No Rankings. Just 50 Amazing Songs That Have Come Out This Year

By Ben Leshan

The Kiss of Venus- Paul McCartney, Dominic Fike

Paul McCartney wrote this song, but Dominic Fike turned it into a hit. The 25-year-old Florida artist has all the talent to be one of the biggest in the world, and this song is undeniably special. It’s fun, it’s bouncy, but it also makes you think. This is one of those records you can throw on in the car and everyone is bound to enjoy.

Street Runner- Rod Wave

Rod Wave’s voice sits perfectly on top of a haunting vocal sample, telling the story of how hard it is to maintain love on the road. It is the opitomy of the beautiful pain found in Rod’s music. It sounds like a hit, the vocal licks are impressive, the lyrics are direct and vulnerable, and it has proven to be highly commercially successful.

Serotonin- girl in red

This song is a masterful sonic representation of what it feels like to have mental illness. Girl in red is a star, and she creates a bonafide hit with a soaring and exciting pop chorus and alternative, aggressive verses. She translates anxiety and the state of being medicated into song, and the beautiful contrast is a masterpiece.

I Walk This Earth All By Myself- Ekkstacy

Ekkstacy, an 18-year-old Canadian singer who has already been through a lot in his years, grows into his voice and starts the path towards being a star on this record. His filtered vocals float beautifully over simultaneously dark and bouncy production. It feels like something new, but a reminder of the innovation of alternative and emo rap stars before him.

Pup- Kenny Mason

Pup feels like a whole album was shaken up and morphed into one song, and that is meant in the best way possible. There are so many sounds from rock guitars to edgy hip hop lyrics as the track progresses, and it feels like something completely unique. Kenny Mason has a lot of potential to take rap to new places, and he proves it here.

Big Boss Rabbit- Freddie Gibbs

Freddie Gibbs stays making some of the best songs in hip hop. This record features hard-hitting trap drums and nonstop hungry flows. Gibbs make sure to include a sample of Mike Tyson trash talk, and backs it up by rapping circles around his competition on the song. If you want a pure rap banger from this year, look no further than “Big Boss Rabbit”.

Last Night- Tom The Mail Man

Last Night feels grungy and angsty, but it also has a soft and pretty side. Tom gets lost in his emotions over a Foo Fighter’s sample, and makes his listener feel every word. This song really shows just how much potential he has to break out in a huge way because it has the authenticity of the underground world with an awareness of universal sonic appeal.

Till Forever Falls Apart- Ashe feat. FINNEAS

Ashe creates a somber, yet lovely atmosphere on this record, and it comes out as a beautiful love song. FINNEAS proves once again that he is not just Billie Eilish’s brother, and delivers a phenomenal contribution to the record. This song is an excellent take on the sustaining power of love as the world falls apart around you, and it’s definitely one of the best records we’ve gotten so far this year.

No Sense- Baby Keem

No Sense gives us a new side of Baby Keem, and it’s a good one. The 20-year-old Las Vegas rapper has been responsible for mosh pit anthems, but this record is something different. It maintains his classic dark mood, but the bass synths and percussive hits give it a special bouncy sound, and his singing feels authentic and wavy.

Real As It Gets- Lil Baby feat. EST Gee

This is one of the best rap bangers we have gotten this year. Baby and EST Gee both go in on their verses, and the whole song just drips with confidence. The beat alone is a slapper, and Baby turns it into an anthem with his knack for hit verses that have something below the surface and catchy choruses. It’s also a good showcase for Gee, who is definitely one of the best up-and-coming street rappers out.

Tokyo Drifting- Daya

Daya hasn’t released a lot of music in recent years, but it feels like she’s back and ready to take the spotlight with this record. From the first line, “I wanna die/ When I think about that stupid s*** I said to you”, this song is relatable and emotionally raw in the best way. The production rides cleanly throughout the song, and Daya effortlessly glides through the vocals, creating a perfect mood to get lost in.

