40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far) | Playlist 🎧

10 Honorable Mentions

Although we nixed blurbs for 11 songs on 🎧 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far), we partially atone with a list of 10 honorable mentions that were strongly considered sans blurbs.  There’s a chance these songs may make the final cut, or maybe they don’t. Worth noting, a few of the honorable mentions marked second or third choices by an artist who actually made the list.  I failed to mention, only one song per lead artist/band on 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far).  That’s why you only see 🎙 Olivia Rodrigo or 🎙 St. Vincent once 😉.

1. Architects, “Discourse is Dead”

💿 For Those That Wish to Exist • 🏷 Epitaph • 📅 2021

2. Asbjørn, “Young Dumb Crazy”

🎵 “Young Dumb Crazy” • 🏷 Embassy of Music GmbH • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎵 “Young Dumb Crazy”

3. Carrie Underwood, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”

Ft. CeCe Winans

💿 My Savior • 🏷 Capitol Nashville • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 Carrie Underwood, “Great is They Faithfulness”: Sunday Refresh No. 7

4. Demi Lovato, “Dancing with the Devil”

💿 Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over • 🏷 Island • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎵 “Dancing with the Devil” (Single Review)

🔗 💿 Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over  (Album Review)

5. Drake, “What’s Next”

🎵 Scary Hours 2 – Single • 🏷 OVO • 📅 2021

🔗 🎵 Scary Hours 2 – Single (Three-song single review)

6. Foo Fighters, “No Son of Mine”

💿 Medicine at Midnight • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎵 “No Son of Mine” (Track Review)

🔗 💿 Medicine at Midnight  (Album Review)

7. Lil Nas X, “Sun Goes Down”

🎵 “Sun Goes Down” • 🏷 Epitaph • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎵 “Sun Goes Down” (Track Review)

8. Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”

💿 SOUR • 🏷 Geffen / Olivia Rodrigo • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎵 “good 4 u” (Track Review)

🔗 💿 SOUR (Album Review)

9. St. Vincent, “Down”

💿 Daddy’s Home • 🏷 Loma Vista • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 💿 Daddy’s Home (Album Review)

10. Zuli Jr., “Blue Sky”

💿 Stop It God. • 🏷 Nurtured Ideas • 📅 2021

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎵 “Blue Sky”(Track Review)

1. Aaron Frazer, “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love”

💿 Introducing… • 🏷 Dead Oceans / Easy Eye Sound • 📅 2021

🎙 Aaron Frazer of 🎙 Durand Jones & The Indications, stepped out on his own  in 20201 releasing his debut album, 💿 Introducing…. Throughout the retro-soul LP, Frazer definitely makes the best of a soulful backdrop and his ability to croon like an absolute boss.  He concludes Introducing… with arguably its most triumphant moment, the gospel/blues-infused ballad, 🎵 “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love.”   

While Frazer delivers a calm, cool, and collected vocal, on “Leanin’,” compared to much of Introducing…  he also brings more oomph and punch.  Maybe it’s the passion, coupled with one of the best production jobs 🎛 Dan Auerbach serves up on the entire album.  If you can’t feel the passion on this one, honestly, you must truly have a heart of stone! “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love” is one of the best songs of 2021 that far too few folks have heard.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Leaning: 3BOPS No. 5 (2021)

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2. Anthony Hamilton, “You Made a Fool of Me”

🎵 “You Made a Fool of Me” • 🏷 My Music Box / BMG Rights Management • 📅 2021

On 🎵 “You Made a Fool of Me”, 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B standout 🎙 Anthony Hamilton oozes with soul and heartbreak. “You Made a Fool Me” is lushly produced, sounding idiomatic of neo-soul and adult contemporary R&B. “You Made a Fool of Me” possesses the production (🎛 Jermaine Dupree and 🎛 Ramon Montgomery) that always perfectly fuels the fire of Hamilton.  As always, he gives an authentic, expressive, heartfelt, and nuanced performance.

Mr. Hamilton consistently ‘gives his all’ in each and every performance. It is especially easy for him to do so on “You Made a Fool of Me” given the circumstances constructed via the songwriting (Hamilton, Dupree, Montgomery, and 🎼✍ Manuel Seal) – [She] “made a fool of” [Him] and doesn’t care about him the way he cared about her.  It’s a classic case of unrequited love and cheating (she slept with another man).  Hamilton perfectly captures the pain of his heartbreak while masterfully preserving the sanctity of soul music.

Also appears on 🔽:

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3. Bella Poarch, “Build a Bitch”

🎵 “Build a Bitch” • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2021

The eyebrow raising 🎵 “Build a Bitch” finds Filipino-American pop singer🎙 Bella Poarch singing about women’s empowerment and criticizing guys looking for physical perfection. There’s lots to heart about this record with the messaging being the biggest triumph.  The chorus, which appears at the onset, sets the tone. “This ain’t Build a Bitch (a bitch) / You don’t get to pick and choose,” Bella sings, continuing to name the details so many men scrutinize when it comes to women.  She adds at the end of the chorus, “I’m filled with flaws and attitude / So, if you need perfect, I’m not built for you.”

Poarch makes it clear far too many men set an impossible standard for their own benefit.  On the verses, she goes on to elaborate about the opposite sex’s search for perfection, further illustrating her point.  Beyond the songwriting and a strong performance from Poarch, “Build a Bitch” features sleek production work (🎛 Elie Rizk and 🎛 Sub Urban) that’s definitely ear catching.  Ultimately, Bella delivers on this brief, colorful pop song; among the best of 2021.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Build: 3BOPS No. 29 (2021)

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021

4. Billie Eilish, “Your Power”

💿 Happier Than Ever • 🏷 Darkroom / Interscope • 📅 2021

“Try not to abuse your power.” That is a powerful lyric that 🏆 Grammy-winning alternative pop superstar 🎙 Billie Eilish sings on 🎵 “Your Power” (💿 Happier Than Ever). The biggest selling point regarding “Your Power” is the songwriting – the theme and the lyrics.  Billie Eilish goes big, tackling an ‘abusive’ relationship in some form or fashion.

