The 38 best songs of 2021 according to the editorial staff of Vogue

MusicFrom bangers to ballads, a look back at the 38 tracks that punctuated Vogue's editorial year.

By Liam Hess

The best songs of 2021 were more than just a soundtrack: they built a whole world in which we could escape from a year as painfully unpredictable as the last. Of course, there have been hits to mark our timid return to the dancefloor – think Lil Nas X's facetious hip-hop ramblings, Wizkid's rise to global domination, or even the surprise pop-punk revival. of which Olivia Rodrigo and her “Good 4 u” are worthy representatives here. Others just knew how to find the right tone to become a shoulder to cry on. From the flirty return of exceptional storytellers Adele, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, to the wave of “young emo girl” represented by Mitski, Snail Mail, and MUNA, we were able to indulge in all the introspection we needed .

The best songs of 2021

“Chaise Longue,” Wet Leg

Best debut single in ages? Never mind. Maybe. This song escapes any critical exercise. She is above all this rare and precious thing: an irresistible and contagious song, a nugget as mysterious as it is fun. Wet Leg are two girlfriends from the Isle of Wight who, one night spent on top of a Ferris wheel at a festival, decided to start a band. For now, they only have two songs in their repertoire; and for the album, we will have to wait until April. So we are impatient and we are not the only ones: their concerts are already sold out everywhere in the United States and Great Britain. Listen to “Chaise longue” – imagine Plastic Bertrand’s “Ça plane pour moi” covered by the girls of Mean Girls – and you will immediately understand why. Corey Seymour, senior editor of Vogue US

“Jealousy, Jealousy,” Olivia Rodrigo

My 16 years are certainly only a distant memory, but I must admit that Sour, Olivia Rodrigo's album, knew how to awaken in me the young girl that I was and who dreamed of escaping the pressures of society and the routine of everyday life. I love “Brutal”, which demands to be listened to the fullest, but “Jealousy, Jealousy” remains my favorite track from Sour. We already knew that social networks are toxic, but 2021 reminded us with a certain virulence. Teenager or not, if you spend too much time on Instagram, you will easily recognize yourself in the words of Olivia Rodrigo: “Comparison is killing me slowly / I think, I think too much / 'bout kids who don't know me” (“Comparison is killing me slowly / I think, I think way too much / about people who don't know me”) Ella Riley-Adams, Lifestyle Editor, Vogue US

“Soundgasm” – Rema“Essence” – Wizkid feat. Tems

Afrobeats definitely conquered the world this year: even before Justin Bieber took over, it was impossible to escape Wizkid's mega hit “Essence”. Among the newcomers, Rema, also Nigerian, caught my attention. I had already seen him play in Lagos a few years ago when he was just starting to make a name for himself. That his single “Soundgasm” reached us was a great joy. The title has everything of a good afrobeats banger: contagious, totally hypnotic and equipped with a mind-blowing hook that you can't help but sing along to on the dance floor... Or, as far as I'm concerned, under the shower. Chioma Nnadi, editor of Vogue US

“Waves Of Blue,” Majid Jordan

The day I heard this sound, a masterful tribute to 1980s R&B, I knew I was screwed: impossible to got it out of my head ever since. Pure joy. Sergio Kletnoy, global entertainment director of Vogue US

“Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X

My favorite song is without a doubt “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X. A groundbreaking track celebrating queer style and pride. Every time I listen to it, it fills me with joy. I do not get enough. And besides, the clip is sensational. Hamish Bowles, editor-at-large of US Vogue

“Bug or Flea,” Blair

Influenced by the energy of emo and DIY indie of the 1990s, this group from Brooklyn composes melodic lo-fi rock songs that fall apart in the most beautiful way . The three songs from their Tears to Grow EP are my favorites this year. With the highlight of the title “Bug or Flea”. This poignant rock song is about returning home, on the road, after a trying night. Taylor Antrim, deputy editor of Vogue US

