Time to cap off the year by celebrating what 2021 has gifted to us... musically. Here are my top 50 favorite songs of 2021.
2021 brought the public some dang good new music. Making up from last year's many delays and cancellations, many artists have decided to put out their career bests, impressive debuts, and stunning surprises. Although 2021 wasn't exactly the shiny and uplifting year we thought it would be, music certainly helped many get through it, including myself. This year possibly had the most positive reviews from me (an absolute ton of 8/10's) and a boat load of great albums to boot. And possibly the most reviews I've written... I have been writing a bunch this year. 2022 is looking promising as well: notably many artists may be pushing their new albums towards 2022 so they can "crosses fingers" tour off of it? All in all 2021 brought the good stuff in tons of different genres and styles... and a lot of it!
Any hoot, now on to my annual year-end lists! Here are my top 50 favorite songs of 2021 and my thoughts on each one of them. Enjoy and thanks for reading. See you in 2022!
(PS: If you want to cut to the chase, you can scroll to see the full list all the way at the bottom of this page.)
(PSS: here is a Spotify playlist including all 50 of my favorite songs below:)
50.
Kacey Musgraves
"cherry blossom"
What's more fun and cute than a semi-Asian influenced track containing imagery of cherry blossoms and Japanese architecture? A little corny, yeah, but "cherry blossom," is one of the dreamiest and most endearing moments from star-crossed.
49.
The Wallflowers
"Roots and Wings"
I don't think I've would ever have been looking forward to a Wallflowers record but here we are. Thanks to singles like "Roots and Wings," Jakob Dylan's longly silent band The Wallflowers came back with a solid comeback this year by bringing in the classic piano-driven rock that they're best known for.
48.
Subsonic Eye
"Cabin Fever"
This Singaporean band came out with this sunburnt, carefree, and breezy sound at the right time. When many have been longing for Summer during the Winter, this type of indie rock truly resonates with me the most. "Cabin Fever" is just one of those highlights from Nature of Things, an album whose joy of simplicity is the biggest enjoyment factor.
47.
Jack White
"Taking Me Back"
When I first heard this song advertising a new Call of Duty video game, my eyes were rolling into the back of my head. Not only due to the purpose of current day marketing in the music industry, but the generic riffs and delivery unsurprisingly describes like that of a Jack White b-side. But once I listened to the track all the way through, you can hear the absolute craziness all over this track that you couldn't hear in the snippet: the wild synthesizers and guitars sputtering throughout could've landed on his last record Boarding House Reach, his most exciting record in years.
46.
Jenny Hval
"Jupiter"
Norway's Jenny Hval is always reaching for the stars and the nebula itself. With each new track she creates an spacey atmosphere that one can just dive into. "Jupiter" is another one of these songs. Like "Spells," "Jupiter" is peak dream pop: the echoing vocals, layered electronics, cinematic progression. She only goes up each time. At this point, I don't know if she can ever get down.
45.
The Killers
"C'est La Vie"
A track that ended up on the deluxe version of last year's excellent Imploding the Mirage, "C'est La Vie" has the band taking on Talking Heads with the sporadic percussion and grooves. The carefree and sunny vibes give off... Vampire Weekend's Father of the Bride vibes? It's very true and pushes the expectation further that The Killers can try different sounds and still be able to pull it off with ease.
44.
The Mountain Goats
"Mobile"
The Mountain Goats come together once again with a song, one that is intimately inviting and warm. "Mobile," a single from their Dark in Here album, is named after the recording space where they made this album, which is in Mobile, Alabama. A dazzling acoustic ballads reminiscent of modern folk bands like Dawes, the band still know how to impress not just with noise but with quietness too.
43.
Lee Pardini
"ETA"
One of the Dawes member's more explosive tracks off of his debut solo album this year, "ETA" shows off Lee Pardini as simply a piano pro. But it also shares the musician's progressional skills over the nearly eight minute runtime and the collaborative musicianship itself; most notably Tortoise's Jeff Parker nails a slick guitar solo in the song, shedding off his talents into other avenues.
42.
Stereolab
"Dimension M2"
I know I'm including an old b-side rather than a new song into this list. But Stereolab, the legendary garage pop band from the 90's, are so consistent that even their b-sides are worth listening to. Released on one of their compilations of old b-sides and non-album cuts this year, I had to include "Dimension M2." I listened to it quite a bit throughout the year due to its catchiness, weird time changes, and infectious melodies.