“...I know we didn’t choose to change
You might not wanna lose your power
But havin’ it’s so strange.”

While this song is personal to Eilish, she aims at an entire congregation wronged by power – abuse.  Vocally, she sings as beautifully, intimately, and understatedly as always. Her brother, 🎼✍ 🎛 FINNEAS, co-writes and produces with great results. “Your Power” is more acoustic sounding compared to previous records.  The use of guitar as the driving force within the accompaniment is very musical, much like Billie’s vocal performance.  As emotionally charged as the record is, Eilish manages to pen a catchy, memorable chorus on this gem.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021

5. The Black Keys, “Crawling Kingsnake”

💿 Delta Kream • 🏷 Nonesuch • 📅 2021

🏆 Grammy-winning rock collective 🎙 The Black Keys (🎙 Dan Auerbach and 🎙 Patrick Carney), introduce the blues to a new audience on their fine, 2021 Mississippi blues cover album, 💿 Delta Kream, among the best albums of the year. Auerbach and Carney recorded Delta Kream live in the studio with friends 🎙 Eric Deaton (electric bass) and 🎙 Kenny Brown (electric guitar).  Among the highlights is the slithering 🎵 “Crawling Kingsnake.”

“Crawling Kingsnake” written by 🎼✍ John Lee Hooker and 🎼✍ Bernard Besman, is an epic way to commence Delta Kream.  The record features killer guitar riffs, soloing, and a prominent, anchoring bassline.  Furthermore, Patrick Carney provides superb drumming, as always.  As for Dan Auerbach, he delivers sensational vocals which are nuanced, expressive and perfectly tailored to the blues/blues-rock style.  While “Crawling Kingsnake” runs long in its main version, it’s definitely worth every bit of its duration.

6. BROCKHAMPTON, “BUZZCUT”

Ft. Danny Brown

💿 ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE) • 🏷 Question Everything, Inc. / RCA • 🗓 2021

Prior to the release of 💿 ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE,  🎙 BROCKHAMPTON unveiled 🎵 “BUZZCUT”, tapping rapper 🎙 Danny Brown for the assist. There are ample pros, including epic production including samples from 🎙 Jay-Z, 🎙 Raekwon, as well as BROCKHAMPTON themselves. 🎙 Kevin Abstract takes first blood, delivering a colorful verse referencing Latino protection, racial injustice, and a virus, which seems to have multiple meanings besides the COVID-19 pandemic. He follows up his verse with a wacky if endearing, gimmicky chorus that serves as the perfect lead in for Brown.

Brown is simultaneously tough and idiosyncratic, fitting the aesthetic and vibe of this banger. Beyond his distinct verse, we get a bridge with similar lyrics to the chorus, but a starkly different sound.  An outro further distinguishes itself from everything else, contributing to the intriguing trip that is “BUZZCUT.” 

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2021

7. BTS, “Butter”

🎵 “Butter” • 🏷 BIGHIT MUSIC / HYBE • 🗓 2021

“Sidestep, right, left to my beat / High like the moon, rock with me, baby…” The 🏆 Grammy-nominated kings of K-Pop, 🎙 BTS, dropped another hot single, with the chart topping 🎵 “Butter”. Honestly, it’s everything. The production (🎛 Rob Grimaldi, 🎛 Stephen Kirk, and 🎛 Ron Perry) is sleek. The backdrop is rhythmic, colorful, and ear catching.

Beyond the canvas, we get vocals and rhymes, exclusively performed in English. Adding to the excellence is a killer, tuneful melody, infectious, tongue-n-cheek lyrics, and tasty raps further boosting the ‘swagger’ rating.  Honestly, all I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed on this crowd-pleasing, buttery smooth pop single. BTS simply have IT.

8. Burna Boy, “Kilometre”

🎵 “Kilometre” • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2021

“Kilome, kilome, kilometres!”  🏆 Grammy winning Nigerian rapper/singer 🎙 Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) returned with the electrifying 🎵 “Kilometre”. Despite being just a little more than two-and-a-half-minutes, it’s a total vibe! “Kilometre” was produced by 🎛 Chopstix, who gives Burna Boy a sick backdrop to work with. The groove is potent, while the sound is vibrant, idiomatic of global music.  This provides Burna Boy with ample fuel for the fire.

Burna is on autopilot from the start, beginning with a hella catchy chorus that will stick in your head for days. On the verses, he’s also fiery, performing in his native dialect, dropping some sensational bars.  Even with the distinct differences “Kilometre” has compared to an American pop/ rap song, there are numerous bars that truly hit hard and resonate throughout.  Truly talented, Burna Boy proves he is indeed an African Giant on “Kilometre.”

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021

9. Camilo, “Ropa Cara”

💿 Mis Manos • 🏷 Sony Latin • 📅 2021

Dashing Medellin, Colombia musician 🎙 Camilo (Camilo Echeverry). has written hits for others, first dropping his own album in 2020 (💿 Por Primera Vez). Striking while the fire is hot, he released his sophomore album, 💿 Mis Manos, 11 months later, resulting in a number of excellent songs, including, 🎵 “Ropa Cara” (“Expensive Clothes”). “Ropa Cara” is arguably, the best song from Mis Manos.

“Ropa Cara” is the definition of a latino urbano/reggaeton banger.  So many things work extremely well here.  There are the playful vocals by Camilo (both sung and spoken), minimalist production, and of course, the swagger, and drippy vibes, particularly on my favorite chorus of the entire album:

“Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada
Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada.”

Camilo keeps it simple, but it’s a record that speaks volumes.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2021

10. Cardi B, “Up”

🎵 “Up” • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2021

“If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck, huh!” WOO! 🏆 Grammy-winning rap sensation 🎙 Cardi B dropped the short but sweet 🎵 “Up” in February 2021. The record is set in a minor key and features relatively simple but banging production courtesy ( 🎛 DJ SwanQo, 🎛 Sean Island, and 🎛 Yung Dza) The production serves as perfect fuel ⛽ for Cardi B’s fire 🔥.

