Hello everybody! Happy New Year! It has been a while. School and work kept me very busy this year. It prevented me from writing a lot of blogs this year. With that said, nothing will stop me from telling you all my top 50 albums of the year. Even though no one asked. This year has been an amazing year for music. In my list, I have a mix of the biggest releases and some underground gems. Every album here is great in my opinion. Check out these albums if you haven’t done so already.
Without further ado here are my top 50 albums of the year for 2021!
50) Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever
49) Mach-Hommy – Pray For Haiti
48) CHAI – WINK
47) Chief Keef – 4 NEM
46) J. Cole – The Off-Season
45) Shelley FKA DRAM – Shelley FKA DRAM
44) Boldy James & The Alchemist – Bo Jackson
43) Vince Staples – Vince Staples
42) Olivia Rodrigo – Sour
41) Tony Allen – There Is No End
40) Adele – 30
39) EXUM – Xardinal Coffee
38) Zack Fox – shut the fuck up talking to me
37) IDK – USEE4YOURSELF
36) Kota The Friend & Statik Selektah – To Kill A Sunrise
35) Rejjie Snow – Baw Baw Black Sheep
34) Pink Siifu – GUMBO’!
33) serpentwithfeet – DEACON
32) Bo Burnham – Inside (The Songs)
31) St. Vincent – Daddy’s Home
30) Japanese Breakfast – Jubilee
29) Clairo – Sling
28) Nas – King’s Disease II
27) Conway The Machine – La Maquina
26) Paris Texas – BOY ANONYMOUS
25) Your Old Droog – Time
24) Porter Robinson – Nurture
23) Lil Nas X – MONTERO
22) Blu – The Color Blu(e)
21) CZARFACE & MF DOOM – Super What?
20) James Blake – Friends That Break Your Heart
19) GRIP – I Died For This!?
18) Armand Hammer & The Alchemist – Haram
17) Turnstile- GLOW ON
16) Weezer – OK Human
15) slowthai – TYRON
14) McKinely Dixon – For My Mama And Anyone Who Look Like Her
13) JPEGMAFIA – LP!
12) Black Country, New Road – For the first time
11) Tyler, the Creator – CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST
10) Genesis Owusu – Smiling with No Teeth
9) Magdelena Bay – Mercurial World
8) BROCKHAMPTON – ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW ROAD
7) Kanye West – DONDA
6) Injury Reserve – By the Time I Get to Phoenix
5) Backxwash – I LIE HERE BURIED WITH MY RINGS AND MY DRESSES
4) C. Tangana – El Madrileño
3) Spellling – The Turning Wheel
2) Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
1) Silk Sonic – An Even with Silk Sonic
Let me know what you think?
P.S. Just like last year, I have a Spotify playlist for my top 50 songs of 2021. Check it out! I also started list week on my YouTube channel (FancyMemo), if you are interested.
Hello everybody! Happy May! Sorry for not posting this article a lot sooner. Not going to lie, I have been slacking lately. This past month I didn’t listen to as much music as I would like. I’ve been too busy with work, studying and of course Animal Crossing. With that said I do think I’ve got a good monthly favorites for you all today. Lets just jump into it!
Song Honorable Mentions:
Tkay Maidza – Syrup: This will be Tkay Maidza’s year! I can see it now. Assuming Last Year Was Weird, Vol 3 is as good as Kim and Syrup, I can see Tkay blowing up even more than she has been. Tkay returns to a more aggressive sound. The production is pretty simple, but it slaps. I love how heavy the bass is. Tkay kills it as always. Her pen game is on point. She drops a lot of great one liners. I’m just obsessed with this track. I can’t wait for the new EP.
Rina Sawayama – Chosen Family (with Elton John): Although I have always enjoyed the original track, I did think there was something missing. I think the addition of Elton John fulfills the missing feeling. Not only is his performance amazing and grand, but I think the addition of his piano adds a lot to the production. I also think turning a track about friendship into a duet is such a great idea. I am so happy this exists. Rina and Elton sound so good together. It’s a match made in heaven.
Freddie Gibbs – Big Boss Rabbit: At this point there is no stopping Freddie Gibbs. Every time he is on the mic he reminds everybody that he is one of the best MC’s right now. He makes rapping seem effortless. In this track he is rapping over a cool trap beat with a Nas sample tying everything together. Although the beat is cool, Freddie can rap over nails on a chalkboard and that song will still be amazing. I know Gibbs is dropping an album this year, so I hope he continues his winning streak.
