Spotify’s Best Songs For Travel 2021

There may be a global shutdown but it isn’t a hindrance for our singers to create iconic music. In fact, the pandemic has broadened the reach of music to listeners, with the presence of TikTok, apart from Spotify. Therefore, the crisis also didn’t become a hindrance for us forget music.

I know this is a food and travel blog but it itches me not to publish and share my top ten songs for the year 2021. After all, music is part of our travel. When we’re at the beach chilling, on mountains while hiking, at glamping spots while watching the campfire, in the car on our way to our destinations, at the terminal while waiting for our ride or in an airplane going to farther locations, we equip our earphones, open the Spotify app and listen to music like as if they are our companion during the trip.

The year, 2021, was unforgettable for many reasons, including its music. Listed below are my most listened songs in my Spotify travel playlist for this year.

10. Leave the Door Open – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

These boys are bringing us back to the 70’s and they’re doing it right while hitting those notes. Bruno Mars’ voice was a good addition, especially with the fact that he has mastered the classic sounds of the past through his funk song, Locked out of Heaven, and jack swing song, Finesse. Anderson .Paak has this sexy voice that completes Leave the Door Open. What a good way to know him!

9. Build a Bitch – Bella Poarch

Everyone thought that Bella Poarch is just an entertainer and influencer on social media but this international TikTok superstar surprised as with her singing and songwriting skills when she released Build a Bitch. It wasn’t just a simple song. It was a hit! A dark-pop track, Poarch revealed that the song is about one embracing oneself. You could feel the art and passion in the music video.

8. Diwata – Sam Concepcion

How is Sam Concepcion still underrated after all these years? Can’t you see that he’s making OPM alive and lively? His recent song, Diwata, is the evidence of how talented the guy is. Diwata is such a jam. Without focusing on the language, you wouldn’t know that it’s a local song. Its rap is badass. I first heard the song in Miss Universe Philippines. The organization chose the right song to represent their contestants.

7. Mapa – SB19

Yes! Filipino boy groups are on the rise this year. It sounds cliche but I’m a proud Filipina for that fact. At first, I was disliking SB19 for sounding like Korean boy groups as if they don’t have their own style. But that was until they released Mapa. It’s a sentimental music but in dance pop genre. I’m surprised that they pulled this off. Mapa’s composition is inspired by parents. The lyrics are heart-wrenching and incredibly moving.

6. Lalisa – Lalisa Manoban

I always admire Lisa Manoban of BlackPink as a dancer. Surely, her single, Lalisa, gave us great choreography. But apart from that, thankfully, this solo has shown her side in singing and not merely in dancing and rapping. The thing I like about this song is the fact that it doesn’t sound similarly to the generic Kpop songs. She, together with the other BlackPink members, have their distinct style of music.

5. On The Ground – Rosé

Next on the list is Lisa’s sister and my personal bias on BlackPink! I must say the Rosé is the voice of BlackPink. Her high range and lovely tone always provides flavor on every BlackPink song. In this solo single, her powerful vocals was showcased. It blended with the synth-pop and pop rock elements of the song. The lyrics of On The Ground also give inspiration as it reflects Rosé’s rise to fame.

4. Driver’s License – Olivia Rodrigo

Everyone agrees that 2021 is the year of Olivia Rodrigo. She was just a new artist and yet she bagged Billboards’ Woman of the Year award immediately. The whole Sour album is exceptional that I couldn’t choose one song. However, Driver’s License started and defined the album. The song is mellow and sad but it’s a song that we keep on listening. I never thought that someone getting a driver’s license would be this painful.

3. Leave Before You Love Me – Marshmello and Jonas Brothers

I’m glad to meet Jonas Brothers again this year. Their song with Marshmello, Leave Before You Love Me, deserves the recognition it’s having. The boy’s voices and Marshmello’s record blends so well that the mix radiates positivity. The song has breezy rhythm, which is pleasantly soothing. That’s What I Want fits both pop and EDM, which are genres that easily get me hooked.

2. Ghost – Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber is known for creating timeless music from his One Time era up to now so it’s not a surprise that his latest single, Ghost, once again graced the charts. In its modernly catchy tune, the song give me chills and emotions. It’s a great tribute to anyone who has lost a loved one. I would also like to acknowledge the music video because the essence of the song is flawlessly portrayed.

1. Save Your Tears (Remix) – The Weeknd & Ariana Grande 

The Weeknd is one of the successful male singers in this generation’s music industry. Looking at his consistent music, unique contribution of feelings for the audience, stable amazing voice and the power to make you dance, I guess he deserves what he is receiving for the past years. Save your Tears is a masterpiece. And when Ariana Grande added her touch, it was just perfect.