21 is certainly a milestone of an age and an iconic number overall. From unlocking the rites to adulthood to coping with the expectations that come with it, sometimes you want bangers that make you forget your responsibilities or sobering smash hits that ground you back into place. Whatever the need, this playlist has it all. This one’s for all the 21-year-olds out there: 21 songs for turning 21.
“Twenty One” by The Cranberries Kickin’ it off with a wistful throwback from the Cranberries.
“UR ONLY 21” by PRETTY HAVØC Sometimes 21 is only the beginning, not the end. There is so much more life (and mistakes to make) after 21.
“21 Guns” by Green Day This banger of a send-off will have you saluting your teen years goodbye as you step into adulthood. “Nothing’s ever built to last” captures the sentiment of both letting go of the past and embracing the challenges that are to come.
“21” by H.E.R. What H.E.R said. Wouldn’t trade it for the world!
“While We’re Young” by Jhené Aiko A chill beat for letting go of your worries and going with the flow. This is what being young is about.
“One and Only” by Adele From her album, “21,” Adele belts out a yearning for a love, foregoing her inhibitions in pursuit of her passions. She reminds us of the value of chasing what you want.
“21” by Gracie Abrams With all the joys of being 21 comes the bittersweet memories of those who aren’t around to see it—and that’s okay.
“21” by DEAN A groovy banger of a song describing the enchanting qualities of a 21-year-old.
“Young, Wild and Free (ft. Bruno Mars)” by Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars A nostalgic hit celebrating the hallmarks of being 21— drinking and getting high. Also, what the title says.
“In Da Club” by 50 Cent A classic song for partying “like it’s your birthday,” because it is! And what better way to celebrate by pulling up to the club.
“Twenty-One” by Eagles Echoing the earlier sentiment of being free, Eagles reminds us of the freedom and fearlessness that comes with this age.
“The Adults Are Talking” by The Strokes Even though 18 is the age of adulthood, 21 feels like a step further into this world, where you really do feel more… “sophisticated.” This song pulls you back into the rebellious rocker world of youth for just a moment before adult life sucks you in.
“TWENTY-TWENTY ONE” by All of the Below This song is a chilling reminder of time’s passage, especially in the frozen year of 2020 to 2021, and its relevance to turning 21 only solidifies when time’s passing feels faster every year since.
“Clocks” by Coldplay Sticking to that theme of time, Coldplay evokes the themes of tides and seas to capture the swallowing effect time may have on us, and all we can do is fight to break its grip.
“21 Questions” by 50 Cent, Nate Dogg Changing up the tone a bit, this song works through the deeper questions when getting to know someone, and meeting new people is what your 20s are all about.
“Rich Flex” by Drake, 21 Savage The iconic “21, do your thing” line is the perfect setup for both 21 Savage and for 21-year-olds everywhere to go out and do their thing.
“Adult Diversion” by Alvvays Peering into the precipice of love and adulthood is the theme of this indie track. Don’t let doubts hold you back— don’t waste a single moment.
“21” by Samia Samia proudly proclaims the fiery feeling of being 21, in a flying, in-your-face ballad.
“Oldies Station” by Twenty One Pilots Partly because of the band name, and partly because of this song’s bittersweet entanglement with growing old, I had to include this song here.
“7 Years” by Lukas Graham This nostalgic hit tracing the course of one’s life and ages will make you feel young and old all at once.
“Adulting” by Beach Bunny Beach Bunny bemoans the pains of adulthood in this upbeat anthem of reaching your 20s and being humbled by the world. But like Lili Trifilio sings, “I’ll figure it out, eventually.”
Link to playlist :)
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