41.
Sleater-Kinney
"Worry with You"
The influential punk rock band Sleater-Kinney recently downgraded to a duo instead of a trio on their new record Path of Wellness. The lead single, "Worry with You," is the album's most enjoyable and carefree single, reminiscent of older slacker bands from the 90's like Pavement and more modern artists in this similar style like Courtney Barnett.
40.
Sting
"If It's Love"
Nothing stirs up some groans or eye rolls like some blissful whistling and a breezy rock instrumental. Sting's new single "If It's Love" certainly has these qualities but they don't get those negative reactions from me at all. It's actually quite the opposite. I ended up loving this thing. It's a smile-inducing song that shares what it's like to be happy, joyful and in love for the first time, as if it's a new disease or sickness since the main character hasn't been in love before. It's a really lovely tune that I cannot deny, no matter how many of those dang whistles are in it.
39.
Vince Staples
"ARE YOU WITH THAT?"
One of the most unique and head turning rappers in the mainstream, Vince Staples released his self-titled album that was both low key and retrospective. "ARE YOU WITH THAT?" is the introduction to that album and is the album's best and most captivating moment. Its hypnotic instrumental entrances the listener while Vince draws you in with his lyrics questioning a violent and dark lifestyle that is quite commonplace in the hip hop community.
38.
Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar
"family ties"
One of the biggest surprises of 2021 brought Baby Keem, a young up and coming rapper who blew up this year thanks to this song and his new album. "family ties" specifically blew up not only because of his quirky, high pitched flow but his cousin Kendrick Lamar's involvement, who has some funny lines and accents making the track one of the most entertaining tracks of the year. Not only the unique voices and lyrics but the instrumentals as well. A song with three different beat switch-ups blew up this year with massive popularity. It's truly shocking to say the very least but "family ties" works.
37.
My Morning Jacket
"Least Expected"
The folk psych rock heroes' newest album features some of the jammier and multi-layered instrumentation that makes My Morning Jacket who they are and who they have been for decades. "Least Expected" is one of the catchier and groove-driven songs from the record. It's tighter performance wise and definitely one of the more livelier moments that would definitely benefit being live.
36.
Billie Eilish
"I Didn't Change My Number"
One of the more explosive numbers from Billie Eilish's second album, "I Didn't Change My Number" features some groovy vintage keys over some barking dog samples? It surprisingly works backing Eilish's soulful vocal delivery and is certainly not the only solid moment from Happier Than Ever's potpourri.
35.
Coldplay
"Higher Power"
Coldplay's latest album was certainly ambitious with its synth pop direction this year. Though nearly everything fell flat on its face, "Higher Power," the lead single from Music of the Spheres, was actually a shining bright spot that stood out for the better. It did a great job with combining synth pop and the maximalist and triumphant approach typically from a big Coldplay single. Max Martin's production wasn't over the top this time and we got a solid groove and chorus too. If only the rest of the album was this enjoyable...
34.
100 gecs
"mememe"
As. we wait for the next album, the internet's craziest pop duo 100 gecs came back recently with a new single titled "mememe." The song pleasantly uses the genres of pop, punk rock, glitchy electronics and ska music that we've come to expect. There's now a rawness in Laura Les' vocals and an emphasis on the shredding guitars. A more rock oriented song that is both head banging and blissful at the same time; only something that 100 gecs could truly pull off.
33.
The Weather Station
"Parking Lot"
Picking just one of the stunning highlights off of Tamara Lindeman's new album Ignorance is a hard task. The Weather Station project has expanded into an immersive, multilayered musical escape and "Parking Lot" is a prime example of that. Lindeman's vocals and performance throughout the track stands out with its great sense of urgency and power. A beautiful and glorious moment that stands out from an already standout album.
32.
Lost Girls
"Menneskekollektivet"
The largest track from the new project from Norway's Jenny Hval and Håvard Volden is a massive 12 minute epic that takes synth pop and pushes it to its limits. The driving tribal grooves carry the weight of the track to drop it squarely on your toes while Hval narrates by questioning the state of humanity... what are humans to do and what is the purpose of life itself? Hval typically asks the heavy hitting questions on her own solo tracks and albums and the heavy hitting instrumental will surely stick with you, similar to that of Hval's extraordinary singles "Spells," "The Battle Is Over," and her latest one titled "Jupiter" (which is also ranked on this list too).
