoyment factor.
13.
Silk Sonic
An Evening with Silk Sonic
The perfect pairing from massive stars Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak seemed almost inevitable due to their similar charms, personalities, and takes on pop, funk, and R&B. Tagged together as Silk Sonic, Mars and .Paak take on the soul and funk of the 70's in such a glamorous, funny, and charismatic way that is simply undeniable. Sparks fly off of one another through each track from the gleeful "Skate" to the explosive "777" to the glorious and epic closer "Blast Off." An Evening With Silk Sonic is a seamless and enjoyable listen that celebrates the funk and soul of the 70's rather than simply imitating it. It's so fun and infectious that I can't remove the grin from my face the whole time I'm listening to it.
12.
Third Coast Percussion, Sérgio & Clarice Assad
Archetypes
The Chicago-based percussive collective Third Coast Percussion are one of the most exciting and head-turning groups within the world of chamber and classical music today. Archetypes, the new collaborative project with Brazilian guitarist Sérgio Assad and multi-instrumentalist Clarice Assad, focuses on the twelve character archetypes. The Latin jazz and rhythm influences add so much flavor to these compositions, bringing these ancient stories new life. There is an excellent amount of variety within these songs ranging from warm Latin jazz to icy cold chamber music to piano-driven pop. There is also a shuffle-like quality that makes this record even more accessible than any of their previous projects. The results make the now 3-time Grammy nominated Archetypes the group's most engaging, exciting, and enjoyable album to date that will promisingly bring in more new fans into the fray and hopefully into chamber music in general.
11.
Sarah Louise
Earth Bow
North Carolina based singer, songwriter, guitarist, and gatherer Sarah Louise has been a lover of nature ever since her beginnings as a traditional folk guitarist. She's pushed herself further through her career with electronics, drone, and pop aesthetics while also sticking to her folk roots. Earth Bow, her newest album, is her grand opus: her combinations of folk, pop, and electronic music coming together into a naturally beautiful blend of harmony. The album's flow is incredible with each song melding into one another, acting like one cohesive story from start to finish. While she's become immersed within the environment and ecosystem itself, Earth Bow is her sonic message directly to the listener, urging you to join her on this journey through the wilderness. Hopefully you can find your true meaning and purpose. I think Sarah Louise has.
10.
Mdou Moctar
Afrique Victime
There is a largely uncovered desert rock scene of Tuareg guitar music across Western Africa that has come into fruition over the past few years especially. Thanks to Mdou Moctar from the country of Niger, Tuareg guitar music is being wealthily represented across the rest of the world with a powerful statement. Afrique Victime marks the second album that features Moctar's backing band and it's by far his most accessible, explosive, tight, energetic, and moving record yet. They provide slick guitar-driven desert rock while the field recordings and electronics add new depth to the band's already exciting music. Afrique Victime is straight from the heart: it promotes freedom of love, religion, women's rights while noting the inequalities and massive crime of Western Africa. I initially wrote this in my review and I'll write it again here: Afrique Victime is making guitar music essential in 2021 and beyond. The people who are saying that rock music is dead clearly haven't heard albums like this.
9.
Esther Rose
How Many Times
Over the past few years, Esther Rose has quickly become one of my favorite voices in music today. The New Orleans-based singer songwriter has a knack for wit, humor, and heartache over her guitar-driven songs fueled by Americana, country, and folk music. Her softly sung, sometimes cracked voice on songs about both love and heartbreak and picturesque storytelling is filled with personality and charm that is unlike any other songwriters. How Many Times, her third studio album, is her most pained and yearning record yet. There's this sense of vulnerability that is much more open than ever before. Despite it being a breakup record, there's still the humor that she always seems to be carrying with her. There are songs that keeps her feet up with confidence like "Keeps Me Running" while "Good Time" might be her most explosive song yet. With the peppy there is the dreary: the album's title track is a stunning moment of isolated loneliness and heartbreak that is one of her most tear-shedding moments laid to tape. Her heartbreak is affected and documented on this record in a way that seems to be very insightful and retrospective, where Esther seems to be growing from it and moving forward. Yet again her music feels like a certain moment of time captured with a sense of sadness and wit that can only be Esther Rose.
8.
Black Country, New Road
For the first Time
The breakout debut album from the UK seven-piece Black Country, New Road almost seemingly came out of nowhere. The massive buzz behind it made For the first time a huge release and deservedly so. An unpredictably chaotic album to say the least, the six tracks spread across the album included purely unsettling and creepy intensity of grooves and glitches, but also very funny and beautiful moments at times too. "Track X" was the calming acoustic number that is a break between the intense, massive instrumentals of "Sunglasses," "Science Fair," and "Opus." Mixing so many different elements of music in such unique ways, there is certainly no other band like Black Country, New Road. They are so unpredictable that they could almost tackle any new style or genre that may hit them.
7.
