Best Songs of 2021: 35-21 | Playlist 🎧

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Best Songs of 2021 features songs courtesy of Adele, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Nas X, and Taylor Swift.

ne of the most daunting tasks, each and every year, is to select the BEST SONGS OF XXXX. After making the decision to axe the rankings and merely select a list of the best songs mid-year on 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far), the rankings have returned for the final edition, 50 Best Songs of 2021. In 2020, the final best-of list comprised of 100 songs (100 Best Songs of 2020). This, year, there are four lists. One list features 15 honorable mentions ( Best Songs of 2021: Honorable Mentions), while the other three features songs 50-36, 35-21, and the top-20 respectively.

Best Songs of 2021 is loaded, as you’d expect! Some of the big names contributing their gift of songs are Adele, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Nas X, and Taylor Swift among others. Honestly, there’s a little bit of everything here, including songs I highly doubt others selected on their year-end/year in review lists. Agree or disagree, I hope you enjoy the most time-consuming, arduous compendium to put together year-in and year-out, Best Songs of 2021. Here, is Best Songs of 2021: 35-21.

35. Ed Sheeran, “Visiting Hours”

= • Atlantic • 2021

“I wish that Heaven had visiting hours / So I could just show up and bring the news,” Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran sings on “Visiting Hours”, the second single from =.Thematically, “Visiting Hours” pays ode to Australian music executive, Michael Gudinski, who died in 2021. Sheeran debuted this moving single at his funeral.

“I wish that heaven had visiting hours / So I could just swing by and ask your advice.” A gorgeous instrumental intro sets the tone for this pop ballad. Sheeran delivers radiant, expressive, and emotional vocals, even managing to dip into falsetto. I like the production with its mix of acoustic and electric guitars and piano. Furthermore, I love how it expands scope on the second verse with layered vocals and increased dynamics. The chorus changes after each verse. An awesome touch is the use of brass following the second chorus, prior to the third verse. Notably, pad accompanies the third verse, contrasting the more dynamic second verse. Ultimately, Visiting Hours” is superb thanks to the inspiration behind it – remembering someone special who is no longer here. Sheeran gives his all here, providing a fitting tribute.

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34. 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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33. Jazmine Sullivan, “Pick Up Your Feelings”

Heaux Tales • RCA • 2021

After making us wait far too long for a new album, Jazmine Sullivan ensured the wait was well worth it. Heaux Tales is a brief but well-rounded LP with no major miscues from my perspective. Among the best songs from Heaux Tales – two of which make the cut for 50 Best Songs of 2021 – is “Pick Up Your Feelings.” Sullivan kills it, giving an expressive, soulful vocal performance that’s just lays it out there for the offending dude.

“Oh, I’m tryna find a fuck to give for you,” she bites on the second verse, continuing, “You ran out of chances of forgivin’ ya / Yeah, listen, I ain’t listenin’.” Sound-wise, “Pick Up Your Feelings” is both refreshing and throwback. DZL does a fine job behind the boards. Elite vocals, attitude, and a big personality make “Pick Up Your Feelings” top-rate.

32. Billie Eilish, “NDA”

Happier Than Ever • Darkroom / Interscope • 2021

“Did I take it too far? / Now I know what you are / You hit me so hard / I saw stars.” “NDA” is an unexpected, incredibly rewarding single from Happier Than Ever, the epic sophomore LP from Billie Eilish. Eilish and brother, FINNEAS, are a perfect match. FINNEAS ‘shows out’ on the boards, particularly the chorus.

“NDA” is a darker moment from Happier Than Ever, with the title serving as an acronym for non-disclosure agreement. Billie lets us peek into her world throughout the song. She rose to fame as a teen, and she imparts the downside of fame including stalkers, lack of parties, and the time she “Had a pretty boy over, but he couldn’t stay / On his way out, I made him sign an NDA.” Later, on this intense yet intriguing gem, she adds, “I’ve been havin’ fun gettin’ older now / Didn’t change my number, made him shut his mouth / At least I gave him something he can cry about.” I love how Eilish sounds throughout, particularly the brief but gorgeous chorus, as well as her ratcheted up intensity on the outro (excerpted at the top). “NDA” is utterly sublime. It’s well-written, superbly produced, and yields an elite vocal performance from Eilish.

