2021 IN MUSIC

Every year, I enjoy looking back on music which stood out to me. Mostly it is new music from that year, though sometimes a song from the past will make it onto my list of ones I play on repeat. Always, there is so much more music to discover, so much I didn't get to or didn't hear about. Music, like most art, is a wonder; there is such variety in what is produced, what resonates with whom, and what continues to last. 

 

Stand-Out Songs

The Pet Parade by Fruit Bats

The opening track begins softly, an almost hypnotic balance of sounds which wafts through the air. The lyrics are gentle statements which could be interpreted in different ways; for me, it felt like music which spoke to this strange current time, which I found comforting. 

"Here we are, once again here
Weird in our own ways
And we are floating along
We are all just floating along
Something is in our eyes
Surrounded by
Something inconceivable 
Even to the non-believers
I know it, you know it" 

Tender Mercies by Glen Hansard and Eddy Vedder, from the Flag Day soundtrack

I haven't seen the movie this song is from, and unless someone recommends it I'll likely skip it due to the poor reviews. However, the soundtrack is stellar. It was Glen Hansard's name which attracted me to it, and this song stood out among the rest. Sung with Hansard's signature guttural sound, as though it's the most important song he'll sing, I love how the melody rises and crashes around the vocals. 

"Oh, what I said, it's taken us
So long to learn, the world is
Falling down around us while
We wait our turn"

Right On Time by Brandi Carlile

Carlile's voice is one for the ages, and there are a handful of her songs which hold nothing back. Rising slowly and steadily, both her lyrics and vocals climb in intensity, taking the listener on a journey they can feel all the way to the crescendo, and after. 

"It's getting to the point where I can't carry on
I never held my breath for quite this long 
And I don't take it back, I did what I had to do"

Plus:

Always On My Mind by Nané

One Lovely Day by Citizen Cope (2012)

Weight Of The World by Jon Foreman

Comfortable by John Mayer (1999)

The Great Divide by The Shins

Distant Travelers by Mike Love (2012)

Hotel Lobby by Datura 

Jimmy Jimmy by Gorillaz 

Favorite Full albums:

Raise The Roof by Robert Plant and Allison Kraus

The first collaboration between these two artists happened fourteen years ago, and their reunion didn't disappoint. This collection brims with strong, heartfelt songs of love, betrayal, and redemption in the Americana style of music. Whether or not they will make more music together in the future, what can be said of this album is that it was certainly worth the wait. 

Sob Rock by John Mayer

Here, Mayer crafted a collection of songs which flows seamlessly one to the next. The album cover art is reminiscent of the early 2000's, a clever nod back to when he got his start. With his signature thoughtful lyrics and impressive guitar work, he's an artist who continues to not disappoint. 

Long Lost by Lord Huron

Somehow, I want to describe this artist's work as generally upbeat yet a little mellow. It's low but not slow; they have their own sound, and each album so far is easy to listen through on repeat. 

Star-Crossed by Kasey Musgraves

A master of clever lyrics and play on words, this collection is full of the conflicting emotions of the singer/songwriter's recent divorce. It's a raw and lovely offering, showing her strength as an artist who can go through a painful time and come out swinging. 

Plus:

Stand For Myself by Yola 

My Morning Jacket by My Morning Jacket 

Solar Power by Lorde

Chemtrails Over The Country Club and Blue Banisters by Lana Del Rey

Young Heart by Birdy 

The Pet Parade by Fruit Bats 


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