My Favorite 2021 Albums, Pt.1
My Favorite 2021 Albums, Pt.1
Ranking albums #100-51
As I did at the end of last year, I’ve ranked my 100 favorite albums, just in a shorter and more digestible format this time. Don’t get too wrapped up in the actual number each album is ranked at. It could probably go up or down 10 spots depending on the day, but they're all generally in the right area of the list. The playlist below has a song from each album, and will be updated with the full 100 once part 2 is up!
100. DONDA - Kanye West
Released: August 29th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, R&B, Gospel, Soul
For Fans Of: I think you know if you’re a Kanye fan at this point
I went back and forth about including this one, because I feel like there’s a good album in here, but it got buried in bullshit (both on the album, and in the events surrounding the release). Where The Life Of Pablo was fueled by chaos and the feeling of an unrestricted look behind the scenes, DONDA was destroyed by it. But “Remote Control” was a good enough song that it can live at the bottom of my list.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
99. Public Storage - Hana Vu
Released: November 5th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Garage, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Mitski, Lala Lala, Palehound, Ian Sweet, Looking inside something even if it’s gross
A mature and sophisticated return for Hana Vu after the 2018 debut album and 2019 double EP. There’s a lot to take in here if you’re willing to let Vu get up close and personal with you.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
98. Nature Of Things - Subsonic Eye
Released: January 15th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Snail Mail, Japanese Breakfast, Grrrl Gang, Wes Anderson movies
Read my full writeup on the five friends from Singapore, just jamming, here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
97. I Got Bandz For the MoonLandin’ - Semiratruth
Released: September 30th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Underground
For Fans Of: KeiyaA, Mike, Liv.e, Feeling like you deserve to be in space more than jeff bezos
Read my full writeup on the addictingly brief solo debut from the Chicago rapper here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
96. fishmonger - underscores
Released: March 25th, 2021
Genres: Pop, Indie, Hyperpop
For Fans Of: 8485, dltzk, Knapsack, aldn, Liking 100 Gecs as a concept but not listening to their music
Just believe underscores’ twitter bio when they say “it's the new wave of the future!”
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
95. Summerland - Diamond White
Released: August 13th, 2021
Genres: Pop, Electronic
For Fans Of: Chloe x Halle, Justine Skye, Victoria Monét, Wondering aloud what the 5th runner up from Season 2 of The X Factor is doing now
After playing a recurring character on both Dear White People and Empire, Diamond White makes a bold statement towards pop stardom with this eclectic project.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
94. I Don’t Live Here Anymore - The War On Drugs
Released: October 29th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Indie Folk, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Kurt Vile, Bruce Springsteen, Sharon Van Etten, Wearing flannels year round
Armed with shimmering guitars and synths, The War On Drugs paint pictures that feel like a road trip pit stop through a small town that used to feel like home.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
93. Dawn Of Chromatica - Lady Gaga
Released: September 3rd, 2021
Genres: Electronic, Pop, Dance, Club, Hyperpop
For Fans Of: Arca, SOPHIE, Shygirl, People who have been meaning to go to their first rave
Gaga taps some of the most prominent names in electronic pop and dance music to breath life into her year old songs in a very fun and creative way.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
92. Somehow It Makes Sense (SIMS) - oogie
Released: April 30th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: Smino, Giggs, Isaiah Rashad, When SZA goes on a vocal run that’s impossible to understand
Read my full writeup on the debut from London rapper oogie here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
91. ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE - Brockhampton
Released: April 2nd, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Alternative
For Fans Of: JPEGMAFIA, Slowthai, Danny Brown, A.G. Club, Being made fun of on the internet
Don’t feel like they fleshed out the concepts as well as they could have, but still some excellent songs and contributions on this one.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
90. I’ve Got Some Living To Do - Jelani Aryeh
Released: July 30th, 2021
Genres: Indie, Pop, Alternative, R&B
For Fans Of: Gus Dapperton, Briston Maroney, Del Water Gap, Yeek, Sticking your body out of a car ‘Perks of Being A Wallflower’ style
Jelani Aryeh drops a debut album full of bright, breezy, indie pop jams that will have you feeling like a main character.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
89. Indigo - Jordan Occasionally
Released: February 3rd, 2021
Genres: R&B, Soul, Disco, Pop
For Fans Of: Syd, The Internet, VanJess, Falling in love with someone every time you leave the house
Read my full writeup on the groovy debut from Jordan Occasionally here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
