Summer 2021 was good to us. We got to have a (relatively) normal summer with festivals, live shows and many other festivities. The absolute icing was the avalanche of releases artists apparently saved up for when they could finally play the music live. From mainstays like Little Simz and Cleo Sol to breakout stars like Tems and Anaiis, we’ve rounded up our best albums and EPs of summer 2021 and it’s a strong list, so get stuck in.
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert – Little Simz
Newly awarded BET Best International Flow winner, Little Simz is stepping into her main character energy with this phenomenal album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. From the moment the stupendously talented rapper / actor / creative, Little Simz revealed the first single ‘Introvert’, we knew she was not holding back and the album still managed to exceed expectations. Keeping us on our toes all ‘summer’, ‘Woman’ became our anthem, ‘Point and Kill’ provided the vibes and ‘Standing Ovation’ peeled back the layers of her artistry.
Lyrically, Simz dug deep and delivered exceptionally with ngaging observations on an array of complex topics. Themes of fear, frustration, and introspection on both a personal and more universal level are touched on throughout with Little Simz doing exactly what she does best. She is truly an outstanding artist and musically she has fused her inspirations from Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill and the UK Grime scene to produce sounds that are sonically charged and immediately evoke feeling with the listener. Many are calling this the ‘Album of the Year’ in a year that Drake and Kanye also dropped. And it does not feel like exaggeration. She did that! Cue the standing ovation.
Mother – Cleo Sol
Cleo Sol is the epitome of vocal solace and soulful prowese, creating music that you can’t help but stop and bask in its beauty. Mother, her latest album is no different, touching on her new journey as a parent, unearthing challenges along the way such as self love and cultivating unwavering faith. Lyrics like, “Never had time to unpack your trauma, Keep fighting the world, that’s how you get love, mama” really hones in on this. Her lyrics, often hard truths, are rooted in transparency and desire for continual self growth. The sound of this project is amazing, tapping into gospel and her signature Neo Soul to create another timeless album. Cleo Sol continues to grow in strength and the music definitely reflects that. Definitely one of the year’s best albums.
this is no longer a dream – Anaiis
After sharing soul-baring singles like ‘juno’, ‘reverie’ and the Topaz Jones-assisted ‘chuu’, French-Senegalese artist, Anaiis has shared her 12-track debut album, this is no longer a dream. The project sees her reflecting on the emotional turmoil of the last few years of her career, inviting listeners to the tortured thoughts of an artist on the path to self-healing.
A dreamy listen that wraps the listener up in euphoric, yet dark feels from start to finish, this is no longer a dream is truly experimental, but also very rooted in Soul and R&B using liush harmonies and contemporary hooks. It’s certainly one of the year’s strongest offerings. This no longer a dream features strong contributions from Topaz Jones, Chronixx, Jay prince and Sjava, making it well rounded and a strong, yet tender offering from start to finish.
If Orange Was A Place – Tems
We raved about Tems when she released her 2020 debut EP, For Broken Ears. But for many, the grand introduction to Tems was through Wizkid’s now international summer anthem ‘Essence’. Her sultry vocals and authentic character captured fans worldwide and this is translated in her EP, ‘If Orange Was A Place. The New EP, which features singles that bring together R&B, Soul and Afrobeat in an effortless fusion on songs like ‘Crazy Things’, ‘Replay‘ and ‘Vibe Out‘. This Lagos star has been the mouthpiece for many over the summer, wanting nothing but the carefree and to stay authentic to themselves. Tems will surely remain a household name, as she continues to produce music of this calibre, ‘If Orange Was A Place’ is the standard.
VENOLOGY – Venna
After several years captivating the Afrobeats scene, creating music for Wizkid, Burna Boy and Greentea Peng amongst many others, the Grammy-nominated saxophonist and producer shifted his gaze to focus on VENOLOGY. His first solo project but most definitely not his last, Venna showcases his refined skill, making for the smoothest, Jazz, Hip Hop Soul and chilled vibes fusion. VENOLOGY, comprising six tracks, is the perfect blend of easy listening with highlights like ‘Aroma’, ‘Avenue B’ and ‘Sun Moon & Herbs’. Assisted by heavyweight features from the likes of Jvck James and Knucks, VENOLOGY proves that Jazz combined with perfectly crafted beats, makes for an unfailing EP.
Under Twenty Five – ENNY
It’s been a whirlwind ride in the last year for the Thamesmead musician and rapper, since the release of her breakout single Peng Black Girls in 2020. Going from strength to strength with ‘Keisha’s & Brenda’s’, ‘I Want’, and ‘Peng Black Girls’ are a continuation of Enny’s deeply touching message of the obstacles women face on a daily basis, ranging from sexism and sexual abuse and identity. Whereas ‘Under 25’, provides the sweet sounding and playful side of Enny, making the infamous reflective state of your 20’s into a song you can’t help but bop along to. She’s diverse, she’s relatable and she’s talented and this is transferred through her music and message.
That Secret Sauce – Jerome Thomas
Jerome Thomas is a true Soul, Jazz and R&B singer, best known for his distinct, soothing instrumentals and signature falsetto.That secret sauce, the second EP from Jerome is complex in both vocal and production, with a hearty kick beat throughout the project but layered with soothing vocals. This sensual project shows the evolution of this artist and with D’angelo and Maxwell influences, ‘No BS’ is the perfect example of this. We stan for unapologetic artists and Jerome has that in abundance.
