Reading Time: 15 min read

๐ŸŽง 50 Best Songs of 2021 [๐Ÿ“ท: Aftermath, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Darkroom, Geffen, Interscope, Kemosabe, The Musical Hype, Pexels, RCA, RUPAM DUTTA on Unsplash, Taylor Swift, Vishnu R Nair]๐ŸŽง Best Songs of 2021 features songs courtesy of Adele, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Nas X, and Taylor Swift.ย 

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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 ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far), the rankings have returned for the final edition, ๐ŸŽง 50 Best Songs of 2021. In 2020, the final best-of list comprised of 100 songs (100 Best Songs of 2020).ย  This, year, there are four lists.ย  One list features 15 honorable mentions (๐ŸŽง Best Songs of 2021: Honorable Mentions), while the other three features songs 50-36, 35-21, and the top-20 respectively.

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๐ŸŽงBest Songs of 2021 is loaded, as youโ€™d expect! Some of the big names contributing their gift of songs are ๐ŸŽ™ Adele, ๐ŸŽ™ Billie Eilish, ๐ŸŽ™ Doja Cat, ๐ŸŽ™ Jazmine Sullivan, ๐ŸŽ™ Lil Nas X, and ๐ŸŽ™ Taylor Swift among others. Honestly, thereโ€™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, ๐ŸŽงย Best Songs of 2021. Here, is ๐ŸŽง Best Songs of 2021: 35-21.

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35. Ed Sheeran, โ€œVisiting Hoursโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ = โ€ข ๐Ÿท Atlantic โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Ed Sheeran, = [๐Ÿ“ท: Atlantic]โ€œI wish that Heaven had visiting hours / So I could just show up and bring the news,โ€ ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter ๐ŸŽ™ Ed Sheeran sings on ๐ŸŽต โ€œVisiting Hoursโ€, ย the second single from ๐Ÿ’ฟ =.Thematically, โ€œVisiting Hoursโ€ pays ode to Australian music executive, Michael Gudinski, who died in 2021.ย  Sheeran debuted this moving single at his funeral.

โ€œI wish that heaven had visiting hours / So I could just swing by and ask your advice.โ€ 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.ย  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.ย  Ultimately, Visiting Hoursโ€ is superb thanks to the inspiration behind it โ€“ remembering someone special who is no longer here.ย  Sheeran gives his all here, providing a fitting tribute.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: August 2021


34. Cardi B, โ€œUpโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œUpโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Atlantic โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Cardi B, "Up" [๐Ÿ“ท: Atlantic]โ€œIf itโ€™s up, then itโ€™s up, then itโ€™s up, then itโ€™s stuck, huh!โ€ WOO! ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning rap sensation ๐ŸŽ™ Cardi B dropped the short but sweet ๐ŸŽต โ€œUpโ€ in February 2021. The record is set in a minor key and features relatively simple but banging production courtesy ( ๐ŸŽ› DJ SwanQo, ๐ŸŽ› Sean Island, and ๐ŸŽ› Yung Dza) The production serves as perfect fuel โ›ฝ for Cardi Bโ€™s fire ๐Ÿ”ฅ.

On โ€œUp,โ€ we get an aggressive, energetic performance.ย  Cardiโ€™s unapologetic AF, pushing the envelope being utterly risquรฉ: โ€œIf I had a dick, youโ€™d probably lick it like a lollipop.โ€ย  As to be expected, she delivers some truly risquรฉ rhymes that make you either (1) gasp in complete and utter awe or (2) giggle (โ€œHe nutted on my butt, I said, โ€˜Iโ€™m glad that you cameโ€™โ€). The hook (appearing at the top) is quite simple, but also incredibly catchy. The hook is controversial, but thatโ€™s a separate discussion. Ultimately, itโ€™s a banger that you should totally turn up โฌ†.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Listen UP to These 15 Songs
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 13 U Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)


