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Best Hit Songs That Were Popular in 2021 [Top Recommendation]
Don’t you ever feel like finding out about hit songs from previous years?
As music fans, we look forward to the annual charts that compile each year’s popular songs, and even people who don’t usually listen to much music sometimes get curious about what was trending.
In this article, we focus specifically on songs that were big in 2021.
With recent streaming trends, hits from the previous year often continue to rank high.
There are tons of must-hear tracks, from massive subscription-era hits to songs that gained popularity through social media.
Best Hit Songs That Were Popular in 2021 [Top Picks] (1–10)
Dried flowersYuuri
A ballad that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Released in October 2020 as the second digital single.
A quiet yet powerful set of lyrics that lingers in your ears.
Its world evokes scattered memories and a look back at a love that has ended.
Yuuri’s emotive vocals captivate listeners.
The lyrics vividly express the regret of choosing to part ways, lingering attachment to the other person, and complex emotions.
It topped Billboard Japan’s 2021 year-end charts for streaming, downloads, and karaoke.
This song gradually gained support among younger listeners.
An unforgettable melody filled with feeling—an instant classic that’s also become a karaoke staple.
forget-me-notAwesome City Club
A track marked by the beautiful harmonies of twin vocals.
Inspired by the film “We Made a Beautiful Bouquet,” it portrays the bittersweetness of forgetting.
The gap between its faintly nostalgic, fragile mood and its dynamic, nuanced rhythm is really cool.
The soundscape created by the voices of atagi and PORIN resonates deeply.
Released digitally in January 2021, it was included on the album “Grower” in February of the same year, and became a major hit, earning triple platinum on streaming.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to move past what’s been lost and the past to start over again, carrying a spring-like warmth.
Shut up.Ado
A song that boldly gives voice to pent-up feelings about society and the workplace.
With its aggressive sound and unvarnished message, it resonates with young listeners.
The powerful vocals and a melody tinged with poignancy leave a strong impression.
Released in October 2020, it entered the Billboard Japan Hot 100 in just three weeks.
It continued to climb the charts and set a remarkable record by surpassing 100 million streams.
It’s perfect for blowing away everyday frustrations.
With Ado’s overwhelming presence, this track left a striking mark on the music scene.
rainbowSuda Masaki
This is a song filled with warmth and tenderness that resonates deep in the heart.
Known as the theme song for the film “STAND BY ME Doraemon 2,” it was written and composed by Huwie Ishizaki.
Masaki Suda’s straightforward vocals gently wrap feelings of love for family and gratitude toward those close to us.
Released in November 2020, the track has also become popular as a wedding song.
The music video portrays the life of a married couple, and it marks the first time Suda appeared as an actor in his own MV.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone important or express your appreciation.
sparkleFuji Kaze
A refreshing song that captures the thrill of love, captivating listeners with an exciting rhythm and breezy vocals.
The lyrics weave in everyday words with deeper meaning, centering on themes of personal growth and boosted self-esteem.
Released in May 2021 and featured in a Honda VEZEL commercial, the track earned high marks across various metrics, including downloads and streaming numbers.
It is also included on Fujii Kaze’s second album, LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.
With a sound inspired by ’80s–’90s dance music and a warmly resonant piano tone, it’s sure to color memorable moments.
monsterYOASOBI
A song that fully encapsulates YOASOBI’s appeal with a sound that’s both beautiful and powerful.
The impactful chorus leaves a strong impression.
Ayase’s delicate composition blends gently with Ikura’s clear, translucent vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.
Chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime BEASTARS, it was released in January 2021.
It has garnered attention both in Japan and abroad, receiving high praise from Time magazine in the United States, among others.
The total number of streams has surpassed 100 million.
This track, which sings of the feelings of young people searching for their true selves, is the perfect anthem for anyone ready to take a new step forward.
Step and a stepNiziU
A debut work from a Japan-born group poised for global success, infused with the appeal of K-pop.
It’s an encouragement song that gently gives a supportive push to anyone ready to take their first step.
With a catchy melody and memorable lyrics, it cheers you on as you pursue your dreams.
Released in November 2020, the track became a smash hit in no time.
Its dance challenge on TikTok drew a lot of attention and won fans of all ages.
Perfect for anyone about to start something new.
Listen to this song, keep moving forward step by step, and the path will surely open up before you.