31.
Animal Collective
"Prester John"
Released as a lead single for the Baltimore group's upcoming new album Time Skiffs, "Prester John" acts like a return to form and a back to basics approach from the band. The numerous layered effects that we all come to expect from the past decade are scaled back and the guitars, bass, drums and vocals are focused on clearly. Animal Collective have always had jam band tendencies with their music (even more so in a live setting) but the organic instrumentation laid across the song's six minutes is a true breath of fresh air. I think we all would like to see the group hit the reset button and try something completely reinvigorating. From the sound of it, "Prester John" has the band turn a new leaf, this time showing the group's connective tissues at their core, stripped back for all of us to observe.
30.
Cloud Nothings
"The Spirit Of"
The Shadow I Remember brought a lot of great gems from the consistently enjoyable Cleveland Ohio band Cloud Nothings. "The Spirit Of" is one of those highlights that sonically sounds triumphant like a glorious bell going off. The vocal performances from Dylan Baldi sound intense and captivating as usual while its pacing is intoxicatingly fun and joyful. The band seem to be having. alot of fun and it shows.
29.
The Antlers
"Green to Gold"
The warmth, carefree vibes of the latest Antlers record came with plenty of ease and its title track perfectly expressed why the duo are so great at this style. Across the seven minutes of "Green to Gold," you'll find how quick the passing of the seasons truly are, starting and ending with the golden light of Summer. It's a lush, gorgeous song that simply promotes the simple joys that the season of Summer brings. Isn't that all we really need, just to focus on the simplicities in life?
28.
Third Coast Percussion,
Sérgio & Clarice Assad
"The Innocent"
Each song from this massively enjoyable record from the impressive collaborative group of performers are fantastic and stand out in their own right; it is very difficult to just pick out one of these songs. "The Innocent" is quite a remarkable pick which perfectly blends the warm vibraphones from Third Coast Percussion, the embracing guitar from Sérgio Assad, and the gorgeously entrancing vocals from Clarice Assad. The Latin influences bring out Third Coast Percussion's performances so vividly and the collaborations between them are infectiously enjoyable.
27.
Ben Howard
"What a Day"
One big surprise for me was the Arron Dessner produced Collections from the Fallout. Ben Howard's latest is ambitious and charming like his other recent outputs. "What a Day" is a big standout that may be 2021's most chill, carefree, and relaxing song. The gentle acoustic guitar simply does what it wants; it can get up from the bed at any time. There is no danger, no harm, no negativity of any kind when listening to this song. That's the kind of song we need in 2021. Ben Howard graciously delivered it and is happy to do so.
26.
Parquet Courts
"Walking at a Downtown Pace"
When Parquet Courts decide to release a banger, there is no uncertainty. After the release of the groove-heavy Wide Awake! the band decide to louden out the grooves, bring the party directly to the listener. If there was a track that sonically described the NY party scene, it would be this one.
25.
Courtney Barnett
"Rae Street"
The Aussie singer songwriter returned this year with a more retained, relaxed approach this time around. Probably due to the exhaustion of what was 2020, Courtney Barnett expresses how she is feeling during the pandemic. On "Rae Street," a retrospective observation is written in song form as Barnett sees the neighborhood adjusting to the pandemic, being isolated and locked inside. The song results as Courtney Barnett's most moving and positive tune this year; through the turmoil and pressure, Courtney finds peace and a hopeful outlook toward the future.
24.
Wavves
"Sinking Feeling"
Nate Williams' project Wavves is over a decade old and still finds ways to push boundaries. Like many tunes from his latest album, "Sinking Feeling" finds himself taking on a different genre, this time acoustic rock and pop. The performances are surprisingly smooth, which sounds like as if Williams has done this style for years. Although anything but shredding and noisy, it ends up being his most enjoyable and infectious tune in years.
23.
