The Top 100 Songs of 2021: 40 - 31

2021 has been an interesting year for music as a whole. While it lacked the utter stand-outs of 2020, it was arguably one of the most consistent years for music in memory. As a result, I noted that a top 50 countdown for global releases would not really cut it, and instead opted for a much more ambitious top one hundred countdown, and even then I had to leave some stunning releases, with the honorable mentions and more remaining stacked.

It was a balanced year, with my top 10 featuring artists from Japan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, America, Kazakhstan, and India. This alone provides some major spoilers but shows how balanced this year was. While there was not a single 10/10 song this year, there were several highlights. Now let us get into the requirements to be on this list!

• The song must have been released between January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021, though exceptions will be made at times.
• Any song from any nation is allowed.
• Instrumental and vocal tracks are allowed, but classical music is not allowed.
• B-Sides and singles count.
• Soundtracks are also included.
• This list is my personal opinion.

With that said, let the lists begin!

40. Chancellor - Midnight Ft. Gaeko

Singer-songwriter Chancellor was behind some of the biggest hits of early 2010s Korea, and he brings his trademark energy and catchy hooks to solo track Midnight. Ripping straight off of Michael Jackson's iconic Off the Wall album, Midnight is pure celebratory rave meeting the best of late '70s disco. Expect the chorus to be stuck in your head for weeks on end. (Full Review)

39. Fantastics - Play Back

The best track of Fantastics' new album, Play Back also functioned as the theme for their variety show, Fun! Fun! Fantastics. The song is pure '80s joy, recalling the best of bands and acts such as the Eurhythmics, while maintaining its skill as a modern highlight. The chorus is memorable, driven by the best of its inspiring decade. (Full Review)

38. Ohm Bhandari - Euphoria

Ohm Bhandari's highly underrated album peaked with this dance sci-fi number. The EDM drop improves each and every time, peaking in the fantastic tempo speed--up to close the song. (Full Review)

37. N.Flying - Flashback

Reminiscint of 2020's best track, the fantastic Laughter by Official Hige Dandism, Flashback is the best track on N.Flying's excellent album. The rock chorus all leads to Hweseung's excellent vocal moment, ending each phrase on a literal high note. (Full Review)

36. Barbara Pravi - Voilà

The runner-up for Eurovision 2021, and easily the best track from the show, Barbara Pravi gives it all for this heartbreaking ballad. The growing song absolutely explodes with sorrowful mourning in its climax. (Full Review)

35. ALI - Fight Dub Club Ft. J-REXXX, RUEED

At the start of 2021, ALI stood strong, looking forward to more success. The sinister actions of their drummer put the group into a heavy hiatus, but Fight Dub Club, the single from their 2nd album, showed their potential. The song absolutely explodes from its hip-hop verses to its jazzy chorus with the aggressiveness to stand ahead of the crowd. (Full Review)

34. Pink Fantasy - Poison

With a series of diminishing returns over their already modest resume, Pink Fantasy and MyDoll entertainment needed to do something desperate to finally gain success, and going completely metal was just what was needed. The absolute rush of the chorus, with the keys dropping righting over the clanging percussion, worked much better than anyone expected. Few songs were ever performed with this effort in K-Pop this year. (Full Review)

33. SHINee - Kind

A perfect album closer, Kind remains a stunning ballad, standing strong at the end of the year. SHINee's voices work like a perfect marvel, blending together to tell a story. Strong production and the occasional autotune also add a little unique twist to the song, further improving it. (Full Review)

32. ONEWE - Rain To Be/Veronica

These two ONEWE singles both deserved the spot they received and thus the tie.

With every single word in Korean and its harrowing MV, ONEWE clearly sought to differentiate themselves from the crowd with the haunting Rain To Be. They clearly succeeded, as Rain To Be remains stronger than ever six months since release. The gorgeous vocals work perfectly with the metaphoric lyrics and graceful instrumentation. (Full Review)

In addition to Rain to Be, b-side Veronica was equally as fantastic. Nostalgic, hopeful, and driven by youth, Veronica stood out. As a self-written track, one could feel the joy and personality leak from the song's every moment. Truly a fantastic highlight. (Full Review)

31. Curtis Schweitzer - Never Tell Me the Odds

Borrowing its title from one of sci-fi's most famous moments, it is little to no surprise that this Halo Infinite OST absolutely explodes with its utter musical ambition. Tilting string, floating choirs, and a sense of build all make this one of the best OSTs from the new installment in the acclaimed video game series.