Favorite Projects of 2021 (Mid-Year Edition)
I admit, it’s pretty self-explanatory, but let me go over some ground rules.
1: These aren’t ranked in any way. These are projects I liked categorized by month. 2: I’ll be offering my small thoughts on it, along with linking the full review. 3: There are albums that I’m gonna include that never got a full review. Those will have longer paragraphs and a rating. 4: Obviously, These are all my opinions, so if an album’s missing from this list, why don’t you comment on your favorite album of the year so far? Maybe your take on it will show something I missed! 5: All of these albums were released before June 25. So, even if I wanna put it on there, the new Tyler, the Creator album isn’t on this list. Let’s get into the best projects of 2021 in my opinion (so far).
January
Ashnikko - DEMIDEVIL
Blurb: For such a polarizing artist, Ashnikko is taking the pop-rap world by storm, and with DEMIDEVIL as her blade, she’ll cut down quite a bit of the competition.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/01/ashnikko-demidevil-mixtape-review.html
Jasmine Sullivan - Heaux Tales
Blurb: Jazmine Sullivan’s comeback is in full force, especially with how much good content there is in Heaux Tales. For such a small project, it’s a pretty cohesive EP that sucks the listener in.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/01/jazmine-sullivan-heaux-tales-ep-review.html
Maggie Lindemann - PARANOIA
Blurb: One of the best pop projects of the year, PARANOIA shows Maggie Lindemann blossoming into a pop revolutionary. It also helps that this little project has three of the best pop songs of the year so far.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/01/maggie-lindemann-paranoia-ep-review.html
Madlib - Sound Ancestors
Blurb: One of the most prolific and innovative producers working right now teams up with Four Tet to create a set of some of the most compelling hip-hop instrumentals in a long time, pulling from every corner to create something truly special.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/madlib-sound-ancestors-album-review.html
February
Conway the Machine & Big Ghost Ltd. - IF IT BLEEDS, IT CAN BE KILLED
Blurb: While Conway’s more trap-influenced album La Maquina is a standout album from this year, IF IT BLEEDS, IT CAN BE KILLED narrowly edges it out because of Big Ghost Ltd.’s grimy, trademark production.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/conway-machine-big-ghost-ltd-if-it.html
Black Country, New Road - For the first time
Blurb: I’m honestly not sure what else I could ask for from a debut album, as the rock group’s first album is some of the most exciting music of the year.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/black-country-new-road-for-first-time.html
slowthai - TYRON
Blurb: A double album of sorts, the Northampton rapper proves his worth on a double album, one part the punk-esque rapper we’ve come to know, the other a quieter and introspective wordsmith that’s set to impress the masses.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/slowthai-tyron-album-review.html
Black Dresses - Forever in Your Heart
Blurb: Even if they are disbanded, Black Dresses kind of put out an album…? Either way, Ada Rook and Devi McCallion have created an extremely harsh and edgy project that just exudes so much energy. It also doesn’t help that I was obsessed with this album for two months before actually reviewing it.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/black-dresses-forever-in-your-heart.html
Parannoul - To See the Next Part of the Dream
Blurb/Review: South Korean group Parannoul break onto the scene with an enthralling, emotional post-rock album that’s nothing like anything that’s come before it and probably won’t be anything like it after for a long time. I’m sad I didn’t get to do a full review of this.
Score: 9/10
March
Genesis Owusu - Smiling with No Teeth
Blurb/Review: Genesis Owusu is the lovechild of Death Grips, Steve Lacy and Thundercat. That’d be a good example to end with, but on Smiling with No Teeth, there’s a masterful blend of neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop that sets the stage for one of R&B’s most exciting new acts.
