2021 surely gave us a lot of great new music. This made for a challenge at Music Daily to determine which were the best songs of the year. Here are our top 21 singles of the year.
Top 21 Singles of 2021
1. “INDUSTRY BABY” – Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow
The summer track took over the world thanks to its mouth-opening music video and lyricism.
2. “Have Mercy” – Chloe
The debut solo song by Chloe Bailey also serves as the lead single for an upcoming debut solo album.
3. “I must apologise” – PinkPantheress
The heavy drum-and-bass song borrows from the house classic “Gypsy Woman” by Crystal Waters. The song’s storyline is written about the narrator ruining their relationships through their compulsive lying.
4. “Sharing Locations” – Meek Mill ft. Lil Baby & Lil Durk
The song arrived as the second single from Meek Mill’s fifth studio album Expensive Pain.
5. “Ben Franklin” – Snail Mail
This single is featured on her sophomore album Valentine. Lindsey shared that she “wanted to sonically and lyrically get out of my comfort zone” with this song.
6. “SPORTS CAR” – THE BLOSSOM
This music video was filmed with the help of a green screen. THE BLOSSOM and their band rock out in the middle of a sports car race, giving the song an ideal visual.
7. “New Shapes” – Charli XCX ft. Christine and the Queens & Caroline Polachek
The synth-pop track takes part in Charli’s 80’s-themed new era, and fans are loving the new vibe.
8. “so done” – joan
Believe it or not, the duo said that they wrote the lyrics in about 20 minutes.
9. “Easy On Me” – Adele
The single marked Adele’s return to music after a six-year hiatus. It certainly played it’s part as the lead single off her fourth studio album 30.
10. “GROWING UP IS ___” – Ruel
After 10 months, Ruel shared the new single about the comings-and-goings of friends and relationships.
11. “Bad Life” – Omar Apollo ft. Kali Uchis
Omar shared that the song that “represents putting in energy into a relationship and not getting anything in return.”
12. “BESITO” – BIA ft. G Herbo
On the bilingual track, BIA raps about going after what she wants no matter the obstacles.
13. “TWINNEM” – Coi Leray
Coi describes her everlasting friendship and loyalty with someone she loves.
14. “Secrets (Your Fire)” – Magdalena Bay
The duo sing about the “need to keep sharing, to keep giving up more and more of yourself to faceless strangers in the hopes of making friends or fans.”
15. “My Universe” – Coldplay & BTS
Marking the first time the two groups work together. “My Universe” was originally made only for BTS, but the artists ended up performing it together.
16. “feel like shit” – Tate McRae
The heartbreaking ballad is accompanied by a beautiful music video where Tate showcases her dancing skills.
17. “Telepath” – Conan Gray
The song arrived as the third single from Conan’s rumored and highly-awaited sophomore album.
18. “mememe” – 100 gecs
This band released only single this year. In addition, it is also the lead single for 100 gecs’ second studio album, 10000 gecs.
19. “You’re So Fucking Pretty” – The Regrettes
An LGBTQIA+ anthem, the single summarizes the painfully familiar feeling of having a crush on a friend.
20. “Velcro” – spill tab ft. Gus Dapperton
This is the first time both artists worked together. Spill tab shared, “[Gus is] a very selfless collaborator, and I’m so proud and excited for this one.”
21. “Alright” – Gracie Abrams
A promotional single of Gracie’s debut album This Is What It Feels Like. The track talks about her struggles with heartbreak and mental health.
