In a year where the world struggled to overcome the continuing impact of COVID-19, a slew of great artists released masterworks created amidst the most challenging of times. Rather than attempt to rank my favorite 21 albums, they are listed alphabetically by the name of the solo artist or group. I have also included an additional 10 notable albums in my "Honorable Mentions" list at the bottom of this post...Robert Kinsler
Title: Ruthless (EMI Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam
Tell me more: Acclaimed country artist Gary Allan returned in 2021 with Ruthless, his first new studio album since 2013. Few country artists can sing about heartache and romantic desolation with the affecting touch of Allan, and the California native proves that across his eagerly-awaited 13-track return. The winning '80s-mining "Temptation," stirring mid tempo title track, reflective acoustic gem "Trouble Knows Trouble" and infectious "Waste Of A Whiskey Drink" mine that territory in spades. Allan uses his signature baritone on other moving tracks across the disc including the sweeping country rocker "Till It Felt Like You," lovely ballad "Pretty Damn Close" and atmospheric closer "The Hard Way." Information: GaryAllan.com.
Title: In These Silent Days (Low Country Sound/Elektra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Indigo Girls, Margo Price, Brandi Carlile
Tell me more: Six-time Grammy Award winning artist Brandi Carlile returned with her astounding In These Silent Days, a 10-track album that fully showcases the American singer-songwriter's amazing alto lead vocals and ability to mine emotion with each note. Although primarily categorized as part of the alternative country and Americana genres, Carlile's Dave Cobb- and Shooter Jennings-produced effort features selections spanning a myriad of styles. Indeed, In These Silent Days should introduce even more discerning listeners to her music. The gorgeous ballad "This Time Tomorrow" and equally tender "Letter To The Past," acoustic "Mama Werewolf" and "When You're Wrong," genre-defying rocker "Sinners, Saints and Fools" and poignant disc closer "Throwing Good After Bad" all resonate with immediate and palpable power. Listen to Carlile's searing and soaring vocals on the country rocker "Broken Horses" where her performance has her scaling sonic and emotional heights with artistic power and otherworldly ease. Information: BrandiCarlile.com.
Title: In Another World (Universal Music Enterprises)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, Matthew Sweet, The Smithereens
Tell me more: Enduring rock outfit Cheap Trick returned this year with In Another World, the quartet's first new album since 2017's Christmas Christmas holiday celebration. No band has ever fused power pop with hard rock as powerfully as the Rockford, Illinois-spawned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and that is very much in evidence across their latest LP. Singer Robin Zander's signature vocals are as sharp as ever; just listen to the driving rocker "Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll" (bolstered by Rick Nielsen's fiery guitar work) and even heavier "Light Up The Fire" (which recalls the AC/DC meets Beatles approach of the Smithereens' best material). The parade of tracks is charged from start to finish; the shimmering harmonies-filled opener "The Summer Looks Good On You," tuneful "Quit Waking Me Up," Beatlesque "Passing Through" and inspired take on John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth" are among my other faves. Originally set to be released in late 2018, In Another World was delayed by the arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It was worth the wait. Information: CheapTrick.com.
Title: Screen Violence (Glassnote Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Chvrches, The Cure, Two Door Cinema Club
Tell me more: Chvrches returned in 2021 with their ambitious fourth album, Screen Violence. The Scottish synth-pop trio (Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, Martin Doherty) recorded the album during the global pandemic, working remotely on two different sides of the Atlantic. The shimmering opener "Asking for a Friend" is at once a dance-styled invitation and reflective sortie into these uncertain times. Other songs continue to showcase Mayberry using her signature soprano in songs that explore fear, isolation, rejection and loneliness with tuneful candor. The wistful "California," darkly euphoric "Violent Delights," propulsive "Nightmares" and synth-swept rock closer "Better If You Don't" are among the wonderful cuts on "Screen Violence." My favorite track is the towering "How Not To Drown," a bewitching duet featuring Mayberry sharing lead and tandem vocals with The Cure's Robert Smith. Information: chvrch.es.
