My Top 100 of 2021

It's been a while. I've been gone since I posted back on January 8, 2021, on Crown note for my weekly chart. That's like almost 5 months, and that's quite a horrendous break if I say so. But now that school and personal things are all done and/or in check, I can finally return to making my music charts and displaying my tastes and favorites to you guys. To start everything up, I'm going to be going over my Top 100 from last year (2021), as I always do. Now I was planning to do this the last week of 2021, but goddamn Crown note decided to go under maintenance and I couldn't access leaderboards or anything of the sort. However, now that it's been back (for only 2 months), I can get back to what I missed. In addition, I haven't listened to music nearly as much as I have previously, but honestly, the music I've heard thus far in 2022 doesn't compare to 2021. That aside here's how it'll work:

• My top 100 will be displayed
• These songs will consist of: placement, name, artist, points (based on Crown note), peak in 2021 (if at #1, how many weeks), weeks in 2021, and spotify year-end ranking no chart run this year now that Crownnote can display it
• #51-100 I won't be giving an explanation because that's how it's always been done, and plus some songs may appear next year too so
• #50-26 will have an explanation
• #25-1 will have a picture of the artist(s) and an explanation

Without further ado, starting with #100, I present to you: My Top 100 of 2021 (mad overdue tbh)

100. A1 x J1 - Latest Trends

Points: 17,843

Peak: #13

Weeks: 8

Spotify Ranking: #55

99. Ritt Momney - Put Your Records On

Points: 18,193

Peak: #17

Weeks: 10

Spotify Ranking: N/A

98. Lyn Lapid - Itsy Bitsy

Points: 18,366

Peak: #6

Weeks: 7

Spotify Ranking: #53

97. Cody Fry - I Hear A Symphony

Points: 18,534

Peak: #17

Weeks: 9

Spotify Ranking: #82

96. Doja Cat/SZA - Kiss Me More

Points: 19,316

Peak: #15

Weeks: 9

Spotify Ranking: #73

95. The Rare Occasions - Notion

Points: 19,332

Peak: #17

Weeks: 10

Spotify Ranking: N/A

94. NEIKED/Mae Muller/Polo G - Better Days

Points: 19,352

Peak: #12

Weeks: 8

Spotify Ranking: N/A

93. Martin Jensen/Georgia Ku - 2019

Points: 19,379

Peak: #8

Weeks: 8

Spotify Ranking: #72

92. Carson Elliott/Abigail Barlow - After This Song's Over

Points: 20,387

Peak: #13

Weeks: 9

Spotify Ranking: N/A

91. Bruno Mars/Anderson .Paak/Silk Sonic - Skate

Points: 20,510

Peak: #5

Weeks: 7

Spotify Ranking: #96

90. BENEE/Gus Dapperton - Supalonely

Points: 20,971

Peak: #3

Weeks: 7

Spotify Ranking: #62

89. Jax Jones/ Au/Ra - i miss u

Points: 21,356

Peak: #18

Weeks: 11

Spotify Ranking: #80

88. Alesso/Charlotte Lawrence - The End

Points: 22,155

Peak: #15

Weeks: 11

Spotify Ranking: #83

87. Bo Burnham - Welcome To The Internet

Points: 22,693

Peak: #13

Weeks: 10

Spotify Ranking: #66

86. K-391/RØRY - Aurora

Points: 23,104

Peak: #5

Weeks: 8

Spotify Ranking: #29

85. Bruno Mars/Anderson .Paak/Silk Sonic - Leave The Door Open

Points: 23,232

Peak: #11

Weeks: 10

Spotify Ranking: #52

84. Jack Harlow - Tyler Herro

Points: 23,478

Peak: #25

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: #81

83. Alan Walker/Conor Maynard - Believers

Points: 23,893

Peak: #9

Weeks: 9

Spotify Ranking: #85

82. Kylie Minogue/Dua Lipa - Real Groove (Studio 2054 Remix)

Points: 24,775

Peak: #17

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: N/A

81. Olivia Rodrigo - jealousy, jealousy

Points: 24,918

Peak: #19

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: N/A

80. ILLENIUM/Dabin/Lights - Hearts On Fire

Points: 24,947

Peak: #19

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: #90

79. Lyn Lapid - In My Mind

Points: 25,447

Peak: #20

Weeks: 14

Spotify Ranking: N/A

78. YUNGBLUD/Machine Gun Kelly - acting like that

Points: 25,665

Peak: #2

Weeks: 9

Spotify Ranking: #61

77. Valerie Broussard/Galantis - Roots

Points: 25,727

Peak: #18

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: #67

76. Nessa Barrett/jxdn - la di die

Points: 26,103

Peak: #4

Weeks: 10

Spotify Ranking: #35

75. Imagine Dragons - Follow You

Points: 26,617

Peak: #3

Weeks: 9

Spotify Ranking: #43

74. 24kGoldn - Love or Lust

Points: 26,946

Peak: #19

Weeks: 14

Spotify Ranking: #48

73. Lennon Stella/Charlie Puth - Summer Feelings

Points: 26,970

Peak: #30

Weeks: 16

Spotify Ranking: #45

72. DVBBS/Quinn XCII - West Coast

Points: 27,327

Peak: #23

Weeks: 15

Spotify Ranking: #84

71. brb. - move

Points: 27,697

Peak: #10

Weeks: 11

Spotify Ranking: N/A

70. Jonas Brothers/KAROL G - X

Points: 27,956

Peak: #27

Weeks: 16

Spotify Ranking: #37

69. Elton John/Young Thug/Nicki Minaj - Always Love You

Points: 28,758

Peak: #4

Weeks: 8

Spotify Ranking: N/A 

68. CKay - love nwantiti (ah ah ah)

Points: 28,817

Peak: #16

Weeks: 15

Spotify Ranking: N/A

67. Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)