On “Up,” we get an aggressive, energetic performance.  Cardi’s unapologetic AF, pushing the envelope being utterly risqué: “If I had a dick, you’d probably lick it like a lollipop.”  As to be expected, she delivers some truly risqué rhymes that make you either (1) gasp in complete and utter awe or (2) giggle (“He nutted on my butt, I said, ‘I’m glad that you came’”). The hook (appearing at the top) is quite simple, but also incredibly catchy. The hook is controversial, but that’s a separate discussion. Ultimately, it’s a banger that you should totally turn up ⬆.

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11. Coldplay, “Higher Power”

🎵 “Higher Power” • 🏷 Parlophone • 📅 2021 

“You’ve got a higher power / Got me singing every second, dancing every hour.”  On 🎵 “Higher Power”, 🏆 Grammy-winning alternative rock/pop band 🎙 Coldplay ‘take us to church’ – well – sort of! “Higher Power,” an exuberant pop record produced by 🎛 Bill Rahko, 🎛 Max Martin, and 🎛 Oscar Holter, thrives off spiritual references without specifically mentioning God or a specific deity.  Quite an intriguing, picturesque record as far as sound (those synths, New Wave cues) and ‘spirit,’ “Higher Power” makes the ears perk up the first time you hear it.

🎙 Chris Martin is brilliant, serving up energetic and expressive lead vocals; it’s incredibly easy to buy what he’s selling.  The lyrics aren’t overly complicated and certainly don’t go incredibly deep, even with the spiritual ideas.  The first and second verses feature some repetition and feel more like a ‘vibe’ than something possessing immense depth.  The pre-chorus definitely sets up the centerpiece, the chorus, in all its glory.  Beyond the verses and chorus, there’s the high-flying bridge celebrating the higher power, as well as an outro referencing prayer… well… maybe.  “When for so long I’d been down on my knees,” Martin sings, continuing, “Then your love song saved me over and over.” Martin could be talking about God, a god, or merely someone who ‘saved him’ though not in a salvation sense. Regardless, there’s lots to love here.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021

12. Conan Gray, “Astronomy”

🎵 “Astronomy” • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2021

“As much as it seems like you own my heart / It’s astronomy, we’re two worlds apart.” Ah, 🎙 Conan Gray captures the plight of love perfectly on 🎵 “Astronomy”. The aforementioned lyrics excerpted from the chorus of this Gray/ 🎼✍ Daniel Nigro co-write (Nigro produces as well) show a relationship dying – running its course. Despite having “Seen everything from Saturn to Mars,” keeping the astronomy references going, things have changed, and two people have, regrettably, drifted apart.

A classy record through and through, Gray sings beautifully, expressively, and sincerely.  His tone matches the singer/songwriter vibe, as he depicts the good times they’ve experienced as couple, yet ultimately admits, “It’s time to go, it’s time to go.” On the second verse, one of the most gut wrenching and poetic lyrics is when he sings, “I thought if I wandered, I’d fall back in love / You said distance brings fondness but guess not with us.” Ouch – that totally stings.  One of the best moments is the bridge, where the intensity is ramped up exponentially relative to the rest of the song – Gray just lets her rip. “Astronomy” is compelling from start to finish, thanks to being relatable, and showcasing the versatility of Gray artistically. 

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13. Demi Lovato, “Melon Cake”

💿 Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over • 🏷 Island • 📅 2021

🎵 “Melon Cake” was one of the most anticipated songs from 💿 Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over, the seventh studio album by 🏆 Grammy-nominated pop star, 🎙 Demi Lovato. Throw in alluring 80s production and transparent Demi and you’ve got a surefire bop. There are a couple of entertaining lines like “People out here getting’ fired for chocolate in the backseat (It’s a true story).” Indeed, it is true, and the story behind the song is sad, made more realistic thanks to Lovato’s transparency.

The chorus is absolutely excellent, speaking about their team only allowing them to eat melon cake on their birthdays so that they can be Barbie essentially! Demi, rightfully, swears off melon cake, as well as a number of unhealthy things in their life. “Melon Cake” easily ranks among the best songs on Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over as well as one of the more interesting songs of 2021 overall.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Cake 🎂: 5ive Songs No. 28

14. DMX, “Hood Blues”

Ft. Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher & Conway The Machine

💿 Exodus • 🏷 Def Jam • 📅 2021

The world lost a musical icon in 2021 with the passing of gruff-voiced, East Coast rapper 🎙 DMX on April 9, 2021.  Simmons was ‘rough around the edges,’ but the sheer talent and influence he brought to the game, as well as his tremendous faith, is undeniable.  He’s on fire on the song 🎵 “Hood Blues,” a highlight from his 2021 posthumous album, 💿 Exodus, named after his youngest son.

The production is marvelous, a product of 🎛 Avenue Beatz and 🎛 Swizz Beatz.  Creating the jazzy backdrop is a sample of “Shady Blues” (🎙 Lee Mason).   Of course, beyond the picturesque production, the highlight are the performers.  🎙 Westside Gunn shines on the first verse, asserting, “Pray five times a day, get on the wave, nigga.” 🎙 Benny The Butcher follows on the second verse, with numerous clever lines. 🎙 Conway The Machine gets to work on the third verse, quoting Nas: “‘Cause Nas said a G at night wasn’t good enough, and he was right.” Finally, the ‘man of the hour’ closes things out on the fourth verse, asserting, “I done Punk’d more niggas than Ashton Kutcher (C’mon, c’mon).” Woo!  He also memorably states on the outro, “I’m not fifty years old for nothing.” R.I.P. DMX.

Also appears on 🔽:

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15. Elle King & Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”

🎵 “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” • 🏷 RCA• 📅 2021

“So, bartender, take my keys / What do you want from me? / Baby, I’m drunk, and I don’t wanna go home.” Woo! Sounds like situation to me. While the drunkenness may not ultimately be optimal, the situation where two musicians the caliber of 🎙 Elle King and 🎙 Miranda Lambert (a 🏆 Grammy winner) join forces is only positive.  The resulting duet, 🎵 “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” is pretty sweet, fusing country, pop, and rock seamlessly.