Black Country, New Road
"Track X"
Unpredictably and surprisingly, London's Black Country, New Road take on numerous sounds and progressions on their debut album. "Track X" may be the most surprising due to its casualness of acoustic balladry, plainspoken delivery on the vocals, and overall lack of unpredictability compared to other tracks. The croon of Isaac Wood is undoubtedly dark and haunting but on this track it sounds tender and full of love. The horns bumping in and out add a sense of grace to the already lush instrumental. The settling comfort and complete opposing vibes from other songs make it a standout moment from the band so far. They can be simple too.
22.
Snail Mail
"Valentine"
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Lindsey Jordan approaches indie rock at its simplest and most straightforward. Usually the results make it playful, sunburnt and fun. Despite the simpleness, her performances are often striking. "Valentine" is Jordan's most emotional, moving, and lovestruck song to date. The guitars are heavy along with Jordan's heart aching lyrics and vocals. Once the chorus kicks in, you know you have one of the best indie rock songs of the year.
21.
Genesis Owusu
"Don't Need You"
Genesis Owusu has been a huge surprise and rising talent coming from the Australian hip hop scene this year. The Ghanaian-Australian singer's personality and charm is across his debut record Smiling with No Teeth. That is especially the case with "Don't Need You," a quirky and fun indie pop song that cheekily disses his ex partner through various funny and memorable lines ("you're ass is stinky and you look like a mole"). He is genuinely funny and charismatic while his mysterious and shrouded appearance (similar to that of The Weeknd last year) makes a very unique and original musician who should be paid attention to for years to come.
20.
Hiatus Kaiyote ft. Arthur Verocai
"Get Sun"
The Australian neo soul band has been pulling off the stops with every record including "Get Sun," a song that is gloriously bright and infectious with soaring vocals and an equally dazzling string section and grooves. The accompanying composition from influential Arthur Verocai bring this grand and cinematic to life.
19.
Faye Webster
"I Know I'm Funny haha"
The title track from Atlanta-based singer songwriter is the most Faye Webster track Faye Webster has put out thus far. The twangy guitars, swaying instrumental, and Faye Webster's typical self deprecating humor is uncanny. It features some of her most personal experiences from dealing with her selfish landlord to her partner's parents not recognizing her even though they've met previously. This title track alone shows how funny, touching, and personal Faye Webster is through her music. What she accomplishes throughout her new album is only shown more and more successfully through this standalone track.
18.
Sarah Louise
"If You Build a Pond, the Frogs Will Come"
One of Sarah Louise's numerous standout moments from her grand opus Earth Bow is "If You Build a Pond, the Frogs Will Come." If you're even the least bit familiar with her work, you wouldn't be surprised that the themes are about nature, Earth's many ecosystems, and thriving in it. Sarah Louise goes into a louder, more explosive direction through this track, adding sprawling percussion scattered throughout along with a wild vocal performance and a thumping, throbbing beat at the center of it all.
17.
Sophia Kennedy
"Cat on My Tongue"
When this track initially came out, I didn't really think too much of it. But with more listens Sophia Kennedy's powerful vocal presence and the groovy, dark, and enchantingly heavy electronic instrumental grew on me. The song quickly became an ear worm for me throughout the majority of the year, providing one of the best pop songs this year had to offer, even though it wasn't necessarily her most popular song.
16.
shame
"Water in the Well"
There are plenty of chaotically fun and captivating moments from the UK post punk band shame (take "Snow Day" or "Nigel Hitter" for example) but I had to pick this one from the list. "Water in the Well" is the rambunctiously rowdy and charming single that is a big standout from Drunk Tank Pink. The sharp guitars, performances, and grunting and dreary vocals shows that Squid or Dry Cleaning aren't the only ones to throw a messy, all over the place party.
15.
The Chemical Brothers
"The Darkness That You Fear"
This year didn't mark a new album from these guys like I hoped but at least we still got some new music from UK electronic giants The Chemical Brothers. I'll take what I can get! "The Darkness That You Fear" continues the upward positivity through bouncy house instrumentals similar to that of 2019's excellent No Geography (think tracks like "Got to Keep On"). The extra vocals from new mainstay AURORA sounds ethereal as expected and adds to the blissful chiming sound rocketing towards the galaxy.
14.