33. Jazmine Sullivan, โ€œPick Up Your Feelingsโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Heaux Tales โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Jazmine Sullivan, Heaux Tales [๐Ÿ“ท : RCA]After making us wait far too long for a new album, ๐ŸŽ™ Jazmine Sullivan ensured the wait was well worth it.ย  ๐Ÿ’ฟ Heaux Tales is a brief but well-rounded LP with no major miscues from my perspective.ย  Among the best songs from Heaux Tales โ€“ two of which make the cut for ๐ŸŽง 50 Best Songs of 2021 โ€“ is ๐ŸŽต โ€œPick Up Your Feelings.โ€ Sullivan kills it, giving an expressive, soulful vocal performance thatโ€™s just lays it out there for the offending dude.

โ€œOh, Iโ€™m tryna find a fuck to give for you,โ€ she bites on the second verse, continuing, โ€œYou ran out of chances of forgivinโ€™ ya / Yeah, listen, I ainโ€™t listeninโ€™.โ€ Sound-wise, โ€œPick Up Your Feelingsโ€ is both refreshing and throwback. ๐ŸŽ› DZL does a fine job behind the boards.ย  Elite vocals, attitude, and a big personality make โ€œPick Up Your Feelingsโ€ top-rate.

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32. Billie Eilish, โ€œNDAโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Happier Than Ever โ€ข ๐Ÿท Darkroom / Interscope โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Billie Eilish, Happier Than Ever [๐Ÿ“ท: Darkroom / Interscope]โ€œDid I take it too far? / Now I know what you are / You hit me so hard / I saw stars.โ€ ๐ŸŽต โ€œNDAโ€ is an unexpected, incredibly rewarding single from ๐Ÿ’ฟ Happier Than Ever, the epic sophomore LP from ๐ŸŽ™ Billie Eilish. Eilish and brother, ๐ŸŽผโœ ๐ŸŽ› FINNEAS, are a perfect match.ย  FINNEAS โ€˜shows outโ€™ on the boards, particularly the chorus.

โ€œNDAโ€ is a darker moment from Happier Than Ever, with the title serving as an acronym for non-disclosure agreement.ย  Billie lets us peek into her world throughout the song.ย  She rose to fame as a teen, and she imparts the downside of fame including stalkers, lack of parties, and the time she โ€œHad a pretty boy over, but he couldnโ€™t stay / On his way out, I made him sign an NDA.โ€ Later, on this intense yet intriguing gem, she adds, โ€œIโ€™ve been havinโ€™ fun gettinโ€™ older now / Didnโ€™t change my number, made him shut his mouth / At least I gave him something he can cry about.โ€ 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). โ€œNDAโ€ is utterly sublime. Itโ€™s well-written, superbly produced, and yields an elite vocal performance from Eilish.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2021


31. St. Vincent, โ€œDownโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Daddyโ€™s Home โ€ข ๐Ÿท Loma Vista โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

St. Vincent, Daddy's Home [๐Ÿ“ท: Loma Vista]โ€œTell me who hurt you / No, wait, I donโ€™t care to / Hear an excuse why you think you can be cruel.โ€ Ah, just when you ask the question, if ๐Ÿ’ฟ Daddyโ€™s Home, the superb, 2021 album by ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winner ๐ŸŽ™ St. Vincent (Annie Clark) get any better, then comes a surefire gem, ๐ŸŽต โ€œDown.โ€ โ€œDownโ€ marks one of the most aggressive, entertaining songs of the album.ย  It encompasses the vicious cycle of abuse as well as revenge.

โ€œGet off your own shit, get off of my tit,โ€ Clark bites on the bridge, continuing, โ€œGo face your demons, check into treatment / Go flee the country, go blame your daddy.โ€ All the while these awesome lyrics are being unveiled, the music is killer with rhythmic Wurlitzer, assertive guitar, and an utterly infectious groove.ย  That doesnโ€™t even account for compelling lead and backing vocals by Clark herself.