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” catches the ear from the onset.  It’s definitely the beat, which incites head nodding, foot tapping, and hand clapping. By the chorus, there are more ‘countrified’ cues, thanks to the inclusion of driving, rhythmic guitars. Besides the electrifying production from 🎛 Martin Johnson and 🎛 Brandon Paddock, there are also electrifying vocals.  Both King and Lambert have powerful voices and do a fabulous job of conveying attitude and feistiness.  Because both are so adept at this, the chemistry between the two is marvelous.  As far as the songwriting, it is perfect for country music in particular, referencing whiskey and of course its effects (“We’re in the bathroom stall gettin’ tatted, there’s a line in the hall / Tryna be my sugar daddy, gettin’ handsy in the stalls.” Woo! “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” is a ‘must hear’ folks – definitely entertaining with its drunken antics!

Also appears on 🔽:

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16. Eric Church, “Break it Kind of Guy”

💿 Soul • 🏷 EMI Nashville / UMG Recordings Inc. • 📅 2021

Among the crème de la crème of 💿 Soul – the second of two 🎙 Eric Church albums released in 2021 – is the electrifying 🎵 “Break it Kind of Guy.”  Between 💿 Heart and Soul, “Break it Kind of Guy” just might be the biggest T-R-I-P! I mean, damn, is this an infectious country joint.  Here, Church is chocked-full of attitude, showcasing immense personality.  As usual, we get that North Carolinian southern twang, but surprisingly, we also see Church dip into his falsetto (“I tell my Eagle where to fly”).

Part of the reason why “Break it Kind of Guy” is so potent is the contrasts Church brings to the table.  I mean, there’s country-funk hybrid in play here, confirmed by the riffs, groove, and the overall aesthetic and vibe.  Honestly, only Church would concoct something like this, and I’m so glad he did! Call “Break it Kind of Guy” one of the unsung gems of 2021.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Guy: 5ive Songs No. 36 (2021)

17. Foo Fighters, “Making a Fire”

💿 Medicine at Midnight • 🏷 Roswell / RCA • 📅 2021

In 2021, 🏆 Grammy-winning, totally badass rock band, 🎙 Foo Fighters returned with their fantastic, tenth studio album, 💿 Medicine at Midnight. Once again, the band enlisted the services of 🎛 Greg Kurstin behind the boards.  The Foos rock from the start with 🎵 “Making a Fire,” a formidable opener in addition to being among the best songs of 2021.

Fire is sufficiently made with a groove latches instantly, guitars that embrace the beauty of overdrive, and front man 🎙 Dave Grohl being true to self.  Adding to the allure is a tuneful melody, particularly on the chorus.

“But if this is the last time
Make up your mind
I’ve waited a lifetime to live
It’s time to ignite
I’m making a fire.”

Adding to its memorable nature of the record are the backing vocals, giving life to some sick “na-na, na-na-na-na-na-na’s.” #EPIC

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🔗 🎧 11 Brilliant Songs Fueled by Fire

18. The Isley Brothers, “Friends & Family”

🎵 “Friends & Family” • 🏷 R. I. Top Ten • 📅 2021 

Iconic R&B collective 🎙 The Isley Brothers (🎙 Ron Isley and 🎙 Ernie Isley) shine on their classy, feel-good, soulful comeback single, 🎵 “Friends & Family”. “Friends & Family” screams family gathering – barbeque and cookout vibes.  The record definitely appeals to lovers of old-school R&B. No, The Isley Brothers don’t take it back to their ‘truly old-school days,’ but the sound still hearkens back to a previous era of contemporary R&B.  The moment I heard “Friends & Family,” it reminded me of the 💿 Chocolate Factory era of 🎙 R. Kelly, who wrote many songs for the Isley Brothers during the aughts.  This sound is a sweet spot for Ron Isley, one where he’s able to show off that silky smooth tenor and continue to compel with a ripe falsetto.

The record is incredibly feel-good, groovy, and clean-cut.  Sure, 🎙 Snoop Dogg, not the cleanest musician ever, guests, but he keeps things classy and ‘classic,’ riding the beat with ease.  Ultimately, we get refined songwriting, awesome vocals – Ron is 80 – and fine production (robust bass line, horns, keys). Can you say #Vibes!

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19. J. Cole, “9 5 . s o u t h”

💿 The Off-Season • 🏷 Dreamville / Roc Nation • 📅 2021

🏆 Grammy-winning rapper 🎙 J. Cole kicks off his sixth studio album, 💿 The Off-Season, with a bang with 🎵 “9 5 . s o u t h.”  It begins with an intro by 🎙 Cam’ron.  Then, Cole gets things started, touting his skills and success in the game. Cole brilliantly takes a shot at rappers who rely on quantity over quality with very little gain (“What you sold, I tripled that, I can’t believe these fuckin’ clowns /Look how everybody clappin’ when your thirty-song album do a measly hundred thou’”).

There’s no chorus, but there is an interlude between the first and second verses, with a badass outro following the second.  On the outro, most notably, there’s a timely 🎙 Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz sample, 🎵 “Put Yo Hood Up”.  “9 5 . s o u t h” is not only an epic start to The-Off Season, but it also easily ranks among the best songs of 2021.

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20. Jazmine Sullivan, “Lost One”

💿 Heaux Tales • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2021

One of the simpler, yet best records from 💿 Heaux Tales, the long-awaited return of 🎙 Jazmine Sullivan, is 🎵 “Lost One.”  In the context of “Lost One,” after messing things up, Sullivan tries to make amends and admit her shortcomings.  Still, she’s “a selfish bitch” as she requests on the chilling chorus, “Just don’t have too much fun without me /… Please don’t forget about me.”

