There has been so much good music from 2021 that it is surprising to see listeners ask for more.
Listening has always been about the stories and the emotions you get to relate to.
I tried to finish collating this list about two weeks ago. Sadly I fell off emotionally
To begin you need to understand, I have enjoyed so many albums over the years however in 2021, I was intentional about finding my own taste. There have been albums or songs that are from previous years that I got to enjoy more through 2021.
21. Bri’s Lounge by DAMI ONIRU(2019)
One of the most interesting projects, I got to appreciate last year. Such a smooth EP to get through.
Her sound is laid back with smooth melodies that feel authentic and different.
Fav song on the album: Alive
20. Gore by LOUS AND THE YAKUZA (2020)
Deeply in love with her sound. My introduction to french music and her, LOUS AND THE YAKUZA. Her talent is extremely broad: from visuals to sound.
I love coming back to this album and cannot get “SOLO” out of my head. During morning commute, I definitely enjoyed having this body of work keep me company.
Fav songs on the album: Solo, Dilemme, Amigo
19. 19 & dangerous by AYRA STARR (2021)
I remember the feeling hearing Ayra Starr’s EP the first time. That same feeling struck when I got to have a taste of her art in 2021.
Fav song on the album: Cast (Gen Z Anthem), Lonely, Snitch
18. Sounds of My World by JULS (2021)
Juls is nice with it. A great addition to 2021. The album is a nostalgic feeling of diverse sounds that brings so much warmth to my day.
Fav songs on the album: Wicked, Intentionally
17. Little Planet by RVDICAL THE KID (2020)
Artistic beats with melodies that would enter body. The vibe frommlistening to this album every morning is bliss chale.
Fav songs on the album: Skimp on the shrimp, Nasa and every thing.
16. When Smoke Rises by MUSTAFA (2021)
This album is one of moments and emotions. The stripped down sound feels heavy and heartfelt and Mustafa becomes my imam to take me through each hurricane.
Fav song on the album: Capo
15. Darkness at play by ANAIIS (2019)
A teary soul album that helped me come full circle with fear. The storytelling through this body of work by anaiis changed my perspective.
Her new album this year, “this is no longer a dream," made this album even much enjoyable. I hope to listen more of that album this year.
Fav song on the album: Feelings
14. Sweetness by SARZ & OBONGJAYAR (2021)
One of the best of duo releases in 2021. The intention behind the sound and the vibe makes this album one of a kind.
I still get goosebumps from hearing Obongjayar’s voice on “Gone Girl”
13. Cavalcade by black midi (2021)
I don’t think I have heard anything this strange and still want to go back to it again. I am not a rock fan but I definitely became one after constantly playing Black Midi each day in 2021.
12. The House is burning by ISAIAH RASHAD (2021)
Really loved the subtle cathartic feeling from this album. As a fan from the Sun’s Tirade, I deeply enjoyed this project more than I thought.
Fav song on the album: RIP Young
11. The Melodic Blue by BABY KEEM (2021)
I cannot even articulate well how much I still went back to this album. Something definitely experimental to keep me entertained and not feel bored.
Fav songs on the album: trademark USA, 16, range brothers
10. If Orange Was A Place by TEMS (2021)
Conditioned to simply enjoy the colours through TEMS’s extraordinary album. One of her best and I still get goosebumps from that first listen of “Replay”.
9. Call Me If You Get Lost by TYLER THE CREATOR (2021)
Tyler definitely gave me a sweet experience to explore. My favourite from the whole album is SWEET/I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE. One of the best songs I loved to relisten.
8. Mandy & The Jungle by CRUEL SANTINO (2019)
Replay value is impeccable. Every song feels like a dream and you are in for a ride.
The rollercoaster of emotions I felt listening this masterpiece is borderline outlandish.
Fav : No Favourites. It is an experience.
7. Rising by FALANA (2021)
Sensational vibe from Falana. I am grateful to have had the chance of listening to Falana.
Fav song on the album: Sweet Adetola
6. For My Brothers by KOJO CUE (2019)
An amazing reflective body of art that brings home the story behind the journey. I really relate with almost all of the songs on the album and it builds up in emotions even after numerous listens.
5. Bondzie by M3NSA (2021)
I really needed this project at a time when I was questioning myself. Doubts on adulthood and the trauma retrieved from finding myself. I loved this album and I remember replaying songs over and over to sit with the impact it had on me.
Confidence in oneself is not an easy journey; the true freedom.
Fav song on the album: Bisa
4. Elephant in the room by MICK JENKINS (2021)
As a fan of Mick Jenkins, I always gravitated towards his style and delivery. Immaculate writing on his half and the production had me in a trance. I love the patterns and flow used to tell beautiful stories.
Fav song on the album: Reflection
3. Roots by CAVEMEN (2020)
I remember it was raining when I heard my first Cavemen song from Roots. I fell in love with “Fall” and I do not even know how I got addicted.
2. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by LITTLE SIMZ (2021)
A beautiful album that I still cannot stop listening to. My late night walks were always accompanied by this album. A stellar of a project that makes you feel and reflect.
Fav songs on the album: ALL
1.Mother by CLEO SOL (2021)
Felt like this album took me back to my childhood. It was like listening Sade and getting tear eyes while grinning shamelessly without noticing. Fervent feeling each time starting this album from start to finish.
Fav song on the album: ALL
Honourable mentions ( Artists I constantly listened to)
- Moses Sumney
- Omah Lay
- Frank Ocean
- FKA Twigs (My January Jam)
- Arlo Parks
- SuperJazzClub
- BAKAR
- Mannywellz
- Amaarae
Discovering myself through music
A big part of my 2021 was from listening and curating what I consume helping me to set a theme. 2021 was an extreme experience for me. I went months hopeless and ended with a little of light inside. What I most appreciate is the effort to stay course in learning and unlearning various ideals and ideas.
What I hope for this year is to enjoy the beauty in the process of building and creating. I would love to write about music more and style and all the things I find excitement in.
My journey always has a background soundtrack playing.
