1. Red (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Not only am I a huge swiftie, but the original version of Red was the first Taylor Swift CD I ever owned. So, obviously, Taylor’s new version struck a sentimental chord in me.

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” is definitely my top song on the album. It doesn’t feel like it’s 10 minutes long, and Taylor always delivers an amazing storyline filled with drama and emotion. This album had to be my favorite of the year because I just love everything Taylor Swift has to offer.

2. 30 – Adele

It took Adele about six years to release a new album, but she finally did it. She took a break to spend time with her son and work out her divorce, and her time off certainly didn’t stunt her singing at all.

One of my favorite songs on the album, “My Little Love,” is about Adele working through motherhood and explaining divorce to her son. This new Adele is a mature, grown-up mother, hence her song “I Drink Wine,” and I’m here for it.

3. Planet Her – Doja Cat

Each year I love Doja Cat more and more. I love how her voice can move to absolutely angelic singing to straight up rap in seconds. She’s just a star.

My favorite song on the album would have to be “Need to Know.” It’s one of those songs that just gets stuck in your head and stays there forever. Doja has been serving hits for a few years now, and she definitely delivered with Planet Her.

4. Montero – Lil Nas X

Lil Nas kind of blew up this year. We all knew him from “Old Town Road” in 2019, but I actually started listening to him this year.

Not only is “Industry Baby” my favorite song off of the album, but it’s also my most listened to song of 2021 on Spotify. It’s the song that pumps me up and gets me excited for anything. And it’s not just “Industry Baby”; the whole album is full of excitement and music you can dance to – that’s why it’s one of my favorites.

5. Sour – Olivia Rodrigo

Sour was released in May, and when I first heard it, I fell in love. The only reason it isn’t higher on my list is because after a while it got so overplayed and now I’m a bit tired of it. It is still one of my favorites, though.

I love how Olivia was able to pour her teenage angst into songs like “Good 4 U” and “brutal.” She also showed that she could do sentimental, softer songs, with “traitor” and “enough for you.” She was able to portray the different stages after a breakup, and I think for that she deserves all of the recognition she’s been receiving.

6. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power – Halsey

I’m not usually Halsey’s biggest fan, but she blew me away with this album. I haven’t heard anything quite like it before; it’s so unique and powerful. Her journey as a new mother has surely contributed to this album.

My favorite songs on this album would have to be “I am not a woman, I’m a god” as well as “The Tradition.” Both of these songs are so strong and have remarkable messages that center around true woman/motherhood.

7. Solar Power – Lorde

Before her album release this year, Lorde hadn’t blessed us with an album in four years. Solar Power was worth the wait, though, and I had the title title on repeat for the whole end of summer.

My favorite song was clearly “Solar Power,” but “Mood Ring” is another musical masterpiece. Lorde’s voice is very calming and peaceful, but her songs are always interesting to listen to, and I especially enjoyed this album.

8. Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish

I have got to be honest, I don’t usually listen to – or like, for that matter – Billie Eilish’s music. Something about this album drew me in though. Like a lot of her music, it seems both happy and sad at the same time, but Billie’s style has definitely evolved over the past year and I think you can find that new style in this album.

My favorite song would have to be “Therefore I Am.” I love how Billie was shading her haters with this song by basically saying only her opinion matters: “I think, therefore I am.” It’s a very powerful message that I think is important for Billie to sing about.

9. = – Ed Sheeran
I feel like Ed Sheeran has been made fun of a lot this year, but I’ve liked him since I heard his duet with Taylor Swift, “Everything Has Changed,” on the original Red album, and I love his newest album too.

“Love in Slow Motion” is one of my favorite songs that I feel like would be great to dance to at a wedding. “Bad Habits” is also extremely catchy and is a song that I never get tired of hearing.

10. Justice – Justin Bieber
I’m not usually a fan of Justin Bieber, but his new album hit different. It contained multiple Spotify hits and it was probably one of the most popular albums of the year, so I had to include it on my own list.

My favorite song was “Peaches,” which I know is the most popular song from this album but it really was my favorite. My mom absolutely despises this song for no reason, but I love it. It gets stuck in your head and is really catchy.