Silk Sonic
"Skate"
This year, superstars Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars brought back the glam and sheen of 70's disco, pop, R&B, and funk through Silk Sonic. "Skate" shines through as one of the biggest standouts of the year, exemplifying the personalities and charisma between the two. As infectious as the grooves, hooks, and glistening instrumentation are, "Skate" is a knockout punch of the already killer collection that is, of course, titled An Evening With Silk Sonic. Just thinking about the song's buildup towards the chorus makes my head infiltrated with this song's infinite catchiness.
13.
CHAI ft. YMCK
"PING PONG!"
CHAI, the young Japanese punk band, always seem to be having fun no matter what and that shows on WINK, their latest album. Here, instead of the garage punk and pop they are known for, they try out electro pop, R&B, funk, and hip hop into a fun and chaotic frenzy. They even try out electro pop and chiptune video game music on "PING PONG!" which is presumably an ode to the original video game of the same name. Featuring the chiptune/8-bit instrumental heroes YMCK, the song is skyrocketed into a one of the year's biggest bangers featuring the infectious hooks and quirky vocals from CHAI.
12.
Colleen
"Implosion-Explosion"
French composer and multi-instrumentalist Cécile Schott, aka Colleen, is a visionary in her own right. Her newest album The Tunnel and The Clearing is a dreamlike experience using organically simple and vintage electronics along with her whispery vocals. "Implosion-Explosion" is a prime example of how Colleen is able to do so much with very little. The fluttering synths and keys pop in and out like night lights enveloping you while also sucking you into a bottomless black hole.
11.
Bell Orchestre
"What You're Thinking"
The Montreal-based instrumental ensemble came out of the woodwork this year with House Music, their first album in over a decade. The album is a seamless mix of progressive crescendos and cinematic intensities with unique instruments layered and interwoven. Each part featured a different intensity and "What You're Thinking" is the album's most intense, epic, moving, and chaotic of the bunch. The buildup of guitars, violin, bass and drums rise into an explosion of noise and blissful chaos, showing just how impressive the band's performances and instrumental chops truly are. The kinetic minds of each member are individually addressed and yet together sound as one.
10.
The War On Drugs
"Harmonia's Dream"
What makes a truly fantastic War On Drugs song so great are the exact qualities on "Harmonia's Dream," which is a massive highlight from the band's vibrant new album I Don't Live Here Anymore. There are the typical themes of nature ("leaves fall down like rain") and isolation ("it's really hard to make a friend these days") The driving grooves, Adam Granduciel's vocals washing over the listener, the guitars tagging along for the ride. Once the precise synthesizers pluck in and out and the progressions get louder and more anthemic, you'll find a true gem that is "Harmonia's Dream," one of the year's best songs and one of The War On Drugs' best songs yet.
9.
black midi
"John L"
The unpredictability and insanity of UK's black midi is shown ten fold on "John L," a song that I remember previously describing as a sinister, dark take on "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." A furiously speedy romp that goes from 0 to 100 real quick with its squealing sax, raging guitar riffs and Geordie Greep's nonsensical narrations on John Fifty (even he doesn't know what or who he's singing about). It's one of the craziest songs black midi have released (yet) and proves that the group is full of surprises.
8.
Esther Rose
"How Many Times"
The sad, dreary eyed Esther Rose knows how to have fun and be cheeky but the title track from How Many Times says otherwise. "How Many Times" is certainly the album's centerpiece and main point focusing on the aftermath of a breakup. Being crushed by the weight of her relationship ending, Esther simply goes about with some of the most devastating lyrics like "standing in the shower till the heat runs out" or "I thought I heard a sound, but there was no one around." Her croon is as heartbreaking as ever; her yearning howl towards the end of the track will make you teary eyed again and again. This acoustic ballad throughly shows how devastating breakups can be and how moving Esther Rose's voice and abilities truly are... in back breaking fashion.
7.
Kings of Convenience
"Rocky Trail"
The tag team guitar wielding Norwegian duo came back this year with a comeback record, their first in 12 years. "Rocky Trail" became the first tasting off of their new album Peace or Love and wow, what an introduction it is. "Rocky Trail" features swaying strings, an acoustic foray of guitars weaving in and out of the listener's headphones, and gently hushed vocals singing back and forth, side to side. It's like a passing of the baton between the two, tethering off of each other's skillsets. The duo sound like they haven't been silent for years with "Rocky Trail" being one of their best songs to date.
6.