Score: 7/10
Tom Holkenborg - Zack Snyder’s Justice League (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Blurb: A massive, damn-near four hour score from one of the year’s biggest movies, Tom Holkenborg has created a behemoth of a soundtrack for a behemoth of a movie.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/03/tom-holkenborg-zack-snyders-justice.html
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist - HARAM
Blurb: Accompanied by Alc’s psychedelic soundscape, billy woods and E L U C I D prove once again that they’re an unstoppable duo who always put their powerful lyrics at the forefront of the listener’s mind.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/03/armand-hammer-alchemist-haram-album_29.html
Anna Fox Rochinski - Cherry
Blurb: Quilt singer Anna Fox Rochinski drops her solo debut, with some of the most detailed production here. It’s the perfect album that would fit that late-night radio slow jam vibe.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/03/anna-fox-rochinski-cherry-album-review.html
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra - Promises
Blurb/Review: This minimalist, progressive jazz album will bring light into your life that some may not think are possible with music. This trio of collaborators is more of a mind-meld than your ordinary collaboration.
Score: 9/10
April
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END!
Blurb: Albeit a little belated, the famed Canadian group finally finds their footing with this atmospheric, monumental return to form of an album.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/godspeed-you-black-emperor-gds-pee-at.html
YUKIKA - timeabout,
Blurb: Easily the best k-pop project of this year so far, YUKIKA solidifies herself as one of the best k-pop figures working today with this small project. In casual terms, this is a certified hood classic.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/yukika-timeabout-ep-review.html
Taylor Swift - Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Blurb: The first of Swift’s re-recorded albums, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) goes back to her roots to showcase what made her famous, along with some quality of life improvements.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/taylor-swift-fearless-taylors-version.html
BROCKHAMPTON - ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE
Blurb: Everyone’s favorite boy band (at least outside of One Direction) with their best project since the Saturation trilogy, a psychedelic throwback with an emphasis on thematic, conceptual songs.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/brockhampton-roadrunner-new-light-new.html
Porter Robinson - Nurture
Blurb: Widely considered to be the best electronic album of the year, Porter Robinson is certainly giving the competition a run for their money with this spellbinding journey of an album.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/porter-robinson-nurture-album-review.html
Paysage d’Hiver - Geister
Blurb: This is one of the worst albums black metal outfit Paysage d’Hiver has made. If it made this list, this really must be something, huh?
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/paysage-dhiver-geister-album-review.html
The Alchemist - This Thing of Ours
Blurb: Some of the best abstract hip-hop of the year, The Alchemist assembles some of the underground’s most enigmatic figures for some of the best guest verses of the year. Alc doesn’t miss.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-alchemist-this-thing-of-ours-ep.html
Flying Lotus - Yasuke
Blurb: The soundtrack to the critically acclaimed anime of the same name, Flying Lotus’s seventh studio album is a career watermark, fusing his trademark funk/rap/R&B/electronic style with traditional Japanese music.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/flying-lotus-yasuke-album-review.html
May
Squid - Bright Green Field
Blurb: Even if there are no sea creatures involved, the post-rock group’s debut album is something to behold even in this massive wave of London-based post-rock bands.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/squid-bright-green-field-album-review.html
CZARFACE & MF DOOM - Super What?
Blurb: It’s pretty bittersweet to think that this is probably MF DOOM’s final studio album effort, but teaming up with rap supergroup CZARFACE for the second time makes for a great farewell.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/czarface-mf-doom-super-what-album-review.html
St. Vincent - Daddy’s Home
Blurb: *insert funny daddy sex joke here* But in all seriousness, St. Vincent’s return to music is fireworks across the board, especially with producer Jack Antonoff on board.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/st-vincent-daddys-home-album-review.html
J. Cole - The Off-Season
Blurb: After a three-year absence, the North Carolina rapper returns in prime form. He even brings some friends along the way which, if you don’t know, is a big deal.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/j-cole-off-season-album-review.html
Mach-Hommy - Pray for Haiti
Blurb: One of the most mysterious entities in hip-hop drops an album that can actually be found on popular streaming services, and it happens to be one of his best albums yet.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/mach-hommy-pray-for-haiti-album-review.html
Olivia Rodrigo - SOUR
Blurb: Pop-punk has found a new mainstream home in Olivia Rodrigo, who has created one of the best albums of the year by tapping into the emotions of Gen Z. Not a bad strategy.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/olivia-rodrigo-sour-album-review.html
Natalia Lafourcade - Un Canto por México, Vol. II
Blurb: Natalia Lafourcade commands the audio landscape on her latest studio effort. In other words, she’s a fucking boss.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/natalia-lafourcade-un-canto-por-mexico.html
June
Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee
Blurb: Michelle Zauner, a.k.a. Japanese Breakfast, brings joy into the music world with a mesmerizing and gorgeous listen across the board.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/japanese-breakfast-jubilee-album-review.html
Bo Burnham - Inside
Blurb: There are too many words to describe the emotions felt on Inside, a genuine contender for album of the decade and a cultural landmark that will be remembered for years.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/bo-burnham-inside-album-review.html
Wolf Alice - Blue Weekend
Blurb: The London rock outfit returns after four years with their most innovative and surprising album yet. If you like synthesizers, this is right up your alley.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/wolf-alice-blue-weekend-album-review.html
MIKE - Disco!
