2021 Grammy Album Of The Year Nominees: A Deep Dive
The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, held in 2021, celebrated the best in music released between September 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020. Among the most coveted awards is Album of the Year, which recognizes overall artistic excellence. The nominees for the 2021 Album of the Year represented a diverse range of genres and artists, each making a significant impact on the musical landscape. This year's selection underscored the Grammys' evolving recognition of innovative and culturally resonant work. Let's delve into each of these nominated albums, exploring their critical reception, commercial performance, and lasting influence.
Nominees
1. Chilombo by Jhené Aiko
Chilombo, Jhené Aiko's third studio album, is a sprawling and deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and healing. Released in March 2020, the album is characterized by its lush, atmospheric production and Aiko's signature ethereal vocals. The album’s title, Chilombo, is Aiko's given surname, adding an intimate layer to the project. The album features a blend of R&B, neo-soul, and ambient soundscapes, creating a mesmerizing listening experience. Aiko's songwriting is incredibly vulnerable, delving into her relationships and emotional journey with unflinching honesty. Tracks like "Triggered (freestyle)" and "None of Your Concern" (featuring Big Sean) became standout hits, resonating with listeners through their raw emotion and relatable themes. Critically, Chilombo was praised for its cohesive sound and Aiko's artistic growth. Many reviewers noted the album's ability to create an immersive and meditative atmosphere, making it a standout project in contemporary R&B. Chilombo performed well commercially, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Its success underscored Aiko's growing influence in the R&B scene and cemented her status as a leading voice in contemporary music. The album's nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a testament to its artistic merit and cultural impact, marking a significant milestone in Aiko's career.
2. Black Pumas by Black Pumas
The self-titled debut album by Black Pumas, a neo-soul and psychedelic soul duo from Austin, Texas, was a surprise contender that captured the hearts of many. Released in 2019, the album blends vintage soul sounds with a modern sensibility, creating a timeless and captivating listening experience. Eric Burton's powerful vocals and Adrian Quesada's masterful production form the core of the album's appeal. Tracks like "Colors" and "Fire" became breakout hits, showcasing the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant and groove-laden songs. The album's sound is deeply rooted in the traditions of soul and R&B, while also incorporating elements of funk and psychedelia. This blend of influences gives Black Pumas a unique and distinctive sonic identity. Critics lauded the album for its authenticity and the raw energy of the band's performances. The album was praised for its ability to evoke the spirit of classic soul while still sounding fresh and contemporary. Black Pumas achieved considerable commercial success, driven by the strength of its singles and the band's captivating live performances. The album's nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a testament to its widespread appeal and the band's ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. It highlighted the Grammys' willingness to recognize artists who are pushing the boundaries of genre and creating music that is both timeless and relevant. For Black Pumas, the nomination was a career-defining moment, elevating their profile and solidifying their place in the modern music scene.
3. Everyday Life by Coldplay
Coldplay's Everyday Life is an ambitious and experimental album that reflects the band's evolving sound and social consciousness. Released in November 2019, the album is divided into two parts, Sunrise and Sunset, each exploring different themes and sonic landscapes. The album incorporates elements of world music, gospel, and spoken word, creating a diverse and eclectic listening experience. Chris Martin's songwriting delves into themes of love, loss, and social justice, reflecting a more introspective and politically engaged perspective. Tracks like "Orphans" and "Arabesque" showcase the band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and textures, while still maintaining their signature melodic sensibilities. Everyday Life received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its ambition and experimentation, while others found it to be disjointed and uneven. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album performed well commercially, reaching number one in several countries. The album's nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a nod to Coldplay's enduring popularity and their willingness to push the boundaries of their sound. It also reflected the Grammys' recognition of artists who are using their platform to address important social and political issues. For Coldplay, the nomination was another milestone in their illustrious career, solidifying their status as one of the most successful and influential bands of the 21st century.
4. Djesse Vol. 3 by Jacob Collier
Djesse Vol. 3 is the third installment in Jacob Collier's ambitious Djesse project, a multi-volume exploration of music and creativity. Released in August 2020, the album showcases Collier's unparalleled musical talent and his innovative approach to composition and production. The album is a vibrant and eclectic mix of genres, including jazz, funk, electronic music, and world music. Collier's virtuosic musicianship is on full display, as he plays a multitude of instruments and creates complex and layered arrangements. The album features collaborations with a diverse range of artists, including T-Pain, Kimbra, and Tank and the Bangas, adding to its eclectic and dynamic sound. Tracks like "All I Need" and "He Won't Hold You" showcase Collier's ability to blend different genres and create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Djesse Vol. 3 received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Collier's musical genius and the album's innovative production. The album was lauded for its creativity, complexity, and sheer musicality. The album's nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a testament to Collier's unique talent and his ability to push the boundaries of music. It also reflected the Grammys' recognition of artists who are challenging conventions and creating music that is truly original. For Collier, the nomination was a significant achievement, solidifying his status as one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of his generation.
