#jxden

#85: Potential Breakup Song (Explicit) - Aly & AJ

I knew 2021 would be a good year when this was released at the beginning of this year. What a way to bring back a song from Disney Channel’s prime era and make it explicit as well? This was one of the best moves Aly & AJ could’ve pulled, because nostalgia sells. At least it does for me.

Favorite lyrics: “Now all I want is just my stuff back / Do you get that? Let me repeat that / I want my shit back.”

#84: Ut Av Mørket - TIX

No, I don’t mean “Fallen Angel”. I mean UT AV MØRKET. I wasn’t a huge fan of this the first time I heard this. I thought the lyrics were clunky (they still are) and basic, but the message and theme itself was good enough for me to keep an open mind about it. The more I listened to it, the more I fell in love with it. This is one of the examples that prove that lyrics aren’t always that important as long as it’s catchy, has a captive melody and a good enough production, and this song has it. Now, here comes the beef I had about this whole business. If you didn’t know, this song was Norway’s entry for Eurovision this year, and when TIX entered the Norwegian finale prior to winning, he entered it with this song--the Norwegian version. Before the Norwegian finale, he decided to translate his song to English because if he were to win, it would give him an advance in Eurovision. First of all, I think that’s a stupid move, considering a non-English song won this year. Secondly, the lyrics got worse in English. Like, much worse. And people who don’t speak Norwegian will never know. So, because of that, I grew even more fond of this specific version, as it will be known as the much better version who got away.

Favorite lyrics: “Jeg tenker fortsatt på alt jeg egentlig ville si til deg, men aldri får sagt.” (”I’m still thinking about all the things I really wanted to say to you, but never get to say.”)

#83: Why You No Love Me - John Mayer

... Listen. I know John Mayer, okay? Not like personally know, but I know him as an artist and the personality he portrays for the public. And when I listened to this album (Sob Rock) for the first time, this song was the only one that truly stood out to me. It wasn’t until I went on the Internet and found out that everybody hates this song before I was like...oh.... am I not supposed to? But eff that! This song sounds like one of those cheesy 80s rock ballads that is emotionally packed for no reason, and I’m a sucker for songs like that. So, sonically, it hits. Now, the chorus. I know he didn’t write that being 100% serious about it, and that’s why I love it. I love that he’s confident enough to put baby language in a song and make a genuine track out of it. And getting Maren Morris to back him up too? Genius. Imagine Maren Morris in the studio going “why you no love me? :(”. Absolutely amazing. Also, if you’re one of those people who think “why doesn’t he just say “why don’t you love me” instead of “why you no love me”?”, you’re missing the point. 

Favorite lyrics: “Hurt me once, I let it be / Hurt me twice, you're dead to me / Three times makes you family” (ooooooof)

(I know you’re questioning my taste so far. Bear with me.)

#82: Skin - Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina releasing a response to “drivers license” only two weeks after its release and during its massive rise was an extremely bold choice. Likely, it was to ride on the PR that would come with it, but it devastatingly backfired. I love Sabrina, and I’ve been riding hard for her for years, so seeing her being dragged through the mud after Olivia’s breakout hit hurt me to see. Was it too harsh and too soon? Maybe. Would it do better if it was released later, like Joshua did? I don’t really think so either. As a fan, I really enjoyed this song. It gives off the exact vibe I’d expect from the role she played in the whole PR drama; the older, wiser girl who got involuntarily dragged into the fire purely for dating the guy “drivers license” was about and is just trying to be above it. I really hope that she didn’t let any of the backlash under her skin, because it took Olivia (bless her heart) way too long to address it, and some people were... vile. Sabrina Carpenter deserves the world and beyond. Also, with Joshua Bassett’s new songs coming out, it’s very interesting that both of them mention that the truth has been twisted in some way or another... The tea is scalding.

Favorite lyrics: “I just hope that one day we both can laugh about it / When it's not in our face / Won't have to dance around it.”

#81: Only a Matter of Time - Joshua Bassett

While we’re on it... Joshua has proven from time and time again that he is a solid songwriter. Is he a unique one? Not really, but he brings his own flair and his voice is easily recognizable. Unfortunately, this song also fell in the shadows of Olivia’s rocket spurt to success, but it remained on my rotation for most of this year. The song is very straight-forward - the production is minimal; his voice and some piano chords are the main attractions of the track. Initially, I wasn’t that big on him releasing yet another song which had the exact same theme and message as his first 2021 release “Lie Lie Lie”, but I ultimately found myself drawn to this simplistic, but effective ballad. Also, falsetto chorus? Sold.

Favorite lyrics: “I'm sure that you're hurting inside, but why would you make your pain mine?”