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30. Lana Del Rey, โ€œFor Freeโ€

Ft. Zella Day & Weyes Blood

๐Ÿ’ฟ Chemtrails Over the Country Club โ€ข ๐Ÿท Interscope โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2021

Lana Del Rey, Chemtrails Over the Country Club [๐Ÿ“ท: Interscope]๐ŸŽ™ Lana Del Rey is always good for a cover on many her albums.ย  She concludes her seventh studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Chemtrails Over the Country Club, brilliantly with the ๐ŸŽ™ Joni Mitchell classic, ๐ŸŽต โ€œFor Free.โ€ Del Rey enlists ๐ŸŽ™ Zella Day and ๐ŸŽ™ Weyes Blood for the assist on a truly chilling interpretation.ย  The vocals are elite, the harmonies haunting, and the production stunning.

The original โ€“ intact with clarinet solo, fitting โ€“ is magical.ย  Likewise, the Del Rey take is also quite special, and has a strong case for crowning achievement on a truly intriguing album.ย  Thatโ€™s saying something considering how many great originals grace Chemtrails.ย  Del Rey makes โ€œFor Freeโ€ sound like her own song.

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Also Appears On ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐Ÿ—ฃ Joni Mitchell vs. Lana Del Rey: Head 2 Head ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ No. 7 (2021)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 15 Ear Catching Covers
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)


29. Dream Theater, โ€œThe Alienโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ A View from the Top of the World โ€ข ๐Ÿท Ytse Jams, Inc. / InsideOutMusic โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021ย 

Dream Theater, A View from the Top of the World [๐Ÿ“ท: Ytse Jams, Inc. / InsideOutMusic]โ€œAlien โ€“ changed forever! / Newfound world, here we are!โ€ Man, oh man does progressive metal band ๐ŸŽ™ Dream Theater kicks a lot of ass โ€“ itโ€™s true! Their technical skill is breathtaking โ€“ awe-inspiring to say the least! ๐ŸŽ™ James LaBrie, ๐ŸŽ™ John Petrucci, ๐ŸŽ™ Jordan Rudess, ๐ŸŽ™ John Myung, and ๐ŸŽ™ Mike Mangini returned triumphantly in 2021 with their 15th studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ A View from the Top of the World.ย  The 70-minute LP opens with a surefire juggernaut, the ๐Ÿ† Grammy-nominated gem, ๐ŸŽต โ€œThe Alien.โ€

If you enjoy complex music, then โ€œThe Alienโ€ is your cup of tea.ย  Adventurous time signatures, angular, virtuosic guitar lines, nonstandard structure, and unique harmonic progression all characterize this impressive nine-and-a-half-minute opener.ย  While โ€œThe Alienโ€ has its more aggressive moments, it also has radiant, smoother moments that reminds of the prog-rock sounds of the 70s.ย  The vocals of James LaBrie donโ€™t enter the mix until after the two-minute-mark, upping the ante, delivering an existential, extraterrestrial theme.

โ€œI am the alien
Out here in the stars
We'll search โ€˜til we find!
No matter how far
A far better world
For all human race
And beyond!โ€

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28. ABBA, โ€œI Still Have Faith in Youโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Voyage โ€ข ๐Ÿท Polar Music International AB / Universal Music Group โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021ย 

ABBA, Voyage [๐Ÿ“ท: Polar Music International AB / Universal Music Group]It only took 40 years but iconic, Swedish pop collective ๐ŸŽ™ ABBA finally returned!ย  Furthermore, they didnโ€™t merely drop a song or two, but dropped an entire album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Voyage.ย  The lead single from Voyage, ๐ŸŽต โ€œI Still Have Faith in You,โ€ commences the 10-track LP masterfully โ€“ itโ€™s a radiant opening and comeback record.ย  The Recording Academy mustโ€™ve thought so too, giving โ€œI Still Have Faith in Youโ€ a ๐Ÿ† Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.ย ย  ย 

โ€œI still have faith in you / I see it now / Through all these years, that faith live on somehow.โ€ What earns โ€œI Still Have Faith in Youโ€ a spot on this list? Basically, it has all the ingredients of a hit.ย  No, ABBA werenโ€™t going to reclaim the pop throne with โ€œI Still Have Faith in You,โ€ but, as a post-prime record by the iconic collective, it checks off all boxes. The vocal performance is strong.ย  The songwriting (๐ŸŽ™ ๐ŸŽผโœ Benny Andersson & ๐ŸŽ™ ๐ŸŽผโœ Bjรถrn Ulvaeus) is memorable, particularly on the chorus.ย  The arrangement and production (Andersson and Ulvaeus) are superb as well โ€“ warm, grand, and exuberant, particularly as the record progresses.ย  Hearing ๐ŸŽต โ€œI Still Have Faith in You,โ€ I still have great faith in ABBA.

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27. Foo Fighters, โ€œNo Son of Mineโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Medicine at Midnight โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Foo Fighters, Medicine at Midnight [๐Ÿ“ท: RCA]โ€œNo son of mine, will ever do / The work of villains, the will of fools.โ€ Right on, right on! In 2021, ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning rock band ๐ŸŽ™ Foo Fighters returned with a brand-new, badass studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Medicine at Midnight.ย ย  The setโ€™s second single, ๐ŸŽต โ€œNo Son of Mineโ€ is quite energetic and rousing โ€“ among the best moments from the LP!

โ€œNo Son of Mineโ€ has ample pros.ย  It starts with electrifying, jagged guitars, that roar from the jump.ย  Furthermore, the bass anchors things down, while the drums pummel hard AF.ย  Of course, the biggest pro is none other than the electrifying front man, ๐ŸŽ™ Dave Grohl who is turned-up as ever.ย  Everything about the record rocks hard, including the repetitive, infectious, and in-your-face titular lyric.ย  Not only does โ€œNo son of mineโ€ appear on the chorus (four times in most instances) it appears on every verse multiple times.ย  No, the Foos arenโ€™t serving up a poetic lyrical masterpiece, but they have clear intent, per the front manโ€™s quote from Rolling Stone: โ€œLyrically itโ€™s meant to poke at the hypocrisy of self-righteous leaders, people that are guilty of committing the crimes theyโ€™re supposedly againstโ€ฆโ€ โ€œNo Son of Mineโ€ is a big and obnoxious record, and we wouldnโ€™t have it any other way!

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Mine: 5ive Songs No. 93 (2021)


26. Megan Thee Stallion, โ€œThot Shitโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Something for Thee Hotties โ€ข ๐Ÿท 1501 Certified Ent. / 300 Entertainment โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Megan Thee Stallion, Something for Thee Hotties [๐Ÿ“ท: 1501 Certified Ent. LLC / 300 Entertainment]โ€œI donโ€™t give a fuck โ€˜bout a blog tryna bash me / Iโ€™m the shit per the Recording Academy.โ€ Thatโ€™s true, ๐ŸŽ™ Megan Thee Stallion โ€“ well โ€“ the part about the Recording Art Academy.ย  Early in her career, Megan is already a ๐Ÿ† three-time Grammy winner โ€“ thatโ€™s amazing.ย  She electrifies on her banger, ๐ŸŽต โ€œThot Shitโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ Something for Thee Hotties), which marked the return of her alter ego, Tina Snow.

โ€œThot Shitโ€ features production work by ๐ŸŽ› OG Parker and ๐ŸŽ› LilJuMadeDaBeat.ย  They stitch up the track for Megan, who drops a compelling flow, as always.ย  We get exactly what weโ€™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: โ€œHands on my knees, shakinโ€™ ass, on my thot shit.โ€ Beyond those memorable lyrics, Megan delivers numerous ear catching lines. Two fine examples: โ€œMissionary or doggystyle, Iโ€™ma top shit / Pussy-ass niggas hatinโ€™ on me from the closet, ahโ€ and โ€œ2021, finna graduate college / Goth girl shit, I’m a real hot topic.โ€ย  The former lyric is both sexual and seems to reference the closet, in reference to gay men.ย  Do with that whatever you will. โ€œThot Shitโ€ is totally worth bumping โ€“ another enjoyable banger to add to the listening rotation.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: June 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Swear Along with These 15 Swear Songs!


