With the end of 2021 in sight, The Rockology would like to share with you its favorite albums of the year. Like all “Best of Lists”, this list is purely subjective. It is by no means complete, however it is a great representation of the music that caught my ear, and stayed with me throughout a challenging year.
- Allison Russell- Outside Child.
This album is special. This album is powerful. It covers the spectrum of all emotions. It could very easily be a pessimistic record, but it chooses not to be not. It’s an album of hope, strength, and overcoming adversity. If you are only going to check out one album from this list, make it this one. - Buffalo Nichols- Buffalo Nichols
If you are a fan of Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson, or Leadbelly, this album is for you! Buffalo Nichols updates the Mississippi Delta blues sound for the 21st century. The slide guitar on this record is out of this world. The lyrics are poetic. This is a great debut record. - Chris Thile- Laysongs
This is a challenging record. Thile has lost his faith, and is questioning how it happened. Laysongs is intimate. With just his mandolinist and his voice, Thile shares his struggles and longs to re-discover his spirituality. - Lord Huron- Long Lost
Lord Huron has quietly become one of the best bands in the country. From their lyrics to their musicianship, Lord Huron grows and becomes more confident. This is a great gateway album. If you want to learn what Lord Huron is about, this is the album to listen to. - José González- Local Valley
I was immediately reminded of Nick Drake the first time I listened to José González. Local Valley is a quiet, mediative album, that is deep and beautiful. I can’t wait to listen to more of González’s catalog of work. - Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi- They’re Calling Me Home
This album is a great mix of spirituals, root songs, and original compositions. Another great collaboration between Giddens and Turrisi. - Moby- Reprise
A great selection of classic Moby songs with a fresh coat of paint. Moby’s music works incredibly well in the classical music realm. A must listen to any fan of his. - Esperanza Spalding- songwrightsapothecarylab
This is a challenging album of abstract music. Never one to shy away from changing styles or experimenting, Spalding creates a great album of music connected back to central theme of using music to heal one’s soul. - Lake Street Dive- Obviously
A perfect example of how good Lake Street Dive is at writing catchy songs with incredible riffs and beats. A fun record to listen and dance to. - Amythyst Kiah- Wary+Strange
The hardest rocking album on this list. Kiah crafts an album of powerful lyrics about self acceptance and dope guitar riffs. - Left Vessel- One (and Driftless)
A great experimental record where a living tree is used as a musical instrument. To find out more, check out my interview with Left Vessel here. - Ringo Starr- Zoom In & Change the World EPs
I will defend Ringo’s solo catalog to my dying day. It’s fun, unadulterated pop music. His ‘Rock Around the Clock’ cover shows that, even at 81, Ringo still has it. - Sarah Neufeld- Detritus
I love violin music. I love experimental classical music with hints of indie rock in them. Neufeld’s Detritus has all three. If you like instrumental music, this album is for you. - St. Vincent- Daddy’s Home
A great love letter album to the 1970s New York music scene. St. Vincent, once again proves to be one of the top guitarists of the last 25 years. - Quiet Pterodactyl- Situation Chicago 2
A great compilation album, featuring some of the best artists on the Chicago music scene, helping to support independent music venues. For more information, check out Quiet Pterodactyl.
Honorable Mentions
- John Lennon- Plastic Ono Band 50th Anniversary Edition and Remastering
- George Harrison- All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition and Remastering
- The Beatles- Let It Be 50th Anniversary Edition and Remastering
All three of these albums sound amazing, have incredibly packaging, and once again reignite my love of The Beatles.