The Best Songs of 2021

Some of 2021’s best songs were introduced to the world in moments of spectacle, like Kanye West’s Donda listening sessions this summer. Other songs had slower, more organic paths to success, like Capella Grey’s “Gyalis” and Nardo Wick’s “Who Want Smoke??” Some tracks were inescapable, like Doja Cat and SZA’s massive radio hit “Kiss Me More,” and others resonated with more niche audiences, like Mavi’s “Time Travel.” All together, this list doubles as a soundtrack for the year, representing the Complex Music staff’s favorite songs over the past 12 months. These are Complex’s picks for the 50 best songs of 2021.