Vibing On Vinyl’s Top Albums Of 2021

Posted On December 31, 2021

Samantha Colleran, December 2021

Happy almost New Year readers! This year has been yet another crazy one, and of course music has been there to guide us all through the good, bad, weird, and everything in between! A lot of incredible albums were released this year that made everything more bearable, and I wanted to share some of those albums with you. These are in order of release from the beginning of the year all the way to now, some I’ve talked about on here and others I haven’t, but they’re all worth listening to! Let’s get into it, we’re starting off with… 

Nobody Is Listening, ZAYN

One of the most under appreciated releases of this year, and one of the earliest! Zayn’s third studio album released in January titled Nobody Is Listening is his most well rounded record to date, and it flows so naturally from one song to the next. Lead single “Better” was the perfect introduction to the more refined R&B sound Zayn has leaned into since his departure from One Direction, and the rest of the album follows a similar suit. Blending elements from his debut album Mind Of Mine and sophomore album Icarus Falls, Nobody Is Listening is equal parts vibey and emotional. Standout moments include the spoken word “Calamity”, as well as the closing track “River Road” which showcases some of Zayn’s best lyrical content to date. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “River Road”, “Tightrope”, “Outside”

Medicine At Midnight, Foo Fighters

What was supposed to be their 25 year anniversary album turned into their 26 year anniversary album, and it did not disappoint. Medicine At Midnight felt familiar in the sense of having the perfect touch of Foo Fighters magic lyrically, but it introduced listeners to a slightly newer, more experimental sound. From disco sounds emulating David Bowie to political undertones, this album was an awesome way to kick off the first half of the year in terms of album releases. The Foos prove they can change with the times but still stay true to their own style of music. It’s a comforting album, and certainly one of the best releases of the year, if I do say so myself. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “Making A Fire”, “Chasing Birds”, “No Son Of Mine”

Flowers for Vases / Descansos, Hayley Williams

I listened to this album a couple of times when it first came out, but it didn’t stick with me until later in the year. Considered the prequel to Hayley’s first solo album Petals for Armor, Flowers for Vases is simple in its delivery, but to me it feels way more raw and emotional. Performed and recorded alone, which is something Hayley has never done while working on an album, we see a new side of Hayley musically. It’s softer than Paramore, it’s personal and heartbreaking and shows that the tricky path to healing isn’t as straightforward as people want it to be. It’s a reflective album, it’s not meant to be commercially successful or have any standout songs; you’re meant to feel heavy listening to it in its entirety, it’s supposed to hit the dark spots in your heart, but it’s so well done you can’t even be mad at Hayley for pulling the emotions out of you. It’s absolutely stellar, and it’s definitely one of the most overlooked albums that deserved more praise this year. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “KYRH”, “Inordinary”, “First Thing To Go”

Chemtrails Over The Country Club, Lana Del Rey

The only artist to be listed on here twice, Lana Del Rey had been teasing multiple album drops throughout the year, with the first official album drop being Chemtrails. I will admit it took a few listens for this album to grow on me, but Lana is Lana and her words always find a way to make me feel something. Lana goes for a more folk-y stripped back sound, and it’s raw yet beautiful in its delivery. Piano and acoustic driven, Lana covers all sorts of ground on this album; from fame causing people to lose their sanity, to topics of love, we see a very honest depiction of the woman Lana has grown into over the years, and it’s such a smooth, easy listen. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “Wild At Heart”, “For Free”, “Breaking Up Slowly”

SOUR, Olivia Rodrigo

Perhaps the most talked about album of 2021, Olivia Rodrigo made a huge impact with this debut. Riding the high of the “drivers license” success, Olivia showed her talent and ability to be a versatile artist. She doesn’t stick to one particular genre or sound and she gives listeners a song for quite literally any mood. Perfectly encapsulating what it’s like to be a teenager falling in love and experiencing heartbreak for the first time, Olivia spoke to millions with her simple yet gut wrenching lyrics. Every song has its own unique sound, and it’s such a strong debut from an artist as young as Olivia. Olivia will finally be getting out on the road in 2022 to support the release (stay tuned for a review of that after it happens!), and I’m so excited to see how she makes these eleven tracks even better!

Sam’s Song Selection: “favorite crime”, “brutal”, “good 4 u”

lately I feel EVERYTHING, WILLOW

WILLOW is effortlessly cool, and this album solidifies that. In just 26 minutes, WILLOW establishes her place in the world of punk, and I hope that she stays for a while. Collaborating with incredible names in pop punk like Travis Barker and Avril Lavigne, WILLOW delivered a lyrically intense and captivating body of work. Drawing inspirations from some of the greats including Paramore (which seems to be a trend this year) and My Chemical Romance, WILLOW puts a new spin on an already incredible genre of music. Short yet complex, lately I feel EVERYTHING was one of the most unexpected but greatly appreciated releases of 2021. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “don’t SAVE ME”, “G R O W (ft. Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker)”, “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” (ft. Travis Barker)

When Facing the Things We Turn Away From, Luke Hemmings

I’ll admit I didn’t expect to like this album as much as I do. From the release of “Starting Line”, Luke hooked 5SOS fans and non fans alike and created a well rounded album that gives listeners a better look into his mind as he unpacks his feelings about being in the spotlight for most of his life. It’s a very grand album, everything about it feels big and powerful. From the lyrics to the instrumentals, every second of this album wraps you up in its beauty and takes you to a new world. It’s honest and vulnerable, nothing about it feels inauthentic. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “Baby Blue”, “Comedown”, “Diamonds”