“Prioritize Pleasure,” Self Esteem

Bold, uncompromising, but above all very funny, Self Esteem’s second album had me on the edge. I'm a fan of the title “I Do This All the Time”, but I especially recommend “Prioritise Pleasure”. I love his slamming rhythm and glitchy guitar riffs. Rebecca Taylor is a superstar in the making, and I can't wait to see her evolve. Liam Hess, contributing editor of Vogue US

“Leave the Door Open,” Silk Sonic

2021 was tough, but the pairing of Bruno Mars and Anderson. Paak as Silk Sonic has made it much softer. “Leave the Door Open” is a song that automatically puts you in a good mood. And it's not a refusal these days. A true declaration of love for the 1970s, it reminds me of the joy I felt as a child listening to the funk of the Ohio Players, Rick James or Earth Wind and Fire.Virginia Smith, fashion editor of Vogue US

“Soft Spot,” Claud

The best breakup songs are the ones that aren’t afraid to go full pathos. On “Soft Spot”, when Claud sings that he would like to see his ex so much, we clearly feel his tears. I now put this track alongside Taylor Swift's "All Too Well (Taylor's Version)" in my intimate list of the best breakup songs. Keaton Bell, entertainment associate of Vogue US

“Best Friend,” Saweetie ft. Doja Cat

Since Lil’ Kim’s “Not Tonight”, no song about female friendship has moved me so much. Undisputed tube of the playlist of my girls' weekend, "Best Friend" is interested in the issues that bind women together. It celebrates the pleasure that comes from financial independence and, in general, from not needing men! Michelle Ruiz, contributing editor of Vogue US

“Die Young,” Selli Paper

Music is an escape and I love anything danceable, emotional and exciting. But the sound of Selli Paper goes beyond that: it hooks a wider population of people who simply pick it up (whatever they pick up).Cassandra Pintro, associate producer of Vogue US

“Easy on Me,” Adele

A predictable track? Undoubtedly. Do I listen to it on repeat? Absolutely.Rickie de Sole, fashion editor of Vogue US

“BDE,” Shygirl ft. Slowthai

Shygirl's BLU short heralded the comeback of club nights this year. Super catchy house/indus beats, shocking lyrics, breathtaking visuals… The video offers new interpretations of my favorite tracks from Shygirl's EP, “Siren” and “Bawdy”, but also a clip of her flagship track , “BDE”, featuring Slowthai. David Vo, senior designer of Vogue US

“Working for the Knife,” Mitski

I'm obsessed with everything this young woman does, and especially this song, “Working for the Knife”, a very gentle title, with lyrics oscillating between despondency and hope.Emma Specter , culture journalist for Vogue US

“24 Hours,” Agnes

Pop like the Swedes do so well, never hurts. This little bomb is a perfect example, not so far from Donna Summer's "I Feel Love". Already a very good thing in itself!Sergio Kletnoy, global entertainment director of Vogue US

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),” Taylor Swift

Knowing that I find TikTok videos of more than one minute often too long, Taylor Swift really managed a feat by holding my attention during the ten long minutes of her walk. In this specific case, this new version is even better than the original. This may be the exception that proves the rule.Sarah Spellings, fashion news editor of Vogue US

“4 the Dancers,” by Stonie Blue & Ben Hixon ft. Stefan Ringer

At the start of the year, Stonie Blue and Ben Hixon released an awesome EP, What You Want, which will undoubtedly restore your faith in music. “4 The Dancers”, with Stefan Ringer, is my favorite track. Wherever you are, at home or at a party, the beat makes your body dance with no choice. The song takes you to another dimension, where the only thing that matters is having a good time. Naomi Elizée, fashion editor of Vogue US

“Please,” Jessie Ware

Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue have recently taken their inspiration from 80s and 90s dance music, but it's Jessie Ware, with her album What's Your Pleasure?, who has done the best job of channeling the euphoric energy of a club night. In my humble opinion anyway. The track “Please” appears as a bonus on the Platinum Pleasure edition of the album, which already says a lot about the quality of the album in normal version. It's typically the kind of title that could have passed on a catwalk during a super glamorous fashion show of the 1990s. Keaton Bell, entertainment associate of Vogue US

