Music · 2021
Pop Revival, Retro Nostalgia, and Streaming Records
As live venues slowly reopened, 2021 became a pivotal year driven by viral streaming hits, surprise reunions, and emotional blockbusters. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Adele dominated global charts while iconic acts made historic returns.
- May 2021 | Pop | Geffen Records
'Sour' by Olivia Rodrigo
Teen singer Olivia Rodrigo shattered streaming records with her debut single 'Drivers License' before dropping her critically acclaimed, chart-topping album 'Sour'.
- November 2021 | Pop / Soul | Columbia
'30' by Adele
Adele returned after a six-year hiatus with her raw divorce album '30', which rapidly became the top-selling album of the year in the United States.
- February 22, 2021 | Electronic | France
Daft Punk Disbands
The legendary French electronic duo Daft Punk officially announced their split after 28 iconic years through an eight-minute video titled 'Epilogue'.
- November 2021 | Pop / Country
'Red (Taylor's Version)' by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift continued her historic re-recording project, releasing an expanded version of 'Red' featuring the celebrated ten-minute track 'All Too Well'.
- November 2021 | Pop | Universal Music
'Voyage' by ABBA
Swedish pop legends ABBA reunited to release 'Voyage', their first new studio album in nearly 40 years, accompanied by avatar concert plans.
- September 2021 | Hip-Hop / Pop
'Montero' by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X released his bold debut studio album 'Montero', propelled by provocative viral visual campaigns and the hit title track 'Call Me By Your Name'.
- November 2021 | R&B / Soul | Atlantic
'An Evening with Silk Sonic' by Silk Sonic
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak joined forces as Silk Sonic, delivering smooth 1970s R&B nostalgia spearheaded by their hit single 'Leave the Door Open'.
- September 2021 | Hip-Hop | Republic
'Certified Lover Boy' by Drake
Drake shattered single-day streaming records with his sixth studio album, simultaneously occupying nine of the top ten spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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