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, Halsey

Navigating motherhood is something that can be extremely difficult for anyone, especially someone like Halsey, who has openly talked about having endometriosis and the struggles that come along with it. Halsey is never one to shy away from the dark and the taboo, so of course IICHLIWP depicts all of those things. We learn more about Halsey’s mental health and their fears surrounding becoming a first time mother, something not many people are open to talking about. With production by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails as well as features from some of the greats like Lindsey Buckingham and Dave Grohl, IICHLIWP gives us a deeper look into Halsey’s psyche and proves just how much she’s grown as an artist. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “honey”, “Easier Than Lying”, “Ya’aburnee”

star crossed, Kacey Musgraves

Another album surrounding a tough subject, Kacey Musgraves did a 180 and gave the world the complete opposite of Golden Hour. Following her divorce from ex-husband Ruston Kelly, Kacey tells us about the complicated feelings that come along with splitting someone you once told the world gave you butterflies and set your soul on fire. Following a Shakespeare-esque style, the album is broken up into three ‘acts’; we’re introduced to the ‘star crossed lovers’ and we’re told about their fatal falling out, but first we have to go to the beginning where things are good. We see the progression of the two falling out of love, and we watch Kacey begin to heal by the end of the album. It shows Kacey’s strength and maturity, she’s resilient and lays her emotions out for the world to see. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “simple times”, “if this was a movie..”, “hookup scene”

MONTERO, Lil Nas X

This album is the perfect balance of serious and quirky. Lil Nas X finally introduced the world to his baby MONTERO in September, and it’s one of the most interesting albums to come out of the year. We learn more about who exactly Lil Nas is as a person and as an artist. We learn about his home life growing up and his mental struggles, and we also get to see the moments of confidence and happiness. Star studded features include Elton John, current reigning rap queens Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion, and of course solidifying his place as an honorary Cyrus we wrap up the album with a feature from Miley. Blending rap, pop, and even pop-rock elements, Lil Nas X showed the world he’s more than “Old Town Road”, he’s a serious musician with true artistic visions, and the best part is he’s unashamedly himself through the entire process. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “THAT’S WHAT I WANT”, “DON’T WANT IT”, “SUN GOES DOWN”

Seventeen Going Under, Sam Fender

Seventeen Going Under gives us a deeper understanding of who Sam Fender is as an artist and as a human. When the world shut down in 2020, Sam took that time to do some deep inner reflection. Seventeen Going Under is an incredibly therapeutic album; we watch as Sam works through all of the struggles and obstacles life has thrown at him, and he allows us all to go on that journey with him. He talks openly about subjects that many people feel are too taboo to discuss such as mental health, politics, and the darker side of the music industry. Despite the darker undertones, this album gives listeners a sense of hope by the time the final track comes to a close. Sam is an extremely underrated talent, and I highly suggest giving this album a listen. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “Good Company”, “Spit Of You”, “Aye”

Blue Banisters, Lana Del Rey

As mentioned before, Lana is the only artist to be featured on this list of 2021 albums twice. Her second release of the year, Blue Banisters, is much more complex instrumentally than Chemtrails. Focusing more on sisterhood and deeper self reflection, Lana is at arguably her most vulnerable on this album. She touches more on how fame has impacted her mental health, as well as the relationships in her life (both familial and romantics) and loneliness. It’s lyrically intense, decorated with gorgeous instrumentals, and Lana proves to listeners just how much she can do with her voice throughout the fifteen tracks. If you prefer music that’ll keep you on your toes as opposed to more traditional sounds, Blue Banisters is for you. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “Dealer (ft. Miles Kane)”, “Cherry Blossom”, “Black Bathing Suit” 

tick, tick… BOOM! (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), The Cast Of tick, tick… BOOM!

Stop the clock, take time out, time to stop whatever it is you’re doing and prepare to have your mind blown by one of the best movies and accompanying soundtracks of the year. TTB follows the life of Jonathan Larson, best known for Rent, as he grapples with turning 30 as a struggling playwright. Of course any soundtrack for a musical is meant to move the plot along, but this one feels different. You can feel the emotion in every note, and of course Andrew Garfield portrays Larson in the most incredible light. And who knew he could sing? You’ll find yourself going from tapping and singing along, to your eyes quickly filling with tears as you watch/listen to this masterpiece. I can’t recommend this movie and soundtrack enough, it’s absolutely perfect and I believe it’s an incredible tribute to Jonathan Larson and his work. 

Sam’s Song Selection: “30/90”, “Come To Your Senses”, “Boho Days” (honorable mention of the bonus track “Green, Green Dress” sung by Andrew Garfield and Alexandra Shipp)

An Evening With Silk Sonic, Silk Sonic

My list of the best 2021 albums would be incomplete without mentioning An Evening With Silk Sonic. This album is easily in my top three releases of 2021, there are absolutely no flaws and I haven’t been able to stop listening since its release. Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars teamed up to grace the world with the smooth sounding “Leave The Door Open”, and ever since then fans had been begging for more. The album was meant to be released in January of next year, but the duo surprised the world and released the album in November of this year. A short listen jam packed with 60s/70s soul and R&B feels, you’ll find it impossible to turn this album off. Everything about this album is genius; a healthy balance of feel good vibes and slower, more intimate moments, An Evening With Silk Sonic is bound to become an instant classic. 

A lot of great music came out this year, and obviously I can’t write about it all, but please feel free to share your favorite releases in the comments! Do we have some of the same favorites, anything different? Enjoy your celebrations safely, and Happy New Year from Vibing On Vinyl!