Blurb: It really feels like MF DOOM’s spirit came back into the Bronx rapper’s body to produce this new project because, well, Disco! is fucking great.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/mike-disco-album-review.html
Backxwash - I LIE HERE BURIED WITH MY RINGS AND MY DRESSES
Blurb: Horrorcore takes a twisted new turn on Backxwash’s anarchic display of power. I know that sounded dark, but hey, that’s a good description for it. Listen to it at night, if possible.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/backxwash-i-lie-here-buried-with-my.html
Your Old Droog - TIME
Blurb: New York rapper Your Old Droog takes you through a time-traveling experience with some of the best songwriting of the year across all genres.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/your-old-droog-time-album-review.html
Rebecca Black - Rebecca Black Was Here
Blurb: Rebecca Black is a name I never expected to hear in 2021, but boy am I glad I did. Black’s career has been revitalized for this new decade and should now be taken seriously as a pop star.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/rebecca-black-rebecca-black-was-here-ep.html
Below, you can find a chart of all of these albums for a good little recap. Let’s hope the second half of the year is just as good!
1: These aren’t ranked in any way. These are projects I liked categorized by month. 2: I’ll be offering my small thoughts on it, along with linking the full review. 3: There are albums that I’m gonna include that never got a full review. Those will have longer paragraphs and a rating. 4: Obviously, These are all my opinions, so if an album’s missing from this list, why don’t you comment on your favorite album of the year so far? Maybe your take on it will show something I missed! 5: All of these albums were released before June 25. So, even if I wanna put it on there, the new Tyler, the Creator album isn’t on this list. Let’s get into the best projects of 2021 in my opinion (so far).
January
Ashnikko - DEMIDEVIL
Blurb: For such a polarizing artist, Ashnikko is taking the pop-rap world by storm, and with DEMIDEVIL as her blade, she’ll cut down quite a bit of the competition.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/01/ashnikko-demidevil-mixtape-review.html
Jasmine Sullivan - Heaux Tales
Blurb: Jazmine Sullivan’s comeback is in full force, especially with how much good content there is in Heaux Tales. For such a small project, it’s a pretty cohesive EP that sucks the listener in.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/01/jazmine-sullivan-heaux-tales-ep-review.html
Maggie Lindemann - PARANOIA
Blurb: One of the best pop projects of the year, PARANOIA shows Maggie Lindemann blossoming into a pop revolutionary. It also helps that this little project has three of the best pop songs of the year so far.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/01/maggie-lindemann-paranoia-ep-review.html
Madlib - Sound Ancestors
Blurb: One of the most prolific and innovative producers working right now teams up with Four Tet to create a set of some of the most compelling hip-hop instrumentals in a long time, pulling from every corner to create something truly special.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/madlib-sound-ancestors-album-review.html
February
Conway the Machine & Big Ghost Ltd. - IF IT BLEEDS, IT CAN BE KILLED
Blurb: While Conway’s more trap-influenced album La Maquina is a standout album from this year, IF IT BLEEDS, IT CAN BE KILLED narrowly edges it out because of Big Ghost Ltd.’s grimy, trademark production.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/conway-machine-big-ghost-ltd-if-it.html
Black Country, New Road - For the first time
Blurb: I’m honestly not sure what else I could ask for from a debut album, as the rock group’s first album is some of the most exciting music of the year.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/black-country-new-road-for-first-time.html
slowthai - TYRON
Blurb: A double album of sorts, the Northampton rapper proves his worth on a double album, one part the punk-esque rapper we’ve come to know, the other a quieter and introspective wordsmith that’s set to impress the masses.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/02/slowthai-tyron-album-review.html
Black Dresses - Forever in Your Heart
Blurb: Even if they are disbanded, Black Dresses kind of put out an album…? Either way, Ada Rook and Devi McCallion have created an extremely harsh and edgy project that just exudes so much energy. It also doesn’t help that I was obsessed with this album for two months before actually reviewing it.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/black-dresses-forever-in-your-heart.html
Parannoul - To See the Next Part of the Dream
Blurb/Review: South Korean group Parannoul break onto the scene with an enthralling, emotional post-rock album that’s nothing like anything that’s come before it and probably won’t be anything like it after for a long time. I’m sad I didn’t get to do a full review of this.
