Any single, be it a radio, promotional or video release.
Released during the calendar year of 2021, or those released during 2020 that reached either its chart peak or greatest visibility in 2021.
Limit of one proper single per artist, though an artist can appear multiple times if they were on a feature or collaboration with another artist.
25) Lake Street Dive- “Hypotheticals”
What a fantastically durable and delicious bop this one turned out to be, and proved to also be my ultimate gateway single to a newly discovered act that I’d been missing out on. Rachael Price’s silky smooth vocals, the band’s red-hot musicianship, and the surrounding kaleidoscope of R&B, pop and funk arrangements positively radiate from the speakers, with not one second of playing time without contagious purpose. This record is a like a bright-shining beam of shimmering sunlight across the modern pop landscape.
24) Chris Stapleton- “You Should Probably Leave”
It’s far-beyond cliche at this point, but Chris Stapleton remains the lead flag-bearer for quality musicianship in the mainstream country world. That monicker should certainly not be confused or limited to labeling him as a new traditionalist, because he certainly isn’t. As proven on this slow-burn sizzler, his powerhouse twang is just as convincing delivering bluesy pop as it is rugged honky-tonk or rootsy Southern Rock. We all know he can wail for the heavens, but it’s the pensive rumination that he lends to this conflict between a mind’s logic and a body’s desire that gives it such intoxicating power, with the smooth guitar solo serving as the final clinch-pin. This isn’t his best single by any stretch, but it’s arguably his most irresistible.
23) The Wallflowers- “Roots & Wings”
Jakob Dylan and company may make us wait excruciatingly in between releases, but when they do finally return to the scene, it’s consistently with material that is well worth the wait. “Roots & Wings” immediately captures the listener with generous helpings of all of the band’s long-standing signatures: Dylan’s pairing of his gravelly soul-tinged voice with sharp and incisive lyrical musings bolstered by big, crisp roots rock arrangements that joyously twang and jangle at every possible turn. It’s infectious and inspiring all the same, and potently grabs you in the very same way that “One Headlight” did a quarter-century ago. “Roots & Wings” deserves to have the same longevity afforded it in the decades ahead.
22) Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde- “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
These two razor-sharp performers continue to remind us that women as an artistic force in the Music City mainstream doesn’t need to just be a hallmark of the past. So many modern cheating songs about a two-timing husband dovetail quickly into fiery revenge anthems. And, hey I love me some “Your Husband’s Cheating On Us” or “Two Black Cadillacs”, but there’s something equally captivating and moving about a more intimately raw and simple excavation of such an affair. Pearce and McBryde bring their characters to life with such grit, grace, and haunting humanity and realism, without a single caricature or melodramatic moment to be found. Their chemistry together is the ultimate storyteller here, and together they achieve an undeniable future classic.
21) Allison Russell- “Nightflyer”
What an absolutely stunning single and vocal showcase to launch the solo portion of Allison Russell’s remarkable catalog. Her delivery is impeccable; equally soaring and nuanced all at once and the manner in which it methodically and gorgeous simmers and builds throughout the performance is passionate and alluring. Meanwhile, the poetic beauty of the lyrics themselves are equally inspired and empowering. With “Nightflyer” and the album surrounding it, Russell has emphatically proclaimed herself as a bona fide American music treasure, one worthy of rubbing shoulders with the soul and folk giants of the past as much as she is with the Americana mavericks of today.
20) Robert Plant and Alison Krauss- “Can’t Let Go”
The thrilling reunion that we had resigned ourselves to accepting would never happen is one of the most rewarding musical gifts that 2021 had to bestow upon us. Just one joyride through this muddy-river interpretation of the Randy Weeks classic that Lucinda Williams helped transform into an alt-country standard two decades ago, and it’s immediately evident that this pairing has lost none of the angelic, orgasmic, trippy wonders that their voices create together. This record is a captivating roots rock dynamo and dare I say, may have earned its right as the new definitive version of a towering latter day classic.
19) Amythyst Kiah- “Black Myself”
From the instant this record kicks off, it absolutely reaches from the player, grabs you by the neck and ruthlessly commands your attention. And it undoubtedly earns it for the next three minutes it plays. Amythyst Kiah’s roaring vocal performance is a certified force of magnetic proportions and “Black Myself” is more than just a proud calling card and declaration of her own identity, it’s an anthem for both her fellow African-Americans that have had to endure the same experience of discrimination, but also for any other human being that’s ever been marginalized, mistreated and discarded for being their own unique selves. It’s electrifying to listen to, but more importantly, it’s provoking, devastating and ultimately rousing to understand and reflect upon.