Lil Nas X
Montero
Of all the debut albums to come out of this year, none were as highly anticipated as the one from Lil Nas X. Following up his 7 EP and the massively inescapable success of "Old Town Road" comes Montero. Named after himself, Nas shares genuine themes of individuality, heartbreak and love that seem to be very personal and often harrowing. The performances are strong and the production is quite diverse with its usage of horns, acoustics, and sharp production. Each track is different from the next despite its overall cohesion, making it a thrillingly entertaining album. There are the explosively infectious bangers like "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" and "Industry Baby" with rapper Jack Harlow. There are emotionally vulnerable moments like the gorgeous "Dead Right Now" and "One of Me," which shows off Elton John's piano chops. Then there are also songs that should send Nas into the stratosphere of pop stardom like "That's What I Want," possibly his answer to Outkast's "Hey Ya!" All the boxes are ticked in terms of a successful debut album from Lil Nas X. The only box remained unchecked seems to be what he will do next.
6.
black midi
Cavalcade
This brings us to another unpredictable band. UK's black midi have become one of the most exciting rock bands since their debut Schlagenheim in back 2019. Blending styles of post rock, jazz, and post punk into a frenzy, there was not much predictability with what they would do next. Cavalcade is a huge step up in the band's still super short career. black midi sound more mature with extravagantly grand and meticulously detailed sound, making it a more theatrical and cinematic sound with strings, epic progressions and transitions. The album's tracks vary in volume; they're either really quiet and sparse ("Diamond Stuff," "Marlene Dietrich") or they're absolutely loud ragers ("John L," "Hogwash and Balderdash"). Despite not having guitarist Kwasniewski-Kelvin on the record, they still sound thick as thieves with tighter performances and larger than life production. If there's any band that we need to put our attention on it would have to be black midi.
5.
Dry Cleaning
New Long Leg
All the way from South London is another post punk band that has exploded and that band is Dry Cleaning. Their debut record, New Long Leg, is one of the most memorable albums of 2021 and for good reason. Front-woman Florence Shaw's overtly descriptive and observational narrations are full of personality and humor, giving a plentiful helping of memorable one-liners and witty remarks.
Shaw's lyricism alone makes this record unique and worth listening to but the pummeling guitars, sharp bass, and percussion supports her monotone and deadpan deliveries tremendously. Along with her spiraling ramblings come the extremely catchy grooves across this record, especially on favorites like "More Big Birds," "Strong Feelings," the title track, and "Scratchcard Lanyard," which is one of this year's best singles (and arguably the funniest). After hearing New Long Leg, you'll know a Dry Cleaning song when you hear one. And that's for the best.
4.
Kings of Convenience
Peace or Love
Norwegian guitar wielding indie folk pop duo Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe, who go by Kings of Convenience, have been pretty much dormant of no new music for 12 years until their comeback album released this year. There should be no surprise that Peace or Love sounds like the duo never left with hushed vocal harmonies, quietly strummed guitars, gentle strings and light percussion. The warmth and comfort of the band's back and forth guitar playing and soft vocals are here once again, which should please old and new fans alike. It sounds like a warm embrace from a longtime friend you haven't seen in years. Is Peace or Love only a resonant record to me because I haven't been familiarized with their previous work? I wouldn't say it's that simple. The complex yet simple on the surface guitar chords and carefully planned deliveries remind me of why I find bands like The Sea and Cake and Real Estate so captivating and irresistible to my ears. Not to mention the songs themselves sound timeless and the surprise contributions of Leslie Feist are the gigantic cherry on top of the already delicious ice cream sundae. On the surface it may sound like generic coffee house or elevator music to some. But I ask you to look deeper and accept Øye and Bøe's invitation wrap you up in their warm blanket of sound. You won't regret it.
3.
Bell Orchestre
House Music
Here's one of the biggest surprises of 2021: a nonstop 43-minute long piece from Bell Orchestre, who haven't released anything in over a decade. The Canadian instrumental ensemble featuring Aracde Fire members Richard Reed Parry and Sarah Neufeld return with a monstrous and intense continuous album. House Music "houses" the group's thrilling performances and improvisational skills working in one fluid motion. You really get to hear each member's instruments performing in such a way that you can dissect each moment or detail, being able to experience it as one wholistic piece. The layers of instrumentation and sound can be both chaotic and thrilling at the same time, while some of the slower parts can be reflective and charming. "Movement" and "What You're Thinking" is the one-two punch / knockout of the year, two moments that are so incredibly thrilling and enjoyable that it's almost impossible to decide which is better. The improvisation and quick decision making by the six musicians throughout this one 43 minute long excursion is brilliant by itself. Include everything House Music has to offer and you have one of the year's most expansive, thrilling, and overall best albums. Your ears will thank you.
2.