Points: 29,701

Peak: #4

Weeks: 11

Spotify Ranking: #21

66. Giveon - Heartbreak Anniversary

Points: 30,537

Peak: #4

Weeks: 11

Spotify Ranking: #47

65. Snelle/Ronnie Flex - In De Schuur

Points: 31,094

Peak: #5

Weeks: 10

Spotify Ranking: #65

64. The Weeknd - Die For You

Points: 31,581

Peak: #11

Weeks: 14

Spotify Ranking: #68

63. Why Don't We - Slow Down

Points: 31,708

Peak: #16

Weeks: 16

Spotify Ranking: #38

62. DJ Snake - You Are My High

Points: 31,746

Peak: #14

Weeks: 16

Spotify Ranking: N/A

61. PUBLIC - Splash

Points: 33,089

Peak: #6

Weeks: 12

Spotify Ranking: #46

60. The Band CAMINO - Roses

Points: 34,083

Peak: #5

Weeks: 12

Spotify Ranking: #75

59. Emotional Oranges/Chanel Tres - All That

Points: 34,795

Peak: #1 (1 week)

Weeks: 6

Spotify Ranking: N/A

58. Zara Larsson - Look What You've Done

Points: 35,270

Peak: #11

Weeks: 15

Spotify Ranking: #39

57. Tiësto - The Business

Points: 35,311

Peak: #9

Weeks: 16

Spotify Ranking: #51

56. Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u

Points: 36,270

Peak: #4

Weeks: 14

Spotify Ranking: #54

55. Trinidad Cardona - Dinero

Points: 36,972

Peak: #12

Weeks: 18

Spotify Ranking: #59

54. J Balvin/Bad Bunny/Dua Lipa/Tainy - Un Día (One Day)

Points: 37,153

Peak: #9

Weeks: 14

Spotify Ranking: #88

53. The Kid LAROI/Justin Bieber - STAY

Points: 37,304

Peak: #5

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: #70

52. DJ Khaled/Post Malone/Megan Thee Stallion/Lil Baby/DaBaby - I DID IT

Points: 37,537

Peak: #1 (1 week)

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: #44

51. Bella Poarch/SUB URBAN - INFERNO

Points: 37,775

Peak: #15

Weeks: 18

Spotify Ranking: N/A

Before we hit the Top 50, I just wanted to say something real quick. Basically, I have a habit of sometimes listening to weirdest shit that I find appealing or I overplay a song and it nevers debuts on the chart. Now I will list the songs that did make my Spotify 100, and the rank they had on this overall, if they even had one, format is: Artist(s) - Name (#SR, #2021 YE)

• The Living Tombstone/Eurobeat Brony - Discord (#50, N/A)
• Ashnikko/Miku Hatsune - Daisy 2.0 (#57, #128)
• Why Don't We - For You (#58, #105)
• Bella Poarch - Build A Bitch (#63, #127)
• Calvin Harris/Pharrell Williams/Katy Perry/Big Sean - Feels (#64, N/A)
• Jason Derulo/Adam Levine - Lifestyle (#71, #102)
•  Selena Gomez/Rauw Alejandro - Baila Conmigo (#74, #133)
• The Living Tombstone - I Got No Time (#78, N/A)
• Alan Walker/ISÁK - Sorry (#79, #104)
• Rauw Alejandro - Todo De Ti (#86, #112)
• Pop Smoke/Dua Lipa - Demeanor (#87, #148)
• The Living Tombstone/Or3o - Basics In Behavior - Blue Version (#91, N/A)
• CG5/Dagames/RichaadEB - Discord (#92, N/A)
• Rex Orange County - Pluto Projector (#93, N/A)
• Magdalena Bay - Killshot (Slowed + Reverb) (#95, #131)
• Griffinilla - They'll Find You (#97, N/A)
• Tate McRae - r u ok (#98, #116)

That's almost a fifth of my Top 100...anyways, on to the top 50.

50. Ricky Montgomery - Line Without A Hook

Points: 37,824

Peak: #5

Weeks: 13

Spotify Ranking: #20

A pretty good way to start the Top 50. I know this song was huge on TikTok. Did I pick it up from there? Yes, yes I did. Besides just how it got to where it was, this song's quality is actually really good, surprisingly good honestly. I get that this song is in competition with Mr. Loverman, but personally, I would take this over that. The thing is with Line Without A Hook, I feel like there is just more to do with this song than its competition. As a solo, it can stand. The production and his voice complement each other, the tempo of his song matching perfectly with the beat. I do also like how he flows with the energy of the song, opening his range with the beat reaching a top point. If I had to point out one thing, it would have to be the bridge, because they way he just makes it much more emotional than it needs to be is surprisingly good and works. Overall the whole vibe and the mesage of the song are great, and this is a song I could like for a very very long time.

