The New York Times: Jon Caramanica's Best Albums of 2021

Less isolation didn’t mean a return to normalcy. Albums with big feelings and room for catharsis made the most powerful connections.

Published: December 02, 2021 12:36 Source

# 1

When Smoke Rises by Mustafa

Album • May 28 / 2021 Neo-Soul Singer-Songwriter

# 2

Bigger Than Life Or Death by EST Gee

Album • Jul 21 / 2021 Gangsta Rap Trap Southern Hip Hop

# 3

SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

Album • May 21 / 2021 Pop Singer-Songwriter

# 4

A Gangsta’s Pain by Moneybagg Yo

Album • Apr 23 / 2021 Trap Southern Hip Hop Gangsta Rap

# 5

to hell with it by PinkPantheress

Album • Oct 15 / 2021 Atmospheric Drum and Bass Contemporary R&B Alt-Pop Downtempo

# 6

Still Over It by Summer Walker

Album • Nov 05 / 2021 Contemporary R&B

# 7

Chemtrails Over The Country Club by Lana Del Rey

Album • Mar 19 / 2021 Singer-Songwriter

# 8

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST by Tyler, The Creator

Album • Jun 25 / 2021 West Coast Hip Hop

# 9

Whole Lotta Red by Playboi Carti

Album • Dec 25 / 2020 Trap Rage Southern Hip Hop Experimental Hip Hop

# 10

Donda (Deluxe) by Kanye West

Album • Nov 14 / 2021 Christian Hip Hop Experimental Hip Hop

# 11

VICE VERSA by Rauw Alejandro

Album • Jun 25 / 2021 Latin Pop

# 12

Planet Her by Doja Cat

Album • Jun 25 / 2021 Pop Rap Contemporary R&B

# 13

Blood Bunny by chloe moriondo

Album • May 07 / 2021 Indie Pop Pop Rock

# 14

Down Home Boy by Kidd G

Album • Sep 24 / 2021

# 15

ULTRAPOP by The Armed

Album • Apr 16 / 2021 Noise Rock Post-Hardcore

# 16

29: Written In Stone by Carly Pearce

Album • Sep 17 / 2021 Contemporary Country

# 17

4L by Yeat

Album • Jun 10 / 2021 Rage

# 18

La Maquina by Conway the Machine

Album • Apr 16 / 2021 East Coast Hip Hop Gangsta Rap Hardcore Hip Hop

# 19

La 167 by Farruko

Album • Oct 01 / 2021 Reggaetón

# 20

Remember Her Name by Mickey Guyton

Album • Sep 24 / 2021 Adult Contemporary Country Pop