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.
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Best Hit Songs That Were Popular in 2021 [Top Picks] (1–10)
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
A rock tune released in 2021, featuring Satoshi Fujihara’s crystalline vocals that resonate deeply.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers, it captures the protagonist’s determination to face hardship.
The composition employs around ten key changes, symbolizing the anime’s “time leap.” One of its charms is that you discover something new every time you listen.
The lyrics convey a strong will to push forward without yielding to adversity, making it perfect when you need encouragement.
Listening to this song makes you feel like you can overcome any challenge.
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.
ButterBTS
BTS’s 2021 number that captivated the world.
It blends the silky smoothness of butter that melts sweetly with sparkling, uplifting energy in perfect harmony.
With lyrics entirely in English, its irresistible, positive message invites you to enjoy it together and makes your heart skip a beat.
It even seems to soothe anxious feelings.
Released in May 2021, this song broke records on the Billboard charts.
Its views on YouTube were astounding, and it was a huge hit on TikTok as well.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to start their day with a quintessentially BTS track that opens up a whole new world.
Best Hit Songs That Were Popular in 2021 [Top Picks] (11–20)
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.
danceAdo
A track that expresses the loneliness and pain of modern society with a driving beat.
It has also drawn attention as the theme song for NHK General’s “Yakou Ongaku: VocaloP 5min.” The distinctive sound crafted by the duo of Giga and TeddyLoid, paired with DECO*27’s striking lyrics, brings out a new side of Ado.
A cover has appeared in BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!, earning support from a wide audience.
It works great as party BGM, and it might lift your spirits when you’re feeling down.
This piece is recommended for anyone who wants to let out the true feelings hidden deep in their heart.
Brand new planetMr.Children
Mr.Children’s “Brand new planet” is a song that lit up the music scene in 2021.
Released as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Onee-chan no Koibito,” it was also included on the album SOUNDTRACKS.
Their warm sound and gentle melodies, combined with Kazutoshi Sakurai’s calm, soaring vocals, resonate deep in the heart.
Even when you’re feeling down, it’s a pop-rock tune that fills you with hope.
Take a moment to revisit that time and soak it in slowly!
ultramarineYOASOBI
Among YOASOBI’s songs, this one has a particularly gentle atmosphere.
Crafted to musically depict the world of the manga Blue Period, it serves as an encouraging anthem for anyone pursuing a passion.
Ikura’s clear, translucent vocals embrace not only the brilliance of youth but also the moments of struggle that come with it.
The rhythmic beat stirs the listener’s heart, and as a track that enriches everyday life, it was beloved by many in January 2021.
It peaked at No.
9 and impressively stayed on the charts for 182 weeks.
It’s a perfect song for those striving toward their dreams or in the midst of finding themselves.