The Top 100 Songs of 2021: 90 - 81

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!

90. Epic Mountain - Dino Discovery

When at their best, Epic Mountain's Kurzgesagt soundtracks invoke a sense of discovery. The explorative euphoria of Dino Discovery remains an excellent example of this.

89. Se So Neon - Jayu

Se So Neon provided a slow-burn with this moving February rock ballad. From the mid-song collapse to the stunning, floating instrumental. Jayu remains great each and every repeat. (Full Review)

88. Eden Alene - Set Me Free

While it did receive a remix for the Eurovision contest, the original version of this little track by Eden Alene is highly superior. Telling a story, the song jumps from dramatic string-based sections to reggaeton-based breakdowns without ever missing a beat. (Full Review)

87. The8 - Side by Side

While also released in Korean, this song by the Seventeen member thrives fully in its Chinese version. Sometimes, all a song needs to be is a fun time, and Side by Side more than accomplishes this with its big band elements. (Full Review)

86. Pentagon - Do or Not

Taking elements from various eras of music, Do or Not blends them all together for a stompy number filled with let's-put-on-a-show energy. A perfect farewell prior to Hui's military hiatus, Do or Not's chorus is instantly memorable. (Full Review)

85. Olivia Rodrigo - Good 4 U

Good 4 U heralded the pop-punk return, while also peaking Olivia's incredible debut album. From its fantastic live performances or the stunning explosion at the end of the bridge, Olivia fully channel's her rage and disappointment into three minutes of pitch-perfect pop.

84. ONF - Goosebumps

With ONF entering military hiatus at the end of the year, Goosebumps was certainly a galvanizing finish. Aggressive and experimental, Goosebumps climaxes in an excellent chanted finale. (Full Review)

83. Oneus - Luna

More than any other track on this list, Luna is highly flawed. The second verse rap from Ravn breaks the entire flow of the song, and the MV's extended bridge is equally terrible. However, when the song rises to the occasion, there is no stopping it. The lyrics remain one of the year's best, and the traditional meets synthwave instrumentation is worth a mention. (Full Review)

82. Yuqi - Bonnie and Clyde

Minus the issue that the title glorifies real-life murderers, Bonnie and Clyde is perhaps one of the most eclectic songs this year. Recalling Nanase Aikawa's classic Koigokoro, the song fields like a wild ride without a care for the doom at your door. (Full Review)

81. Lee Hi - Red Lipstick Ft. Yoo Mi Rae

Forget Levitating, this is the best retro-inspired dance-pop duet this year. Taking elements from the '70s to the '00s, Red Lipstick ends up best using these retro numbers for its fun moments. Lee Hi finally channels her long-hidden youth into this fun disco anthem. (Full Review)