Best Of Ambient Music 2021
6 Albums, 3 EPs and 1 Collection of Singles from 2021
This past year was extremely fulfilling for me in ambient music. I had a lot to choose from and every one of my favourites had something unique about its sound.
For this list, since it’s a Rapid Recommendations and not a List of Ten (if you’re new and don’t know the differences between these, you can check out other stuff after reading this); I’m going to be as brief as possible.
Also, this is a ranked list of the EPs and albums.
Alright, that’s enough chit chat; let’s get into it.
Singles
Come Away by The Secret Place & We Dream of Eden
The Secret Place is relatively new to the scene and has impressed me with everything I’ve heard so far. Last year, the project collaborated with We Dream of Eden to drop three singles, all of which I really enjoyed.
EPs
3 — Sustaining EP by All Others
All Others is the home of instrumental works by composer/producer Brian McMaster, who has worked on several personal projects as well as with artists like LVTE and Beach Chapel. Sustaining is three track EP that is part instrumental pianos/synths and part dreamy shoegaze while still maintaining an ambient underbelly.
2 — LAUDS EP by Commoners Communion & Jonathan Cass
LAUDS is a collaboration EP between Strahan of Commoners Communion and composer Jonathan Cass. It is the first half of a two-part EP that is quite progressive in approach. With just four tracks, every song in this 42 minute EP takes its time to build to satisfactory conclusions.
1 — Anodyne EP by Be Still the Earth & Dear Gravity
There’s nothing quite as beautiful as two greats coming together on a project. Anodyne is a unique EP that reflects the best in the two artists. It’s wonderfully experimental and emotionally stirring.
Albums
6 — As With The City by Antarctic Wastelands & Novik
Antarctic Wastelands is the personal project of Ben Tatlow, one half of Salt and the Sound, an ambient worship duo he created with his wife Anita. On this album, he collaborates with fellow Honk-Kong based ambient/neo-classical artist, Novik, to create a masterpiece that draws inspiration from their surroundings and nature.
5 — Deeper Still by We Dream of Eden
With the impressive collection of songs and collaborations under Kirk Smith’s belt, it’s sometimes difficult for me to believe that this is his second full-length album. Deeper Still is a surreal experience from start to finish, a great mix of droning and atmospheric sounds that soothes the soul.
4 — Nuit by Tony Anderson
Sonically, this is probably the most unique album on this list. Tony Anderson has been on the scene for a little over a decade now and he is clearly the master of his own craft. This album is a delicate balance between ambient, electronic and classical crossover music and I don’t think anyone could have pulled it off this beautifully.
3 — Rest. Repeat. by Young Collective
What Zane Callister pulled off with this album should be experienced by everyone. With 8 tracks, clocking in at about 40 minutes; Rest. Repeat. is a well-crafted exploration of the calming of the human mind. With droning sounds and shoegaze undertones, it’s the most pleasant surprise I had this past year.
2 — Liminal by Be Still The Earth
Multi-instrumentalist Marshall Usinger has been very clear about what he intended to create from the moment he stepped on the scene. On this album, his unique blend of ambient music and cinematic post-rock is a call to meditation and introspection. Liminal is a beautiful addition to an already impressive discography.
1 — Godspeed by Dear Gravity
I had many wonderful experiences with ambient music this year and instrumentals in general, but none of them can come close to the brilliance of Godspeed. There’s a lot to like about Mike Graff’s 2021 release. It’s methodical in its approach, with subtle evolutions to the cinematic elements that those already familiar with his sound will recognize. It’s an album for those who are willing to pause, breathe and feel.
That’s it, folks.
Looking forward to what 2022 has in store for us.
Until next time.
Keep listening!
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