The Stars- Chelsea Cutler

This song is a beautiful expression of love, and Cutler’s soft confidence and unique tone make it real. The sweet and soft production, and quietly bold lyrics create the perfect mood, and it comes out as a very honest and confident way to bare emotions for another person. It just feels right.

Gravity- Brent Faiyaz and DJ Dahi feat. Tyler, The Creator

Gravity is funky, soulful and enticing. It sounds like you’re floating through a dream, bobbing your head the whole way through. Brent kills it vocally, and pitches down his voice tastefully to create contrast. Tyler’s verse comes at the perfect time, and his flow is impeccable. The overall effect is a slick and artful take on being non-committal.

Shapeshifter- The Blossom

The Blossom embraces their non-binary identity on this record, exclaiming “I can be they, I can be so gay”. This song could be very important for young people struggling to be accepted for their identity, and it also sounds like a hit. The guitars and the drums make you want to dance, and The Blossom has the right voice to kill it. They are definitely an artist to watch going forward.

Go Away- Omar Apollo

“Go Away” is a bouncy and fun track that falls right into Omar’s skillset. He proves to be the perfect voice for the track, drifting in and out of falsetto, and building to many ear-catching moments. His voice sits beautifully over the production the whole time, and the emotion is evident. The song has RnB vibes, but also a soft indie groove, perfectly sitting in the genre-bending space that Omar creates.

Montero (Call Me By My Name)- Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X is no stranger to hit making, but this is something exciting and new, and more than that its message is important. Nas has taken a lot of flack for the song’s video, which shows him descending into hell on a stripper poll and proceeding to dance on and then kill the devil, but he doesn’t deserve it one bit. He is not a children’s artist, he is a 21-year-old gay man who wants to show the world he embraces himself despite being discriminated against by institutional Christianity. This message has the power to save lives, and that makes this one of the most important records of early 2021.

Rapstar- Polo G

Polo G has risen to be one of the biggest artists in the game in the last year, but he hasn’t had a release this big until now. The unreleased acoustic version of the record, sung over ukulele played by Einer Bankz, went viral for its sound and emotional lyrics, and fans jumped at the song as soon as it dropped. The record exhibits Polo’s best skills, elite melodies, relatable lyrics, and a catchy structure.

SOS- Sueco feat. Travis Barker

Sueco seems to be following MGK’s lead here, making a pop punk song after building a following as a rapper. You can tell he has a rock background, and it just works. This song is an anthem. The energy is absolutely undeniable, and it makes you want to jump and rage. His voice is rough on the edges in just the right way, and Travis’s drums push the song along nicely. Sueco captured a feeling here.

I’ll Call You Mine- girl in red

Yep, we’re back with more praise for girl in red. The way this song builds is beautiful, and it has one of the best drops you’ll ever hear outside of EDM and hip hop. The way the drums and guitars drop into the bouncy chorus is a transformative musical experience. girl in red’s voice is clear and full throughout the track, and it is a wonderful description of love. The emotion and the sound of this record hit the mark, and it is one of the best songs on a fantastic album.

Clarity- Conway the Machine

Conway murders the real rap checklist on this track. Beautifully crafted bars? Check. Intense rapid fire delivery? Check. Booming drums over a catchy vocal sample? Check. Griselda stay making some of the best songs in rap as a clique, and Conway really gets it right on this record. Every hip hop fan has to give this a listen.

Play Ball- Kenny Mason

This song leans rock harder than many of Kenny’s songs, and he does it really well. The grungy guitars and anthemic vocal delivery are nonchalantly energetic, and the live drums add to the atmosphere. We get a shift in energy in the middle of the track as Kenny delivers a strong rap voice in a soft voice, showing his versatility. Kenny Mason is a special talent and this song shows it.

Ramen & OJ- Joyner Lucas feat. Lil Baby

Joyner Lucas has always had the talent, but this is probably the best club record he has ever released. He doesn’t quite sound like himself with the vocal processing, but the hunger and lyrics looking back on his struggles hit the spot. The beat is phenomenal, and Lil Baby demolishes his guest verse. The lyrics, the flow, and his voice are just top tier. This is one of the best mainstream rap records of the year.

