2021 was a year of a million things, but music always stood out as that one shining light we all held onto. There were so many incredible releases this year, and believe us when we say that it was extremely difficult to narrow them down to only 10; our honorable mentions are proof!
Like the shitshow that was 2020, 2021 proved to be a tumultuous year but if we know anything, it’s not going out without a fight. However, the one thing we can always rely on is music, and this year’s releases were on fire! We hope the music released this year made whatever you were going through a lot more bearable. It sure did for us!
We thank you all for your love and support throughout the year. Here’s to an exciting 2022!
–
#10. Lorde – Solar Power
Released: August 20, 2021
Lorde’s third release, Solar Power, felt like a place of healing of sorts. After the singer’s tendency to go off into her own little world of solitude, emerging with a new masterpiece four years later, we can’t help but marvel over the fact that she’s doing it her way, and damn, are we jealous! Solar Power brought us back to Earth, literally and figuratively. It changed the landscape of her work and will forever be a clear marker in her discography of a time when taking chances was more important than ever.
Spotlight Tracks: “Secrets From a Girl” (Who’s Seen It All)” | “The Path” | “Oceanic Feeling”
#9. Halsey – If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power
Released: August 27, 2021
Halsey’s fourth album proves to be the singer’s best work yet. Constantly evolving and innovating, the singer has shown us time and time again that we will not be getting the same album with each release and to expect the unexpected. IICHLIWP – both the record and short film – are proof that you can have it all and remain a true artist in every sense of the word. With the help of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, IICHLIWP is fused with dark 90’s alternative mixed with moments of light and coming into one’s own as perspectives and life changes come into play.
Spotlight Tracks: “I am not a woman, I’m a god” | “You asked for this” | “Bells in Santa Fe”
#8. LANY – gg bb xx
Released: September 3, 2021
After falling head over heels for the band’s 2020 release, mama’s boy, we honestly weren’t ready for a new album from LANY, but gg bb xx, the band’s fourth record, was such a glorious surprise! Soaring with the band’s signature storytelling and indie-pop infused swooning, gg bb xx is exactly what we needed from the trio. From expressing his love to squashing down nasty rumors, singer Paul Klein knows his way around a song, and the band’s continued success is only proof that these kings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon!
Spotlight Tracks: “dancing in the kitchen” | “care less” | “get away”
#7. Jade Bird – Different Kinds of Light
Released: August 13, 2021
The lovely Jade Bird and her sophomore release, Different Kinds of Light, have been a staple since it’s release! Chronicling the pain and joy of relationships, growing up, and all the in-betweens, DKOL is chock full of genre porn – when you can’t exactly pinpoint one genre but the culmination of whatever you’re hearing is just way too good! Bird only continues to prove that she’s a force within the industry and that we should all be paying attention.
Spotlight Tracks: “Punchline” | “Candidate” | “Honeymoon”
#6. Garbage – No Gods No Masters
Released: June 11, 2021
Garbage have always been a force of nature. For 26 years, the alternative band have ruled the scene when it comes to all things gritty and genuine. It also helps that they’ve always been way ahead of the curve. Seventh studio album, No Gods No Masters, builds off of the band’s signature in-your-face take-no-shit kind of vibe. However, with that type of tenacity also brings a bout of hope, which is something we’ve all been clinging to lately. All in all, NGNM is just what we hoped we’d get from the band and then some.
Spotlight Tracks: “No Gods No Masters” | “Godhead” | “Uncomfortably Me”
#5. Julia Michaels – Not In Chronological Order
Released: April 30, 2021
If you’ve been closely watching the musical journey of singer/songwriter Julia Michaels, it’s so easy to get inspired. From starting out as a hitmaker by penning some of pop’s biggest hits to starting her own career as a musician, Michaels has been at the forefront of it all. Her debut album, Not In Chronological Order, is a stunning release from beginning to end, leaving listeners craving more as the new year approaches. From singing about relationships and trust issues to mental health to finding a healthy love with fellow singer/songwriter JP Saxe, Michaels is truly living her best life right now and we’re just glad we get to witness it.
Spotlight Tracks: “Pessimist” | “All Your Exes” | “Lie Like This”
#4. Lana Del Rey – Blue Banisters
Released: October 22, 2021
Lana Del Rey has graced us with two incredible albums this year, but Blue Banisters takes the cake for us. Quite possibly her most gorgeous piece of work yet, Blue Banisters captures the essence of a simple, carefree lifestyle with hints of pain and nostalgia mixed in. This was also the first time the singer opened up about her family, giving us glimpses of what it was like growing up and becoming the enigmatic star we know and love today.
Spotlight Tracks: “Blue Banisters | “Dealer” | “If You Lie Down With Me”
#3. Aly & AJ – A touch of the beat gets you up on your feet gets you out and then into the sun
Released: May 7, 2021
Giving some pop-punk bands a run for their money with an album title like that, pop queens Aly & AJ released their highly-anticipated album this year, 14 years after their last in 2007! After making their return to music in 2017 with a slew of EPs and singles to keep listeners at bay, the album we’ve all been waiting for finally arrived and she is a stunner, especially on vinyl! A touch of the beat has it all, with a few surprise guests coming in to add their magic. Honestly, there is not one bad song on this record. Perfect for road trips or quiet, self-reflective days in, A touch of the beat kept us company when we needed it most. Look for a deluxe edition coming in 2022!
Spotlight Tracks: “Pretty Places” | “Listen!!!” | “Don’t Need Nothing”
#2. Teenage Wrist – Earth Is a Black Hole
Released: February 12, 2021
Teenage Wrist are our favorite discovery of 2021. The band’s sophomore record, Earth Is a Black Hole, has been in constant rotation since its release and for good reason. Chock full of 90’s/early aughts alternative nostalgia, Earth Is a Black Hole shines a spotlight on singer/guitarist Marshall Gallagher after the 2019 departure of frontman Kamtin Mohager (who you all know as Chain Gang of 1974). Gallagher is a natural in his own right, becoming one of our favorite vocalists as the album navigates a more lighter and brighter side of life while still maintaining their raw, honest approach to songwriting.
Spotlight Tracks: “New Emotion” | “Yellowbelly” | “Taste of Gasoline”
#1. Olivia Rodrigo – SOUR
Released: May 21, 2021
To say that Olivia Rodrigo had an interesting year is an understatement. From releasing her debut single, “drivers license” in January to now being nominated for multiple GRAMMY awards for her debut album, SOUR, we can’t help but be in awe of her. Rodrigo is one of those artists you just love to see build herself from the ground up. While we all expected an introductory EP from the singer after the success of “drivers license,” we were pleasantly surprised that a full-length was chosen instead. SOUR is the epitome of what a debut album should be for an 18-year-old emerging artist. It’s angsty, heartbreaking, honest, and really refreshing. Fans can expect a tour in 2022 and hopefully, more new music. In the meantime, we’re happy to sit and watch her blossom into even more of a bonafide superstar.
Spotlight Tracks: “brutal” | “drivers license” | “jealousy, jealousy”
–
Honorable Mentions
Taylor Swift – Fearless (Taylor’s Version) / Red (Taylor’s Version)
Lana Del Rey – Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Selena Gomez – Revelación
La Bouquet – The Big Happy
Pale Waves – Who Am I?
Cyrano – Consolations
Lostboycrow – Valleyheart
1990nowhere – A Fever Calling Living / Have Some Shame
The Chain Gang of 1974 – Besides
COIN – Rainbow Mixtape
Honestly – Inside Your Eyes, Without You Beside Me – Extended
joan – hi / bye
