‘Peaches,’ ‘Drivers License’ hit right notes to land in year’s best
The best songs of the year, as selected by writers Gary Gerard Hamilton, Ragan Clark, Jonathan Landrum Jr., Kristin M. Hall and Mark Kennedy.
‘Peaches,’ Justin Bieber, featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon:
Bieber was not happy last year when his “Changes” album was categorized as pop rather than R&B. But “Peaches” not only doubled down on the R&B sound, but also became one of music’s most dominant songs, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and topping the global charts.
‘Drivers License,’ Olivia Rodrigo:
Anyone who has ever had their heart broken will feel how Rodrigo, 18, feels on this aching Grammy-nominated hit. The power ballad broke the Spotify record for most one-day streams for a non-holiday song and spent eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached No. 1 around the world because it is angry, hurt, frustrated, loving, tearful perfection, complete with car chime.
‘Industry Baby,’ Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow:
The track was one of the biggest hits of 2021 and for good reason. It’s Lil Nas X’s victory lap. His choice to feature Harlow, who as a 23-year-old from Kentucky also feels like an underdog,
allows the two to revel in the fact that they made it, against all odds. From the infectious horns to the confidence oozing out of the verses and chorus, Lil Nas X is having fun proving doubters wrong.
‘Hurricane,’ Kanye West, The Weeknd and Lil Baby:
With stellar production, the trio offer different
perspectives of overcoming their own storms on the holy hip-hop track.
‘Serotonin,’ girl in red: The track from the Norwegian alt-pop singer-songwriter pulses along a frenetic pace that reflects the impulsive thoughts of a mind unable to rest. The verses escalate into manic thoughts of selfharm
and a rapid descent into madness. It’s a raw, unflinching inner look at that uncontrollable id part of our personalities.
‘To Be Loved,’ Adele:
There’s a rawness to the track that is rare for the singer. The 33-year-old’s powerhouse vocals usually sound polished, but in this track, her voice teeters on cracking. Coming out of a divorce, Adele acknowledges on the song that there is strength in loving and strength in leaving.
‘We Win,’ Lil Baby and Kirk Franklin:
Lil Baby is known for his street rap lyrics, while Franklin built his legendary career on gospel music. Despite their different musical approaches, they form a strong duo on the inspirational “We Win,” a song from the “Space Jam: A New Legacy” soundtrack. Franklin served as the hype man with a choir singing background while Lil Baby rapped about how prayer ultimately brought him through during a time when he felt cursed.
‘Kiss Me More,’ Doja Cat featuring SZA:
This blissful ’90s disco-pop throwback with a hip-hop heart earned three Grammy nominations. If you listen close, you’ll hear a Gwen Stefani-ish refrain but also an interpolation of Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical.” But don’t work too hard, just let this steamy, smooth song wash over you.
‘Lay It On Me,’ Mickey Guyton:
The track is in that sweet spot of gospel and country that lets Guyton’s roof-shaking vocals soar from note to note. Written for her husband, Guyton is asking to carry his burdens and lean on her strength to carry them both through the fire.
‘Essence,’ Wizkid featuring Tems:
Reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop airplay and the adult R&B airplay chart, the sultry, melodic duet record was crowned by many as the song of the summer. “Essence” beckoned listeners to find their significant other — or prospective crush — and to get up and dance.