All Songs Considered

Our No. 1 songs: 2021

December 8, 2025

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  • The hosts of *All Songs Considered*, Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson, are revisiting music from 2021 as part of a series celebrating the podcast's 25th anniversary. 
  • The discussion centers on selecting songs that were either the hosts' personal favorites from 2021 or those that best embodied the ongoing pandemic culture of that year. 
  • Key songs highlighted for 2021 include "The Other Side" by Jasmine Sullivan, Bo Burnham's "That Funny Feeling," "Together Alone" by Elizabeth in the Catapult, and tracks by Olivia Rodrigo, Big Thief, Girl in Red, and Joel Ortiz. 

Segments

Episode Introduction and Context
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(00:00:22)
  • Key Takeaway: The All Songs Considered episode “Our No. 1 songs: 2021” is part of a 25th-anniversary series covering the years 2000 through 2024.
  • Summary: Robin Hilton and Stephen Thompson introduce the segment focusing on music from 2021. The episode contains explicit language, noted before the show begins. The hosts frame the year 2021 as being deep within the pandemic era, influencing the music created.
Stephen’s Favorite Song Choice
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(00:00:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Stephen Thompson selected “The Other Side” by Jasmine Sullivan from the album Heaux Tales as his favorite song of 2021, praising its haunting beauty and brilliant phrasing.
  • Summary: Stephen initially debates choosing his favorite song versus the song that best embodies 2021. He ultimately selects “The Other Side,” describing it as a fantasy about achieving success through another person. He considers Sullivan’s album one of the best R&B records of the 21st century.
Song Embodying Pandemic Times
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(00:03:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Bo Burnham’s “That Funny Feeling” from the special Inside was chosen as the song that most encapsulated the overwhelm and anxiety of the pandemic isolation era.
  • Summary: The hosts identify “That Funny Feeling” as a towering example of entertainment created specifically for the pandemic moment. The song’s lyrics touch upon self-awareness, backlash, and the general sense of being overwhelmed. The special Inside was recorded entirely by Burnham inside his house during isolation.
Robin’s Favorite Song Selection
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(00:04:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Robin Hilton chose “Together Alone” by Elizabeth in the Catapult from the album Sincerely E as his favorite song of the year, noting its heartbreaking capture of isolation and doom-scrolling.
  • Summary: Robin describes the song as so beautiful it made him cry upon first listen, calling it a potential song of the year. The album Sincerely E is described as a love letter to those stuck at home during the pandemic. The lyrics specifically reference the brain being connected to the hand and phone, reflecting constant digital connection while physically alone.
Other Notable 2021 Music Mentions
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(00:09:39)
  • Key Takeaway: The year 2021 featured major breakthroughs like Olivia Rodrigo’s pop record and critically acclaimed releases from Big Thief and Madi Diaz.
  • Summary: Olivia Rodrigo’s breakthrough included the hit “Driver’s License” followed by spikier, punkier pop songs. Big Thief’s contribution was the song “Little Things,” and Madi Diaz released the phenomenal record History of a Feeling. Girl in Red’s “Serotonin” was also cited for its raw depiction of mental health struggles.
Final Song Selections and Conclusion
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(00:15:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Joel Ortiz’s “Uncle Chris’s Car” provided a vivid narrative of survival in the trenches, contrasting sharply with the pandemic-focused themes discussed earlier.
  • Summary: Amy Shark’s “Amy Shark” was mentioned again as a heartbreakingly beautiful track about the sacrifices made for a dream career. Joel Ortiz’s “Uncle Chris’s Car” offered a detailed, gritty look at growing up amidst poverty and violence. The hosts conclude the segment before the break, promising more discussion upon return.