Title: Superstate (Superstate)
You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Gorillaz, Blur
Tell me more: Graham Coxon's Superstate is actually a collection of 15 tracks composed and recorded in connection with a graphic novel written by Alex Paknadel and Helen Mullane. To be clear, Superstate works wonderfully as an immersive listening experience apart from the companion 124-page graphic novel. The driving synth-pop gem "Yoga Town" features guest vocalist Valentina Pappalardo, is an inviting opener. The funky "Uncle Sam" features stylish guitar and electro disco romp "Only Takes A Stranger" (both with guest vocals from Rahel Debbie-Dessalegne) and the experimental Neo-classical "L.I.L.Y" are early nuggets on the album. "The Astral Light" blends disco, electronic and experimental sonic forces with the vocals of Pappalardo and Sharlene Hector bolstering the dystopian vibe. The dance floor-ready "Heaven (Buy a Ticket)," "The Ball of Light" and "Goodbye Universe" along with the soul-mining "Butterfly" and evocative "We Remain" also shine on the ambitious collection. Both Coxon's Superstate soundtrack and the companion graphic novel (released by Z2 Comics) are available on amazon.com. Information: GrahamCoxon.com.
Title: Dreamers Are Waiting (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Crowded House, Del Amitri, Paul McCartney, Neil Finn
Tell me more: One of rock's great genuine treasures, Crowded House returned this year with Dreamers Are Waiting. The Australian outfit's first new album since 2010's Intriguer, the new 12-track collection equals the strength of their previous recordings stretching back to their 1986 eponymous-titled debut. Singer-songwriter Neil Finn and company have crafted a collection that is as tuneful as it is impactful. The driving electronica-tinged "Whatever You Want" tackles human nature with the precision of a surgeon's knife; the melodic bounce comes in the service of Finn's wit: "The people will tell you whatever you want...Every night and every day / Some will fall upon their swords in order that / They might serve the greater good / But don't believe a word of it." The yearning melodic rocker "Playing With Fire" is infectious to be sure, but it is Finn's soulful lead vocals, the surrounding Burt Bacharach-mining harmony touches and bold horn section-bolstered arrangement that collectively make for something extra special. The dreamy expanse of "Bad Times Good," "Show Me The Way" and "Goodnight Everyone" reveal the rich diversity of Crowded House's approach. The lovely "Start of Something" – with its rich harmonies – recalls the magic of the Beach Boys' late-60s discography but laced with a modern touch. The soulful "Real Life Woman," animated "Love Isn't Hard At All" and mischievous "To The Island" are among the other gems on the essential set. Information: CrowdedHouse.com.
Title: Fatal Mistakes (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: Fountains of Wayne, Gin Blossoms, Crowded House
Tell me more: In mid-2021 Del Amitri released Fatal Mistakes, the Scottish quintet's first new full-length album since 2002 (Can You Do Me Good?). To say this writer loves Fatal Mistakes is an understatement; the band's blend of power pop tunefulness and lyrical melancholy is fully on display across the 13-track masterwork. On the surface, the shimmering opener "You Can't Go Back" might well be about a couple determined to rekindle the romance of their youth, but the song's concealed power hints at life itself and how each moment is worth celebrating no matter the cost. Mortality, love and time are explored with artful candor by singer-songwriter/bassist Justin Currie, lead guitarist-songwriter Iain Wallace Harvie, drummer Ash Soan, guitarist-songwriter Kris Dollimore and keyboardist Andy Alston. The mood-swept "All Hail Blind Love," luxurious "Close Your Eyes and Think Of England," melodic rocker "Losing The Will To Die," stirring "Otherwise" and reflective "Second Staircase" are among the ear candy tracks that bewitch with a single listen. The Americana-flavored "Mockingbird, Copy Me Now" and "Missing Person" are among the other nuggets on a fantastic album. Information: DelAmitri.Info.
Title: Saturday in Nowhereland (Farrington)
You might like if you enjoy: ELO, The Lickerish Quartet, Badfinger, Cheap Trick, Pugwash
Tell me more: When you listen to Farrington's 2021 album Saturday in Nowhereland prepare to be wowed. The songs often turn on a dime, blending tuneful melodic rock, psychedelic stylings, power pop and other sonic genres masterfully. The bewitching title track, delightfully dark "The Loner," Cheap Trick-flavored "Damsel In Distress" and ambitious "Assassins" are early-LP standouts. Saturday in Nowhereland continues its winning momentum with the melodic rocker "Emily Lovelight," gorgeous "Turning It Up Too Loud Again," boundless "A Day At The Beach," euphonic "Anatomic" and sumptuous "The Switchblade Symphony." In addition to the top-tier talents of singer-guitarist-keyboardist Farrington (James Patrick Phelan), drummer Marcos de la Cruz and bassist Henry Clift, a who's who of musical guests appears on the disc; Jon Auer (The Posies, Big Star), Eric Dover (Jellyfish, Imperial Drag), John Easedale (Dramarama), Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (The Lickerish Quartet, Beck) and Bryan Shaddix (The Tickets) are a few of the notables who contribute to the magic. Information: FarringtonMusic.com.
