A Year in Review: Album Edition (pt. 2)
Let’s make this an annual thing! Even though nobody cares!
Ah, if it isn’t my favorite time of year once again. Nope, not talking about the holidays. It’s Spotify Wrapped season y’all, and spreading the joy of good music is the best gift of them all. You’re welcome.
It’s funny, I never quite realize how much good music has come out in a year until I sit down and do my research. I thought of 3 or 4 great albums right off the bat, but after browsing my music library and some random Wikipedia pages, I ended up with a list of about 25. As you might guess, it was incredibly difficult to narrow this down to just 10 this year, hence the honorable mentions at the end.
So, while I am still waiting for my Spotify Wrapped to reveal all the answers to me, I’ve decided to take a stab at my own “who did it best” list for this year’s music. As someone who spends 99.9% of her life either with music playing, exploring new music, attending concerts, or hoping to attend concerts, I think I might have a little knowledge on the subject.
In the words of one of my favorite TikTokers, I have opinions and you have ears. So let’s get into it.
10. Change of Scenery II by Quinn XCII
This album might not have made the top 10 if I hadn’t finally seen Quinn perform live this year. But I did, so here‘s Change of Scenery II starting us off strong this evening. Every album Quinn puts out is filled with songs that instantly lift my mood and make me want to sprint to the beach with my friends. He’s 10 times more amazing on stage, if that’s even possible. Favorites off of his fourth studio album include “Stay Next To Me,” “Monday Morning,” and “Wife and 2 Dogs.” Quinn’s dogs are pretty darn cute. And guys — it’s pronounced NINETY-TWO. C’mon.
9. Surrender by Rufus Du Sol
Ever since I heard Rufus Du Sol’s 2018 album Solace, I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for the next one. Finally, 2021 blessed us with Surrender, and it’s everything I wanted and more. I mean, just look at that album cover. She’s stunning. Rufus does EDM in their own unique way; low-fi beats somehow manage to be hype and calming all at once. Think ODESZA vibes, only Rufus has even further perfected their craft. Despite the fact that it seemed like half the crowd had their girlfriends up on their shoulders, I had the best time seeing them perform live this summer at Gov Ball. 11/10 would do it again.
8. Future Nostalgia (The Moonlight Edition) by Dua Lipa
My #1 album pick of last year, now coming in at spot #8. Seems to make no sense, I know. But I felt it was only fair to give some newer albums the spotlight, considering this is the pretty much the exact same album as last year, just with 5 new songs. Even if it is only at #8, this one deserved to be on both lists. I said it before and I’ll say it again — the way Dua is able to blend disco influences with modern pop trends is so refreshing. Can’t wait to dance with her at MSG in March (along with my Mom and Meg Thee Stallion, lol).
7. Harmonica Andromeda by KSHMR
As I made this list, I realized how rare it is for an EDM album to make it onto my top 10. Despite it being one of my favorite music genres, it’s uncommon that a singular EDM album wins over my affection, usually because not every track is to my liking. KSHMR proved me wrong with this one. The leading single “The World We Left Behind” will never fail to captivate me. Somehow, KSHMR created a collection with a magical, transportive quality about it that I’d never expect from him. Plus, the little dude on the cover is adorable.
6. When I Close My Eyes by Chelsea Cutler
Chelsea just has one of those voices you just don’t forget. She’s so effortlessly cool on stage (as I had the pleasure of seeing this September), but just the opposite in her music; her lyrics are complicated, powerful, and packed with emotion. “Without You” instantly resonated with me, with other favorites including “Under” and “Walking Away.” In addition to being BFFs with Quinn XCII, she also shares my love of true crime TV, dogs, and Annie’s mac n’ cheese. Chelsea, would absolutely love to split a box with you sometime and talk about your album, cuz it rocks. Make that two boxes.
5. Music of the Spheres by Coldplay
I know what you’re thinking…“Julia, Coldplay released an album after years of anticipation and it’s not your #1 pick? How can this be?!” Well, *sigh*, while I love everything Coldplay puts out, this album really only gave us 5 new songs. The majority of the album consists of transitional sound mixes inspired by the planets. While I was a bit disappointed by this lack of newness, I still fell in love with the songs we did get from the band. The best band in the entire world, might I add. “Humankind” and “Higher Power” take me back to Mylo Xyloto era Coldplay, full of blossoming energy and happiness. I will be seeing them for the third time in June, which I can only assume will be the best night of my life. Updates to come on that.
4. Planet Her by Doja Cat
This choice is super off-brand for me, and I recognize that. But I have to be honest when I say that this album has been the soundtrack to many Subaru jam seshes this year. Maybe it’s just because TikTok has ingrained these songs in my head, or maybe it’s just the satisfying feeling of nailing the entire rap in “Need To Know,” but I probably will never stop singing these songs. No wonder Planet Her was nominated for album of the year at this year’s Grammy awards. Doja just makes me feel some type of way. Other favorites include “You Right” featuring the Weeknd and “I Don’t Do Drugs” with homegirl Ariana Grande.
3. gg bb xx by LANY
This review is not without a few tears, because this is one of the concerts I unfortunately missed out on this year. I need to find someone in the New York City metropolitan area who’s a fan of LANY and wants to be my friend. Serious inquiries only. In my not-so-humble opinion, LANY has consistently put out top-tier music since their first EP in 2015. Last year, their album Mama’s Boy made my top 4, and this year they come in even higher at #3. Their newest album stays true to the vibey, golden hour chill aesthetic the band typically captures, but gets slightly more upbeat with songs like “ex i never had” and “dancing in the kitchen.” It’s a fruit smoothie blend of pop and rock with a little country thrown in, and it’s oh so delicious.
2. Red (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift
Talk about nostalgia. Taylor has consistently been one of my favorite singer songwriters ever since I had braces and some very questionable eyebrows. I’ve been a fan of just about everything she’s ever released, but Red might take the cake for my all-time favorite Taylor masterpiece. The newly crafted “Taylor’s Version” is even more perfect than the original album, complete with 9 sparkly new additions including the first 10-minute long song to ever reach #1 on the charts (and stay there). This is the most perfect late fall/ early winter album, and I’m not even going to bother explaining why. I’ll just be over here singing along to “Message in a Bottle” and “I Bet You Think About Me” until the end of time, forever wishing I could pull off a red lip.
- Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe) by Justin Bieber
Sorry, I had to! This album was the ultimate Justin comeback that nobody saw coming. In 2015, I spent the entire year listening to Purpose, and this year I did the same with Justice. The small bit of his music released during the 6 years in between those two albums was, let’s just say, less than satisfactory. But this album may very well be his best, and it truly has it all: slow song lovey dovey Justin, R&B Justin, and pop prince Justin who we’ve all seen through the years. While this entire album has my heart, “Anyone,” “Love You Different,” and “Deserve You” are standouts. I mean, I’ve been a Justin stan since 6th grade when girls would dress up at school for his birthday. How could this not be my #1 pick of 2021? I may not have tickets yet, but you can bet I’ll be at that concert in June if I have to dig a tunnel through the earth to get inside. And you can also bet that my sister will be crying the whole time.
And that about wraps it up! Props to you if you’ve made it through them all, you’re a real one. Honorable mentions include: Sob Rock by John Mayer, Montero by Lil Nas X, Gold-Diggers Sound by Leon Bridges, and Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish. You made me hate this city.
So cheers to Spotify Wrapped season, the most merry of them all. I’m sure I’ll be back to unwrap some new music with you next year. Until then, happy listening!
