Something You Said’s top albums of 2021
These are the very best albums that have been released over the past 12 months, as voted for by the Something You Said team:
1. SELF ESTEEM – PRIORITISE PLEASURE
The second studio album by the Self Esteem, aka Rebecca Lucy Taylor, is powerful in its pop sound and its subject-matter. Prioritise Pleasure was universally acclaimed upon its release, and deservedly so.
When we spoke to Rebecca earlier this year and asked her how she found creating the notoriously ‘difficult’ second album, she said: “The most difficult part was wondering if there was a reason it has felt so easy to make. I was constantly thinking ‘hmm… something isn’t right here. It’s too fluid and natural and enjoyable, what’s the catch!?’ But I think it’s just because I have spent so many years compromising that when I am able to make my own vision without pushback, it becomes just a lot simpler and efficient.”
2. ST VINCENT – DADDY’S HOME
The sixth full-length release from Annie Clark was inspired by her father’s 1970s record collection and co-produced with Jack Antonoff. It’s groovy, melodic and perfectly considered.
3. THE CORAL – CORAL ISLAND
The band’s tenth LP, a double album in their 25th year, is a concept record about a fictional town. And, do you know what, it might just be their best offering to date.
4. AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS – COMFORT TO ME
This sophomore record from the Melbourne punkers is as vital and intense as you want it to be, while also showing growth to their sound. This band is seriously going up and up and up.
5. BILIIE MARTEN – FLORA FAUNA
This third album sees an active shift in the British singer-songwriter’s sound. When we interviewed her this year, she told us: “I was unhappy with a lot of things at the time; personally and musically, so it all just culminated in this sort of sonic eruption I guess. I wanted to make a bigger sound come out of me, I was so tired of whispering and singing very introspectively and sombrely. It’s incredibly liberating to evolve sometimes.”
6. GRUFF RHYS – SEEKING NEW GODS
The Super Furry Animals frontman’s thoughtful and beautiful new record was inspired by Mount Paektu, an active volcano on the border of North Korea and China. This is the Welshman’s seventh full-length solo release, and unquestionably one of his best.
7. JIM BOB – WHO DO WE HATE TODAY
This superb album followed 2020’s acclaimed Pop Up Jim Bob record. When we spoke to Jim, he told us: “There are themes that run through both records. Hate and violence, intolerance and masculine toxicity. All my usual favourite subjects. Giving names to people in songs I carried on as well. I found that helped me write lyrics with Pop Up. Creating characters to a certain extent, rather than all the songs being about me or sung from my point of view.”
8. FAYE WEBSTER – I KNOW I’M FUNNY HA HA
When we talked to Faye earlier this year, she told us: “I Know I’m Funny, haha is the latest representation of me as a human being. It’s a collection of songs and stories from the past two years that gives a good explanation of who I am with a personal closer look into my feelings and thoughts. I hope listeners will be able to relate and feel something from it.”
9. ELBOW – FLYING DREAM 1
The ninth full-length studio release for band was recorded at the closed Theatre Royal Brighton, and it’s as beautiful as you would hope it to be.
10. MEN I TRUST – UNTOURABLE ALBUM
The latest album from the Canadian indie group delivers textured, dreamy soundscapes. Contrary to the record’s title, the band are indeed touring it.
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PREVIOUS WINNERS:
2020: LAURA MARLING – SONG FOR OUR DAUGHTER
2019: FAYE WEBSTER – ATLANTA MILLIONAIRES CLUB
2018: SHAME – SONGS OF PRAISE
2017: LCD SOUNDSYSTEM – AMERICAN DREAM
2016: DAVID BOWIE – BLACKSTAR
2015: SUFJAN STEVENS – CARRIE & LOWELL
2014: FIRST AID KIT – STAY GOLD
2013: KIRIN J CALLINAN – EMBRACISM
2012: TAME IMPALA – LONERISM
