2021 Chicago Albums of the Year
As we close out another challenging year and take stock of Chicago's tremendous musical output, one thing I've fondly looked back on is how the These Days team has expanded. The different perspectives and voices have allowed us to cover the sprawling genres in the city with more detail and passion than ever before. However, this also meant that cutting down our favorite projects of 2021 to just 25 became even more difficult. Take a peek into any musical enclave in the city —from hyperpop to underground rap—and you’ll find dozens of projects deserving of recognition. Believe me, there isn’t a single staff member who doesn’t feel like one of their favorite projects didn’t make the cut. But through several discussions (and borderline arguments), we landed on 25 releases that marked our year, made a significant impact in our lives, and once again proved why Chicago is the best city in the world.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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World’s Smartest Dumbass
Andrew Goes To Hell
With a blast of sharp, bright guitars and punchy drums, 23-year-old artist Andrew Goes to Hell wastes no time introducing himself on the first track of his September project, World’s Smartest Dumbass. While a digitized, pitched-up voice greets his listeners, Andrew’s energetic production sets a tone familiar to the opening title sequence of your favorite mid-2000s sitcom. It’s a rendition of our current digital age, yet a comforting reminder of a not-so-distant past. Throughout the project, Andrew marries the sounds of different genres ranging from EDM to pop to rock, proving his versatility while forcing listeners to rethink the normally oddball pairing of pop-punk vocals with glitchy synths. Lyrically, Andrew embraces his vulnerability as he melodically speaks on themes of love and self-doubt. Much like the juxtaposition of the album’s title, the contrasting audio and messages within World’s Smartest Dumbass add a playful touch to this whimsical peek into a young musician’s mind. - Ellie Naughton
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Be Your Own Celebrity
Blake Saint David
With soulful melodies and mellow basslines that creep in like shadows, Blake Saint David pieces together elements of pop-infused rock and R&B to create a collage of sound that defies conventional categorizations of music in their Sooper Records debut, Be Your Own Celebrity. Akin to receiving blunt advice from an older sibling, Blake doesn’t waste time sugar-coating the narration of their existence for listeners. An expression of their current reality, Blake speaks on feeling confined by capitalism, despite their desire for longevity. By revealing the relentless pressure to make music for survival, Blake lays the world bare on display– candidly unveiling the flaws within its current state. This theme of openness is reinforced on the album’s artwork as a frightened character is left exposed without its Spiderman mask. Does Spiderman wear a mask for the sake of protecting others or himself from the world? As Blake finishes the EP with the words, “I’m a coward in a brave new world,” listeners are left questioning if it's the latter. - Ellie Naughton
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Everything
Bnny
Everything is so much more than Bnny's debut project. Across 14 tracks, it serves as an acute representation of traversing through grief. More specifically, it’s shaped by the band’s singer, Jessica Viscus' experience following the devastating loss of her partner and musician Trey Gruber in 2017. The album’s opening track, “Ambulance,” captures how a reminiscent state of mind can surface and resurface, oftentimes triggered by something seemingly ordinary, such as seeing the lights of an ambulance passing by. Bnny then continues to usher listeners through a number of poignant and precise feelings over glooming guitar strums and sparse pockets of dreary instrumentation. From the onsetting realization of only having memories of someone who has passed to a heartfelt confession heard on “Dreaming” of longing to see that person in dreams (whether it’s a good or bad interaction) just to see them again beyond memories, Everything candidly reveals some of Jess’ most intimate thoughts since the passing of her late partner. - Carlos Castillo
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4NEM
Chief Keef