Title: No Gods No Masters (Infectious Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Garbage, The Pretenders
Tell me more: Garbage has returned with a deluxe two-disc album Go Gods No Masters, the band's seventh studio album and first full-length effort since 2016's Strange Little Birds. This is an album that finds singer Shirley Manson, co-producer/drummer/guitarist Butch Vig, guitarist Duke Erikson and guitarist Steve Marker tackling hot topics with a no-holds-barred assault. Indeed, the opening sortie "The Men Who Rule The World," electro-goth graced "Waiting For God," dance floor-ready "Godhead" and the title track are especially powerful songs that resonate in the here and now. From the release of the band's groundbreaking self-titled debut in August 1995, Garbage was celebrated as a unique artist able to artfully blend synth and alt rock sounds with grace and force (a style sometimes referred to by the band as "sci-fi pop"); the new track "Wolves" continues in the tradition as Manson sings "Which one of my two wolves will I give my attention to tonight? Which one will I decide to feed? Which one will I decide to fight?" – "The Creeps," "Uncomfortably Me" and New Order-mining "Flipping the Bird" are also immersed in that intoxicating fusion of disparate genres. The second disc of the special edition is loaded with bonus tracks that are terrific. My favorites include their 2017 standalone original "No Horses," a brilliant reworking of David Bowie's “Starman”, an inspired take on the Bruce Springsteen/Patti Smith nugget “Because the Night” (featuring Screaming Females) and “Destroying Angels,” the latter a 2018 single with Exene Cervenka and John Doe of the legendary Los Angeles punk band X. Information: garbage.com.
Title: The Battle at Garden's Gate (Republic)
You might like if you enjoy: Greta Van Fleet, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company
Tell me more: There is a common oft-repeated perception that rock music is dead. Don't tell that to rising young rock quartet Greta Van Fleet, whose epic full-length sophomore album The Battle at Garden's Gate was released in April 2021. The Frankenmuth, Michigan-spawned outfit followed up their outstanding 2018 full-length debut Anthem of the Peaceful Army with a 12-track Greg Kurstin-produced album that is decidedly ambitious and filled with songs that simultaneously challenge and entice the listener. The evocative seven-minute "Age of Machine," luxurious "Broken Bells" (which spans from ballad to soaring anthem over its daring run) and absorbing "Heat Above" tap into everything that lovers of classic '70s rock love so much; dynamic performances featuring a mighty lead singer (Josh Kiszka's voice is a wonder), killer solos that masterfully propel each song's arc (lead guitarist Jake Kiszka delivers), and a strong rhythm section (bassist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner). Every track is crucial; other exceptional originals include the dazzling "Built By Nations," acoustic-flavored "Tears By Rain" and electrifying "The Barbarians." Information: GretaVanFleet.com.
Artist: Richard X. Heyman Title: Copious Notes (Turn-Up Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Keene, Paul McCartney
Tell me more: It's not a surprise that a long list of terrific studio albums were released throughout 2021. During the global pandemic when artists were unable to tour many focused their creative energies on writing and recording new music. Such is the case with Richard X. Heyman's outstanding 14th album Copious Notes, a 12-track set recorded at The Kit Factory, a home studio he shares with his wife Nancy Leigh (she produced, played bass and contributed backing vocals on the album) in New York. Heyman handles lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, percussion and keyboards while a handful of guests play horns and strings to enhance the soundscape on the marvelous album. The parade of tuneful and inspired melodic rock is a constant on the fast-moving set, spanning from the undeniable lead-off cut "Nearly There" and shimmering "Choices We Make" to the gorgeous Baroque pop-flavored "Cedarbrook Park," soulful rocker "Sink Or Swim," driving power pop standouts "The Truth" and "Return To You" along with the lovely chamber pop original "But Our Love." Heyman's songs are further bolstered by his insightful and reflective lyrics that chronicle love, loss and the world around us. Information: richardxheyman.com.
Artist: I See Hawks in L.A.
