Top 50 Songs of 2021

[dremolus - solarpunk]

Another year, another list.

I've seen a lot of mixed reactions to 2021, music wise which I find interesting. Not that I agree with them precisely, headline wise compared to the last couple of years, 2021 didn't seem like a truly exciting year all things considered. The ray of hope at the end of 2020 didn't fully develop and manifest the way we'd all like to happen as we still endured another year of the pandemic and while there were movements which I'll get to, it didn't seem like people were really listening or paying attention to music that often. Hell, just look at the fact that the biggest song globally this year (at least according to Billboard), only went to number one in two countries. Pop Culture did feel quiet on the surface.

But time and art are never static: there were still big notable movements in music this year. We saw new singers and bands burst on to the scene like Måneskin, The Kid LAROI, PinkPantheress, Turnstile, Giveon, Black Country New Road and Magdalena Bay. Acts like Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, BTS, Lil Durk, SZA, and Lil Nas X prove they weren't fluke artists and gain even more success this year. Singers like Porter Robinson and Bo Burnham reinvent themselves, or acts like black midi, Injury Reserve, Little Simz, Lingua Ignota, and SPELLLING find even more critical acclaim. Adele, Drake, and Bruno Mars all came back this year. Taylor Swift started her re-release of her first 6 albums with her Taylor Versions. And most newsworthy of all, we saw Olivia Rodrigo break into public consciousness as the potentially the first new superstar of the 2020s, breaking Spotify streaming records MORE THAN ONCE this year.

And it's a shame not many people were paying more attention to music. I would argue that while the year has been a tad quiet or even underwhelming when it came to album releases, when it comes to the actual music, this year was top notch, especially when it came to singles. Despite the fact this list was actually easier to rank compared to last year, I actually had to bump my honorable mentions this year from 75 to 90, just because there were so many songs I wanted to talk about and give time to shine.

And one last thing I'd like to say before I start revealing what I think were the best songs of this year were is that if you do end up disagreeing with me in regards to placements or overall thoughts, don't take that as a slight against you. As much as I joke about it online, I don't actually want to put out that I'm serious when I say "I'm right when it comes to music", I don't want to be too condescending. I more than understand what it feels like to have something I like not be appreciated or talked about in a positive light (hence why I only do worst lists for hit songs; I don't think it's really worth expending much thought on garbage music). I think it's much more better to look at the positive side of things. I just want to share some fantastic music I heard this year but if I can change your mind and show you this year wasn't all that bad, that there is stuff to be happy about, I feel like I've more than done my job.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}
Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

Happy New Year y'all. Let's start the year off with the list proper but first, the first round of honorable mentions

Honorable Mentions Round 1:

Favor by Julien Baker

Julien has really been overlooked this year and I don't not understand why that is.

Jackie by Yves Tumor

Yves Tumor really has a habit of making songs that take a long time to grow on me

HEAVY METAL by Paris Texas

Imagine a mix of BROCKHAMPTON'S witty wordplay and Injury Reserve's habit for chopped up guitars and you'll have one of the more interesting debut acts this year.

eyelids by Paris Jackson feat. Andy Hull

Okay so who really expected the daughter of Michael Jackson would end up making quiet, minimalist indie pop with the lead singer of Manchester Orchestra and that it'd be great?

Mitski - Working for the Knife by Mitski

All of Mitski’s songs this year have been excellent and I’m more than loving the return to her lofi indie rock roots. That said, I think the power of her singles will work more when Laurel Hell comes out

Miss the Rage by Trippie Redd feat. Playboi Carti

Okay so I finally found myself liking Trippie Redd for the first time this year

Blouse by Clairo

I’ll discuss more about her in my next list but if there was any way Clairo had in proving she’s more than just a cutesy bedroom pop artist.

You Give Death a Bad Name by Sufjan Stevens and Angelo de Augustine

Okay, I now want Sufjan to write more songs inspired by horror movies. I'm curious to see what he'd do after watching Scream or RAW.

Fault by Desperate Journalist

In a year full of acclaimed and experimental post-punk, it's nice to know that going back to the basics can also be just as rewarding.

Renegade by Big Red Machine feat. Taylor Swift

Is it evermore-lite? Sure but as the best thing Big Red Machine did this year (an act that should’ve been way more interesting than they wound up being) I’ll take a leftover from the recording sessions, especially when the folk is still this sharp.

