The Freshman 15: 2021's Best Debut Albums
Next week, we'll release our final overall list of this year's best overall albums. But our ongoing best of 2021 coverage continues right now with a look at this year's top newcomers in music.
Above is our list of the 15 best-reviewed debut albums of 2021, ranked by Metascore. Note that albums must have at least 7 reviews—and be a full-length LP (or mixtape) rather than an EP—to be eligible for inclusion. Albums are ranked by Metascore prior to rounding based on scores as of December 14, 2021.
(#3) Fronted by Mia Berrin, the Brooklyn indie pop-punk four-piece (now trio) released their full-length debut Death of a Cheerleader in June, and fans of '90s female-fronted indie rock (think anything from Liz Phair to Hole to Bettie Serveert) will find a lot to like here. The 14-song set, produced by Illuminati Hotties leader Sarah Tudzin, includes a cover of the 1960s hit "Crimson and Clover" (though not their recently released viral cover of Nada Surf's "Popular").
“Death of a Cheerleader is a cohesive, emotionally affecting work. With this album, Mia Berrin solidifies her place among the newest class of indie stalwart songwriters, carving out this space in a fearless and vulnerable way.” —Consequence
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