Favorite Songs from 2021
Tom Cardy – Artificial Intelligence
Even so, I still get a little sad that I can't feel all the ways
That I can't feel all the ways it feels to be human
Be human
This was also the song that had the most plays in my iTunes. Is this a joke song? Yes. But I just needed joy in my life and this song was there to supply it for me. The lyrics take some delightful turns, which I always appreciate in humor, and it builds into a groove that is infectious.
Pink Sweat$ – Heaven
Castle on a hill
Let's build it out of steel
Girl, I know that this love, it will last
This reminded me a lot of the 90’s R&B I heard growing up. It’s sensual but tender. I also love that Pink Sweat$ really leans into the color pink in his visuals.
Ciaran Lavery & Soft Sports – I Love the Inevitability of Death
I'm transcending to another plain
One where I will be immune to pain
All of the shit I'll never swim in
You can't touch me now (can't touch me now)
I’m such a sucker for a sad song that sounds happy. But before I had even listened to this song the title is what got my attention. As someone who is very anxious about the inevitability of death the idea of flipping that felt powerful.
Doja Cat – Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)
We hug and yes, we make love
And always just say "Goodnight" (La-la-la-la-la)
And we cuddle, sure I do love it
But I need your lips on mine
My summer jam.
Illuminati Hotties – Pool Hopping
Dip in a toe into the deep end
Obtusely waving at a new friend
They said the water's warm but I'm not sure if you and I are
Over, over, over, so I'm
My other summer jam.
Thom Yorke feat. Radiohead – Creep
(You already know the lyrics to Creep)
It’s all in the title. Thom York remixed Creep for 2021. And it is very 2021. It feels lonelier than the original with it’s stripped down arrangement, synths, and distortion.
Julian Baker – Faith Healer
Faith healer come put your hands on me
A snake oil dealer
I'll believe you if you make me feel something
This song pulses and builds, matching the quiet desperation in the lyrics.
Pearl Charles – Only For Tonight
Didn't I know, wasn't made for a one-night stand
Why did I play this like a man?
Don't want to understand
I listened to a lot of disco in 2021 and this fell in nicely with that.
Brandi Carlile – Right on Time
Come back now, even if you call me out
You might be angry now of course you are
I'm scared too, didn't mean to take it out on you
I know I always do, you're the strongest person in the room
Turn back time, help me to rewind and we can
Find ourselves again
Something about the way she builds through the chorus of this song really gets me. It feels like rising and falling at the same time.