Title: On Our Way (Western Seeds Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons, John Doe
Tell me more: While the world has changed in monumental and challenging ways since I See Hawks in L.A. released their previous album Hawks with Good Intentions in September 2019, the Los Angeles troupe's 2021 album On Our Way offers the perfect chance to reconnect with the beauty around us. On the alt country quartet's On Our Way the efforts of singer-guitarist Rob Waller, multi-instrumentalist/backing vocalist Paul Lacques, bassist-vocalist Paul Marshall and percussionist-vocalist Victoria Jacobs to stay connected by songwriting via FaceTime and completing recording remotely during the pandemic astound. This is a beautiful and soul-stirring set of songs that defies the angry shouting heard on 24-hour cable news in favor of songs about "Geronimo, Muhammad Ali, the Faulknerian dilemma, in language sometimes more abstract and mirroring than narration" (according to press notes) as well as "...classic Hawks train beats and country rockers about Marin Wiccans, London mod dub hippie markets and the [un]certainties of love and broken hearts." Indeed, the range of topics is equaled by the musical depth displayed on the collection. From the lovely mandolin- and pedal steel guitar-adorned Americana opening gem "Might've Been Me" and authentic countrified "On Our Way" to the spoken word neo-trance blues of "Mississippi Gas Station Blues" and psychedelia-laced "Kensington Market" and poignant "Geronimo" I See Hawks in L.A. creates songs that tap into authentic country, roots, bluegrass and folk stylings with amazing warmth and might. A number of guest performers help further bring the rich tapestry of songs to life. Information: iseehawks.com.
Artist: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
Title: 662 (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jr.
Tell me more: Only 22, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram is already a top-tier vocalist, bona fide guitar hero and true original. Likely the most dynamic blues-rock guitar master of his generation, the Clarksdale, Mississippi native's sophomore album 662 is required listening. Sure his guitar playing will blow you away, but like genre champions ranging from Buddy Guy and Walter Trout to Gary Clark Jr. and Eric Gales, Ingram has found his own voice in ways that impress and dazzle. On the soulful "Another Life Goes By," Ingram uses his expressive baritone to ask: "Where does hate come from and how can we make it stop? / We got to make some changes before somebody else gets shot / We need to pay attention to all the helpless cries / we got to stop the madness before another life goes bye." He turns on a dime for the powerful confessional blues rocker "Not Gonna Lie," an intoxicating track where he notes how his guitar playing was his way out of poverty and an uncertain future; his masterful rhythm and lead guitar playing is flawless and electrifying. On the soul-styled ballads "You're Already Gone" and "That's All It Takes," Ingram's emotive vocals take the listener into a cliche-free immersion into romantic loss — his subtle guitar work makes the listen all the more potent. Those who simply want to revel in his incredible guitar fireworks, listen to "662," "My Bad," "I Got To See You" and "Long Distance Woman." Information: ChristoneKingfishIngram.com.
Title: Queens of the Summer Hotel (SuperEgo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Aimee Mann
Tell me more: Aimee Mann began to craft new music for what would be her latest album Queens of the Summer Hotel back in 2018 after she agreed to write songs for a stage adaptation of "Girl, Interrupted," author Susanna Kaysen's memoir about her psychiatric hospitalization in the late 1960s. The subject matter was perfectly suited to Mann, whose 2017 album was even titled Mental Illness. While the coronavirus pandemic put the "Girl, Interrupted" project on hold, Mann decided to collect the songs into Queens of the Summer Hotel, her 10th studio album. Mann's otherworldly ability to craft songs that are literate, melodic and layered shines across Queens of the Summer Hotel, the album's soundscape bolstered by acoustic piano, strings, woodwinds and horns. The Baroque pop gem "Home By Now," probing "Little Chameleon," sumptuous "Suicide Is Murder," soaring "Burn It Out" and potent "You're Lost" are among the many stellar selections on the album. Information: AimeeMann.com.
Title: The Horses and the Hounds (New West Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Prine, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, Warren Zevon
Tell me more: Released back in late August 2021, James McMurtry's The Horses and the Hounds was the singer-songwriter's first new full-length album release in seven years. Filled with songs that are expertly crafted and mine the deepest reaches of the human experience, the mix of wonderful songs includes the lovely "Canola Fields," confessional Americana rocker "If It Don't Bleed," real world-anchored literate tales "Jackie" and "Decent Man," the searing title track (featuring some terrific fret work from guitar master David Grissom) and infectious rocker "What's the Matter." The Horses and the Hounds was worth the wait. Information: NewWestRecords.com.
