Music Editor’s Best Albums of 2021…So Far
Death of a Cheerleader – Pom Pom Squad
Death of a Cheerleader is the album I wish I had in middle school, from its discussions of social harassment to pure frustration in the face of unrequited love. “Crying” especially carries an incredible emotionality in its lyrics and melody, evoking a perfect combination of anger and despair. While “Lux” possesses this same anger, it addresses its subject matter in an almost sarcastic and daunting tone. These heavier tracks are balanced out by songs like “Crimson+Clover” that capture the rose-colored softness of falling in love both before and after the surrounding rough patches. Truly every song on this album can stand solidly on its own; it is simply the narrative stringing them all together that makes the album even greater than the sum of its--already great--parts.
Everything I had – Sun June
Everything I had is intimate, as if Sun June was playing in my room every time I listen to it. The grand lyrical imagery and ethereal guitar tone in songs like “Karen O” make the entire album feel like a dream, one of heartbreak, loss, transition, and pain. Each song sounds somehow stripped down and full at the same time, as every single instrument manages to stand out in its own light. My personal favorite song off the record is “Colors” which addresses the recovery process from the loss of a loved one or relationship; it is devastating and comforting and pensive all at the same time.
Below – Beartooth
Below has easily become one of my all time favorite metalcore albums in the weeks since its release. Though Caleb Shomo consistently delivers phenomenal work, I feel like this album in particular demonstrates his talent as a vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter, and lyricist. In interviews, Shomo has cited doom metal and stoner metal as influences for the album. These inspirations come through loud and clear with the generous use of fuzz, slamming breakdowns, and sprinkled in blast beats. While the album’s lyrics are notably darker than Beartooth’s previous releases since the record dives into declining mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, I personally found this darkness to be cathartic given the current state of the world. One thing I have always appreciated about Beartooth is the integration of hard rock with heavier forms of metal like doom metal. This album is no exception.
Between the Richness – Fiddlehead
With the release of Between the Richness, Fiddlehead doubtlessly solidified their spot as one of the top modern shoegaze bands. Combining Pat Flynn’s instantly recognizable coarse vocals with reverbed guitars, Fiddlehead has crafted an incredibly unique sound with both of their albums. However, what I especially appreciate about Between the Richness is the sincerity of the songwriting. From “Life Notice” which addresses the opioid epidemic to “Down University””--my personal favorite song on the record--which fights against college elitism, this is an album crafted with purpose. While the lyricism across the album is heartbreaking, the strength of the vocals and instrumentals alike paints the subject matter in a hopeful and empowered light.
World at War – Dead Heat
World at War easily takes the cake as my favorite hardcore--and nardcore--release of the year. From politically charged lyrics to blast beats to shredded guitar solos, this is a record that demands being heard beyond just being listened to. This intensity is broken up by the track “Interlude (Passions)” which evokes a classic rock ballad a la The Scorpions. Though guitar solos may long be dead in pop music, Dead Heat has shown the world that they are alive and well in nardcore. While the tapping solos and wealing distortion are reminiscent of classic metal, the vocals make it clear that this is a punk album at its core through their sheer expression of frustration and rejection of the status quo.
Jubilee – Japanese Breakfast
As its name might suggest, Jubilee is a playful record, though perhaps not a necessarily happy one. Michelle Zauner integrates poetic--and at times psychedelic--lyrical imagery with orchestral accompaniments, funk rhythms, and synth to create a sound unlike any other. “Kokomo, IN” breaks up the jubilation of the preceding tracks to introduce a more pensive side to the album, discussing loss and yearning for something that won’t ever return. The song feels like childhood and listening to Janis Joplin in my mom’s car on the way to preschool in retrospect,knowing things will never quite be that good again. “Slide Tackle” adds another dimension to these feelings of loss and nostalgia through the metaphor of tackling one’s own mind. Thematically, lyrically, and musically, this album is both consistently interesting and innovative.
Perfect – Mannequin Pussy
Mannequin Pussy asserts their punk roots loud and clear in their latest release, Perfect, as they combine almost comically sexual lyrics with cathartic instrumentals in the thrashy tittle track. This heaviness is matched by the emotional weight of songs like “Control” and “To Lose You” which convey the confusing and excruciating feelings of heartbreak. “Pigs is Pigs” is definitely my favorite track off the record, as it diverts from the previous subject of heartbreak to address police brutality through hardcore punk. Though across its five songs this EP contains a broad range of sound from soft guitars and melodies to screaming and downtuned guitars, it makes sense as a cohesive whole as it discusses pain in all forms from personal to political.
I Know I’m Funny haha - Faye Webster
I Know I’m Funny haha is a beautiful album, pure and simple. From twangy country guitar tones to tongue in cheek lyrics, there truly is nothing quite like Webster’s sound. Each song tells a story of love, heartbreak, self-discovery, nostalgia, and beyond. There is something very human about this album and the way it portrays impressions as if being experienced in the listener’s present moment. The title track, “I Know I’m Funny haha,” might just be my favorite track on the album simply for the comical casualty with which Webster addresses the listener as if in conversation. While the vast majority of the album pulls on the heart strings with saccharine sweet melody, “Cheers” takes on a refreshingly more upbeat approach with a sound reminiscent of 80s pop that serves as a valuable midpoint to the album. Overall, I Know I’m Funny haha is an absolutely phenomenal album for a stroll along the sunset, cup of coffee, or cozy night in.
I Won’t Care How You Remember Me – Tigers Jaw
I Won’t Care How You Remember Me carries a bittersweet nostalgia to it, like driving through the rain from a best friend’s house knowing you won’t see them for a while. The title track evokes folk music in its stripped down simplicity, only using guitar, piano, and vocals. The drums come in at just the right moment to accelerate this nostalgia into the pain of healing. “Cat’s Cradle” undoubtedly resembles Spin-era Tigers Jaw with its bright keyboard melody and poppy vocals. As per Tigers Jaw’s usual style, melodic and smooth melodies are laid over distorted guitars to create a balance between softness and roughness. However, I do wish there was more diversity in sound across this album. Though all the songs are doubtlessly good songs, they all seem to follow a comparable blueprint.
Voyager – Current Joys
Voyager is most definitely a departure from Current Joys’ previous releases, but by no means a negative one. The album addresses love and self-discovery in a nostalgic light, a la a black and white movie. The use of violin in songs like “Altered States” and “Voyager Pt. 1” grants the album an elegant feeling, albeit one doused with tragedy. This heaviness is broken up by lighter songs such as “Amateur” and “Breaking the Waves” that approach love from a place of awe. However, “Naked” stands out as being quite disconnected from the rest of the album due to its choppiness. Rather than helping add dimension to the record, the song appears out of place, especially considering the abrupt transitions present between the preceding and following tracks.