You’ll Want to Put These 55 New Songs on Your Radar if They Aren’t Already
This year’s music selection is SUBLIME.
If there’s one constant we can rely on in life, it’s new music. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, our fave musical artists have continued to deliver (bless their hearts), and while 2020 had some major hits, 2021 miiiight just have it beat. Now that we’re super close to being done with 2021 (um, could someone explain how that's possible pls?), it seems like a good time to review the best songs of 2021 so far, including all the summer bops, love ballads, and rap jams that made this year so awesome...many of which were accompanied by the best music videos of the year.
This year, in review: Lil Nas X broke the internet with his debut record, Billie Eilish dropped her highly-anticipated second album, and a ton of celebs gave us collabs that we never even knew we needed. (Elton John and Dua Lipa?? LIVING for this duo.) 2021 had other bright spots, too, 'cause festivals are back, and new concerts and tours are being announced every. single. day. Life may not totally be back to normal just yet, but 2021 has still been a fab year for music, and here are the songs that have given us life this year.
"Easy On Me," by Adele
After a veryyyy long wait, Adele finally blessed our ears with "Easy On Me," the first single from her forthcoming album 30, and unsurprisingly, it's devastating in the best kinda way—just see how the internet reacted to it.
"Bad Habits," by Ed Sheeran
As the lead single of Ed Sheeran's upcoming fifth studio album, "Bad Habits" promises some v good things to come. It's a total bop, and the creepy music video is truly next-level.
"Good Ones," by Charli XCX
Charli's vanilla pop era is coming, and we are SO here for it. Sadly, her fifth album won't be here until 2022, but this fun tune will def keep us sated until then.
"Save Your Tears (Remix)," by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande
We didn't know we needed a remix of "Save Your Tears" until we heard it, because this latest collab between Ari and Abel is a true gem. More of this pls!!
"Stay," by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber
Australian rapper The Kid LAROI is having quite the year, and his catchy AF single with Justin (which is currently allll over TikTok) is his best work yet. (Side note: Have you heard TXT's cover of "Stay" yet? 'Cause it rocks.)
"Girlfriend," by Rebecca Black
Rebecca Black is back and better than ever. In "Girlfriend," she celebrates her queerness and comes to terms with her "Friday" past, and it's bubblegum pop at its best.
"Rumors" by Lizzo feat. Cardi B
Aside from giving us an I-C-O-N-I-C music video, "Rumors" is empowering as hell and ideal for dancing around in your kitchen with a glass of wine (or a whole bottle—no judgment here).
"Heartbreak Anniversary," by Giveon
Okay, so *technically* it was first released in 2020. However! "Heartbreak Anniversary" didn't start climbing the charts and gaining attention until 2021, so we think this sleeper hit deserves a spot here regardless.
"Have Mercy," by Chlöe
The debut solo single from Chlöe Bailey (who's one-half of the beloved sister duo Chloe x Halle) is all about owning your sexual power, and it's everythingggg. All hail Queen Chloë.
"Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)," by Elle King and Miranda Lambert
You don't have to be a country fan to love this wickedly fun duet, which was basically made for wild bachelorette party weekends and taking shots of tequila. Yeehaw!!
"Cold Heart (PNAU Remix," by Elton John and Dua Lipa
Elton John's new collaborative quarantine album The Lockdown Sessions is full of bangers, but the best one may just be his collab with pop queen Dua Lipa.
"Slow Clap" by Gwen Stefani feat. Saweetie
A v unexpected collab and a totally underrated bop, "Slow Clap" is sure to give you "Hollaback Girl" vibes—and yes, that is def a good thing. Clap your hands if you're excited for Gwen's upcoming album. 👏
"Be Sweet," by Japanese Breakfast
Japanese Breakfast released one of the best albums of 2021 with Jubilee, and if you haven't listened to "Be Sweet" yet, then you're seriously missing out.
"Reckless," by Madison Beer
Need a good cry? Just put on Madison Beer's "Reckless," which is the lead single from her forthcoming second studio album and the ideal song for singing (or at least attempting to sing) in the shower.
"Don't Be Shy," by Tiësto and Karol G
Karol G's first song in English (which was released as a single from Tiësto's upcoming album) def didn't disappoint, and if "Don't Be Shy" doesn't make you wanna hit the dance floor, then nothing will.
"This Is Heaven," by Nick Jonas
Spaceman was a bit of a departure for Nick Jonas (as well as his first solo album in five years), but it's oh-so-dreamy—especially his second single, "This Is Heaven." (You're a lucky woman, Priyanka.)
"You Right," by Doja Cat and The Weeknd
Doja Cat brought her A-game with Planet Her, and her second single from the album, "You Right," is absolute 🔥🔥🔥.
"Steal My Love," by Dan + Shay
Again, you don't have to be a country fan to appreciate the blissful bop that is "Steal My Love" from duo Dan + Shay. Feel-good music never felt so good.
"Don't Wait Up," by Shakira
"Don't Wait Up" is the first all-English single from Shakira in five years (!!), and if this banger doesn't get you pumped for her upcoming twelfth album, then you should probs give it another listen.
"Simple Times," by Kacey Musgraves
While Kacey Musgrave's post-divorce album Star-Crossed is truly 😭, "Simple Times" is a song that just about anyone can relate to...and hi, can we talk about the wild AF music video for a sec??
Inside Bad Bunny’s Sold-Out Mexico City Tour Stop
White Boys Are Making Music From the Garage Again
Presenting: The Best Albums of 2025
All 7 BTS Members Have Reunited—For Good!