Like much of Heaux Tales, Sullivan is raw, yet manages to remind us of the glory of neo-soul and a more soulful brand R&B. Also, producer 🎛 Dave “Pop” Watson” deserves a shout out for his simple, tasteful backdrop.  Ultimately, this is an incredibly relatable record – one of the better ones of 2021.

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21. Jon Batiste, “Cry”

💿 We Are • 🏷 Verve • 📅 2021

🎙 Jon Batiste delivers one of the year’s best and most satisfying R&B albums with 💿 We Are. Featuring numerous elite songs, arguably the crème de la crème is 🎵 “Cry.” The soulfulness is fully ingrained into “Cry” including a righteous, robust bass line anchoring things down.  Throw in a simple but effective drum groove and commanding, nuanced vocals from Jon and “Cry” is nothing to cry over in the least – save for its inspiring, ear catching brilliance!

The messaging, which laments the injustices of the world, further fuels that ear catching brilliance on this unsung 2021 gem:

“For the loss of the innocence
For the struggle of the immigrants
For the wrongful imprisonment.”

Give “Cry” the flowers it deserves – ROSES!

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22. Joshua Bassett, “Only a Matter of Time”

💿 Joshua Bassett – EP • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 2021

“And when did you stop bein’ kind? / You twisted your words like a knife…” Connotation = negative.  The lyrics hail from 🎵 “Only a Matter of Time”, a gorgeous if ‘troubled’ song from actor and singer 🎙 Joshua Bassett, from his debut EP, 💿 Joshua Bassett (EP). What shines most about “Only a Matter of Time” is the lofty musicianship exhibited.  In many ways, this is a simple record, focused more on the lyrics than the production.  That said, the production (Bassett and 🎛 Jake Gosling) is quite the selling point, particularly the prominent use of piano.  There are other sounds, but the rhythmic piano chords are the main driving force.

Vocally, Bassett sings radiantly, as he pours out his heart in his speculated response to “drivers license”.  He gives us middle and upper register, with his falsetto coming off quite sweet.  Of course, the biggest draw are the lyrics.  There’s nothing incredibly complex or otherworldly, just emotionally fueled, honest lyrics.  The chorus is the centerpiece, but the contrasting bridge just might be the most intriguing section. What’s not to like about this ballad? This is a bop from the 20-year-old, who, unfortunately, seems to get more attention for drama/gossip than his music.

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🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2021

23. Justin Bieber, “Peaches”

Ft. Daniel Caesar & GIVĒON

💿 Justice • 🏷 Def Jam • 🗓 2021

“I got my peaches out in Georgia (Oh, yeah, shit) / I get my weed from California (That’s that shit).” There’s nothing profound about either of those lyrics 🏆 Grammy-winning pop superstar 🎙 Justin Bieber sings on his 📉 no. 1 Hot 100 hit, 🎵 “Peaches” and yet, it’s absolutely and utterly infectious to the nth degree.  He continues on the golden chorus of this 💿 Justice gem, “I took my chick up to the North, yeah (Badass bitch) / I get my light right from the source, yeah (Yeah, that’s it).”  While it seems that Bieber has this fruit-loving number on lockdown all by himself, he enlists the services of 🏆 Grammy winner 🎙 Daniel Caesar and 🏆 Grammy nominee 🎙 GIVĒON.

Caesar and GIVĒON definitely owe Bieber you might say. Why? Both earn career-first no. 1 hits lending their awesome vocals to this joint.  This isn’t a game changing record, yet the more you listen, the more you find yourself hypnotized and wooed.  In the context of Justice, Bieber loosens up (the profanity on the chill chorus), while still focused on the modus operandi, LOVE. Both Caesar and GIVĒON devote their verses to their respective lovers ❤. “Peaches” is definitely a one of 2021’s crowd pleasers.

Also appears on 🔽:

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24. Lana Del Rey, “For Free”

Ft. Zella Day & Weyes Blood

💿 Chemtrails Over the Country Club • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2021

🎙 Lana del Rey is always good for a cover on many her albums.  She concludes her seventh studio album, 💿 Chemtrails Over the Country Club, brilliantly with the 🎙 Joni Mitchell classic, 🎵 “For Free.” Del Rey enlists 🎙 Zella Day and 🎙 Weyes Blood for the assist on a truly chilling interpretation.  The vocals are elite, the harmonies haunting, and the production absolutely stunning.

The original – intact with clarinet solo, fitting – is magical.  Likewise, Del Rey’s take is also quite special, making the case for the crowning achievement on a truly intriguing album. That’s saying something considering how many great originals grace Chemtrails.  Furthermore, this take easily secures a spot on the broader 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far).  Del Rey, with the help of Zella and Weyes truly transforms this 1970 gem into a contemporary classic.  Particularly if you weren’t familiar with Mitchell’s music, you’d swear this was an original.

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25. Lil Nas X, “MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)”

🎵 “MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)” • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2021

“I’m not fazed, only here to sin / If Eve ain’t in your garden, you know that you can…” Woo!  🏆 Grammy-winning pop artist 🎙 Lil Nas X returned with a hot, controversial new single, 🎵 “MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)”. Nas X, who came out as gay 🏳️‍🌈 when acquiring his success with 🎵 “Old Town Road” has embraced his sexuality and identity – AWESOME!  On “MONTERO,” he reflects on his own experiences with his.  Fueling the fire musically is sleek production courtesy of 🎛 Roy Lenzo, 🎛 Omer Fedi, and 🎛 Take A Daytrip.  That said, it’s the lyrics and narrative that make “MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)” truly special. Worth noting, the eyebrow raising music video is something in its own right.

Lil Nas X keeps things short but totally sweet on “MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name).” The sweet part are the many experiences he references associated with many gay men at some point or other. On numerous occasions, he expresses desires including “I wanna feel on your ass in Hawaii / I want that jet lag from fuckin’ and flyin’ / Shoot a child in your mouth while I’m ridin’” and arguably, more intriguingly, “Never want the niggas that’s in my league / I wanna fuck the ones I envy, I envy.” The latter lyric from the second verse is ear-catching because of the layers – crushing on someone more fit, handsome as well as potentially someone who is heterosexual as opposed to homosexual. The other notable thing expressed by Nas X is the plight of being a gay (LGBTQIA+ 🏳️‍🌈) individual whether it’s being trapped in the closet, religious tension, or any number of factors. Lots to unpack on this bop, and everyone should take the time to do so regardless of your sexuality.  Among the best of the best of 2021.

