Music has encapsulated the world for centuries and while its effect will last forever, music continues to change. 2021 has had many new musicians including :Olivia Rodrigo, Giveon, 24kGoldn and The Kid LAROI. So what musicians shaped students’ 2021?

“Easy On Me” 

  Adele

“This song is emotional and taps into so many different feelings,” says Vanden sophomore Kiera Manor. With 8 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 and the over 24 million streams on Spotify thousands agree. 30 was Adele’s first album after her hiatus. With 839,000 album sales this album has been her most popular release. 

Easy On Me – song by Adele | Spotify

“Sweet/ I thought You Wanted To Dance” 

Tyler, The Creator, Brent Faiyaz, Fana Hues 

Call Me if You Get Lost has 153 streams and maintained a steady 23 weeks on The Billboard 200. Tyler entered the music scene with his song “Yonkers”.  He later joined a group called Odd Future that allowed him to expand his fan base. Now Tyler has over 11.6 million followers and 8 studio albums.

SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Fana Hues)

“W.A.Y.S” 

 Jhene Aiko 

“In your darkest moments you can turn this song on and it uplifts your spirit, it holds a lot of emotion and reminds me everyday that no matter the hardship you can continue your day with a smile.” says student Tiara Smith. The album spent 10 weeks on Top album sales and 48 weeks on the artist 100. Aiko was discovered by Chris Stokes as a part of the group B2K. Now she is signed to Def Jams with six studio albums and 21 music videos. 

WAYS – song by Jhené Aiko | Spotify

“Work Out” 

J.Cole 

Cole World: The Sideline Story spent 70 weeks on the Billboard 200 with “Work out” on the charts for 25 weeks. Cole’s first album was The Come Up with his song “Lights Please” entering the national record chart. Cole has 12 studio albums. 

Work Out – song by J. Cole | Spotify

“Corazon Sin Cara” 

Prince Royce 

“ This song has been stuck in my head for the past 2 months and the song is calming to me,” says Vanden student Aaliyah Mango. Royce has been on the music scene for 11 years and has had 6 studio releases including his self-titled album Prince Royce.

Corazon Sin Cara – song by Prince Royce | Spotify

Some of  2021 Spotifys’ most streamed artists was Bad Bunny gaining over 9.1 billion streams, closely followed by Taylor Swift and BTS. Compared to Vanden students, different artists were special to them. Artists like Willow, Silk Sonic, Conan Gray and J. Cole filled their 2021 playlists.