Time Magazine: The 10 Best Albums of 2021, compiled by Andrew R. Chow and Cady Lang
[see also 2022 • 2020 • 2010s • 2019 • 2015]
Lindsay Zoladz: Best Albums of 2021, as published by The New York Times
Some runners-up worth mentioning
Jon Caramanica: Best Albums of 2021, as published by The New York Times
[see also 2023 • 2022 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2011]
And 20 more albums for a more well-rounded year
Jon Pareles: Best Albums of 2021, as published by The New York Times
[see also 2023 • 2022 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2011]