LISTS: SOME OF MY FAVORITE SONGS OF 2021

LISTS: Every entry consists of a list of eight to ten songs, music videos, albums, artists or bands with a common theme. The order in which the songs, music videos, albums, artists or bands are presented is completely unplanned. In other words, this is not any sort of countdown. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!

Pop, Easycore, Metalcore, and even more. Every song featured on this list has something in common; they have managed to make me feel something during a year which it would have been easy not to feel anything. This article is by no mean my best to date. However, at this point, I am simply happy to be able to finally share more of my work after months of absence. Who knows? You may discover your new favorite song in this list. You will notice that each paragraph ends with a line or two from the songs in question. Enjoy!

Secret Garden by Spiritbox

Technical. Undeniably Catchy. Exquisite. These are the words that come to mind when reflecting on how amazing this single from Spiritbox's debut effort "Eternal Blue" truly is.  A track like "Secret Garden" is a necessary reminder that Courtney Laplante is not only a skilled screamer (check out Holy Roller) but also a beautiful singer. During this past year, I have had my fair share of moments during which I felt low; something about this tune, especially the chorus made me feel alive. Was it the lyrics and the message they convey? Was Courtney's straight from the heart vocal delivery? Who knows? I do not even know. Despite eventually falling in love with every song on the record, "Secret Garden" has somehow remained the one I keep closest to my heart and ears. This track not only feels like the epitome of Spiritbox's sonic identity but it is also a clear instance of my music taste. This tune is the bridge that connects every part of Spiritbox's intricate, versatile sound; between songs like "Constance" and "Yellowjacket", there is  "Secret Garden". "Nobody takes from me what I grow. Secret garden, disregard my heart." (Courtney Laplante, 2021)    

                                                        Back Together by The Summer Set 

PERFECT. COMEBACK. SINGLE. I know, TSS did not release "Back Together" when they first announced they were a team again after being on a hiatus for what felt like an eternity. However, it is the track that made me fully realize that one of my favorite bands of all time was back together. I would be lying to all of you if I affirmed that my eyes did not get watery during my very first listen. "Back Together" is a song that makes listeners cry, smile, and reflect on their existence and how to make the most of their time on this planet we call earth. This tune has without a doubt made me fall in love with Brian, Jess, Stephen, and John all over again. It is also heartwarming to hear Brian taking responsibility for how and why the band parted ways in the first place. "I think about how we broke up and get choked up cause my ego was in charge. (Brian Dales, 2021)

Best Days by Alessia Cara

Those very first piano notes are an obvious hint that we are getting ready for a very emotional 3-minute and a half journey. I believe this song is a necessary reminder for a lot of us; joyful days are still ahead of us no matter what we may believe. "Best Days" is  simultaneously sad and uplifting and benefits from a heartfelt vocal performance from young yet already legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara. "Best Days" is the type of song that will ring true to people for an infinite number of years to come. Thank you, Alessia for making me and millions of people feel less alone. "Are the best days just the ones that we survive?" (Alessia Cara, 2021) 

Bird Song by Softcult 

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite projects released during this whirlwind of a year. As a lot of you know, I have been fortunate enough to meet on several occasions the masterminds behind this tune; Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, For those who know me personally, it is no secret to you that I have an undying admiration for not only the Canadian twins' musical abilities but also their never-ending kindness towards me and fellow fans. Consequently, it would be easy for anyone to tell me I am biased for making one of their songs part of this list. However, I can wholeheartedly affirm that there are tunes Mercedes and Phoenix put out which I do enjoy less than others. However, "Bird Song" is not part of those songs for which I have a little bit less love. Here is a quote from a previous article that perfectly sums up my thoughts on this song: "the vivid, well-written, and chosen imagery produced by the lyrics makes the track significantly special." "Bird Song" produces an amalgam of emotions inside me which is perfect for any former emo kid and current emo adult like me. This track is a testament to how much the Canadian twins have grown as musicians and people. "Life knocks you down. Like a fist through the wall." (Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, 2021)

Outrun by Veil of Maya

Is this song jaw-dropping to me? Yes, it certainly is. However, I do not think it would be fair to write about this tune without praising lead singer Lukas Magyar's out-of-this-world performance. Only a handful of vocalists in the universe of heavy music can elegantly handle singing and screaming as well as Veil of Maya's frontman does. This particular track is another brilliant example of how genuinely talented Lukas Magyar is. Do you love dancing as if not a single living creature (or non-living like that creepy teddy bear you keep in your bedroom for some mysterious reason) was paying the least amount of attention? Do you live for the rush you get when you mosh at Metal shows? Does headbanging like there is no tomorrow make feel alive like nothing else in this big crazy world? I honestly feel like this tune could spark all of those reactions. It is an eclectic mix that somehow works very well. Veil of Maya's sound on "Outrun" makes for an unexpected yet delightful listen. "Why don't I feel right at home? Why do I feel like a ghost?" (Lukas Magyar, 2021)