49. Topic/Bebe Rexha - Chain My Heart

Points: 38,627

Peak: #24

Weeks: 21

Spotify Ranking: #99

This is one of those rare cases where its longevity is the reason why it got so high because I was genuinely surprised to see this in the Top 50, especially over songs like Line Without A Hook, which was recently mentioned. Hearing it again, there are no true bright spots, as everything just manages to be good. Bebe Rexha sounds good, which in her case, she tends to be hit or miss on dance songs. Topic's production is done very well though Breaking Me is most better than this in terms of production. This song is overall a very well composed song and just great background music for me.

48. Foster/Sody - Fools (can't help falling in love)

Points: 39,438

Peak: #12

Weeks: 16

Spotify Ranking: #42

Okay, now I'm genuinely surprised with this one. I really don't like this song as much now. What was the appeal then? I honestly couldn't tell you. I'm going to go out on a limb and blame this on a lack of competition in the early game, holding 3 whole months in the Top 20, which wouldn't happen now at all.

47. Lil Nas X - SUN GOES DOWN

Points: 39,562

Peak: #6

Weeks: 14

Spotify Ranking: #77

It was honestly very nice to see Lil Nas X break his normal style of music and get very serious with this song. You might think it wouldn't be received very well because it's very out of character for Lil Nas X, but he executes it very well, displaying the message that he just wants to die, but realize it's not worth it and is going to show to the world that he's someone and make everyone proud. The lyrics beat, and overall vibe of the song bolster this message being able to string together a very cohesive, touching song.

46. Diplo/Leon Bridges - Horizon

Points: 39,764

Peak: #6

Weeks: 15

Spotify Ranking: #16

This song is something different. To have two very serious songs in a row, especially this high is new territory. Diplo is a producer who honestly is very good overall and it was nice to make a very solemn song with his skills especially using someone who is very talented as Leon Bridges. Bridges vocals are amazing on this song and to use him to relay the message of saying "I'll be right here where you left me, I'll be on, on the horizon". This song is a mix of sadness but also the hope that they may return, whomever it may be. This song's message can be interpreted in many ways that it shows the flexibility of such a great song.

45. Zara Larsson/Young Thug - Talk About Love

Points: 41,128

Peak: #11

Weeks: 17

Spotify Ranking: #26

Looking back on this song, I don't what real feedback I could give here. I don't what attracted me to the song then, I mean I still don't mind hearing it now, I just seriously have no explanation for this. This song is a really good song, there's much more I can say.

For these next two, you can probably trackback to last for an explanation as they were both Top 15 songs last year...

44. Joel Corry/MNEK - Head & Heart

Points: 41,286

Peak: #17 

Weeks: 21

Spotify Ranking: #34

43. Connor Bvrns - Innocence

Points: 44,026

Peak: #10

Weeks: 20

Spotify Ranking: N/A

42. Anne-Marie/KSI/Digital Farm Animals - Don't Play

Points: 46,670

Peak: #6

Weeks: 18

Spotify Ranking: #23

You would think a rapper who comes from YouTube would likely not work, but KSI seems to make it looks like being a rapper is his main career. Besides all that, he has soared huge heights, collabing with people like Lil Wayne & Lil Baby, and here Anne-Marie & Digital Farm Animals. I know Digital Farm Animals' style of producing is normally not the most fast-paced and tends to be more melodic, but he does a great job being able to implement the trap elements into this, leaving space for his more instrumental blends. Anne-Marie doesn't sound bad at all, but I do love KSI's flow in this song as he is just able to carry this song and beat in and out.

41. Dennis Lloyd - Alien

Points: 47,461

Peak: #19

Weeks: 25

Spotify Ranking: #25

I know I additionally explained this song last year, but there is just something about Dennis Lloyd's voice that is just very appealing and manages to enhance all his songs. I don't know exactly what, but it's worth throwing it out there.

40. Joel Corry/RAYE/David Guetta - BED

Points: 47,835

Peak: #18

Weeks: 26

Spotify Ranking: #28

Seeing this collaboration already put on a good note, and it didn't disappoint. Joel Corry & David Guetta make a very good duo here and using someone who's experienced on dance tracks like RAYE brings the song together. The song's message is a very cute and nice one if you actually listen to it. I'm honestly not surprised this song gained so much traction in the UK and other European countries, as it really gives RAYE and Joel Corry more credibility and accolades under their name.

39. Lil Nas X - HOLIDAY

Points: 48,355

Peak: #4

Weeks: 18

Spotify Ranking: #30

Being that this was the first release since Lil Nas' release on his first studio album, this could've gone anywhere. He was hinting at the song with snippets on TikTok for the longest time, and when it was finally released, it was really good. This song is just very laidback, he doesn't do anything crazy nor does he do anything risky to ruin this song. The message is just his come-up on the music scene and there's nothing wrong with that. His flow and voice really match with the slower, lower synth-based beat. The beat's great and it's just a song you can come to respect.

