The 100 Best Songs of 2021
"Only here to sin." That admission from NPR Music's song of the year lies at the heart of many of the stories told across these 100 tracks. Perhaps the crowning of Cardi and Megan's "WAP" last year signaled a transgressive sea change. Maybe, after 20 months behind masks, we felt like revealing ourselves again. Perhaps we kept some truths concealed during dire straits, so as not to appear frivolous (or feral) in the face of unforgiving circumstance. But in the songs ... booties were called. Muffins were buttered. Revenge was contemplated. In other words, we could be human again, and it felt good to be back. It's our sincere hope that as you make your way through our 7-hour playlist of the year's 100 best songs, you'll feel the same. If you find yourself losing steam or feeling down or wondering when things will finally turn around, feel free to skip the rest of "All Too Well." (Jk, Taylor!) (Oh, and you can find our 50 Best Albums of 2021 here.)
Stream NPR Music's 100 Best Songs of 2021:
Spotify / Apple Music / Tidal / Amazon Music / YouTube Music
100.
Taylor Swift
"All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)"
At 22, Taylor Swift released 2012's and came of age in the interstices between country and pop, heartbreak and freedom. At 31, Swift has now released , revisiting some unprocessed wounds with nine years of distance, freeing her to relish an anger she
