The Top 21 Songs of 2021
In this challenging year, an eclectic mix of songs — from “My Little Love” to “Be Sweet” and “Save Your Tears” to “Oh!” — gave us an excuse to cry, made us dance in our cars, acted as an anthem for celebrating our differences, and even caused a little controversy. These songs were the soundtrack to our 2021. I have a feeling they will still be added to our carefully curated playlists in the year to come. Click here for our Spotify playlist.
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21. Dee Gees: “You Should Be Dancing”
Brought about by a fun, non-threatening response to protests by the Westboro Baptist Church, this Foo Fighters cover was a welcome shot of pure joy. In a year that did not quite live up to the comeback we were all hoping for, this remake of a timeless classic was like a night out with friends we all desperately needed.
pinknews.co.uk
20. Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”
After the release of “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X had the novelty label slapped on him by multiple reviewers. The release of “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” more than put that label to rest. Not without controversy, the song and subsequent video took jabs at mainstream religion’s treatment of the queer community. With a smooth, danceable backing track and smart, well-delivered lyrics this song remained in heavy rotation on the radio and in our heads for most of 2021.
Atiba Jefferson/buzzbands.com
19. Cold War Kids: “Wasted All Night”
This blues-inspired, art-house band, with a penchant for mistreating pianos, only gets better. Their musical maturity has grown by leaps and bounds since their debut release Robbers & Cowards. “Wasted All Night” has a sentimental element the band is not exactly known for. Reminiscent and introspective, this song exposed a side of Cold War Kids we are happy to see more of.
Courtesy of RCA/David Lachapelle/ buzzfeednews.com
18. Doja Cat: “Need to Know”
Despite the fact her sophomore album, Planet Her, failed to reach the bar set by her debut release, it still managed to solidify Doja Cat’s reign as the edgy, sweet pop-princess-powerhouse of our dreams. “Need to Know” follows in the footsteps of “Say So” and “Like That” as a fun, suggestive, danceable hit that puts a smirk on your face every time you sing along.
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17. Chlöe: “Feeling Good”
Any worries that Chlöe Bailey would sit on the sidelines while her sister and singing partner, Halle, is off shooting a movie for Disney, were put to rest this year. If her single “Have Mercy” hinted at a passing of the torch from Beyonce, then Chlöe’s masterful cover of this Nina Simone classic confirms it. Chlöe manages to pay respectful homage to Simone while still putting her own stamp on the song.
theorangepeel.net
16. Anderson East “Madelyn”
With his smooth yet gravelly voice, you cannot help but swoon over Anderson East. Solidifying himself as a pillar of southern soul with his first album, Delilah, East continues to dominate the genre with his 2021 release Maybe We Never Die. With a hint of ‘70’s funk, singles like “Drugs” push the boundaries of the genre in the best way. “Madelyn” is a Friday night, dance in the kitchen song you cannot help but sway to.
Elotilde Petrosino / billboard.com
15. Måneskin: “Beggin”
After their win at the 2021 Eurovision song contest, Måneskin set the world on fire. Although “Beggin” was first released in 2017, the single became an unexpected sleeper hit this year. Born out of fans' insatiable appetite for content and the band’s smart move of backfilling their Youtube page in anticipation of success, this remake of the 1967 classic beautifully captures a sense of longing topped off with Måneskin’s signature sexy sound.
billboard.com
14. Kings of Leon: “The Bandit”
With the release of their newest album When You See Yourself and the single “The Bandit,” The Kings of Leon have returned to their old selves, but in a more mature light. They are still touting an introspective version of southern rock n’ roll but are no longer acting like they are trying to do anything but. The guitar riffs from this single are reminiscent of their 2007 cult hit “Knocked Up” — it’s nice to hear that return to form.
Youtube/Bimini/ pinknews.co.uk
13. Bimini: “God Save This Queen”
With their debut single, Bimini, the first runner-up on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K., addresses class politics, bigotry, and the freedoms of being non-binary. While they are not the first Ru girl to use the show as a springboard for their music career, Bimini’s “God Save This Queen” stands out as deliciously cheeky in a pack of talky, mundane, dance tracks, tailor-made for tip collecting.
The Weekends Instagram / republicworld.com
12. The Weekend: “Save Your Tears”
With the release of his album After Hours, The Weekend has solidified himself as a pop-producing machine. Originally emerging as the king of hit it and quit it, with singles like “Hills.” “Save Your Tears” rehabilitates The Weekend’s heartless tendencies. With well-deserved comparisons to pop legends like Michael Jackson and Prince, we are bound to see a lot more from The Weekend in years to come.