The world is a better place when Chief Keef is a relevant name in music. That’s not to say he’s ever been irrelevant because he hasn’t. The man opened the floodgates for the drill movement and is the most often imitated rapper of his generation. However, people often think his career began and ended between 2012 and 2015. In actuality, he’s (not-so) secretly been making some of the best music of his career after that fact. It just hasn’t been well-promoted for a variety of reasons related to his disdain in playing industry politics. Still, with 4NEM, Keef makes a resurgence in letting people know he’s not only one of the best to ever do it, but he’s better than ever before. With nods to past trailblazers like Three 6 Mafia and his affinity for constant stylistic reinvention, if “all gas, no brakes” was an album, it would be this one. - Alejandro Hernandez
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#DBKSZN
Don’t Be Kendall
An extension of Don’t Be Kendall’s mantra, “Be you, don’t be Kendall,” #DBKSZN encourages listeners to build and recognize their own self-worth. A hype man for the underdog, the 2021 These Days Artist to Watch preaches messages of growth and power in an effort to prove his potential to compete as an independent artist. Despite being only his sophomore project, Kendall uses #DBKSZN to debut newfound confidence. Over complex beats with booming basslines that linger in your chest, Kendall raps clever affirmations of self-value that make flexing sound actually tasteful —a feat that’s rather difficult to achieve nowadays. Aside from its unique sound that still screams Chicago, what makes this album so memorable is its authenticity. Between intermittent shoutouts to friends and confessions of still needing to work a 9-5 in addition to music, there’s a certain genuineness Kendall exudes that makes him not only a likable but also relatable narrator. To Kendall, #DBKSZN is only the beginning. And as we enter 2022, keep in mind that DBK season is still alive and thriving. - Ellie Naughton
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Not for Sale
femdot.
femdot.’s latest album might be generating some royalty checks in his mailbox, but the local favorite reminds listeners new and old that spirit and integrity are not for sale. For the better part of the last decade, I’ve watched femdot. navigate the music industry and life with patience, grace, and a smile on his face. Despite his “all is well” demeanor, like everyone else, femdot. has experienced his fair share of setbacks and obstacles, and he uses Not For Sale as a sounding board for expressing those emotions. Whether he’s reflecting on his influences or lack thereof, or navigating new opportunities and personal relationships, femdot. does it all on this record transparently for his fans. Not For Sale is not just another impressive addition to the femdot. catalog, but a close look at the trajectory of a talented artist prepared to take flight. - Brent Butcher
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25
G Herbo
My favorite tradition since becoming a full-time contributor at These Days is writing about whichever album Chicago legend, G-Herbo, drops as one of the best of the year it’s released. In 2021, I’m happy to report that the tradition remains alive and well. 25 is Herb’s celebration of turning 25, an infamous milestone achievement to reach for those who come from the trenches. Similar to last year’s PTSD, Herb retells stories of hardships and survivor’s remorse while showing gratitude for his life and success. Herb has been a mainstay in Chicago’s rap scene for nearly ten years now, and with 25, he continues to assert his claim as one of the best rappers in the entire country. More importantly, the album leaves an exclamation mark on his legacy as one of the original forefathers of the drill movement and someone who deserves all the flowers while he’s still here. - Alejandro Hernandez
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Girl K Is For The People
Girl K
Girl K has gone through some changes since we’ve begun listening intently to every drop. From solo act to the four-piece we hear on their latest EP, Girl K Is For The People, one thing has remained constant, lead singer Kathy Patino’s adoration for the ’80s. Alongside bandmates Tony Mest, Alex Pieczynski, and Kevin Shepard, Kathy toed that synth-pop line this year with the small but mighty six-track EP released by Massachusetts-based indie label, Take This to Heart Records. Warm and vibrant pop songs are the heart of Girl K Is For The People, no matter the subject matter of Kathy’s songwriting. Whether about love or loathing, you can’t help but bounce around to this project. We named Girl K one of our “Artists to Watch” in 2019 following the release of For Now, and this latest addition to the band’s repertoire only strengthens that sentiment. - Brent Butcher
