As we hit the half way point of 2021, there’s been an extraordinary level of great new music released week in, week out this year; especially in the months April through June. From Wolf Alice to girl in red, London Grammar, EJ Worland and Martha Marlow, the second quarter of 2021 has seen a variety of albums and EPs released that will go some way to being crowned the best releases of the year when December rolls around.
But what about the releases that weren’t lucky enough to receive our #albumoftheweek? Below we’ve compiled a list of albums and EPs you might have missed in the past three months that we think you should definitely check out:
Olivia Rodrigo – SOUR
Release date: 21 May 2021
Seemingly coming from the clouds and spawning the biggest debut single of all time, Olivia Rodrigo has been the global breakthrough artist of 2021, and her debut album SOUR goes some way in explaining why she’s topped so many charts over the past six months. With the undeniably sad and brilliant “Drivers License” sure to win every award possible in the coming 12 months, it’s the secondary singles on SOUR that welcomes the listener into the torment and angst Rodrigo is so openly confessing. The reluctant and understated “Favourite Crime” is a hidden gem, while the Paramore inspired “Good 4 U” shows a more edgy and punk driven side to Rodrigo.
Tyne James Organ – Necessary Evil
Release date: 21 May 2021
Following on from his stellar 2019 debut EP Persevere, Tyne James Organ finally blessed us with his debut album Necessary Evil. With shades of The Cure and The War on Drugs spread evenly throughout the album, Tyne James Organ has managed to follow through on the promise he’s shown for the past few years. Doing his fans and songwriting skills justice by including 2019’s hit “Graceful” on the album, the driving “Sunday Suit” is matched with the emphatic and powerful “Better Than This”, while the solemn “Heal You” is a pleasant left turn from an artist whose best work so far has been upbeat and guitar lead.
Jorja Smith – Be Right Back (EP)
Release date: 14 May 2021
Sticking to what she does best, Jorja Smith has pulled together eight songs for her newest EP, the RnB and soul heavy Be Right Back. A little more toned down than her 2018 debut album Lost & Found, Be Right Back is slick and smooth while showcasing Smith’s killer vocals. The obvious stand out is the sickenly great “Addicted”, a tale of unrequited love and longing. Other notable moments include the closer “Weekend” and the subtle jazz-influenced “Burn”.
Julia Stone – Sixty Summers
Release date: 30 April 2021
Having been in our ears in solo or duo form for the past 15 years, Julia Stone has developed one of the most recognisable and reliable vocals across the country. Busting out with Sixty Summers, her third solo LP is the most different and definitely the best of her solo albums so far. The afro-beat inspired “Break” highlights the progression Stone has made in style and depth since her first solo album more than a decade ago. Other pleasant surprises on Sixty Summers include the darkened “Fire in Me”, the sweet “Dance” (with its Sia “Breathe Me” vibe), and the Matt Berninger featured “We All Have”.
Lola Scott – 1/4 Life Crisis
Release date: 14 May 2021
The NSW act has made a foray into the alt-pop world and has done an incredibly flawless job of it. Cementing her place as an artist to watch thanks to 1/4 Life Crisis, Lola Scott blends a happy mix of synth and pop that is bursting at the seams with hits. With a little Billie Eilish mixed with Rex Orange County, Lola’s EP, including the slinky “One Time (Last Night)” and massively juicy “4E Jobless”, sets the scene for what will surely be an artist we should all be keeping on eye on over the coming couple of years.
