Variety: Chris Willman's Best Albums of 2021

Our critics' picks for the best albums of 2021 include Billie Eilish, Summer Walker, Arlo Parks, Liz Phair, Brandi Carlile and Arooj Aftab.

Published: December 09, 2021 16:00 Source

# 1

Outside Child by Allison Russell

Album • May 21 / 2021 Contemporary Folk Americana

# 2

In These Silent Days by Brandi Carlile

Album • Oct 01 / 2021 Singer-Songwriter Americana

# 3

Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish

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

# 4

Soberish by Liz Phair

Album • Jun 04 / 2021 Indie Pop Pop Rock

# 5

30 by Adele

Album • Nov 19 / 2021 Pop Soul

# 6

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz

Album • Sep 03 / 2021 UK Hip Hop Conscious Hip Hop

# 7

SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo

Album • May 21 / 2021 Pop Singer-Songwriter

# 8

Daddy's Home by St. Vincent

Album • May 14 / 2021 Psychedelic Soul Art Rock

# 9

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

Album • Aug 27 / 2021 Art Pop Alternative Rock Electronic

# 10

if i could make it go quiet by girl in red

Album • Apr 30 / 2021 Indie Pop Alt-Pop