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There’s Always Going To Be Something
Jackie Hayes
Over the last four years or so, we’ve watched closely as Jackie Hayes has steadily blossomed into one of the more impressive alternative acts the city has seen in recent memory. From the earliest Family Reunion-era releases, it was clear Hayes had a knack for making music that cut through, sonically balancing bliss & brashness —a quality that’s remained true throughout the growth of her catalog. Her latest offering, a five-song EP entitled There’s Always Going To Be Something, which arrived this summer, highlights the 21-year-old talent at her best yet. Co-starred by her own guitar & the brilliant producer Billy Lemos, the project keeps a driving pace while layering bright melodies lightly anchored in angst over textured and perfectly distorted production. Each detail of the EP, down the art direction, feels so substantial, tasteful, and effortlessly cool that it’s exciting to imagine what a full length will sound like when it’s time. - Eric Montanez
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Scratch Sailor
Joyfriend
Scratch Sailor is a bittersweet balance of despair and solace. A fusion of emo and folk, Joyfriend uses this project to unite the sounds of sweet guitars with melancholic keys and a whining harmonica. Comparable to a bonfire in the winter, the 24-year-old artist manages to create intimacy amidst a state of bleakness. His lyrics are heavy yet often abstract. Straying away from literal speech, Joyfriend relies on metaphors and alliteration to convey profound messages of sorrow that, at first listen, may be difficult to interpret. Though, in stripping down his figurative language, relatable themes of pain and loss become clear. Alongside these somber moments, Joyfriend weaves in comforting slices of life. On “Ode to Captain Francis Hands,” a muddled audio clip of chattering friends plays, leading into “Today’s the Best,” a track in which Joyfriend lists off mundane events that make up his day. A depiction of the darker side of the human experience, Scratch Sailor gets at the indescribable feeling of defeat while reminding us to enjoy the little things. - Ellie Naughton
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Nu MOON
KayCee Shakur
To make space for the new, you must shed the old. Taking full advantage of this process, KayCee Shakur is growing into her best self, and her album Nu Moon is proof. Following a three-year hiatus, KayCee released Nu Moon in April of this year, bringing a convincingly fresh and reinvigorating sound to what’s been a mess of a year. The 13-track album is a collection of alluring, playful, and impressive neo-soul and R&B tracks that capture KayCee’s lyrical and vocal abilities, all while injecting you with the confidence to take on your day. Tracks like “You Know You Do” and “Spell Book” lean into her silky voice to convey passionate and sultry emotions that spill out of each lyric. She picks the pace up on tracks “Whew Chile” and “Whatever,” exposing a new layer of her versatility with each track. Nu Moon is not only KayCee’s return to music but a triumphant statement that nurtures the spirit. - Iman Music
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I Want The Door To Open
Lala Lala
Lillie West, aka Lala Lala, categorizes her sound as “haunted spa music.” In a time where new ridiculously named subgenres emerge every day, somehow, this description rings true on West’s third album, I Want the Door To Open. The London-born, Chicago-based artist has a soothing alto voice, but just as these vocals invite the listener into a calm headspace, a wrench is thrown into the generally hazy, dreamlike production. Take the brief instrumental break on “Straight & Narrow,” where, in between West’s gentle chorus and a verse from Kara Jackson, a cavalcade of string instruments clash to form an eerie, unsettling chord. Or the crescendo on the opening track “Lava,” a soft cymbal crash segues into an array of horns that accompany the final chorus. West’s voice rarely extends beyond a whisper on the record, but she finds a stronger vocal tone on hooks. Her lyrics speak to the human condition: desires to be heard and understood, and how our presentation of self can change depending on our company.