“No Time to Die,” Billie Eilish

This song was set to be released in 2020 but since the movie No Time To Die was delayed, maybe it can be counted in this ranking. But the question is above all: what if it was the best James Bond soundtrack song ever recorded? I believe so, and in saying that, I apologize to the exceptional “Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon, taken from The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977. Nicole Phelps, global director, Vogue Runway de US Vogue

“Movement 6,” Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders and The London Symphony Orchestra

At the crossroads of genres, the Promises album is a masterpiece. “Movement 6” is the flagship title of this collaboration between Floating Points, the London Symphony Orchestra and one of the greatest jazzmen of all time, saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. The track revolves around the characteristic theme that recurs every nine seconds on the album. “Movement 6” grows richer over the minutes before reaching its climax under a rain of strings. Gorgeous. Fernando Dias de Souza, Chief Innovation Officer of Vogue US

“Once You've Been in Love,” Barbra Streisand

My favorite song of the year is “Once You've Been in Love” by a certain Barbra Joan Streisand. Admittedly, it's not new – it was released in 1973, to be precise – but it's only been available since this year on the compilation album Release Me 2. Just imagine: the lyrics are by Marilyn and Alan Bergman (also authors of “The Way We Were”), and the composition is by Michel Legrand (creator of the music for Les Parapluies de Cherbourg and Les Demoiselles de Rochefort)! I can't help it, I love ballads, and this one hit the nail on the head.Marley Marius, associate features editor of Vogue US

“Valentine,” Snail Mail

Snail Mail's new album is so beautiful, crystal clear and honest. I've been listening to it on repeat in my apartment since it came out. “Valentine” and “Forever (Sailing)” are my two favorite songs. Steff Yotka, senior fashion news editor at Vogue US

“Good 4 U,” Olivia Rodrigo

Young music? Plagiarism of “Misery Business” by Paramore? What are we still accusing Olivia Rodrigo of? Of having plagiarized Courtney Love? Anyway, think what you will of this pop star, you won't escape his super catchy breakup song. With “Good 4 u”, Olivia Rodrigo indeed stole the show from all the Taylor Swifts, Billie Eilish and other Lordes in the world this year. We understand why when listening to this edgy pop-punk masterpiece about an ex who has moved on. “I guess that therapist I found you really helped”. Whoops. Bad luck, Olivia Rodrigo.Taylor Antrim, deputy editor of Vogue US

“Daniel,” Will Young

The Will Young album is one of my favorite records of this year. Winner of the first season of Pop Idol UK, Will Young covers songs by female performers, including “Daniel” by Bat For Lashes, a track about early teenage emotions. And guess what, the copy is better than the original. Don't even try to contradict me. Sergio Kletnoy, global entertainment director of Vogue US

“Lonely,” Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco

On his album Justice, Justin Bieber already spoke about his difficulties growing up in the spotlight. But he had never spoken on the subject with such candor. In this bewitching title produced by Benny Blanco, Justin Bieber strips bare and, with his crooner voice, confides: “And everybody saw me sick / And it felt like no one gave a shit / They criticized the things I did as an idiot kid” (“And everyone saw that I was doing badly / And I had the impression that everyone didn't care / I was criticized when I was only a kid”). Criticize Justin Bieber as much as you want, I will continue to praise his talents. Michelle Ruiz, contributing editor of Vogue US

“Like I Used To,” Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen

We wonder why these two haven’t collaborated sooner! This dazzling and very catchy ballad, by Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen, is about rediscovering yourself after a breakup. With this grandiose “Like I Used To”, the two musicians are at their peak.Liam Hess, contributing editor of Vogue US

“To Be Loved,” Adele

I don't think I'm alone in considering this song – the penultimate from Adele's long-awaited latest album – one of the best of the year. The star touches on her vulnerabilities with so much accuracy and emotion… With each piano note, with each phrasing, we can feel her pain and the difficulties she experiences in cultivating her self-esteem. It's very simple: I can't help but have tears in my eyes when I listen to it. Clarissa Schmidt, trade producer of Vogue US

“Maza,” Inna

Why wait for Rihanna’s album anymore when Inna releases a new banger literally every month? Those who know me know that I am an absolute fan of this Romanian pop star. Ultra-catchy, his track “Maza” is cut out for the party. And if you are interested in Inna, I also recommend her hit “Hot”. Calling all Dua Lipa, Lorde and company: here is the artist you should take inspiration from! Unlimited energy, endless hits.Liana Satenstein, senior fashion news writer at Vogue US

“Coming Back,” James Blake and SZA

I have listened to so many songs this year, impossible to choose just one… First, I must admit that “Coming Back” by James Blake and SZA has become indispensable to me. But when I walk the streets of New York, I need something more punchy. In this case, I listen to “Run Run Run” by Kurt Vile, “Keep Moving” by Jungle or “Walking at a Downtown Pace” by Parquet Courts. Emily Farra, senior fashion news writer at Vogue US

“White Dress,” Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey has released two successful albums this year. Both are impregnated by this romantic and vintage vibe of which she has the secret. I was in Joshua Tree when Lana Del Rey's sixth album, Chemtrails Over the Country Club, came out. I couldn't have dreamed of a better setting to discover it. This is where Lana shot the music video for “White Dress”, the first track on the album and my favorite. Elisee Browchuk, experiences production and marketing manager of Vogue US

“Silk Chiffon,” MUNA ft. Phoebe Bridgers

I remember listening to “Number One Fan” by MUNA when it was released in 2019. I fell in love with this pop song, I thought it was perfect. So I was very excited when I learned that the band had signed to Phoebe Bridgers' label, and even more when I saw that they had collaborated on "Silk Chiffon". The title is a light ode to lesbian love, an exquisite euphoric dream-pop in the 1980s sauce. The kind of feel good song to listen to to cheer yourself up. Liam Hess, contributing editor of Vogue US

“In Your Mouth,” JASSS

This year Berlin-based artist, producer and DJ Silvia Jiménez Álvarez, known as JASSS, released A World of Service, a second album that marks her debut on Ostgut Ton, the label of the legendary Berlin club Berghain. I love the vocoded vocals, heavy bass, trip-hop beat and strings on the track “In Your Mouth”. It reminds me a bit of “Unfinished Sympathy” by Massive Attack, which I particularly like.Fernando Dias de Souza, innovation director of Vogue US

“Secrets From A Girl (Who’s Seen It All),” Lorde

After four years of absence, Lorde has made a comeback with an album just as endearing as the previous one, in the form of an initiation story. I almost feel like saying this song is the “Lordien” equivalent of Taylor Swift’s “22”; a version for twenties approaching their thirties, a little more tired by life, a little more confident too.Carolina Gonzalez, assistant to the editor in chief of Vogue US

“Rest,” Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette has a gift for writing and storytelling. I would say it's a song that has the merit of offering a new perspective on the pangs of existence. Sergio Kletnoy, global entertainment director of Vogue US

“Skyscrapers,” Nina Kraviz

I love Nina Kraviz. This ex-Russian dentist turned DJ has released songs that are less techno than usual, more ethereal, but just as effective, like the hit “Skyscrapers”. The other song that I love is called “This Time”. Nina Kraviz has an awesome style, and she has great cheekbones too! Liana Satenstein, senior fashion news writer at Vogue US

“Crushed Velvet,” Yves Tumor

With his killer looks, his charisma and of course his music at the crossroads of genres, Yves Tumor is the rock star of the moment. I'm having a hard time choosing a title from his latest EP, The Asymptotical World, but since it has to, let's say "Crushed Velvet". With its guitar riff and psychedelic overtones, this song has accompanied me for the past few months every time I was getting ready to go out to party: “I feel my best when / I'm dressed in all crushed velvet” (" I feel best when / I'm dressed in crushed velvet"). Even though I'm only wearing a T-shirt and jeans, this song makes me feel more stylish. Liam Hess, contributing editor of Vogue US

“Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish

The year 2021 has been full of emotions and this song manages to capture them one by one: sadness, anger, happiness, excitement… It is in my humble opinion one of the best of Billie Eilish. Christian Allaire, fashion and style writer for US Vogue

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