Despite being underwhelmed by the St. Vincent and Kacey Musgraves albums, 2021 still proved to be a rich year for new music. As typical, this list covers a lot of ground in terms of genre and style from the Hollywood sleaze of L.A. Guns to the contemporary jazz of Lady Blackbird but that is what happens when you listen to music long enough. If you like your music ranked, this list is somewhat in order of how much I enjoyed each album but everything on here is fantastic.
Dry Cleaning – New Long Leg
Predictable, perhaps, as Dry Cleaning will certainly end up on most Best Of lists for 2021 but the universal acclaim is warranted. Florence Shaw’s spoken-word observations on “Strong Feelings” was my first exposure to Dry Cleaning and their very unique approach to post-punk. Finding magic in the mundane, Shaw’s deadpan delivery never feels coy. There is a sense of humour to the band if you listen closely and that balances the seriousness of the music. It is rebellious without being all that obvious and that makes it wonderfully subversive.
Laure Dre – Moving Spaces
The Japanese influenced electro-pop of Moving Spaces remains the perfect album for after-dark adventures in 2021. Whereas a lot of retro wave manages to capture the aesthetic of decades past, Dre’s songwriting sets her apart in a crowded scene. This is a brilliantly executed album on every level with engaging artwork adding to the overall experience of an album that works as a complete work of art.
Ist Ist – The Art of Lying
How on earth has Ist Ist returned so quickly with a sophomore record that more than matches their stunning debut? I thought maybe I missed a year but no, Architecture arrived in 2020 and was one of the best albums of last year. The Manchester band delivers another post-punk masterclass while putting more distance between themselves and the somewhat misguided comparisons to Joy Division. With a growing fan base as fervent as Biffy Clyro’s army, the band seemed poised to take a huge step forward in 2022 with larger arenas on the approaching horizon.
Actors – Acts of Worship
I came to Actors via music from their synth player, Shannon Hemmet, who also records as LEATHERS. Her EP is one worth seeking out especially if you like your synth music a little more pop-oriented. That isn’t to say Actors are not extremely catchy when they want to be and the echoes of Duran Duran and Japan add a new layer to the band’s darker tendencies.
Garbage – No Gods No Masters
Garbage is at their best when Shirley Manson has an enemy in her sights and the last few years provided her with several. Calling this the best Garbage album to date might sound like hyperbole given their impeccable track record but this album is a tour-de-force for Manson and the band. Essential to the experience is the “bonus” disc which includes “No Horses” – a dystopian anthem for the handmaids who resist as well as a inspired cover of David Bowie’s “Starman”.
Texas – Hi
OK, I am VERY late to the party on Texas. Several attempts over the years with the acclaimed White On Blonde didn’t click instantly which is the exact opposite of Hi. From album opener “Mr. Haze”, I was completely enamored with this record. The country roadhouse vibe of “Moonstar” provokes a restlessness in my heart while the soulful “You Can Call Me” sounds almost effortless for the band. Experience has its benefits. Now, excuse me while I buy all their other albums…..
Amyl & the Sniffers – Comfort To Me
With some albums, it takes all of three seconds to realize the band must be a force of nature live. Amyl & the Sniffers certainly fit this description. Singer Amy Taylor is a whirlwind of chaos but the music never comes off the tracks. Making their point quickly, the thirteen songs on the album don’t even clock 35 minutes and you’re left breathless by the sheer intensity of the music. Songs like “Hertz” reveal the musical chops within the sonic hurricane and Amyl & the Sniffers are on the Must See list for 2022.
Wolf Alice – Blue Weekend
It’s been eight years since I first heard Wolf Alice’s EP Blush and that seems a lifetime ago. In that time, they have been taken for granted because they aren’t releasing new albums constantly. This lack of product is actually a blessing. The space between the three studio albums is filled with real musical growth as artists. The most atmospheric album to date, Blue Weekend is another example of how Wolf Alice are consistently excellent while exploring new territory.
Soda Blonde – Small Talk
Charming. That is the best way to describe this debut from former members of Little Green Cars. When we discussed this album on Encores Club, I didn’t realize how often I’d keep coming back to songs like “Tiny Darkness”. The production of this album really allows the instruments to breathe which makes for a warm listening experience.
Psymon Spine – Charismatic Megafauna
This is the first record I bought in 2021 and I still think “Jumprope” is one of the most addictive singles in many years. Experimental but still grounded in delightfully vibrant pop, Psymon Spine are the type of band that you’ll stumble upon on a side-stage at a festival and end up skipping the headliner because they have stolen the day. Maybe not sonically, but Psymon Spine remind of Blondie’s versatility mixed with the adventurous nature of Talking Heads.
Duran Duran – Future Past
When your favorite band in 1983 shows back up with new music, you secretly hope it doesn’t tarnish the legacy you’ve defended as a fan for decades. With Future Past, Duran Duran prove that their art was always more important than their fame. Full review here.
The Pretty Reckless – Death By Rock-n-Roll
Apologies to The Pretty Reckless. I am slow to embrace modern rock bands. I think I have some form of PTSD from the nu-metal era or maybe I’m still angry Buckcherry let me down after a promising debut album. On this album, the band establishes themselves as one of the best rock bands in contemporary music. The songs hit hard and the songwriting even harder.
Amethyst Kiah – Wary + Strange
Disrupting a genre that clings to outdated attitudes of gender and race, Kiah joins Margo Price as the most-promising artists in alternative-country (or whatever label you want to place upon honest songwriting played exceptionally well). The powerful single “Black Myself” might have been around since 2019 but it’s still just as powerful as an artistic mission statement a few yers later. With appearances from Amy Ray (Indigo Girls) and Wendy Melvoin (Prince & the Revolution), the album represents the rich tapestry of American music and the various styles that it is rooted in.
Lady Blackbird – Black Acid Soul
Nina Simone meets Grace Jones? Whatever. I’ll take this over Adele every day of the week and twice on Sundays because Lady Blackbird sings like the angels.
Samantha Fish – Faster
Blues power from start to finish. My favorite guitarist in years. Like Texas (“Hi) and Duran Duran (“Hammerhead”) on this list, she also incorporates hip-hop effectively into her album with a welcome appearance from Tech N9ne. Fish takes no prisoners on this album and her attitude is refreshingly authentic. Faster sounds like an album made by an artist unwilling to compromise who she is to broaden her appeal and that makes it so much better as a result.
League of Lights – Dreamers Don’t Come Down
One of the first albums I really dug in 2021, I’m still listening to League of Lights as we reach the end of the year. Sounding like it would be completely at home in 1986, the album captures a retro-pop vibe without sounding intentionally dated. The playing doesn’t over-emphasize it’s synth-pop influences and keeps the focus on strong songwriting and solid arrangements. We talked about it on an episode of Encores Club earlier this year.
Others that are worth a spin!
- Royal Blood – Typhoons
- L.A. Guns – Checkered Past
- Shame – Drunk Tank Pink
- Japanese Breakfast – Jubilee
- Lorde – Solar Power
- Chai – WINK
- Goat Girl – On All Fours