Footloose Cannonball Brothers by Origami Angel

“If the shoe fits, no one's gonna blame you if you use it. But everybody knows it's not a secret, you're acting like you're sponsored by Adidas” Without a doubt one of the best lyrics of the year

Jupiter by Jenny Hval 

The second longest song on this list, and like a certain song we will eventually get to, its nearly 8 minute runtime breezes by fast that you won’t even notice.

Shelter Song by Iceage

There's something inspiring about Iceage through strained and tired vocals, still trying to find comfort, safety, and yeah, shelter amongst others in the midst of the neoliberal climate breakdown.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#50. I Said Yes by City Light Mosaic feat. Andrew-Andrew! and Murrumur

We’re starting off with a song that I know a number of people have difficulty getting into. Not surprising, noisy industrial isn’t really an accessible genre but as someone who does enjoy industrial quite a bit, there’s more to this song than just harsh noise and distortion. The darkwave synths, the slow build of the song that shows genuine hatred and venom, the progression and instrumental changes adding more elements of techno and drum and bass, including a guitar solo. Again, I understand it's not for everyone but for angry, spiteful, industrial, there wasn't a better single than this in 2021,

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}
Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#49. Who Want Smoke?? by Nardo Wick feat. Lil Durk, 21 Savage and G Herbo



This crept up on me but man was this a fantastic surprise. Dark, grimy as hell, trap with a really good and most of all, credible dangerous edge. Almost everyone brings their A-game here with both cold bars - Durk and Herbo have the best verses in my opinion, but the song still has a sense of humor so it isn’t overly serious. I mean I’m not gonna act like I didn’t laugh at “I think my Draco might be gay (why?) 'Cause he blowin' n****” or how Wick and 21 used knocking sounds in their verses. I don’t think Nardo Wick will be able to capture lightning in a bottle like this again but for the moment it was, what a knockdown.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}
Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#48. Black Rum by Cake Pop, Dylan Brady, Ravenna Golden and Lewis Grant


You can throw a lot of shade of hyperpop all you want but one thing you can’t diss these acts about is that they have a magic touch when it comes to making an earworm. And no matter how intentionally obnoxious it all is, this was one of my most replayed tracks of the year. And with how stick synth, central hook, and the autotuned vocals all are, when it's this much fun, sometimes a good dose of annoying energy is needed.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#47. Scavengers by Thrice

This was the first real song I'd ever heard from Thrice and talk about a great first impression. Dustin Kensrue’s tired but not oversold vocals, the gothic and fantastical worldbuilding of the lyrics that much like Iceage's Shelter Song is all about finding solace and comfort in a dark, desolate world. Although ironically despite the more otherworldly vibe, it's a lot more cold and unsure, almost as if even the narrator is unsure if having someone hold their hand as they face the darkness of the world will provide much comfort. It's an amazing intro and lead-off single and as someone who's late to the party when it comes to this band, can't be more glad to be finally along for the journey.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#46. Best Friend by Saweetie feat. Doja Cat

I said before that this year is mostly driven by what songs I’ve come back to and replayed more than “objective quality”. So while I’ve tried to strike more of a balance this year, with songs as simple, catchy, and quotable as this, all I really need to say is that it bangs. Oh and the music video's awesome: we all need a best friend that'll let you stand on their ass while buy handbags.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#45. New Shapes by Charli XCX feat. Christine & the Queens and Caroline Polachek

Gonna be honest, surprised this shrunk on me since I first heard. It’s still phenomenal but it isn’t really up to par with the more tightly written and progressive songs of either three women. Still a fun 80s throwback with a great groove, catchy singing. It also ended up as my favorite collab between Charli and Caroline, with the latter providing my favorite part with that beautiful bridge. CRASH is looking to be one of the most hyped albums of 2022 and I hope that this is a good sign the hype will be worth it.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#44. Exposure by Shelley (FKA DRAM)

So I was not on board with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s mostly because while I think it’s a competent throwback, like past Bruno Mars works, it never really rises above a good imitation of that classic soul sound. But if you want an artist I think actually does this throwback style much better and more convincingly, I put you to Shelley formerly known to us as D.R.A.M. (Yes, Broccoli D.R.A.M.). Shelley’s always been a charismatic performer with great voice and for his rebrand, he's upped the buttery smoothness of his persona and it's more than sexy. And what I particularly love is that it's not simply loving over someone, it's mutual bond and connection he wants. Simple but when it's as earnest, sweet, and charming as this, it's really works. I really hope Shelley gets more love and attention in the future and with R&B making a comeback, both with contemporary and an old-school sound, he'd fit right in. He's just too good to be ignored.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#43. Wilder Days by Morgan Wade

Country has had an up & down year compared to 2020 - especially in the mainstream but there were still good country acts delivering good country music if there was a breakout act this year, it was Morgan Wade. She just has a great subtle raspy twang and the simply lyrics capturing the bittersweetness in getting to know a person and longing for who they used to be: more young, full of vibrant life, maybe the love would be happier...but she also just wants someone to hold her right now and sometimes, they'll do. It's complicated, patchwork, and rough - maybe even unfair in an immature point of view, but Morgan makes it work and if there's some slim justice in the country industry, it's that she gets more attention commercially and critically.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#42. Lagoon by Horsey

This is without a doubt one of the happiest and upbeat songs of drug addiction I’ve ever heard since Third Eye Blind’s Semi-Charmed Life. And like that song, the power of this comes from how jaunty and some of the prog mixed with art punk experimentation. Theo McCabe's smooth almost lounge singing crooning that can still handle some of the howling, the piano composition, there's even 80s ballad interlude transitioning to a pretty cool guitar note, and yet there is still an appropriate amount of darkness given the subject matter. And while some people might think it's disrespectful to take this approach to something as morbid as drug dependency, there's a lingering sense that this comes from a real place and it's not simply taking the piss out of an awful scenario. Either way, it's a lot of fun, highly recommend it.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#41. Buckingham by WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA

It’s odd that a song that’s just naming various places (based on the translations) can be this much of a jam and this much of an earworm but here we are. I'll be honest I'm still not familiar with much of WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA but this more than makes me want to check more of her out. The naming of locations might just come across as a gimmick or non-sense word salad. It reminds me a lot of chelmico's work last year, but whereas there the travelling was more driven by anxiety, this is surges more on a sense of wonder and adventure for love. And couple that with one of the best electronic drops this year. It's just a really fun electropop song, bouncy and vibrant and really does make me miss the beauty of the outside world.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[GP]

Your YE list was one of the most interesting to follow last year, so I'll be paying close attention this year too!

[dremolus - solarpunk]

Okay let's continue with the list!

Honorable Mentions Round 2:

Speak with the Dead by Foxing

One of the best slow burns this year and a great example, every time the horns and drums kick in it's entrancing and the final hook is an amazing crescendo.

Posing in Bondage by Japanese Breakfast

I’ve made it no secret I haven’t been into Michelle Zauner’s indie pop side as opposed to her indie rock debut but I can also admit when she makes a great indie pop song.

The Slow Parts on Death Metal Albums by The Mountain Goats

I guess this is the closest we’ll get to a death metal song on these lists

BABY TEETH by Alice Glass

One of my favorite Alice Glass songs in a while, I'm really excited for a full Alice album in 2022.

A Song About Fishing by Genesis Owusu

Just one of the best reassuring tracks of the year and my favorite Genesis Owusu track, psychedelic fishing doesn't get better than this.

Perpetual by DV-i

So can we get more ambient synthpop songs in general?

Yoga by bbno$ feat. Rebecca Black

bbno$ is so cool

Bouncin by Tinashe

I like the way she bounces.

Like I Used To by Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen

One of the most critically acclaimed songs of the year is sadly only an honorable mention for me. Blasphemy to some I imagine, but again, replayability is a big factor for songs ranking high and I didn't really come back to this song as much as I would've wanted. Still I hope this shows that a song this could only being an honorable mention can help show how stacked this year really was in terms of quality.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#40. Need to Know by Doja Cat

The best of Doja’s hit songs and I won’t hear any debate. Finally her label allows to show her unique personality that’s slowly being sanded ever since her breakthrough Hot Pink, she's allowed to be more than just another female rapper who can also sing. She showcases that same raunchy and funny energy that made me fall in love with her in the first place and with tighter production, some of the best on Planet Her, but also shows how far her singing has come - her hook game has gotten stronger. It's a best of both worlds and with how many TikTok hits spawned from Planet Her, I hope it's a sign to her label that they should just get out of the way and let Miss Amala do what she does best.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[Darkest Hour]

