#7—CTRL by SZA (2017)
I was thrilled to discover this year that SZA’s critically acclaimed debut album is indeed worth the hype. While some of the songs blend together, each features the singer-songwriter’s phenomenal voice and there are numerous stellar standouts. My favorites, “Broken Clocks” and “Garden (Say It like Dat),” are lyrical and sonic masterpieces, while hits like “The Weekend” and “Love Galore” keep me toe-tapping.
#6—The Last Five Years (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2014)
Not shockingly, I used some of my free time in 2021 to dive deep into new musical theatre obsessions, and The Last Five Years film soundtrack definitely falls into that category. Through heart-wrenching ballads, hilarious showstoppers, and everything in between, this musical tells the story of a young couple living in New York City whose relationship unfolds over the span of five years. However, the narrative is told through alternating perspectives, with the man singing his numbers in chronological order while the woman sings in reverse chronological order—moving backward from post-divorce to their first date. I love every number in this show, especially those sung by the woman, Cathy. It also doesn’t hurt that in the film version, her love interest Jamie is played by Jeremy Jordan, a vocal powerhouse and one of my Broadway icons.
#5—In the Meantime by Alessia Cara (2021)
Alessia Cara is one of my favorite artists and is, in my humble opinion, criminally underrated. The singer/songwriter is predominantly known for hit songs “Here” and “Scars to Your Beautiful,” but her most recent studio album proves that she has accumulated a lyrical depth and vocal maturity far beyond her early days of stardom. In the Meantime is Cara’s most vulnerable album yet, which is saying a lot considering her previous two albums are full of heartbreak anthems and songs that embody overthinking and anxiety. Tracks like “Best Days,” “Box in the Ocean,” and “Apartment Song,” are pillars in this poignant and volatile body of work, while “Sweet Dream” and “Drama Queen” prove that Cara still has the capacity to create über-catchy pop songs.
#4—MONTERO by Lil Nas X (2021)
Lil Nas X’s hits “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” played on a loop in my mind for most of 2021. These high-energy tracks are peppered throughout a fun but very introspective album, and Lil Nas X’s talent shines from start to finish. MONTERO covers heavy topics with a beautifully executed slew of personal—yet formidably catchy—songs such as “Dead Right Now,” “Thats What I Want,” and “Am I Dreaming.”
#3—Anastasia (Original Broadway Soundtrack) (2017)
The Anastasia musical holds a special place in my heart, and each song on this impeccable cast recording is bursting with heartwarming fun. Although the show isn’t a historically accurate account of the legendary lost tsarina, it is a captivating theatrical experience. The beautiful orchestrations, powerful solo ballads (including my favorite, “Journey to the Past”), and the vivacious duet and group numbers all come to life on the album and on stage—this was the only live theater production I got to see in 2021 and it was phenomenal!
#2—Red (Taylor’s Version) (2021)
Ah, of course, Ms. Swift has made an appearance on my top 7 music list, and with good reason. Her re-recorded version of her masterful album Red added a plethora of new songs, one of which is a long but captivating work of art called “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” The stunning new verses in this fan-favorite song alone makes the re-released album worth a listen, as do entirely new numbers like the heartbreaking “Nothing New” and the pop perfection that is “Message in a Bottle.” Furthermore, throughout Red (Taylor’s Version), Swift’s nuanced changes and mature vocals demonstrate her incredible journey as a musician, making the album a staple for any Swiftie—and any fan of an exquisitely executed coming-of-age breakup album.
#1—SOUR by Olivia Rodrigo (2021)
Speaking of coming-of-age breakup albums…if you thought I was enamored with Swift, you should just hear me talk about Rodrigo. This young star on the rise blew people away in 2021, and this album has scored her seven Grammy nominations. It’s no wonder, with show-stopping numbers like “good 4 u,” tender storytelling pieces like “hope ur okay,” and teen angst headbangers like my personal favorite, “brutal.” Having been a fan of Rodrigo’s since before she released her hit heartbreaking ballad “drivers license” I’m thrilled to see her getting the recognition she deserves from fans and critics alike. Here’s to hoping I can see her perform live one day—but until then I’ll just keep screaming the words to all eleven songs on SOUR in my car with the speakers blaring.
Honorable Mentions: You Signed Up For This by Maisie Peters, Kid Krow by Conan Gray, minor by Gracie Abrams, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST by Tyler, the Creator, Solar Power by Lorde, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift