NEWS
Olivia Rodrigo
Courtesy of Geffen/Interscope RecordsWhile 2021 has arguably been much better than its thou-that-shall-not-be-named predecessor, the year is thankfully coming to an end. In between continued Zoom meetings, livestreamed concerts and a slight semblance of pre-pandemic life, the music of the year allowed even the most cold-hearted of pessimists to have something to look forward to — but which album helped you through 2021 the most?
Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, Sour, was for anyone who knows the sting of heartbreak. Lil Nas X fully blossomed from his “Old Town Road” beginnings into an out and proud artist unafraid to share his most vulnerable moments on Montero. Taylor Swift proved that lightning can indeed strike in the same place twice — and that the general public will let a 10-minute song reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — with Red (Taylor’s Version).
With so much music to choose from, making a list of the 50 best albums of 2021 was far from an easy task for the Billboard staff. So here’s your chance: What was your favorite album of 2021? Vote below, or insert a pick of your choice if there’s a great release you feel Billboard missed.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie is set to return with another solo release.
The 30 year old singer has confirmed that her digital solo EP, Fallen Angel, will arrive on August 28. The project will include three songs, FALLEN ANGEL, HEAVEN and Less Than a Lover.
The announcement was shared through the social media accounts of Odd Atelier, Jennie’s own company, where the new project was described as “A gift from JENNIE, with love”.
Jennie also confirmed that fans will be able to watch the music video for the EP’s title track on the same day the project comes out.
The upcoming release arrives only a few months after BLACKPINK dropped their highly awaited mini album Deadline in February.
The K pop group, made up of Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé, concluded their Deadline world tour on January 26, 2026, with their final show taking place at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.
The group first introduced the project with the lead single JUMP in July 2025. The five track release was later completed with GO, Me and my, Champion, and Fxxxboy.
YG Entertainment previously shared its thoughts on Deadline, saying: “Even amid the intense schedule of a large-scale world tour, the members devoted significant time and effort to perfecting this album. We are confident it is a body of work that encapsulates both the individual musical capabilities of the four members and their synergy as a team. We ask for your continued support as BLACKPINK once again leaves a meaningful mark on the global music industry.”
The four members continued developing their individual careers after BLACKPINK released their 2022 album Born Pink.
Lisa had earlier given fans a glimpse into the group’s plans, revealing that the members had recently returned to the studio to work on music for another album.
Speaking with Variety, she said: “Actually, we were in the studio a few days ago.
"We’re all so super excited to get back together and go on tour. We really miss the Blinks. We can’t wait to see them."
Each member has also built a strong presence through their solo work.
Rosé released her solo album Rosie, which included her Grammy nominated collaboration with Bruno Mars, APT..
Lisa later unveiled her first full length album, Alter Ego, while also stepping into acting with a role on HBO's The White Lotus, which was filmed in Thailand. Jennie launched her first solo album, Ruby, last year, while Jisoo released her EP Amortage, giving each member another opportunity to showcase her own musical style.
