Lorde performs onstage at the 2021 Guggenheim International Gala on November 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum)

Let’s be honest, 2021 had its ups and downs, and that’s a conservative statement at best. But it’s always important to look for the silver lining, and in 2021, that was music. This year, we were gifted new music from hiatus stars such as Lorde, Adele and Kacey Musgraves, along with albums from evergreen favorites with Taylor Swift.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a complete list without mentioning the newcomers and debut albums from new artists as well, à la Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo.

While 2021 didn’t have the highest volume of new releases, we truly got a lesson in quality over quantity this year. GRAZIA compiled a list of some of our favorite albums that got us through, inspired us and made us dance.

Lorde — Solar Power

The beginning notes of “The Path,” are something that I hear in my dreams. After a four-year hiatus after releasing the emotionally-devastating Melodrama, Lorde came back with a serotonin-filled splash by the name Solar Power. Described by many people as her “happy album,” Lorde brings us on a journey of emotional recovery, light and finding yourself after the turbulence of teenage fame, heartbreak and the accessibility of the internet.

Adele — 30

Besides Solar Power, Adele’s 30 was the most highly anticipated album of this year. After a six year hiatus and a divorce later, Adele was gracious enough to give us what was arguably her magnum opus. While it may not be her best album by review standards, it is her best album by Adele standards, and that means more than any number you give it on a scale of 1-10. It’s vulnerable, confrontational and full of soberingly real-life issues faced by any average adult, but in a devastatingly empowering method.

Olivia Rodrigo — Sour

This album did something strange to us listeners culturally, it made 25 to 30-year olds scream at the top of their lungs about high school relationships and teenage heartbreaks. It wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Olivia Rodrigo left her mark with this album on the portfolio of 2021’s most hyped albums, and we definitely don’t see her going anywhere, anytime soon.

Taylor Swift — Evermore (deluxe version)

As an unabashed Swiftie, I have write a disclaimer that I’m a little biased towards Evermore. This deluxe album was Taylor Swift’s sister response to 2020’s Folklore, and it packed just as much of Swift’s master lyricism with aesthetic value that gave us all sorts of cabincore vibes. It’s magical, raw and a little edgier than what we’re used to with Swift, and it’s been on repeat for me ever since it was released in the earliest parts of 2021.tar

Kacey Musgraves — star-crossed

I think it’s safe to say that this is Kacey Musgrave’s most well-developed, mature album yet. Yet another album about a tumultuous divorce, Musgraves takes us on a journey through nostalgia and heartbreak through a flurry of angelic choirs and catchy melodies. A departure from her usual country sound, this album is fully developed, beautifully written and strikingly presented.

Billie Eilish — Happier Than Ever

In a twist that was refreshing, Billie Eilish gave us an album that moved away from the darkness that was WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? and into the angelic light that was Happier Than Ever. This album showed Eilish’s progression as an artist in real time, and it just goes to show that she’s not just an edgy one-trick pony, but a multi-faceted artist capable of transformative wonders.

Doja Cat — Planet Her

I think it’s safe to say at this point that Doja Cat has joined the ranks of iconic pop girls in the 21st century. Between a year of iconic performances, hosting awards shows and having a musical breakthrough with Planet Her, Doja approached the mainstream scene slowly but with power and style, with a personality that’s just as enjoyable as her music.

Taylor Swift — Red (Taylor’s Version)

She’s on here again, folks. With a year that’s been all about power, creative autonomy and freedom, this has been Taylor Swift’s moment of power, and she solidified that with Red (Taylor’s Version). Revisiting the tales of broken relationships (and an M.I.A scarf), Taylor revisits this story on her own terms, and re-vamped a classic with a mature sounds.

Lil Nas X — Montero

What a year it’s been for Lil Nas X, between the release of MONTERO and just overall being an iconic person in 2021, he gave us the groundbreaking video for “Industry Baby” and entertained all year round with his charming and humorous personality. He broke records, charts and the internet, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.