Top Albums of 2021

In a year defined by consistent uncertainty and adjustments, music quickly became one of 2021’s most reliable refuges. Not only were many of the albums released this year memorable, expressive, and rich in texture, but I regularly found myself discovering new artists that had so much talent to offer. It was difficult narrowing my list down to a final top ten, but after careful thought and consideration of these albums’ impacts, creativity, and importance, I am now able to present the list of my top albums of 2021.

There were many honorable mentions that nearly made the cut, but here are those that I would feel remiss not to mention: (20) Stand For Myself - Yola, (19) Donda - Kanye West, (18) TYRON - slowthai, (17) Friends That Break Your Heart - James Blake, (16) In These Silent Days - Brandi Carlile, (15) Cavalcade - Black Midi, (14) An Evening With Silk Sonic - Silk Sonic, (13) Nurture - Porter Robinson, (12) ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE - BROCKHAMPTON, and (11) Sling - Clairo. These were all quality projects that are special to me in their own right, but just couldn’t quite make the cut. Without further ado…

10. Call Me If You Get Lost- Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator has cemented his place as not only one of the most inventive artists in hip-hop, but in music generally. Following up IGOR‘s expressive creativity was a monumental task that we are all lucky Tyler was up for. Call Me If You Get Lost is a mature and refined version of the playful, confident, and bold material Tyler was recognized for when he first released music. From the project’s flawless and strategic rollout and new Tyler “lore” to confessional lyrics and hard-hitting instrumentals, this album is special, and I can’t wait to see what Tyler creates next. SCORE: 8/10

9. For the first time - Black Country, New Road

For the first time is the debut album from lesser-known (at the time) London-based band Black Country, New Road. I can’t see that underground status lasting much longer, though, as this album quickly established this group as one to seriously look out for in the near future. The raw talent and multi-instrumental compositions found in many of this project’s lengthy tracks constantly cascade in new and exciting directions. The project’s angst, sense of urgency, and brash delivery were unrivaled this year, and I am already highly anticipating their upcoming sophomore album Ants From Up There coming in 2022. SCORE: 8/10

8. Happier Than Ever - Billie Eilish

After the release of her debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? I wondered how Billie Eilish’s unique and original sound was going to evolve and mature. Luckily, those questions were quickly answered with the release of Happier Than Ever, which demonstrates the immense growth Billie has gone through in the past couple of years as an artist, but more importantly as a person. Sonically, aesthetically, and thematically, Happier Than Ever reflects the wisdom and growth of the wildly talented artist who created it. As long as Billie and her brother Finneas continue as their genuine selves when making music, not even the sky is a limit. Plus, it goes without saying, but the album’s title track is one of my favorites in Billie’s entire discography. SCORE: 8/10

7. LP! - JPEGMAFIA

JPEGMAFIA has already proven himself as one of the most talented musicians and producers in the industry with the releases of albums such as Veteran and All My Heroes Are Cornballs. Despite a rocky relationship with his record label, the passion that Peggy has for his art is abundantly clear on his most recent project LP!, and it’s truly inspiring to consider that he does all of his own recordings, mixing, and mastering. Rap and hip-hop are genres that can become stagnant at times, but releases like LP! remind artists and fans alike of their infinite possibilities. SCORE: Strong 8/10

6. The Turning Wheel - Spellling

One of the most theatrical and technically spotless records of the year, Spellling’s The Turning Wheel keeps me coming back for more. Upon its release, I was immediately immersed in the dazzling world that the project quickly builds. Spellling’s non-conventional vocal delivery may be jarring at first to some, but it complements the project’s ornate instrumentals splendidly. Tracks such as “Little Deer”, “Boys At School”, and “Revolution” are unlike anything I have ever heard, but in the best ways. I highly recommend going into this album with an open mind; Spellling knows what she’s doing here and then some. SCORE: Strong 8/10

