As we wrap up the year, we’re sharing some of our staff members’ favorite albums of the year. Here’s Abbi Wynsma’s list.

5. Adam Melchor – Melchor Lullaby Hotline Vol. 1

This album made Adam Melchor one of my favorite songwriters ever. It’s really sentimental but super unique. Most of the songs just make you want to fall in love.

4. Lana Del Rey – Blue Banisters

This is definitely a controversial take, but I loved this album. I know a lot of people complained that it’s pretty much the same as all of her other releases, but regardless I really enjoyed it. Lyrically I think she can be pretty extra at times, but I thought instrumentally most of the tracks were really well done. Not gonna lie, just listening to it made me feel whimsical.

3. La Luz – La Luz

La Luz is such a great band and the music they create is so cool. I was pumped when this album came out, and it lived up to the hype for me. They have a nice vintage 60s sound to them, and it’s cool to see that recreated in a modern 2021.

2. Megan Thee Stallion- Something for thee Hotties

This album is full of certified bangers. Most of the background tracks have an old school beat attached to them, and Megan’s lyrics and vocal cadence brings it altogether. It definitely got me through a lot of slumps – it’s hard not to feel confident when you listen to Megan Thee Stallion, especially on this album!

1. Hayley Williams – FLOWERS for VASES

This is the most stripped-back work Hayley Williams has ever done, yet it is the most heartfelt and real. You can see her growth from the beginning to the end as an individual and as a musician. She also played all the instruments on every track – which is pretty cool. This is definitely a songwriter’s album, and one that I related to so much. It really helped get me through the ins and outs of 2021.

You can listen to Abbi’s entire Top 5 Albums of 2021 playlist below.