The music world has been more open and inclusive than ever this year, with more and more artists using their music to promote equality and encourage listeners to accept who they are.
Since 2022 is mere hours away now, we’ve compiled a list of the biggest songs of 2021 and how they can influence your resolution for the new year.
Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing) – Fred again..
An ode to hazy pre-pandemic nights on the dancefloor, British DJ Fred again.. samples a voicemail from The Blessed Madonna to create this melancholy house banger that rang out across festivals (or the ones that went ahead) all summer. The song can perhaps serve as a reminder as we enter the new year of where we were, and where we are trying to get back to in terms of nightlife.
Hurricane – Kanye West
The standout track from the standout rap album of the year is full of metaphors to take into the new year. Besides the title of the song accurately depicting what the year has been like as a whole, Lil Baby also says during his verse, “Walkin’ on the bridge I threw my sins over the deep end.” Is it time to cast aside any sinful habits you’ve picked up during 2021?
Kiss Me More – Doja Cat ft. SZA
When the clock strikes twelve tonight, who will you be looking to for a smooch? Doja Cat and SZA provide the perfect soundtrack for you to give your loved one some sugar this evening and continue to show your appreciation for them all year long.
Montero (Call Me By Your Name) – Lil Nas X
In one of the biggest tracks of the year, Lil Nas X’s Montero is a love story about accepting who you are and realising your own identity. The controversial video split opinion, but the lyric, “You live in the dark boy, I cannot pretend,” may motivate some to face their demons in 2022 and be more accepting of who they are.
Whole Lotta Money – BIA ft. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj jumped on the remix of Massachusetts rapper BIA’s Whole Lotta Money to give her fans that money-making inspiration to take into the new year. Will 2022 be the year for you to level up your money?
Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems & Justin Bieber
Nigerian superstar Wizkid’s original version of Essence came out in 2020, but his Made In Lagos: Deluxe Edition is a product of 2021 and is packed full of brilliant features. Essence with Tems and Bieber is just a brilliant song, and the lyric, “Time is of the essence,” is a reminder to cherish our lives and be kind to one another during our short time on this mortal coil.
I Drink Wine – Adele
Adele’s comeback has lit up 2021 and I Drink Wine is full of important messages about being true to yourself. Adele will not be the only one who turned to the bottle this year, but she hands down some eloquent wisdom by singing, “Why am I obsessing about the things I can’t control? Why am I seeking approval from people I don’t even know?” Preach.
Thot Shit – Megan Thee Stallion
Superstar rapper Megan Thee Stallion had another incredible year in 2021, crowned by the unapologetically audacious Thot Shit video in which she raps, “I walk around the house butt-naked. And I stop at every mirror just to stare at my own posterior.” Body positivity, female empowerment, silencing internet trolls – take your pick of lessons to use for your 2022 New Years’ resolution.