Essential Music Releases of 2021 (So Far)

Print EIC Duncan’s favorite releases from a music-filled summer

Duncan Sligh, Co-Editor-in-Chief|August 23, 2021

There have not been many silver-linings to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the amount of suffering that has occurred over the last two years, it feels unfair and tone-deaf to try and point to any positives that have resulted from this new era.

That being said, most of the great musical artists of today have been trapped at home, with nothing much to do other than write and record music, and the results have been astounding.

This summer was packed with excellent music, especially from solo artists, so much so that I uncharacteristically fell behind on my listening itinerary several times throughout this year.

I am almost caught up, however, so here are just a handful of releases that I love.

I hope that listening to them might make this semester that much more enjoyable.

ALBUMS

LUCY DACUS – HOME VIDEO

I believe that we are currently in a golden-age of young, female singer-songwriters. This is clearly evident when looking at a supergroup like “Boygenius,” composed of rising superstar Phoebe Bridgers, industry-beloved Julien Baker and the immensely talented Lucy Dacus.

Despite being a little less popular than the other two in the group, I believe that Dacus is by far the most talented songwriter of the three.

The comparison between is not hard to make, in fact it’s almost inevitable. All three have released bombshell solo albums in the last year, but Dacus’s “Home Video” is simply astounding.

Intensely laid back, quietly emotional and devastatingly mature are just a few descriptors I would use for this album. Dacus feels effortlessly prolific on this release, like someone on a mission to save the planet while acting as if it’s business as usual.

JAPANESE BREAKFAST – JUBILEE

I love it when a solo artist creates the illusion of a full band, and while Michelle Zauner of “Japanese Breakfast” tours with her band, she is solely responsible for the music we hear in her recordings.

“Jubilee” is her best, brightest and most substantial release yet, with every song keeping the momentum of the album moving. Just try to listen to “Be Sweet” or “Paprika” without smiling, I dare you.

The composition and production quality of this album blows my mind. The instrumentation is never simple, it keeps you on your toes but never feels jarring, everything fits together perfectly like puzzle pieces.

This album is a statement. Michelle Zauner is NOT playing around, she is here to stay. Oh yeah, she also released her first book this year and is becoming a prolific filmmaker as well.

So you could say she’s had a relatively good year.

SINGLES

BIG THIEF – LITTLE THINGS/SPARROW

It’s hard not to fall in love with Adrienne Lenkler when listening to her songs. The lead singer, songwriter and frontwoman of “Big Thief” has been doing this at a high-level for some time now, and her skill is complemented by an ethereal aura that she brings with her everywhere she goes.

But this band has so many other strengths as well. Their guitarist Buck Meek (who released a lovely solo-album this year) has a beautiful connection to all of the band’s songs and it shows when watching him perform live.

Not only that, but the band’s drummer, James Krivchenia, is now flexing his production muscles.
These two new tracks, “Little Things” and “Sparrow” significantly benefit from Krivchenia’s production. His familiarity with the band and its strengths really comes through to make two great tracks.

Having a band member produce is often risky, but it really works with these two songs. I’m looking forward to their next album.

SOCCER MOMMY – ROM COM 2004

Why aren’t more people listening to this song? I have been a Soccer Mommy (Sophia Allison) fan for some time now, and I cannot figure out why she isn’t more popular.

Her combination of indie rock fundamentals and mid-2000’s pop influence is so much fun. I listened to her 2020 single “Circle the Drain” on repeat for months for this exact reason, and this song “Rom Com 2004” expands on everything I loved about that song.

The opening verse is fraught with glitchy craziness complemented by Allison’s bedroom-pop vocals. This creates a dissonant, experimental intro that then explodes into pure melody in the chorus, turning the pop hook up to its highest setting.

The dynamic between the verses and chorus is what makes this song so great. Also, be sure to check out the amazing music video. This is as clear of a vision as Allison has ever had for a song.

SHARON VAN ETTEN AND ANGEL OLSEN – LIKE I USED TO

This is a triumphant piece of music. This song is the result of two of the greatest songwriters of the 21st century trying to write a Springsteen song together, and absolutely nailing it.

This is an essential music video as well. Both Olsen and Etten are stunning as performers, singers and songwriters, and they are clearly both on top of their games.

The only thing I want now is an entire album of them together. It probably won’t happen, but a man can dream.

ALBUMS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO FINALLY LISTENING TO

I have not quite had the time to get to these yet, and it eats at me every day. These are just a few that I’m hoping to listen to as soon as possible.