2021 was a great year for music, with many long-awaited albums dropping left and right, to new artists emerging on the scene. See which songs made our list of best pop songs to come out this year.

• 10. Driver's License - Olivia Rodrigo

  Olivia Rodrigo gave teens a new angsty idol to look up to, with her debut hit “Driver’s License.” The song encompasses a teenage girl pining over an ex who has since moved on from her.

• 9. Solar Power - Lorde

  Her first released song by her album of the same name, “Solar Power” showed us a Lorde we’ve never seen before. Singing about that infectious, flirtatious summer energy that takes hold of us all.

• 8. Without You - The Kid LAROI feat. Miley Cyrus

  Miley’s collaboration on LAROI’s track blends seamlessly with the teenager’s voice, even though the two each have their own signature croon. Miley’s addition brings a new maturity to the track.

• 7. Take My Breath - The Weeknd

  The Weeknd is continuing his ’80s sound, with “Take My Breath,” a disco, dance-pop, synth-pop, funk and synthwave track with elements of alternative rock and psychedelic pop.

• 6. Montero (Call Me By Your Name) - Lil Nas X

  Lil Nas X was met with lots of criticism this year, propelled by the music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” in which we see Lil Nas X twerk on Satan.

• 5. Woman Like Me - Adele

  This is what we’ve been WAITING FOR! This haunting, dark Adele in “Woman Like Me” is the perfect diss track to her ex, Simon Konecki. Adele delivers all her complaints in such a calm manner, it makes it all more powerful.

• 4. Get Into It (Yuh) - Doja Cat

  Doja Cat has come out with the best album of the year, so picking one song was a tough one. Nonetheless, “Get Into It (Yuh)” is the most fun song on the album.

• 3. Essence - Wizkid feat. Tems

  Nigerian singer Wizkid is joined by fellow Nigerian singer Tems in this “sensual” song, which sees the duo express their desire for each other.

• 2. Your Power - Billie Eilish

  Your Power” confronts abusers who exploit underage girls, so Eilish flips the responsibility on the viewer to consider their baggage. She said her song can be applied to anyone.

• 1. Leave The Door Open - Silk Sonic

  Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak of Silk Sonic came with a hit that still gets us to this day. The ’70s soul/R&B vibe of “Leave The Door Open” as well as their recently released “Smokin Out The Window” is the third song the duo have released together. “Leave The Door Open” is how we’d like to remember 2021.

Brighten Your Day With The Sunny Side Up Newsletter

You'll be in the know on music and entertainment news, giveaways, and what's happening in the CRSA.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.