2021 was an incredible year for new music. Avid listeners of new releases had no shortage of new songs and albums to enjoy. Some songs tug at the heartstrings of audiences, while others invigorate those who hear them. In any case, 2021 saw the release of some excellent music in a variety of genres.
Users of Metacritic have given ratings for their picks for the best albums of 2021, some from established superstars and others from rising talents. If audiences are trying to get more into new music but are unsure of where to start, these are fantastic options.
Converge & Chelsea Wolfe - Bloodmoon: I (89)
From beginning to end, this phenomenal album by Converge and Chelsea Wolfe sets a melancholic tone that fuses perfectly with the instrumentation throughout the project. The first song, titled "Blood Moon," opens with haunting vocals atop minimal piano, making the music video for the song among those that can give Converge fans nightmares.
The beautiful melodies often lead into exceptional builds and satisfying crescendos, which, coupled with intense screams and dark themes, make Bloodmoon: I an album that fans of the genre will not want to miss.
Richard Dawson & Circle - Henki (90)
The collaboration album between Richard Dawson and Circle, Henki, features a fascinating blend of folk, rock, electronic music, etc. With Circle being a well-known experimental group, each song on the album offers a dramatically different sound, so it can be challenging to predict the upcoming sound in an initial playthrough.
The vocals feature many cracks and what could be considered "imperfections" at various points, but these add a raw element to the work, helping to make Henki a unique and highly enjoyable album.
Wolf Alice - Blue Weekend (91)
Wolf Alice has made a name for themselves as an incredible talent in the alternative rock genre, and their most recent album, Blue Weekend, further solidifies their reputation. Featuring an extensive array of subgenres interweaving together, Wolf Alice always keeps their sound fresh.
From energizing titles like "Smile" to heartfelt ballads like "The Last Man on Earth," Blue Weekend has something for everyone. If fans of the alternative rock genre are looking for an exceptional band to explore, they can find Wolf Alice on Spotify or another music app alternative.
Biffy Clyro - The Myth Of Happily Ever After (91)
Biffy Clyro has been a big name in the rock scene for over a decade, and their incredible vocals and epic instrumentation shine through once more in their 2021 album, The Myth of Happily Ever After.
Though much of the album has heart-pounding musicality that invigorates the audience, the band does not hold back in more emotional aspects, as is the case with a song like "Unknown Male 01." Biffy Clyro continues to impress through their innovation and thoroughly entertaining music.
Taylor Swift - Red (Taylor's Version) (91)
The second re-recorded album from Taylor Swift, "Red (Taylor's Version)," has been met with acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The original "Red" album came out in 2012, and the re-recording features many popular tracks from the collection, as well as some new songs that were not a part of the studio album.
Many consider some songs from "Red (Taylor's Version)" to be better than the originals, so fans of the artist can revisit some of her most beloved songs with a fresh and enhanced take.
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis - Carnage (91)
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, who have frequently collaborated on film soundtracks and in several bands, made an album together in the form of Carnage. With the majority of vocals being from Cave, the album presents haunting, heartfelt melodies paired with beautifully composed instrumentation.
Much of the music is experimental and displays the musical capabilities of the two excellently. Those familiar with film scores like The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and The Road will find plenty to enjoy about Carnage.
Dave - We're All Alone In This Together (92)
Dave has been a renowned artist for several years, and he is only gaining more praise for the release of his most recent album, We're All Alone in This Together. With incredible wordplay and rhythm in his rapping, Dave discusses some heavy topics, including social issues and mental health. The album also features several artists who add to the excellent work.
Though he has only been in the music scene for several years, Dave has proven himself to be a phenomenal talent who will likely only continue to grow in popularity as time goes on.
Turnstile - Glow On (92)
Also considered by critics on the site Metacritic to be one of the best albums 0f 2021, Turnstile's Glow On has connected with audiences because of its phenomenal blending of hardcore punk with several genres to create a unique sound. Turnstile's experimental elements help to differentiate them from many other bands out there.
Though there is a high-energy feel throughout the majority of Glow On, it always feels fresh because of the dynamic changes between songs that incorporate a variety of sounds to constantly keep it interesting.
Self Esteem - Prioritise Pleasure (92)
Prioritise Pleasure is the second album by Self Esteem while she has had that stage name. With humor, emotion, and honesty, she gives audiences a fantastic album that explores a large number of themes.
On top of high-energy instrumentation, Self Esteem offers excellent vocals that entertain while also having important conversations about personal conflicts. The incredible work done on Prioritise Pleasure can connect heavily with many audiences and shows that Self Esteem will likely continue to be a force in the pop scene.
Ghetts - Conflict Of Interest (95)
A highly influential artist, Ghetts upholds his stellar reputation in the music industry with the release of Conflict of Interest. The artist's phenomenal lyricism and vocal abilities communicate the ideas of his music excellently, and the gripping musical backing in songs, like that in the opening track, "Fine Wine," adds another incredible layer to the work.
The third studio album from Ghetts features several additional artists on tracks, propelling the album even further. Conflict of Interest is a work of art that consistently feels fresh and innovative, lending itself well to repeated revisiting and appreciating.