10 Best Indian Singles Of 2021

Songs of young love, sing-along punk and resolute hip-hop made their mark this year

Anurag Tagat and David Britto

10 Krishna.K, AKR – “Butterflies”

CHENNAI SINGER-SONGWRITER Krishna.K and composer-producer Anniroodh Kumararaja aka AKR’s first collaboration together “Butterflies” provides that (still) much-needed escapism with a breezy, old-school pop arrangement. Anchored in Krishna’s saccharine croons for the most part, he starts off with the lines: “A thousand butterflies could fly us away on a chariot of gold through the mystic galaxy.” AKR’s swirling keyboard sections add to the airy nature of a simple yet charming song, one that strengthens Krishna’s vocal style. – ANURAG TAGAT

9 Albatross – “The Neptune Murders”

IF ANY METAL BAND in India can lay claim on being genius storytellers, it’s Mumbai heavy metallers Albatross. Straight from the mind of bassist and lyricist Dr. Hex aka Riju Dasgupta, their single “The Neptune Murders” squared polished, resounding rhythms with vocalist Biprorshee Das’ signature snarl and operatic treatment. The tale of a serial killer who’s not only got a fetish for cheeks but also enchanted by the Roman texts of the sea god Neptune unfolds with severity, matching the crushing melodic force distinctive to Albatross for more than a decade now. — A.T.

8 Adrian D’souza, Neuman Pinto – “Never Let it Go”

SEASONED MUMBAI-BASED drummer Adrian D’souza and singer-songwriter Neuman Pinto teamed up for an R&B/jazz offering entitled “Never Let it Go.” D’souza’s simple and on-the-beat drumming sits perfectly on a track that features melodic synths and keys, a bouncy bassline, effervescent vocals and more. The track takes the listener to a peaceful and happy place as the duo’s varied musical styles come across quite well on the song. — DAVID BRITTO

7 Karshni – “daddy hates second place”