Favorite Albums 2021
It is that time again where I list out some albums that I’ve enjoyed the most in the calendar year. Surprisingly I’ve been very lukewarm about lots of the hip hop releases this year and focused a lot on metalcore instead. Lots of exciting debuts this year which makes me hopeful of what’s to come in the coming years.
As usual, this is only my opinion. Hope you enjoy.
Silk Sonic — An Evening With Silk Sonic
In a way they released an instant classic. No one saw the Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars duo coming but were all instantly amazed with “Leave the Door Open”. The only critique I would have is that most of the album was already out by the time it was officially released. What more can you say about 9 great retro r&b tracks — It’s great.
Boldly James x The Alchemist — Bo Jackson
Following up on the buzz generated from 2020, Boldy James and The Alchemist follow up with another high quality in 2021. The Alchemist is on a historic run almost three decades into his career, further cementing him as one of the greatest producers. Boldy James’ laid back and monotone delivery fits in perfectly with the cinematic beats laid out by The Alchemist.
Playboi Carti — Whole Lotta Red
Technically released Christmas day in 2020, I felt the need to highlight this album even in 2021. “Whole Lotta Red” has been a mainstay on my rotation throughout the year. With live guitar intros incorporated, his “Narcissist Tour” Live performances show that Carti is further bridging the gap between metal and hip hop.
Westside Gunn — Hitler Wears Hermes 8
Being part of one of hip hop’s hardest working label, Westside Gunn and Griselda have spearheaded the boom bap revival in the mainstream by adding an extra flair that underground hip hop lacked for so long. It is guaranteed that his projects will always have lush and grandiose production. As one of the best curators in hip hop, Westside Gunns’ projects will always be an experience.
Turnstile — GLOW ON
Turnstile’s release caught me by surprise as I haven’t follow them in years. It’s satisfying to see them make a mainstream breakthrough with this album. Musically, it’s really cool seeing hardcore bands adding electronic elements to add layers to the music. There’s a funky vibe that many bands don’t have and that’s what separates Turnstile from everyone else for me. I’m not huge on the classic hardcore sound but this album is seriously catchy.
Vince Staples — Vince Staples
Unassuming at the time of release, Vince Staple’s self titled album has slowly been on constant rotation throughout the year. Opting for a more chill and subdued sound his lyrics manage to hit harder than before
Dying Wish — Fragments of a Bitter Memory
Dying Wish’s debut album offer something very simple — aggresive metallic hardcore, and I love it. Their sound is nothing groundbreaking but they make up for it by executing their music so well which amounts to a cathartic and satisfying listening experience. Really good album for the gym haha
SeeYouSpaceCowboy — The Romance of Affliction
Part of me wishes I paid more attention to the lyrics but focus has been on the sassy melodies and panic chords. SeeYouSpaceCowboy manages to give metalcore from the MySpace era a modern spin. If this type of music is your thing it will definitely be an enjoyable listen.
Mare Cognitum — Solar Paroxysm
One of the few black metal albums I listened to this year and I was instantly hooked. It checks out everything I want in atmospheric metal, pummeling drums and smooth soaring riffs. Solar Paroxysm truly takes you on a journey.
Lucid Express — Lucid Express
Here’s another example of nothing groundbreaking but well executed. Hong Kong-based band Lucid Express release their self titled debut giving shoegaze lovers everything they would want. I could use all the shoegaze adjectives but ultimately this is a satisfying listen and I’ve had it on repeat.
Panopticon — …And Again Into the Light
“Perfect blend of huge, harsh black metal and the lush beauty of post-rock and post-metal”, Panopticon puts you into the vast wilderness of Middle America while you find hope and light at the end of darkness. I’m not articulating well how this album feels, “a portion of the profits from this record will be donated to help folks living with severe mental illness.” So feel free to support if you enjoy.
Rochelle Jordan — Play With The Changes
After a long hiatus, I want to support her as much as I can. Rochelle Jordan occupies a unique space in alternative r&b seamlessly fusing trance and garage music with r&b. Lots to enjoy here, I’m glad she’s back.
EST Gee— Bigger Than Life Or Death
Totally slept on this guy and dismissed him as Jack Harlow’s entourage. Turns out EST Gee has the chops and the ear for beats to craft a super solid album. I’m not huge on the recent wave of melodic trap so it’s actually refreshing to hear someone rap all the way through.
Joyce Wrice — Overgrown
Another artist finally making her debut in 2021, Joyce Wrice has a polish that many debut artists lack. Maybe after being quiet for so many years she was able to hone in her craft and create work with different types of artists. Heavy hitters from different corners of hip hop are here — Freddie Gibbs, Kaytranada, Masego, Westwide Gunn, and UMI. Her being part-asian also gives a huge reason to support in her success.
Japanese Breakfast — Jubilee
Felt like I had to pretentiously sprinkle in an indie album and “Jubilee” seemed to be the perfect pick. Coming off the heavy toll of the release of her memoir ‘Crying in H Mart’, Michelle Zauner aka Japanese Breakfast declared that “Jubilee” would be a celebration of joy after years of feeling defined by her writing about grief, following the loss of her mother to cancer in 2014.
Knocked Loose — A Tear in the Fabric of Life
It’s has taken me awhile but I’ve finally gotten used to Knocked Loose’s super high pitched vocals. “A Tear in the Fabric of Life” is a collection of some of heaviest material you will hear from 2021. I’d also highly recommend the short film that comes with this.
Feel free to comment on any music from this year that stood out to you!