Columbia 2021 / pitchfork.com
11. Adele: “My Little Love”
Like most of her pop music contemporaries, Adele has always been very honest about the experiences that inspire her music. Her newest album, 30, has kept true to that format but with a heavy dose of emotional growth and maturity. While every song on this album has something to relate to, “My Little Love” is especially poignant. Acting as an explanation for her decisions and an apology, the song is masterfully edited with snippets of conversations between the singer and her son. It will break your heart, in the best way possible.
shevimuzic.com
10. Idris Elba: “Daily Duppy (Cuz I Can)”
While we all know Idris Elba from his acting career, his musical abilities have not been as widely acknowledged, especially in the U.S. Elba has had several collaborations, including Macklemore’s “Dance Off” and Wiley’s “Boasty” — a solo track from him is rarer. Done in collaboration with GRM (Grime and Rap Music) Daily, the track highlights Elba’s talent for rhyme and flow. Ultimately, little more than a string of brags, the single is still backed by a great beat and shows a lot of promise from a multi-faceted artist. Listen here
Alice Baxley / altpress.com
9. Linda Lindas: “Oh!”
The Linda Lindas are here to remind us how punk rock girl groups are. They burst onto the scene earlier this year with the viral video of their performance from the Los Angeles Public Library. Over the summer the four members, ranging in age from 12 to 17, had multiple club and festival performances, signed a deal with Epitaph Records, and released their second single “Oh!” A fun, catchy song with a lead guitar riff reminiscent of The Go Go’s. It is a great outing from such a young band and holds a lot of promise for a bright musical future.
americana-uk.com
8. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats: “Survivor”
Aptly titled The Future, the band’s newest album, released this year, is the same high-quality southern soul we have come to expect from Rateliff, with an added touch of blues and funk. The first single “Survivor,” is a welcome anthem for the challenges of the past two years. With heavy blues undertones and Rateliff’s signature voice, this song sends you back to church and makes you a believer.
thirdmanrecords.com
7. Jack White: “Taking Me Back”
With his first solo release in nearly four years, Jack White hits hard with his familiar guitar riffs and fuzzed-out funk. Forever a Detroit boy, this single still has the right amount of grit we have come to expect from the musical Michigan native. With the evolution of White’s signature sound, “Taking Me Back” is a spectacular preview of what is to come from the full album.
guitar.com
6. Royal Blood: “Typhoons”
This British rock duo released their third studio album earlier this year. Largely self-produced, with a little help from Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and producer Paul Epworth. The title track “Typhoons” feels much larger than its two perpetrators. You cannot help but conjure memories of other well-known twosomes like The White Stripes or The Black Keys when listening to Royal Blood. Unlike their two-piece predecessors, the band does not rely on a heavy blues influence; instead, drawing from their own backyard with hints of The Who, The Kinks, and other British invasion bands.
Artwork by Ben Schneider / umusic.ca
5. Lord Huron: “Mine Forever”
With the release of their fourth studio album, Long Lost, earlier this year, Lord Huron continues with their unique brand of alt-folk rock. Their single “Mine Forever” is a perfect blend of 1960’s beach ballots and rock-a-billy twang. With a nostalgic sensibility, “Mine Forever” lulls you into peaceful longing for a time or person you may not know but greatly miss.
radioitalia.it
4. Måneskin: “Zitti e Buoni”
Måneskin makes their second appearance on this list with their only Italian language single released this year. The title roughly translates to “Be Quiet And Behave.” While the song won them the top spot at this year’s Eurovision song contest, it’s been largely overshadowed by other releases from the band. High energy with driving bass lines and hard-hitting guitar riffs, the song is a great introduction to the international music scene from a band that will undoubtedly be around for a long time to come.
Carlotta Kohl / variety.com
3. Bleacher: “Stop Making This Hurt”
Jack Antonoff and friends are back with their third studio album, Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night. The first single from the album, “Stop Making this Hurt” is a poignant take on the classic breakup song. Although the band is based in New York, the distinct sound Antonoff produces is more than vaguely reminiscent of 1980’s Bruce Springstein. Further proving that New Jersey does indeed have its own signature sound.
Dead Oceans / pitchfork.com
2. Japanese Breakfast: “Be Sweet”
The indie-rock band headed by Korean-American musician, director, and author Michelle Zauner hit big this year with their third studio album, Jubilee. Fueled by the undeniable single “Be Sweet,” the band headlined the Tree Fort Music Festival in September 2021. “Be Sweet” is a great throwback to 1980’s alt darlings like Siouxsie and the Banshees and Patti Smith.
Dany Clinch / nme.com
1. The Killers: “West Hills”
With their latest album, Pressure Machine, The Killers have proven themselves the masterful, elder statesmen of alternative rock that we were all hoping they would become. The album’s first single “West Hills” is a beautiful, heart-wrenching ballad about the trappings of growing up in a small, religious town. Reportedly, somewhat autobiographical, this single is light years away from “Mr. Brightside,” but does not feel any less like The Killers. This band has matured gracefully through their career and come out the other side at the top of their game.