88. Soulquarius - Phabo
Released: July 16th, 2021
Genres: R&B, Soul, Indie
For Fans Of: Destin Conrad, Ambré, Eric Bellinger, Joyce Wrice, Soulection, Creating new words with your zodiac sign
After writing for artists like Kehlani and Kyle Dion, Phabo is putting himself first on his debut album, Soulquarius.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
87. Town’s Dead - Kojaque
Released: June 25th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Indie, Alternative Rap
For Fans Of: Slowthai, Loyle Carner, Injury Reserve, Irish Rap
Kojaque fully emerges you into his world with this album, while displaying a variety of sounds and styles.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
86. ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH - SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE
Released: April 9th, 2021
Genres: Psychedelic, Rock, Alternative, Indie
For Fans Of: Horse Jumper of Love, black midi, Absolute Chaos
I’m not going to pretend I understood what was going on with this album, but I thoroughly enjoyed the wild ride. Spirit Of The Beehive have a knack for quickly changing the sound of a song while still keeping everything cohesive.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
85. Badminton - Lokoy
Released: January 22nd, 2021
Genres: Electronic, Pop, Producer
For Fans Of: RAC, Mura Masa, When the side project is as good as the main project
The Norwegian producer invites friends along for this entertaining indie pop project. A far cry from the sounds he makes playing bass with the punk band Sløtface.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
84. Frailty - dltzk
Released: November 12th, 2021
Genres: Pop, Hyperpop, Noise Rock
For Fans Of: underscores, 8485, juno, Music that could give old people heart attacks
Credit where credit’s due to dltzk. While most artists in this sphere of heavy noise hyperpop aim for short tracks, dltzk does the opposite. Only one track on here is under 3 minutes, with multiple tracks pushing 5, 6 minutes. Feels like new territory for the young genre.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
83. Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp - Lunar Vacation
Released: October 29th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Wednesday, Slow Pulp, Moontype, Bugs (that’s not a band name, just talking about insects)
The Atlanta band delivers a strong debut album, produced by Grouplove bassist Daniel Gleason.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
82. For My Momma and Anyone Who Look Like Her - McKinley Dixon
Released: May 7th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: Pink Siifu, The Roots, NNAMDÏ, Music Gerald from ‘Hey Arnold’ would listen to
Read my full writeup on this deep, personal, and free flowing album here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
81. Something Like This But Not This - Moaning Lisa
Released: October 8th, 2021
Genres: Rock, Alternative, Punk, Grunge
For Fans Of: Wolf Alice, The Joy Formidable, Sorry, Getting Zodiac information off of Tumblr
Read my full writeup about the heavy yet earnest Australian rockers here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
80. 325i - Don Lifted
Released: October 22nd, 2021
Genres: Alternative R&B, Soul, Indie
For Fans Of: Isaia Huron, DJ Screw, DWY, Searching for slowed+reverb versions of songs on Youtube
Don Lifted’s music is never quite slow enough to fall fully into chopped & screwed territory, but it’s close enough to the point that each song feels like moving in slow motion, creating an ethereal mood around his songs.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
79. Joyrider - Petite League
Released: January 8th, 2021
Genres: Indie Rock, Garage
For Fans Of: Surf Curse, BOYO, Grapetooth, College Rock
Read my full writeup on the sizzling 5th album from Petite League here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
78. Emphatically No. - Cheekface
Released: January 11th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Post-Punk, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Cake, Remember Sports, Chris Farren, Self-Aware Millennial Humor
Cheekface’s music has the sound to keep you coming back for more, and the snark to keep you entertained each time you do.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
77. Sassy - Kyle Dion
Released: September 17th, 2021
Genres: R&B, Soul
For Fans Of: Leven Kali, Joyce Wrice, McClenney, Feeling pretty and wanting people to know about it
To me, Kyle Dion’s latest is also his greatest as he delivers his most complete project, engaging from front to back with exciting features from Kari Faux and Duckwrth.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
76. Nurture - Porter Robinson
Released: April 23rd, 2021
Genres: Dance, Electronic, House
For Fans Of: Shawn Wasabi, Jai Wolf, Laying in a field (face up or face down)
While technically Robinson is still probably thought of as an EDM artist, Nurture is a much more wide ranging electronic album that put his artistry on full display to create beautiful tracks on healing and compassion.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
75. Smothered - Oberhofer
Released: November 12th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Dream Pop, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: MGMT, Of Montreal, Blood Cultures, Geeking out over vintage synths and analog gear