Titles: Bill (Lets Get It Records / Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: William Shatner, Leonard Cohen, Brad Paisley, Joe Walsh, Robert Randolph
Tell me more: William Shatner has released a number of celebrated albums dating back to 1968's The Transformed Man. What's so impressive is that how at the age of 90 the famed actor/director/author returned in 2021 with what is likely his most impressive effort to date. The autobiographical Bill features 14 tracks that collectively chronicle events and challenges of a singular life with compelling candor. The music making equals the cultural icon's ambitious efforts to try and understand the forces at work in his journey; a slew of celebrated artists join in on select tracks recorded during the global pandemic. On the propulsive album opener "I Ride" he taps into the thrill of racing down the road and the freedom that comes with that experience we mostly take for granted. The blues rocker "Made in the Shade" features guitar great Joe Walsh (James Gang, The Eagles) in an enticing effort where Shatner raps with buoyant fervor; in "Masks" Shatner explores the enigma of acting and the "masks" that actors assume in their various roles. The chamber pop flavored "Black Horse" chronicles how a champion horse Shatner had was wrongly transformed into a slave — the artist's obvious guilt about the relationship and how it subsequently led to a deep love of horses and their care comes alive in the song. Other gripping tracks include "Monday Night in London" where Shatner revisits the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic amidst a prog rock soundscape, the gospel flavored "Just Forgive" (with pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph), mortality-focused "What Do We Know" and inspirational "The Bridge." My favorite original of the album is the country-flavored "So Far From the Moon," where Shatner looks back at 1969 when he was hit with the cancellation of "Star Trek," a divorce and was sleeping in the back of his pickup truck in a sleeping bag while doing a tour of dinner theater venues. Nevertheless, he finds strength in the memory knowing that he had met the Apollo 11 astronauts about a year before they successfully landed on the lunar surface. Brad Paisley's flashy lead guitar work and emotive vocals bolster Shatner's reflective reflections on the terrific track. Information: BillTheAlbum.com.
Title: Late Style (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Steely Dan, Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach's "Painted from Memory" collaboration in 1998, Chris Stamey & the Fellow Travelers, Steely Dan
Tell me more: Blending the sounds of the past via an intoxicating mix of jazz, baroque pop and soul with an eternally-adventuresome spirit, singer-songwriter Wesley Stace has joined forces with composer David Nagler on the album Late Style. Stace — who has also recorded a number of celebrated albums as John Wesley Harding — is an acclaimed novelist; his faith in joining forces with Nagler was an obvious leap of faith but pays huge dividends across Late Style. Indeed, Stace (a native of England who now lives in Philadelphia) would email lyrics to Nagler (who is based in New York). The parade of dozen wonderful tracks produced by Nagler and long-time Harding collaborator Chris Von Sneidern is a listener's dream. The jazzy opener "Where the Bands Are," melodious "Everything All the Time," euphonious "Come Back Yesterday," romance-themed gem "The Impossible She," soulful "Do Nothing If You Can" (the latter bolstered by some sublime Sneidern electric guitar) and acoustic-flavored "How You All Work Me" are among the timeless tracks on the wonderful and literate Late Style. Information: WesleyStace.com.
Title: Crash Of The Crown (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Asia, Tommy Shaw
Tell me more: Styx returned in 2021 with Crash Of The Crown, the veteran band's 17th album and first since 2017's brilliant concept album The Mission. The Will Evankovich-produced disc is another ambitious effort filled with a wonderful range of memorable and enticing originals. Styx (singer-guitarist James "JY" Young, singer-guitarist Tommy Shaw, bassist-vocalist Chuck Panozzo, drummer Todd Sucherman, singer-keyboardist Lawrence Gowan, bassist-vocalist Ricky Phillips) wrote the songs for Crash Of The Crown pre-pandemic and subsequently recorded the album during the challenging time of the COVID-19 outbreak. There is a decidedly defiant and uplifting spirit across the 15-track disc and it unquestionably resonates in an era where the U.S. is emerging from a prolonged and devastating pandemic. On the opener "The Fight of Our Lives," lyrics such as "We will not give in / The game is ours to win" and "This is our moment now / This is the fight of our lives" set to driving synth-adorned rock resound to be sure. Highlights abound across the ambitious set. The fearless rocker "A Monster" and psychedelia-tinged "Reveries" are early standouts, showcasing the band's incredible musicianship and intelligent songcraft. The lush "Hold Back the Darkness" is as beautiful and affecting as any track ever recorded by the classic rock troupe. On "Our Wonderful Lives," a rousing melodic chorus mesmerizes with lavish harmonies, Shaw's banjo playing and the deft drumming from Sucherman adding to the magic. The album's parade of strong songs continues with the reflective "Sound the Alarm," triumphant "Long Live the King" and "Coming Out the Otherside," and fanciful closer "Stream." Information: StyxWorld.com.
