Top 10 songs of 2021 (2023)

CAs we look back on the year 2021, few things will be more impressive than the music that provided the soundtrack for the world like us.entered againafter a long full yearuncertaintyand social distancing. There was a song for every occasion, event and emotion this year: from the brooding chords of Lucy Dacus' "VBS" to the lush chords of Farruko's smash hit "Pepas", these are the songs we couldn't stop listening to in 2021.

10. "Frau", Cat Doja

Whatever you think of Doja Cat's internet controversy or viral hits, there's no denying her immense talent or fearless experimental influence on the pop music scene. This is most convincingly evident on "Woman," a sultry, Afrobeats-based anthem to the divine feminine in every woman. The track is a sonic delight that not only showcases Doja's flexible voice beautifully, but also showcases the versatility of genres that she has not only managed to master, but has managed to fuse with her music.

9. "Wild Shots", Morgan Wade

Still, in a year where Justin Bieber, Adele and ABBA have all released music, it's hard to find a particularly raucous chorus released this year like "I SAID YOU HATE THE SMELL OF CIGARETTE SMOKE!" — future country singer Morgan Wade, whose ragged voice is perfectly suited to her Springsteen material; the song somehow captures both the glorious recklessness of youth and the pain of yearning for such chaos at the same time.

8. "Mama's Mom", The Alpha

No song this year comes close to the sheer, unadulterated silliness or euphoria of "La Mama de La Mama," a collaboration between Dominican rappers El Alfa and El Cherry Scom and Staten Island rapper CJ. A prime example of the Dominican dembow genre, where rhythms and syllables hum at breakneck speed, the track showcases rising star El Alfa at his most laid-back, light-hearted side. You might laugh at its ridiculous falsetto at first, and then you might play the song 20 times in a row for its relentless exuberance.

7. "Gut 4 U," Olivia Rodrigo

After the releases of the sob "Driver's License" and the melancholy "Déjà vu" in early 2021, so it seemedrising pop star Olivia Rodrigohad decided on a lead: a student of Lorde's, Maggie Rogers, andBillie EilishSchool of gross interiority, so to speak. And then he veered sharply left with "good 4 u," a snappy, sardonic guitar anthem that showcased his versatility, cultural acumen, lyrical wit and fearlessness. Was the song an almost flat copy of Paramore's "Misery Business"? Clear. Was it also a transcendent punch of a song that brought a much-needed pop-punk freshness to the mainstream? Absolutely.

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6. „Twerkulator“, City Girls

Nonethelesshot summer, there were nonehot girls anthemmore fitting than City Girls' "Twerkulator," a bombastic, energetic track that was impossible not to explode, or at least move, on hearing. Although the song was initially leaked ahead of 2020's City Girls album,city ​​in the castleDue to clearance issues (featuring prominent samples from two classical dance samples, "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force and "The Percolator" by Cajmere, respectively), the song did not make its official debut until 2021. However, upon its release, its infectious beat and the sassy, ​​cocky charms of JT and Yung Miami confirmed that it was indeed "Twerkulator time".

5. „Monstro“, Yoasobi

J-pop duo YOASOBI have taken Japan by storm in recent years, topping multiple charts, racking up billions of streams, and winning this year's "Artist of the Year" award at Japan's MTV Video Music Awards. "Monster", an English version of one of their biggest hits, resonates along with the band's signature liveliness. It seamlessly integrates a big pop hook with furious math rock riffs, chromatic jazz runs and a seismic EDM-style drop. Given the song's melancholic and cinematic nature, it's not surprising that it served as the anime's theme song.existed.

4. "EBV", Lucy Dacus

The best lyrics are not only beautifully poetic or descriptive, but they also evoke an entire universe that is beyond them and unreachable. Singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus is a master of this craft: she writes animated scenes that still force the listener to use their imagination to fill in the narrative gaps. Her song "VBS" tells her story of Dacus' own experiences in the Christian camp, where darker undertones of unrest and nihilism run under her pity. The song is full of details that beg to be explored in a novel or feature film: "Your dad keeps his sleeves down all summer for a reason / Your mom wears extra thick makeup for a reason," she sings. Meanwhile, the song is shaping up to be one of the most epic musical moments of the year, reminiscent of metal band Slayer.

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3. "Too Good (Taylor Version)", Taylor Swift

When Taylor Swift announced that she wasRe-recording of their 2012 album Red"All Too Well" was a highly anticipated track. The song, an achingly beautiful breakup ballad that gained cult status thanks to fan speculation that it's about Swift's split from Jake Gyllenhaal, matured in 2021 into a 10-minute epic with new lyrics. first love, but questions the lopsided power dynamics of the relationship. The extended version is an enhancement of a design Swift has done throughout her career, namely ballads about the ins and outs of love, but with Taylor's rendition of "All Too Well," we witness the woman's narration recovered and taking up your time and space. It's a 10-minute walk.

2. "Essence", WizKid com Justin Bieber e Tems

Wizkid's energetic "Essence" was already a standout track on his 2020 album,Made in Lagos, thanks to the loving support of fellow Nigerian artist Tems, but the Afrobeats star's success became ubiquitous in 2021 after he released a remix starring Justin Bieber alongside Tems. The song's seductive rhythm and luscious voice make it one of the lightest and most luxurious sonic experiences of the year, an ode to longing, lust and, yes, love.

1. "Pepas", Farruko

No song better captured the ultimate ecstasy of reappearing in the world after a long year of social distancing than Puerto Rican artist Farruko's exuberant and intoxicating "Pepas". The dance floor that builds on a highreggaeton rhythmand an energizing groove of guaracha (an offshoot of Latin tribal house music) starts with a slow whisper before building into a triumphant chorus peppered with a healthy dose of EDM. The exultant appeal of "Pepas" propelled Farruko to the top of the charts, but its true impact is felt in the instant burst of energy he summons when he jumps out the window of a passing car or jams out on a crowded dance floor.

write toCady Lang aroundcady.lang@timemagazine.com.