Bodybag- Chloe Moriondo

Bodybag feels like authentic new pop punk. The song has dark themes, as Moriondo sings about being in the state between loving and hating a person. Sonically, it is nearly perfect, with floating verses over soft drums and bass, and hard-hitting choruses that transport you to another dimension. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to scream out your car window, and it captures all of the energy and youth that Moriondo communicates so well through her music.

Pride is the Devil- J Cole feat. Lil Baby

This is the perfect new school Cole song. The T-Minus produced melody (which was previously used on Aminé’s “Can’t Decide”) is a hit on its own, and Cole raps circles around anyone on the track. The moment that Lil Baby cuts in with the same flow after Cole seemingly starts his second verse is genius, and Baby goes on to show he can rap with anyone in the game (which has earned him a few spots on this list).

Beam Pt. 2- Payday feat. Jackboy

Payday has made a name for herself as a teenage rapper and singer, and this song might be her best work. The remix to 2020’s “Beam”, Part 2 adds a Jackboy verse over the bouncy keys, jazzy woodwinds, and brass. It seems like a mismatch to add a Kodak Black affiliate to an indy song, but this track came out great, and is a perfect representation of the ingenuity and collaborative nature of Gen-Z.

Lovers- Roosevelt

Roosevelt is a 30-year-old electro pop producer and vocalist from Germany. His music feels like an exciting new take on electronic music, featuring melodies that are catchy standalone pieces, but also maintaining a drum pattern and song structure that is more pop-based than EDM. “Lovers” feels cinematic, like it should be the backdrop to a film dance scene. The synth melody is insanely catchy, Roosevelt’s vocal tone is sweet and subtle, and the track is bouncy and fun.

Good 4 U- Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo broke out with smash hit “Driver’s License”, but this song is much more universally well-liked. On first listen it’s a pop punk song spun for a pop star, which could easily go wrong, but the end product is unquestionably worthy of going number one on Billboard as it did. Rodrigo is just the right balance of angry and sad, and it’s the kind of song almost anyone will find themselves singing along to.

Yonaguni- Bad Bunny

Source: @badbunnypr

On this record Bad Bunny rides the beat in his signature style, floating over chords and reggaeton drums with his signature tone. Almost no one in the world can compete with the Puerto Rican artist commercially, and he has proved it yet again on this record. This song is catchy, and features Bad Bunny yearning for a girl who has a boyfriend and telling her he would fly to the remote Japanese island of Yonaguni for her.

Virtual Reality- Renforshort

Source: @renforshort

Renforshort has perfectly captured the experience of a generation on this song. It is the best description of how so much of Gen Z felt during the covid-19 pandemic, expressing the anxiety and desire to go back to the real world that every young adult felt. In terms of production, there is a bit of a glitchy, Charli XCX-type sound going on, but Ren’s unique voice and youthful vulnerability make the track.

Middle Of The End (How It Feels)- Jack Kays

Source: @jackkays

Jack Kays got his start in his hometown of Cincinnati making what he now references as Soundcloud rap. At that point he was struggling with addiction and working a low wage job. You can hear all of that pain in this song, but he clearly has found his voice. This song is a raw, acoustic expression of pain, in which Kays cries out “How does it feel/ To be stuck in the middle of the ending?”.

So Real- Polo G

Source: @polo.capalot

This record builds on the beautiful vulnerability of 2020’s “Martin and Gina”. Polo’s voice floats with ease over soft guitars and piano chords as he taps into his love for his girlfriend. Polo sings “Say she is the truth, say she is so real/ And I love the way that you make me feel”. This record is perfectly unapologetic, as Polo doesn’t care if he doesn’t seem hard as long as he can make you feel something.

Thot S***- Megan Thee Stallion

Source: @theestallion

Meg has been one of the most commercially successful rappers of the last few years, and she’s back with another hit with this one. This song has a catchy hook, a hilarious and empowering music video, and most importantly some amazing rapping. Meg isn’t going to let men diminish her to sex appeal and she definitely doesn’t care what the haters say. Just listen to how she closes out her second verse, “I’m the s*** per the recording academy (Ah)”.