Faye Webster
I Know I'm Funny haha
Atlanta, Georgia's Faye Webster is seemingly one of indie's coolest and charming artists in the scene. Off of a run of fantastic albums that satisfyingly combine elements of folk, country, soul, pop, and R&B, her fourth album I Know I'm Funny haha perfectly captures her as a person: she's genuinely charming, funny, charismatic, and full of love (and sadness). Webster just seems to be getting better and better as a singer, songwriter, and performer, and this new album proves it tenfold. This album continues with the jazzy, folky blend of country-tinged pop and R&B that I loved form the previous album only to be pushed even further into even more satisfying songs and ideas.
The songs themselves are Webster's love letters to her romantic partner and how happy and joyful she genuinely is around him. That isn't without the sad songs though... what's a Faye Webster album without a little sadness, truly? There are distractions that can't contain her love on "Better Distractions" and the trajectory of her obsession with the Atlanta Braves star hitter Ronald Acuña Jr. on "A Dream With a Baseball Player" (Go Braves!). The charismatic and mesmerizing "Kind Of" might be Wester's strongest vocal performance yet while the title track is the album's most wholesome and lovely tune on the record. Everything, and I mean everything is better than before: the performances are tighter, the instrumentals are richer and more gorgeous, the songwriting is funnier and more heartfelt. Most importantly what's improved is Faye herself. This is her best album yet and instrumentally, musically (and entirely) it's exactly what I'm looking for in a Faye Webster album. Thanks to this record, she has graciously catapulted into the hall of fame of current indie singer songwriters.
1.
Squid
Bright Green Field
Squid, the new young UK band, signed to the legendary Warp records last year and have been buzzed about ever since. You may have noticed throughout this list that there has been a fairly strong output within the English post punk genre recently with a lot of young and impressive talent. This has been the ultimately defining sound of 2021 for many including myself and Squid are in the forefront leading the way. They've proven to excel at creating a blend of catchy songs all while experimenting with passages, time signatures, song lengths, and production choices. Bright Green Field, the band's debut album, pushes their sound even further to almost indescribable lengths, to a point where I don't even know what Squid's "sound" is. Their primary focus on grooves often extending them into unexpected territories, territories that seem uncharted or undiscovered. The grooves themselves are tight, hypnotic, and heavy, influenced by electronic music that can be both danceable and dark at the same time. This album is a nonstop wild ride from beginning to end. So much so that it's still difficult to listen to all the way through... even today.
The frantic and yelpy vocals from drummer Ollie Judge over the darkened themes and playful imagery for sure picture a dark, apocalyptic environment that doesn't seem to far off the horizon. The grooves on tracks like "Boy Racers" and "Paddling" are incredibly infectious while progressions on tracks like "Narrator" and "Pamphlets" are impressively captivating. The lockdown and isolation themes of "Pamphlets" matched with its increasing intensity throughout its eight minute runtime make it one of the most explosive, emotional, and stunning moments of the year. The darkened moodiness of "Global Groove," the island pop meets shredding hardcore of "2010," the glitchy electric energy flying off the politically charged "Peel St." There are so many moments to keep note of on this album. Every track stands out in their own unique way, making the listen such a fun and versatile experience. As a debut, Bright Green Field is such an impressive feat. It's apocalyptically dark, fun, infectious, and epic. Squid and their English contemporaries have so much promise to continue to push the envelope and represent the wildly vivid future of music. Bright Green Field is a prime example of why we should all be looking forward to new music in 2022 and beyond.
The Full List:
1. Squid - Bright Green Field
2. Faye Webster - I Know I’m Funny haha
3. Bell Orchestre - House Music
4. Kings of Convenience - Peace or Love
5. Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg
6. black midi - Cavalcade
7. Lil Nas X - Montero
8. Black Country, New Road - For the first time
9. Esther Rose - How Many Times
10. Mdou Moctar - Afrique Victime
11. Sarah Louise - Earth Bow
12. Third Coast Percussion, Sérgio & Clarice Assad - Archetypes
13. Silk Sonic - An Evening with Silk Sonic
14. shame - Drunk Tank Pink
15. Colleen - The Tunnel and The Clearing
16. The War on Drugs - I Don’t Live Here Anymore
17. Lee Pardini - Homebodies
18. Courtney Barnett - Things Take Time, Take Time
19. Darkside - Spiral
20. The Weather Station - Ignorance
21. Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
22. Parquet Courts - Sympathy for Life
23. The Antlers - Green to Gold
24. Arooj Aftab - Vulture Prince
25. Kacey Musgraves - star-crossed
Honorable Mentions:
Bad Bad Hats - Walkman
Bob's Burgers - The Bob's Burgers Music Album, Vol. 2
CHAI - Wink
Cloud Nothings - The Shadow I Remember
Damon Albarn - The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows
GAS - Der Lange Marsch
Hiatus Kaiyote - Mood Valiant
The Mountain Goats - Dark in Here
My Morning Jacket - My Morning Jacket
Sleigh Bells - Texis
Subsonic Eye - Nature of Things
Tune-Yards - sketchy.
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