38. Bo Burnham - All Eyes On Me

Points: 48,561

Peak: #5

Weeks: 21

Spotify Ranking: #76

When Bo Burnham released his quarantine special on Netflix, I wasn't going to watch it as it just seemed to be very long and boring. Now, I never knew there was a soundtrack to all of this, but when I started to hear positive reviews and constant YouTube recommendations, I decided to give in and listen to the like 20 songs on this. This one was easily my favorite, and I would say him just talking in the middle ruined it, but the traction this song was gaining prompted the song-only version which was so much better and I was very happy to see that be released. The vibe of this song is just so nice, and this song can be interpreted in so many ways to where anyone can relate to this song. His voice is surprisingly good and it fits so well with such a mellow and solemn instrumental in the back.

37. Majestic/Boney M. - Rasputin

Points: 48,749

Peak: #10

Weeks: 24

Spotify Ranking: #32

Just an amazingly good remix to a pretty good original, nothing more, nothing less.

36. Regard/Troye Sivan/Tate McRae - You

Points: 49,371

Peak: #8

Weeks: 19

Spotify Ranking: N/A

All these 3 artists combined haven't truly disappointed me. Regard's hit in Ride It still is great to this dead, Tate McRae is consistent in making good music, and Troye Sivan, though in my opinion being the most inconsistent of these two, will manage to make good songs the majority of the time. Regard's style of production with all of the retro synth-wave feels in his music. Tate McRae's and Troye Sivan's voices really do work well with this song and both of them portray a good message within all the lyrics. This is just a well-composed song complemented with good vocals.

35. Remi Wolf - Photo ID

Points: 49,639

Peak: #10

Weeks: 26

Spotify Ranking: #24

This song is a pretty weird song, and what makes it worst is the part that got it known off of TikTok. Despite that one anime-like part or whatever the hell that is, this song is really really good. The song is groovy and she sings pretty well, but I can see why that second part can be argued about. Beyond all of that, the message is a pretty weird one personally, or at least the way she tries to convey it. For a very left-field type of song, this isn't nearly as bad as one would think.

34. The Living Tombstone/Crusher-P - I Can't Fix You

Points: 49,856

Peak: #2

Weeks: 18

Spotify Ranking: #10

Among the many music phases I will go through, the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise has had very quality music being produced among the many creators who adore the franchise. One staple of this musical side has been The Living Tombstone who has put out hit after hit talking about the lore that is FNAF. This specific song refers to the 5th game in the main franchise of games, the Sister Location. In terms of actual quality within the song, it's a lot more hectic, straying away from the more unsettling, creepy side that most FNAF-inspired music. Despite this abnormality, the song is tremendously well done being able to implement rock elements with the hard drums that are present throughout the song. The singer is very good, not sounding so robotic unlike in other songs, and she is able to sing well throughout the song, bringing a more soothing side to the hectic instrumental, but the overall clamored vibe of the song still remains present. The bridge here is one of the best bridges on this list. Though it be one word, the way it keeps replaying with instrumental getting progressively aggressive really opens up the element of always being on edge and something happening at any moment, something that is very much highlighted within the FNAF franchise.

33. Tiësto/Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II

Points: 52,621

Peak: #11

Weeks: 22

Spotify Ranking: #33

Whether this was to bolster the original The Business song previously made or just because Tiesto just felt like collaborating with Ty Dolla $ign, no one really asked for it, but it obviously wasn't too bad. Now if there is one thing that would be said with the original is just that the person's voice can become tiresome over time, and it's respectable that maybe with an actual singer it could be better, but I don't think anyone envisioned Ty Dolla $ign. Despite this surprise, he does well and I'm convinced with this and The Other Side a couple years ago that he is like Post Malone: very capable of rapping, but just singing by itself is passable for him. Same good production from the first part and Ty just makes the song better than the original because it's refreshing to hear his voice and not just hear a low-toned man practically speaking.

32. Declan J Donovan - Tangerine Skies

Points: 54,301

Peak: #4

Weeks: 17

Spotify Ranking: #15

Thanks to my Discover Weekly for offering this way back in March. This song is simply just a very eased song that just wants you to have fun before you grow up. With such a very positive message, the production and his voice just add to the very summery-like vibe this song offers. For a song to practically serve nothing initially, it just developed to be a staple throughout the spring that you couldn't dispose of.

31. Gryffin/Audrey Mika - Safe With Me

Points: 55,423

Peak: #2

Weeks: 21

Spotify Ranking: #19

A bit unfortunate that this song's #1 run was before 2021 because that would've skyrocketed this song. Anyways, this is one of those cases that which this song would become a huge emotional opening anthem if it wasn't for the dance-based production. Despite such a potential setback, this song still has a lot to offer, Audrey Mika has always been a singer capable of doing big things, and producing with a decently-known producer like Gryffin shows her progression to a mainstream star. Gryffin is able to still produce his recognizable drop but is able to make it sound well with Mika's vocals producing a solid song.

30. HONNE/Pink Sweat$ - WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Points: 57,669

Peak: #1, 2 weeks

Weeks: 12

Spotify Ranking: N/A

I honestly forgot where I heard this, but that little tip-toe type beat at the beginning really drew me in and from there the rest of the song took its course and I was sold on it. Now I had no clue who HONNE was but Pink Sweat$ was recognizable. Upon hearing the instrumental in the back, I could see how HONNE was able to work with it, but I was a bit scared from Pink Sweat$. However, his voice is really good and is very catchy, but that's not even my favorite part. That guitar riff is really good and complements the song. Plus, it's not even a crazy, insane, hard-rock riff, it is able to stay in the mellow, soft, R&B parameters that the song displays, which really pulls it all together.

