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

5. Sweet Trip – A Tiny House, In Secret Speeches, Polar Equals

yeah its not as heavenly good as v:c:d but that’s a really really high bar and surviving a smile / chapters still make my brain feel good

4. Squid – Bright Green Field

it should be a crime for an album to be both so intense and catchy and sprawling and so obnoxiously british at the same time

3. Darkside – Spiral

impossibly smooth and sexy, nicolas jaar is still absolutely at the top of his game. any of the three singles could be my SOTY

2. Lil Ugly Mane – Volcanic Enemy Bird and the Voiced Concern

porcelain slightly alone justifies this album’s presence, but the way travis managed to wholly reinvent what the lum project *is* is completely mind melting… also it’s a smooth and surprisingly fun experience, despite also being so depressive

1. Injury Reserve – By the Time I Get to Phoenix

still utterly shatters my mind on every listen, in the best way. not sure if anything else can really even fit here besides this album. rip groggs

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