Oberhofer’s first proper album since 2016 drips with nostalgia of 2010s indie pop, while still sounding fresh in today’s indie music landscape.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
74. Dum and Dummer 2 - Young Dolph & Key Glock
Released: March 26th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: Peewee Longway, HoodRich Pablo Juan, Bass you feel in your whole body
What was initially another hard addition to the catalog has turned into something of a swan song for the dynamic duo. RIP Dolph!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
73. Play With the Changes - Rochelle Jordan
Released: April 30th, 2021
Genres: Dance, Electronic, R&B, Soul
For Fans Of: Kelela, Dawn Richard, LSDXOXO, Telegraph Ave. by Childish Gambino
Jordan shows all the ways she’s grown as a singer and songwriter since her last album in 2014 with this dynamic collection of dance floor tunes.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
72. Do It For Demon - SahBabii
Released: October 27th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: Young Thug, Young Nudy, Yung Bans, 20 song albums
SahBabii tones down the aquatic imagery for what’s I found to be his most complete project, with some of his most reflective songs to date.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
71. Crisis (The Worthless Album) - Valentin Hansen
Released: July 29th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Indie Pop
For Fans Of: Choker, Mavi Phoenix, Hating how streaming services pay artists
What more could I possibly say about this project? Go read my feature on Valentin Hansen’s worthless album!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY
70. Longway Sinatra 2 - Peewee Longway & Cassius Jay
Released: January 22nd, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: Young Dolph, Bankroll Fresh, Lil Duke, Frank Sinatra
Didn’t expect to like this project as much as I did when I went in for my first listen, but Peewee and Cassius keep you entertained at every turn.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
69. Drunk Tank Pink - Shame
Released: January 15th, 2021
Genres: Punk, Rock, Alternative
For Fans Of: Viagra Boys, Fontaines D.C., IDLES, Dreaming about being British and starting a fight in a pub
The hooks and guitar licks feel tighter and sharper on this sophomore album, but the ‘blood and guts’ punk spirit as they call it is still ever present.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
68. Cheater - Pom Poko
Released: January 15th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Indie
For Fans Of: Cherry Glazerr, Palm, Charly Bliss, Avant-Garde rock music
Read my full writeup on the colorful and weird album from Pom Poko here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
67. By The Time I Get To Phoenix - Injury Reserve
Released: September 15th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: clipping., JPEGMAFIA, Feeling like you’re having a panic attack
You every watch a movie that’s really well made, but so disturbing you know you’ll never watch it again? This project is kind of like that. RIP Groggs.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
66. Tell Me What You Miss The Most - Tasha
Released: November 5th, 2021
Genres: Folk, Indie, Singer-Songwriter
For Fans Of: Tenci, duendita, Ada Lea, Yearning and longing
Tasha’s delicately poetic lyricism is on full display with this collection of songs on loving and feeling very deeply.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
65. Let Me Do One More - illuminati hotties
Released: October 1st, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Indie Rock
For Fans Of: Charly Bliss, The Beths, Diet Cig, Tender-punk
The growth from first album to this one is on full display for the recording engineer turned punk rocker.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
64. Gumbo’! - Pink Siifu
Released: August 3rd, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: Navy Blue, Maxo, Zelooperz, Wiki, Feature lists that look like a Marvel cast of underground rap
Pink Siifu has put out a strong run of projects over the past few years, and doesn’t show any signs of stopping with Gumbo’!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
63. A Beginner’s Mind - Sufjan Stevens & Angelo De Augustine
Released: September 24th, 2021
Genres: Folk, Indie
For Fans Of: Fleet Foxes, Adrianne Lenker, Grouper, Haley Heynderickx, Quaint vocals
Angelo brings out the best in Sufjan for what’s my favorite album of his since 2015’s Carrie & Lowell.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
62. Where The Flowers Grow - Zilo
Released: June 18th, 2021
Genres: Indie, Alternative, Bedroom Pop, R&B
For Fans Of: Flwr Chyld, ROMderful, Gwen Bunn, Emmavie, Caring about Album Art
Where The Flowers Grow delivers music as colorful and beautiful as the cover, one of my favorite pieces of album artwork this year.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
61. A Way Forward - Nation Of Language
Released: November 5th, 2021
Genres: Electronic, Post-Punk, Rock, Synth Rock
For Fans Of: LCD Soundsystem, Talking Heads, Television, Dancing like you’re in an 80s movie
Here they beautifully build on the retro synth pop sound they tapped into with their debut last year.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
60. Valentine - Snail Mail
Released: November 5th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Rock, Pop
For Fans Of: King Princess, Beach Bunny, Phoebe Bridgers (or are they actually beefing now?)
The indie rock critical darling from 2018 returns with more bite while pushing her sound into indie pop territories.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
59. Mercurial World - Magdalena Bay
Released: October 8th, 2021
Genres: Pop, Indie, Rock, Synth Pop
For Fans Of: Allie X, Tennis, Chairlift, Bands that can TikTok
The production (especially vocal production) is tight and locked in on what could likely be the band’s breakout album.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
58. Things Take Time, Take Time - Courtney Barnett
Released: November 12th, 2021
Genres: Alternative, Rock
For Fans Of: Lucy Dacus, Julia Jacklin, Sharon Van Etten, Sitting and thinking (or just sitting)
The Australian indie rocker doesn’t change the formula to much on her latest album, but she doesn’t need to. Quarantine was made for her plain, honest, and reflective lyrics.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
57. Happier Than Ever - Billie Eilish
Released: July 30th, 2021
Genres: Pop, Electronic, Rock
For Fans Of: girl in red, Conan Grey, Halsey, Straining your ears to decipher a whisper sung lyric
Billie Eilish grew up fast as the latest new album doesn’t attempt to shock with any promises of seducing your dad as much as it reflects on the impact of her euphoric rise at a young age.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE
56. I Lie Here Buried With My Rings and My Dresses - Backxwash
Released: June 20th, 2021
Genres: Industrial, Metal, Horrorcore, Rap
For Fans Of: Black Dresses, Lingua, Ignota, clipping., Understanding the purpose of pain
Read my full writeup on this malevolent project here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
55. Off Summer - Garren Sean
Released: June 25th, 2021
Genres: Funk, R&B
For Fans Of: Prince, Leven Kali, Aaron Childs, Music for sunny days
Read my full writeup on this delightfully funky project here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
54. Black Phoeniix - Mamii
Released: March 5th, 2021
Genres: R&B, Funk, Indie
For Fans Of: Steve Lacy, Thundercat, Omar Apollo, Spelling words with an extra ‘i’
Read my full wriiteup on this stank face R&B project here!
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
53. Friends That Break Your Heart - James Blake
Released: October 8th, 2021
Genres: R&B, Electronic, Soul
For Fans Of: Mount Kimbie, SBTRKT, Sampha, Moses Sumney, Jameela Jamil
While I don’t think this album is one of the best from Blake, his catalog is so stellar that “not one of the best” still makes for a really great album.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD
52. Dope Game Stupid - Bruiser Wolf
Released: March 29th, 2021
Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap
For Fans Of: Danny Brown, Zelooperz, Your Old Droog, Saying something whack to the oldest person in a barber shop just to feel something
While the main attraction is a voice that sounds more like Granddad off The Boondocks than your typical rapper, there’s an abundance of entertaining bars to keep you coming back to this project.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
51. Doomin’ Sun - Bachelor
Released: May 28th, 2021
Genres: Rock, Alternative
For Fans Of: Palehound, Jay Som, Yumi Zouma, Girlpool, Super Duos
Jay Som and Palehound join forces to form Bachelor, a project I truly hope they revisit more in the future.
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP
Part 2 with the top 50 dropping tomorrow, don’t miss it!