Reading Time: 19 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: Top 20.

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20. Jon Batiste, โ€œCryโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ We Are โ€ข ๐Ÿท Verve โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Jon Batiste, We Are [๐Ÿ“ท: Verve]๐ŸŽ™ Jon Batiste delivers one of the yearโ€™s best and most satisfying R&B albums with ๐Ÿ’ฟ We Are. Featuring numerous elite songs, arguably the crรจme de la crรจme is ๐ŸŽต โ€œCry.โ€ The soulfulness is fully ingrained into โ€œCryโ€ including a righteous, robust bass line anchoring things down.ย  Throw in a simple but effective drum groove and commanding, nuanced vocals from Jon and โ€œCryโ€ is nothing to cry over in the least โ€“ 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:

โ€œFor the loss of the innocence
For the struggle of the immigrants
For the wrongful imprisonment.โ€

Give โ€œCryโ€ the flowers it deserves โ€“ ROSES!

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)


19. Olivia Rodrigo, โ€œBrutalโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Sour โ€ข ๐Ÿท Geffen โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021ย 

Olivia Rodrigo, Sour [๐Ÿ“ท: Olivia Rodrigo / Geffen]โ€œWhereโ€™s my fucking teenage dream? / If someone tells me one more time / โ€˜Enjoy your youth,โ€™ Iโ€™m gonna cry.โ€ Woo! ๐ŸŽ™ Olivia Rodrigo kicks off her debut album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ SOUR with a surefire bang (and swear words) on ๐ŸŽต โ€œBrutal.โ€ Itโ€™s terrific opener which does a masterful job of setting the tone of the album.ย  Here, we get โ€˜brutalโ€™ honesty from Rodrigo.

I love the attitude and spunk that Rodrigo brings to the track. The sound perfectly encapsulates Gen-Z.ย  The chorus is epic, highlighted by the line, โ€œGod, itโ€™s brutal out here.โ€

โ€œAll I did was try my best
This the kinda thanks I get?
Unrelentlessly upset
They say these are the golden years
But I wish I could disappear
Ego crush is so severe
God, itโ€™s brutal out here.โ€ย 

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Brutal: 3BOPS No. 56 (2021)


18. Lil Nas X, โ€œSun Goes Downโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ MONTERO โ€ข ๐Ÿท Columbia โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021ย 

Lil Nas X, Montero [๐Ÿ“ท: Columbia]โ€œI wanna run away / Donโ€™t wanna lie, I donโ€™t want a life / Send me a gun and Iโ€™ll see the sun.โ€ Wow, those lyrics from ๐ŸŽต โ€œSun Goes Downโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ MONTERO) are definitely troubling, capturing the suicidal thoughts of a younger ๐ŸŽ™ Lil Nas X, apparently.ย  Beyond the chorus, the ๐Ÿ† Grammy winner goes on to expound about his younger life, coping with bullying, colorism, and homosexuality.ย  While thereโ€™s ample sadness as to be expected, Nas X arrives at a happier place later, asserting, โ€œAnd Iโ€™m happy by the way / That I made that jump, that leap of faith / Iโ€™m happy that it all worked out for meโ€ฆโ€

The production is a big selling point on โ€œSun Goes Down.โ€ A team comprised of ๐ŸŽ› Take A Daytrip, ๐ŸŽ› Omer Fedi, and ๐ŸŽ› Roy Lenzo do a marvelous job, with some of the best features being the warm sound, created by guitars and later, strings.ย  This is perfect fuel for Lil Nas X, who also has a well written, tuneful melody to work with. He gives a fine vocal performance, showing off his lower register.ย  The effect is a masculine sound that is sweet music to the ears.

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


17. serpentwithfeet, โ€œSame Size Shoeโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ DEACON โ€ข ๐Ÿท Secretly Canadian โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

serpentwithfeet, DEACON [๐Ÿ“ท: Secretly Canadian]โ€œCanโ€™t love no man โ€˜til I measured his feet,โ€ alternative R&B artist ๐ŸŽ™ serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise) asserts on ๐ŸŽต โ€œSame Size Shoeโ€. โ€œSame Size Shoeโ€ is arguably the best song from his sophomore album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ DEACON.ย  Later, Wise heeds the advice of his aunt singing, โ€œMy auntieโ€™s right, donโ€™t fuck a man / If his shoes are two times the size of your hands.โ€ 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 must hear it for yourself), and of course, the chorus.ย  The chorus, as to expected, is infectious to the nth degree: โ€œMe and my boo wear the same size shoe.โ€ Additionally, the production (Wise, ๐ŸŽ› Brandon Juhans, and ๐ŸŽ› Batu) allures as well.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
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๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 12 Captivating Same & Different Songs
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง โ€˜Sโ€™ Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง A Must-Hear PRIDE ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ Compendium: 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 15 Gay Anthems That Exude Joy (Vo1. 1)