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31. St. Vincent, “Down”

Daddy’s Home • Loma Vista • 2021

“Tell me who hurt you / No, wait, I don’t care to / Hear an excuse why you think you can be cruel.” Ah, just when you ask the question, if Daddy’s Home, the superb, 2021 album by Grammy-winner St. Vincent (Annie Clark) get any better, then comes a surefire gem, “Down.” “Down” marks one of the most aggressive, entertaining songs of the album. It encompasses the vicious cycle of abuse as well as revenge.

“Get off your own shit, get off of my tit,” Clark bites on the bridge, continuing, “Go face your demons, check into treatment / Go flee the country, go blame your daddy.” All the while these awesome lyrics are being unveiled, the music is killer with rhythmic Wurlitzer, assertive guitar, and an utterly infectious groove. That doesn’t even account for compelling lead and backing vocals by Clark herself.

30. 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 stunning.

The original – intact with clarinet solo, fitting – is magical. Likewise, the Del Rey take is also quite special, and has a strong case for crowning achievement on a truly intriguing album. That’s saying something considering how many great originals grace Chemtrails. Del Rey makes “For Free” sound like her own song.

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29. Dream Theater, “The Alien”

A View from the Top of the World • Ytse Jams, Inc. / InsideOutMusic • 2021

“Alien – changed forever! / Newfound world, here we are!” Man, oh man does progressive metal band Dream Theater kicks a lot of ass – it’s true! Their technical skill is breathtaking – awe-inspiring to say the least! James LaBrie, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, John Myung, and Mike Mangini returned triumphantly in 2021 with their 15^th studio album, A View from the Top of the World. The 70-minute LP opens with a surefire juggernaut, the Grammy-nominated gem, “The Alien.”

If you enjoy complex music, then “The Alien” is your cup of tea. Adventurous time signatures, angular, virtuosic guitar lines, nonstandard structure, and unique harmonic progression all characterize this impressive nine-and-a-half-minute opener. While “The Alien” has its more aggressive moments, it also has radiant, smoother moments that reminds of the prog-rock sounds of the 70s. The vocals of James LaBrie don’t enter the mix until after the two-minute-mark, upping the ante, delivering an existential, extraterrestrial theme.

“I am the alien
Out here in the stars
We'll search ‘til we find!
No matter how far
A far better world
For all human race
And beyond!”

28. ABBA, “I Still Have Faith in You”

Voyage • Polar Music International AB / Universal Music Group • 2021

It only took 40 years but iconic, Swedish pop collective ABBA finally returned! Furthermore, they didn’t merely drop a song or two, but dropped an entire album, Voyage. The lead single from Voyage, “I Still Have Faith in You,” commences the 10-track LP masterfully – it’s a radiant opening and comeback record. The Recording Academy must’ve thought so too, giving “I Still Have Faith in You” a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.

“I still have faith in you / I see it now / Through all these years, that faith live on somehow.” What earns “I Still Have Faith in You” a spot on this list? Basically, it has all the ingredients of a hit. No, ABBA weren’t going to reclaim the pop throne with “I Still Have Faith in You,” but, as a post-prime record by the iconic collective, it checks off all boxes. The vocal performance is strong. The songwriting ( Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus) is memorable, particularly on the chorus. The arrangement and production (Andersson and Ulvaeus) are superb as well – warm, grand, and exuberant, particularly as the record progresses. Hearing “I Still Have Faith in You,” I still have great faith in ABBA.

27. Foo Fighters, “No Son of Mine”

Medicine at Midnight • RCA • 2021

“No son of mine, will ever do / The work of villains, the will of fools.” Right on, right on! In 2021, Grammy-winning rock band Foo Fighters returned with a brand-new, badass studio album, Medicine at Midnight. The set’s second single, “No Son of Mine” is quite energetic and rousing – among the best moments from the LP!

