The New York Times: Lindsay Zoladz'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

30 by Adele

Album • Nov 19 / 2021 Pop Soul

# 2

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST by Tyler, The Creator

Album • Jun 25 / 2021 West Coast Hip Hop

# 3

Valentine by Snail Mail

Album • Nov 05 / 2021 Indie Rock Indie Pop

# 4

Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sullivan

EP • Jan 08 / 2021 Contemporary R&B Neo-Soul

# 5

Let Me Do One More by illuminati hotties

Album • Oct 01 / 2021 Indie Rock Indie Pop

# 6

SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

Album • May 21 / 2021 Pop Singer-Songwriter

# 7

Ignorance by The Weather Station

Album • Feb 05 / 2021 Sophisti-Pop Art Pop

# 8

HEY WHAT by Low

Album • Sep 10 / 2021 Post-Industrial Ambient Pop Experimental Rock

# 9

Home Video by Lucy Dacus

Album • Jun 25 / 2021 Singer-Songwriter

# 10

New Long Leg by Dry Cleaning

Album • Apr 02 / 2021 Post-Punk

# 11

Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish

Album • Jul 30 / 2021 Alt-Pop Contemporary R&B

# 12

Afrique Victime by Mdou Moctar

Album • May 21 / 2021 Tishoumaren Psychedelic Rock

# 13

Switched On Ra by Bitchin Bajas

Album • Oct 29 / 2021 Progressive Electronic

# 14

Juno by Remi Wolf

Album • Oct 15 / 2021 Contemporary R&B Alt-Pop Indie Pop