Hooverphonic - Thinking About You
Solid Eurovision performance this year, wish they’ve got more points. However, Geike is back to complete the original trio and the new album is solid AF.
Album on Youtube
Album on Spotify
Måneskin - Zitti E Buoni
Can’t talk about Eurovision without talking about the smashing hit by these Italian fellas. Also coming strong with an incredible album, definitely one of the best this year.
Album on Youtube
Album on Spotify
Pendulum - Come Alive
After more than 214 years since their last release as Pendulum, the trio is back with a banging 4-track one-better-than-the-other EP, called Elemental. Come Alive is definitely a great throwback to festival times, crowds and sounds.
Album on Youtube
Album on Spotify
Zivert - Рокки
Yulia Zivert dropped this year her second album, Vinyl #2, along with a strong first single, Рокки. With its 80s sound and somehow successfully blending Irene Cara’s Flashdance and Stallone’s Rocky training, the result is a great retro experience, announcing a very good album, just like the first.
Album on Youtube
Album on Spotify
Prudence - More Love (Don’t Go Home)
Olivia Merilahti (or as some of us remember her, the striking red-jumpsuit half of The Dø is back with a great new solo project. Beginnings is a very strong pop/rock album with a ton of great songs.
Album on Youtube
Album on Spotify
Spike - Zeu
Spike hit the speakers this year with another great satire video
Artist on Youtube
Artist on Spotify
Holy Motors - Din Ecrane w/ Nick Făgădar
One of the best Romanian rock songs of 2021. Period. They’re really good and Nick’s addition to the song makes it even better. Can’t wait for an album
Song on Youtube
Artist on Spotify
RoadkillSoda – Loud & Proud
Marking their 10-year anniversary, Loud & Proud is a strong tune, foretelling the release of a new EP next year.
Artist on Bandcamp
Artist on Spotify
Marius Matache – Plouă
Make’s fourth album reminds us about the simple folk-rock songs that hide complex feelings. A must-listen.
Album on Youtube
Album on Spotify
om la lună — Aripi de Liliac
In just a couple of years, om la lună grew from one person with a guitar to a full band, and they managed this year to release their album, În caz de om la lună, strigați “om la lună stânga/dreapta”, după caz, and it features probably some of the best Romanian love songs. Definitely something to listen in the coziness of your home, but better experienced live.
Album on Bandcamp
Album on Spotify
Alex & The Fat Penguins - Jupiter
The Penguins are back! Alex is back as well and brings his vocals to a very empowering song about healing. Their second album is due to drop next year, and it starts to feel as strong as their previous one
Artist on Youtube
Artist on Spotify
The Kryptonite Sparks - 3310_(Suflete_în_ghiozdan)
With strong nostalgic sound and lyrics, their second single of the year is one of the best songs 2021 brought into the spotlight. Not only this, but their other two songs released this year (Sincrodestin and Daca vii azi) are also worth adding to a heavy-rotation playlist
Artist on Youtube
Artist on Spotify
Coma - Aurora
2021 brought a strong new song from Coma. Completely opposite of their rough, strong, nu-metal roots, Aurora brings a relaxing vibe, a sentimental tone and heartbeat drums. Very unexpected, but very very well done. Most likely the best song of 2021
Song on Youtube
Song on Spotify
Note: this list is not yet final, because I definitely forgot some stuff