“No Son of Mine” has ample pros. It starts with electrifying, jagged guitars, that roar from the jump. Furthermore, the bass anchors things down, while the drums pummel hard AF. Of course, the biggest pro is none other than the electrifying front man, Dave Grohl who is turned-up as ever. Everything about the record rocks hard, including the repetitive, infectious, and in-your-face titular lyric. Not only does “No son of mine” appear on the chorus (four times in most instances) it appears on every verse multiple times. No, the Foos aren’t serving up a poetic lyrical masterpiece, but they have clear intent, per the front man’s quote from Rolling Stone: “Lyrically it’s meant to poke at the hypocrisy of self-righteous leaders, people that are guilty of committing the crimes they’re supposedly against…” “No Son of Mine” is a big and obnoxious record, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

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26. Megan Thee Stallion, “Thot Shit”

Something for Thee Hotties • 1501 Certified Ent. / 300 Entertainment • 2021

“I don’t give a fuck ‘bout a blog tryna bash me / I’m the shit per the Recording Academy.” That’s true, Megan Thee Stallion – well – the part about the Recording Art Academy. Early in her career, Megan is already a three-time Grammy winner – that’s amazing. She electrifies on her banger, “Thot Shit” ( Something for Thee Hotties), which marked the return of her alter ego, Tina Snow.

“Thot Shit” features production work by OG Parker and LilJuMadeDaBeat. They stitch up the track for Megan, who drops a compelling flow, as always. We get exactly what we’ve come to expect from her: explicitness, outlandishness, rawness, and surefire, unapologetic-ness, all from the jump. The chorus is repetitive, simple, yet highly effective: “Hands on my knees, shakin’ ass, on my thot shit.” Beyond those memorable lyrics, Megan delivers numerous ear catching lines. Two fine examples: “Missionary or doggystyle, I’ma top shit / Pussy-ass niggas hatin’ on me from the closet, ah” and “2021, finna graduate college / Goth girl shit, I’m a real hot topic.” The former lyric is both sexual and seems to reference the closet, in reference to gay men. Do with that whatever you will. “Thot Shit” is totally worth bumping – another enjoyable banger to add to the listening rotation.

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25. 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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24. Snoh Aalegra, “Lost You”

Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies • Artium Recordings / Roc Nation • 2021

Swedish-born and bred Iranian singer/songwriter Snoh Aalegra (Shahrzad Fooladi) is a prime example of an artist infusing life and sheer excellence into R&B. Aalegra shines on her third studio album, Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies, released in the summer of 2021. Among the crème de la crème of Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies is none other than Grammy-nominated gem, “Lost You”. Furthermore, “Lost You” ranks as one of the best songs of the year.

“You and I was no debating / Now it’s up for conversation.” Ooh wee! “Lost You” features superb production by No ID and Maneesh, balancing past and present superbly . This backdrop sets up Snoh Aalegra for surefire success. She, in turn, puts in work with beautiful, pure vocals. She never over-sings or forces things, delivering cool energy, if you will . The icing on top, of course, is the theme. Thematically, Snoh reflects on losing love yet still longing for that person. That’s relatable to the nth degree if I do say so myself.

“Although I lost you
I, I’ll always want you
‘Cause you take me high.”

Indeed Snoh Aalegra, indeed.

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23. Elton John & Stevie Wonder, “Finish Line”

The Lockdown Sessions • Mercury • 2021

Two highly decorated, iconic musicians – Elton John and Stevie Wonder – make sweet music together on the spirit, ear catching “Finish Line”. “Finish Line” appears on John’s 32^nd studio album, The Lockdown Sessions. John penned this compelling record with Andrew Wotman aka Watt (who also produces), Ali Tamposi, and Roman Campolo). The record commences with soulful keys – acoustic and electric – before a slick groove kicks in. John ‘takes first blood,’ singing expressively with his full-bodied, mature vocals. Following a fab verse, he delivers the centerpiece, the chorus, backed by gospel choir. As expected, the spirit is high, and the ears perked up with the throwback vibes.