25. Jazmine Sullivan, โ€œLost Oneโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Heaux Tales โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Jazmine Sullivan, Heaux Tales [๐Ÿ“ท : RCA]One of the simpler, yet best records from ๐Ÿ’ฟ Heaux Tales, the long-awaited return of ๐ŸŽ™ Jazmine Sullivan, is ๐ŸŽต โ€œLost One.โ€ย  In the context of โ€œLost One,โ€ after messing things up, Sullivan tries to make amends and admit her shortcomings.ย  Still, sheโ€™s โ€œa selfish bitchโ€ as she requests on the chilling chorus, โ€œJust donโ€™t have too much fun without me /โ€ฆ Please donโ€™t forget about me.โ€

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 ๐ŸŽ› Dave โ€œPopโ€ Watsonโ€ deserves a shout out for his simple, tasteful backdrop.ย  Ultimately, this is an incredibly relatable record โ€“ one of the better ones of 2021.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Lost (Women): 3BOPS No. 69 (2021)


24. Snoh Aalegra, โ€œLost Youโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies โ€ข ๐Ÿท Artium Recordings / Roc Nation โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Snoh Aalegra, Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies [๐Ÿ“ท: Artium Recordings / Roc Nation]Swedish-born and bred Iranian singer/songwriter ๐ŸŽ™ 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, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies, released in the summer of 2021. Among the crรจme de la crรจme of Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies is none other than ๐Ÿ† Grammy-nominated gem, ๐ŸŽต โ€œLost Youโ€. Furthermore, โ€œLost Youโ€ ranks as one of the best songs of the year.

โ€œYou and I was no debating / Now itโ€™s up for conversation.โ€ Ooh wee! โ€œLost Youโ€ features superb production by ๐ŸŽ› No ID and ๐ŸŽ› Maneesh, balancing past and present superbly ๐Ÿ‘. This backdrop sets up Snoh Aalegra for surefire success. She, in turn, puts in work with beautiful, pure vocals.ย  She never over-sings or forces things, delivering cool energy, if you will ๐Ÿ‘.ย  The icing on top, of course, is the theme. Thematically, Snoh reflects on losing love yet still longing for that person.ย  Thatโ€™s relatable to the nth degree if I do say so myself.

โ€œAlthough I lost you
I, Iโ€™ll always want you
โ€˜Cause you take me high.โ€

Indeed Snoh Aalegra, indeed.ย 

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Lost (Women): 3BOPS No. 69 (2021)


23. Elton John & Stevie Wonder, โ€œFinish Lineโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ The Lockdown Sessions โ€ข ๐Ÿท Mercury โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2021

Elton John, The Lockdown Sessions [๐Ÿ“ท: Mercury]Two highly decorated, iconic musicians โ€“ ๐ŸŽ™ Elton John and ๐ŸŽ™ Stevie Wonder โ€“ make sweet music together on the spirit, ear catching ๐ŸŽต โ€œFinish Lineโ€.ย  โ€œFinish Lineโ€ appears on Johnโ€™s 32nd studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ The Lockdown Sessions.ย  John penned this compelling record with ๐ŸŽผ โœ ๐ŸŽ› Andrew Wotman aka Watt (who also produces), ๐ŸŽผโœ Ali Tamposi, and ๐ŸŽผโœ Roman Campolo). The record commences with soulful keys โ€“ acoustic and electric โ€“ before a slick groove kicks in.ย  John โ€˜takes first blood,โ€™ singing expressively with his full-bodied, mature vocals.ย  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.ย  His marvelous tenor brings contrast, and helps to drive โ€œFinish Line,โ€ well, onward to the finish line.ย  He meshes well with John and choir on the chorus following his verse.ย  Amplifying the spirit and musicianship even more is his harmonica solo.ย  The finish line of โ€œFinish Lineโ€ itself is eventful with John, Wonder, choir, and an unnamed soloist making all listeners want to witness โ€“ hallelujah!

