2021 was a year of incredible music, a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse genres and unforgettable sounds. But with so much released, finding the true gems can feel overwhelming. That's why we've delved into the archives, carefully considering the critics' choices and the public's passion, to present you with the definitive list of best songs 2021 Rolling Stone. This isn't just a ranking; it's a journey through a year defined by sonic innovation and emotional resonance. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado looking to rediscover forgotten favorites or a casual listener searching for your next obsession, this curated collection offers something for everyone. From chart-topping anthems to hidden indie treasures, we’ve captured the essence of 2021’s musical landscape, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane or, for those who missed it, a chance to experience a truly exceptional year in music. Prepare to be transported by the sounds that defined a generation.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Butter | BTS | 986M+ | |
| 2. STAY |
Justin Bieber The Kid LAROI | My World 2.0 | 928M+ |
| 3. Levitating | Dua Lipa | Future Nostalgia | 895M+ |
| 4. Blinding Lights | The Weeknd | After Hours | 849M+ |
| 5. Leave The Door Open |
Anderson .Paak Bruno Mars Silk Sonic | An Evening With Silk Sonic | 784M+ |
| 6. Peaches |
Justin Bieber Daniel Caesar Giveon | Justice | 753M+ |
| 7. Heat Waves | Glass Animals | 737M+ |
1. Butter
Smooth Vocals: BTS's buttery smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the infectious melody, creating an undeniably catchy hook that cemented its place in 2021's music landscape.
Catchy Melody: The irresistible rhythm and playful lyrics make "Butter" an instant earworm, perfectly capturing the breezy summer vibes of its release.
Global Impact: Its massive global success, dominating charts worldwide and setting new records, solidified "Butter" as a defining pop moment of 2021, a testament to BTS's unparalleled global reach.
2. STAY (My World 2.0)
Sound: STAY's blend of mellow trap beats and Bieber's emotive vocals created a uniquely textured soundscape that resonated deeply with listeners in 2021.
Emotional Impact: The song's raw vulnerability and themes of longing and heartbreak tapped into a widespread emotional resonance, making it instantly relatable.
Vocal Performance: The interplay between Bieber's soaring vocals and The Kid LAROI's distinctive rap style created a dynamic and memorable performance.
3. Levitating (Future Nostalgia - 2025)
Infectious Hook: Dua Lipa's instantly memorable vocal melody and the song's irresistible disco-infused beat are what made "Levitating" a global phenomenon in 2021.
Production Quality: The shimmering synths and precise production create a polished, yet undeniably fun listening experience, perfectly capturing the carefree energy of the era.
Enduring Appeal: Its blend of classic disco influences with a modern pop sensibility ensured "Levitating" transcended the typical "song of the summer" status, maintaining its popularity long after its release.
4. Blinding Lights (2019)
Synthwave Soundscape: The Weeknd masterfully blends 80s-inspired synth sounds with a modern pop sensibility, creating a retro-futuristic soundscape that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of 2021.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly recognizable melody and repetitive chorus burrowed into the brains of listeners and helped cement its place in popular culture.
Nostalgic Vibe: "Blinding Lights" evokes a feeling of longing and yearning, tapping into a widespread collective mood and contributing to its massive success that year.
5. Leave The Door Open (2021)
Smooth Vocals: Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars' effortless harmonies create an irresistible groove, showcasing their vocal prowess and undeniable chemistry.
70s Soul Revival: "Leave the Door Open" masterfully blends classic 70s soul influences with a contemporary production, making it a fresh yet nostalgic listening experience perfectly suited for Rolling Stone's best of 2021 list.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly catchy melody and playful lyrics ensure this track will stick with you long after you hear it, a testament to its quality and staying power in a year filled with hit songs.
6. Peaches (Justice)
Smooth Vocals: Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar, and Giveon's blend of vocal styles creates a luxuriously smooth and soulful soundscape, perfectly capturing the mellow vibe of a top 2021 track.
R&B Flavors: The song's undeniable R&B influence, with its laid-back groove and heartfelt lyrics, cemented its place among the year's most memorable releases.
Enduring Appeal: "Peaches" transcended the typical fleeting trends of 2021, showcasing a timeless quality that resonates even today, demonstrating its lasting impact on the music scene.
7. Heat Waves (Glass Animals - 2025)
Sound: Heat Waves' hazy, psychedelic soundscapes, built on layered synths and a hypnotic bassline, created a uniquely chill yet captivating atmosphere that resonated deeply with listeners in 2021.
Vocals: Dave Bayley's distinctive, subtly melancholic vocals perfectly complemented the song's dreamy texture, adding a layer of emotional depth that contributed to its widespread appeal.
Emotional Impact: The song's wistful lyrics about lost love and longing tapped into a universal feeling, making it incredibly relatable and fostering a strong emotional connection with its audience, solidifying its place among the best of the year.
8. Bad Habits (Ed Sheeran)
Catchy Melody: Ed Sheeran's "Bad Habits" boasts an undeniably catchy melody that burrowed its way into the collective consciousness in 2021, making it a staple on radio waves and playlists.
Production: The song's crisp, polished production, with its driving beat and layered synths, perfectly complemented Sheeran's vocals and cemented its place as a chart-topper.
Staying Power: Despite the rapid turnover of hits, "Bad Habits" maintained its presence throughout 2021, demonstrating its staying power and appeal to a broad audience.
9. positions (Positions - 2025)
Production: Ariana Grande's "positions" boasts a slick, minimalist R&B production that perfectly complements her vocals, creating a seductive and confident atmosphere that resonated throughout 2021.
Vocal Performance: Grande's vocal delivery is both sultry and powerful, showcasing her impressive range and control while maintaining an intimate feel; this intimacy helped the song connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Cultural Impact: The song's release and accompanying music video generated significant buzz, contributing to its success and making it a defining track of the year.
10. Montero
Production: Montero's instantly recognizable beat, a blend of trap and pop, is both catchy and surprisingly nuanced, showcasing Lil Nas X's growth as an artist beyond his breakout hit.
Vocal Performance: Lil Nas X delivers a confident and charismatic vocal performance, perfectly balancing bravado with vulnerability, a key element in its 2021 success.
Cultural Impact: The music video's bold visuals and LGBTQ+ themes generated significant conversation and cemented Montero's place as a defining pop culture moment of the year.
11drivers license
Olivia Rodrigo
2021
SOUR
12good 4 u
Olivia Rodrigo
2021
SOUR
13Mood
iann dior,24kGoldn
2020
El Dorado
14INDUSTRY BABY
Jack Harlow,Lil Nas X
2021
Stoney (Deluxe)
15Kiss Me More
Doja Cat,SZA
2021
Aquarius
16deja vu
Olivia Rodrigo
2021
SOUR
17Heartbreak Anniversary
Giveon
2020
18Astronaut In The Ocean
Masked Wolf
2019
The Woman In Me
19You Right
The Weeknd,Doja Cat
2021
20Up
Cardi B
2021
21Save Your Tears
The Weeknd,Ariana Grande
2020
thank u, next
22Calling My Phone
6LACK,Lil Tjay
2021
23Therefore I Am
Billie Eilish
2020
Happier Than Ever
24RAPSTAR
Polo G
2021
Hall of Fame
25Go Crazy
Young Thug,Chris Brown
2020
Slime & B
26Fancy Like
Walker Hayes
2021
Country Stuff The Album
27What You Know Bout Love
Pop Smoke
2020
Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon
28Without You
Miley Cyrus,The Kid LAROI
2021