11. “An Evening With Silk Sonic” – Silk Sonic

The newly-minted pop, soul, and R&B power duo, Silk Sonic, released their first LP as of 2021. With the rise of retro-style radio hits and as something of a 70s revitalist group, they definitely play to their audience. While I find that they’re not doing anything particularly interesting or new, there’s something to be said for the sheer star power that .Paak and Mars invoke. 

10. “BLACK METAL 2” – Dean Blunt

Dean Blunt’s “BLACK METAL 2” has a little bit of everything. A touch of King Krule, a smidgen of Moses Sumney, and a dash of something entirely different. Short, to the point. Enthralling.

9. “Good Morning It’s Now Tomorrow” – Matt Maltese

Chasing after that first release, Matt Maltese’s “Good Morning It’s Now Tomorrow” pales in some ways to its hyper-sarcastic, deeply self-deprecating older sibling. It’s a quintessential pandemic baby: packed with references to better days, yearning, and crippling codependency. 

8. “TYRON” – slowthai

I’ve talked a bit about Northampton’s drill phenomena, slowthai, in my Grime & Drill Music Dump Friday, but why not use this platform to gush about him more! I reiterate: slowthai is one of the strongest visionaries in the game. He’s got gumption, guts, and the nerve to pull off schemes and bars which I couldn’t dream of. His second studio album, “TYRON”, is the perfect segue from the rage and politics of his previous record to a more shocking and buzz-worthy installment of performance art. With his positive momentum, he’s sure to become a household name in no time. 

7. “Red (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault).” That’s all I need to say.

6. “I Know I’m Funny haha” – Faye Webster

You either get Faye Webster, or you don’t. There isn’t much that you can do to grow to her; she’s a precise and cultivated taste. Dreamy, yet placatingly real, her organic and remedying musicianship speaks for itself in her fifth studio album, “I Know I’m Funny haha,” regardless of whether or not you’re listening. 

5. “30” – Adele

Full-bodied, incandescent, unexpected! After a six year hiatus and a highly-publicized divorce, fans of Adele she’d go for more of a revamped, revenge-pop sound but her new album, “30,” is surprisingly ambient and vulnerable. The record is intimate to an extent which reveals it to be almost conversational. As she painstakingly moves forward through challenges as a mother, wife, and woman, she found that often recovery isn’t a linear path. 

4. “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night” – Bleachers

As a staunch supporter of Jack Antonoff (Bleachers’ imaginist), I will listen to anything and everything his beautiful brain concocts. Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of his 2021 album: “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night.” I am also a big fan of horns, Bruce Springsteen, and confusing conversations about faith and religion (all of which make appearances on his new record).  

3. “Women In Music Pt. III” – HAIM

Sister-supergroup, HAIM, released their LP, “Women In Music Pt. III”, to soundtrack the summer of 2021. Granted, last summer was pretty unbearable, but at least we had something fun to listen to. 

2. “Planet Her” – Doja Cat

Superpop legend, Doja Cat, stuns again with her rap/dance record: “Planet Her.” Bubbling with effervescence and temerity, Doja Cat’s particular blend of cheek and musical capacity are a match made in heaven.

1. “Jubilee” – Japanese Breakfast

It’s time to start taking Japanese Breakfast seriously. She’s outgrown “Road Head” and she’s too big to be dismissed as another vagrant radio pop hit. Equally lush, beat-heavy, and inventive, her ‘21 LP, “Jubilee,” packs a powerful punch.

Notable mentions: Arca’s “Kick” pentalogy (obviously), Olivia Rodrigo’s “SOUR,” and Lil Nas X’s “MONTERO.” 

Listen to my favorite picks from each record (and more) on this playlist: