2021 was a year filled with great music, from debut albums to highly anticipated releases from some of the biggest names in the industry.

In this article, we highlight the top 10 music releases of the year, based on critical acclaim, commercial success, and cultural impact.

1. Sour – Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo burst onto the music scene in 2021 with her debut album, Sour. The 11-track album is a dynamic mix of pop, rock, and alternative sounds, with lyrics that are both honest and relatable.

Songs like “drivers license” and “good 4 u” quickly became viral hits and established Rodrigo as one of the most exciting new artists of the year.

2. Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish followed up her multi-platinum debut album with Happier Than Ever, a more introspective and mature work that showcases her growth as an artist.

The album features stripped-down production and haunting vocals, with standout tracks like “my future” and “NDA”.

3. Montero – Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X’s highly anticipated debut album, Montero, is a genre-bending mix of hip-hop, pop, and rock.

The album features collaborations with industry heavyweights like Doja Cat and Elton John, and explores themes of self-acceptance and queer identity. Standout tracks include “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby”.

4. Solar Power – Lorde

Lorde returned to the music scene in 2021 with her third album, Solar Power. The album is a departure from her previous work, featuring brighter production and more optimistic themes.

Standout tracks include the title track, “Solar Power”, and “Mood Ring”.

5. Justice – Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s sixth studio album, Justice, features a mix of R&B, pop, and trap influences. The album showcases Bieber’s growth as an artist and explores themes of love, spirituality, and social justice.

Standout tracks include “Peaches” and “Lonely”.

6. Call Me If You Get Lost – Tyler, The Creator

Call Me If You Get Lost is Tyler, The Creator’s fifth studio album and features collaborations with artists such as Pharrell Williams and Lil Wayne.

The album showcases Tyler’s versatility as a rapper and producer, with standout tracks like “LUMBERJACK” and “WUSYANAME”.

7. Planet Her – Doja Cat

Doja Cat’s follow-up to her breakthrough album, Hot Pink, is another genre-bending work that blends pop, hip-hop, and R&B.

The album features collaborations with industry heavyweights like SZA and The Weeknd, with standout tracks like “Kiss Me More” and “Need To Know”.

8. Sour Prom – Girl In Red

Girl In Red’s debut album, If I Could Make It Go Quiet, was one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

The album features deeply personal lyrics and a mix of indie and pop influences, with standout tracks like “Serotonin” and “Rue”.

9. Jubilee – Japanese Breakfast

Jubilee is Japanese Breakfast’s third studio album and features a mix of indie rock and pop influences. The album showcases Michelle Zauner’s growth as a songwriter and explores themes of grief and longing.

Standout tracks include “Be Sweet” and “Savage Good Boy”.

10. The Off-Season – J. Cole

The Off-Season is J. Cole’s sixth studio album and features collaborations with artists like 21 Savage and Lil Baby. The album showcases Cole’s skilled lyricism and explores themes of Black excellence and perseverance.

Standout tracks include “Amari” and “My Life”.