The Top 100 Songs of 2021: 70 - 61

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!

70. SHINee - Atlantis

After a trend-seeking (though strong) title track, SHINee returned with a repackage single that reminded listeners of their commercial peak. A fantastic adventure, Atlantis never underwhelms. (Full Review)

69. Miyavi - Hush Hush Ft. Kang Daniel

It remains appalling that this track never received the Halloween MV for which it clearly was designed. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most addictive tracks of Miyavi's album, with a sinister chorus for the ages. (Full Review)

68. Just B - Damage

Producer Bang Yongguk, as a former idol during his golden age, absolutely knew what to do for Just B's debut. That does not mean the members did not stand out. Lim Jimin's voice stood out over the booming EDM production. (Full Review)

67. Omega X - Younger

At the bottom of an underwhelming album, Younger is pure nostalgic pop, a memory of better times. Given what the members of Omega X have been through, the line "Too late to go back" hurts. (Full Review)

66. N.Flying - Moonshot

Moonshot was an excellent choice for a title track for their first Korean album. The stomping rock track was assisted by an incredible key change and some fantastic high notes. (Full Review)

65. Robin Packalen - I'm Not Cool

Easily the most personal and emotional song of Robin's excellent EP, I'm Not Cool often delays from its moments for great effect. Probably one of the best-produced songs this year. (Full Review)

64. ONF - Lights On

Only officially available for listening through a physical purchase of ONF: My Name or its repackage (something which I highly suggest), Lights On finally received a full-length version for ONF's first album. A fantastic track, Lights On is a perfect highlight to conclude the first phase of ONF's career, sampling through their previous title tracks.

63. Robin Packalen - Sucker For That Love Ft. SAAY

Not the most melodic, uplifting, or emotional work of Robin's incredible new EP, but golly is it the funkiest. The instrumental is fun and funky, with just enough variation in synth-pop to stand out. SAAY and Robin both knock this one out of the park. (Full Review)

62. Song Ga-In - Dream

Trot's massive resurgence in modern times has led to some fantastic tracks, and this early-year track is certainly chief amongst them. The surging hook works incredibly with the traditional elements. Even the tropical squiggles in the post-chorus are not a liability. (Full Review)

61. Brave Girls - After We Ride

After finally achieving their much-deserved success, and After We Ride, their repackaged album title track, provides them a perfect victory lap to end the year. The retro instrumentation perfectly complimented the heartbreaking story told by the song, all leading to the euphoric chorus. (Full Review)