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Finish: 3BOPS No. 65 (2021)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: October 2021


22. J. Cole, โ€œ9 5 . s o u t hโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ The Off-Season โ€ข ๐Ÿท Dreamville / Roc Nation โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

J. Cole, The Off-Season [๐Ÿ“ท : Dreamville / Roc Nation]๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning rapper ๐ŸŽ™ J. Cole kicks off his sixth studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ The Off-Season, with a bang with ๐ŸŽต โ€œ9 5 . s o u t h.โ€ย  It begins with an intro by ๐ŸŽ™ Camโ€™ron.ย  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 (โ€œWhat you sold, I tripled that, I canโ€™t believe these fuckinโ€™ clowns /Look how everybody clappinโ€™ when your thirty-song album do a measly hundred thouโ€™โ€).

Thereโ€™s no chorus, but there is an interlude between the first and second verses, with a badass outro following the second.ย  On the outro, most notably, thereโ€™s a timely ๐ŸŽ™ Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz sample, ๐ŸŽต โ€œPut Yo Hood Upโ€.ย  โ€œ9 5 . s o u t hโ€ 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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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง South: 5ive Songs No. 46 (2021)


21. Kanye West, โ€œJesus Lordโ€

Ft. Jay Electronica

๐Ÿ’ฟ Donda โ€ข ๐Ÿท Def Jam โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Kanye West, Donda [๐Ÿ“ท: Def Jam]The song to beat on ๐Ÿ’ฟ Donda, the 10th studio album by ๐ŸŽ™ Kanye West is ๐ŸŽต โ€œJesus Lordโ€ featuring ๐ŸŽ™ Jay Electronica.ย  Itโ€™s no secret that Donda, named after Westโ€™s late mother, had the messiest rollout of his career.ย  Ultimately, the 27-track, nearly two-hour-long LP has its fair share of rewarding moments, including the song at hand. โ€œJesus Lordโ€ is nine-minutes-long โ€“ ambitious โ€“ but itโ€™s well worth it.

The mellow production work is sensational, enlisting ๐ŸŽ› MIKE DEAN, ๐ŸŽ› Swizz Beatz, and ๐ŸŽ› Gesaffelstein behind the boards. ย Even though the sound is mellow โ€“ reverent and reflective โ€“ thereโ€™s hard-knocking beat thatโ€™s consistent throughout. West delivers a fine verse, reflecting on his life, particularly the loss of his mother: โ€œMama, you was the life of the party /โ€ฆ When you lost your life, it took the life out the party / That woman road with me like a Harley.โ€ย  This is a prime example where you sense the grief West has experienced.ย  Jay Electronica thrills on the second verse, featuring clever pop cultural and spiritual references.ย  Two more moments solidify the greatness of this song: Westโ€™s spiritual chorus, and the moving outro by ๐ŸŽ™ Larry Hoover Jr. in support of his incarcerated father, Larry Hoover Sr.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 11 Spiritual/Not-So Spiritual Jesus Songs
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: September 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 13 J Songs: No Rhyme or Reason



๐ŸŽง 50 Best Songs of 2021 [๐Ÿ“ท: 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 DUTTAย onย Unsplash, Secretly Canadian, Taylor Swift, UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal Music New Zealand Limited, Verve, Vishnu R Nair, Warner, Ytse Jams, Inc.]


Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop CultureYear in Review

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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13 Delightful โ€œSugar Honey Iced Teaโ€ Songs | Playlist ๐ŸŽง · January 10, 2022 at 12:00 am

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