29. Jonas Brothers - Who's In Your Head

Points: 58,498

Peak: #1, 4 weeks

Weeks: 8

Spotify Ranking: N/A

After a brief little break from making good pop music, the Jonas Brothers returned with Who's In Your Head. Now despite the 4 weeks, it might've held at #1, there was no true competition to knock it off. Besides that, this song is still pretty solid, and I do like that they try nothing too crazy. It gives the same vibe and effort as Only Human: vocals aren't crazy, relaxing instrumental, very good bridge, and you could have this song on repeat and won't be able to tell so. I feel like the similarities to Only Human really excel the song, but chart placement is chart placement.

28. Savlonic/The Living Tombstone - Epoch - The Living Tombstone Remix

Points: 58,994

Peak: #6

Weeks: 24

Spotify Ranking: #49

My girlfriend and I have very different music tastes, to say the least, but she has a habit of showing me songs that I end up liking, and it can be said for this one. I had no clue who Savlonic was, but The Living Tombstone was highly noticeable so I had good hopes for it, and it didn't disappoint. Now it's nowhere near as good as when I first heard it, but that's the same reason why it just was on the chart for a long time. The original is nowhere near as good, so it's a good thing this remix redeems its credibility as a whole.

T-26. Skrillex/Justin Bieber/Don Toliver - Don't Go

Points: 59,350

Peak: #3

Weeks: 19

Spotify Ranking: #89

Now I'm well aware that I'm going against some tiebreaker rule I set back in 2018, but it honestly isn't that deep. The first case where there is a valid tie let alone this high AND with Crownnote's point system, which was much more exponential compared to my own formula. When I first saw this line-up, I just thought it was going to be like Where Are U Now, but this was a bit of a switch-up. Bieber's rapping is not terrible and Toliver works well with the beat, not being such pitched or drenched in autotune. Skrillex does a solid job working in the instrumental and is able to make this like a poppy-rap dance song. Also, I do hope Justin Bieber gets better and recovers from his disease.

T-26. Dua Lipa - Physical

Points: 59,350

Peak: #4

Weeks: 23

Spotify Ranking: #17

2021 was the year for Dua Lipa without a doubt, you get Alan Walker in 2018, Avicii in 2019, Niall Horan in 2020, and now Dua Lipa in 2021. I will admit at first I did find it good but not good enough to place it up on the Top 40. However, just coming back to it after listening to Future Nostalgia so much, I came to appreciate it much more and to the personal list it went. Sure it may have not been as prominent as the other Dua songs, but it did last very long, 23 weeks is tremendous compared to the previous year's standards for top songs. I really do appreciate the real, modern pop groove combined with the 80s synth-like beat. This song literally describes a "future nostalgia", because there is no way a song that sounds like it's from a robotic world can sound so much like an 80s gym anthem. Dua's vocals are very reserved here and that's not a problem, she kind of just lets the vibe take us instead of depending on her voice which is very nice. Beyond that, this song is overall great and a very solid song.

***I know this is being written in June 2022, I promise that I will have all my shit together and hopefully a majority of personal charts in before September***

25. YUNGBLUD/KSI/Polo G - Patience

Points: 60,445

Peak: #1 (1 week)

Weeks: 18

Spotify Ranking: #18

By far the most interesting #1 of the year besides My Ordinary Life which we'll get to later. Honestly, if you heard this now and looked at my chart, you'd likely be shocked at how it even got to #1. This was just one of those weird line-ups that had perfect chemistry. However, I'm going to credit the overall production on this track being that it is a very neutral beat for a pop song with the basic guitar in the back the snare, the claps, everything is very mainstream pop-like music, but I do like that all three singers to make attempts at singing: and they aren't bad for the record. I feel like the idea of Polo G and KSI taking more of the Young Thug & Post Malone approach to rap works well for them and it really stuck me to the song longer than it would've if this approach wasn't tested.

24. Pink Sweat$/Kehlani - At My Worst

Points: 65,669

Peak: #1 (2 weeks)

Weeks: 20

Spotify Ranking: #41

This song is still a heartthrob of a song, and these two artists both beautifully go together on it. The message is so pure and straightforward and the whole production and voices just set such a nice setting. It's such a calm and relaxing song while also making you feel so secure and safe in the arms of somebody you trust with all your strength. I feel like hearing this at a time when I was (and still am) in love, this song still resonates with me a lot, and though it may be a weaker #1 of the year, that doesn't diminish the fact that this song is just so beautiful and well done.

23. Elton John/Charlie Puth - After All

Points: 65,732

Peak: #1 (2 weeks)

Weeks: 15

Spotify Ranking: #100

Again, another interesting #1 song that if you listen to, you would wonder how it hit #1 on my list. I couldn't even tell you what really stands out here, everything is just excellent in my opinion. For a 2021 Elton John song with Charlie Puth who I guess still was under the radar, this is truly a great song. I do like the piano, and I know Elton John sounds a bit on the more autotune side of things, but Puthespecially sounds great. I know that two musical geniuses like Puth and John could really put something big together, and I just wished this had more traction than many other songs *cough* Always Love You.

