Top Ten Albums of 2021

Keilani Abad and Ashley Aguirre|February 4, 2022

  1. Sour – Olivia Rodrigo

After the drama of Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett broke out, Rodrigo’s pop album about her heartbreak and emotions towards the boy grew in popularity. With it’s relatable message, the album found itself reaching a wider audience. 

  1. Planet Her – Doja Cat

The album was produced by Doja Cat herself alongside Yeti Beats and includes styles from pop, hip hop, and R&B. The album features other artists such as Ariana Grande, SZA, and the Weeknd. 

  1. Call Me If You Get Lost – Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator’s second US number-one album featured many other popular artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, Pharrell Williams, and YoungBoy NBA. Genres on the album include hip hop, pop, jazz, soul and reggae. 

  1. Donda – Kanye West

Kanye West’s tenth studio album features themes such as religion, his divorce, and his mother—who he named the album after. West accused Universal Music Group of releasing the album without his permission. 

  1. Red – Taylor Swift

Second recording of Taylor Swift’s fourth album by the same name. It was released to argue against the change of ownership of the masters to her first six studio albums. 

  1. Certified Lover Boy – Drake 

Drake’s sixth studio album was a substantial success, breaking Apple Music and Spotify records for the biggest opening day streams on the platforms. The album was met with competition from Kanye West’s album Donda which had been released several days earlier. 

  1. Montero – Lil Nas X

On his debut album, he uses his eccentric sound combined with a pop-rap style. Four of the songs from this album made it to the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.

  1. 30 – Adele

On her fourth studio album written between 2018-2021, Adele tackles topics such as her divorce, motherhood, heartbreak, and acceptance. The album received acclaim for its themes and beautiful performance becoming the best selling album of 2021.

  1. Jubilee – Japanese Breakfast 

Jubilee is the band’s third studio album and was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 64th Grammy Awards ceremony. Michelle Zauner, the bandleader says the alternative and dream pop album is about joy. 

  1. Sling – Clairo

Sling is Claire Cotrill’s second studio album. It is a follow up to her previous popular album, Immunity.