  

Butterflies by Between You and Me

As the true hopeless romantic that I am, this song is simply perfect to me. This well-written tune by Australian Pop Punk future legends Between You and Me never fails to make me sing along, dance, and smile. It could remarkably fit on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age Rom-Com. The lyrics of this song are not only incredibly charming but also effortlessly relatable. I have always applauded artists and bands who can compose tracks that feel simultaneously intimate and personal yet somewhat grand and almost poetic or theatrical.  "She loves the planet, and everything it hides. She sees the good in everybody with the blue eyes." (Jake Wilson, 2021)

Feel a Thing by Meet Me at the Altar 

From the retro video game music opening notes to the heavy elements of the instrumental, this track is a clear indicator that MMATA has the brightest future ahead of them. The trio has managed to revive my interest for Easycore a genre of music I once loved but progressively forgot about.  This particular track makes me believe that vocalist Edith Johnson could deliver solid performances on songs that are not necessarily Rock driven. "I should go see a doctor. 'Cause I don't have much left to offer." (Edith Johnson, 2021) 

Good Girls by Chvrches 

Chvrches shares with the universe what feels like a larger-than-life feminist anthem. Who says songs with pop tendencies cannot be considered an authentic reflection of societal issues? "Good Girls" is an insanely catchy yet carefully crafted tune with lyrics that manage to convey an eye-opening message while remaining accessible to the average music consumer. On "Good Girls", the Scottish Synthpop giants deliver what I deem to be one of the most unforgettable pre-chorus and chorus of the past 12 months. Whether you are young, old, identify as a woman, a man, or an awesome non-binary human being, I firmly believe that this track is worth your attention and time. Upon first listen, try to take the lyrics in and think about what they could mean to you and anyone you know. Then, try listening to it again and enjoy the contrastive euphoric instrumental by dancing and possibly spinning around just like Chvrches' charismatic lead vocalist Lauren Mayberry does on stage. "Good girls don't cry. And good girls don't lie. And good girls justify but I don't."  (Lauren Mayberry, 2021)

TDH2S by Magnolia Park

While I do not know a whole lot about Magnolia Park; they seem to be the type of band that proudly wears their influences on their sleeves. I mean it in the best way possible. At its core, "TDH2S" is a Pop Punk anthem. However, there is so much more to it; listen to that pre-chorus and tell me it sounds like your typical Pop Punk track. It does not. In a universe where musical boundaries will possibly cease to exist sooner than later, Magnolia Park will surely shine bright in a scene where a lot of bands are kept in the dark. As a fan who does not limit herself to specific genres, a song like this one encapsulates a little bit of everything I love about music. It also obviously helps that one of my favorite lead singers of all time is featured on this track (see my article). "The end is knocking at our door. Nothing's right I'm torn." (Oliver Baxxter, 2021) 

Butterfly by Arcane Ghosts 

Mood changer. Mood enhancer. "Butterfly" is the type of track you want to blast in your car with the windows down while driving around town shouting the lyrics on a hot sticky day in mid-July. However, listeners should not neglect this fantastic Ska-influenced track during grim, freezing winter days. Its wonderfully energetic instrumental will give you that power you desperately need during those darker days of the year. Discovering this song (and band) is the textbook definition of a beautiful accident. "I've been thinking of a word that I could use so you believe what you don't see. Elephants flying in the room I think this time I need to breathe." (Jason Diaz, 2021)

Libre-Angèle

This song exudes confidence and reminds fans how amazing it can feel to finally be free from someone or something. Upon my first listen, I instantly started smiling and feeling somewhat confident myself at least for 2 minutes and 44 seconds (please, laugh). I appreciate how the song can appear very simple lyrically while containing some lines that will suddenly make your jaw drop. And what can I say about that awesome bass line that provides all of the nostalgic vibes. With this specific track (and the rest of "Nonante-Cinq"), Angele shows that she is far more than a one album success story. "Sèche tes larmes car elles ne lavent pas. Toutes tes armes dressées contre moi." (Angele, 2021)

Here is a list of other songs I could/should have included on here:

 

-Molotov (OK) by Stand Atlantic 

-Pieces of You by Nothing, Nowhere

-Good Day by Twenty One Pilots

-Charmer by anotherboy

-Think About Me-Jxdn   

-End of Me-Billy Talent

-Woman by Doja Cat 

-Waste of Breath-Like Pacific

-Telepath-Conan Gray 

-Peaches-Justin Bieber 

-Once in a Lifetime-Stomping Grounds

-Outta My Head-State Champs 

-Your Power-Billie Eilish 

-Die4u by Bring me the Horizon 

-Holiday by Turnstile

-Prodigal Daughter by Lights 

and so much more...

Happy and safe holidays to all of my friends and any fellow music fans who may be reading this. 

Your emo kid at heart forever, 

Ariane