The Top 25 Albums of 2021: 10 - 1

2021 was not as strong of a year for albums as 2020, but it had its highlights nonetheless. Many songs were fantastic this year, but consistent albums were much fewer. Nonetheless, there were just enough to create a solid list of albums from across the world. Before we start the list, let us look at some rules.

• The albums must have been released in full between January 1st and December 31st, 2021
• The albums must be released in full, and if released in parts, will be counted in the year when released in full.
• Any album from any nation or language within the time frame is included.
• An album is a collection of songs containing 4 tracks or more.
• Soundtracks that were largely featured or written in previous years were excluded (Ex. Geneshin Impact).
• Compilations are excluded.

With that, let the list begin!

10. Gareth Coker, Joel Corelitz, Curtis Schweitzer - Halo Infinite Soundtrack

After Martie and Salvatori stopped their work on the series, Halo has been looking for a new composition team to live up to the duo's original legacy. With this new team (featuring Gareth Coker of Ori fame), a suitable replacement team has been found. With a sweeping cinematic sound, Halo Infinite's soundtrack greatly succeeds.

9. Lucy - Gatcha!

For a band known for their acclaimed 6+ minute tracks, this 13-and-a-half minute EP barely packs a punch. However, it hides a clever evolution of Lucy's sound, adding a notable electronic groove to their classic violin rock. One by One remains one of the most inventive tracks this year.

8. ONF - City of ONF

If there is anything that City of ONF benefits from, it is the fact that it is composed, arranged, and written by extraordinaire songwriter Hwang Hyun (with member Wyatt occasionally assisting). With a set plan for the charismatic sextet of ONF, he crafts a sci-fi world, all while leading with the themes of freedom and exploration.

7. SHINee - Atlantis

SHINee's 7th album was always great, but it became truly fantastic once repackaged as Atlantis. From the fantastic and trendy to the traditional and retro, few albums were written with their audience as much in mind as this one. From I Really Want You to Don't Call Me to Days and Years, each and every track was made with Shawols and SHINee in mind. (Full Review)

6. Arooj Aftab - Vulture Prince

Initially envisioned to be a joyful affair, Arooj Aftab's for Vulture Prince were affected by her brother's untimely passing. She used this pain, however, to make Vulture Prince such a defining work. Not a single track on the entire record can be considered upbeat, and only one mid-tempo. However, this downbeat grief is perfectly translated through tracks such as Mohabbat and Diya Hai.  

5. Altin Gün - Yol

Altin Gün had a fantastic year, with both full-length albums standing out. However, Yol was clearly the better of the two. It opted for a nice mix of traditional Anatolian rock with trendy disco-pop. This blend is clearly seen by the two, fantastic singles Yüce Dağ Başında and Ordunun Dereleri.

A full exploration of how synths can drive music, Yol is a fantastic release from the Norway-based Turkish band.

4. Dewa Budjana - Naurora

Across its measly 5 tracks, Naurora opens an entire world. Dewa Budjana, the Indonesian jazz-rock legend, has always been fantastic, and the team he assembles for Naurora more than lives up to the task.

From the jazzy beats of Blue Mansion to the ambitious world of Naurora, every moment on Naurora is worth praise for opening a door into our world.

3. ABBA - Voyage

Strangely enough, Voyage failed to receive the acclaim it deserved. Perhaps it could be due to the high nostalgia many listeners correlate with ABBA. However, Voyage is more than a satisfying return (and farewell) for the Euro-Pop legends.

Across 10 incredible tracks, the four members of ABBA refuse to be adulterated by modern trends. Instead, it sounds like classic '70s ABBA only recorded in modern times. From the folk beats of When You Danced With Me to the ambitious grief of Keep An Eye on Dan, few albums remain as nostalgic, hopeful, and dreamy as this modern highlight.

2. A.R. Rahman - 99 Songs

I am technically cheating on this one, as the soundtrack for 99 Songs was released last year (which is why none of its tracks were on the end of the year list), but the movie was released this year, as well as additional versions of the soundtrack, leading to this placement.

By this point, A.R. Rahman is already a music composing legend, and 99 Songs feels like a victory lap. Driven by the theatricality he himself breathes on, he takes each of the singers through various genres. From the traditional-inspired Nee Illa Naanum to the coffee shop jazz of Posiyana Posikiduven, every song succeeds in its genre. A love letter to Indian cinema's music, 99 Songs fully succeeds in its aims.

1. Miyavi - Imaginary

An easy runaway winner for this award, Imaginary was far and away the best collection of songs released this year. Miyavi has been on a roll as of late, releasing album after album. Imaginary was supposed to come out in 2020, but Miyavi delayed it to improve it and also to perform the album upon release. Thank goodness for that, as Imaginary is fantastic when performed live.

A case of consistent storytelling throughout the album, Imaginary is exactly what its title suggests: An ode to human imagination and dreams and the good and bad it can do. Each track lyrically plays off this theme but works in its own individual right.

There is not a single dull track on this 11-piece affair, while it hops from one sound to another. From the simple, melodic, strummed rock ballad of Youth of the Nation, to the sci-fi ambition of Warrior, Imaginary remains an unforgettable experience. (Full Review)