The Edge’s Top Albums of 2021 2021 was by no means any less of a horrific year than 2020 was. Although it may have divided us in more ways than one, we can all agree that it has been a truly excellent year for music. The vast challenges that have been thrown at us seem to have pushed musicians to new artistic limits, causing some brilliant albums to be produced that try to make sense of both the confusing and ever-changing world that we live in, as well as one’s own sense of self. From Lil Nas X’s declaration of equal pride and insecurity on MONTERO, to Little Simz’s cinematic ‘odyssey’ of identity on her conceptual album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, to Bo Burnham’s anxieties about our modern world on Inside (The Songs), artists have proven more than ever this year what music means to us in the 21st century. So, without further ado, here are our picks for the top albums of 2021. Connie Seamer
#10: Silk Sonic - An Evening with Silk Sonic Oliver Picken An Evening With Silk Sonic is the perfect album to kick off this 2021 best album list, with its entire existence only being made possible due to the empty calendars created by the pandemic. This is the first collaboration from Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, with the duo adopting a retro soul vibe for what is simply a treat for the ears from beginning to end. Special mention goes to the lead single from the album ‘Leave The Door Open’, and the super catchy ‘Skate’. Mars and .Paak compliment each other well, and the witty songwriting is brought to life by rich string and brass arrangements that make Silk Sonic feel like a vintage time capsule – and I love it! 14
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