JOEY GUERRA’S FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2021
The albums that I connected with in 2021 were fueled by exploration. It makes sense, since we spent so much time alone (again) this year. Even as things opened back up, and sometimes closed again, artists continued to look inward for inspiration. These collections of songs artfully explored sex and sexuality, gender, identity and adulthood. And they did it in ways that kept me listening all year.
1. “There Will be Tears,” Vincint: Dance music has always struck an emotional chord with me. It’s a late-night rush of adrenaline, a surge of euphoria, a moment of catharsis. Those feelings are beautifully captured on “There Will Be Tears.” Singer-songwriter Vincint, who came to prominence on singing competition “The Four,” digs deep into personal trauma, from the death of his father to heartbreak. It’ll make you swoon and cry and, best of all, dance.
2. “Eduardo,” Ed Maverick: Maverick was a teenager in Mexico when his songs began to go viral. It’s easy to understand why they connected with fans. “Eduardo” is romantic and atmospheric, an intimate collection of folk-pop originals that feel instantly familiar and bracingly original at the same time. Maverick transmits more through voice and guitar than many artists do with much more production.
3. “El Madrileño,” C. Tangana: Spanish rapper and singer Tangana uses hip-hop as a springboard for “El Madrileño,” a brilliantly diverse record that incorporates new sounds into his palette. He delves into disco on “Demasiadas Mujeres.” Bachata makes its way into “Tu Me Dejaste de Querer.” Brazilian guitarist Toquinho brings bossa nova to “Comerte Entera.” Flamenco comes courtesy of Gipsy Kings during “Ingobernable.” There are also collabs with regional Mexican singer Carin Leon, Omar Apollo and Jose Feliciano.
4. “Sour,” Olivia Rodrigo: Rodrigo joins Miley, Demi and Selena in the pantheon of great Disney pop stars. But unlike her predecessors, who took time to find their footing, Rodrigo’s musical identity feels fully formed on her debut album, “Sour.” Just the first three singles — “driver’s license,” “deja vu,” “good 4 u” — are enough to warrant a place on the list. But even the other songs sound like radio hits.
5. “The Body Remembers,” Debbie Gibson: On her first proper studio album in two decades, Gibson embraces adulthood but acknowledges the fizzy pop that made her a teen star. “The Body Remembers” moves effortlessly from club cuts (“One Step Closer”) to gorgeous ballads (“Me Not Loving You”) to wholly new sounds. “Strings” combines spoken-word verses with clever lyrics; “Red Carpet Ready” is a tribute to the partner behind the superstar. And the title track deserves to be a huge radio hit.
6. “Heaux Tales,” Jazmine Sullivan: The most impressive thing about Sullivan’s “Heaux Tales” is that it’s a carefully crafted concept album that still manages to feel organic. The seven songs are separated by spoken interludes from women in Sullivan’s circle who detail their own struggles as women at the intersection of sex, power and relationships. It’s all pulled together by the urgency and beauty of Sullivan’s voice.
7. “Montero,” Lil Nas X: No artist endured more controversy this year than Lil Nas X. The furor just proved what many of us already knew — the act of simply existing as an openly gay man is still very much a revolutionary act. But beyond the criticism and clapbacks, “Montero” is a terrific pop album. Guest slots feature Miley Cyrus, Elton John and Megan Thee Stallion. But it’s Nas’ solo turn on the title track that gave us the year’s best pop song.
8. “Remember Her Name,” Mickey Guyton: Texas native Guyton says she didn’t write “Black Like Me,” a song about the racism she’s experienced, to make any sort of profound statement. “I just wanted to be like everybody else and sing some cute country songs and make some money off it and have a career. I was just writing what I saw and what I experienced,” she told me last year. But it was a turning point, and the resulting album explores the difficulties and intricacies of being a Black woman in a genre that, for all the talk about a reckoning, still mostly ignores Black artists. Their loss.
9. “Pink Planet,” Pink Sweat$: David Bowden was given the nickname Pink Sweat$ because of his fashion choices. It somehow fits his romantic persona and sound, a lush mix of R&B, gospel and pop. “Pink Planet” captures the sound of an artist coming into his own, and it’s exemplified in standout tracks “Pink City,” “So Sweet” and vibrant dance track “Icy.”
10. “My Agenda,” Dorian Electra: “My Agenda” is a chaotic, creative showcase for Houston native Electra’s complex appeal. It’s a sound that doesn’t just steer clear of genre boxes, it flattens them and tosses them in the recycle bin. There are musings on sex and gender, appearances by Rebecca Black and the Village People and humor, too, exemplified by “Sorry Bro (I Love You).” Strap in for this one.