Alt.Latino looks back at the best albums of 2021

challenging. The breadth of sonic experiences Latin artists have brought us this year are more diverse than ever.

The chasm between projects by artists like C. Tangana and his internationally inspired pop-urbano homage to Madrid El Madrileño, and The Marías' genre-bending soundscape inspired by Pedro Almodóvar's film Hable Con Ella entitled CINEMA, is expansive. But the diversity also serves as an exciting starting point for conversations about the extensive range of talent that sits under the Latin music category.

Here at Alt.Latino we know that we can't get to all of the incredible projects that floored us in 2021, but we brought together a panel of incredible Latin music critics to discuss a few of our favorites. Special thanks to Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, Stefanie Fernández, Catalina Maria Johnson, Marisa Arbona-Ruiz and Anamaria Sayre for joining this discussion.

Our 2021 list, in alphabetical order:

Alborotá, Alea

Baiuca, Embruxo

CINEMA, The Marías

Como La Piel, Rita Payés, Elisabeth Roma

El Alimento, Cimafunk

Far In, Helado Negro

Lyke Mike, Myke Towers

Maré, Rodrigo Amarante

Mendó, Alex Cuba

Spanish Model, Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Various Artists

Tempo, Dom La Nena

The Return of..., Pachyman

Una Rosa, Xenia Rubinos

Vice Versa, Rauw Alejandro

42, Sech