My Favorite Projects of 2021

My new year's resolution for 2022 is to start writing more, so consider this my way of starting the new year on the right foot. I want to preface by saying that this is not a ranked list. These are just the projects that I enjoyed and got me through 2021. Also, I wanted to include a variety records, because I think that branching out to new genres is part of what makes music so exciting. Hope y'all enjoy.

GLOW ON

Turnstile

Genre: Hardcore / Punk / Dream Punk

Favorite Tracks: BLACKOUT, FLY AGAIN, ALIEN LOVE CALL, T.L.C.

Turnstile is one of the most exciting things happening in punk and hardcore rock. I was first introduced to them at Camp Flog Gnaw 2018. I remember hearing “Real Thing” and being immediately hooked. The Glow On era sees Turnstile firing on all cylinders. Their artistic vision is unmatched. Their energy is unparalleled. And their guitar riffs are fucking nuts. The amount of effort they’ve put into their craft both sonically and aesthetically is such an exciting marvel. You’ll hear that Glow On is genre-bending or transcends genre, but personally I think Turnstile simply discovered a formula that bridges hardcore to new audiences. Regardless, Glow On is refreshing and so much fun. Give these guys the flowers they deserve.

30 Adele

Genre: Pop / Soul

Favorite Tracks: Easy on Me, Hold On, To Be Loved

Promises

Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, and The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO)

Genre: Jazz / Classical / Electronic

Favorite Tracks: N/A

Promises is a poignant and otherworldly nine movement experience. It is a journey through entrancing soundscapes of jazz, classical, and electronic. Floating Points executes perfectly on every movement. The moments of isolation and emptiness felt early on in the piece soon evolve into Pharoah Sanders’ enchanting chaos on “Movement 5.” Suddenly, everything comes to a climax on the centerpiece of the project, “Movement 6.” The dramatic tension created by the LSO in “Movement 6” is grandiose yet delicate. By the time the movement ends you realize you’ve been holding your breath the whole time. The remainder of the project is a gleaming example that there is beauty in stillness. Floating Points is a musical genius and, at 80 years old, Pharoah Sanders proves talent has no age.

Pray for Haiti

Mach-Hommy

Genre: Jazz Rap / Rap

Favorite Tracks: Folie Á Deux, The Stellar Ray Theory, Murder Czn

Afrique Victime

Mdou Moctar

Genre: Psychedelic Rock / Desert Blues

Favorite Tracks: Taliat, Ya Habibti, Afrique Victime

I won’t sit here and pretend to be an expert on the Tuareg/Nigerien music scene, but what Mdou Moctar manage to execute on this nine-track project is electrifying. The music is a fusion of psychedelic and desert blues (which is a style of blues that originated in Northern Africa). A highlight throughout the album is the intoxicating rhythmic drumming by Souleymane Ibrahim. The musical layering and textures make for a great listening experience.

An Evening With Silk Sonic

Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)

Genre: Funk / Soul / R&B

Favorite Tracks: Leave the Door Open, After Last Night, Skate

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST

Tyler the Ceator

Genre: Rap / Alt Rap

Favorite Tracks: WUSYANAME, HOT WIND BLOWS, MASSA, JUGGERNAUT

Tyler is in his bag with CMIYGL. Tyler has clearly been honing his artistry for the past few years. In my opinion, every new Tyler album has been better than the last and this is no exception. Tyler’s flow, lyricism, production, and wittiness is at its best on CMIYGL. Tracks like "WUSYANAME" embody the summer-y feeling that this album exudes. It's a fun album that doesn't sacrifice quality.

Sour

Olivia Rodrigo

Genre: Pop

Favorite Tracks: traitor, deja vu, happier, good 4 u

Sometimes I Might Be An Introvert

Little Simz

Genre: Rap / Neo-Soul

Favorite Tracks: Woman, I Love You, I Hate You, Standing Ovation

Sometime I Might Be An Introvert is a cinematic epic that journeys through the brilliant mind of Little Simz. The production on this album immerses you into a musical odyssey. This is probably one of the most critically acclaimed rap albums of the year so there’s not much else that can be said about this album that hasn’t already been said. It’s monumental. It’s flashy. It’s flawless. The only thing I will add to the discussion, is that this album cements Little Simz as one of the best rappers out right now. This album will leave you clapping like white people when a plane lands. Please do yourself a favor and check this album out.