#80: family ties (with Kendrick Lamar) - Baby Keem

I’m sure this song would be higher if I hadn’t discovered this... four weeks ago. I’m only a casual hip-hop listener, so when it hits, it really hits. The beat is simply addicting and the flow is solid. This track will definitely follow with me into 2022, and I’ll even check out Baby Keem’s other stuff. If it’s anything like this, then I am on board.

Favorite lyrics: “New flows comin', be patient, brother / Show my ass and take y'all to class / I can multitask like Megan, brother”

#79: cup of tea - Paria

This song is perfectly titled because it is the music version of a cup of tea. Paria’s lovely voice with the acoustic guitar plucking in an ethereal production just makes this song so dreamy and relaxing. Surprisingly enough, I have not listened to this song while drinking tea, but remind me to do so next time.

Favorite lyrics: “I don’t have a lot to offer, a cup of tea with honey and my heart, would that be alright?”

#78: The Motto - Tiësto & Ava Max

Tiësto just makes the perfect gym songs, and this is no exception. Do you need 2 minutes and 45 seconds of not having a care in the world and feel like a bad bish? This song will do the trick. Walking down the street, hitting the treadmill, blasting it during a one-woman party (because why would you host parties in a pandemic, pls) - it elevates your confidence every single time.

Favorite lyrics: “We been up all damn summer / Makin' that bread and butter.”  (idk this song doesn’t have any lyrics that mean anything so I just picked what I think sounds cool)

#77: Reckless - Madison Beer

This song is a great example of a song that still can be great despite being unoriginal. I realize that sounds like I’m dragging Madison Beer, but I’m really not. It does use one of the most common chord progressions, however, and the melody follows the progression very closely, so it sounds like a bunch of other songs because of that. But, this chord progression--especially with the use of the minor third as the transition to the chorus (my favorite pop music trope!!)--is so magical and effective, particularly when it’s used on a song made to show vulnerability. Madison’s voice is emotional and fragile, and the lyrics are direct and compliment the melody well. 

Favorite lyrics: “Hey, this is a story I hate, but I told it to cope with the pain / I'm so sorry if you can relate.”

#76: love nwantiti (ah ah ah) - CKay

The chokehold TikTok has had on music this past year and a half has been insane. Like, imagine having one song blow up on TikTok and you’re basically set for life. Anyway, I usually don’t really get that into songs that went viral purely due to TikTok (songs by already massive, famous artists don’t count as a viral TikTok hit for me), but the more this song came up on my feed, the more I found myself really enjoying it. It has this calming effect while being danceable, two traits a song rarely can pull off. And I just found out that this song came out in 2019... but I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that.

Favorite lyrics: “Without you, I go fit lose my mind / Without you, I go fit fall and die / Without you, I go give all my life”

#75: la di die (feat. jxden) - Nessa Barrett

I wasn’t expecting to have a TikTok star’s song on my list this year (although I was this close to putting Dixie D’Amelio on the list as well... no joke), but I wasn’t expecting a TikTok star to drop a 2000s inspired emo track, either!! This song feels both nostalgic and new all at the same time, like I definitely heard this before but it doesn’t really sound like it’s an old song. Okay, maybe a little, but not really. Compared to those who actually identified as emo kids back in the day, I didn’t listen all that much to emo rock, but I’m so glad it was revived in the mainstream this year.

Favorite lyrics: “My depression and misconceptions / And all the mistakes that lead to lessons”

#74: Undo (Back To My Heart) - Tinashe, Wax Motif

This was one of the songs that just stuck immediately after first listen, and I can’t explain how much I love it when that happens. Sometimes it’s just tiring to have to listen to a song several times before you’re like, “okay, this is kinda good”, right? Definitely a standout from the album 333, X being a solid second. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the album itself that much, but I think it’s mostly because most of the songs requires several listens and with all the music I’m trying to catch up with this year, it’s been difficult. I guess it means this goes on loop instead!

Favorite lyrics: “I've been focused on all of the things that went wrong, now I don't care who's even at fault”

#73: Asystole - Hayley Williams

I saw someone say that FLOWERS for VASES / descanos was Hayley Williams’ folklore or evermore and it’s pretty accurate... except it’s better (sorry Taylor?). After Taylor released folklore and evermore, I was just convinced that it just wasn’t my type of music, but then Hayley released this album and I was like, oh, maybe it is. There’s just something about Hayley’s songwriting in this album, but this song specifically, that completely draws me in. It’s raw, vulnerable and real. She also sounds amazing with so little effort - the vocal range isn’t big in this song, but it’s right in the sweet spot of her voice. And after a decade of listening to Paramore, it is kind of nice to not hear her yell all the time too - not that it isn’t great either.