- Ben Moskow
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En Route (Deluxe)
MFn Melo & squeakPIVOT
MFnMelo and squeakPIVOT pairing up to drop a collaborative project made sense from the jump. Melo revels in stretching his imagination, mixing loose word associations in couplets with acerbic one-liners to wax life’s woes and blessings. Squeak’s beats shake and thump with a tender undercurrent of subtle loops and melodies that enable emcees to use broad emotional brush strokes. In #EnRoute, their synergy propels a collection of songs that slide from smoker anthems to contemplative moments to uplifting cuts that tie back to the album’s driving theme: embracing life’s journey alongside your loved ones. Squeak’s formal introduction sadly, following his tragic passing this summer, became a key piece to the legacy he left behind. When Melo faced the daunting task of finishing the deluxe version this fall, he leaned on the rest of his Pivot Gang brothers to deliver on his and Squeak’s vision. The headier new facet of the project now includes the fitting line: “Bop came from Squeak, he got painter type vibe / Bigger picture that’s my n**** and the canvas be the sky.” - Pedro Gonzalez
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Elephant In The Room
Mick Jenkins
Mick Jenkins has always been one to find his groove and stick with it until it’s perfected. This year’s Elephant In The Room is the culmination of consistently refining a melodic sound heavily influenced by smooth jazz. Diving deep in the corners of his inner pain and vulnerability, Mick explores his relationship with his estranged father (“Reflection”); insecurities he’s had to overcome in his marriage (“Scottie Pippen”); and on “D.U.I,” he trades bars with greenSLLIME about the pitfalls that come with following the wrong influences. Mick’s pen game is on a super saiyan level, weaving clever lyricism into an incredible array of beats sure to make you close your eyes and head bob. On perhaps the best embodiment of the album’s theme, “Things You Can Do Can Die For If Doing Black,” Mick nonchalantly lists mundane activities that he simply aspires to do peacefully —all grim examples of cases in which the police killed a Black person. Elephant In The Room confronts the issues that plague his personal life and society with no hold barred. - Alejandro Hernandez
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SZNZ
Mother Nature
Dynamic rap duo Mother Nature and Closed Sessions producer Boathouse elevated one another to new heights on SZNZ. Boathouse switches in and out of production styles on this record like a chameleon and Mother Nature’s esteemed MCs Klevah Knox and TRUTH prove that no beat is too much of a challenge. They flex their vocal talents on more soulful, melodic offerings like “LOVE GO” and “BIG WHEELZ,” then turn around and deliver quick and confident verses over face-melting trappy bass lines on “RZNZ” and “STATIC MODE.” Each guest on SZNZ has at least some Chicago ties, adding a homegrown feel to the project. The features showcase not only the group’s cred amongst established acts (Sir Michael Rocks and Valee) but also their ear for up-and-coming talent like Brittney Carter and Freddie Old Soul. Not to mention, the collective took this album on a fully independent US tour. Simply put, this was a banner SZN for Mother Nature. - Ben Moskow
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Children Play With Fire
nombreKARI
nombreKARI’s debut album Children Play With Fire is an ode to the city’s talent as much as it is his own. Joined by fellow Chicago artists, including Hatesonny, Serena Isioma, and more, nombreKARI delivers the soundtrack of his life. Comprised of 10 songs, listeners are afforded intimacy through personal accounts of his early childhood as heard in the reminiscent lines of “LWYEC,” the feelings of young love as highlighted in “73 DEGREES,” and the trials of growing into his own in the city he calls home as shared in “NEON BOMBS.” The album is a collection of pieces that confirms what I already believed to be true: nombreKARI has mastered the craft of merging lyrics, instrumentals, and melodies for a seamless and complementary blend of both bars and tunes that are guaranteed to provide listeners a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Through transparency within his storytelling, nombreKARI allows us all the opportunity to embrace our roots through the reflection of our early years. - Hannah Gonzalez
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Reflections
oddCouple