Score: 9/10
March
Genesis Owusu - Smiling with No Teeth
Blurb/Review: Genesis Owusu is the lovechild of Death Grips, Steve Lacy and Thundercat. That’d be a good example to end with, but on Smiling with No Teeth, there’s a masterful blend of neo-soul, R&B, and hip-hop that sets the stage for one of R&B’s most exciting new acts.
Score: 7/10
Tom Holkenborg - Zack Snyder’s Justice League (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Blurb: A massive, damn-near four hour score from one of the year’s biggest movies, Tom Holkenborg has created a behemoth of a soundtrack for a behemoth of a movie.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/03/tom-holkenborg-zack-snyders-justice.html
Armand Hammer & The Alchemist - HARAM
Blurb: Accompanied by Alc’s psychedelic soundscape, billy woods and E L U C I D prove once again that they’re an unstoppable duo who always put their powerful lyrics at the forefront of the listener’s mind.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/03/armand-hammer-alchemist-haram-album_29.html
Anna Fox Rochinski - Cherry
Blurb: Quilt singer Anna Fox Rochinski drops her solo debut, with some of the most detailed production here. It’s the perfect album that would fit that late-night radio slow jam vibe.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/03/anna-fox-rochinski-cherry-album-review.html
Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra - Promises
Blurb/Review: This minimalist, progressive jazz album will bring light into your life that some may not think are possible with music. This trio of collaborators is more of a mind-meld than your ordinary collaboration.
Score: 9/10
April
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END!
Blurb: Albeit a little belated, the famed Canadian group finally finds their footing with this atmospheric, monumental return to form of an album.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/godspeed-you-black-emperor-gds-pee-at.html
YUKIKA - timeabout,
Blurb: Easily the best k-pop project of this year so far, YUKIKA solidifies herself as one of the best k-pop figures working today with this small project. In casual terms, this is a certified hood classic.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/yukika-timeabout-ep-review.html
Taylor Swift - Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Blurb: The first of Swift’s re-recorded albums, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) goes back to her roots to showcase what made her famous, along with some quality of life improvements.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/taylor-swift-fearless-taylors-version.html
BROCKHAMPTON - ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE
Blurb: Everyone’s favorite boy band (at least outside of One Direction) with their best project since the Saturation trilogy, a psychedelic throwback with an emphasis on thematic, conceptual songs.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/brockhampton-roadrunner-new-light-new.html
Porter Robinson - Nurture
Blurb: Widely considered to be the best electronic album of the year, Porter Robinson is certainly giving the competition a run for their money with this spellbinding journey of an album.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/04/porter-robinson-nurture-album-review.html
Paysage d’Hiver - Geister
Blurb: This is one of the worst albums black metal outfit Paysage d’Hiver has made. If it made this list, this really must be something, huh?