EP Honorable Mentions:
Dev Lemons – Lemontopia: I have mentioned in the past that Tik Tokers and YouTubers should know their place and never drop music because most of the time the outcome is not good. Dev Lemon is an exception. The quirky personality she shows off in her Tik Toks appears in the spacious bedroom pop production that is displayed on Lemontopia. The instrumentals make me feel like I am floating on clouds. I am surprised at how good of a singer she is. For some reason she sounds like Kali Uchis to me. This EP is only 4 tracks with a run time of 8 minutes. It is definitely worth a listen.
The Alchemist – This Thing Of Ours: The Alchemist is by far one of the most consistent producers out right now. I don’t remember the last time he has missed in recent history. In this EP he brings in guests to rap over these beautiful lofi beats. He got Earl Sweatshirt and Navy Blue to start off the EP. Both Sideshow and Boldy James kill it on their verse on the very next track. Pink Stiifu and Maxo did their thing on the third track. Earl shows up again on the last track. I think the Alchemist does a great job at providing the foundation needed for his guest to thrive. Give this EP a listen. The second half of the EP is the instrumentals from the previous four tracks, so if you didn’t like any of the features at least you got the beats.
Cordae – Just Until….: I forgot how good of a rapper Cordae is. Cordae is really spitting on this EP. Something that Cordae doesn’t get enough credit for is the way he can adapt into different rap styles. On the first track, Cordae is being introspective with Q-Tip. Two tracks later, Cordae is being braggadocious with Young Thug. In this short EP, Cordae is showing off his skill set and preparing the listeners for his next album. He said his next album is coming soon, so that’s good. I’m excited!
Album Honorable Mentions:
Thom Moot – Thomfoolery: This is by far one of the most unique albums I have listened to this year. Stylistically this album is all over the place. The first track is a fiery grunge cut. He has several other rock tracks, but there are also a lot of interesting detours. For example, “Alien Invasion Rag” starts off with an old western piano playing, but then an alien invasion happens around the midpoint. The following track sounds like an intergalactic space battle to me. Thom does a great job at making a story with his music. If you are interested in a weird experience give this album a shot.
Kenny Mason – Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut: Kenny Mason is someone you want to keep an eye on. He is such a breath of fresh air in the rap landscape. The beats he raps on are so dark and heavy. His rapping is insane. Although he could be laid back and monotone at times, when he wants to rap he raps. His technical ability is mind blowing. Believe it or not this rap album isn’t just a rap album. “Play Ball” is a straight up punk song. He is rapping over metal guitars on “Pup”. Although I do prefer the traditional rap songs, I do admire this album’s creativity. I really want to know what direction Kenny’s sound goes to in the future.
Flying Lotus – Yasuke: Yasuke is a pleasant surprise. I had no idea Flying Lotus was dropping an album this year. Let alone an album for a Netflix show. As always expect a weird, hypnotic, spacy, and serene ride when diving into a Flying Lotus album. Something that makes this album different is that since the album is for an anime based on Japanese samurais, this album takes influence from Japanese music. It’s a cool change of pace for Flying Lotus. I think he did a phenomenal job. Put on some good headphones, lay on your bed, close your eyes, and give this album a listen.
Favorite Song of The Month:
Little Simz – Introvert: If you told me before this song dropped that Little Simz was dropping an album I would have been excited, but now I am counting down the days until it drops in September. I literally can’t wait! This tack is one of the best songs I heard this year. It might be my favorite Little Simz song. As always, Little Simz kills it lyrically. I love how conscious and focused she is. With that said, I think the instrumentation is what steals the show for me. I love how big and grand it is. You can tell they took the time to perfect this instrumental. If Little Simz’s next album has amazing bars and instrumentals like these throughout the entire track list then its game over. Every artist should might as well pack their bags and take a break until next year because Little Simz will take album of the year if her next album is as good as Introvert.
Favorite EP of The Month:
Kero Kero Bonito – Civilisation II: With only three tracks, Kero Kero Bonito blows my mind with their second installment of their Civilization series. The trio are back with their signature cute and colorful musical styling, but with more of an electropop sound. The trio uses this cute style to sing about what the world is going through during the pandemic. The second track of the album is basically a day of their life during the very beginning of the pandemic. The innocent observation they give in “21/04/20” is very interesting. The following track “Well Rested” gives the listener some hope. Sarah reminds the listener the human race has gone through a lot already. At this point nothing will be able to take down the human race. The production is insane on this track. In February, I named “The Princess and the Clock” as my song of the month. I love that song, but “Well Rested” is even better. This EP is amazing. I can’t recommend it enough.