In a year where dreaming of the future felt overly ambitious, oddCouple’s album, Reflections, embraced imagination and dreaming out loud while sparking a sense of inspiration and curiosity. On this compositionally experimental journey, the percussion is lively, and the unique arrangement of the strings, vocals, and synths on each song make for innovative and enticing tracks. Each track evokes a sense of newness, creating an excitement that’s hard to ignore with the help of collaborators like Loona Dae, Elijah Blake, Shawnee Dez, theMIND, and Jamila Woods. oddCouple’s expansive vision for what music can be doesn't only make for wonderful songs but allows us to reimagine what we already know and expand our creativity in the process. Whether it’s the electrifying guitar from Melanie Faye on “Who I Gotta be” or a Kweku Collins adlib on “Volume II” that perhaps you didn't catch the last listen, the meticulous and other-worldly sound leaves room to find something new to obsess over or rewind to hear again each listen. - Iman Music
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I Got Bandz For the MoonLandin’
Semiratruth
Semiratruth put Chicago on notice in 2021, and her second project of the year, I Got Bandz For the MoonLandin’ is her strongest yet. The 21-year old developed her pen game at local open mics and has a knack for weaving together clever bars that save on syllables. The production mostly comes from Semira herself and features the vintage soul samples you’d find in Earl Sweatshirt and MF DOOM records, but with a lot more left turns. From abruptly chopped guitar licks on the title track to an ASMR ticking sound on “Neva Go, not wit me.” Candid bars about musty armpits and “titties tasting like tangerines” add levity, while more introspective songs like “i tried to meditate on the ship” introduce themes of questioning faith and inner peace. Semira’s first lyric on “Cosmos” hooks the listener with a metaphor on how we treat artists posthumously: “Give me my flowers while the plant grow, I’m still alive, so the fertilizer mental.” We’re joining in on giving Semira her flowers while the plant is still blossoming. - Ben Moskow
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Crying In The Club
Serena Isioma
On Crying In The Club, we find ourselves on the dancefloor with Serena more than we ever have before. Through the shimmering glitz and the glamour of each song, you find yourself entranced in the self-talk, reflections, doubts, pride, and identity ruminating in Serena’s (or the “Dreamers”) mind. It also gleams with some of the swaggiest self-affirmations I’ve heard this year: “Crying In The Club” grapples with confusion, love, death, drugs, and a search for who “I” could be; a deep examination of “is it me or is it you?” is contemplated through the mysterious “Voulez-Vous Me To;” and confidence is rebuilt and reclaimed on the synthy “Really, Really.” Then banger funk anthem “HUH?” closes out with a courageous celebration of fully embracing themselves. A superhero is someone who has the ability to do things in a way a normal person couldn't through strength and bravery. Plenty of that is shown across the inner workings of all four of these tracks and beautifully sparkles everything Serena did on and off the stage this past year as well. Superhero status achieved. - Patrick Welby
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Bet Against Me
SG ALI
Bet Against Me finds SG ALI at a precipice. Certified as a neighborhood hero and fresh off signing a record label deal, ALI raps about what it feels like to have your wildest dreams within reach, while still tied back to a threatening environment. Somber pianos and guitar notes serve as the tapestry for the Cabrini Green native’s emotive and tender rhymes about pain and hustle. You can trace a loose lineage of the Chicago blues listening to the 10 songs here: ALI’s earnest street raps are filled with sorrow, violence, and life-beyond-the-block aspirations. She’s seen shit she’d rather forget, but it made her who she is today. The portrayal of her come-up and resilience is incredibly affecting. Bet Against Me is a dazzling output from a promising artist who’s unable to shake their past and, at this point, can’t afford to either. And yet, with all that baggage, SG ALI is ready and fueled to make the leap to stardom. - Pedro Gonzalez
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Drawing
Silas Short
Silas Short’s Drawing is a celestial debut from the Milwaukee-born, Chicago-based artist. A medley of jazz, ‘90s RnB and indie sounds fuse together to fashion the album's distinct sound. Reminiscent of a flower blossoming, the complexity of each track unfolds from start to finish. “Cloudy June” opens with airy vocals, which are then supplemented by the gradual addition of hi-hats, melodic jazz progressions, and synth. With “TwO,” the listener is greeted by the sound of a Fender Rhodes, whose resonance is met with the sounds of jazzy guitar chords and a kick and snare beat. With so many elements of different genres incorporated into the final product, there’s a little something for everyone in this record. As this is only his first release, we eagerly await to see what Silas Short comes up with next. - Halle Mohr
