The time has come once again, dear readers, to render our inboxes into playlists. We’ve scientifically and democratically processed every song sent our way, studied it meticulously, crunched the numbers, to arrive at this: The Best Music of 2021 (so far). This is our playlist. There are many playlists like it, but this one is ours.
Please enjoy responsibly.
The Backstays – Forever Gold Bricks
Here to remind us that chasing after superficial dreams does not always work out as planned are the Backstays with “Forever Gold Bricks.” This dreamy, synth-driven track embodies the feeling of embarking on an endless chase to reach something out of our grasp and serves as a good reminder to just enjoy where we are in life. (Read more…)
Matt Steele – Falling Asleep at the Metal Show
Matt Steele has worked some long hours in the music industry. “Falling Asleep at the Metal Show” is based on the true story where Steele did just that: he nodded off in the booth one night while working as the sound tech. (Read more…)
Kiwi Jr. – Waiting In Line
We’re not really sure what Kiwi Jr. was waiting in line for, and we’re also not sure why it was the last time they queued up, but we’re happy to sing about it along with them. With “Waiting In Line,” the group has succeeded once again at producing a jingle catchy enough to make us forget that we’re not fully sure what’s even going on. (Read more…)
Russell Louder – Home
Stomping along with buzzing synths, airy vocals soaring high above, “Home” is an energizing pulse. As dance-punk as it is rapturous, Louder perfectly weaves the incongruent worlds together with big Björk vibes.
Lawrence Maxwell – Back to Cape Breton
“Back to Cape Breton,” Lawrence Maxwell’s love letter to the Atlantic Canadian island, captures a deep fondness for a place in an upbeat, bluegrass package. Released alongside the Nova Scotia border closure, the track serves to remind the island that Maxwell hasn’t forgotten about it, and in fact, he can’t wait to see it again. (Read more…)
Levi Rowan – 2 Nights
Levi Rowan goes full Thanos on this catchy single, describing “2 Nights” as “the realization [that] getting what you always wanted may be at the expense of everything you love.”
The Trews – I Wanna Play
Playing into the widespread feeling of unrest after a long period of isolation, The Trews’ “I Wanna Play” takes an upbeat melody and uses it to encourage us all to get out of our houses and play. If Bounciest Track of the Year were an award category, this track would take it. (Read more…)
Baby God – Insane Now
The opening track from Baby God’s album, Another Suffer, the sunny and upbeat “Insane Now” is a road trip of a song filled with a desire to escape from worries and live in happier moments. (Read more…)
Shane Pendergast – Autumn Rain
Shane Pendergast came out swinging on his sophomore album. Second Wind is full of vivid storytelling, with “Autumn Wind” setting the scene for lonely nights, chilling rain, and the inevitable toll that time takes on us all. (Read more…)
FM Berlin – Good Magic
“Good Magic” was inspired by a moment on the TTC when FM Berlin’s Corey Hachey witnessed a couple fighting. Fortunately, this song came away with a sound far more upbeat and some perfect Top 40 hooks. (Read more…)