Top 5 (plus 1) albums of 2021

If you’re reading this, give yourself a hearty pat on the back – you made it to December with your faith in music still devout. 2021 was a very weird year, to put it mildly. With some of the most anticipated albums from music’s biggest stars being released. Breakout artists put themselves on the map and set high expectations for whatever they do next and favorite acts moved into the limelight once again with career-best releases. Lana Del Rey released not one but two legend-sealing records, Kacey Musgraves came back with a jaw-dropping album, GIVĒON had a massive year, Brandi Carlile moved us to the core, Silk Sonic, Finneas and Lil Nas X released their debut LPs, Lorde finally blessed us with new music, and more and more.. More than ever, great music was there to be found. These are the 5 (plus one) best albums of the year!

Αν διαβάζετε αυτό το άρθρο, τα καταφέρατε - φτάσατε μέχρι τον Δεκέμβριο με την πίστη σας στη μουσική ακόμα αλώβητη. Το 2021 ήταν μια πολύ περίεργη χρονιά, για να το θέσω ήπια. Με μερικά από τα πιο αναμενόμενα άλμπουμ από τα μεγαλύτερα αστέρια της μουσικής να κυκλοφορούν. Πρωτοεμφανιζόμενοι καλλιτέχνες θέτουν υψηλές προσδοκίες και οι ήδη αγαπημένοι μας ερμηνευτές επανέρχονται στο προσκήνιο με τις καλύτερες κυκλοφορίες της καριέρας τους. Η Lana Del Rey κυκλοφόρησε όχι έναν αλλά δύο επικούς δίσκους, η Kacey Musgraves επέστρεψε με ένα εντυπωσιακό άλμπουμ, ο GIVĒON είχε μία πολύ επιτυχημένη χρονιά, η Brandi Carlile μας γέμισε συναισθήματα, οι Silk Sonic, Finneas και Lil Nas X κυκλοφόρησαν τα πρώτα τους LP, η Lorde μας χάρισε επιτέλους νέα μουσική, και άλλοι πολλοί. Αυτά λοιπόν είναι τα δικά μου 5 (συν ένα) καλύτερα άλμπουμ της χρονιάς!

5. Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish

Eilish surprised us on album number two with a fascinating blend of vintage influences and uneasy contemporary touch. She dyed her hair blonde and seemingly prepared fans for a brighter, more confident new era. Nonetheless, Happier Than Ever is a more melancholy record than what came before it and Eilish’s undeniable creative strengths haven’t gone anywhere.

4. 30 by Adele

From the album’s opening line, "I’ll be taking flowers to the cemetery of my heart", it’s clear that Adele once again opens a vein and let her feelings flow in a way that few mainstream performers have the courage to do. It’s to her credit that a dozen years into her global superstardom, Adele is still confessing her most intimate, vulnerable thoughts over a glass (or several glasses) of wine. Let the countdown to 35 start now.

3. Friends That Break Your Heart by James Blake

FTBYH is Blake’s best and most refined album to date. It’s beautiful, uncomfortable, rich and raw. His ability to wear his heart on his sleeve should always be applauded and respected as it has produced one of his most affecting works yet.

2. SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

In 2021, nobody did heartbreak better than Olivia Rodrigo. The 18-year-old pop phenomenon’s debut album already seems like a greatest hits collection.

1. Collapsed In Sunbeams by Arlo Parks 

Arlo Parks may be the voice of Gen Z, but there’s no doubt that this is a universal collection of stories that’ll provide comfort for listeners of all ages and backgrounds for decades to come.

plus 1. Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan 

Shades of anger, shame, sex, abandonment, the theme to Jazmine Sullivan's first extended play (EP).  A group of women share their most vulnerable and uncomfortable moments. But the simple act of owning and sharing each other’s flaws always lead to growth and to catharsis. Sullivan introduces a new genre, confessional R&B.