The Top 25 Albums of 2021: 25 - 11

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!

25. Douluo Continent Soundtrack

(Note: I could not find this album officially on Spotify (potentially it is in the traditional script), hence the YouTube link)

The best C-Drama soundtrack this year, famous stars such as BonBonGirls 303 and Xiao Zhan received some fantastic OSTs. It also remains overall, a strong and consistent album.

24. Jon Batiste - We Are

This Grammy-nominated album remains quite solid. While single I Need You remains the best song on the album, Batiste cleverly hops through many styles and sounds.

23. Chungha - Querencia

An ambitious 21-track affair, Querencia is divided into four segments; Noble, Savage, Unknown, and Pleasures. Savage is in particular, strong, with many of 2020's best dance tracks sneaking in this segment. An overall epic release by Chungha.

22. Younha - End Theory

An ambitious and recent album, End Theory surged forward with each draft of this list. Younha, the legendary Korean pop-rock star, worked with a fantastic blend of rock, ballad, and pop to make this album. While it failed to make the top songs list, Wish, Stardust, and Oort Cloud all would have made it into a top 150 list.

21. Verivery - Series 'O' Round 2: Hole

Verivery got their act together for this little EP. While technically tied to the Round I of the series 'O', it largely acts as its own release, with a consistent electronic sound from the for tracks in this EP. If they build on this sound, they will go far. (Full Review)

20. N.Flying - Turbulence

A case of a repackage improving on a fantastic release, Turbulence remains a perfect rock album for the Korean band. Compared to their fun-loving early career, Turbulence is drenched in sentimentality, from Comma to Flashback, each song provides a new emotion.

19. Susan Darvishi - 14th and 4th

Susan Darvishi made a move across the nation in the pandemic, and her experiences of goodbye and a new future made this excellent new album. From the sentimental Fingers-Crossed to the euphoric New Salvation, this remains one of the year's best EDM albums.

18. SixTONES - 1ST

(Note: This album is not available on Spotify. The embedded video is a YouTube preview of the tracks on the album)

An early year highlight, SixTONES' 1ST included some of the best tracks of 2020, along with some early 2021 highlights. It is a little all over the place at times, but you can always count on Imitation Rain and the other singles to bring things back.

17. WOODZ - Only Lovers Left

Few artists are as skilled at showing heartbreak as WOODZ, the genius Korean rock star. Only Lovers Left tells its tale in a lopsided fashion, opening with the slowest tracks, before utterly exploding with tracks such as Chaser and Waiting in the year to show what Seung-Yoon can do.

16. Olivia Rodrigo - Sour

Debut albums can one way or the other, and thankfully, Olivia's first LP was fantastic. A pretty piece of heartbroken teen-pop, Sour is like a nice glass of lemonade, well-made, sugary, and well... sour.

15. Robin Packalen - Rest in Beat AM

Robin Packalen's Rest in Beat series has been fantastic. Rest in Beat AM, in particular, remains excellent. From both singles to the melodic b-sides, Rest in Beat AM remains a highlight for the year with its EDM-funk. (Full Review)

14. Ohm Bhandari - Expedition

One of the most underrated albums this year, Ohm Bhandari provided us with a sci-fi epic through this 9-track album. More of a concept piece than anything else, Expedition peaks with fantastic tracks such as Euphoria and Devoid. (Full Review)

13. Key - Bad Love

Other albums may have had more tracks or showier elements, but this collection of songs by the acclaimed SHINee member was defined by its consistency. Taking a theme of interstellar '80s exploration, the songs stand out with their emotional storytelling of a love gone wrong with its spacial ambition.

12. Snow Man - Snow Mania S1

(Note: This album is not available on Spotify. The embedded video is a YouTube preview of the 15 new tracks on the album)

Snow Man's first full album is a massive affair, with well over 20 tracks under most variations. Admittedly, more than a few fall flat on their face, but the sheer length and power of the tracks mean there is always a highlight waiting behind the corner. It all works as a massive compilation of quality dance-pop.

11. Official Hige Dandism - Editorial

Sometimes, Editorial can feel like a greatest hits collection rather than an actual album. However, each and every one of its tracks outshine many other modern songs. Fujihara's voice guides the many songs on the album, including 2020's best song, the modern classic Laughter. If there is one album I expect to only improve with age, it would be this release.