Top Music Discoveries Of 2021: Uncovering Hidden Gems

The year 2021 was a treasure trove of musical innovation, with artists across the globe dropping albums and singles that pushed boundaries, explored new sounds, and resonated deeply with listeners. From indie gems to electronic beats, and cross-genre experiments, let's dive into some of the top music discoveries that left an indelible mark on the music landscape this year. 🌈

The Rise of Indie Folk 🏞️

Indie folk music saw a remarkable resurgence in 2021, with artists blending traditional folk elements with modern indie sensibilities.

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• Big Thief: Their album "Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You" is an eclectic journey through Americana, folk, and rock. With over twenty tracks, each song offers something unique, showcasing the band’s versatility.
• Arlo Parks: Although primarily known for her poignant indie pop, her music also incorporated elements of folk, which helped her album "Collapsed in Sunbeams" resonate with a wide audience.

<p class="pro-note">🔎 Note: Indie Folk often focuses on storytelling, making it an intimate genre that connects directly with listeners.</p>

Electronica's Experimental Edge 🎛️

The electronic music scene in 2021 was anything but predictable. Artists continued to explore the outer limits of what music production could achieve.

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• Floating Points, along with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra, produced "Promises". This album melds jazz, electronic, and orchestral music into an auditory experience that's both meditative and exhilarating.
• James Blake returned with "Friends That Break Your Heart", offering his distinctive blend of soulful electronica, showcasing the evolution of his sound over the years.

Rap's Renaissance 🎤

Rap music had one of its strongest years in 2021, with lyricism and production reaching new heights.

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• J. Cole's "The Off-Season" didn't just break records; it also provided a masterclass in lyrical storytelling and flow. His collaboration with Lil Durk on "My Life" stood out as one of the year's highlights.
• Mick Jenkins released "Elephant in the Room", a project that addressed social issues with razor-sharp wordplay.

R&B's Rebirth 🌹

R&B, with its roots deeply embedded in emotion and melody, took bold steps in 2021.

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• Summer Walker's "Still Over It" was not just an album but an emotional journey, capturing hearts with its vulnerability and catchiness.
• SZA made an unexpected comeback with the single "Good Days", which hinted at her much-anticipated next project, showcasing her growth as an artist.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: R&B in 2021 often combined traditional singing with modern production techniques, giving it a fresh, yet nostalgic feel.</p>

The Rock Revival 🎸

Rock music, often perceived as losing ground, had a surprising comeback in 2021.

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• Turnstile broke genre boundaries with "Glow On", blending punk rock with post-hardcore and even hints of hip-hop, making for an exhilarating listen.
• Foo Fighters' "Medicine at Midnight" showcased their ability to evolve, blending classic rock with disco-pop influences.

International Sounds 🌍

Global music scenes provided some of the year's most innovative and captivating sounds.

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• Olivia Rodrigo might be a teen sensation, but her impact was global, with her song "Good 4 U" reaching ears worldwide, crossing over from pop to punk rock.
• BTS from South Korea continued to dominate with their album "Butter", showcasing the power of K-Pop's international appeal.

<p class="pro-note">🗣️ Note: Music this year became more inclusive, with international artists gaining recognition on a global scale, making it truly a world music scene.</p>

Experimental Music 🎷

The experimental music category saw artists pushing the limits of what music could be.

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• Moses Boyd's "Dark Matter" is jazz, but not as you might know it. Blending jazz with electronic beats, he created an album that defied categorization.
• Squarepusher with his "Be Up A Hello", provided intricate electronic compositions that are both cerebral and danceable.

Conclusion

From the heartfelt melodies of indie folk to the groundbreaking sounds in electronica, 2021's music scene was a celebration of diversity and innovation. The year was filled with artists who weren't afraid to experiment, leading to hidden gems that could easily be missed amidst the mainstream flood.

If you've been seeking something new, something to stir your soul or ignite your imagination, this year's hidden gems in music provided exactly that. Remember, music is not just entertainment; it's a journey of discovery. Keep your ears open, and you might just find your next favorite artist lurking in the undercurrents of 2021's musical landscape.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What defines a music discovery in 2021?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>A music discovery in 2021 is often characterized by artists who are lesser-known but bring innovative sounds, unique collaborations, or fresh perspectives to their genre.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Did any genre dominate the year?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No single genre dominated, but there was a clear revival in rock, and R&B saw significant innovation and growth.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Which artists from 2021 should I look out for?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Look out for artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Big Thief, Summer Walker, and international sensations like BTS for unique sounds and global influences.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I find more hidden gems in music?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Explore music blogs, use streaming services' discovery algorithms, attend music festivals, or even delve into genre-specific subreddits and online forums.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>