The icing on the cake? The second verse performed by Wonder, who sounds as youthful as he did back in his heyday. His marvelous tenor brings contrast, and helps to drive “Finish Line,” well, onward to the finish line. He meshes well with John and choir on the chorus following his verse. Amplifying the spirit and musicianship even more is his harmonica solo. The finish line of “Finish Line” itself is eventful with John, Wonder, choir, and an unnamed soloist making all listeners want to witness – hallelujah!

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22. 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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21. Kanye West, “Jesus Lord”

Ft. Jay Electronica

Donda • Def Jam • 2021

The song to beat on Donda, the 10^th studio album by Kanye West is “Jesus Lord” featuring Jay Electronica. It’s no secret that Donda, named after West’s late mother, had the messiest rollout of his career. Ultimately, the 27-track, nearly two-hour-long LP has its fair share of rewarding moments, including the song at hand. “Jesus Lord” is nine-minutes-long – ambitious – but it’s well worth it.

The mellow production work is sensational, enlisting MIKE DEAN, Swizz Beatz, and Gesaffelstein behind the boards. Even though the sound is mellow – reverent and reflective – there’s hard-knocking beat that’s consistent throughout. West delivers a fine verse, reflecting on his life, particularly the loss of his mother: “Mama, you was the life of the party /… When you lost your life, it took the life out the party / That woman road with me like a Harley.” This is a prime example where you sense the grief West has experienced. Jay Electronica thrills on the second verse, featuring clever pop cultural and spiritual references. Two more moments solidify the greatness of this song: West’s spiritual chorus, and the moving outro by Larry Hoover Jr. in support of his incarcerated father, Larry Hoover Sr.

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50 Best Songs of 2021 [: 300 Entertainment, 1501 Certified Ent., A Low Country Sound, Aftermath, Artium Recordings, Atlantic, BIGHIT MUSIC, Brent Faulkner, BMG Rights Management, Columbia, Darkroom, Dead Oceans, Decca, Def Jam, Dreamville, Easy Eye Sound, Elektra, EMPIRE, Geffen, HYBE, InsideOutMusic, Interscope, Kemosabe, Loma Vista, MCA Nashville, Melted Stone, Mercury, Monsaert Label, The Musical Hype, My Music Box, OVO, Pexels, Polydor, RCA, Republic, Roc Nation, RUPAM DUTTA on Unsplash, Secretly Canadian, Taylor Swift, UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal Music New Zealand Limited, Verve, Vishnu R Nair, Warner, Ytse Jams, Inc.]

Best Songs of 2021: 35-21 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on December 29, 2021December 29, 2021

Best Songs of 2021 features songs courtesy of Adele, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Nas X, and Taylor Swift.

35. Ed Sheeran, “Visiting Hours”

= • Atlantic • 2021

34. Cardi B, “Up”

“Up” • Atlantic • 2021

33. Jazmine Sullivan, “Pick Up Your Feelings”

Heaux Tales • RCA • 2021

32. Billie Eilish, “NDA”

Happier Than Ever • Darkroom / Interscope • 2021

31. St. Vincent, “Down”

Daddy’s Home • Loma Vista • 2021

30. Lana Del Rey, “For Free”

Chemtrails Over the Country Club • Interscope • 2021

29. Dream Theater, “The Alien”

A View from the Top of the World • Ytse Jams, Inc. / InsideOutMusic • 2021

28. ABBA, “I Still Have Faith in You”

Voyage • Polar Music International AB / Universal Music Group • 2021

27. Foo Fighters, “No Son of Mine”

Medicine at Midnight • RCA • 2021

26. Megan Thee Stallion, “Thot Shit”

Something for Thee Hotties • 1501 Certified Ent. / 300 Entertainment • 2021

25. Jazmine Sullivan, “Lost One”

Heaux Tales • RCA • 2021

24. Snoh Aalegra, “Lost You”

Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies • Artium Recordings / Roc Nation • 2021

23. Elton John & Stevie Wonder, “Finish Line”

The Lockdown Sessions • Mercury • 2021

22. J. Cole, “9 5 . s o u t h”

The Off-Season • Dreamville / Roc Nation • 2021

21. Kanye West, “Jesus Lord”

Donda • Def Jam • 2021

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