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26. Lucky Daye, “Access Denied”

Ft. Ari Lennox

💿 Table for Two (EP) • 🏷 Keep Cool / RCA • 📅 2021

“You give me, access denied / Another one stuck in line / Baby, love scares, your mind / No wonder why you keep your time.” On 🎵 “Access Denied,” among the crème de la crème of 🎙 Lucky Daye’s fabulous 2021 EP, 💿 Table for Two, he enlists the 🎙 Ari Lennox for the assist.  This ends up being a superb collaboration.  What particularly stands out is the fact that this is more collaborative than the duets that precede it on the EP.

Throughout, Daye and Lennox either trade lines, harmonize, or sing in unison.  Besides the awesome vocal chemistry, the groove is lit – hella soulful. “Access Denied” is ‘old school’ yet doesn’t feel anachronistic.  🎛 Allen Ritter and 🎛 Vinylz definitely set up Daye and Lennox for success.  That success transcends beyond R&B, making this one of the best records of 2021 regardless of genre.

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2021

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27. Manchester Orchestra, “Dinosaur”

💿 The Million Masks of God • 🏷 Loma Vista • 📅 2021

🎵 “Dinosaur” stands out from 💿 The Million Masks of God, the sixth studio album by Georgia alternative rock collective, 🎙 Manchester Orchestra. On “Dinosaur,” the band begins rather enigmatic, opting for restraint and poise as opposed to full-blown, ‘hits your chest’ rock.  No worries though, because the record eventually reaches an epic fever pitch, with front man 🎙 Andy Hull digging deep for his grittiest vocals of the album on the bridge (“Over and over”).

Besides the gargantuan bridge, the chorus is quite delightful, continuing the reflective, thought-provoking vibes of the other cuts that precede it on the album.  Notably, the chorus is reprised from another The Million Masks of God gem, 🎵 “Keel Timing.” Very interesting! According to an interview with Bernard Zuel, “Dinosaur” was written about Hull’s son.  “Dinosaur” is a terrific song from a truly terrific album, also considered among the best of the year.

Also appears on 🔽:

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28. Morgan Wallen, “Sand in my Boots”

💿 Dangerous: The Double Album • 🏷 Big Loud / Republic • 📅 2021 

“Somethin’ ‘bout the way she kissed mе tells me she’d lovе Eastern Tennessee / Yeah, but all I brought back with me was some sand in my boots.” 🎙 Morgan Wallen commences 💿 Dangerous: The Double Album with a surefire bang.  No, 🎵 “Sand in My Boots” isn’t an up-tempo country banger, but it is a gorgeous country ballad that ‘gives off those feels.’

Wallen showcases his terrific instrument, singing with incredible expression and nuance.  The songwriting is solid, particularly the centerpiece, the passionate chorus where he’s “Dodging potholes in my sunburnt Silverado / Like a heart-broke Desperado, headin’ right back to my roots.”  Wallen has made some mistakes personally, but there’s no doubt he has some winning moments from Dangerous, including this gem.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Boots: 5ive Songs No. 8 (2021)

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2021

29. Olivia Rodrigo, “Drivers License”

💿 SOUR • 🏷 Geffen • 🗓 2021

🎙 Olivia Rodrigo totally compels on her no. 1 single, 🎵 “drivers license”,  the crowning achievement of her critically acclaimed, commercially successful debut album, 💿 SOUR. “Drivers license” was written by Rodrigo and 🎼 ✍ Daniel Nigro, who also produces. While Olivia should totally be stoked here – she gets her driver’s license after all – she’s bummed. “Today I drove through the suburbs / Crying ‘cause you weren’t around.” Ugh.  Of course, the guy she desired to be with is with someone else, and that person makes her totally insecure – I feel that.  On the third verse, she continues her lament, expressing how “All of my friends are tired / Of hearing how much I miss you.”

Rodrigo sums up her feelings superbly on the chorus, asserting at the end, “I guess you didn’t mean what you wrote in that song about me / ‘Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street.”  She also gets totally in her feelings on the bridge, dropping the bomb: “Can’t drive past the places we used to go to / ‘Cause I still fuckin’ love you, babe.” “Drivers License” is a bop thanks to the songwriting, solid production and of course, an emotional, strong vocal performance, particularly on the chorus and bridge.  This is a contender for the best of the best, period.

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30. P!nk, “All I Know So Far”

💿 All I Know So Far: Setlist • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2021

On 🎵 “All I Know So Far”, a new studio single appearing on her live album, 💿 All I Know So Far: Setlist, 🏆 Grammy winning pop superstar 🎙 P!nk (Alecia Moore) shows just how elite her artistry is. “All I Know So Far” runs north of four-and-a-half-minutes. No worries, it’s well worth the duration! Written by Moore, 🎼✍ Benj Pasek and 🎼✍ Justin Paul, the great 🎛 Greg Kurstin produces 💪. “All I Know So Far” commences with prominent rhythm guitar, which serves as the primary accompaniment for a while.  Later, drums enter the mix on the chorus, truly asserting themselves on the second verse, where the production evolves more. From start to finish, the backdrop is ample fuel for the fire as we get gorgeous, nuanced vocals by the pop star.  Beyond production and the vocals, the lyrics are absolutely beautifully-penned – very poetic and thoughtful throughout the course of the song.

The chorus is clearly the centerpiece, where P!nk is able to show just how elite she is vocally. The songwriting here is particularly special, definitely giving off those feels.

“You throw your head back and you spit in the wind
Let the walls crack, ‘cause it lets the light in
Let ‘em drag you through hell
They can't tell you to change who you are
That's all I know so far.”