18) Maggie Rose- “What Are We Fighting For”
A soul-stirring and endlessly timely coming out party for Maggie Rose, as the former country upstart gorgeously stakes her claim as a modern soul sensation, and a deeply thoughtful scribe to boot. Our society has been so divided for so long, that it seems almost impossible to imagine a time when it wasn’t so dangerously tumultuous. The sentiments that Rose raises here may seem rote on paper, but her hair-raising delivery wrenches out every bubbling bit of intensity and conflict, all the while exposing just how senseless our quest to disagree is, and just how much we need each other and our differences to persevere in building a better world around us. It’s a vibrant and visceral moment of music.
17) Adele- “Easy On Me”
The highly anticipated return of one of modern music’s most iconic figures is without question one of the year’s most pivotal and powerful moments. The sheer impact of “Easy On Me” may have been somewhat slighted by the fact that we already knew just how purely beautiful and larger-than-life an Adele performance is. If this had been her debut single, it would have instantly earned its spot as a definitive standard. As the centerpiece of her fourth album, it’s instead merely relegated as yet another reminder of what a singular talent the woman really is. Her recent divorce however serves to add a slightly new layer of vulnerability and perspective that past golden moments just didn’t have the life experience to tap into. It’s a sterling performance in every way.
16) Twenty One Pilots- “Saturday”
Nobody’s going to confuse “Saturday” as T1Ps’ deepest single, even in this current album cycle. But there is no denying that it’s the most infectious weekend anthem that’s been delivered in popular music in sometime, and that’s ultimately what edged out stand out predecessors “Shy Away” and “Choker” for me on this retrospective. Every year just needs some definitive, straight-up bangers and that’s precisely what “Saturday” is. The band levels up their ability to craft catchy pop-hearted fare, without losing sight of the dynamic alternative quirks that have made them one of this era’s most galvanizing and creative acts.
15) Lil Nas X- “Sun Goes Down”
The long-awaited arrival of Lil Nas X’s seemingly forever gestating LP debut, Montero only solidified the musical chameleon’s reputation for crafting some of the most sonically adventurous modern hits with tracks like the notorious title track or the pop-rap smash “Industry Baby”. But his most pivotal release of the year will forever be this understated, soul-baring piece. Sung as a conversation between him and his teenage self, it’s a harrowing reflection of the pain, uncertainty and ultimate triumph that defines the story of a young homosexual coming to terms with his identity. It’s a potentially life-saving piece if heard by one in the darkest stages of that journey, with its lyrical specificity ringing devastatingly true. Yet, it’s likewise a universal message that could be equally as inspiring and powerful to anyone staring down a heavy life-challenge that seems impossible to vanquish.
14) Valerie June featuring Carla Thomas- “Call Me A Fool”
The very definition of soul-stirring. The crown jewel of Valerie June’s sensational sixth album, “Call Me A Fool” further escalates her reputation as one of the planet’s most unique and powerful vocal stylists. Like all the most magnetic soul singers, June’s vocals are at once graceful and gritty; gutsy and expansive. Her range, both technically and emotionally, is on grand display here and takes the listener on a glorious trip through rapturous explosion of modern roots spirit and classic soul style. When the vocal blend of June’s and one of the OG Memphis soul queens, Carla Thomas reaches its thunderous climax, it creates a musical moment as sublime as anything from either singer’s generation.
13) Leah Blevins- “First Time Feeling”
Sweet Lord, did I fall hard for this track and singer behind it this past year. This alt-country darling’s debut performance is one of the most jubilant bows of the past decade, boasting some of the most sumptuous phrasing and glowing country twang to come out of a latter-day studio. Her joyous delivery perfectly captures all of the thrilling, anticipatory happiness that defines the early courtship of a definitive romance, as well as the hungry yet ill-fated challenges of trying to duplicate it once that initial honeymoon stage fades in the rear-view. “First Time Feeling” is infectiously bittersweet in every possible way.
12) Bleachers featuring Bruce Springsteen- “Chinatown”
The legendary Boss makes his second appearance on our countdown, joining yet another current rock band that used their latest album to faithfully tap into some of the man’s most dynamic musical touchstones. “Chinatown” perfectly captures that tone of youthful longing and bittersweet nostalgia that so gloriously defined Springsteen’s most iconic moments on record. Perhaps what’s most rewarding however is that Bleachers leader and pop-rock mastermind Jack Antonoff and his boys accomplish this by naturally blend those influences into their existing, signature sound rather than opting for a pandering recreation of a wheel that they’d never be able to fully duplicate. Bruce himself returns the favor by once again demonstrating his revered range of a performer as he graciously and naturally envelopes the role as an additional Bleacher, when he could have easily asserted his identity as one of rock & roll’s preeminent icons.