Favorite Album of The Month:
BROCKHAMPTON – ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE: BROCKHAMPTON seems to never disappoint. The boys are back with the first of two albums they are releasing. Even if they end up not dropping a second album this year I will be happy because ROADRUNNER is amazing. They basically took elements from their past work and put it all together. If you miss their Saturation series and you want bangers go listen to “BANKROLL” with A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg. If you want to listen to something similar to Iridescence check out “BUZZCUT” with Danny Brown. If you love the GINGER era try out “COUNT ON ME”. Do you feel like crying? Go listen to “THE LIGHT”. I can go on and on. There’s something for everybody. Even if you don’t end up enjoying the entire album like me, I guarantee you there is a song for you in this album.
These are my monthly favorites! Let me know what you have been listening to!
Hello everybody! Happy New Year! So I am going to do something different this month. I usually write an article about my favorite music of the month, but since the shit show we call 2020 just ended I rather rank 50 of my favorite albums from 2020. Starting today on my YouTube channel I will be starting list week. I will be talking about my favorite and least favorite music from 2020. My top 50 albums video is the last video I will be uploading, but I think it would be a good idea to release my list early here on Indie Pong.
Although I think I have a pretty good list I do have a couple disclaimers. First of all, I kind of cheated. This list is called my top 50 albums of the year, but I do have a few EP’s in the list. Also, I know this is an indie music blog, but I do have some mainstream albums in the list. There has been several mainstream albums I enjoyed this year, so I would feel weird not to include them in my list. With that said, I don’t think my list is that bad. I am honestly proud of it. 2020 might be a shitty year, but at least there has been a lot of great albums released in 2020.
Without further ado here is my top 50 albums of the year for 2020!
50) Kota the Friend – EVERYTHING
49) Lady Gaga – Chromatica
48) Joji – Nectar
47) Bad Bunny – YHLQMDLG
46) Rico Nasty – Nightmare Vacation
45) Jme – Grime MC
44) SAULT – Untitled (Black Is)
43) Aminé – Limbo
42) Logic – No Pressure
41) Thundercat – It Is What It Is
40) Nas – King’s Disease
39) 070 Shake – Modus Vivendi
38) 21 Savage & Metro Boomin – Savage Mode II
37) Yves Tumor – Heaven To A Tortured Mind
36) Childish Gambino – 3.15.20
35) Action Bronson – Only For Dolphins
34) Deante’ Hitchcock – BETTER
33) Tame Impala – The Slow Rush
32) Jean Dawson – Pixel Bath
31) Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia
30) Blu & Exile – Miles
29) Fionna Apple – Fetch The Bolt Cutters
28) R.A.P. Ferreira – Purple Moonlight Pages
27) Qualle Chris & Chris Keys – Innocent Country 2
26) Kid Cudi – Man On The Moon III: The Chosen
25) Benny The Butcher – Burden of Proof
24) Oliver Tree – Ugly is Beautiful
23) Kali Uchis – Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞
22) Black Thought – Streams of Thought, Voll:3 Cane & Able
21) JPEGMAFIA – EP!
20) The Koreatown Oddity – Little Dominiques Nosebleed
Now that the majority of the U.S. population is taking steps toward social distancing, it’s peaceful to know that we can still count on good new music coming in. Although we can’t see the artist’s live, jumping up and down, sticking out their tongues, and riffing on their guitars, we are still thirsty for quality sounds. Music will ease us through the next few months of staring out our windows and I am standing at your door, with virtual arms wide!
If you like listening to any of these artists, I suggest purchasing their CDs or merchandise from their websites because they are suffering financially. Caroline Rose is accepting donations to her Venmo account (@caroline-rose-4) and a lot of them have online tip jars. These artists depend on the money from their tours and being nice will make you smile! Happy people don’t shoot their husbands!
Heavy Light – U.S. Girls
This album is exquisitely lost in an existential moment and I’m loving how emotive Meghan Remy is. Now is the perfect time to linger in some tunes that reflect on grief. In all seriousness, I’m looking for someone to gush over this new album with. The songs that I could get lost in forever are IOU, Denise, Don’t Wait, and Born to Lose. The song that grabbed me initially is And Yet It Moves / Y Se Mueve.
græ: Part 1 – Moses Sumney
Moses Sumney’s album is off to a good start, if this is part 1! It sounds familiar, like a museum you went to when you were younger, but it’s now more lavish and hip. The range of his voice is incredible and it feels like a fusion that’s hard to simplify into one genre. His music is similar to Solange’s in that it will grow on you, the more you dig in. My favorite songs from it are Cut Me, Virile and In Bloom.