Wrong Youtube link, fyi

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#39. ANTONYMPH by Vylet Pony


Among the many surprises I had this year, a song making my top 50 about brony and internet meme culture played mostly serious, legitimately being one of the best pop songs of the year is not what I would've expected. And yet I think it goes beyond the cheap charm of a novelty song because there is a sincere emotional core to finding acceptance in the niche things you like and that shouldn’t be something to be ashamed about. It’s all part of life and identity, why degrade it when we could celebrate it. It reminds me a lot of Bo Burnham's work actually: finding a true emotional center of introversion to resonate beyond the internet and all the memes. Cynical nihilism and doomerism is overrated so why be ashamed of liking quirky internet shit? It's not worth shrinking your happiness just to admit you like something less cool.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#38. Thot Shit by Megan Thee Stallion

At this point, I feel like the whole “Megan just raps about money, sex, and being a bad bitch” feels. Sure it’s like that on the surface but as big movie and TV blockbusters have shown, there’s still an art to making commercial, mainstream art and just on a technical level, Megan walks over most rappers in the mainstream before and after. The construction of her punchlines, the ability to switch flows effortlessly, balancing comedy and confidence, having buckets of charisma. And couple the song with the best music video of the year, I mean fuck, what else do I say besides it being good shit?

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[Darkest Hour]

Jan 3, 2022 7:53:34 GMT -5 Darkest Hour said:

Wrong Youtube link, fyi

Still has a wrong Youtube link, lol

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#37. Headspace by Charli Adams feat. Ruston Kelly

Very few songs were as relatable for me personally for this song. A tragic duet where both Charli Adams and Ruston Kelly play desperate people, clinging onto each other for the attempt, in the mindsight they could change and “save” their partner, they’re the ones to escape the world together, even if it’s just for the night…only for both of them to realize it was for naught as addiction, depression, and their own insecurities only end up in both of them spirling down and stewing even more. They weren’t the exception or the one to break the spell and they both have to live with that. It’s a rather brutal song, one of a gut punch that still stings but one that wouldn’t have worked if they pulled

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#36. HULA HOOP by LOONA

It’s been a rough year of k-pop girl groups not gonna lie, with many bands in legal limbo or disbanding with the end of their contracts. But with a lot of new girl groups debuting, forming, or set to debut in 2022, LOONA perhaps ending their career on one of their best ever songs was a great note to end on. And it’s not a particularly complex song either: but one that highlights why they were one of my favorite girl groups. Fun vibrant and poppy harmonies, a great disco groove and beat, and one hell of an infectious hook, one of the best in k-pop this year. It’s pure sugary bubblegum but in the best way possible and whether or not LOONA survives in the years to come or this really is this end, couldn’t ask for a better song to end this chapter of LOONA on.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

Jan 3, 2022 8:15:54 GMT -5 Darkest Hour said:

Jan 3, 2022 7:53:34 GMT -5 Darkest Hour said:

Wrong Youtube link, fyi

Still has a wrong Youtube link, lol

If it's seriously still showing the wrong link, I seriously do not know what to do at this point because I've edited them multiple times now and it's showing up correct for me but Pulse glitches sometimes when it comes to video links.

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#35. Male Fantasy by Billie Eilish

It’ll be interesting to see the public reception of Billie Eilish. Beyond the underperformance of her sophomore, I’m more interested in how the public views her and whether she’ll be pigeon holed into the image of an “edgy act” or whether they do acknowledge her strengths as a performer and writer. And interestingly, it’s an interest she also has as it’s the main theme of Happier Than Ever. 