Furthermore, I love when Moore further lets loose on the post-chorus (or refrain), backed by harmonized vocals and delivering some stellar ad-libs.  Also, the bridge provides fine contrast. Every box is checked off as P!nk continues to impress us with her artistry and easily solidify her spot on the 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far).

Also appears on 🔽:

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31. Polo G, “RAPSTAR”

💿 Hall of Fame • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2021

🎙 Polo G didn’t slow down in the least in 2021 judging by his terrific new single, 🎵 “RAPSTAR” (💿 Hall of Fame). “RAPSTAR” shines from the get-go.  Well produced, 🎛 Einer Bankz and 🎛 Synco definitely set up Polo G for success.  The backdrop balances the best of both worlds – it goes hard yet also brings a more chill, mellow vibe too.

Polo G blesses us with both a sweet, rhythmic flow as well as a melodic rap performance.  What I love about his performance is how we naturally get this contrast of the street/toughness with sheer beauty – harmoniousness.  With Polo remaining ‘on’ throughout the course of the record, his best moment is undoubtedly the chorus, which screams H-I-T (and a sexual experience).

“So high up through the clouds, I was swimmin’
I’m probably gon’ drown when I’m in it
I bet she gon’ get loud when I’m in it
And we might have a child when I’m finished.”

Ultimately, “RAPSTAR” marks another strong showing for the rapper, who definitely brings great personality, rhymes, and a sweet melodic approach to the table on this former no. 1 hit.

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32. Purple Disco Machine, “Fireworks”

Ft. The Knocks & Moss Kena

🎵 “Fireworks” • 🏷 A Positiva / EMI • 🗓 2021

“Better days and tomorrows / We all just want some purple greens and blue yellows / Fireworks will make it come.” If you are in need of a dance record to put a smile on your face, look no further than 🎵 “Fireworks”.  “Fireworks” hails from DJ, producer, and remixer Tino Piontek, better known as 🎙 Purple Disco Machine.  He ultimately produces this colorful dance track and enlists the services of electronic duo 🎙 The Knocks and London R&B artist, 🎙 Moss Kena.

There’s plenty to love about “Fireworks.” The production by Purple Disco Machine is a great starting place – key to success of “Fireworks” by all means.  The backdrop is definitely a vibe with a great beat, robust bass line, rhythmic guitar, keys, and perhaps most uniquely, choir (🎙 Leon Lacey’s Kids Choir and the 🎙 House Gospel Choir).  Woo! The choir is a perfect fit given the energetic, optimistic sound that characterizes this joint. The work put in by Piontek and The Knocks is electric. That said, Moss Kena is the star, delivering those emphatic lead vocals. From the jump, he nails it, serving up some legitimate ear candy.  Of course, it helps that he has a catchy pre-chorus and chorus to work with, with the choir joining in on the chorus (excerpted above).  Awesome production/arrangement, excellent choral arrangement, exuberant, intriguing lead vocals, optimism through the roof, and catchy, memorable pre-chorus and choruses make this a certified bop.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2021

33. serpentwithfeet, “Same Size Shoe”

💿 DEACON • 🏷 Secretly Canadian • 📅 2021

“Can’t love no man ‘til I measured his feet,” alternative R&B artist 🎙 serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise) asserts on 🎵 “Same Size Shoe”. “Same Size Shoe” is arguably the best song from his sophomore album, 💿 DEACON.  Later, Wise heeds the advice of his aunt singing, “My auntie’s right, don’t fuck a man / If his shoes are two times the size of your hands.” Woo!

Besides the unique lyricism of the record, serpentwithfeet delivers an expressive, nuanced, and truly refined vocal performance. His best moments include the ad-libs, the bridge where he asks for his trumpet (you just have to hear it for yourself), and of course, the chorus.  The chorus, as to expected, is infectious to the nth degree: “Me and my boo wear the same size shoe.” Additionally, the production (Wise, 🎛 Brandon Juhans, and 🎛 Batu) allures as well.  “Same Size Shoe” is one of the unsung masterpieces of 2021, as is parent album, DEACON.

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34. SG Lewis, “Chemicals”

💿 Chemicals • 🏷 PMR / Universal Music Operations Limited • 📅 2021

🎵 “Chemicals” has a strong case for the crowning achievement of 💿 Times, the debut album by British DJ, producer, singer, and songwriter 🎙 SG Lewis. “Chemicals” is incredibly assertive – that beat is overt and in your face.  Notably, Lewis produces alongside 🎛 Julian Bunetta, as well as 🎛 Chad Hugo (🎛 The Neptunes).  That’s a team right there!

In addition to the beat, the canvas, which Lewis paints with his own bright, sexy vocals, is quite splashy – picturesque to the nth degree.   The chorus is absolutely epic!

“But if you stay
We could always blame it on the chemicals
I might be seein’ double, but I need you both
Might be seein’ double but I need you both.” 

Take one listen to “Chemicals” and you’ll be utterly addicted… questionable choice of words?

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Chemicals: 3BOPS No. 18 (2021)

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35. Shelley FKA DRAM, “The Lay Down”

Ft. H.E.R. & watt

💿 Shelley FKA DRAM • 🏷 Atlantic / EMPIRE • 📅 2021

🎙 Shelley FKA DRAM embraces R&B exclusively on his sophomore album, 💿 Shelley FKA DRAM.  Shelley, which runs just 10 tracks deep and 38 minutes long, proves to be well worth the wait, with a number of gems.  Among those gems is 🎵 “The Lay Down,” where DRAM truly outdoes himself.

On “The Lay Down,” the lushness and buttery smooth vibes are breathtaking.  This particular record definitely shows various faces of R&B. DRAM sings angelically, as does his 🏆 Oscar and Grammy-winning co-vocalist, 🎙 H.E.R. The chemistry is epic.  Also, throw in 🎛 WATT writing and working behind the boards and “The Lay Down” only grows into a bigger juggernaut.  The two best moments: the chorus and a stellar guitar feature.

