What’s Popping in Pop Music for 2021?
Get the inside scoop on the latest pop music trends for 2021 from our team of music experts!
Introduction
As we say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021, we can’t help but look forward to what the new year has in store for us, especially when it comes to music. Although it’s impossible to predict the future, we have a feeling that these 10 Pop songs will be taking over radio and our Spotify playlists in the months to come. So without further ado, here is our list of “What’s Popping in Pop Music for 2021.”
1) “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo – This song has been breaking records left and right since its release in early January, and there’s no doubt that it will continue to do so in the months to come. It’s the perfect song for anyone who’s going through a breakup or struggling with their identity, and we can’t get enough of it.
2) “Good Days” by SZA – This feel-good track was released at the end of 2020 but we have a feeling it’s going to be one of THE anthems of 2021. It’s perfect for those days when you just need a pick-me-up, and we guarantee you’ll be singing along at the top of your lungs before you know it.
3) “Anyone” by Justin Bieber – Justin Bieber made his triumphant return to music in 2020 after a several year hiatus, and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. “Anyone” is a haunting ballad that showcases his vulnerability and raw emotion, and we expect big things from him in 2021.
4) “Up” by Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – These two powerhouse females teamed up for this steamy banger, and we can’t get enough of it. It’s the perfect song to get you hyped up for a night out (whenever those become a thing again), and we have no doubt that it will be one of THE most popular songs of the year.
5) “Positions” by Ariana Grande – Ariana Grande took the world by storm in 2020 with her sixth studio album “Positions,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The title track is a sultry bop about wanting to try new things in the bedroom, and we have no doubt that it will be one of THE sexiest songs of 2021.
6) “Body” by Loud Luxury ft Brando – Canadian duo Loud Luxury struck gold with this summer anthem about loving someone for their body size/shape. It’s rare to find a song on pop radio these days that isn’t body-positive, so we’re giving them props for creating something so refreshingly different. We have a feeling this one is going to be HUGE in 2021.
7) ” Levitating” by Dua Lipa ft DaBaby – Dua Lipa proved she was a force to be reckoned with in 2020 with her sophomore album “Future Nostalgia,” which spawned hits like “Don’t Start Now” and “Break My Heart.” But our favorite track off the album is definitely this club banger featuring none other than DaBaby himself. Turn up the volume and get ready to dance your heart out!
8) Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles – Harry Styles’ second studio album “Fine Line” was one of THE most anticipated releases of 2019, and it did not disappoint. The lead single “Watermelon Sugar” is a summery ode to good old-fashioned sex, and we have no doubt that it will be stuck in your head all spring/summer long
What’s hot
It’s hard to say what will be popular in any given year, but there are always a few things that stand out. In 2021, we’re seeing a lot of artists experiment with new sounds and styles. Pop music is always changing, and it’s exciting to see what the next year will bring. Here are a few things we think will be popular in pop music for 2021.
Genres
There are countless genres of pop music, and sometimes it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular genres of pop music in 2021:
-EDM (Electronic Dance Music): A genre that emerged in the late 1990s/early 2000s, EDM is characterized by heavy electronic beats and often features synthesizers, samples, and computer-generated sounds. Popular EDM artists include Calvin Harris, Avicii, and Deadmau5.
-Hip Hop/Rap: One of the most popular genres of music today, hip hop/rap is characterized by rhythmic vocals that are often rap-style verses over a backdrop of thumping beats. Popular hip hop/rap artists include Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake.
-Indie Pop: Indie pop is a catch-all term for any pop music that is released on an independent record label. Indie pop tends to be quirkier and more experimental than mainstream pop music, and often features acoustic instruments and lo-fi production values. Popular indie pop artists include The 1975, Vampire Weekend, and Hozier.
-K-Pop: K-pop is a genre of pop music that originates from South Korea. K-pop is known for its catchy melodies, tight choreography, and flashy visuals. Popular K-pop artists include BTS, Blackpink, and Red Velvet.
Artists
In recent years, the lines between “pop” music and other genres have become increasingly blurred. This has led to a boom in the popularity of pop music, with artists ranging from Billie Eilish to Lizzo topping the charts.
Here are some of the most popular pop artists of 2021:
-Billie Eilish
-Dua Lipa
-Taylor Swift
-Ariana Grande
-Halsey
-Katy Perry
-Lady Gaga
-Lizzo
What’s not
There’s a lot of great pop music out there, but it can be hard to find. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, here are a few suggestions.
Genres
Genres are helpful when talking about music, but they can also be constricting. They can be a way to box in certain sounds and leave others out, which isn’t helpful when your goal is to be open-minded and find new music that you like. So, while we’ll mention genres in this article, know that you shouldn’t limit yourself to only listening to music that falls into one genre. There is so much good music out there, and it would be a shame to miss out on it because you’re only looking in one place.
With that said, here are some of the most popular genres of pop music today:
-Hip hop: Hip hop is a genre that includes rap, trap, and sometimes R&B. It often has a heavy beat and focuses on lyrics about topics like partying, sex, drugs, and violence.
-EDM: EDM stands for electronic dance music. It’s a genre that includes subgenres like house, techno, dubstep, and trance. EDM is made with electronic equipment and is meant to be danced to.
-Indie pop: Indie pop is a category of pop music that includes artists who are not signed to major labels. These artists often have more control over their sound and image than those who are signed to major labels. As the name suggests, indie pop usually has a more “indie” sound than mainstream pop.
-K-pop: K-pop is a genre of pop music that originated in South Korea. It’s known for its catchy melodies, well-choreographed dances, and polished visuals.
Artists
Topping the list of 2021’s most popular artists are The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber. All three artists had very successful 2020s, with Swift and Bieber both releasing new albums that topped the charts and The Weeknd having one of the biggest hits of the year with “Blinding Lights.” Other popular artists include Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Beyonce, Cardi B, and Drake.
Conclusion
As we near the end of 2020, a new year of pop music awaits us. Here are some of the artists and trends to watch out for in 2021.
With a new year comes new music, and 2021 is already shaping up to be an exciting one for pop music. After a year of social distancing and staying at home, we’re all ready for some fresh sounds to help us get up and move. From comeback kids to fresh faces, here are some of the artists and trends to watch out for in 2021.
First up is the return of someoved popstars. Justin Bieber is set to release his long-awaited album “Justice” in early 2021, along with a documentary series about his life and career. Bieber isn’t the only one making a comeback: Lady Gaga will also be releasing her sixth studio album, “Chromatica,” in 2021. She’s promised that it will be “full of hits” and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us.
If you’re looking for something new, never fear – there are plenty of fresh faces ready to take the pop world by storm in 2021. One artist to keep an eye on is Olivia Rodrigo, who shot to fame with her debut single “Drivers License.” Rodrigo is just getting started and we can’t wait to hear what she comes up with next. Another artist on the rise is Doja Cat, who had a breakout year in 2020 with her viral hit “Say So.” Her unique blend of rap, pop, electronic, and R&B is sure to keep us dancing all year long.
Finally, we’re also excited about the increasing popularity of Latinx artists in mainstream pop music. Bad Bunny had a huge year in 2020 with his albums “YHLQMDLG” and “El Último Tour del Mundo,” both of which topped the Billboard charts. His success paved the way for other Latinx artists like J Balvin and Ozuna to have mainstream crossover hits. We can only hope that this trend continues in 2021 as it provides much-needed representation for Latinx people in pop music.
So there you have it: our guide to what’s popping in pop music for 2021! Whether you’re looking forward to Justin Bieber’s return or want to discover some new artists, there’s something here for everyone. Pop on over to your favorite streaming service and get listening!
