The Most Popular Song of the Year, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:51
Yearly, music charts light up with new releases captivating audiences worldwide. Determining the most popular song harnesses a collective voice on what resonates most, often reflecting broader cultural trends or moments. It's useful for music lovers to see which tracks have soared in public esteem and which have crafted unique narratives through the year. By participating in the voting process, listeners contribute directly to shaping the outcome of these rankings. This engagement not only enhances the accuracy of what is deemed 'popular' but also deepens the communal aspect of music consumption. It's a dynamic way to gauge the pulse of the music industry and see which artists and styles are making a significant impact.

What Is the Most Popular Song of the Year?

  1. 1
    76
    votes
    This song has been a massive hit worldwide, breaking multiple records on the charts and becoming the most-streamed song of the year so far. Its relatable lyrics about heartbreak and moving on have resonated with listeners of all ages.
    "Drivers License" by Olivia Rodrigo in other rankings
  2. 2
    31
    votes
    This provocative and catchy song has been a huge hit since its release, with its accompanying music video causing controversy and further fueling its popularity. Its blend of hip-hop and pop influences has made it a crossover hit with a wide range of listeners.
    Montero (Call Me By Your Name) is a popular song released by Lil Nas X. The track combines elements of rap, hip-hop, and pop, delivering a catchy and energetic sound. It incorporates melodic hooks, driving beats, and Lil Nas X's distinctive vocal style and lyrics. The song gained considerable attention for its controversial and provocative music video, which showcases Lil Nas X in various biblical and mythical settings. The lyrics touch upon themes of self-expression, sexuality, and embracing one's true identity. Montero (Call Me By Your Name) has resonated with a wide audience, including many 12-year-olds, due to its infectious rhythm and relatable themes.
    • Genre: Rap, hip-hop, pop
    • Release Date: March 26, 2021
    • Duration: 2 minutes and 17 seconds
    • Album: Montero
    • Label: Columbia
    "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X in other rankings
  3. 3
    10
    votes
    This infectious dance-pop song has been a big hit on the charts and on streaming platforms, with its retro-futuristic vibe and catchy hooks making it a favorite among fans of pop music.
  4. 4
    27
    votes
    This smooth R&B-infused pop song has been a big hit in 2021, with its laid-back vibe and catchy chorus making it a favorite among fans of both Bieber and the featured artists.
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Another hit from the breakout star of 2021, "Good 4 U" is a high-energy pop-punk anthem about feeling angry and betrayed after a breakup. Its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite.
    Good 4 U is a popular new song by Olivia Rodrigo, an American singer-songwriter. The song was released on May 14, 2021, as the third single from Rodrigo's debut studio album 'Sour.' It is a high-energy pop rock song with punk influences, featuring catchy melodies and angsty lyrics. Good 4 U gained instant popularity among listeners, debuting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
    • Release Date: May 14, 2021
    • Album: Sour
    • Genre: Pop rock, punk
    • Length: 2 minutes and 58 seconds
    • Chart Performance: Debuted at #1 on Billboard Hot 100
    "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo in other rankings
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    This soulful and romantic R&B song has been a big hit since its release, with Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak's smooth vocals and retro production style earning praise from fans and critics alike.
    Leave The Door Open is a soulful R&B track by the duo Silk Sonic, which consists of talented musicians Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. The song was released in 2021 and became an instant hit, captivating audiences with its smooth melodies and romantic lyrics. It has gained widespread popularity and critical acclaim for its nostalgic vibes influenced by classic soul and funk music.
    • Genre: R&B, Soul, Funk
    • Year of Release: 2021
    • Duration: 4 minutes and 2 seconds
    • Album: An Evening with Silk Sonic
    • Songwriters: Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, D'Mile
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    This remix of The Weeknd's hit song has been a big hit in 2021, with Ariana Grande's vocals adding a new dimension to the already-popular track. Its catchy chorus and danceable beat have made it a favorite on the charts and on streaming platforms.
    "Save Your Tears" by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande in other rankings
  8. 8
    14
    votes
    Another hit from the breakout star of 2021, "Deja Vu" is a catchy and nostalgic pop song about the feeling of reliving a past relationship with someone new. Its clever lyrics and catchy melody have made it a fan favorite.
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    This sultry and catchy R&B song has been a big hit in 2021, with Doja Cat and SZA's smooth vocals and playful lyrics earning praise from fans and critics alike. Its catchy chorus and danceable beat have made it a fan favorite.
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    Although technically released in 2019, "Blinding Lights" has continued to be a massive hit in 2021, with its retro-inspired production and catchy melody making it a fan favorite. Its popularity was further boosted by its use in commercials and on social media platforms like TikTok.
    "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd in other rankings

Missing your favorite song?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Chart performance
    The song's position on music charts (such as Billboard Hot 100, UK Top 40, etc.) is a good indicator of its popularity and success.
  2. Streaming numbers
    The amount of streams on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube can give insight into how much the song was listened to and shared.
  3. Airplay
    The number of times the song was played on radio stations can indicate how much exposure it received and how well it was received by listeners.
  4. Sales
    The song's sales figures, both physical and digital, can also demonstrate its success and popularity.
  5. Cultural impact
    Consider how the song resonated with society and whether it impacted music, culture, or politics in any way.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular song of the year. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2348 views
  • 217 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular song of the year

As we near the end of another year, it's only fitting to reflect on the music that has defined it. From viral TikTok hits to chart-topping bangers, there's no shortage of standout songs that have captured our attention and dominated the airwaves. But what truly makes a song the most popular of the year? Is it the number of streams it receives on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music? The number of weeks it spends at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart? Or is it simply the one that has resonated the most with listeners on a personal level? At StrawPoll, we're eager to find out what song takes the crown as the most beloved track of the year. So, let's dive in and see which songs have captured the hearts of music fans worldwide.

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