“‘Cause I wanna lay it down wit’ you
And I ain’t tryin’ play round with you
And I wanna lay it down wit’ you
And go to sleep, after we.”

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36. Silk Sonic, “Leave the Door Open”

💿 An Evening with Silk Sonic • 🏷 Aftermath / Atlantic • 📅 2020

🏆 Grammy winners 🎙 Bruno Mars and 🎙 Anderson  .Paak joined forces as duo 🎙 Silk Sonic releasing an instant classic, 🎵 “Leave the Door Open”. “Leave the Door Open” was written by Paak, Mars, 🎼✍ Christopher Brody Brown, and 🎼✍ Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, with Mars and D’Mile also producing. The four-minute-plus cut features a lush backdrop – we’d expect no less from these two.

We get soulful vocals by .Paak on the first verse: “We should be dancin’, romancin’ / In the east wing and the west wing / Of this mansion, what’s happenin’.” Sexy! He doesn’t stop there, bringing the heat to the second verse as well: “There’s so much love we could be making /… Girl, let’s jump in, it’s bubblin’.” As for Mars, he serves up the pre-chorus and the centerpiece, the chorus:

“I’ma leave the door open
...That you feel the way I feel
And you want me like I want you tonight, baby.”

Both artists sing on the bridge and outro.  Beyond top-notch performances, the underpinnings deserve love. The harmonic progression is pretty sweet, hearkening back to the soul music of old. “Leave the Door Open” is a top contender for the very best song of 2021.

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37. St. Vincent, “Pay Your Way in Pain”

💿 Daddy’s Home • 🏷 Loma Vista• 📅 2021

Annie Clark, aka 🏆 Grammy winning singer/songwriter 🎙 St. Vincent, dropped her first new album of the 20s with 💿 Daddy’s Home (arguably the BEST album of 2021).  Leading the charge is single and album opener 🎵 “Pay Your Way in Pain”.  As always, Clark never fails to disappoint. “Pay Your Way in Pain” was written by Clark and 🎼✍ Jack Antonoff.  Furthermore, both musicians produce the unique sounding record.

“Pay Your Way in Pain” commences with sort of this cabaret sound –throwback in quality. Soon enough, it transforms into this adventurous joint with a blend of funk and electronic cues.  This quirky number is definitely alternative through and through. If nothing else, St. Vincent delivers an ear catching record that doesn’t conform in any way, shape, or fashion.  I love the playful ways that she uses her voice here. The songwriting is also intriguing, telling a compelling story, characteristic of the artist’s music of the past. Specifically, the character seems to be facing plenty of pain as the adversity is through the roof from lack of money, being judged, becoming homeless – it’s a lot! “Pay Your Way in Pain” is quirky as albeit and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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38. Thomas Rhett, “Country Again”

💿 Country Again (Side A) • 🏷 Big Machine • 📅 2021

🎵 “Country Again,” has a strong case as the sincerest ballad on 💿 Country Again (Side A), the fifth studio album by 🏆 Grammy-nominated country artist, 🎙 Thomas Rhett. On this particular album, Rhett, previously known for his multi-genre experiments fused with country, returns to his country music roots. “Country Again” is a song that really finds Rhett reclaiming those roots – musically and personally – after shedding them.  No, not merely shedding a crossover approach to country music, but based on the songwriting, his actual life and how he’d moved away from what he was/his roots to some extent.

Now, as Rhett has become older, he’s returned to being ‘country again’ even if certain things have totally changed.  “But last night, we cracked some cold beers and cranked Eric Church to ten,” he sings, as he recalls of a meeting with his “back home buddies.” He ultimately reflects in that instance, and throughout the record, “‘Man, it feels good to be country again.’” The result is a respectable, well-rounded country record.

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39. Twenty One Pilots, “Shy Away”

💿 Scaled and Icy • 🏷 Fueled by Ramen • 📅 2021

🏆 Grammy-winning alternative duo 🎙 Twenty One Pilots are back with their sixth studio album, 💿 Scaled and Icy.  In advance of the LP, 🎙 Tyler Joseph and 🎙 Josh Dun unveiled promo single, 🎵 “Shy Away”.  Like so many of the band’s music of the past, there’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into on “Shy Away.”

Twenty one pilots keep things short and sweet on “Shy Away.” The production is quite intriguing – sleek and well rounded.  Given its rhythmic sound and quick pace, there’s definitely no way to “Shy Away” from this record.  Joseph exudes ample personality as he performs.  As always, the theme and lyrics truly go a long way in making this a successful record. Here, he encourages ditching the shyness and being unafraid to reach for dreams and ambition – shedding modesty and reaching for the stars.

“Don’t you shy away (Ah-ah-ah)
Manifest a ceiling
When you shy away (Ah-ah-ah)
Searchin’ for that feelin’
Just like an ‘I love you’ (Ooh, ooh)
That isn’t words (Ooh, oooh)
Like a song he wrote, that’s never heard (Ah-ah-ah)
Don’t you...” 

“Shy Away” shines thanks to great vocals, great production, and thoughtful, positive songwriting.

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40. The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears (Remix)”

🎵 “Save Your Tears (Remix)” • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2021

“Save your tears for another day.” The overall sound and vibe are preserved on 🎵 “Save Your Tears (Remix)”, the remix of the 💿 After Hours hit, 🎵 “Save Your Tears”. “Save Your Tears” remains firmly planted in the 80s, with 🏆 Grammy winners 🎙 The Weeknd and 🎙 Ariana Grande embracing synthpop. Of course, in addition to The Weekend producing, they owe a great deal to 🎛 Max Martin and 🎛 Oscar Holter.

The Weeknd shines, singing the first verse, refrain, pre-chorus, and chorus.  The chorus is simple but ultimately memorable and definitely tuneful. Where we get contrast on “Save Your Tears (Remix)” begins with the second verse, performed by Ariana Grande (it turns out to be a totally new). She sounds exceptional – as refined as ever.  Later on, both sing collaboratively, definitely bringing the heat.  Can a remix rank among the best of the best? Of course, it can! 

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