The Best of 2021 list from Release Magazine’s Mike Whyte in London.
Albums
Lonelady: ”Former Things”
Funky electropop with retro-punk flourishes – just what the year demanded.
Carbon Based Lifeforms: ”Stochastic”
More great soundscapes from the Swedish duo.
Gary Numan: ”Intruder”
A concept album that brought out the best in Numan.
John Grant: ”Boy from Michigan”
Amazing tunes – futuristic sounds and heartfelt lyrics combine to create 2021’s most satisfying album.
Park Hye Jin: ”Before I Die”
Debut album that seemed to show maturity beyond her years.
Jana Rush: ”Painful Enlightenment”
An unsettling listen at times, but stays with you long after the sounds have finished.
Chvrches: ”Screen Violence”
A huge sounding album – better than their best.
Squid: ”Bright Green Field”
A storming album full of liquid bass, jangly guitars and shouty vocals. What more could ask for?
Little Simz: ”Sometimes I Might Be Introvert”
Best rap album of the year – full of fire and bite.
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Songs
Joy Orbison ft. Lea Sen: ”Better”
A luxurious track that floats around your ears like a sonic mist.
Little Simz: ”I Love You, I Hate You”
Best track off a great album – clever and creative.
Gary Numan: ”Intruder”
This track knocked me sideways when I first heard it back in the first half of the year. It still holds that power now.
Maschine Brent: ”Computer Dreams”
This track became my summer anthem after hearing it first on Brent’s “Puls” album.
Lone Lady: ”There is No (Logic)”
Wait for it to kick in (after the stuttering 80:s inspired intro) and you’ll see why it’s here.
Run The Jewels: ”Never Look Back”
A great track backed by an even greater video. “They’re coming to get you, Barbara…”
Chvrches (feat Robert Smith): ”How Not to Drown”
Take a large amount of Chvrches, add a dash of Robert Smith and carefully mix – result? One of the tracks of the year.
Sophie: ”Bipp” (Autechre remix)
Sophie, the sadly now gone electronic pop innovator stated she would only ever let Autechre remix her tracks. With Bipp it happened, and of course it’s amazing.
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Newcomers
Jockstrap
New rising stars to add to Warp Records’ already impressive roster.
India Jordan
A string of EP:s and great DJ sets set up India Jordan for bigger and better things.