We're tracking the best songs of the year, every month of the year.
Though 2022 is only a month in, it already has an impressive range of new songs to
show for it. January started off strong with the return of The Weeknd and FKA Twigs and exciting collaborations from the likes of Charli XCX and King Princess. If the first 31 days of the year are a sign for what's to come the next 11 months, we have a lot of good music to look forward to.
Watch this space for our favorite new drops each month, and follow along with our playlist down below
JANUARY
“Jealousy” by FKA Twigs feat. Rema
The CAPRISONGS mixtape has so much to offer: a celebratory outlook, exciting production from Rosalía collaborator El Guincho and FKA Twigs herself, honest conversations with friends, and a range of collaborators that includes Daniel Caesar, Shygirl, Jorja Smith, and Pa Salieu. With “Jealousy,” Twigs delivers a smooth, shimmering Afrobeats track with Nigerian rapper Rema.
“Sacrifice” by The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye does ‘80s synth pop his way on his new album, Dawn FM. This track in particular, produced by Swedish House Mafia, has more funk and dance elements, making us want to get up and break a sweat.
“Head on Fire” by Sigrid and Griff
According to Sigrid, she and Griff first met over pizza during London Fashion Week. Who knew that the shared meal would later lead to a studio session and ultimately, this pounding, choral anthem for those crushes that drive you crazy. A melody you want to shout at the top of your lungs.
“Beg For You” by Charli XCX feat. Rina Sawayama
It’s the pop collaboration we didn’t know we wanted. On this pulsating pop single from Charli’s upcoming album, the perfectly paired duo trade verses, asking a lover to stay a little longer while interpolating Petra Marklund's 2005 smash “Cry For You.”
“What It Is” by Amber Mark
This is a standout on Mark’s celestial new album, Three Dimensions Deep, that proves her ability to hone multiple influences and emerge with her own sound. A steady R&B groove anchors the song while sexy, lilting harmonies and an electric guitar solo take it to another level.
“Midnight Sun” by Nilüfer Yanya
Imagery is key on Yanya’s latest single. The title symbolizes a light persisting in the darkness, mirroring the song’s themes of perseverance and resistance. This melancholy, alt-rock tune is about “seeing the beauty of confrontation and the necessity of rebellion,” she said in a press release.
“Secret” by Raveena feat. Vince Staples
Teasing her forthcoming album Asha’s Awakening, Raveena taps Vince Staples for a hit inspired by 2000s pop and Bollywood. Her vocals are soft and sensual as she sings about feeling love from another dimension.
“Surround Sound” by J.I.D feat. 21 Savage and Baby Tate
With an Aretha Franklin sample and features from fellow Atlanta rappers 21 Savage and Baby Tate, J.I.D delivers. He hops from one pristine flow to another, and when he gets to that beat switch two and a half minutes in, he makes it look so easy.
“Little Bother” by King Princess and Fousheé
King Princess teams up with Fousheé, who gave us the TikTok-famous “Deep End” for a punk-inspired collab with a light and airy feel. Blending dreamy vocals, the duo looks back at a failed relationship, realizing they deserved to be treated much better.
“Lick” by Shenseea feat. Megan Thee Stallion
Anyone looking for a sequel to “WAP” will be satisfied by “Lick,” a provocative collab between Jamaican superstar Shenseea and Megan Thee Stallion. Produced by Murda Beatz and featuring a sample of Pupa Nas T and Denise Belfon’s “Work,” the X-rated song will have you starting early on your summer party playlists.
“L’enfer” by Stromae
Belgian and Rwandan artist Stromae reveals his dark thoughts on this single, whose title aptly translates to “the hell,” from his upcoming album, Multitude. Between his deep and subdued verses, the choral hooks are like little explosions.
“Chitty Bang” by Leikeli47
Her first new song in two years, the masked rapper returns with a sharp warning: “Watch your tone if you don't wanna rumble.” She backs up her bravado with a raucous beat, swift rhymes, and high energy.
“Chronicles” by Cordae feat. H.E.R. and Lil Durk
On this track from his new album From a Birds Eye View, Cordae embraces a more soulful R&B feel, amplified by having H.E.R. as a feature. Together with Chicago’s Lil Durk, the trio looks back on romantic regrets.
“Titanic” by Earl Sweatshirt
Earl Sweatshirt says his new album, SICK!, was created when he leaned into the chaos of the pandemic era. “Titanic” reflects that with its somewhat stream-of-consciousness lyrics, but his laid-back and steady flow keeps it grounded. From the first line, he promises to “Give it to you straight, no frills.”