22. Tiёsto/KAROL G - Don't Be Shy

Points: 69,620

Peak: #3

Weeks: 18

Spotify Ranking: #69

I was really surprised that this song didn't hit #1 knowing my standards. But in hindsight, Tiesto has really been on a decline with songs that appeal to me. Following this, he released The Motto with Ava Max and that song was actually bad not even decent. Being that Tiesto may be joining Alan Walker on the decline train, let's look more in-depth with this one. Tiesto picking a very flexible singer like KAROL G for the track was a great start. Her vocals are great on the song and the message is very good and well made. However, I feel what lacked #1 potential was the beat. The real climax of the song is...you can't really tell. There really is no build-up to the drop, and I'm not saying it needs to be a crazy, everyone rave your ass off drop, but there is no significant build-up, and which I know Tiesto isn't necessarily big on it and goes for more relaxing bass-type drops, but this one could've had a little more effort in it. I know it's very meticulous here, but I'm more explaining why this didn't hit #1 when in every other year, it would've. Despite a great song all around, this really shows the originality of dance music fading away.

21. Surf Mesa/Madison Beer - Carried Away

Points: 69,831

Peak: #3

Weeks: 23

Spotify Ranking: #6

To be really straightforward with you, this song will likely be forgotten in a few years despite the brief obsession over it. I mean the message is something any normal person can relate to: wanting to just love somebody and be carried away with them. Surf Mesa seemed to be a very unproven producer really only having ily (i love you baby) as his only big hit, and many people were mixed on the TikTok-based hit. Madison Beer has already had a pretty impressive chart presence here and this song was no different and contributes to her success. In terms of quality, this song is great across the board. The lyrics have meaning, the production flows and has little experimentation in terms of instrumentals which for a song like this that's a safe move that pays off. The vocals from Madison are good and she is very reserved, which like the production, is a safe move that doesn't take away anything from the song. Honestly, this is the best the song could likely be, so is it the greatest thing ever no, but this could've turned out much worse.

20. YOASOBI - Yoru ni Kakeru

Points: 70,377

Peak: #6

Weeks: 29

Spotify Ranking: #13

Did I find this from anime? No. In fact, I remember watching the Top 100 year-end for Japan for 2020 I believe and this song happened to be very high, I want to say #1 but don't hold me to that. Overall, I don't like anime, or its music genre as a whole, but there was some sort of energy this song gave off to where it just clicked with me. I don't know what the song is about and I'm too lazy to look at a translation. However, the overall production and instrumental portions are very well done. The constant piano and guitar really keep the song as one piece which I really like. And the vocalist does a very good job, not sounding like however anime girls sound or whatever. So despite likely being for an anime song, I can see how this thrived as simply being a piece of music.

19. Steelix - Lay It Down

Points: 74.238

Peak: #1 (1 week)

Weeks: 16

Spotify Ranking: #94

Found through my girlfriend, this is just a sped-up, higher-pitched version of Lloyd's original Lay It Down. Everything about this song is still very good, but in hindsight, I don't think this is a #1 caliber song, to be honest. I mean the vocals are good, the instrumental is good but there is nothing that is outstanding besides maybe the catchiness. So yeah not much for this one.

18. Bastille/Kenny Beats - Goosebumps

Points: 75,140

Peak: #4

Weeks: 24

Spotify Ranking: #22

Fun fact this song was actually a Top 5 song for the year until like August so the fact it went from 5 to 18 in just 4 months shows how competitive certain spots were this year. Ever since Pompeii, Bastille has released music either good or borderline decent. Like they have had decent #1 success with Joy and Good Grief, and while Goosebumps tried to replicate this, it just wasn't #1-type material. Nevertheless, I really enjoy the song. The whole laidback side of the production which Bastille has become accustomed to suits it very well, and Kenny Beats opens up a new element that is integrated very well. The vocals are good per usual and the whole song is just a very nice vibe.

17. Dua Lipa - Hallucinate

Points: 75,764

Peak: #4

Weeks: 25

Spotify Ranking: #56

One of 5 Dua Lipa songs in the Top 20 this year. When I first heard this, much like Love Again and Physical, I was very on the fence about how I felt. Ultimately I decided it was good but wouldn't come back to it for one reason or another. After gaining minor radio traction I decided to give it another chance and it blossomed into a staple that has been here for what's going to be a year on my chart easily. The whole disco groove is present, though not emphasized, unlike Physical or Levitating. The song is a more soothing, upbeat song. Nothing too crazy happens here and it's just really a nice song to listen to.

16. Camila Cabello - Don't Go Yet

Points: 76,119

Peak: #4

Weeks: 23

Spotify Ranking: #60

Two weeks after Hallucinate debuted, Don't Go Yet was just released by Camila Cabello, something that people were waiting for. At first, this song wasn't the best but it ultimately grew on me, thus the first crack into the Top 10 after about 11 weeks or so. This song is a very simple, Latin-based song that really is a summer staple. I really like the twist of music style for this song, but it seems like Camila is going to be using this regularly, for example, Bam Bam with Ed Sheeran. Anyways, Camila sounds very good, and though it may sound lackluster when compared to other Camila hits like Havana, her move to a more straight Latin beat seems to suit her very well, with flashes shown previously in Liar and My Oh My.