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/paysage-dhiver-geister-album-review.html
The Alchemist - This Thing of Ours
Blurb: Some of the best abstract hip-hop of the year, The Alchemist assembles some of the underground’s most enigmatic figures for some of the best guest verses of the year. Alc doesn’t miss.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-alchemist-this-thing-of-ours-ep.html
Flying Lotus - Yasuke
Blurb: The soundtrack to the critically acclaimed anime of the same name, Flying Lotus’s seventh studio album is a career watermark, fusing his trademark funk/rap/R&B/electronic style with traditional Japanese music.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/flying-lotus-yasuke-album-review.html
May
Squid - Bright Green Field
Blurb: Even if there are no sea creatures involved, the post-rock group’s debut album is something to behold even in this massive wave of London-based post-rock bands.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/squid-bright-green-field-album-review.html
CZARFACE & MF DOOM - Super What?
Blurb: It’s pretty bittersweet to think that this is probably MF DOOM’s final studio album effort, but teaming up with rap supergroup CZARFACE for the second time makes for a great farewell.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/czarface-mf-doom-super-what-album-review.html
St. Vincent - Daddy’s Home
Blurb: *insert funny daddy sex joke here* But in all seriousness, St. Vincent’s return to music is fireworks across the board, especially with producer Jack Antonoff on board.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/st-vincent-daddys-home-album-review.html
J. Cole - The Off-Season
Blurb: After a three-year absence, the North Carolina rapper returns in prime form. He even brings some friends along the way which, if you don’t know, is a big deal.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/j-cole-off-season-album-review.html
Mach-Hommy - Pray for Haiti
Blurb: One of the most mysterious entities in hip-hop drops an album that can actually be found on popular streaming services, and it happens to be one of his best albums yet.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/mach-hommy-pray-for-haiti-album-review.html
Olivia Rodrigo - SOUR
Blurb: Pop-punk has found a new mainstream home in Olivia Rodrigo, who has created one of the best albums of the year by tapping into the emotions of Gen Z. Not a bad strategy.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/05/olivia-rodrigo-sour-album-review.html
Natalia Lafourcade - Un Canto por México, Vol. II
Blurb: Natalia Lafourcade commands the audio landscape on her latest studio effort. In other words, she’s a fucking boss.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/natalia-lafourcade-un-canto-por-mexico.html
June
Japanese Breakfast - Jubilee
Blurb: Michelle Zauner, a.k.a. Japanese Breakfast, brings joy into the music world with a mesmerizing and gorgeous listen across the board.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/japanese-breakfast-jubilee-album-review.html
Bo Burnham - Inside
Blurb: There are too many words to describe the emotions felt on Inside, a genuine contender for album of the decade and a cultural landmark that will be remembered for years.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/bo-burnham-inside-album-review.html
Wolf Alice - Blue Weekend
Blurb: The London rock outfit returns after four years with their most innovative and surprising album yet. If you like synthesizers, this is right up your alley.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/wolf-alice-blue-weekend-album-review.html
MIKE - Disco!
Blurb: It really feels like MF DOOM’s spirit came back into the Bronx rapper’s body to produce this new project because, well, Disco! is fucking great.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/mike-disco-album-review.html
Backxwash - I LIE HERE BURIED WITH MY RINGS AND MY DRESSES
Blurb: Horrorcore takes a twisted new turn on Backxwash’s anarchic display of power. I know that sounded dark, but hey, that’s a good description for it. Listen to it at night, if possible.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/backxwash-i-lie-here-buried-with-my.html
Your Old Droog - TIME
Blurb: New York rapper Your Old Droog takes you through a time-traveling experience with some of the best songwriting of the year across all genres.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/your-old-droog-time-album-review.html
Rebecca Black - Rebecca Black Was Here
Blurb: Rebecca Black is a name I never expected to hear in 2021, but boy am I glad I did. Black’s career has been revitalized for this new decade and should now be taken seriously as a pop star.
Review: https://cordavisionrecords.blogspot.com/2021/06/rebecca-black-rebecca-black-was-here-ep.html
Below, you can find a chart of all of these albums for a good little recap. Let’s hope the second half of the year is just as good!
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