Top Songs of 2021: UK

Only eight days into 2021, Olivia Rodrigo released “drivers license” and, in an instant, the year’s undisputed breakout star had been found. “drivers license” stayed at No. 1 in the UK charts for a record-breaking nine weeks, followed up by “deja vu” and “good 4 u”, which became the most listened-to song on Apple Music in the UK in 2021. The music had never stopped in 2020, but 2021 marked the moment we were all truly able to dance again—and the world’s biggest artists stepped up. Ed Sheeran’s mighty comeback single “Bad Habits”—specifically released to soundtrack a summer of lockdown easing—was one of 2021’s most inescapable hits, while Joel Corry continued to dominate with his RAYE and David Guetta collab “BED” (2020’s MNEK-assisted “Head & Heart” was also on heavy rotation). Meanwhile, Russ Millions and Tion Wayne’s drill heater “Body” turned into a viral megahit after a TikTok challenge swept the nation and sent the track straight to the top of the charts. Relive all of those moments—as well as the other most popular songs on Apple Music in the UK in 2021—right here.