5. Women in Music Pt. III by Haim
Women in Music Pt. III, the third studio album by the Haim sisters, is a confident and adventurous exploration of pop, rock, and folk influences. Released in June 2020, the album showcases the band's growth as songwriters and musicians. The album's sound is characterized by its catchy melodies, tight harmonies, and introspective lyrics. The album explores themes of love, loss, and identity, reflecting the band's personal experiences and perspectives. Tracks like "The Steps" and "Gasoline" showcase the band's ability to blend different genres and create music that is both accessible and artistically fulfilling. Women in Music Pt. III received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the band's songwriting, musicianship, and the album's overall cohesiveness. The album was lauded for its honesty, vulnerability, and its celebration of female empowerment. The album performed well commercially, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Its nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a testament to its artistic merit and the band's growing influence in the music industry. For Haim, the nomination was a significant milestone, solidifying their status as one of the most talented and innovative bands of their generation.
6. Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia is a vibrant and infectious dance-pop album that pays homage to the sounds of the 1980s while maintaining a modern sensibility. Released in March 2020, the album is characterized by its catchy hooks, pulsating rhythms, and empowering lyrics. The album's sound is heavily influenced by disco, funk, and synth-pop, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary feel. Lipa's songwriting celebrates female empowerment and self-confidence, resonating with listeners through its positive and uplifting messages. Tracks like "Don't Start Now" and "Levitating" became massive global hits, dominating the airwaves and dance floors. Future Nostalgia received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its production, songwriting, and Lipa's charismatic vocals. The album was lauded for its infectious energy and its ability to transport listeners to a world of pure joy and escapism. Future Nostalgia achieved phenomenal commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling albums of 2020. Its nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a testament to its widespread appeal and its impact on popular culture. For Lipa, the nomination was a career-defining moment, solidifying her status as one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
7. Hollywood's Bleeding by Post Malone
Post Malone's Hollywood's Bleeding is a genre-bending album that blends elements of hip-hop, pop, rock, and R&B. Released in September 2019, the album showcases Malone's versatility as a songwriter and performer. The album's sound is characterized by its catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and genre-blurring production. The album explores themes of fame, love, and addiction, reflecting Malone's personal experiences and struggles. Tracks like "Circles" and "Sunflower" (with Swae Lee) became massive hits, dominating the charts and airwaves. Hollywood's Bleeding received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its catchiness and genre-bending experimentation, while others found it to be uneven and lacking in depth. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album achieved phenomenal commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling albums of 2019. Its nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a testament to its widespread appeal and Malone's status as one of the biggest stars in music. For Malone, the nomination was another milestone in his career, solidifying his place in the pop culture landscape.
8. * folklore* by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift's folklore is a surprise album that marked a significant departure from her previous pop-oriented sound. Released in July 2020, the album is characterized by its introspective lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and folk-inspired melodies. The album's sound is heavily influenced by indie folk and alternative rock, creating a more intimate and organic listening experience. Swift's songwriting delves into themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, reflecting a more mature and introspective perspective. Tracks like "cardigan" and "exile" (featuring Bon Iver) became instant classics, resonating with listeners through their emotional depth and lyrical storytelling. folklore received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers praising Swift's songwriting, the album's production, and its overall cohesiveness. The album was lauded for its honesty, vulnerability, and its ability to transport listeners to a world of poetic beauty. folklore achieved phenomenal commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling albums of 2020. Its nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys was a testament to its artistic merit and Swift's ability to reinvent herself as an artist. folklore ultimately won Album of the Year, making Swift the first woman to win the award three times.
Conclusion
The nominees for the 2021 Grammy Album of the Year represented a diverse and exciting snapshot of the music industry in 2020. From Jhené Aiko's introspective R&B to Taylor Swift's folklore's win, each album offered a unique perspective and contributed to the cultural conversation. While Taylor Swift ultimately took home the award, each nominee left an indelible mark on the year in music, showcasing the power of artistic expression and the diverse sounds that resonate with audiences worldwide. These albums continue to be celebrated and enjoyed, solidifying their place in music history.