This year really was a year for the books, with so many things that happened in pop culture [1], politics, and worldwide. The music released this year is no exception — we truly were blessed with so many masterpiece albums and songs from some of our favourite artists [2], and we've had our radios blasting them ever since. While the Top 40 stations have really been playing some great hits, there are also plenty of incredible albums you may have not heard of from this year; fear not, though, because I've got you covered. I've curated a list of 10 of the most underrated albums [3] released this year for your listening pleasure, from a wide range of genres (so you're sure to find a few you really vibe with!). Keep reading to learn more about these fantastic releases.
Immunity by Clairo
If you're in the mood for some soothing vocals with a unique sound, Clairo is your girl. I have had this album on repeat for months now and don't plan to stop anytime soon. Clairo does have a noticeable following, but this album honestly hasn't been celebrated nearly enough. Each track shows off her angelic voice and has cool layers that create a totally different sound between songs.
Betty by Betty Who
In the realm of pop music, Betty Who remains one of the ultimate queens. Her self-titled album dropped earlier this year, and let me tell you — the bops are endless. Betty has mastered a perfect mixture of the elements of modern pop and the timeless sounds of the '80s and '90s, all while making you want to get up and dance. In my opinion, Betty has never gotten enough of the recognition she truly deserves!
Wasteland, Baby! by Hozier
I am probably biased about this particular album because I saw it performed in concert (which was essentially a spiritual experience for me), but some of the negative critical reception it got is not justified. Hozier really put his heart and soul into this album, and it shows. The album can span multiple genres because he created tracks that each stand strongly on their own, each with an incomparable sound. Don't sleep on this one, folks!
III by BANKS
BANKS has had a few notable singles released over the past few years ("Begging For Thread," for example), but her most recent album is truly a magnum opus. The queen of edgy pop really outdid herself with this one. The hype it received was lacking, from my perspective, because we waited three years for this one! "Gimmie" is one of my top songs from this year, check it out here.
Dedicated by Carly Rae Jepsen
When the "Call Me Maybe" singer released her newest album this year, my life was basically put on hold for a week to truly enjoy it. She really took the electric-pop sound she's perfected over the years to another level. I have not heard nearly enough about this album, which came after a whole four-year hiatus, so I absolutely had to include it here. You won't be able to help but get up and move once you hear one or two of these masterpieces.
Amidst the Chaos by Sara Bareilles
Six years after her most recent album, Sara came in and absolutely blew me away. The songstress has crafted some incredibly eloquent and gorgeous tracks on this album, and it just never got the reception it deserved. She is currently wrapping up on her concert tour for the album, and if you got to experience the show like I did, you're very lucky!
Clarity by Kim Petras
From my perspective, most people overlook Kim Petras way too often, which is a huge shame because she really keeps delivering bop after bop! Clarity is the perfect blend between pop and R&B, and every track is totally different. Some are dramatic and emotional, some fun and cheeky, and others simply great for hyping you up before a night out.
The Big Day by Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper never fails to deliver incredible music, and The Big Day was no exception . . . but I didn't hear quite enough about it. Chance really took his collaborative relationships to the next level and created too many incredible tracks to name (no really, there are 22 tracks on the album). The different moods and sounds he creates here are all different, but he still maintains his trademark flow throughout. Don't pass this one up!
Father of the Bride by Vampire Weekend
The six-year wait in between Vampire Weekend albums was well worth it to me after hearing Father of the Bride. The band has maintained their trademark indie-rock sound, while crafting fresh tracks with more than enough range to satisfy even the most impatient fan. Regardless of the long wait we've had to endure, this album deserves to be hyped up much more because of how well it delivered.
GIRL by Maren Morris
Within the genre of female country singers, Maren Morris is definitely underrated to me. In this year's album she created a delicate blend of pop and rock songs mixed with her country roots, and it all works so well. Her lyrics are catchy and meaningful, and her sound is perfect to enjoy on a multitude of occasions.