MOTOR FUNCTION

binki

Genre: Indie Rock

Favorite Tracks: Clay Pigeon

This Thing Of Ours

The Alchemist

Genre: Rap / Jazz Rap

Favorite Tracks: Nobles, TV Dinner

I don’t think The Alchemist saw the sun this year. This man was putting in overtime at the studio. I can’t complain, though. Everything The Alchemist touched this year was gold. From Haram to Super Tecmo Bo, The Alchemist was carrying an entire subgenre of rap in 2021. I would’ve put more Alchemist projects on this list but it wouldn’t be fair. I ended up highlighting This Thing Of Ours, because it feels like The Alchemist invited a group of his friends to the studio one day and just let them do their thing over some grainy, jazzy rap beats. It’s a project that doesn’t overstay its welcome, but leaves the right impression. I thank The Alchemist for his service this year, but please go touch some grass.

Jubilee

Japanese Breakfast

Genre: Indie Pop

Favorite Tracks: Be Sweet, Savage Good Boy, Posing for Cars

The Shave Experiment (Director's Cut)

Q

Genre: Soul / R&B

Favorite Tracks: Garage Rooftops, Take Me Where Your Heart Is, Shave

Q is a promising young talent whose potential shines on The Shave Experiment (Director’s Cut). Although the album isn’t pristine, it doesn’t really need to be. Q’s psychedelic voice and groovy basslines are so funky and emotional you can sense that something special is happening. Tracks like “Garage Rooftop” (highly recommend watching the live version of this song on YouTube) and “Take Me Where Your Heart Is” are enchanting neo-soul ballads that could make the soundtrack of your favorite indie romance film. I will be waiting eagerly to see what’s next for Q.

to hell with it

Pinkpantheress

Genre: Dance Pop / Alternative

Favorite Tracks: Pain, Just for me, Reason

Disco Ric in London Town

Ric Wilson & Yellow Days

Genre: Disco / Soul / Alt Rap

Favorite Tracks: LIFE'S BEEN GOOD TO ME, LOVE BLOOM, PEOPLE TALKING PEOPLE WATCHING

Ric Wilson and Yellow Days come together on this short, funky disco EP. “LIFE’S BEEN GOOD TO ME” was one of my favorite tracks of the year. It sets the tone perfectly for the rest of the project. It’s the type of record you put on when you wake up feeling like Spongebob on the Best Day Ever episode, and you start walking around with a little extra pep in your step. My only criticism is I wish it were longer.

The Asymptotical World

Yves Tumor

Genre: Experimental Rock / Goth Rock / Dream Pop

Favorite Tracks: Jackie, Crushed Velvet, Katrina

Music City USA

Charley Crockett

Genre: Country

Favorite Tracks: I Need Your Love, Are We Lonesome Yet, Music City USA, I Won't Cry

In the YouTube documentary The Road to Music City USA, Jay Moeller says, “some of his [Charley Crockett’s] fans probably don’t even like country music.” I really felt that one. On Music City USA, Charley Crockett draws influence from early Memphis blues, New Orleans soul, and even some modern R&B to add a unique twist on traditional country music. As with any Charley album you’ll hear plenty of heartbreak cowboy ballads, but you’ll also find themes about working hard, anti-consumerism, and American greed. Although the album falls off a bit toward the end, Charley gives a spectacular performance.

Shiesty Season

Pooh Shiesty

Genre: Trap Rap

Favorite Tracks: Back in Blood, Neighbors, Choppa Way, Twerksum

LP!

JPEGMAFIA

Genre: Experimental Rap

Favorite Tracks: REBOUND!, DAM! DAM! DAM!, SICK, NERVOUS, & BROKE!

If it wasn’t already evident, JPEGMAFIA is the best experimental rapper and producer in the game right now. The way Peggy flips samples on this album is reason enough to check it out. In typical JPEG fashion, LP! is glitchy, angsty, ghostly, and aggressive. At the same time, it's humorous, dynamic, and socially aware. Although you won’t see Peggy on any award stage or hear his music on the radio, the influence this man has online is inescapable for any rap fan. He truly is the internet’s rapper. Besides, what other rapper do you know covering Britney Spears?

Untourable Album

Men I Trust