15. Shawn Mendes - Teach Me How To Love

Points: 77,805

Peak: #6

Weeks: 38

Spotify Ranking: #12

This song was quite all over the place. As a basic pop song, this is really good, but when held up to a Shawn Mendes standard, the song sounds pretty lackluster. But for me, this song was a hit. I do really like the very laidback beat, with the violins in the background, making it very calm and relaxing. Shawn Mendes sounds very good, the lyrics are great, and the instrumental guitar riff portions among it all sound great. The bridge is by far the best part of the song and mixing it with the chorus and outro was a great idea. Overall a really good song that stood the test of time, notching 40+ weeks in its total run.

14. Lil Nas X/Jack Harlow - INDUSTRY BABY

Points: 78,170

Peak: #1 (2 weeks)

Weeks: 17

Spotify Ranking: #36

This song is the true definition of a "summer hit" across all fronts. You hear this song on sports compilations, this is likely being blasted at every single rager in the summer, you couldn't escape this song. Lil Nas X's best song he has ever made, and though it may only be 17 total weeks, this song hit like a hurricane. Lil Nas X sounds amazing rapping in front of the marching band beat in the back with the trumpets, drums, and everything else included. The song is about saying "look at me now" and more so X's journey to the top kind of kickbacks on some of the references made in HOLIDAY. Though Nas X makes an amazing effort, Jack Harlow absolutely ran away with this. With the smoothness, cohesiveness, rhyming, pace, and execution, his verse is debatably the best verse on this year's list. All these things considered, I regret it only lasting 17 weeks being that I could easily still see this song on the list now.

13. DPR IAN - So Beautiful

Points: 80,181

Peak: #4

Weeks: 29

Spotify Ranking: #40

Another great song discovered through my girlfriend. To be fair, I didn't know how to feel about it at first, but I ultimately let it on and it took off. This is likely one the best-produced songs on this list, I mean the instrumental is immaculate. DPR sounds great on this song, being able to match his tone, notes, and overall vocals to the rhythm and the ups of downs this production likes to use. That one instrumental part is an absolute standout, something you would never expect when hearing the song. I would really recommend everyone listen to this song out of these 100 songs.

12. The Living Tombstone - My Ordinary Life

Points: 82,851

Peak: #1 (1 week)

Weeks: 29

Spotify Ranking: #14

I kinda really don't want to talk about this one so let's just skip it.

11. Dove Cameron - LazyBaby

Points: 83,409

Peak: #1 (2 weeks)

Weeks: 29

Spotify Ranking: #11

This song was surprisingly one of 750K casualties in Spotify's effort to combat artificial streaming numbers. Besides that, the song was shockingly really good and a new angle for Dove Cameron. I remember listening to We Belong Together as that seemed to be her first big non-Disney hit, and that song was good but not Top 40 material stuff. This was different. I like the more retro-angled production along with the vocals by Dove. She doesn't do too much, she keeps it very reserved which is a more dance-based track that's very safe and good to do. Similar to Carried Away, I feel like this is the best the song could ever come out to be.

Before we get to the Top 10, let's see the Top 10 of last year (based on Crownnote):

10. Post Malone/Ozzy Osbourne/Travis Scott - Take What You Want (100,542 pts)

9. Niall Horan - Nice To Meet Ya (107,460 pts)

8. Joel Corry/MNEK - Head & Heart (110,397 pts)

7. Lennon Stella/Charlie Puth - Summer Feelings (112,698 pts)

6. Brooks/Julian Jordan - Without You (122,326 pts)

5. AJ Tracey/Mabel - West Ten (134,897 pts)

4. Jonas Brothers/Karol G - X (153,129 pts)

3. BUNT./Clarence Coffee Jr. - Unbreakable (156,296 pts)

2. Kygo/Avicii/Sandro Cavazza - Forever Yours (169,815 pts)

1. Niall Horan - Heartbreak Weather (176,124 pts)

10. Nathan Evans - Wellerman (220 KID & Billen Ted Remix)

Points: 83,512

Peak: #16

Weeks: 43

Spotify Ranking: #3

This song didn't even break into the Top 15 and made it to #10, think about that. Anyways this song is very simple and it lasted so long because it was scarily catchy. Yup, that's it.

9. Clean Bandit/MARINA/Luis Fonsi - Baby

Points: 89,539

Peak: #1 (1 week)

Weeks: 28

Spotify Ranking: #27

One of only two songs to re-enter at the #1 spot. This song didn't have the prettiest run in it's first appearance, but for some reason I always listened to this song and found it good. I don't know why the compulsion didn't occur to me to throw it back on the chart. Because over 2 years later after it left the chart it found itself at #1. The groove to this song is very very good, I like the vocals from MARINA which really shows people how good of a singer she is. Luis Fonsi on here I feel like really adds the whole Latin-vibe in the instrumental, but overall not a terrible addition to the song. All these pieces combined with amazing Clean Bandit instrumentals and production and you have a very well-put song.

8. Riton/Nightcrawlers/Mufasa & Hypeman/Dopamine - Friday (Dopamine Re-Edit)

Points: 109,482

Peak: #1 (2 weeks)

Weeks: 30

Spotify Ranking: #9

I shit you not, this song came across to me in a dream where I was in the car with my friend and his parents driving in the town this song was on the radio and it sounded catchy in the dream. Therefore, I gave it a listen and this is such a great party song that I listen to it unironically. The song immediately has a burst of energy I like and it's able to maintain it throughout the whole entire song. The whole re-edit of the original Nightcrawlers song is great and it still sounds so catchy to this day.

