CLICK HERE for the Top 12 Favorite Songs of 2021 Playlist

Curated by Flare Tha Rebel

Did 2021 turn out just as you hoped? No? Well, what year ever does? Regardless of your expectations, at least we had some good music to carry us through. Shoutout to all the Curated Vibes subscribers that jammed along to all our monthly playlists throughout the year. Now, for the final playlist of the year, enter my favorite tracks of 2021 - listed below in descending order.

12. “Sorry Not Sorry” by DJ Khaled ft. Nas, Jay-Z, James Fauntleroy

Two living hip hop legends make it look easy once again on this laid back but heavy thumbing collabo. Since their epic beef in the early 2000’s, Jay-Z and Nas have tossed their differences aside a couple times already on a few collaborations that, in my opinion, never lived up to their individual prowess. Expectations are unrealistically high when two GOAT MC’s hope on the same song together, but DJ Khaled found a way to create the best yet with a vibe that seems to put Jay-Z and Nas at ease and the rest of us too. Whether reflecting on past accomplishments or making plans for your next big win, this is a song to light a cigar to and set your 2022 resolutions.

11. “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” by Elton John, Dua Lipa, PNAU

The collaboration none of us knew we needed except for Australian trio PNAU, evidently. This dancy bass groove got stuck in my head many of times in 2021 and that was just alright to me. Elton John and Dua Lipa mixed together like a piña colada on a warm beach day with nothing better to do than enjoy life. It was a needed escape during 2021.

10. “Sun Goes Down” by Lil Nas X

Listen, I would have never guessed Lil Nas X of all people would crack my Top 12 list but the line “always thinking why my lips so I big / was I too dark, can they sense my fears?” is what did it for me. This somber song about struggling to find self-worth is equal parts encouraging as it is gut-wrenching. Lil Nas X reflects on things working out for him, despite suicidal thoughts but sadly it hasn’t worked out for far too many of us. I hope young ones listen to this song and develop an appreciation for who they are while also choosing not to be an asshole to others.

9. “Bed-Stuy is Burning” by Skyzoo ft. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

I once was a conversing with a young woman from a family with a net-worth in the billions. Our lives couldn’t be more different but when she mentioned she was about to move to Brooklyn, I perked up finding a connection between the two of us. I asked her what part of Brooklyn she was moving to, and she responded Bed-Stuy (short for the neighborhood Bedford–Stuyvesant). I started rattling off names of some of the most infamous hip hop artist that grew up in Bed-Stuy and she had a puzzled, soon to be disinterested look on her face. I thought to myself, “damn…are rich kids are moving to Bed-Stuy with no knowledge or care of that neighborhood’s heritage?” In this jazzy song about the ills of gentrification, Skyzoo answers my question with a resounding, “yes”.

8. “Alemania (Blackpaw Remix)” by Twin Shadow, Blackpaw

I wouldn’t argue with those that may prefer the non-remix version of “Alemania” that appears on Twin Shadow’s self-titled album, as both are great songs. But the added pace of this Blackpaw remix creates a funky flavor that gave me exactly what I needed. The extra bounce made it an easy addition to my Let’s Get It Playlist.

7. “Keep Moving (Dave Lee Remix)” by Jungle, Dave Lee

An energetic, funky track that makes it easy to dance away any regrets of 2021. The band Jungle already nails it with its modern-day disco style but somehow this Dave Lee remix took it to an entirely different level.

6. “Speechless” by Nas

“When you been in it this long, it gon’ look like it’s magic” is a Nas line not from this song but rather “40 Side”, a track on his earlier 2021 album King’s Disease II. I only mention it here because it seemed to foreshadow this surprise Christmas gift on album titled Magic that was released on Dec. 24, 2021. I mean, if these are the throw away songs from King Disease II then yes, I am as speechless as Magic’s opening song.

5. “Top 5” by Tokyo Police Club

It’s pure coincidence that a song titled “Top 5” lands right at my number five on this list but this light-hearted jam from Tokyo Police Club earned its rank with a lot of repeat spins from me. Hoping for a full album from them in 2022.

4. “Crying on the Dancefloor” by Dayglow

A lot of things happen on a dancefloor that have nothing to do with dancing and crying is, unfortunately, one of them. Dayglow hit us with his throwback pop 80’s style with a song about heartbreak and the meager attempts to get over a loved lost. This song also fit well within my Breakfast Club Sandwich Playlist, a mix of 80’s songs and modern sounding 80’s songs.

3. “Leave the Door Open” By Silk Sonic (Anderson .Paak & Bruno Mars)

I’m not joking when I tell you I would often compare Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars - two incredibly talented artists. I saw Anderson .Paak as the J. Cole to Drake or Nas to Jay-Z, someone with equal if not more talent that simply had less pop-allure. Then, suddenly, Silk Sonic was formed. You’re welcome! It didn’t get much smoother than this sultry tune in 2021 and it became an after the fact addition to my Modern Day Jukebox Playlist. This style of modern songs with 60’s/70’s flavor continues to grow in popularity and I ain’t mad about it.

2. “40 Side” by Nas

Okay, back to Nas again. The song “40 Side” not only foreshadows his album Magic but stands alone as a gritty and heavy hitting track about grinding your way to success while not forgetting where you come from. Producer Hit-Boy continues to elevate this late rise of Nas’s career with beats that bang and this song from King’s Disease II is just one of many deserving tracks to this list, but it just so happens that this song got added to our Chiefs Tailgate playlist and got the crew hype on many game days.

1. “Motorbike” by Leon Bridges

I don’t own a motorbike, but this song makes me want to. Leon Bridges nails this one with his soulful vocals blended over mesmerizing melodies. It’s a beautifully laid-back tune that’s both relaxing and reflective. For me, it brought a sense a calm. But, if you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and watch the music video directed by none other than Anderson .Paak. Young love is the song, but the video has a different depth to it that flirts with darker moments.