Fitting then that an album about expectations towards women also ends with one about porn actresses and about porn itself. A lesser talent might make this cringey and simply an anti-porn sentiment but what I love is how it centers about the conceit of a male fantasy that even then won’t end up being satisfying, and it’s ultimately one she wants to escape turning into, especially as she’s still struggling over her own expectations of others that are just as unrealistic. It’s a great track that shows Billie being one of the smartest songwriters in the mainstream right now and hopefully despite the underperformance of her recent material, she isn’t done in the mainstream just yet.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#34. Track X by Black Country, New Road


Black Country New Road has been the breakout act this year. Both everything related to their debut and the teaser tracks to their sophomore dropping in 2022 have been great. And while Chaos Space Marine is a great fun track, I went with my favorite track from their debut. It’s a simple, understated, quiet love songs filled with all little details from attending and professing your love at a black midi concert of all things, to suicidal tendencies saved by your friends. And yet what I love is that the details are never done point of overselling either; it's all kept small and personal. Combine it with the subtle instrumental touches - from the bits of horns and strings to the beautiful cooing on the hook and how there’s no great big crescendo, it truly does capture honest, simple, domestic love in the best way. I really can't wait for their sophomore in 2022.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#33. Boys at School by SPELLLING

There’s very few non-metal songs this year I’d call epic but this without a doubt is one of those songs. At 7:27, it’s a bombastic, even melodramatic tale cataloging her adolescent time in school and the slow changes her body is experiencing as she grows to be a woman. Like with Foxing, it's all in the slow burn and the build-up to the crescendo and along the way Chrystia "Tia" Cabral’s thin nasal but ethereal voice remains captivating throughout and shows why she's worthy of the Kate Bush comparisons. Meanwhile the progression of synths and piano, the way the drums come in, and that peak with one of the best guitar solos this year, there's few better ways to describe beyond magical or mystical. It's alien and strange but still speaks to an intimate truth. And now with her critical breakthrough and all eyes on her, we have to wonder if she'll able to leave a legacy similar to Kate Bush.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#32. Hot N Heavy by Jessie Ware

There's very few songs in R&B or pop this year I can comfortably were as sexy as this one. And I don't mean purely in a sensual cooing way either, I mean an adult, mature eroticism way that's alluring, captivating., and most of all: fun! It's not something that comes easy for most and yet for Jessie to make it sound so easy is a testament to how far she's grown as a performer. Couple that with a great disco beat and one of her best hooks of her career, it's nice to see Jessie showing What's Your Pleasure wasn't a fluke.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[dremolus - solarpunk]

#31. Woodstock by Chelsea Wolfe


Chelsea Wolfe definitely had a busy year. Outside of collabing with Converge for a great gothic metal album, she also released her own solo material and out of all the song she put out this year, this was my favorite. A beautiful gothic ballad where Chelsea Wolfe sounds beautiful in a phantom kind of way way. Ghostly but still captivating and alluring. so much so that you won’t even realize the lyrics about fame and while the idea of fame being this dark evil thing, has been a played out concept for years, Chelsea finds a way to make it sound unique. The line "we are stardust" never felt so foreboding but also still tempting, it rings as a bit of a Lana Del Rey song, only it's better than anything Lana released this year! It's simple and beautiful and I'm excited for whatever Chelsea has in store next.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Friends}Mayman HamedM1 💔  ramona wants sleep rekwiem razorshark  Daryl the Beryl  willapted33  GP  Choco  Crimsonio  rom  samo🦕  peacebone  wheatsquares33  bornfearless2000  fearlessarrow  filthy  Leaf  lyhom  Web  Nick P  wrip  rimetm  BB🌕  kimberly  kindofbiased  MoD  otaviohmg  trilogy  Sambalada  Rose "Payola" Nylund  singingrulebritannia  violentdreams  walt91  𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤  Ｓｏｕｎｄｃｌ🕤ｃｋ  Darkest Hour

[𝕡𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕓𝕤]

Last year I found new bops through this list, and I have again this year (“headspace” is my fave at the moment). Your recs always eat, thank you for the list

[sadchild]

I'll have to check out Paris T, Paris J and Mountain Goats.

I wonder if Desperate Journalist named themselves after the Cure song:

Recorded during a John Peel session in 1979, “Desperate Journalist” is a later version of "Grinding Halt" with lyrics reworked to take the piss out of NME journalist Paul Morley’s infamously negative review of their debut album Three Imaginary Boys.

[sadchild]

Jan 1, 2022 8:10:14 GMT -5 dremolus - solarpunk said:

his was the first real song I'd ever heard from Thrice and talk about a great first impression

Be sure to check out "Black Honey" from 2016. Some would call it their best song.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9GTEsNf_GU