The Songs You Need This Year

Hello friend! It's been a while! This past semester has kept me incredibly occupied, and I haven't had much time or headspace to write, but I am back for a final post of 2021 with a music roundup of the favorites that I've been playing on repeat throughout the year. Going from online in the spring back to in-person in the fall was highly intimidating, so I am extremely thankful for the support system that I've been growing both in family and friend circles. They've allowed me to open up and explore my identity even more this year, creating spaces for the things that are incredibly important to me, including music. Many of the songs on this little list are connected to people and memories that make me feel real joy - and I hope to bring forth more joy in the New Year with my own music (stay tuned post-graduation!) Thank you for sticking around and reading my posts this year, no matter how sporadic my writing has been. I hope something has stuck with you, and that you'll continue to stop by :-) Here are the songs that you need to listen to from my personal 2021 stash:

Nausea - Jeff Rosenstock

I absolutely love this song for its raw lyrics and also the fact that it's perfect to yell/sing while you're alone in the car contemplating the existence of yourself during this chaotic year. Rosenstock's voice really delivers in this song, and the instrumentals highlight his voice so well.

Call The Dogs Out - The Garden

I heard this song for the first time and couldn't keep myself from dancing and bouncing around - in my room, on the subway platform, while walking to class - the beat is highly contagious and I love the style of their mixed singing and speaking vocals. The drums compliment the singers and really mesh together this track, creating a jumpy feedback loop meant to be played over and over (no shame :3)

"Listen to Your Heart." "No." - Cheekface

My partner, Alex, and I love singing this song whenever we are in the car together - it's got such a goofy road trip feeling to it, and the chorus is unmistakable after you learn the bread bridge leading up to it. This song is all about literally saying no to the sayings and standards that have been conditioned into society, and for that, we say yes.

Chin Music For The Unsuspecting Hero - Foster The People

This original added to the new version of TORCHES gives the most nostalgic feeling when listening. I would be walking to the subway with this in my ears, feeling like I was back in high school walking through my hometown instead. Although the band has broken up since the release, this song still brings out the best of them.

mutt - Sophie Meiers

I was super excited when I heard that Meiers was coming out with new music this year, and this song does not disappoint in the slightest. The bass line steadily backs their poetic lyrics, and their emotion is palpable through the chorus especially. I'm hoping to hear more of Meier's productions of their originals in the New Year!

Running From Nothing - Skegss

This entire album is one of my all-time favorites from 2021 - there are simply no misses! But this one specifically takes the cake for me - I've played this countless times on the guitar for myself and for others, as the lyrics rarely escape my head. This song is the perfect blend of alt-rock and soft punk, so if you've been searching for that mix, look no further.

Dry Bones - Manwolves

I am slightly obsessed with the dual poeticism in both the lyrics and horn playing of the Manwolves' dudes. This song makes you want to instantly get up and groove to the chorus with their unmistakable jazzy influences. Manwolves has been on my music radar since the beginning of college, and this song graced many of my 2021 playlists as a great anytime vibe song.

Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill

This anthem makes you feel as if you're straight out of a punk movie (as the song itself is) and its lyrics pay tribute to the ultimate riot girl who everyone wants to embody. A true headbanger, this song has the sing-scream combo that gives it major energy and that so many fans love.

Waiting - PUP

This has got to be one of my favorite PUP songs that they have put out so far - the opening guitar riff drags you in instantly and leads you into the chorus, which is simple lyrically but oh so relatable. The dark humor and realness that PUP puts into their songs, especially about mental health, also contributes to this song being on my top list.

Fuck the Hollywood Cult - Zheani

I would listen to this song constantly on the subway during the fall semester whenever I went to visit Sarah in Brooklyn. Zheani's style of singing is so rough and distinguishable, it truly makes you feel like you could stomp on anyone who tries to get in your way. Highly recommend this song for whenever you need to feel that extra dose of badass.

Loverman - Fiddlehead

There's just something about this song that feels like it needs to be blasted from a rooftop - the steady beat coupled with the heartfelt punk vocals never fails to make me turn up the volume. Fiddlehead continues to be added to my travel/drive playlists, as they also give off a certain wanderlust.

Super Slaughter - Jazmin Bean

This entire album is another one of my favorites - I was introduced to Jazmin Bean this year, and their music is the definition of a cute-creepy alternative genre. The song calls out the haters who love to continue talking and watching despite being critically against you. Bean's style both musically and fashion-wise is inspirational, and their "give no shits" attitude about what others think of them is a core reason behind me following their music.

What Do You Want Me to Say? - Dismemberment Plan

This song scratches that itch you have when you're completely frustrated with people and the world itself, and it is best listened to at full volume for the ultimate angry effect. As an older punk band, these guys haven't released anything since 2013, but their influence on the indie punk scene is widespread.

Versace Summer - Jank

When I stumbled upon this song on my Discover Weekly, it instantly became a part of my summer playlist and was blasted in the car on my way to and from work many times. The lyrics, complete with more bread references, became a sort of yearning to be away from the current world - to be taken back to summers of less worry and anxiety.

Did any of these songs make your personal 2021 list? Have any suggestions for must-listens? You know where to find me!

Until Next Year,

Anna xxx