We’re Halfway To 2022, So Here Are The Best Songs Of 2021 (So Far)

Oh, we’re halfway there, we’re living in despair.

2021 has delivered bangers – and we can’t wait to dance. Here is our playlist of bops that we’ll be dancing to when we’re back in business.

Black Country, New Road

Black Country, New Road smashed the f’in door down with their album ‘For The First Time’ – out now on Ninja Tune. Somewhere between David Bowie and Nick Cave, their genre-bending debut is the best guitar music about – without a doubt.

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Jessie Ware

Part-time pop superstar – part-time podcaster – part-time author – and soon to be mother of three. Jessie dropped the album of the year in 2020. Now in 2021 she is showing us what these songs are all about. Don’t sleep on this album and give Jessie the love she deserves!

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Little Simz

International sensation and soon-to-be genre defining star. Little Simz’ upcoming album is shaping up to be era-defining. Laid back beats with punching spoken word is exactly what 2021 ordered. Nothing else to add here – the songs speak for themselves.

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Thundercat

Thundercat is the holy trinity. The icon, the treasure, and the ex-death metal band member? Long gone are the death metal roots and his iconic blend of funk and R&B earned him a well-deserved GRAMMY for his new album ‘It Is What It Is’ on Flying Lotus’ label – Brainfeeder.

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Jordan Rakei

Jordan Rakei loves a collab – just look at the success he’s had with Jorja Smith and Loyle Carner. His new Late Night Tales compilation sees Rakei bringing his trademarked soul prowess to a gentle and reflective mix. Known best for his musicianship, it’s inevitable that this album by the New Zealander is fab.

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Alfie Templeman

Gorgeous, groovy, and melodic. We can already tell that Templeman is going to be the roaring twenties’ indie dreamboat before he’s even in his twenties. For fans of Declan McKenna and banging indie bops.

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Stream One on One’s mid-year bops playlist on Spotify now: