It felt like a bit of a crime to not curate one of these. This year has been so incredibly giving in terms of music releases. I don't think I could order these properly given the assignment, so this will have to do. Here's a list, in no particular order*, of my favorite albums from 2021.
Roses - The Paper Kites
Favorites on the album - Walk Above the City, Climb on Your Tears
I remember being so excited for this album as it had been announced around the time I was falling in love with The Paper Kites. I don't think I truly ever left that phase, I genuinely think I've listened to them every single day this year. The collaboration with female artists from all over the world brings so much character to their songs and the album as a whole. Roses is the ultimate love album, it's deep undertones accentuated by the 80s-style electric guitar & the gentle acoustic accompanied by gorgeous harmonies. It's a tug at the heartstrings, forgiving, & most of all affectionate.
This Is Really Going to Hurt - Flyte
Favorites on the album - Everyone's A Winner, Mistress America, There's A Woman
I wasn't really "worried" per s about what to expect on this album. Inevitably, everything released by Flyte is solid, and more. They're is so incomprehensibly talented, I'm pretty sure the group invented male harmonies. All of it feels straight out of a classic lit novel, and I know I've made this analogy before, but it's the most accurate one I can create for them. Their sophomore album feels aged to perfection, knowing when and where to take a stab. It really does hurt but in the best way possible.
The Million Masks of God - Manchester Orchestra
Favorites on the album - Way Back, Telepath, Dinosaur, Inaudible
I remember the very moment that this album clicked with me. Oddly enough, I was cleaning my bathroom to it and the solo in "Dinosaur" blew me away. Little did I know, I would go one to play this album a multitude of times. At one point, it was the only thing I wanted to listen to on my daily commute and I wasn't mad about it. I absolutely love, love, love the variety on this album, it truly captures everything MO is in genre and writing. From the chaotic build-up on The Internet to Telepath's soft acoustic, vulnerable heart-aching ode to an ever-growing life with love. It was definitely my go-to album in the second half of 2021, whatever mood I was feeling, TMMOG had a song for it. Certified bathroom cleaning album right here.
True Love - Hovvdy
Favorites on the album - True Love, Blindsided, I Never Wanna Make You Sad, Junior Day League, basically the whole dang album.
I know I said I wouldn't order these, but if I did, this one would be up in the top 3. During this last half of the year, Hovvdy has quickly become to be one of my all-time favorite artists. True Love is nostalgic, heartwarming, and just overall filled with grateful retrospectives. I applaud Hovvdy for taking on such a positive theme throughout this album, as it's not as common especially nowadays. For this, True Love feels out of this world, like a safe escape to somewhere far off. It also feels like evidence that good things are bound to happen & they already have. It's so beautiful, I could go on for hours and hours on this album. It's a must-listen for everyone. I can't wait to see where this pair goes because big places are definitely it.
Collections From the Whiteout - Ben Howard
Favorites on the album - Sorry Kid, Rookery, Far Out
I'd honestly been putting off listening to Ben Howard despite hearing his name from all around. Of course, I knew Only Love but that was about it. When I heard he had an album coming out, I thought what better time to listen to him than now. Collections From the Whiteout was like nothing I've listened to before, its peculiar lyricism & experimental production style. Ben Howard authors this unique aesthetic that's somewhat charming.
Watching The Grass Grow - Ruby Haunt
Favorites on the album - Roman Candle, Skip-Tracing, Jawbone
As an avid Ruby Haunt fan, and I do mean avid, this album release was one I'd been looking forward to since their last one. Watching The Grass Grow is like a Ruby Haunt revival, the emotions in this album aren't as condensed as they've been in previous releases, along with more diversified instrumentals. It gives a glimpse into the fragility of circumstances, an idea that has repeatedly been shown over the past two years. Honestly, comparing Ruby Haunt to affairs of this world feels incredibly wrong. Ruby Haunt delivers this solitude that fills internal silence in the best way imaginable.
Head of Roses - Flock of Dimes
Favorites on the album - Price of Blue, Two, One More Hour, Awake for Sunrise
Honest first reaction, I thought "Two" would be the only song I got off of this album, but I was so very wrong. Perhaps a part of me knew that future me would love all of it. Ten playthroughs later, "Price of Blue" has come to be one of my overall favorites from this year. A 6-minute plus song making its way to number 6 on my wrapped says a lot...Head of Roses is an examination of what was, digging up many realizations and bringing them to the table.
"And when you find your wisdom
I'll be gone
The comfort of the proof
Of what was wrong
So look me in the eye
As long as you can stand"
The powerful vocals on this album carry the strong lyricism, along with guitar doused in overdrive and heavy tremolo. The production on this album is so pristine, it feels like everything was crafted for maximum sensory. Head of Roses is an album that's not going away soon.
Jockeys of Love - TOLEDO
Favorites on the EP - Challenger, You Won't, It's Alive!
Now, I'm going to cheat and throw in an EP, but this one most certainly deserves an honorable mention, if not more. As the world's most indecisive person when choosing favorites I can wholeheartedly say, without a doubt that Jockeys of Love is my favorite EP. TOLEDO uncovers simple & honest themes, that are often kept behind doors, in the most candid way possible. Through folksy, submersive melodies that just seem to drown the world out, these songs are perfect for a long drive at sunset. TOLEDO was another duo that earned their overall favorite artist spot on my list this year.
Found in the Smoke - Joe Vann
Favorites on the Album - Shuffle Around, Summer, Houseplants
Joe Vann guys. He's such a talented, poetic songwriter. His writing feels like reading his diary, an actual human being. Found in the Smoke is a collection of wispy songs that partially feel like a fever dream. The wistful, at times sharp synths, and lightweight vocals take you someplace you've been before. It's the ultimate Summer or apparently year-round album because I'm still listening to it... It tells the tales of the monotony of life, the struggle of finding individuality amidst loud voids.
Fever Dreams - Villagers
Favorites on the Album - So Simpatico, The First Day, Circles In The Firing Line
Speaking of fever dreams...this one is vibrant & takes you on a journey to someplace far while still remaining in the neighborhood. From the solemn "Full Faith in Providence" to the upbeat ode to new beginnings "The First Day", it's a very rich album. It travels through psychedelic soul, folk-rock, jazz, and a bit of punk rock...You're in for a trip with this one.
Blue Weekend - Wolf Alice
Favorites on the Album - The Last Man On Earth, How Can I Make It Ok?, Smile
Is it really a top album of 2021 rundown if Blue Weekend isn't on it? Seriously, go with the critics on this one. It's a ridiculously cohesive album held together by this glamorous post-apocalyptic theme.
Seventeen Going Under - Sam Fender
Favorites on the Album - Get You Down, Long Way Off, Last To Make It Home
Another critically acclaimed hit from the great UK. Sam Fender is one of my all-around favorite artists from his songwriting to his personal story. Seventeen Going Under is heavy and vulnerable with the topics it covers, but if there's one artist who can spot-on tackle these, it is Sam Fender. Fender writes in a raw way that makes all the songs come alive. I'm so glad he kept the sax-filled element, it's becoming iconic to his name. 16 concrete songs.
Seeing the charts & responses to this album, I was not a single bit surprised, the only way for him to go is up. He may as well be the next big global artist & I'm looking forward to that day. (Wrote about Fender without making a Springsteen comparison, hello ??)
Fits of Laughter - Bendigo Fletcher
Favorites on the Album - Sugar in the Creek, Evergreen, Ulterior Motives
The concept of Folk-Rock has never been more well-represented than what Bendigo Fletcher does in Fits of Laughter. From Sugar in the Creek being a creed for getting off the map, to Evergreen expressing internalized anger in the least egotistic fracturing way.
Sunflower - Briston Maroney
Favorites on the Album - Freeway, It's Still Cool If You Don't, Deep Sea Diver
Sunflower packs adolescence in a bottle, that middle ground in life where you're steering through new situations & the odd maximums of emotions. Between all this, Briston manages to keep it sounding fun and fresh. It's radiant, and an overall celebration of the casual, natural beauties of life in an all-in now or nothing later fashion.
