1. “Attracted To You,”- by PinkPanthress

Hailing from Bath, United Kingdom, PinkPanthress rose to fame via TikTok and is now creeping her way to the Billboard Hot 100 list with multiple solo hits. “Attracted to You” provides a short escape into a packed nightclub, just in time for a hopeful return to normalcy. 

2. “Way 2 Sexy (with Future and Young Thug),”- by Drake

Future’s lead on Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” track has named “Way 2 Sexy” the men’s version of “WAP” (Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion) to the public. This party hit is arguably going to be one of the most memorable tracks of 2021. 

3. “angel,”- by Kali Uchis

Off of her 2020 EP “TO FEEL ALIVE,” “angel” by Kali Uchis is packed with harmonious contrasts between heavy bass, enchanting instrumentals and Uchis’s raspy soprano voice, making it the perfect song to carry you through the transition between the summer and fall seasons. 

4. “Puppy princess,”- by Hot Freaks

Hot Freaks’ 2013 hit “Puppy Princess” is reminiscent of a late 20th century love song, with its passionate vocals, electric guitar, synthetic instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics. With only ten tracks to their name, Hot Freaks definitely made a lasting impression with this sappy yet uplifting hit.

5. “Birds Don’t Sing,” – by TV Girl

The all-male group TV Girl is known for their iconic electronica-inspired indie pop hits. Although “Birds Don’t Sing” is one of their less electronic songs, this 2014 track reflects the group’s cynical yet desperate-for-love persona. 

6. “Rapp Snitch Knishes (feat. Mr. Fantastik),”- by MF DOOM

The 2004 hit “Rapp Snitch Knishes” remains a classic rap staple to this day. After the masked rapper’s untimely death in October of 2020, many of MF DOOM’s early hits have made a revival, highlighting his impeccable lyricism and staying power within the rap genre.

7. “Solo Dolo, Pt. III,”- by Kid Cudi

The third part of Kid Cudi’s iconic “Solo Dolo” series is arguably just as iconic as his previous two. The relaxed beat in “Solo Dolo, Pt. III” remains true to his series and adds yet another sentimental aspect to be appreciated by Cudi’s cult following on his 2020 album, Man On the Moon III: The Chosen.

8. “20 Wave Caps (feat. Domo Genesis),”- by Earl Sweatshirt

“20 Wave Caps” is one of experimental rapper Earl Sweatshirt’s most timeless hits. Sweatshirt and Domo Genesis collaborate on this track to maintain the lack-luster, pessimistic vibe of his 2013 hit album, Doris.

9. “Celebrity Skin,”- by Hole

Rock’s queen of controversy Courtney Love leads us through her impassioned rage in “Celebrity Skin.” Hole’s 1998 album has gone down in history for its iconic rage and questionable lyrics. Its title track was the group’s first release following Kurt Cobain’s inspiring infamy and placed the song at the center of one of music’s greatest conspiracy theories. 

10. “Here Comes Your Man,” – by Pixies

With the same feel as a 1980’s school dance movie scene, “Here Comes Your Man” by the Pixies remains a staple rock hit for hopeful romantics and (500) Days of Summer fans. The Pixies are an alternative group known for their highly-acclaimed discography and their mysterious 11 year breakup incited by leader Black Francis. 

11. “Come to Life,”- by Kanye West

Off of his newest moving album, DONDA, “Come to Life ” by Kanye West is distinctly nostalgic. Representative of some of his popular work from 2016-2018 while keeping his current God-centered identity relevant, the instrumental and lyrical blend of Kanye’s past and present in “Come to Life” encapsulates the significance of DONDA to not only Kanye, but for his audience. 

12. “The King,” – by Sarah Kinsley

Kinsley’s choice to begin her indie debut song “The King” with a passionate classical piano riff has shown to be a highly successful move. With classical-inspired instrumentals becoming increasingly popular across all music genres, “The King” is a point of inspiration for many blossoming artists in the indie-pop industry.

13. “New Kid in Town,” – by Eagles

In this story-based tune, the Eagles explain a tale shared by many freshmen in college. “New Kid in Town,” from the 1976 classic album Hotel California is a song about feeling overwhelmed in a brand new phase in your life. It’s an all-too-familiar feeling to many of us, and a track that hopefully invites listeners to hang in there and listen to the calming instrumentals and ardent lyrics of “New Kid in Town.” You’ll make it!