29 Best Songs From 2021

“Wild Side” by Normani ft. Cardi B

Song Year: 2021

“Wild Side” was a largely anticipated hit song by Normani, following her success with her previous single, Motivation. She features Cardi B in the song, who brings the “extra sauce” just required to make the track a phenomenon. Normani seduces her listeners with her sexy vocals before Cardi B follows with her provocative bars.

“Thot S–t” by Megan Thee Stallion

Song Year: 2021

“Thot S–t” is Megan Thee Stallion’s reply to anyone who criticizes her previously provocative songs: WAP featuring Cardi B and Body.

In the song’s video, Megan Thee Stallion doubles down on her provocative dancing as she describes her twerking surrounded by other women performing the same dances. The song is also lyrically explicit as, at some point, she mentions different sexual positions.

“Need To Know” by Doja Cat

Song Year: 2021

“Need To Know” is the third single from Doja Cat’s Grammy-nominated album Planet Her. The song also received a Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Doja Cat perfectly blends her singing and rapping skills in the song as she describes her sexual desires to a man she heard has exceptional skills. The song has an artistic, colorful, visually pleasing, and sometimes psychedelic video. 

“Deja Vu” by Olivia Rodrigo

Song Year: 2021

“Deja Vu” is an appealing song that serves as Olivia Rodrigo’s second single. It is a well-written song with memorable lyrics that encourage the listener to sing along. In the song, she addresses an ex-boyfriend asking if he feels deja vu when he is with his new lover. Olivia Rodrigo perfectly addresses the similarities of moments, past and present.

“To Be Love” by Adele

Song Year: 2021

“To Be Loved” is the eleventh track on Adele’s album, 30. It is a single in one of the most awaited albums of the decade. The fact that the album dropped after Adele’s divorce from her husband raised her fans’ expectations, and she did not disappoint.

The single is one of Adele’s best vocal performances and, to some, the best vocal performance of 2021. The deep and heart-wrenching lyrics address coming to terms with the end of a marriage, especially after pouring your love and effort into making it work. Adele also speaks to how one’s perspective of love changes after the end of a relationship.

“Lumberjack” by Tyler the Creator

Song Year: 2021

“Lumberjack” was the first release from Tyler the Creator’s “Call Me If You Get Lost” album. It is a short track with braggadocious lyrics. For instance, he references selling out Madison Square Garden, a feat few artists can achieve. In a way, the track addresses all his haters by flashing his success in their faces.

“Butter” by BTS

Song Year: 2021

“Butter” is one of the best K-pop songs by the South Korean sensations BTS. It is a catchy song that uses the word butter as a metaphor for different things.

They use butter to describe their physical attractiveness, especially to the ladies. Other times, butter refers to their sleekness with the ladies, describing themselves as players without outrightly saying it. Lastly, butter describes their effortless dancing abilities.

“Wasting Time” by Brent Faiyaz ft. Drake

Song Year: 2021

“Wasting Time” is a smooth song that stands out from other summer releases. While most others are about having fun and regrouping, this song is about wanting to be close to one’s love. Brent and Drake request more quality time with their love interests in the single. Brent Faiyaz is more sentimental in his lyrics, while Drake starts by bragging about all he can offer his lover.

“Mafiosa” by Nathy Peluso

Song Year: 2021

No list of the best songs of 2021 is complete without the mention of a Latin song. The song “Mafiosa” by Nathy Peluso has an uptempo beat that will make you put your hips to work. Nathy Peluso speaks of being a mafiosa feared by even the toughest guys in the neighborhood.

Top Songs From 2021, Final Thoughts

2021 was a year of great music. It gave audiences a long-awaited Adele album and a second BTS song sung in English, among many other standout singles. We hope our list of the best songs of 2021 has helped you find more great singles to add to your playlist.