Wayfinder - Boy Scouts
Favorites on the album - The Floor, That's Life Honey, Not Today
I found this one recently just when I thought I was done finding new albums for the year. There's a rewarding feeling when you discover music by yourself and it turns out to be really good. Wayfinder grew on me abnormally quickly, especially "The Floor". I wasn't expecting the strings on it, but gosh, it certainly plays its part in the song. This album sounds like something you've listened to before, it's such a seamless, easily listen that unquestionably deserves more attention.
Flora Fauna - Billie Marten
Favorites on the album - Garden of Eden, Liquid Love, Creature of Mine
Liquid sunshine is what this is. Hearing Billie Marten wander out into a more produced sound was definitely new, but well-formulated in a way that still manages to keep the organic, nature-grown sound in her songs through songwriting and especially her voice. I'm convinced Billie could sing a phone book and it'd still sound like delicate china.
Make Peace With That - Field Guide
Favorites on the album - Tupperware, Me & You
Field Guide has consistently soundtracked my past 2 years. Through a bunch of singles and EPs, this debut album felt like his first concrete statement. Make Peace With That is just a typical release of his. I can't help but categorize his music as suburban acoustic (I have a playlist full of them, and I'm trademarking the term). I mean with a title like "Tupperware", what else could it be called? It's a peaceful one, his tender vocals all reinforced by warm acoustics covering the sentiments of new beginnings, the in-between, and bittersweet endings.
It Won't Always Be Like This - Inhaler
Favorites on the album - It Won't Always Be Like This, Totally, Cheer Up Baby
Filled with familiar singles and additions of new ones. I remember when the album title was released & being so ecstatic. I figured the theme from the single of the same name would be replicated within the album. With the bright acoustics, groovy bass, and gleaming guitars, the young band manages to get a grasp on pure modern rock.
Yard Sale - The Brook & The Bluff
Favorites on the album - Say Goodbye, Petals on the Floor, Misnomer
Despite it being more "chiller" than their debut First Place, TB&TB doesn't give up their undeniable groove factor. Comparing their album to their playlist of inspirations, the 70s influence is so clear. I've been coming across their tour pictures & videos, and oh my gosh their live performance energy is so unmatched. I look forward to seeing them in concert someday soon.
Different Kinds of Light - Jade Bird
Favorites on the album - Prototype, Candidate, Houdini
Jade Bird is one of the first artists I've ever listened to on my own. I could not miss out on her sophomore release. Hearing her grow through her music not only in sound but in lyricism as well, has been such a fascinating experience. From her belting out about the woes of love and hearing her finally surrendering to the concept of love in "Prototype" (and getting engaged??). I can't wait to see where Jade Bird's songwriting goes from now on.
To Carry A Whale - Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Favorites on the album - Oh My God Please, Cherry In Tacoma, Canary In A Coalmine
To Carry A Whale is heavy, as its title suggests, but it holds beautiful moments within the fragments. It touches on navigating life & coping in successful ways, and unsuccessful ones. Through relationships, lost loved ones, and finding freedom in concentrated amounts.
Harmony House - Dayglow
Favorites on the album - Like Ivy, Crying on the Dancefloor, Woah Man
In 2021, I feel like I wandered away from the Indie Pop scene. Listening to Harmony House felt like returning to my genre roots. I love how varying the tempo & mood is in this one, opposed to being all upbeat & happy. Sloan Struble throws in some slower ones like "Like Ivy" that force you to be introspective with yourself & your surroundings.
Skellig - David Gray
Favorites on the album - Spiral Arms, Laughing Gas
Throughout the year, Skelling grew to be one of my wind-down albums. One of those that you're not quite sure you know the lyrics to, let alone any of the tracks on it, but just know that it's reliable as background noise.
While writing this, I listened to some of the tracks off of these albums & it was all a big throwback. It's so crazy to think about how all these releases will be nostalgic to me one day, and in 2022 (hopefully), I'll find a new set of songs to call my favorites of the year.
*I did eventually number them...
