Top Songs of 2021 (#20-#11)

 

   The next entries on the "Top Songs of 2021" countdown belong to a legendary jazz entertainer, two entries from a new girl group trio, and the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 2. 

#20. "I Get A Kick Out Of You" by Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga

   The first jazz collaborative album from genre legend Tony Bennett and creative chameleon Lady Gaga in 2014 was unexpected. Their second and final, Love For Sale, in 2021 almost never happened. Bennett at 95 years old manages an Alzheimer's diagnosis, Gaga continues with movie projects and solo albums. However, when project lead single "I Get A Kick Out Of You" was shared, audiences saw a return to top form from both artists. Their vocal chemistry also remained intact as they tackled the Cole Porter original with a new playful camp flare. Gaga kicks off the effort with a slow delivery accompanied by a soft piano. Right after, Bennett commends her "fabulous face". Their brass band then joins for the rest of the ride. Despite health issues, the track is prime evidence that Bennett can still deliver emotion and romance. 

  

#19. "Chain My Heart" by Topic, Bebe Rexha

   German producer Topic recruited Bebe Rexha for his house-inspired "Chain My Heart" over the summer, the perfect season to release an energetic anthem about finding a love so special and intoxicating that you refuse to let it go. While Rexha references being played in the past, she acknowledges there is something different about her new suitor. She feels butterflies when they call her name, a feeling she never wants to end. "Never goin' back to the way I was, I wanna be trapped in the space of us, never goin' back to the way I was, now you got me," she sings on the hook. Normally, whips and chains might signal dark motives. Here though, Rexha does not mind being captured and held against her will by a deserving significant other. The bouncy production sets intentions straight. 

 

#18. "Between Us" by Little Mix

   Jesy Nelson who? To celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Little Mix, the new trio shared "Between Us" off their greatest hits album this year. The track serves as a friendship battle cry, promising each other that nothing will break their bond. The trio recalls their personal and career ups and downs on a mid-tempo ballad co-written by MNEK. With references to many of their previous singles, Little Mix remain defiant and determined. Their "Wings" are bruised yet functional, their friendship gives them "Power" to break career records, and easily "Bounce Back" from setbacks as long as they remain unified. While the song doesn't depend on infectious beats, the group's trademark energy is present. It's true strength lies in passionate vocal performances from all three female artists and a heartfelt universal message. 

 

#17. "Cambio el Paso" by Jennifer Lopez, Rauw Alejandro

   Recorded after her split from ex-fiancé Alex Rodriguez, quadruple threat Jennifer Lopez tapped Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro for the Spanish-language "Cambio el Paso" in 2021, a track detailing a woman leaving her undeserving man behind. Over pop and reggaetón production, Lopez confidently encourages listeners, and herself, to take the first next step following a relationship's demise. We all need to give ourselves the opportunity for healing, growth, and change, even if that's just a casual night out on the dancefloor. Alejandro then jumps in to justify Lopez's decision for independence, claiming the ex lover did not appreciate her enough. She is too delicious, too expensive, too dangerous, to be treated like an afterthought. 

 

#16. "Babylon (Bree Runway and Jimmy Edgar remix)" by Lady Gaga

   English rapper Bree Runway and American producer Jimmy Edgar breathe incredible new life into a personal Chromatica low point: closing track "Babylon". While the featured Haus Labs Version is impressive as well, Runway's confident and sassy new verse allows her contributions to come out atop. She even references Gaga's first two number one singles. The nocturnal production vibes of the original are now replaced by contagious techno beats that keep the party going. "I’ma strut when they see that walk of mine, face card on and it never declines, talk is cheap, but my money long, that's gossip, but that's what they on," Runway flows on her verse in the latter half. Taking a Gaga throwaway and transforming it into a must-hear is no easy feat. Only a rising star like Runway could effectively execute. 

#15. "God Save This Queen" by Bimini

   Never scared to embrace the femme, gender-bending drag entertainer Bimini Bon Boulash shared a non-binary anthem in the form of debut single "God Save This Queen". Mix Brit-pop vibes and punk attitude, with a sprinkle of Lily Allen, and the result is a defiant ode to self-empowerment and comfortability in one's skin. A cheeky play on the UK's national anthem, the song touches on issues of toxic masculinity, outdated gender roles, and judgmental eyes. Bimini throws a middle finger up to it all. Instead, they embrace new found freedom, destroy boundaries, and share a preference for "D" over processed meat. The spoken-word vocal delivery paired with punk-pop inspiration throughout carry the "therapeutic" effort to energetic and fearless heights. 

 

#14. "Heartbreak Anthem" by Galantis, David Guetta, Little Mix

   European musical forces combined when Swedish DJ duo Galantis, French DJ David Guetta and British girl group Little Mix came together for "Heartbreak Anthem" in 2021. The dance track finds the trio conceding that things won't always work out in their favor, especially when it comes to love and relationships. Supported by delicate strings and infectious synth, the realistic approach to life carries the effort to emotional heights. Sometimes it's okay to acknowledge that perfection is near impossible to obtain. Though the romantic bond is broken, the women come out of the ordeal stronger and content with the outcome. Instead of becoming depressed and secluded, Little Mix and the DJs have crafted another gem that we wouldn't mind dancing to as we let out a few earned tears. 

   

#13. "I Want Love" by Jessie J

   As Jessie J preps an upcoming sixth studio album, she shared its impassioned, direct "I Want Love" lead single in 2021. Carried by trademark, spine-tingling vocals, the song finds the vocal powerhouse ready to abandon all New Year's resolutions and open the door to her heart. Produced by hitmaker Ryan Tedder, the song is a joyous, radio-ready slice of pop that highlights Jessie J's strengths and invigorating energy. Supported by disco-inspired beats laid over edgy "Barracuda"-like guitar, she surprises herself with a willingness to let down her guard to reassure potential partners to not fear commitment. After enduring a life-altering event on your own, the thrill and excitement of finally making a lasting connection adds weight to such a straightforward romantic demand. 

   

#12. "That's What I Want" by Lil Nas X

   Though he exudes nothing but confidence and strength via his on-stage persona, Lil Nas X details the difficulties in finding love on debut album fourth single "That's What I Want". The artist details how easy it is for him to give himself completely to a new partner, but how those feelings are not normally returned. As he frustratingly lays his heart, his insecurities, and his dreams out on the line for listeners, the endearing vocal performance resonates with the many who are suffering with similar romance dry spells. "Look, you know it's harder to find in these times, but I got nothin' but love on my mind, I need a baby while I'm in my prime, need an adversary to my down and weary," Lil Nas X sings on the second verse, over pop/rock production that immediately entraps the listener. 

 

#11. "Beautiful (night 4 a) Breakdown" by Alaska Thunderfuck

   RuPaul's Drag Race All-Star Alaska Thunderfuck promised her forthcoming album would be influenced by the music of the late 90s and early 00s. Kudos for keeping the promise. The second taste of said album, "Beautiful (night 4 a) Breakdown", is a Euro-dance number that finds the artist on the verge of losing her mind. Following a tough break up, the drag performer believes the only path of recovery is an evening of debauchery and poor decisions. "The rivers of tears ain't stoppin', I'll cry 'cuz it's my party for one, don't care if my ex just walked in, 'cuz I know I'm the luckier one," she reassures herself just after threatening to burn down an entire neighborhood. Clearly, the artist is not in control of her emotions. Comedy and high jinx are replaced with purpose and lived experienced.