Artist: Toad the Wet Sprocket Title: Starting Now (Abe's Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Pete Yorn, Del Amitri
Tell me more: Toad the Wet Sprocket is back with their first new studio album since 2013 — the 10-track masterwork Starting Now — that also happens to be one of the finest albums of 2021. The Santa Barbara-spawned heroes don't tinker too much with their signature sound blending folk and alternative rock styles but now that it's 2021 the trio uses its musical voice in the service of songs aimed at the present day. The events of 2020 and 2021 have made most of us rethink our own lives and the world itself and singer-guitarist Glen Phillips, bassist Dean Dinning and lead guitarist Todd Nichols capture and explore those forces brilliantly on Starting Now. Take "Hold On," where singer Phillips delivers a poignant plea: "I need a little bit of hope, one ray of light / need just enough peace to make it through the night." In the glorious title track Phillips delivers a more hopeful message as he sings: "I've wasted years, won't waste another instant / I fed my fears on things that haven't been yet / Well hope don't mean you sit there, just waiting for the changes / It's fighting for the long shot / It's getting in the trenches." The songs are uniformly strong on "Starting Now." The yearning "Transient Whales," Americana-styled "In the Lantern Light," experimental "Dual Citizen," affecting climate change warning-aimed "Fever" and soulful "Best Of Me" (the latter featuring guest vocalist Michael McDonald) are among my other favorites on the terrific return. Information: ToadTheWetSprocket.com.
Title: I Don't Live Here Anymore (Atlantic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Band of Horses, The War on Drugs
Tell me more: The War on Drugs are one of the most original and talented American rock bands to emerge in the 21st century. On the Adam Granduciel-led Philadelphia-spawned troupe's new album I Don't Live Here Anymore the soaring guitar sonics that elevate the group's introspective songcraft and expansive soundscapes are thankfully intact. Co-produced by Granduciel and Shawn Everett, the War on Drugs' fifth full-length album and first since 2017's brilliant A Deeper Understanding — which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards — provides an even more nuanced approach for listeners to celebrate. On the anthemic "I Don't Live Here Anymore" (bolstered by indie pop Lucius' luxurious vocals), quiet "Living Proof," buoyant "Harmonia's Dream," daring "I Don't Wanna Wait," melodic "Wasted" and shimmering "Change" and "Occasional Rain" collectively display the astonishing range of Granduciel (lead vocals, lead guitar), David Hartley (bass guitar), Robbie Bennett (keyboards), Charlie Hall (drums), Jon Natchez(saxophone, keyboards) and Anthony LaMarca (guitar). Information: TheWarOnDrugs.net.
Artist: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Title: Barn (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Nils Lofgren, The War on Drugs
Tell me more: 2021 was a tough year to be sure with a burgeoning death toll from the pandemic, widespread crime, economic uncertainty and skyrocketing inflation among the challenges facing everyday Americans. One bright note was the glorious return of Neil Young & Crazy Horse via the stellar new album Barn. In summer 2021 singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Neil Young, guitarist Nils Lofgren, drummer Ralph Molina and bassist Billy Talbot gathered at a restored 19th century log barn to record over a few days; co-producer Niko Bolas set up an analog mobile recording truck adjacent to the barn and captured the magic with uncommon warmth via one of the year's best new albums.The 10-track collection of loose and inspired material includes the acoustic-flavored "Song Of The Seasons" (bolstered by some accordion work from Lofgren and sublime harmonies), the sweeping countrified rocker "Heading West," the autobiographical "Canerican" (Young's tale of leaving his native Canada for the U.S.), Americana-styled "They Might Be Lost," ferocious aptly-titled rocker "Human Race" and romantic "Thru The Years." Barn is available on vinyl, audio CD, cassette and digitally; there is also a deluxe edition that includes the LP, CD and Blu-ray film. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
Honorable Mentions
ABBA, Voyage (Capitol Records)
The Armoires, Incognito (Big Stir)
Duran Duran, Future Past (BMG)
The Lunar Laugh, Nighthawks! (Big Stir)
Nobody's Girl, Nobody's Girl (Lucky Hound Music)
Pistol Annies, Hell of a Holiday (Sony Music Nashville)
Alabama Slim, The Parlor (Cornelius Chapel Records)
Wolf Alice, Blue Weekend (Dirty Hit/RCA Records)
Weezer, Van Weezer (Atlantic/Crush)
Dar Williams, I'll Meet You Here (Renew Records/BMG)