5. By the Time I Get to Phoenix - Injury Reserve

Injury Reserve delivered one of the most emotionally potent albums of the year with By the Time I Get to Phoenix. This is the group’s first release since the untimely and tragic death of one of their members (Groggs,) and the grief and catharsis are profound on this project. The contextual significance of this project is uplifted and made more impactful by its inventiveness, ability to confidently experiment, and regular delivery of simple but stunning ideas throughout. “Knees” is simply one of my favorite songs of the year, as its refrain of “Knees hurt when I grow, and that’s a tough pill to swallow ‘cause I’m not getting taller-” truly stuck with me. This is a profoundly meaningful album, and I’m proud of Injury Reserve for honoring Groggs with its release. SCORE: Light 9/10

4. Daddy’s Home - St. Vincent

On Daddy’s Home, St. Vincent is able to instantly transport listeners to another era of music. On this record, she has channeled 1970’s era groove and made it look effortless. From the fantastically directed music videos that accompany the many great songs this album offers to atmospheric, Pink Floyd-esque offerings like “Live In The Dream”, St. Vincent’s commitment to her desired ambiance is admirable and catchy as hell. The slow moments on this project are few and far between, but contemplative and necessary. What’s not to love? SCORE = Light 9/10

3. SINNER GET READY - Lingua Ignota

Claiming this year’s bronze prize in the number three spot is an album that I surprisingly don’t often come back to. Lingua Ignota’s SINNER GET READY is a haunting and tormenting listen depicting the agonizing internal struggles of its creator Kristen Hayter. Made only more emotionally significant by recent revelations of the terrible events that inspired many of the project’s songs, SINNER GET READY epitomizes someone doing the hard work of moving on, letting go, and learning to forgive the unforgivable. The music itself isn’t disturbing in its own right; instead, what’s truly terrifying is the abyss someone must find themself in to create it as a form of self-expression. That willingness to share, as creatively and beautifully as this project does no less, is an act of kindness that Lingua Ignota deserves endless praise for. SCORE = 9/10

2. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert - Little Simz

When Little Simz released the lead single “Introvert” to her upcoming project Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, I knew that the hip-hop community was in for a treat. That opening track’s grandiosity and lavishness was no red herring, either, as this entire project is refined, textured, diverse, and grand in scale. Little Simz proved that she is a true wordsmith with the release of her critically-acclaimed Grey Area, but this project takes those skills to the next level. Her wordplay, revealing subject matter, and confidence are unmatched in the genre right now. Soul-inspired instrumentals rarely rely on samples, which is a feat in its own right, as this timeless sound seems made for Simz. This project’s poetic interludes perfectly transition its ever-evolving and genre-bending sounds, making it hard to believe that each unique song pairs so cohesively with the rest. “I Love You, I Hate You” is a standout among standouts here on a project that I couldn’t find flaws within even if I tried. SCORE = 10/10

1. Promises - Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, London Symphony Orchestra

I try to refrain from making outlandish claims or using overused sentiments about albums, but I simply can’t stop myself from calling Promises a once-in-a-lifetime composition. It’s hard to imagine that a similar context will be recreated anytime soon, as this project was only made possible by world-class artists coming together with a vision and executing it masterfully. Floating Points’ idea to assemble a continuous piece made up of nine “movements” proved genius, as Promises doesn’t waste a second of its 46-minute runtime. Pharoah Sanders’ saxophone play, backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and Floating Points’ simple but addictive seven-note motif found throughout, is nothing short of breathtaking. That motif is simple but incredibly rich, as it is used to explore many new ideas throughout every Movement, culminating in a truly transcendent experience for its listeners. Movement 6, specifically, goes down as one of the most cathartic and rewarding pieces of music I’ve ever heard. No words can do an instrumental album like this justice, so instead, I strongly recommend that you give it a listen. This project will always have a special place in my heart, as it served as a soundtrack for some of the most formative and emotional moments of my life this year. For all of those reasons, Promises was an easy selection for my top album of 2021. SCORE = 10/10

It’s important to give others their flowers while they’re still around to smell them. I hope to do that by acknowledging and appreciating the artists whose creations help me try to define my own life. While 2021 has been quite tumultuous for the world, it was also the most formative and meaningful year I’ve had. I am grateful that this soundtrack of the top albums of 2021 will also take me back to a certain time and place, where I too have decided to stop and smell the roses by indulging my passion for art, creative vision, and self-expression.