Shoutout!’s top 12 album picks for feminist listening 2021

The internet is buzzing with award season picks from 2021. Articles on who wore what, who was (or wasn’t) nominated for an award, meant that Twitter feeds, morning radio shows, and dentist office magazines have no shortage of opinions on who should top each category. While 2021 was not the dumpster fire meme that the preceding year was, last year was full of memorable moments and notable art.

It is no secret that the Oscars, Emmys, Grammies, etc., often leave much to be desired in terms of representation, acknowledgment, and nominees. We, at ShoutOut!, felt it was only appropriate to create our own category of Top Feminist Albums of 2021.

Before we begin, we have to acknowledge the humor of a feminist award show with the history of oppression that usually accompanies these events. So today, we want to highlight exceptional art that made us feel empowered, validated, and inspired without having to include the best and worst dressed lists. It is also important to note that there are many albums deserving a spot on this list. So congratulations to all of those nominated and not; now, let’s dive into our top picks for Feminist Albums of 2021!

1. Jasmine Sullivan’s “Heux Tales”, released January 8th, 2021 – Sullivan sheds light on different Feminist intracacies including bodily autonomy and relationship politics. Sullivan’s releases are scarce, so we found her entire album to both be underrated and a treat!
   • Notable songs on the album include “Antionette’s Tale” and “Amanda’s Tale.”
2. Miley Cyrus’s “Plastic Hearts”, released March 8th, 2021 – Cyrus discusses relationships, drugs, divorce, and self-images. Her genre-bending decisions exemplify growth and her ability to express herself in different ways.
   • Our favourites on the album include “Angels like You” and “WTF do I know?”
3. Lana Del Rey’s “Chemtrails Over the Country Club”, released March 19th, 2021 – Del Rey brings awareness to the different aspects that come with fame, esepecially the pressure to be successful in the public eye.
   • Make sure you give “Yosemite” and “Let Me Love You Like a Woman” a listen!
4. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sour”, released May 21st, 2021 – Rodrigo delivered an album for those recovering from broken hearts and toxic relationships. The emotional validation provided through her lyrics wasn’t just relatable, it was needed.
   • Grab your besties and get ready to belt. Our fave’s include “hope ur okay” and the legendary “good 4 u”.
5. Doja Cat’s “Planet Her”, released June 25th, 2021 – Doja Cat was one of the queens of summer bops this past year. Her music consistently carried strong messages of sexual empowerment and that celebrate all that it means to be a strong woman in this day and age.
   • If you haven’t already listened to “Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)” or “Woman” a half dozen times, did you even summer 2021?
6. Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever”, released July 30th, 2021 – Eilish elaborates a lot on mental health, perceptions of women’s bodies, and more in her groundbreaking and viral album. There was no way she couldn’t have a spot on this list.
   • Beyond the album’s titular track, “Not My Responsibility” and “Your Power” are our tracks of note to check out ASAP.
7. Little Simz’s “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert”, released September 3rd, 2021 – Little Simz goes the extra mile to represent and normalize the experience of introverts, as well as the normal and conflicting feelings that may come from having an absent parent.
   • Be sure to check out “Woman” and “I Love You I Hate You” on the album.
8. Kacey Musgraves’s “Starcrossed”, released September 10th, 2021 – Musgraves details life after divorce, exploring shame and expectations that come with how women should behave in marriage. Let’s just say you don’t have to be recovering from a divorce to enjoy her tracklist…!
   • Give “Breadwinner” and “Good Life” a listen. Why aren’t you listening yet?!
9. Lil Nax X’s “Montero”, released September 17th, 2021 – Did you think we were only including women on this list? Heck no! LGBTQIA+ rights, sexual empowerment, representation of queer, Black men- need we say more?
   • Call us by our name when you thank us for telling you to listen to “One of Me” and “Montero”!
10. Mickey Guyton’s “Remember Her Name”, released September 24th, 2021 – Raw, honest, and meaningful, Guyton shares her experience as a Black woman growing up in the South and details her journey to becoming a country single.
    • We love “Love My Hair” and “Black Like Me” and genuinely believe you will too.
11. Taylor Swift’s “Red (Taylor’s Version)”, released November 12th, 2021 – Be real, you were waiting for this to be on the list, weren’t you? After being contractually taken advantage of, Swift rereleased her older hit album, reclaiming control of her own art. Exes, melodies, good lyrics, and new takes abound on the rerelease that’s had everyone buzzing.
    • Of course, if you haven’t, we can’t recommend listening to “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)” on repeat, forever.
12. Adele’s “30”, released November 19th, 2021 – Aging, divorced, and still rocking it, Adele’s highly anticipated fourth studio album doesn’t shy away from much. Despite the public commentary around her weight loss, which fueled the pens of many critics, we still see Adele as a Feminist icon who is still rolling in the deep of our hearts.
    • There’s not a song on the album that doesn’t make us swoon but a couple of notable faves are “To Be Loved” and “Cry Your Heart Out”. Don’t tell us you’ve only been listening to “Easy On Me”? Not that we could blame you…