As the year comes to and end, I’m looking back at the EPs and albums that I listened to the most in 2021.

It’s a list that includes pop, rock, and country music. We’ve got Canadian content to go with American superstars. And, mostly, we’ve got the music I connected with the most in the calendar year.

There is absolutely nothing to be taken from the order these albums are placed in. None. It’s not alphabetical or ordered by preference or how much I listened. Heck, I’m not sure I’d be able to figure all of that out.

But, I’ve got 10 albums here, with 10 top tracks, and I hope that maybe you’ll discover some music you want to listen to – or you’ll be on the same page as me, and we can love some of these albums the same way, together.

Check ’em all out now, hit play on the top tracks, and enjoy!

RALPH

Album: GRADIENCE

Top Track: Tommy

In this house, we LOVE RALPH!

The dance in your living room, sing-along, get lost in a feeling vibes that she gives us are a hit with me and my kid – so GRADIENCE easily found its way into heavy rotation this year.

If you don’t know RALPH but love to dance around to Carly Rae Jepsen, it’s time that you hit play on GRADIENCE too!

RALPH – Tommy

Robyn Ottolini

Album: But I’m Not Always Sad Either

Top Track: Tell You Everything

I’ve been in on Robyn Ottolini for a while now. I’m extremely proud of the work she’s put in, the opportunities she’s getting, the awards and recognition, and I really like the music.

On the heels of F-150 blowing up, Ottolini released the 4-track EP, But I’m Not Always Sad Either and gave folks something new to dig into. She got silly and sincere and for my money, it landed exactly where it needed to.

Canadian country music is in a strong position these days, and up-and-coming artists like Robyn Ottolini are poised to keep it that way for years to come. Enjoy it – I sure am!

Robyn Ottolini – Tell You Everything

Alee

Album: Feels Like This

Top Track: The Springtime

I was quite excited for new music from Alee, and after a string of singles, we got the 8-song release of Feels Like This in 2021.

The country-pop sounds felt right, sounded great, and got me ready for a new chapter, and more music, and the continued evolution of Alee as a singer and a songwriter.

It was not easy to pick a top track from this release because I was going to lean to Don’t Make Me Miss You, but wanted to give y’all a newer track that debuted this year on the album so I give you The Springtime. BUT, Don’t Make Me Miss You is a jam, and don’t you forget it!

Alee – The Springtime

Taylor Swift

Album: Red (Taylor’s Version)

Top Track: Red (Taylor’s Version)

Look, I love Taylor Swift. Have for years. A long time now. So, when Red (Taylor’s Version) dropped, I listened. Just like I did earlier in the year when Fearless (Taylor’s Version) landed for us. But Red (Taylor’s Version) was the bigger one for me this year.

The 10 minute version of All Too Well rightfully dominated the conversation. We got the Phoebe Bridgers verse on Nothing New (Taylor’s Version), I got some country vibes with Chris Stapleton on I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version), and there was a lot to just melt into. But, Red has been the song that gets stuck in my head since the original album came out, and it’s Red (Taylor’s Version) that I gravitate to again now.

Whatever your favourite track is, I hope you still love it as much now as you did then.

Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)

Taylor Swift

Album: folklore: the long pond studio sessions

Top Track: this is my trying – the long pond studio sessions

I already told y’all that I love Taylor Swift, so it should be no great surprise that’s she’s the first of two artists who will be on this list twice. folklore is my comfort album. It’s the one I can play to calm down when the world is going too fast. It’s the album I fell asleep to the most in 2021. It’s the Taylor Swift album I’ve connected to more than any other in her catalogue. And I really really like the long pond versions of these songs, so I listen to them most.

this is me trying was my most listened to song of 2021 according to Spotify, and I can’t argue with data, so here you go. Be good to yourselves.

Taylor Swift – this is my trying – the long pond studio sessions

Foo Fighters

Album: Greatest Hits

Top Track: Times Like These

I also love Foo Fighers, and my kid, at 3.5 years old, is a big fan of Dave and the boys, so we’ve listened to a lot of Foos in 2021. In streams, and a CD that we play in the garage, the Greatest Hits album has had a lot play while he learns the songs and gets into rock and roll and we both enjoy the music while we hang out.

It’s a parenting win in my books.

Times Like These was also covered by a selection of artists (including Dave and Taylor) for the BBC’s Live Lounge Allstars series and became Ollie’s favourite song for a time, with him singing along to the chorus in a way that made my very happy. So that’s bonus points.

Foo Fighters are rock and roll Hall of Famers now – and the Greatest Hits album is a winner if you love them.

Foo Fighters – Times Like These

Foo Fighters

Album: Medicine at Midnight

Song: Waiting On A War

Foo Fighters are the second repeat performer on my 2021 list because I really enjoyed Medicine At Midnight. These new songs landed strong with me, and whether we heard them on the radio or I was streaming them, this new album took a heavy rotation spot for me all year.

As I push forty, and the band gets older too, we keep moving forward together and the songs keep resonating with me, and it’s a win. It’s all a win.

I’ll admit that some artists I learned to love as a teen got lost in the shuffle of growing up and discovering new artists, but not the Foos.

Foo Fighters – Waiting On A War

Arkells

Album: Blink Once

Top Track: You Can Get It

Arkells are my kid’s favourite band. He loves them. And they were a hit in our house before he came along, so it’s a good fit. This year, with a new album, we all had new songs to learn and sing along to and love. So we did.

Heck, we PVR’d the Grey Cup halftime show so he could watch it the next day.

You Can Get It comes in as the top track, because we hear it on the radio and when we stream the album. It’s catchy as sin and K.Flay shines. Winner.

Arkells ft. K.Flay – You Can Get It

MONOWHALES

Album: Daytona Bleach

Top Track: Out With The Old

MONOWHALES are a blast. You should be listening to them and loving them. We are.

Daytona Bleach is one of my most played and favourite albums of the year. I sing. I tap my feet. I dance. They’re fun for the whole family around here.

Out With The Old is the top track selection here – but really, they’re all tops. But I had to choose one, so here we are.

Note: Thank you to Sally for telling Ollie that the newspaper on fire was safe after he saw the video on YouTube and was worried about her.

MONOWHALES are still just getting started, so I’m sure they’ll end up on a list like this again in the future. For 2021 though, it’s Daytona Bleach!

MONOWHALES – Out With The Old

JJ WILDE

Album: Wilde

Top Track: Best Boy

JJ Wilde is a star. Get used to it.

After breaking records and making history with her debut releases, JJ came back in 2021 with Wilde and continued to catch our attention in the best ways. We’d have gladly taken more than 6 tracks on the EP, but beggars can’t be choosers, and so we’re happy with what we got and hopefully for what’s going to come next.

Best Boy shines as the top track, ending the EP with a bang and getting the most play of the year for me from the album. You might have a different pick, but this is my list and my year and my top track.

JJ Wilde – Best Boy

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Joshua Murray

creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.