The less said about 2021 so far the better, right? We won't rehash the political chaos, the ongoing climate crisis, the billionaire space race and, of course, the C-word (Covid-19 – what were you thinking?). Instead, we'll focus on the music. Here are a set of lists by our staff which sum up the best albums released this year so far. There's a mix of stuff in here so dig in and check out the things you've missed, and read our reviews of the best ones. Let us know what incredible records we've missed, but in the mean time, check out our favorite albums of 2021 thus far.

1

Olivia Rodrigo

Sour (Geffen)

"How do you do fellow kids?" Yeah, it's probably not "punk" to highlight a pop album, but Olivia Rodrigo's Sour deserves it. You're fooling yourself though if you don't hear a little Bikini Kill in opening track, "Brutal," or missing the influence Paramore had over hit single, "Good 4 U." Sour has its bits of pop-punk, but doesn't stray far from the Singer-Songwriter tree harboring Phoebe Bridgers or Lucy Dacus. She's just a bit more Pop about it.

- Aaron H

2

AFI

Bodies (Rise)

This band is 11 albums into their career and are still finding ways to surprise. Now, I admit, I'm a little biased when it comes to new AFI albums. As a whole, Bodies feels a little disjointed as it jumps from Post-Hardcore to New Wave to Post-Punk, but ultimately there's not a song on the album I skip. If you think you know what to expect from AFI at this point, then you haven't been paying attention.

- Aaron H

3

Squid

Bright Green Field (Warp)

I can't remember how I came across this band called Squid, but boy, am I glad that I did. Their debut album, Bright Green Field, is a combination of Post-Punk and Art-Rock. Sometimes it's hollow and cold sounding to compliment it's dystopian theming and sometimes it loud and bombastic. It's the type of album you appreciate more and more with each listen.

- Aaron H

4

Cold Cave

Fate in Seven Lessons (Heartworm Press)

Cold Cave are back with a new EP and it's full of Darkwave goodness. Fate in Seven Lessons keeps up the momentum that Cold Cave have built up over the years. It's a bit darker and dream-like as opposed to some of their previous singles and releases, but still manages to churn out some solid dance-inducing numbers with tracks like "Night Light" and "Promised Land."

- Aaron H

5

Sleater-Kinney

Path of Wellness

I admit I feel a little guilty about liking a new Sleater-Kinney album without Weiss attached, but it's a solid album. The band returns to their more straightforward Alt-Rock sound after 2019's electro-underlying The Center Won't Hold. Path of Wellness will feel more familiar for long-time Sleater-Kinney fans. 10 albums in and the duo is still churning out catchy hooks, and delivered of the best Rock records of the year (so far).

- Aaron H