BEST COMEBACKS 2021

BY: India McCarty

While many artists made their debut this year, there were plenty of others who staged their encore. From 70s bands reuniting to child stars trying out a more mature sound, 2021 was a year full of musical comebacks.

ABBA

The Swedish supergroup made headlines around the world when they announced they would be reuniting for another album. ABBA put out their first album since 1981, and fans were just as enthusiastic about the music as they were 50 years ago. Voyage is ABBA at their best, full of synth-laden love songs. The group is also planning a digital avatar concert residency, which will take place in London next year.

 

Garbage

This American rock group reunited in 2011 and have been quietly making music ever since. Their 2021 album, No Gods No Masters, was loved by longtime fans and critics alike. The album explores current topics, like the Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements. These political themes are right up Garbage’s alley, who made their name with songs that shook up the status quo.

 

Willow

Willow Smith is practically Hollywood royalty, with actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith as her parents. However, she has made a name for herself as an actress and musician. In 2010, she launched her career with the uber-catchy “Whip My Hair,” but it wasn’t until this year that she saw more musical success. After her 2015 track “Wait A Minute!” blew up on TikTok, the artist released two albums, THE ANXIETY and lately I feel EVERYTHING. Both have spawned viral hit singles and garnered positive reviews.

 

Duran Duran

80s new wave group Duran Duran were one of the many groups who decided to get the band back together and put out an album this year. Future Past explores themes of emotional crises, which felt appropriate, given the pandemic. The funny thing is that the lyrics were primarily written before the 2020 lockdowns. “When we came back after lockdown,” band member John Taylor said, “I felt those lyrics…spoke to the moment.”

 

The Jonas Brothers

The former Disney Channel alums mounted their comeback in 2019, releasing an album and documentary that chronicled the brothers’ decision to start making music together again. In 2021, the band embarked on a massive tour, thrilling crowds with performances of new tracks and beloved older singles. The group also released a single this year, “Who’s in Your Head.”