Let Go My Hand- J Cole feat. 6lack, Bas

Cole gets introspective on this song in his signature manner, diving into his thought process around the passing of time and personal growth. The song revolves around the symbolism of his son telling him “let go my hand”, signifying that he is becoming more independent and mature, a thematic lens which Cole then turns on himself. The production feels dreamy and soft, and the background vocals from Bas and 6lack add a lot of depth to the track. This is not a song to blast at a party, but it is one of the best from The Offseason.

Lost You- Snoh Aalegra

On “Lost You” Snoh’s tone carries beautifully above floating keys and an ear-catching kick pattern. Aalegra sings about continuing to want someone who isn’t treating her well. She is in too deep to stop falling, even though she sees the lack of love and bad intentions beneath the surface. This is an undeniable hit with a chorus that will no doubt get stuck in your head, and one of the best rnb records of the year.

Stay- The Kid Laroi feat. Justin Bieber

“Stay” is structured like a hit first and foremost. Laroi uses his falsetto to create majorly catchy moments on the hook, and rides the pocket of the beat nicely on the verses. Bieber adds contrast with his different voice and more optimistic take on love. The biggest star in this track is not the vocalists though, it’s the producers for creating an amazing melody and adding a lot of bounce. The great production isn’t a surprise with the likes of Omer Fedi (“Mood” by 24kGoldn, “Montero” by Lil Nas X) Cashmere Cat (“Señorita” by Camila Cabello), and Charlie Puth behind the boards.

Talk 2 Me- Montell Fish

Montell Fish is criminally underrated for someone with his level of artistry. This track feels almost like an interlude, as it’s short in length and is not highly percussive, but it still carries a lot of replay value. Fish’s tone is immaculate, and the raw emotion is evident. The song makes you feel his pain in a way that a lot songs fail to do. There is something special in the way that Fish cries out “why don’t you talk to me?”.

Wusyaname- Tyler, The Creator feat. Ty Dolla $ign and NBA Youngboy

Tyler’s album Call Me If You Get Lost has a lot of good moments, but the consensus seems to be that “Wusyaname” is the most undeniable track on the project. There is something suave and slick about Tyler’s verse, and when contrasted with the melodic bravado of a Ty Dolla $ign chorus, you get a magical feeling. Also, even the biggest NBA Youngboy fan can’t hate his verse, which is perhaps the highlight of the song.

Wasting Time- Brent Faiyaz feat. Drake

Brent and Drake both carry an aura of charisma that draws listeners into their music. They are a great combo in that Drake knows how to make great rnb, so he also knows how to drop a verse that compliments an rnb singer perfectly. On “Wasting Time” Brent sings an earworm chorus over excellent Neptunes production, and Drake’s voice sounds perfect over the beat as he flows with ease.

Smoke Break//- KennyHoopla feat. Travis Barker

Kenny’s music is intensely and heartbreakingly vulnerable, both in the vocals and the lyrics. He manages to keep things fun and anthemic on “Smoke Break//”, but also to tap into his darker side. The verses play with the theme of death, while he is more aggressive on the choruses. He says “I wear a mask not cause of virus”, and the song is all a play-on acting tough when you are really hurting inside.

Bigger Man- Joy Oladokun feat. Maren Morris

“Bigger Man” has a folky, country, and gospel vibes sprinkled through it, but it mainly features excellent technical singing from Oladokun, and a great contrast in tones between the two singers. The harmonies are both edgy and soft somehow, and the piano melody that plays throughout the track provides a sense of safety and consistency. This record strays more into country than most Oladokun’s work, but it is a very pleasant surprise.

Hardline- Julien Baker

“Hardline” begins with big and somber organs that create an ominous feeling that Baker immediately matches with her vocals. As the track builds though, it feels more hopeful and exciting. The production is more complex than Baker’s traditional work, but the lyrical themes match the rest of her album, Little Oblivions, as she works through themes of alcoholism and depression. The result is perhaps the most standout song in one of the best albums released in 2021.