What’s A Diamond To A Baby – Emmavie
Triple threat producer, singer-songwriter and DJ, Emmavie has been on the steady rise creating music as a solo artist and a part of collective Her Songs, for some years now. What’s A Diamond To A Baby flexes all that we love about Emmavie, her varied but precise production, vocals, storytelling and overall cool vibe. Her layback sound is heard throughout songs like ‘Tune’, ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Uh Huh Okay’ whereas ‘2003’ provides the nostalgia giving, early Justin Timberlake and feel good R&B. Solely produced by Emmavie herself, this EP is bold whilst remaining smoothly soulful in its execution.
Balance – Children of Zeus
Manchester duo Children of Zeus, represent what it means to pay homage to the legacy of Hip Hop but incorporate their own Northern flair, still producing music that feels authentically soulful. Balance, with it’s heavy kicks, punchy snares and sizzling hi-hats, gives it’s listeners the old school feel but lyrics are timely written to touch on the themes impacting the present. Themes such as love, identity and gratitude are prevalent within their work especially in ‘Be Someone’ and ‘Cali Dreams’ and ‘Sunset’. Another standout point of this project is the penmanship with Tyler Lee Daly, writing music with catchy hooks that hit the heart. Balance is arguably their best album yet and we look forward to what they’ll create next.
Where the flowers grow – Zilo
After co-signs from the likes of Kehlani, Zilo truly is coming into her own and Where The Flowers Grow is an album that cements this. Zilo effortlessly harmonises her way through the album with soft vocals, leaving space for the beats to shine. For fans of SZA, Jhene Akio and Kehlani, Where The Flowers Grow offers a laid back approach to R&B. Water Me, Grateful, On A Wave, Cherry Blossom are standouts on this album but it’s a strong play throughout. The album features instrumentals from a variety of producers such as Austin Marc and others, a stratfield project. We couldn’t possibly miss this off a best albums list for 2021. Melodically flawless, once you find your song it’ll be on repeat.
Eden – Bea Anderson
The six songs featured on the release are the result of a lot of the life lessons that Bea has learned throughout her experience, and all draw from distinct moments that have shaped her story. With their catchy melodies, soulful vocals and soothing production, these songs are full of positive messages and lessons for listeners. Eden, co-produced by Bea and Kinnship, combines acoustic guitar with Bea’s beautifully smooth, melodious vocals and simple yet smart lyrics; the result is something to listen to over and over again.
Mood Valiant – Hiatus Kaiyote
The Australian future soul band are back at their impulsive best to deliver one of their most resonant records to date. In late June, The Grammy nominated collective released their third album Mood Valiant. Since their breakout album Tawk Tomahawk (2013) the group have remained as one of the leading lights in the emergence of future soul and Mood Valiant is another extension on this. The album is their first release in 7 years the truly regenerated band have created their signature sound reinvented with vibrant flair and talent. Certainly one of the year’s best albums, Mood Valiant is an array of eclectic Neo-Soul tracks which genuinely keep you on your toes throughout.
FWM – Tone Stith
New Jersey born Tone Stith, has rightfully earned his triple threat-status as a singer, songer, producer and musician. FWM, understands the foundations of R&B creating heartfelt songs that explore every fragment of the emotion. As a celebrated songwriter for Chris Brown penning hits such as Liquor, he has used this skill to create nine tracks of quality soundmanship and features that add to the songs already premium standard. CMDGF, Be Quiet and When You Love Someone are exceptional and this project will surely evade any thoughts that Tone Stith shouldn’t be a standalone artist with these hits.
Stupid Hours – Jesse Gold
Stupid Hours showcases vulnerable and highly relatable songwriting to hit the Soul. Each track compliments the other with a true sense of heartwarming R&B / Soul feels constantly on show. In addition to this, it is not only easy on the ear in the sonical sense. Jesse’s ability to smoothly weave melodies alongside picture-esq lyrics play a pivotal role in guiding the listener through each track. Good Girl 1 and Good Girl 2 are songs explicitly transparent and vulnerable, and although this is authentic to his character the way Jesse Gold does this is refreshing to the ears. His unique approach to music is what makes this EP one you crave more of.
NINE – SAULT
The mysterious London-based alt-R&B collective SAULT are back with a new album NINE. In true fashion, the album was made available for 99 days only and has since vanished from streaming platforms. The project is amazingly their fifth release in 3 years, 3rd since 2020, and the collective are only getting better. Like 2020’s equally mysterious ‘Untitled (Rise)’ and ‘Untitled (Black Is)’, the new record carries essential political and personal weight. Sonically the album is mastered and synced impeccably well with nothing out of place with each track playing a pivotal role in the overarching theme of life growing up in London and how layered this experience is. Soulful backing focus from Cleo Sol, church like choirs and poetic words, its a project made to ignite a conversation.
CROWN – Harleighblu
This EP, from Nottingham’s Neo-Soul finest, Crown contains four tracks of unapologetic sounds of Harleigh. Her hip hop, jazz and neo soul genres fuse with her unique vocals to create a vibe that is standalone on the UK stage. Harleighblu, is forever inventing her sound but Crown is rooted in her neo soul roots, with Erykah Badu influences, she provided summer energy that we all were desperately in need of.
