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

5. Bo Burnham – Inside (The Songs)

A little bit of a curveball, but after seeing this comedy special on Netflix, I couldn’t stop listening to the songs for months afterwards. Of course having the context of the comedy special helps in enjoying the songs, but I do believe that they are even great on their own. Catchy, funny, and lyrically well thought out.

4. Sleep Waker – Alias

This album is fun and dynamic all the way through, and really big things a refreshing sound to the genre.

3. Silent Planet – Iridescent

This one took me a couple listens to fully process because there’s so much going on, and I like the fact that it makes you think. The vocalist wrote many of these lyrics while in rehab or soon afterwards detailing his experiences and just being vulnerable about being human to the listeners. This is an album we could all use in times like these.

2. ERRA – ERRA

The dynamic vocal duo of Jesse Cash and JT Cavey are the perfect ebb and flow to this album, the guitar riffs and melodies are memorably, and the choruses are so catchy. Not always the biggest guitar solo fan, but they are done very well throughout this album; they serve a purpose almost like a bridge of a song does.

1. Spiritbox – Eternal Blue

It is a journey from start to finish, with an insane dynamic range of feel throughout. Each song connects together and the ending feels satisfyingly conclusive. The instrumentals are very technical and purposeful, and Courtney LaPlante’s vocals are something I can’t get enough of. Flawless album to me.

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