Squid
"Pamphlets"
Each track from the British band Squid's debut album, Bright Green Field, is a massive, crazy, and intense flurry of post punk, noise, and electronic grooves. And each track is hugely memorable in their own right, so picking one song is nearly impossible. "Paddling,""Narrator," "Boy Racers," "Peel St.?" These are all fantastic but specifically the intense progressions and exquisite payoff that is the eight minute long closer "Pamphlets" are all too good to not include on this list. "Pamphlets" has a genuinely infectious and killer instrumental groove in its first section and then stops to have the shouty narrations from Ollie Judge, singing about staying inside and being isolated from everything (a very common theme across the entire album). The buildup of the instrumental throughout the song is very hard to describe how perfectly the intensity is. Once you listen to the final moments of the song, you'll find the noise and buildup has finally paid off. Very few songs this year have had this much of a payoff and Squid certainly kill it with these lengthier tracks. They know how to morph a song into a monster while keeping things interesting.
5.
Mdou Moctar
"Afrique Victime"
Listening to "Afrique Victime," the title track off of Mdou Moctar's latest album is proof that rock isn't dead. I still don't understand why people say this time and time again when you have the Tuareg desert rock scene going on right now... but if there's any new rock song one must listen to in 2021 it would in fact be this one. A seven minute jam if there ever was one, Mdou Moctar and his backing band never let up performance wise and its messaging is one of the most vital and important. I don't know a lick of the Tamasheq language but you can nonetheless hear the urgency within the vocals and instruments. About the massive crimes and inequalities in Western Africa, "Afrique Victime" promotes love and unity amongst its people. Listening to the shredding guitars and free wielding performances invoke pure joy and rejoice, something we all need in 2021.
4.
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow
"Industry Baby"
If there was a more triumphant song than anything to come out of 2021, it singlehandedly would be "Industry Baby," the top notch banger from Georgia's Lil Nas X and Kentucky's Jack Harlow. The single is a colorful and boastful homage to believing in yourself and believing that you are killing it. The humor and confidence is lavishly expressed by the two and the added horns and explosive beats make this a must listen. Its infectious instrumental, surprisingly produced by Kanye West, is top notch and includes some of his best production in years. Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow, even though Harlow's guest appearance could've been longer, sound like a match made in heaven. 2021 has given us a lot of downs and when we need something to pick us up miraculously and confidently, Lil Nas X and "Industry Baby" is here to stay.
3.
Duck Sauce
"Nonchalant"
The dynamic duo of producers Armand van Helden and A-Trak have been at it for over a decade giving the goofy, infectious, and bright house music we truly need and deserve. 2020 provided the great comeback from the duo with numerous, consistently fantastic singles and 2021 continued that streak. While "Ask Me" and "Mesmerize" are true bangers and fan favorites, "Nonchalant" took the cake for me as one of their best songs ever, period. This hook which samples some accordion playing might sound a bit too goofy on paper but is executed flawlessly in execution. Their older material may have come across as rather too goofy for the older listener or the humor itself aging not too well to some people, but their recent batch of singles across the past two years have perfectly balanced their goofy humor with the simplified excellence of what makes a classic house song so great. "Nonchalant" is arguably the best moment from this newly reinvigorated Duck Sauce yet and a possible new album featuring these current singles (and more songs) would be one of the most exciting albums to listen to over the past decade. I'm 100% certain of that if ("crosses duck wings") Duck Sauce decide to put these 7 singles and a bunch of other tunes onto an album in 2022. It would ruffle my tail feathers in the best way imaginable.
2.
Dry Cleaning
"Scratchcard Lanyard"
There were many, many songs that ruled my airwaves coming from this English post punk scene of new acts and if I had to pick the most personally dominant one, it would be Dry Cleaning's lead single "Scratchcard Lanyard." Front woman Florence Shaw's overtly dry and funny lyricism and observations are widely presented throughout the track, ranging from the most detailed to the most nonsensical, from bouncy balls to Instagram filters to hearty bananas to ceramic shoes. Not only Shaw but the guitar hooks and grooves from the rest of the band are some of the best 2021 had to offer. Dry Cleaning are here to stay from 2021 to beyond and "Scratchcard Lanyard" perfectly encapsulates everything you need to know about them. After listening, you'll know a Dry Cleaning song when you hear one. And that's for the better.
1.
