BEST OF 2021: ALBUMS
It’s been a crazy year for everyone in the music industry, so the team here at Square One share their list of their best albums from 2021.
#10 - BROCKHAMPTON - ROADRUNNER
WORDS BY DAN TSOUREKASFollowing GINGER, BROCKHAMPTON are back with ROADRUNNER, a highly energetic album reminding us that the collective still have the energy they introduced themselves with in the SATURATION trilogy. The variety of members and features carries this album to new heights, with songs like ‘BUZZCUT’, ‘CHAIN ON’ and ‘BANKROLL’ highlighting an otherwise perfect listen. Catchy instrumentals, great vocals and excellent track consistency make this record a highly repeatable one!
#9 - BADFLOWER - THIS IS HOW THE WORLD ENDS
WORDS BY NIKI DAVIDSONThis album is not afraid to hit on hard topics that the world faces today, including some more personal issues. With the band’s second studio album, we’re given a story within each song, which can easily be visualized. Songs such as ‘Tethered’ and ‘Machine Gun’ give a look into some darker sides of the world in which some may not even think about, such as military experiences and domestic violence and abuse. In all, this album, and band, are not afraid to make music in more sensitive topics, and in doing so, has made music that so many people can relate themselves to. With the songs written by singer, Josh Katz, fans can listen to this album knowing they are not alone in their journey.
#8 - FOO FIGHTERS - MEDICINE AT MIDNIGHT
WORDS BY TAYLOR DUFFYEncased with catchy choruses and punchy melodies, Foo Fighters’ tenth studio album made it’s debut in early 2021 and showed they are capable of more than grunge. Debuting as the bands first “pop orientated album,” it was a surprise to long-standing fans but far from a disappointment as it received a positive response.
#7 - MAYDAY PARADE - WHAT IT MEANS TO FALL APART
WORDS BY EMILY YOUNGMayday Parade are a band that never disappoint. The same goes for their latest album, with the perfect amount of nostalgia over the sound that makes Mayday Parade who they are, mixed with something new and sweet. They’re a band who know exactly who they are and who they want to be, and with each release they define this more and more without leaving their long-term fans behind.
#6 - CITIZEN - LIFE IN YOUR GLASS WORLD
WORDS BY EMILY YOUNGCitizen have steadily been taking over the world since their formation in 2009, and their fourth full length album only elevates that. Created in the Midwest from vocalist' Mat’s garage, the album draws many different angles from dance-club beat worthy tracks to their heavier sound, coming together to form a raw and cohesive body of work.
#5 - SLOWTHAI - TYRON
WORDS BY DAN TSOUREKASTYRON released in February this year and packed quite a punch, as it features a perfect balance of hyper-energetic beats and more intricate personal songs. Split into two discs the first one portrays the side of Slowthai that we’ve come to love from ‘Nothing Great About Britain’ with songs like ‘MAZZA’ and ‘PLAY WITH FIRE’ being the highlights. Disc 2 introduces us to Tyron, the person behind the persona, mixing calming beats with mental health topics that are sure to resonate with the audience. “push”, “feel away” and “adhd” are perfect highlights of this half. A must listen.
#4 - waterparks - greatest hits
WORDS BY NIKI DAVIDSONThe band, notorious for their alphabetical discography, returned from a short hiatus with singer, Awsten Knight, leaking a song that would go one to become the first single, ‘Lowkey as Hell.’ Through instrumentals and small features, Waterparks has surprises all throughout the album. From “Greatest Hits” to “See You In In The Future” (which the band changed the name to fit a fan’s tattoo mistake), the album has songs to hype you up as well as songs to make you cry. There’s no doubt, this is the band’s best release to date.
#3 - GRETA VAN FLEET - THE BATTLE AT GARDEN’S GATE
WORDS BY EMILY YOUNG Greta Van Fleet aren’t afraid to try something new. They’re arguably paving the way forward, and not everyone is on board that train. With masterful compositions and soothing vocals, the band are taking classic rock and roll to a whole new level.
#2 - WOLF ALICE - BLUE WEEKEND
WORDS BY EMILY YOUNGWith self-awareness and clarity comes Wolf Alice’s third album, an outstanding track list layered with harmonies and intense lyricism. Live on stage during endless touring or via a record player, this album is one you simply need to consume.
#1 - LIL NAS X - MONTERO
WORDS BY EMILY YOUNG Being a constant chart-topper is a given thing at this point for Lil Nas X. Ever since he bought a beat online for $30 which later turned into Old Town Road, the debut album has well and truly followed in the footsteps. Though masked behind confidence and musical variety, Lil Nas X opens up about his mental health, and the somber feeling only grows as you progress throughout the album. Montero is a masterpiece in it’s own right - if you picked a song from the record out of a hat, you’d be guaranteed to enjoy every single one of them.