16. BTS, โ€œButterโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œButterโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท BIGHIT MUSIC / HYBE โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2021

BTS, "Butter" [๐Ÿ“ท : BIGHIT / HYBE]โ€œSidestep, right, left to my beat / High like the moon, rock with me, babyโ€ฆโ€ The ๐Ÿ† Grammy-nominated kings of K-Pop, ๐ŸŽ™ BTS, dropped another hot single, with the chart topping ๐ŸŽต โ€œButterโ€. Honestly, itโ€™s everything. The production (๐ŸŽ› Rob Grimaldi, ๐ŸŽ› Stephen Kirk, and ๐ŸŽ› 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 โ€˜swaggerโ€™ rating.ย  Honestly, all Iโ€™s are dotted and Tโ€™s are crossed on this crowd-pleasing, buttery smooth pop single. BTS simply have IT.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)


15. Billie Eilish, โ€œHappier Than Everโ€

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€œWhen Iโ€™m away from you / Iโ€™m happier than ever / Wish I could explain it better / I wish it wasnโ€™t true.โ€ ๐ŸŽต โ€œHappier Than Everโ€ ranks among the biggest surprises of ๐Ÿ’ฟ Happier Than Ever, the awesome sophomore album from ๐ŸŽ™ Billie Eilish. What makes the penultimate record surprising, you ask? Well, โ€œHappier Than Everโ€ transforms into this bold, overblown rock cut. ย Say what?

Eilish, who tends to be a subtler vocalist, gives us a powerful, unexpected dynamic vocal on the second half of the track.ย  Just hearing this โ€˜about-face,โ€™ particularly after how the song commences is enough to make it a surefire winner.ย  Also, worth noting, as the record progresses, Eilish seems to grow angrier and angrier as opposed to happy.

โ€œAnd I donโ€™t talk shit about you on the internet
Never told anyone anything bad
โ€˜Cause that shitโ€™s embarrassing, you were my everything
And all that you did was make me fuckinโ€™ sad.โ€

Here pain is our listening pleasure!

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14. Justin Bieber, โ€œPeachesโ€

Ft. Daniel Caesar & GIVฤ’ON

๐Ÿ’ฟ Justice โ€ข ๐Ÿท Def Jam โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2021

Justin Bieber, Justice [๐Ÿ“ท: Def Jam]โ€œI got my peaches out in Georgia (Oh, yeah, shit) / I get my weed from California (Thatโ€™s that shit).โ€ Thereโ€™s nothing profound about either of those lyrics ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning pop superstar ๐ŸŽ™ Justin Bieber sings on his ๐Ÿ“‰ no. 1 Hot 100 hit, ๐ŸŽต โ€œPeachesโ€ and yet, itโ€™s absolutely and utterly infectious to the nth degree.ย  He continues on the golden chorus of this ๐Ÿ’ฟ Justice gem, โ€œI took my chick up to the North, yeah (Badass bitch) / I get my light right from the source, yeah (Yeah, that’s it).โ€ย  While it seems that Bieber has this fruit-loving number on lockdown all by himself, he enlists the services of ๐Ÿ† Grammy winner ๐ŸŽ™ Daniel Caesar and ๐Ÿ† Grammy nominee ๐ŸŽ™ GIVฤ’ON.

This isnโ€™t a game changing record, yet the more you listen, the more you find yourself hypnotized and wooed.ย  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 GIVฤ’ON devote their verses to their respective lovers โค. โ€œPeachesโ€ is definitely a one of 2021โ€™s crowd pleasers.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Peach: 3BOPS No. 23 (2021)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 10 Incredibly Peachy Peach ๐Ÿ‘ Songs
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)


13. Brandi Carlile, โ€œRight on Timeโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ In These Silent Days โ€ข ๐Ÿท A Low Country Sound / Elektra โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021ย 

Brandi Carlile, In These Silent Days [๐Ÿ“ท: Elektra]โ€œIt wasnโ€™t right / But itโ€™s right on time.โ€ ๐Ÿ† Grammy winner ๐ŸŽ™ Brandi Carlile experienced a productive 2020-21 despite COVID-19.ย  She published a memoir (๐Ÿ“š Broken Horses: A Memoir) and recorded a new album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ In These Silent Days. ย The song at hand, ๐ŸŽต โ€œRight on Timeโ€, serves as an amazing opener and promo single.