Darkside
"Liberty Bell"
Released toward the tail end of 2020, "Liberty Bell" is Darkside's comeback single, their first new song in nearly eight years. The dark and mysterious duo of Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington came back for a reason and you hear the urgency on "Liberty Bell." The shadowy blues and electronica is flourishing once again but there's a greater sense of organic qualities not commonly heard before from them. The newly added acoustic guitars strumming in the forefront and sharpened vocal melodies are incredible to hear while the loud thumping groove is in your face, directly towards the central focus. The dark themes of "the sinner world," and "a jockey dressed in black," only add to the mystery and pondering that is typically thought up when trying to make out Darkside's blurry picture. If there's one part to the song that is the most memorable and captivating it would be the swirling acoustic guitar breakdown towards the end of the song. The rapidly plucked guitar strings over this darkened ambient instrumental is more than enough to hit the repeat button. And that's what I did, over and over and over, what seems to be an endless loop. Infectious, catchy as can be, nightmarish, and seemingly necessary in today's world. A year later, it's something I can't seem to get enough of.
The Full List:
1. Darkside - “Liberty Bell”
2. Dry Cleaning - “Scratchcard Lanyard”
3. Duck Sauce - “Nonchalant”
4. Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow - “Industry Baby”
5. Mdou Moctar - “Afrique Victime”
6. Squid - “Pamphlets”
7. Kings of Convenience - “Rocky Trail”
8. Esther Rose - “How Many Times”
9. black midi - “John L”
10. The War On Drugs - “Harmonia’s Dream”
11. Bell Orchestre - “What You’re Thinking”
12. Colleen - “Implosion-Explosion”
13. CHAI ft. YMCK - “PING PONG!”
14. Silk Sonic - “Skate”
15. The Chemical Brothers - “The Darkness That You Fear”
16. shame - “Water in the Well”
17. Sophia Kennedy - “Cat on My Tongue”
18. Sarah Louise - “If You Build a Pond, the Frogs Will Come”
19. Faye Webster - “I Know I’m Funny haha”
20. Hiatus Kaiyote ft. Arthur Verocai - “Get Sun”
21. Genesis Owusu - “Don’t Need You”
22. Snail Mail - “Valentine”
23. Black Country, New Road - “Track X”
24. Wavves - “Sinking Feeling”
25. Courtney Barnett - “Rae Street”
26. Parquet Courts - “Walking at a Downtown Pace”
27. Ben Howard - “What a Day”
28. Third Coast Percussion, Sérgio & Clarice Assad - “The Innocent”
29. The Antlers - “Green to Gold”
30. Cloud Nothings - “The Spirit Of”
31. Animal Collective - “Prester John”
32. Lost Girls - “Menneskekollektivet”
33. The Weather Station - “Parking Lot”
34. 100 gecs - “mememe”
35. Coldplay - “Higher Power”
36. Billie Eilish - “I Didn’t Change My Number”
37. My Morning Jacket - “Least Expected”
38. Baby Keem ft. Kendrick Lamar - “family ties”
39. Vince Staples - “ARE YOU WITH THAT?”
40. Sting - “If It’s Love”
41. Sleater-Kinney - “Worry with You”
42. Stereolab - “Dimension M2”
43. Lee Pardini - “ETA”
44. The Mountain Goats - “Mobile”
45. The Killers - “C’est La Vie”
46. Jenny Hval - “Jupiter”
47. Jack White - “Taking Me Back”
48. Subsonic Eye - “Cabin Fever”
49. The Wallflowers - “Roots and Wings”
50. Kacey Musgraves - “cherry blossom”
Honorable Mentions:
Anand Wilder - “Delirium Passes”
Arooj Aftab - “Mohabbat”
Bad Bad Hats - “Detroit Basketball”
Caribou - “You Can Do It”
Creed Bratton - “Tall Grass”
Daniel Koesnter - “sunshower”
Danny Elfman - “Insects”
Illuminati Hotties - “Pool Hopping”
Marissa Nadler ft. Mary Lattimore - “If I Could Breathe Underwater”
Paul McCartney - “Find My Way” (Beck Remix)
Sleigh Bells - “Locust Laced”
Tune-Yards - “hold yourself.”
You can also listen to a Spotify playlist including the best songs of 2021 here:
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