Girls Like Us- Zoe Wees

“Girls Like Us” in title alone sounds like it might be an impersonal pop hit trying to use female empowerment to sell a record, but Wees provides the artistic integrity and vocal ability to do a record like this well. The chorus and the production are radio-ready, and have earned this song over 100 million streams, and the vocal display on the record is truly amazing, as Wees hits massive notes with ease

Problems- 44phantom

44phantom is the kind of alt/emo artist that just screams mainstream appeal upon first listen. His image and dark sound might cause some to put him in a box, but his unforgettable tone and knack for melody put him on a different level than his class of pop punk and emo rap influenced peers. This track stands out because everything from the production to the vocals to the lyrics make this sound like a pop punk hit with just enough hip hop influence to make waves across genres.

Stacking Chairs- Middle Kids

“Stacking Chairs” will take you by surprise in the best way. As the elements come in (an initial guitar melody, lead singer Hannah Joy’s voice, drums, Joy’s falsetto, a counter melody in the production) it just keeps getting better and better. Lyrically, this is a soft, poetic, and imagery invoking indie record, as Joy sings “When the wheels come off, I’ll be your spare/ When the party’s over, I’ll be stacking the chairs”.

Girl Like Me- Jazmine Sullivan feat. HER

“Girl Like Me” is a hard breakup song. It has the soft strumming vibes of the production on Eminem’s “Stan” with an RnB twist, which Sullivan’s intensely soulful voice cuts through beautifully. When she calls out “Why don’y you love me no more?” it hits you right in the heart, and HER comes in with her signature tone to add another vibe to the track. Overall, this is a masterpiece vocally and emotionally, featuring powerful and beautiful runs that you won’t believe.

This is How You Fall in Love- Chelsea Cutler, Jeremy Zucker

This record is a soft and honest love song that feels like home. The production sits softly in the background as the two singers’ voices take the lead, seemingly cutting through the warmth of a rainy day spent inside. The record builds throughout in terms of instrumentation, starting with keys, then guitar, then drums and strings. This song feels intimate and sweet in just the right way, and is possibly the best slow-dance song of the year.

Ditto- Aries

Aries music has poetic lyrics, layered and intricate production, and catchy melodies. “Ditto” follows the mold, drawing you in with an emotional vocal performance and aura-filled production, and letting you sit and decipher the lyrics as you keep on listening. There is something soft and indie, but the vocals lean towards rock, and the drums even have hip hop influence, but whatever the concoction of sounds, Aries made an amazing record here.

What If It Doesn’t End Well- Chloe Moriondo

“What If It Doesn’t End Well” earned a spot on this list because of its grand emotional build. The guitar melody that starts the track immediately catches your ear, and Moriondo’s soft first verse creates ear candy moments as she begins to hit high notes and hum into the chorus. The vulnerable and sonically pleasing chorus sounds great with its soft delivery the first time around, but as drums come in and everything builds, the same words take on new meaning as Moriondo nearly screams them at the end of the track.

Rom Com 2004- Soccer Mommy

This record has a really unique mix of glitchy and electronic sounds with traditional indie and bedroom pop vibes. Soccer Mommy’s voice drifts through the record like a dream, coming in and out of filters and shifting from full voice to falsetto. This feels something like Charli XCX meets Clairo and it really takes the best parts of both styles to make a song that will get stuck in your head.

Twenty To One- Dave

Dave is one of the best lyrical rappers in the entire world, but he is also great with melody, and proves it here. “Twenty To One” is full of entendre. The song would have played at 12:40 (20 minutes to 1:00) if a listener played the album right as it dropped, and it also references the year 2021 (20, 2, 1). Beyond his play on words, Dave spins a killer melody, touches on deep topics like relationships, friendships, and criminal justice, and makes a hit in 3 minutes and 21 seconds.

Enjoyed the post? Check out our playlist of these amazing songs!

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