11) The Weeknd featuring Ariana Grande- “Save Your Tears”
An already undeniable pop smash is elevated even further by way of a grand-slam collaborative addition. Separately, Abel Tesfaye and Ariana Grande already represented two of current pop and R&B’s most singularly dynamic vocalists, so it came as no surprise that their vocal union elicited loads of sonic fireworks. Plenty of pop’s biggest duets get by however solely on the marquee value of the pairing itself. “Save Your Tears” is no such offender. The composition and production are stunning in their own right. It may be a moody and bittersweet affair, but the sonic magic of this record gives listeners nothing but tears of joy.
10) Brothers Osborne- “Younger Me”
Released in the wake of TJ Osborne’s coming out as a gay man, still an uneasy notion in 2020s country music, “Younger Me” is unsurprisingly the most reflective, pop-tinged and philosophical release of an already impressive career that heretofore has been built upon sweaty, brooding country-rock anthems. It’s also their absolute best moment on record to date; an unquestionable artistic game-changer and worthy of signature status. You can hear the liberating release and pride living inside every single line and vocal that Osborne delivers here, and you’d have to be heartless to feel joy for a man who has so positively come to terms with himself. What I love even more about the song however is its additional emotional pillar that dispels the notion that our happiness and quality of life peaks in our most formative years: “Youth ain’t wasted on the young/These trips around the sun/I needed every one/To get where I’m going now.” It’s my single most cherished lyric from all of 2021.
9) Dua Lipa- “Levitating”
No other pop ear worm was as difficult an auditory drug to shake, or as aptly titled, as Dua Lipa’s “Levitating”. I’m still not sure I’ve come down yet from the euphoric heights reached during the countless spins I deliriously granted this track throughout the year. Seriously, what would pop lovers have done during the doldrums of the last two years without Lipa and the endless volcano of gigantic pop moments that Future Nostalgia provided? Every single has been a plum-perfect pop masterpiece, with their escapist magnetism only further heightened by the times they were released in. But in my book, “Levitating” will ultimately reign as the very best of an alarmingly impressive batch.
8) Taylor Swift featuring HAIM- “No Body, No Crime”
A fabulously spooky Southern Gothic detour for popular music’s most lucrative star that’s destined to live on as one of her very best, and most under-appreciated, singles. Swift’s striking gifts as a musical storyteller, deeply rooted in the country and folk of her chart past, are on deliciously dramatic display here. Every lyric, turn of phrase, production choice, and pivotal plot point is presented with the utmost precision and purpose, with the ultimate cherry being the ghostly, cold-sweat backing harmonies from the superlative alt-rockers, HAIM. Plain and simple: musical murder hasn’t sounded this damn good in quite some time.
7) Eric Church- “Heart on Fire”
Eric Church has long been christened, and deservedly so, as today’s most prominent purveyor of the adored Heartland Rock sound of the late 70s and 80s. And yet, “Heart on Fire”, the electrifying smash from Church’s ambitious 2021 triple album, feels like the first full-blown culmination of that coronation, and consequently ranks as one of the most satisfying moments of his excellent career to date. The very best elements of landmark records like Lonesome Jubilee, Born in the USA, Full Moon Fever and Night Moves are all prevalent and proudly represented. But true to Church’s now staggering artistic resume, “Fire” is wholly original and unique to his signature melting pot sound, with his own brand of honky-rock never once settling to be a sideshow. It upholds all the very best elements of a classic rock & roll anthem: endless amounts of energy and adrenaline, solely suited for maximum volume, and perfectly paired with a blasting car stereo and the windows rolled down.
6) Silk Sonic- “Leave the Door Open”
This instant classic announced the reemergence of Bruno Mars and an insatiable neo-soul supergroup with suave rapper Anderson .Paak that proved to be one of the year’s most splendidly rewarding surprises. “Leave the Door Open” is faithfully vintage to its 70s R&B roots, but also flourishes based on the equally smooth components that have made both Mars and Paak two of today’s most reliable musical noisemakers. The earnestly passionate vocals easily rank among one of Mars’ finest moments, and builds marvelously throughout by riding a wave of entertaining lyrics and vocal interplay from Paak and his irrepressible personality. Fewer singles demanded and deserved as many repeat spins this year as this slice of pop gold.
