On the Mixtape today, we do things a little different: Instead of one guest picking their favourite tunes, we play some of the songs that didn't make our top 20 Countdown list, and speak to the RNZ Music family and friends that voted for them.
Corin Dann from Morning Report voted for the new Wolf Alice Album - Blue Weekend (Tour Deluxe) which was his favourite release this year. He thought the best song to showcase the album was 'Last Man on Earth' saying it's probably his single of the year, and a great introduction to the band.
Mani Dunlop from Midday Report voted for MĀ - 'Breakfast at Hades' as one of her top albums of 2021. She spoke of the song 'Kitchen' as her favourite track from the album, saying the lyrics remind her of when she first met her partner, and those little moments you remember and capture.
Freelance Journalist Martyn Pepperrell said Arooj Aftab's album Prince Vulture was his favourite album of 2021. Martyn is surprised it didn't get as much traction here in NZ as it has overseas. He thought 'Baghon Main' would be quite nice to hear, and said the album has been a great companion since its release.
Annabel Keane Assistant Editor at undertheradar.co.nz has been loving the new Merk album 'Infinite Youth', and along with Charlotte Ryan is shocked that it didn't make the top 20! Annabel said 'Laps around the Sun' is the track she is really loving at the moment.
Leonie Hayden, Editor of Ātea at The Spinoff said 2021 was the year of great Pop releases! With Olivia Rodrigo's 'Sour' being her top album, Leonie chose "Good 4 U" as the best track to play to us.
Here is the playlist of songs that did make the Top 20
