2021 was a year of incredible music, a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse genres and unforgettable sounds. But amidst the flood of new releases, sifting through to find the best songs of all time 2021 can feel overwhelming. This isn't just about catchy tunes; it's about capturing the cultural zeitgeist, identifying the tracks that resonated deeply and defined a year. Whether you're a seasoned music aficionado looking to rediscover hidden gems or a casual listener seeking a soundtrack for your memories of 2021, this curated list is your essential guide. We've meticulously compiled a selection of tracks representing the pinnacle of musical achievement that year, considering critical acclaim, chart performance, and, most importantly, lasting impact. Prepare to revisit some favorites and discover new anthems as we delve into the definitive list of the best songs of all time 2021.
| 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. Peaches |
Justin Bieber Daniel Caesar Giveon | Justice | 753M+ |
| 6. Heat Waves | Glass Animals | 737M+ | |
| 7. Montero | Lil Nas X | 586M+ |
1. Butter (BTS)
Smooth Vocals: BTS's "Butter" boasts incredibly smooth and polished vocals, perfectly complementing its catchy melody and making it an undeniable earworm.
Infectious Groove: The song's irresistible rhythm and funky groove captivated listeners in 2021, solidifying its place as a dance-floor anthem.
Summery Vibe: "Butter" evokes a feeling of effortless cool, making it the perfect soundtrack for sunny days and memorable moments. Its breezy, upbeat nature contributed to its widespread appeal.
2. STAY (My World 2.0)
Unforgettable Melody: STAY's instantly catchy hook and melancholic melody cemented its place in 2021's musical landscape, making it instantly recognizable and deeply affecting.
Vocal Synergy: The blend of Justin Bieber's smooth vocals and The Kid LAROI's raw emotionality creates a powerful and unique dynamic that resonates deeply with listeners.
Enduring Emotional Impact: Its exploration of heartbreak and longing tapped into a universal feeling, solidifying its position as a defining song of its year and beyond.
3. Levitating (Dua Lipa - 2025)
Unforgettable Disco-Pop Vibe: Dua Lipa's "Levitating" captured 2021 with its infectious, four-on-the-floor beat and instantly catchy melody, solidifying its place as a dancefloor staple.
Effortless Vocals & Production: Lipa's smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the song's sleek production, creating a sophisticated yet undeniably fun listening experience that resonated deeply with listeners.
Enduring Appeal: The track's blend of retro influences and contemporary pop sensibilities ensured its staying power, making it a worthy addition to any "best of" list from the year.
4. Blinding Lights
Synth-Driven Nostalgia: Blinding Lights masterfully blends 80s synth-pop sounds with a modern, irresistible beat, making it a standout track of 2021.
The Weeknd's Vocal Prowess: Abel Tesfaye's distinctive vocals deliver a captivating performance, full of emotional depth and raw intensity that resonates deeply.
Enduring Pop Anthem: Its catchy melody and unforgettable chorus solidified Blinding Lights' place as a defining song of the year, a testament to its timeless appeal.
5. Peaches
Smooth R&B Vibes: Peaches masterfully blends Justin Bieber's pop sensibilities with the soulful vocals of Daniel Caesar and Giveon, creating a luxuriously smooth and irresistible R&B track that defined a moment in 2021.
Unforgettable Vocal Harmony: The interplay between the three distinct vocal styles is a highlight, creating layers of texture and emotion that elevate the song beyond the sum of its parts. This captivating blend makes it a standout amongst 2021's best.
Timeless Appeal: Its mellow yet captivating rhythm and undeniably catchy melody ensured Peaches transcended the trends of 2021, remaining a contemporary classic.
6. Heat Waves
Summer Anthem: Heat Waves' mellow yet infectious beat perfectly captured the laid-back vibe of summer 2021, making it an instant classic for warm weather listening.
Unforgettable Melody: The song's hypnotic vocal melody and layered instrumentation created an irresistibly catchy tune that stuck with listeners long after the song ended, solidifying its place in many "best of" lists.
Timeless Appeal: Despite its initial release, Heat Waves transcended its year of origin, becoming a perennial favorite that continues to resonate with listeners due to its relatable lyrics and enduring sonic charm.
7. Montero (Lil Nas X)
Groundbreaking Visuals: Montero's music video was a pop culture phenomenon in 2021, pushing boundaries and sparking widespread conversation.
Infectious Beat: The song's undeniable rhythm and catchy melody made it a radio staple and a guaranteed dance floor filler.
Bold and Unapologetic: Lil Nas X's fearless self-expression resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying its place as a defining anthem of the year.
8. Cold Heart (Elton John ft Dua Lipa ft PNAU)
A 2021 Masterpiece: Elton John and Dua Lipa's "Cold Heart" remixed by PNAU, seamlessly blends classic Elton with modern pop sensibilities, making it a truly timeless track.
Unforgettable Vocals: Dua Lipa's vocals intertwine perfectly with Elton John's iconic voice, creating a captivating and nostalgic soundscape that resonates with listeners from multiple generations.
Dancefloor Ready: PNAU's infectious remix infuses the song with a vibrant energy, making it a perfect addition to any 2021 best-of playlist and guaranteeing a memorable listening experience.
9. drivers license (SOUR)
Heartbreak Anthem: Olivia Rodrigo's "drivers license" resonated deeply with a generation grappling with the complexities of young love and loss, making it a defining track of 2021.
Unforgettable Vocals: Rodrigo's raw and emotionally charged vocals perfectly capture the vulnerability and pain of heartbreak, creating an unforgettable listening experience that solidified her status as a rising star.
Cultural Impact: Its relatable lyrics and viral success cemented "drivers license" as more than just a song; it became a cultural touchstone for a generation navigating heartbreak and self-discovery in the digital age.
10. good 4 u (Olivia Rodrigo)
Catchy Pop-Punk Anthem: Olivia Rodrigo's "good 4 u" perfectly captured the raw emotion of heartbreak with its infectious pop-punk energy, making it a standout track of 2021.
Unfiltered Emotion: Rodrigo's vocals convey a potent blend of anger, vulnerability, and defiance, resonating deeply with listeners who experienced similar feelings.
Cultural Impact: The song's relatable lyrics and powerful delivery made it a viral sensation, solidifying its place in the pop culture landscape of 2021.
11INDUSTRY BABY
Jack Harlow,Lil Nas X
2021
Stoney (Deluxe)
12Kiss Me More
Doja Cat,SZA
2021
Aquarius
13deja vu
Olivia Rodrigo
2021
SOUR
14Easy On Me
Adele
2021
21
15Happier Than Ever
Billie Eilish
2021
Happier Than Ever
16Shivers
Ed Sheeran
2021
17Love Again
Dua Lipa
2021
18My Universe
Coldplay,BTS
2021
A Rush of Blood to the Head
19Save Your Tears
The Weeknd,Ariana Grande
2020
thank u, next
20Wild Side
Cardi B,Normani
2021
21Take My Breath
The Weeknd
2021
22Fancy Like
Walker Hayes
2021
Country Stuff The Album
23Woman
Doja Cat
2022
Planet Her
24Way 2 Sexy
Drake,Young Thug,Future
2023
Certified Lover Boy
25Fortnight
Taylor Swift,Post Malone
2024
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT
26Need to Know
Doja Cat
2022
27Arcade
Duncan Laurence
2019
28Famous Friends
Kane Brown,Chris Young
2021
Famous Friends
29Beggin'
Måneskin
2017
Chosen