5) Weezer- “All My Favorite Songs”
Weezer’s sly and stylish segue into orchestral, chamber rock was the year’s first truly revelatory music moment and it remained one of its most enduring as the rest of the calendar progressed. Rivers Cuomo’s classically idiosyncratic vocals are absolutely bathed in lush strings, exalted horns and charming piano strokes, yet the proceedings never falter from the fabled band’s quirky sense of humor or entertaining pop sensibilities. It’s artful but also incredibly accessible, and it’s that challenging balance that keeps the track in the stratosphere for the duration. Cuomo and company are ever-committed to the intentions of their art, but also never take it too seriously, and that’s really been the secret to their quarter-century of longevity. “Songs” recalls many of the great art-rock moments of the late 60s and early 70s in all the very best ways.
4) Mickey Guyton- “Black Like Me”
The pinnacle moment of Mickey Gutyon’s long, arduous climb to stake her claim as one of the most promising young voices of her generation, radio sexism and Music City bigotry be damned. It’s a gorgeously graceful and bold performance, with Guyton’s pure and soulful pipes serving as a stunning vessel and reminder that the plight of black Americans is undoubtedly alive and well. The verses ripple with intimate details of her own upbringing before bursting into a stirring, gospel-tinged chorus that serves as a battle cry for each and every individual facing racial injustice. When her plaintive wail reaches that final crescendo at the song’s climax, you can’t help but feel both her pain and pride coursing through your own veins. There will hopefully come a day where “Black Like Me” serves as a documentary of a race problem long since vanquished; but until then it stands tall as one of the modern era’s most gripping and sadly, all-too-current civil rights anthems.
3) Brandi Carlile- “Right On Time”
The unstoppable artistic beacon of that beautiful cross-section between country, rock, folk and Americana reached yet another new level of greatness with the release of her seventh album’s first single. She leans full-tilt into her classic rock roots here, both via the colorful Bowie visuals and the mesmerizing Elton John-esque piano-rock trappings. Just when you think you’ve bared witness to all of the awesome majesty of Brandi Carlile’s music, she demonstrates that she hasn’t even begun to reveal the range of both her physical and compositional voice. This is a hair-raising performance, a soaring ballad rife with brutal honesty, vulnerability and reflection; all of the elegantly complicated emotions and qualities that lovers battle with as a relationship reaches its most pivotal breaking point. It’s one of those instantly definitive records that feels like it’s been with us forever; and thanks to Carlile’s compelling artistic gifts and flawless delivery, it will be.
2) Foo Fighters- “Waiting on a War”
For the better part of three decades, Foo Fighters have built one of modern rock’s most expansive catalogs. Few artists or bands of this era have been able to come close to touching the same scope of sound, subject matter and creative diversity. Bold a statement as it may be, “Waiting on a War” stands as perhaps the band’s most poignant and reflective moment on record to date. It spotlights Dave Grohl’s anxious sense of impending doom in today’s disastrous social and political climate, and how it sadly correlates to the tumultuous world he remembers growing up in as a youth as well. Have we really regressed that far? Or even more frightening, progressed so little? Is this the world we’re willing to leave for our children? All of these uncomfortable questions are given the space to breathe on the very surface of the record thanks to an acoustic soundscape, before all of the tense anxiety of the subject raucously explodes into a classic Foo Fighters breakdown at the song’s finale. It’s a nervy musical template perfectly suited to illustrate the emotions of its story. One of the year’s most thoughtful and important singles.
1) Yola- “Starlight”
What a dazzling tour-de-force this performance is. Exquisitely produced and performed, it’s a fully-realized record wholly emblematic of all the melting pot influences that colored Yola’s debut album three years ago, and immediately foreshadowed her to be a cross-genre powerhouse of enormous sonic and artistic proportions. This track positively radiates with vibrant dashes of soul, pop, funk, country, gospel and rock, with the singer’s peerlessly expressive pipes serving as the solitary thread weaving all the fabulous elements together to create one seamless sound of beauty and passion. It’s criminal that Yola is not yet a household name on the same level as Adele or Beyonce, because her first two albums alone speak to that greatness. Continued performances like this all but guarantee that she one day will be. 2021 was overflowing with excellent material, but no single consistently and completely captivated my senses like “Starlight”. Don’t go another moment depriving yourself of its glory. It’s an impeccable achievement, and another building block in what promises to be a towering career.
Return to: Part I
The 706 