The 20 Best Albums of 2021 So Far
Which albums have impressed critics the most during the first half of the year? Above, we rank the best-reviewed LPs released between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021 by Metascore. Albums must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible, and resissues, EPs, live albums, and compilations are excluded.
After scoring an 85 for each of their previous two albums, Canadian folk outfit The Weather Station (fronted by former child star Tamara Hope, now Tamara Lindeman) managed to collect even better reviews for Ignorance, their fifth LP overall. The band's sound is bigger than ever before, with their lineup expanded to include a pair of drummers, a saxophonist, and occasional strings (arranged by Owen Pallett).
“A muscular yet nuanced sound that balances intricate arrangements and layers of subtle electronics and keyboard sheens with the sweaty dynamics of a guitars-drums-bass rock ‘n’ roll (this is very much a rhythm album) and you’ve a masterful record that sounds like a full flowering of a remarkable talent.” —The Line of Best Fit
| Buy on |
|