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Music happened this year. A lot of releases from long-time favorites that delivered. A few top five releases by new folks that I'm excited about. This was the year of vinyls for me, re-framing the way I have been experiencing music, diving into new albums but also more frequent visits to older favorites. I also got to a few shows this year: MUNA, HAIM, Carly Rae Jepsen, & Wet Leg. Oh, a lot of women in this list. All of them actually, either individual artists or vocally fronted by. Here we go.
10. Beach House - Once Twice Melody
Same gauzy, hooky goodness.
Semler has had a break-out year or two and is a fun follow on the social medias. Queer Christian music that ranges from sing-alongs to hazy worship to bops and I'm mostly here for the bops.
Oh shoot, a lot of atmospheric albums to start out the list. but Ethel Cain had a great entry to the music scene this year. Distinct POV in the lyrics and great expansive tracks. Worth the time investment in this long album.
Most listened to artist of the year. Though I probably need to spend a little more intentional listening time with this album to delve into the individual tracks. This duo is reliably great and I'm here for them having fun with a no rules project.
6. Lizzo - Special
Lizzo is a pop force to be reckoned with. Numerous bops on this album and continued pop positivity. She's also crushing it with her award winning reality competition show, playing enslaver J-Mad's flute at her DC show, and dropping a documentary on HBO Max. Looking forward to where she goes next and wouldn't be annoyed if she experiments on future albums.
Lizzo is a pop force to be reckoned with. Numerous bops on this album and continued pop positivity. She's also crushing it with her award winning reality competition show, playing enslaver J-Mad's flute at her DC show, and dropping a documentary on HBO Max. Looking forward to where she goes next and wouldn't be annoyed if she experiments on future albums.
5. Maggie Rogers - Surrender
Ok, I see you Maggie. Some great leading singles with That's Where I Am and Want Want. And some great, sentimental tracks with I've Got a Friend and Different Kind of World. This album is a little more rocker gurl vs. electronic pop, which takes some getting used to, but the album grew on me and will provide plenty of re-listens.
Ok, I see you Maggie. Some great leading singles with That's Where I Am and Want Want. And some great, sentimental tracks with I've Got a Friend and Different Kind of World. This album is a little more rocker gurl vs. electronic pop, which takes some getting used to, but the album grew on me and will provide plenty of re-listens.
4. MUNA - self-titled
Break-out pop rockers of the year, for sure. Which is a convoluted statement because they've had a few albums (on another label) and they hooked us with single Silk Chiffon with feat. Phoebe Bridgers last fall (2021). But this album is fully realized and just great. Can't wait to see what else they do. Also: saw them live in Hummelstown, PA in January 2021 for a perfect small, local show.
Break-out pop rockers of the year, for sure. Which is a convoluted statement because they've had a few albums (on another label) and they hooked us with single Silk Chiffon with feat. Phoebe Bridgers last fall (2021). But this album is fully realized and just great. Can't wait to see what else they do. Also: saw them live in Hummelstown, PA in January 2021 for a perfect small, local show.
3. Wet Leg - self-titled
Irresistible punk gurlies from the UK. I wouldn't have pegged any of those descriptors to be something that would be something I would be interested in but they know how to write a hook. Both goofy and rockin, this album is a blast. Was able to see them live in Harrisburg, PA and they were a hoot.
2. Carly Rae Jepsen - The Loneliest Time
This album has a lot of great tracks. Carly is queen of crafting a pop bops and I'm here for it. She goes a few different directions and takes some chances. A collab with a Rufus Wainwright (yes!) and that beach song (meh) but that's what seasoned artists do. Also, I was able to see her on tour and it was everything I want out of a concert (medium sized crowd, seats, bop after bop, and seeing with good friends where we could walk to our Airbnb afterwards).
This album has a lot of great tracks. Carly is queen of crafting a pop bops and I'm here for it. She goes a few different directions and takes some chances. A collab with a Rufus Wainwright (yes!) and that beach song (meh) but that's what seasoned artists do. Also, I was able to see her on tour and it was everything I want out of a concert (medium sized crowd, seats, bop after bop, and seeing with good friends where we could walk to our Airbnb afterwards).
1. Beyoncé - Renaissance
Beyoncé creates a moment. A conversation. She fills a musical need that we didn't know we needed. Collaborations and homages abound. Less autobiographical than her last two albums, Renaissance is a call to the dance floor, to live life fully. The album is expansive, weaving into a number of different sounds. Bangers, grooves, hip-hop, disco, queer ballroom. Oh, I live for the Energy, Break My Soul, & Church Girl trifecta line-up. I'm here for all of it.
Honorable Mention (listed alphabetically)
- Alex G - God Save the Animals
- Coco & Clair Clair - Sexy
- Death Cab for Cutie - Asphalt Meadows
- First Aid Kit - Palomino
- Harry Styles - Harry’s House
- Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers
- Leikeli47 - Shape Up
- Omar Apollo - Ivory
- Phoenix - Alpha Zulu
- Pusha T - It’s Almost Dry
- Sudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen
- SZA - SOS
- Taylor Swift - Midnights
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