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PRINCIPLES TO DIE BY
SoloSam
SoloSam is a man of craft, comfort, and hospitality and it’s never been more evident than on his latest album Principles To Die By. Released while simultaneously launching a cooking show Principles To Dine By (his release party was a cookout, Solo’s last EP, Plated, was accompanied by a cookbook) showcasing his charm, passion, and creativity in sharing everything he’s learned. One thing is clear, he’s not afraid to explore his versatile vocal ability, and it shows across the entire project. Listening, my stank face got bigger and bigger and during the first course —SoloSam delivers and transitions into completely different vocal flows on both the album’s first two tracks, “ROSES” and “ADDICTIONS.” The vocal chops continue across the project's many hooks, Solo intuitively whips them up on album standouts “Traffic Jam” and “Hotbox” with a perfect guest feature from Michael Christmas. When it comes to the music, it’s clear SoloSam is aimed at cooking you up his best, each and every time he prepares you something. - Patrick Welby
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Tell Me What You Miss The Most
Tasha
Tell Me What You Miss The Most is a delicate showcase of Tasha’s musical and lyrical abilities. Despite being born out of a breakup, the album chronicles the warmth of closeness and hope that accompanies a new relationship. The 10-track record opens with “Bed Song 1,” an ode to longing set against gentle guitar strums and airy violin; and between the subdued melodies of “History” and “Sorry’s Not Enough” sits “Perfect Wife” —the album’s most upbeat track—which alludes to dancing the night away with an almost dream-like partner. With each song, a layer of melancholy is unveiled surrounding the aftermath of a partnership that has run its course. Like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where beauty is found within brokenness, Tell Me What You Miss The Most finds space within an ending for recollections of prior tenderness and intimacy. This album would not be what it is without the contributions of the late Eric Littman, who co-produced, recorded, and mixed the project, and whose legacy will continue to live on in this record. - Halle Mohr
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No Swimming
The O’My’s
On No Swimming, The O’My’s preserve the warmth and soulfulness that have made their records so moving since the early 2010s, while also feeling very much of the moment. The duo’s songwriting is tighter courtesy of singer Maceo Vidal-Haymes and Nick Hennessey’s chord progressions sound as lavish as ever. Mostly recorded during the pandemic’s height, the EP has an air of seclusion and tenderness. Through lyrics framed as hushed conversations, Maceo works out sentiments pertaining to various relationships: from friends acting “Shady” to being better off without a partner in “Realistic” to the invigorating power of love in “Lonely.” The project also showcases the duo’s incredible chemistry with peers outside of their lane; pop-star-in-the-making Alex Banin shows up for a beautiful duet with Maceo and femdot. provides one of his marquee narrative-style verses to close out the project. As we head into another unpredictable year, No Swimming offers comfort through the power of reflection and the growth that follows it. - Pedro Gonzalez
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BLUE 2000
Victor Internet
Since first coming across his music a few years ago, the multi-faceted Victor Internet has stayed true to what we admire most about his artistry. From experimental production and vocal effects to his heartfelt lyricism, these signature elements blossom on BLUE 2000. Punchy, pop-inspired drums carry listeners through the first two tracks of Victor’s sophomore offering. “One Day” subtly introduces Vic's vulnerability while falling out of love, while “LUV” brings forth a spirited and danceable breakup anthem anyone can get behind. The ambiance of the project then takes a turn on “FEEL MYSELF,” as we find Victor beginning to delve into a deeper, more introspective headspace wrestling through the trying facades of heartbreak. As the album closes out with the standout tracks “FOREVER” and “GOODBYE,” Victor gently accepts his own shortcomings and progresses through the arduous process of parting ways with a past lover in a manner that is undeniably reflective of his own maturation. - Carlos Castillo
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Our 100 Favorite Chicago Songs of 2021
2021 was packed with new releases from Chicago artists from all corners of the city. To close out the year, we compiled 100 of our favorite songs by 100 artists worth celebrating. Dive into the forecast, best of 2021 edition, below.