1. Elton John, Dua Lipa – Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)
   This song has an amazing story of how it was essentially assembled from a few existing Elton John songs. I wonder if PNAU just dreamed it all together or if they tried a bunch of things before settling on this mix?
2. AKMU ft 아이유 (IU) – NAKKA
   I’ve been aware of AKMU for a few years but never listened to their music. Their album with a bunch of collaborations is good overall, but this song and the first track are really good. Even though this is the single, I’m not sure how much play it will get (at least IU being on it will give it good press)
3. Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar, Giveon – Peaches
   This song and Bad Habits were probably the two songs that I heard the most this year (they came up earlier in the year and were really popular). Peaches was more interesting to listen to, and I didn’t mind too much that it was played so often.
4. Dua Lipa – Love Again
   Dua Lipa has been putting out great music for a couple of years and I’m surprised that her contribution on my list this year is so small. I guess most of her singles from Future Nostalgia was in 2020.
5. 아이유 (IU) – Lilac
   With its chromatic hook and synths, this was an early favorite for top song this year. I liked Lilac the best off of IU’s album this year, but strangely it hasn’t aged well (I didn’t even listen it too much).
6. 태연 (Taeyeon) – Weekend
   I don’t like the styling of this song, nor does it play to Taeyeon’s strengths; but it’s undeniable that the song is really catchy!
7. Pentatonix – I Just Called To Say I Love YouAn amazing cover that showcases Pentatonix’s harmonies. Not sure why it’s buried on a Christmas album? Maybe that’s when Pentatonix sells most of their albums.
8. Julia Michaels – Just One Look
   I discovered this song from Spotify and am disappointed it never made it big. Like her other hits, this is a catchy pop song!.
9. Coldplay & Selena Gomez – Let Somebody Go
   This is the 2021 version of Coldplay’s Fix You.
10. Adele – Easy On Me
    Distinctly an Adele song and enjoyable to listen (much like her other recent singles)
11. HEIZE – Happen
    I’ve been trying to like HEIZE for awhile but a survey of her hits on YouTube only revealed this one as being interesting enough to add to my rotation
12. Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits
    This song didn’t feel like it belonged to Ed Sheeran (any one could have sung it); but it was played so much that it’ll be a top memory of this year
13. The Weeknd – Take My Breath
    Another generic song that anyone could have sang. The Weeknd basically embodies a style of music that references Michael Jackson and the 80s and his singles are starting to blend in together.
14. Aespa – Savage
    I think the song structure of Aespa’s songs are unique but I’m not sure that I like their songs. ‘Next Level’ was catchy, but I’m still undecided on Savage.

Posted by Kevin in Blogs