The Frequency Podcast

Introducing Weekly Roundup - a new segment touching on the latest in music news. This week's topics include: Drake and Bad Bunny's recent commercial success, The Game's Eminem diss, and the Kid Cudi Esquire article.

Check out which freshman stood out this year and who could’ve done better.

The Smile is clearly a band with talents that are a cut above the rest. But on their debut album, the risks are minimal and the peaks are few and far between - leaving me wanting more.

"Give or Take" is a solid debut, but I think we're just scratching the surface of what Giveon can do.

On Drake's first full length dance album - we get what feels like a rushed effort to capture the summer magic he had in the past.

On Twelve Carat Toothache, Post Malone provides us with an unexciting collection of tracks. Not delivering on any fronts, whether it be for substance or the radio.

Mr Morale & the Big Steppers shows Kendrick at his most vulnerable. Although it isn't perfect, this album is another quality addition to Kendrick's already legendary discography.

Un Verano Sin Ti is a return to form for Bad Bunny.

On I Never Liked You, we’re getting the same rinse and repeat formula from Future. A largely boring collection of tracks that range from almost catchy to lyrically embarrassing.

On It’s Almost Dry, we get more of the same from Pusha T. He continues to prove that he is still the quintessential rapper in his sub-genre. However, I do think this album was safe for Pusha T.

Melt My Eyez See Your Future is Denzel’s most vulnerable body of work. Although there are some lulls that don't fit thematically, Denzel is as sharp as ever delivering some intimate moments of introspection.

On MOTOMAMI, Rosalia explores various genres. For any artist, it’d be a challenge to tackle all of this on one album. Thankfully, Rosalia exceeds expectations considerably with her versatile vocal performances and fantastic songwriting. This album is as diverse and creative as it gets - an album of the year contender.

With Rex's fourth album, his focus in on self care and self improvement. Although not perfect, this album is a refreshing change of pace.

This week, reviewing the two latest projects from the increasingly popular hip hop collective, Griselda - Conway the Machine's God Don't Make Mistakes and Benny the Butcher's Tana Talk 4.

Once Twice Melody is a beautiful and intricately crafted dream pop album that adds to Beach House’s already acclaimed discography.

With Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You , Big Thief goes beyond indie folk rock and comes through with an album that has a little something for everyone.

On Laurel Hell, Mitski’s songwriting takes center stage against predominantly darker, synth pop instrumentals. Although strong on the lyrical front, the instrumentals and vocal performances don’t achieve the same level of success for me.

Few Good Things has plenty to offer, although a notch below his previous project. Saba opts for vibrant production as he tackles themes of wealth and his upbringing. He thrives with memorable choruses and topical songwriting, but falters on occasion with unfocused filler tracks.

Black Country, New Road drop an early album of the year contender. With chillingly poetic songwriting and masterfully crafted instrumentation, BCNR prove to be one of the most creative bands in music today.

On their debut album, Yard Act impresses with some witty songwriting and consistent instrumentals. The band does have some room to grow. But, "The Overload" is a solid starting point for them.

On his sophomore album, From a Birds Eye View, Cordae takes a step backwards. Cordae shows a lack of growth and ultimately delivers less standout tracks when compared to his debut.

FKA twigs comes through with her most accessible project yet, CAPRISONGS. Throughout this mixtape, she delivers some of the most creative and diverse pop performances I've heard in a long time.

Picking up where After Hours left off, The Weeknd doubles down on the 80's pop sound with his new album, DAWN FM. Not only does DAWN FM live up to the quality on After Hours, it surpasses it in many ways.

In the final installment of his Drip Season series, Gunna starts the year off with an underwhelming release.

Here you have it, my 2021 Top 10 Albums of the Year.