Man Alive! – King Krule
This hits the spot on a rainy day or a day when you feel like no one gets you. Or when you want to scream, but in a goth way and you aren’t allowed out of your house. I was pulled in by Alone, Omen 3 at first, but Stoned Again and Underclass got me thinking deeper upon further listens. He’s angry and gutting through life with honest might and it sounds good.
The Slow Rush – Tame Impala
Tame Impala, everyone’s favorite psychedelic rock-star has given us another fleshy record. Each song has so many layers on top of each other, there is breathing room to live inside. It’s a compelling and mature album to say the least. My favorite songs are Posthumous Forgiveness, Borderline, and One More Year.
The Price of Tea in China – Boldy James and The Alchemist
The Price of Tea in China hits the spot when you are driving in your car at night. It isn’t trying too hard. It’s sounds manage to be both calm and suspenseful at the same time. My favorite songs? Surf & Turf, Pinto and S.N.O.R.T.
Swimmer – Tennis
Tennis took this album to a new level, as Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley reflect on the difficulties of pushing through tumultuous times with a soft pop sound. This album is self-produced by Patrick and Alaina and it feels like I’m on an Island, learning how to swim again. The demos were recorded in their sailboat (dream couple) with an acoustic guitar and drum sequencer. My favorite songs are Runner, How to Forgive, and Need Your Love.
color theory – Soccer Mommy
This album takes more stylistic edges than Sophie Allison’s prior work. It’s tangible and funky (in a good way). The standouts are crawling in my skin, circle the drain, and yellow is the color of her eyes.
Which Way is Forward? – Obongjayar
Obongjayar’s voice is so beautiful and husky on this EP (basically an album). The architecture of the songs is wondrous and catchy. I accidentally stumbled into him after seeing that he collaborated on two of the songs in Danny Brown’s last album (uknowhatimsayin¿ and Belly of The Beast). My favorite songs from this EP are God’s Own Children, 10K, and Soldier Ant.
Silver Tongues – TORRES
The new TORRES album seems like an intimate conversation about love- she has admitted that she uses her girlfriend, Jenna Gribbon as a subject for her art. Jenna Gribbon painted the cover of this album, so it seems like both of them are each other’s muses. The album’s writing is refreshing and demands ears. My favorite songs are Dressing American, Good Grief, and A Few Blue Flowers.
Suite for Max Brown – Jeff Parker
This jazz album, Suite for Max Brown is comprised of people I wish I were cool enough to be best friend’s with. It has experimental sounds that are both enchanting and groovy. The cover of the album is a photo of Jeff Parker’s mother- so sweet! My favorite songs from this album are After the Rain, Gnarciss, and Del Rio.
Likewise – Frances Quinlan
Her indie-rock album follows a voice which takes frantic and soothing turns at the times you would least expect. She has a great sense of humor and a unique way of twisting soft and large sounds. My favorite songs are Rare Thing, Your Reply, and Detroit Lake.
The Neon Skyline – Andy Shauf
Andy Shauf’s self-produced album has a nice cadence and his descriptions really set the scene. It feels like I’m at a bar with Andy, clinking a drink and feeling uncomfortable about saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. My favorite songs are Fire Truck, Where Are You Judy, and Living Room.
Purple Moonlight Pages – R.A.P. Ferreira
Rory Allen Philip Ferreira’s rap album is all-encompassing freedom. These are some poetry beats I want to dance to and reflect on. My favorite songs are Laundry, Greens, and Mythical.
Every Bad – Porridge Radio
Every Bad is a conversational rock album, where she suddenly yells and aches in a beautiful way. Listen to it and you will feel understood. My favorite songs are Sweet, Don’t Ask Me Twice, and Give/Take.
Desire – Desire Marea
Desire Marea’s experimental album sounds holy and spine-chilling. It’s full of South African sounds that come across as sacred. The most memorable songs are Tavern Kween, You Think I’m Horny, and Self Center.
Superstar – Caroline Rose
Superstar is brimming with character and is genuinely fun to listen to. It’s about fame and how much it’s really worth. I’m most pulled in by the songs, Freak Like Me, Do You Think We’ll Last Forever?, and Command Z.
Please Daddy – Sarah Mary Chadwick
Sarah Mary Chadwick’s album is heavy and organic sounding. It’s the kind of morose music that swings in a cathartic way. My favorite songs are When Will Death Come, Let’s Fight, and If I Squint.