โ€œRight on Timeโ€ commences simply with Carlile accompanied by piano, with bass entering the mix.ย  She sings with great control, eventually expanding her scope, showing off the sheer power of her pipes.ย  The instrumentation expands on the second verse including drums, guitar, and backing vocals sweetening the mix as well. Carlile does a fantastic job of starting minimal and building โ€œRight on Timeโ€ into a gorgeous, grandiose record. The songwriting is elite; the lyrics are poetic, and Carlile sings them with great emotion.ย  Notably, she highlights the title of her album: โ€œItโ€™s not too late / Either way, I lose you in these silent days.โ€ โ€œRight on Timeโ€ plays to her strengths: great writer, great singer, and a top-notch artist.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Right: 5ive Songs No. 79 (2021)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 13 Intriguing Right or Left Songs
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Time โฐ: 5ive Songs No. 86 (2021)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 13 Intriguing Songs Fixated on Time โฐย 


12. Doja Cat, โ€œNeed to Knowโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Planet Her โ€ข ๐Ÿท Kemosabe / RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Doja Cat, Planet Her [๐Ÿ“ท: Kemosabe / RCA]โ€œI just been fantasizinโ€™ (Size) / And we got a lotta time (Time) / Baby, come throw the pipe (Pipe).โ€ย  ๐ŸŽ™ Doja Cat isnโ€™t referencing a cigar! On ๐ŸŽต โ€œNeed to Knowโ€, one of the best moments from ๐Ÿ’ฟ Planet Her, Doja gives us a little bit of everything, singing often, while also dropping un-pitched rhymes on the second verse. The theme and topic of choice for Doja is SEX. What really sells this sexed-up joint is her big personality. Of course, SIZE matters in the bedroom: โ€œWhatโ€™s your size? (Size) / Add, subtract, divide (โ€˜Vide).โ€

Furthermore, Doja wants her man to know, โ€œI got a lotta new tricks for you, baby / Just sayinโ€™ Iโ€™m flexible / I do what I can to get you off.โ€ She doesnโ€™t stop there, considering on the second verse sheโ€™s a magician: โ€œOh, wait, you a fan of magic? / Poof, pussy like an Alakazam.โ€ Woo! The crรจme de la crรจme โ€“ the crowning achievement โ€“ is the memorable chorus:

โ€œWanna know what itโ€™s like
Baby, show me what itโ€™s like
I donโ€™t really got no type
I just wanna fuck all night.โ€

A bonus? A music video ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ“ผ supplementing this sexed-up bop encompassing Dojaโ€™s abilities in the bedroom.

https://media.giphy.com/media/AWMVDRecPL3oRSjNPd/giphy.gifย 

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: June 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐Ÿ•› ๐ŸŒƒ Doja Cat, โ€œNeed to Knowโ€: After Dark No. 10
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 15 Steamy Songs Best Listened to After Dark


11. Taylor Swift, โ€œAll Too Well (10-Minute Version)โ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Red (Taylorโ€™s Version) โ€ข ๐Ÿท Taylor Swift โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor's Version) [๐Ÿ“ท: Taylor Swift]๐ŸŽ™ Taylor Swift is living her best life. She is one of the savviest businesswomen in the game, ensuring she gets the proper compensation and the rights to her music. Few artists could re-record an album and receive significant success. Swift did so twice in 2021, releasing ๐Ÿ’ฟ Fearless (Taylorโ€™s Version) and more recently, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Red (Taylorโ€™s Version).ย  Among the most rewarding aspects of these re-recorded LPs has been the nostalgia, particularly revisiting the days when Swift was a country musician exclusively. One of the best instances of recapturing the past and incorporating the present is the fabulous, expanded ๐ŸŽต โ€œAll Too Well (10 Minute Version).โ€ Honestly, it takes skill to make a 10-minute song successful. Swift โ€“ well โ€“ she possesses those skills!

