2021 has been about getting back to normal for everyone. Luckily, the first six months of the year have left behind a bevy of great music for all kinds of music lovers. In no particular order, we look at 10 of the best albums and songs released so far.

The best albums of 2021 so far

Origami Button - No Parking - self-released

Origami Button's sophomore album No Parking answers the burning question of "What if Chon had a lead vocalist this whole time?" From start to finish, the release impresses with a bevy of grooves (we're looking at you, "Peach") from the Chicago group that consider themselves “Math rock for people that don't like math rock.”

Mint Julep - In a Deep & Dreamless Sleep - Western Vinyl

Mint Julep's In a Deep & Dreamless Sleep is a nonstop burst of heavenly soundscapes perfect for some quiet time on the beach or a tranquil yoga session.

UgLi - FUCK -self-released

FUCK is a great way to describe 2020 for pretty much everyone. FUCK is also the title of UgLi's debut album, which finds the band showcasing their love of '90s grunge rock with a sound reminiscent of bands like Jack Off Jill and Babes in Toyland.

Silly Boy Blue - Breakup Songs - Columbia France

French artist Silly Boy Blue has a definite knack for writing indie pop songs, and the artist's debut album Breakup Songs is a record that shines with absolute gems such as the album opener "Hi, It's Me Again" and "Creepy Girl."

Aesthetische - Overflow - Alfa Matrix

Brazilian electro-EBM act Aesthetische is looking to get the dancefloor in full effect with their six-track EP Overflow. The EP's highlight is the cut "This Darkness," which includes guest vocals from British singer Tina Forlorn of Sorrow Stories.

NewDad - Waves - Fair Youth Records

Irish alternative rockers NewDad are poised to be your favorite band's favorite band with their debut EP Waves, which is a blissful six-track offering enhanced by Julie Dawson’s spellbinding vocals.

Poppy - Eat (NXT Soundtrack) - Sumerian Records

After months of teasing, Poppy unveiled one of the best metal releases of 2021 with Eat. Released in collaboration with NXT, the EP simmers with the artist continuing to merge their love of metal and pop with cuts such as the title track and "Cue" ready for the live stage.

Trade Wind - The Day We Got What We Deserved - Other People Records

When they're not busy performing in heavy acts Stick To Your Guns, Stray From The Path, and Textures, the members of Trade Wind are jamming to some indie rock. With The Day We Got What We Deserved, the band unveils another glorious addition in their discography with cuts such as "Burning The Iron Age," "Die! Die! Die!," and "Walk Me In//Plant Me In Your Garden" poised to be fan favorites.

HAH - Chimaera Monstrosa -self-released

If you’re searching for one completely chaotic album that’s equally as confusing as it is sublime, look no further than Chimaera Monstrosa from avant garde metal group HAH.

Bernice - Eau de Bonjourno - Telephone Explosion/figureeight records

Canadian experimental pop act Bernice teamed up with producer Shahzad Ismaily (Lou Reed, Elvis Costello) for a blooming piece of work with Eau de Bonjourno.

The best songs of 2021 so far

"Show Me The Real You" - Moodring

Featuring members of Attila, Culture Killer, and Cat Company, Moodring greeted 2021 with their debut single "Show Me The Real You," which finds them giving off Deftones vibes. As of this writing, the track still has the best chorus heard in 2021.

"Last Night" - Tom The Mail Man

Who would've guessed a Foo Fighters riff would be a great addition to a hip hop track? Tom The Mail Man's "Last Night" finds the artist asking, "How is everybody ok when all everyone does is fucking roleplay" over the grooves of "Everlong."

"Hadal Ahbek" - Issam Alnajjar

Jordanian singer Issam Alnajjar delivered one of pop music's most charming singles this year with "Hadal Ahbek," which became the first Arabic song to become a viral hit.

"ANTI" - Lyrics Born

Anti-Asian hate crimes have been on the rise over the past year, and rapper Lyrics Born and producer Custo had enough of this shit. With "ANTI," Lyrics Born strongly states, "Touch me or my fam, You won't catch Corona, but you'll catch these hands."

"To The Hellfire" - Lorna Shore

Lorna Shore's "To The Hellfire" is the new theme song for Hell. We pray for everyone willing to step foot in the pit when this vicious bomb drops.

"The Show" - Joy Denalane

Soul singer Joy Denalane tackles human flaws gracefully with "The Show," which finds the singer crooning, "If my mistakes come to the surface, I’m sorry I was part of the show."

"Roaring 20s" - Lamar Woods (feat. Echo Kellum and Ron Saforo)

Comedy writer by day and hip hop artist by night, Lamar Woods is living their best life with the easy flowing jam "Roaring 20s," which also includes Echo Kellum and Ron Saforo.

"You" - Eliza & The Delusionals

Australian rockers Eliza & The Delusionals wrote the #1 hit for a '90s teen romance comedy with "You." All they have to do is travel back in time to deliver this gem.

"Black Site" - BLXPLTN

Electropunk/hip hop juggernauts BLXPLTN returned with their first tune of 2021 with "Black Site." The noisy powerhouse finds TaSzlin Muerte proclaiming, "I think they're gonna hurt me now" over a blazing riff.

"Luxury" - IfDeez (a.k.a. Ify Nwadiwe)

It's not easy living a luxurious life, and IfDeez (a.k.a. Ify Nwadiwe) dishes about the struggle with the suave number "Luxury."