7. Niall Horan - Heartbreak Weather

Points: 109,674

Peak: #11

Weeks: 52

Spotify Ranking: #5

The first song to spend a whole year straight worth of charts thus the 52 weeks. The former #1 of the year hasn't slowed down, constantly rebounding multiple times when you thought it was out. As of January 8, 2022, it just chilling out at #22, and at a total of almost 2 years worth of charting, will this song ever leave? (It probably will)

6. Dua Lipa - Pretty Please

Points: 130,522

Peak: #1 (6 weeks)

Weeks: 17

Spotify Ranking: #31

17 weeks on the chart and being just outside a strong Top 5 is fucking impressive. When listening to the deluxe version of Future Nostalgia I heard this song and for some reason I really liked it. The lyrics were relatable, the goofy-ass, simplistic instrumental sounded amazing, and Dua Lipa sounded in her element on this groovy-ass song. The instrumental is great from the cowbell to the simple drum and guitar beat that sounds a bit watered down. Dua talks about just wanting physical touch, which seemed to be an overall theme on the album (Physical, Good In Bed, & Fever are all great examples). Some people will say it's one of the worst songs on the album, but this just clicks for some reason.

5. Dua Lipa - Love Again

Points: 159,289

Peak: #1 (3 weeks)

Weeks: 31

Spotify Ranking: #8

The first-ever song to re-enter at #1 comes in at #5. Sure it may not have the #1 success of Pretty Please or the overall Top 3 statis like Levitating, but this song is a great Top 5, Top 10 staple as it hasn't left upon re-entering the chart. I've come to appreciate this song so much, being able to relate to it when crushing on my current girlfriend (I love you). The whole violin part at the beginning which is a sample sounds so good, and the immediate swing into the very catchy beat starts it off right. The vocals from Dua are really well done on this song. The lyrics are amazing, the message is great, and the flow and rhythm in Dua's voice is able to hold the song as one. The chorus, bridge, outro, everything is so great for a song that couldn't hit above 35 the first go around. The pre-chorus is one of the best ones on this list and this song will just continue to dominate the charts just like this next song, West Ten, Levitating, Pretty Please, & So Beautiful.

4. Dua Lipa - We're Good

Points: 160,366

Peak: #1 (3 weeks)

Weeks: 45

Spotify Ranking: #4

Another Dua Lipa hit that stuck with me, but this was one of the ones from the Deluxe version I think. I'm shocked this didn't get enough pop radio traction but Love Again made up for it a bit. I like the very choppy, drum & snare beat that is presented within the song. Dua is able to assimilate to the instrumental being very fast with her vocals and doesn't do anything too crazy until the choppiness slows down a little bit. The verses are fast, and the vocals are quick, but this is really well-done for a song that feels very fast and rushed. The whole vibe and idea of the song is something that just sounds amazing to me and has been a Top 25 staple since its debut.

So the crazy part about this Top 3 is that none of these are new songs, they are all songs that have improved from last year's rankings, reaching new heights whether through high placement or overall longevity. Two of these songs were in the Top 10 from last year on both Crownnote and my personal system, the other song missed the Top 10 on both very marginally, being #11 on Crownnote and #16 on my personal system. For #3 and #2, I won't give reviews because everything I say will just reflect last year's but for #1 there's a deeper dive into what I said and will say.

3. BUNT./Clarence Coffee Jr. - Unbreakable

Points: 161,471

Peak: #1 (1 week)

Weeks: 47

Spotify Ranking: #7

2. AJ Tracey/Mabel - West Ten

Points: 260,535

Peak: #1 (3 weeks)

Weeks: 52

Spotify Ranking: #2

ANDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD YOUR #1 OF 2021 (This is going to be controversial)...

1. Dua Lipa/DaBaby - Levitating (Remix)

Points: 380,011

Peak: #1 (14 weeks)

Weeks: 52

Spotify Ranking: #1

"I honestly don’t know why I didn’t pick up the original on the release on the album, because #1 talks would’ve been great for it. Nevertheless, 13 weeks and manages to just miss the Top 15, not bad at all. This song gets me stuck between the past and future, as it sounds futuristic, but at the same time gives off the 80s vibe, wait, nevermind that’s why her album’s called Future Nostalgia. Anyway, yeah let’s start off with DaBaby’s introduction which honestly sets off a huge tone for the song. Dua Lipa has a great flow here and honestly, seems to spit faster than DaBaby on this track. DaBaby’s part just further complements the song, which was surprisingly a stronger part of the track. The bridge, pre-chorus, hook, and chorus all transition very well and make this song sound spectacular." - Me, Year-end List of 2020.

Okay, now a reflection of this...all of this is true but it's even better now. When a song is able to notch 21 total weeks at #1, never falling below #9, hitting #1 after one-year on the chart. That shows the true longevity and quality of a song. Now I know DaBaby may be controversial on here, but understand that this song wouldn't be successful if it wasn't for DaBaby. His first couple of lines are iconic to this song, because you know what's about to go down. Dua was smart for releasing this one, because this is what got song of the year for Billboard. This song has cemented itself as one of the best songs of all-time in my opinion. This song will continue to reign supreme as the best hit post-Avicii and Wake Me Up! This song will continue to be a classic for years to come.