The original version and the shorter ๐ŸŽต โ€œAll Too Well (Taylorโ€™s Version)โ€, are strong.ย  That said, โ€œAll Too Well (10 Minute Version)โ€ is EPIC โ€“ a juggernaut to say the least!ย  What stands out most is what makes Taylor Swift elite โ€“ her songwriting. Yes, her voice sounds great, but itโ€™s her pen โ€“ the lyrics โ€“ that shine. Verse after verse on this expanded version, Swift unleashes greatness.ย  Furthermore, back in 2012, would we ever expect to hear the clean-cut Swift dare utter โ€œAnd you were tossing me the keys / โ€˜Fuck the patriarchyโ€™ / Key chain on the ground, we were always skipping town?โ€ Those lyrics rank among my favorites. Of course, the chorus and itโ€™s variations is the centerpiece โ€“ catchy and memorable to the nth degree.

โ€œโ€˜Cause there we are again in the middle of the night
Weโ€™re dancing โ€˜round the kitchen in the refrigerator light
Down the stairs, I was there
I remember it all too well.โ€

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10. Olivia Rodrigo, โ€œGood 4 Uโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Sour โ€ข ๐Ÿท Geffen โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Olivia Rodrigo, Sour [๐Ÿ“ท: Olivia Rodrigo / Geffen]๐ŸŽต โ€œgood 4 uโ€ gives ๐ŸŽต โ€œdrivers licenseโ€ โ€“ the crowning achievement of ๐Ÿ’ฟ SOUR, the debut album by ๐ŸŽ™ Olivia Rodrigo โ€“ a run for its money. Written by Rodrigo and ๐ŸŽผ โœ Daniel Nigro, Nigro also produces alongside ๐ŸŽ› Alexander 23. Nigro and Alexander 23 craft a lit punk-pop-oriented backdrop filled with angst.ย 

Rodrigo matches the intensity, bringing ample personality via her angst-filled Gen-Z teenage persona!ย  Furthermore, she has the songwriting to sell via her performance, dabbling in that ever-relatable topic of heartbreak. The best moment is the chorus where sheโ€™s โ€œCryinโ€™ on the floor of my bathroom / But youโ€™re so unaffected, I really donโ€™t get it / but I guess good for you.โ€

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021
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9. Adele, โ€œTo Be Lovedโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ 30 โ€ข ๐Ÿท Melted Stone / Columbia โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021ย 

Adele, 30 [๐Ÿ“ท: Melted Stone / Columbia]One of the most emotional songs from ๐Ÿ’ฟ 30, the fourth studio album by ๐Ÿ† Academy and Grammy Award winner, ๐ŸŽ™ Adele, is also among the crรจme de la crรจme: ๐ŸŽต โ€œTo Be Loved.โ€ย  โ€œIโ€™m so afraid, but Iโ€™m wide open,โ€ Adele sings vulnerably on the second verse, continuing, โ€œIโ€™ll be the one to catch myself this time.โ€ Throughout the lengthy record, she reflects on the hardship of love and the number that it did on her.

โ€œTo Be Loved,โ€ a ballad, is simple, accompanied by piano, but grows grander as her voice ascends (belts).ย  As this stunning record progresses, you feel every ounce of emotion she experiences.ย  The final chorus is the strongest, with the combination of high-flying vocals and gut-wrenching, heart-driven lyrics hitting the hardest:

โ€œTo be loved and love at the highest count
Means to lose all the things I canโ€™t live without
Let it be known, known, know
That I will choose, I will lose
Itโ€™s a sacrifice, but I canโ€™t live a lie
Let it be known,
Let it be known that I tried, that I tried
Let it be known that I tried.โ€ย 

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8. Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, โ€œIndustry Babyโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ MONTERO โ€ข ๐Ÿท Columbia โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Lil Nas X, Montero [๐Ÿ“ท: Columbia]โ€œI ainโ€™t fall off, I just ainโ€™t release my new shit.โ€ Anyone who thought that ๐ŸŽ™ Lil Nas X would be a one-hit-wonder was totally tripping.ย  The unapologetic, openly gay pop artist has been โ€˜eating it upโ€™ throughout 2021.ย  Once more, heโ€™s killing it on ๐ŸŽต โ€œINDUSTRY BABYโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ MONTERO), collaborating with red hot rapper ๐ŸŽ™ Jack Harlow (Harlow doesnโ€™t lie when he asserts, โ€œI didnโ€™t peak in high school, Iโ€™m still out here gettinโ€™ cuterโ€).ย 

Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow on the same track? Magical. How about throwing in the production genius of ๐ŸŽ› Take A Daytrip and ๐ŸŽ› Kanye West?ย  The sound of the record is epic with hard-hitting drums and bright, accented brass.ย  Unsurprisingly, some samples shape the backdrop, which fuels both Lil Nas and Harlow.ย  I love the sheer confidence of Nas as well as the fact he doesnโ€™t shy away from who he is: โ€œI donโ€™t fuck bitches, Iโ€™m queer, hah / But these niggas bitches like Madea, yeah, yeah, yeah, ayy.โ€ Harlow gets his in too, beyond the โ€˜cuteโ€™ line cited earlier: โ€œI sent her back to her boyfriend with my handprint on her ass cheek.โ€ Day-um, Jack!

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2021
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7. Ari Lennox, โ€œPressureโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œPressureโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Dreamville / Roc Nation โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Ari Lennox, "Pressure" [๐Ÿ“ท: Dreamville / Interscope]โ€œNow Iโ€™m on top and now Iโ€™m ridinโ€™ sky-high / Donโ€™t need nobody, but Iโ€™ll take you down tonight.โ€ Woo! ๐ŸŽ™ Ari Lennox is on fire on ๐ŸŽต โ€œPressureโ€, period.ย  Her vocals are sassy and sexy โ€“ potent to the nth degree. The big draw is the personality she unleashes, in all its unrepentant sexiness. โ€œSo fine and spicy, baby, jump up on this (pressure) / I guess thatโ€™s why you like it baby, come and get this pressure,โ€ she sings on the infectious chorus.ย  Besides the chorus, Lennox โ€˜does the damn thingโ€™ on the verse, proving sheโ€™s a surefire, bad chick.ย  โ€œToo fuckinโ€™ hot for all these clothes anyways,โ€ she confidently asserts, continuing, โ€œMy body drippinโ€™, boy, but you gonโ€™ have to wait / But when you get it, lick it like a candy cane.โ€ Day-um! Clearly, the sex is through the roof, and we wouldnโ€™t have it any other way!

Although painfully underrated, the R&B singer/songwriter is incredibly talented. The utterly sublime, steamy single was produced by ๐ŸŽ› Jermaine Dupri, ๐ŸŽ› Bryan-Michael Cox, and ๐ŸŽ› Elite. Not only is Ari Lennox is fierce AF on โ€œPressure,โ€ but so is the backing instrumental, which has a dash of old-school. โ€œPressureโ€ ranks among the best songs released in 2021.

https://media.giphy.com/media/WsAYjULLvgc79ulBPd/giphy.gifย 

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
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6. Doja Cat, โ€œKiss Me Moreโ€

Ft. SZA

๐Ÿ’ฟ Planet Her โ€ข ๐Ÿท Kemosabe / RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Doja Cat, Planet Her [๐Ÿ“ท: Kemosabe / RCA]Back with another big-time hit, ๐ŸŽ™ Doja Cat taps ๐ŸŽ™ SZA for the assist on ๐ŸŽต โ€œKiss Me Moreโ€. The first time you hear โ€œKiss Me More,โ€ itโ€™s infectious to the nth degree.ย  There are several reasons why this joint is so successful.ย  For one, it goes to the trackโ€™s underpinnings โ€“ the harmonic progression used is sweet.ย  Furthermore, the lush production work awesomely supports sweet vocal performances by both Doja Cat and later, SZA. Worth noting, an ๐ŸŽ™ Olivia Newton-John classic, ๐ŸŽต โ€œPhysicalโ€, further fuels that fire.

Doja Cat both sings and rap, showing off her incredible versatility. She brings the heat on her rhymes coming over aggressive and sexed-TF-up (โ€œI, I feel like fuckinโ€™ somethinโ€™โ€ and โ€œNiggas wishinโ€™ that the pussy was a kissinโ€™ boothโ€).ย  Furthermore, she remains playful.ย  As for SZA, she brings vocal contrast on the third verse, matching the aggressiveness of Doja (โ€œPussy like holy grail, you know that / You gonโ€™ make me need bail, you know thatโ€). Once more, Doja Cat has constructed another surefire bop โ€“ it screams H-I-T / B-O-P!

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Kisses: An Intriguing Compendium of Kiss Songs ๐Ÿ’‹
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5. Elton John & Dua Lipa, โ€œCold Heart โ€“ PNAU Remixโ€

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

Elton John, The Lockdown Sessions [๐Ÿ“ท: Mercury]๐ŸŽต โ€œCold Heart (PNAU Remix)โ€ kicks ๐Ÿ’ฟ The Lockdown Sessions โ€“ the 32nd studio album by iconic musician, ๐ŸŽ™ Elton John โ€“ off with a bang!ย  ๐ŸŽ™ PNAU โ€“ ๐ŸŽ› Nicholas Littlemore, ๐ŸŽ› Sam Littlemore, and ๐ŸŽ› Peter Mayes โ€“ create a transformative remix, period. ๐ŸŽ™ Dua Lipa joins John on a delightful mashup sampling his classic, ๐ŸŽต โ€œSacrificeโ€ and the interpolation of another, ๐ŸŽต โ€œRocket Manโ€.

From the onset, โ€œCold Heartโ€ grooves hard. The production is brilliant โ€“ colorful, picturesque, and incredibly slick. John is the first voice heard, adorning the warm, groovy backdrop with lyrics from โ€œSacrifice.โ€ย  Following verse and pre-chorus, a sublime sounding Lipa enters singing โ€œRocket Manโ€ creating a super cool effect.ย  I like the way that Lipaโ€™s vocals are layered as โ€œCold Heartโ€ progresses

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
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4. Silk Sonic, โ€œLeave the Door Openโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ An Evening with Silk Sonic โ€ข ๐Ÿท Aftermath / Atlantic โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Silk Sonic, An Evening with Silk Sonic [๐Ÿ“ท: Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic]๐Ÿ† Grammy winners ๐ŸŽ™ Bruno Mars and ๐ŸŽ™ Andersonย  .Paak join forces as duo ๐ŸŽ™ Silk Sonic releasing an album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ An Evening with Silk Sonic. ย In advance, the duo released an instant classic in ๐ŸŽต โ€œLeave the Door Openโ€. โ€œLeave the Door Openโ€ was written by Paak, Mars, ๐ŸŽผโœ Christopher Brody Brown, and ๐ŸŽผโœ Dernst โ€œDโ€™Mileโ€ Emile II, with Mars and Dโ€™Mile also producing. The four-minute-plus cut features a lush backdrop โ€“ weโ€™d expect no less from these two.

We get soulful vocals by .Paak on the first verse: โ€œWe should be dancinโ€™, romancinโ€™ / In the east wing and the west wing / Of this mansion, whatโ€™s happeninโ€™.โ€ Sexy! He doesnโ€™t stop there, bringing the heat to the second verse as well: โ€œThereโ€™s so much love we could be making /โ€ฆ Girl, letโ€™s jump in, itโ€™s bubblinโ€™.โ€ As for Mars, he serves up the pre-chorus and the centerpiece, the chorus:

โ€œIโ€™ma leave the door open
...That you feel the way I feel
And you want me like I want you tonight, baby.โ€

โ€œLeave the Door Openโ€ is just what the doctor ordered, checking off all the boxes.

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Also Appears On ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Leave: 5ive Songs No. 27 (2021)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 13 Songs Where Youโ€™re Required to Leave
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Open: 3BOPS No. 66 (2021)


3. Adele, โ€œEasy on Meโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ 30 โ€ข ๐Ÿท Melted Stone / Columbia โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021ย 

Adele, 30 [๐Ÿ“ท: Melted Stone / Columbia]

โ€œI know there is hope in these waters / But I canโ€™t bring myself to swim / When I am drowning in this silence / Baby, let me in.โ€ Woo โ€“ that hits deep! ๐ŸŽ™ Adele returned formidably on ๐ŸŽต โ€œEasy on Meโ€, a personal promo single from her superb fourth studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ 30. The ๐Ÿ† Grammy winnerโ€™s voice is the biggest selling point of โ€œEasy on Me,โ€ which she wrote with ๐ŸŽผโœ Greg Kurstin. Kurstin, a mastermind when it comes to the boards, does work on the production end of things too.ย  That said, โ€œEasy on Meโ€ is primarily a piano ballad, though we add a robust bass line and some light drum programming (nothing too crazy).

With soaring vocals, sound production, and a tuneful melody, the last box to be checked off is songwriting.ย  โ€œEasy on Meโ€ is the perfect song that allows Adele to get personal.ย  Divorce seems to be the primary culprit of the singerโ€™s petition for โ€˜ease,โ€™ though she also asserts, โ€œI was still a child / I didnโ€™t get the chance to / Feel the world around me.โ€ That seems to open the door to a variety of things that have affected her in her life.ย  The return of Adele = sheer brilliance!