Favorite lyrics: “Revive another side of me / My eyes, to see the poisoned devotion in me”

#72: Yallah - ABIR 

Another song that was not released this year (2020), but I found it this year and therefore it makes the list. I apologize to the other songs that could’ve made this list that were released this year, but didn’t. I don’t even remember how I came across ABIR. Either it was on TikTok or Discover Weekly on Spotify... Either way, I love it when artists incorporate a part of their heritage into pop music that isn’t used much in the Americanized pop music we hear on a daily basis. The Arab music influences on this simply elevates this pop/R&B track, and it truly feels like she’s honoring what she grew up listening to, but still making it sound commercially appealing. I love love love when artists use their music to show a part of themselves like this. More ABIR in 2022, please!

Favorite lyrics: “Disruption with no caution / This love isn't common”

#71: I am not a woman, I’m a god - Halsey

I enjoyed Manic (2020) a lot, and even when I like the poppier side of Halsey, this album sonically was really interesting and fascinating to me, particularly songs like this one. This feels like Halsey in her element, both lyrically and production wise. 

Favorite lyrics: “I am not a woman, I'm a God / I am not a martyr, I'm a problem / I am not a legend, I'm a fraud”

#70: Set Me Free - Joshua Bassett

Joshua Bassett coming in clutch with the actual musical responses to SOUR! I wasn’t expecting these songs to be as good as they were. Not because his music isn’t good--I’ve yet to hear a released song by him that I dislike--but I just didn’t think he’d be direct and vulnerable enough for it to make an impact. As someone who loves gossip and drama (but also honesty and authenticity), I thought he did as well as he could. It’s very specific, so it’s undeniable what it’s about, but he still gets to tell his side without entirely shutting down the other perspectives. Lyrically, it definitely is just as good as Olivia’s work, though musically it doesn’t hit as hard. Still, I am so happy he finally put this out there, and the chorus with the layered vocals and falsetto gives me massive chills every time. So good.

Favorite lyrics: “And nothing I say will ease the pain, but why must I hurt for you to feel okay?”

#69: My Limb - Hayley Williams

Songs where Hayley uses her lower register is just *chef’s kiss*. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s just so nice to her other parts of her voice that wasn’t used as often in Paramore’s music, and she just has this amazing, rich, sultry lower voice that just makes a song so much more elite just because of it. I also just learned that a week before the album’s release, she sent a candle, a handwritten note and this song on a CD to a fan hoping they’d leak it. Like, okay miss Hayley, trying out different marketing tactics, I see you!

Favorite lyrics: “Funny, out the two of us, you always were the gentle one / Shy little rabbit, teething on a shotgun”

#68: Thot Shit - Megan Thee Stallion

Megan is just so good at making catchy bops that are super social media friendly. Tell me you don’t want to shake your booty to this in a club because I really want to and I don’t even like clubs.

Favorite lyrics: “2021, finna graduate college / Goth girl shit, I'm a real hot topic”

#67: The King - Sarah Kinsley

I remember coming across the TikTok (I think maybe the first, even) that Sarah Kinsley made to hype this song up pre-release. She was basically just showing the intro with the blossoming, classic-sounding piano with a building drum beat resolving into this cool, sharp synth and I was like, this is iconic. I also haven’t come across someone of Asian descent having this specific vibe in music, which is so cool for me as a fellow Asian to see. I’m a fan!

Favorite lyrics: “I built a time machine to see you again / To hear your phone call, your voice down the hall”

#66: University - Lido, Coltr3ne, JoJo, Santell

Whatever the opposite of gatekeeping is, I want to do that with Lido. Mostly because we’re from the same county in Norway, but also because he’s an insane producer and just as good of an artist. I’m just confused because I feel like he’s not really that popular in Norway, but not really in the US either - yet somehow he seems to be well recognized in the American music business due to his producer and songwriting credits. Either way, he needs to on everyone’s radar! And JoJo’s vocals in this? Yes, please.

Favorite lyrics: “When the rain stops, will we be in love anymore?”

#65: Till Forever Falls Apart - Ashe & FINNEAS

I think this duo absolutely nailed the creation of one of the most romantic friendship songs out there. I just love that this song is so packed with love and affection, but it’s platonic!! But it also works for a romantic connection!! Their chemistry radiates through this song, and I hope we get to see even more duets from these two in the future.

Favorite lyrics: “I guess there's nothing more romantic than dying with your friends”

Some honorable mentions:

FAIRY TALES (feat. BJ the Chicago Kid) - CHIKA (produced by Lido!)

BOYSHIT - Madison Beer