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
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2. Olivia Rodrigo, โ€œDrivers Licenseโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Sour โ€ข ๐Ÿท Geffen โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Olivia Rodrigo, Sour [๐Ÿ“ท: Olivia Rodrigo / Geffen]๐ŸŽ™ Olivia Rodrigo totally compels on her former no. 1 single, ๐ŸŽต โ€œdrivers licenseโ€,ย  the crowning achievement of her critically acclaimed, commercially successful debut album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ SOUR. โ€œDrivers licenseโ€ was written by Rodrigo and ๐ŸŽผ โœ Daniel Nigro, who also produces. While Olivia should totally be stoked here โ€“ she gets her driverโ€™s license after all โ€“ sheโ€™s bummed. โ€œToday I drove through the suburbs / Crying โ€˜cause you werenโ€™t around.โ€ Ugh.ย  Of course, the guy she desired to be with is with someone else, and that person makes her totally insecure โ€“ I feel that.ย  On the third verse, she continues her lament, expressing how โ€œAll of my friends are tired / Of hearing how much I miss you.โ€

Rodrigo sums up her feelings superbly on the chorus, asserting at the end, โ€œI guess you didnโ€™t mean what you wrote in that song about me / โ€˜Cause you said forever, now I drive alone past your street.โ€ย  She also gets totally in her feelings on the bridge, dropping the bomb: โ€œCanโ€™t drive past the places we used to go to / โ€˜Cause I still fuckinโ€™ love you, babe.โ€ โ€œDrivers Licenseโ€ is a bop thanks to the songwriting, solid production and of course, an emotional, strong vocal performance, particularly on the chorus and bridge.ย  This is a contender for the best of the best, period.

https://media.giphy.com/media/ck3SUqGKTmx5nRyPuS/giphy.gifย 

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


1. Lil Nas X, โ€œMONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)โ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ MONTERO โ€ข ๐Ÿท Columbia โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2021

Lil Nas X, Montero [๐Ÿ“ท: Columbia]

โ€œIโ€™m not fazed, only here to sin / If Eve ainโ€™t in your garden, you know that you canโ€ฆโ€ ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning, openly gay ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ pop artist ๐ŸŽ™ Lil Nas X returned in 2021 with a controversial single, ๐ŸŽต โ€œMONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)โ€, the title track from his debut album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ MONTERO. Here, he reflects on his own experiences with his sexuality. Fueling the fire musically is sleek production courtesy of ๐ŸŽ› Roy Lenzo, ๐ŸŽ› Omer Fedi, and ๐ŸŽ› Take A Daytrip. Itโ€™s the lyrics, narrative, and music video that make the record โ€˜controversial.โ€™

โ€œMONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)โ€ shares experiences associated with many gay men at some point. Lil Nas X expresses desire: โ€œI wanna feel on your ass in Hawaii / I want that jet lag from fuckinโ€™ and flyinโ€™ / Shoot a child in your mouth while Iโ€™m ridinโ€™.โ€ Heโ€™s a man who wants to have sex, but plenty of folks are quick to criticize him for โ€˜promoting a gay agenda.โ€™ Gay sex remains taboo, sadly.ย  Another interesting lyric โ€“ โ€œNever want the niggas thatโ€™s in my league / I wanna fuck the ones I envy, I envyโ€ โ€“ is ear-catching because of its layers.ย  While โ€˜incredibly gayโ€™ to those who arenโ€™t gay, Nas X speaks about crushing on someone more fit, handsome, as well as potentially hetero- as opposed to homosexual. Furthermore, he expresses the plight of being gay, whether itโ€™s being trapped in the closet, religious tension, and other factors. You know what created an even bigger stir than this the best song of 2021? The music video ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ“ผ, which is unapologetic indeed!

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง A Must-Hear PRIDE ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ Compendium: 2021
๐Ÿ”— ๐Ÿ˜ˆ๐ŸŽถ Lil Nas X, โ€œMONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)โ€: Controversial Tunes ๐Ÿ˜ˆ๐ŸŽถ No. 3
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 13 Unapologetic, Controversial Tunes
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Name: 5ive Songs No. 92 (2021)
๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 15 Compelling Name Songs



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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