"Hope" by Arlo Parks

Arlo Parks released her debut album this year [4], and it's been everything we hoped for and more. The title of this song seems fitting for this part of the year, because we're finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel (and because the sun no longer sets at 4 p.m.). An upbeat and uplifting tune with a poetic chorus, "Hope" does well to remind us that we really aren't alone.

"Weakness" by Poppy Ajudha

We spoke to Poppy Ajudha [5] earlier this year about her latest release, "Weakness," and the story behind the track is one we can all relate to. "Sometimes when you fall in love or when you feel very emotionally attached to someone, you can feel like you're out of control," she told us, adding that the song started out as a reggae tune before turning into the upbeat, soulful melody we hear today.

"What a Day" by Ben Howard

It's been a long time since we've heard from Ben Howard, and in 2021, he's made the comeback we've all been waiting for. About to release a new album, Howard's graced us with the presence of his new single "What a Day," a phrase I'm sure many of us have used far too often in recent times. The track has a familiar warmness to it, and it feels like a sign that sunnier days and camaraderie are well and truly on the way.

"Love Is Back" by Celeste

Celeste just released a brand new album, Not Your Muse, and it's already on track to become her first No. 1 record. "Love Is Back" is the latest release, and in it her sultry, retro vocals are paired with a twinkly tune and an extremely edgy attitude. It feels like a new era for BBC's Sound of 2020, one that's decidedly more considered, more confident, and somehow more impressive, too.

"American Mood" by JoJo

JoJo released her comeback album in 2016, and we've thoroughly enjoyed hearing the "Too Little Too Late" singer develop her sound. Her latest release, "American Mood," is a soothing ballad all about the state of the world and privilege in America. It's a total U-turn from JoJo's usual R&B tunes, and it almost feels like a folk song at times, but either way, we're here for it.

"Mistake" by Jaz Karis

"Mistake" by Jaz Karis tells the story of what it's like to find out that you're the other woman. One for fans of Ray Blk, Kara Marni, and Cleo Sol, the song is a delicate piano tune with a seriously mellow vibe. Like any breakup ballad, there are elements of sadness, but the song is not without the victory that comes with leaving a toxic relationship.

"Easy" by Rose Gray

Warning: this song will make you miss a London rave more than ever before. "Easy" by Rose Gray is a total fusion of glittery club nights and the feeling that comes with losing complete control. It's a definite musical pick-me-up thanks to its explosive sound, and it'll have you dancing around your living room in no time.

"Chicken Lemon Rice" by Priya Ragu

Swiss-Tamil singer Priya Ragu just released her new track, "Chicken Lemon Rice" and the result is just as delectable as it sounds. Almost Koffee-inspired with its funky rap intro and musical nods to her heritage, the song is a total explosion of cultures, and a very cool one at that.

"5 In The Morning" by Dusky Grey

Fun Welsh pop band Dusky Grey released "5 In The Morning" this month and it's been a decidedly welcome addition to our February playlist. Complete with the signature chorus beat that their last single, "Get Easy", did so well, this new iteration is a happy-go-lucky tune with seriously angelic harmonies.

"Tweety" by Raveena

A perfectly twinkly melody from American singer-songwriter Raveena, "Tweety" is a smooth R&B ballad for the modern age. Like a pared-back Ariana Grande [6] song, the glossy vocals merge with sugary sweet lyrics and edgy rap verses and altogether, makes for the ultimate summer anthem. Warm weather and freedom, Raveena's coming for you.

"Find Your Way" by San Holo and Bipolar Sunshine

It's been a while since we've heard from Bipolar Sunshine and this new record with Dutch DJ San Holo is the perfect way to bring him back. Sounding a lot like The Weeknd — but better — this song fuses celestial chords with high-pitched harmonies and EDM beats, and ends up accidentally becoming the perfect dance track.

"Peaches" by Josef Salvat

"Peaches" is the latest offering from Australian singer Josef Salvat and honestly? It's really, really lovely. A smooth and delicate synth-pop tune split up with snappy drums and seemingly lamenting lyrics, "Peaches" makes you feel like you're reliving a summer day, knowing it won't last.

"Get High" by Chet Faker

Despite the fact that we all thought he was called Nick Murphy now, Chet Faker's released a new song called "Get High" and it's incredibly funky. Possibly jazz-inspired, it's a song about basically wanting to do whatever the f*ck you want, and that's a feeling we can all very much relate to right now. A groovy anthem focused on encouraging you to be selfish and think about yourself? It's a yes from us.

"International Baby" by Niko B

We'll be the first to admit, "International Baby" by Niko B is not a far cry from his last release "Who's That What's That", but it's still pretty fun. With possibly even more hilarious references, the song pays tribute to the likes of JD, Lidl Bakery, Brooklyn 99 and Pasta King, even shouting out broadband company TalkTalk.

"Bad Girl" by Daya

GRAMMY-award winning singer Daya released "Bad Girl" this month, ahead of her forthcoming EP. It starts off slow as it begins to reel you in, and then by the time the chorus rolls around it has you — hook, line, and sinker. It's an ode to bad girls everywhere, and its super catchy lyrics will have you singing it on repeat.

Talking to DIY [7] Magazine about the song, Daya said "To me, the lyric of 'bad girl' can be used in an almost ironic way to play out the 'problem child' or archetypal rebel, flipping the script so that a 'bad girl' can be anyone who is confident and asserts themselves boldly in the world and doesn't necessarily have to adhere to the stereotypical bad girl 'look'."

"On Read" by Lucky Daye and Tiana Major9

Lucky Daye's effortlessly smooth vocals meet Tiana Major9's unbelievable range in this song about getting left on read. Both voices merge perfectly together to create this soulful offering, featuring gospel-esque choruses, textured harmonies, and passionate lyrics.

"No Mercy" by Ghetts feat Pa Salieu & BackRoad Gee

Following the super successful release of Pa Salieu's "Energy" featuring Mahalia [8], he's teamed up with grime MC Ghetts and drill rapper BackRoad Gee for "No Mercy", a poignant track with powerful lyrics. The song comes from Ghetts' upcoming album Conflict of Interest landing on 19th Feb.

"We're Good" by Dua Lipa

A new release from Dua Lipa is always welcome, and her latest single "We're Good" definitely defies any expectations. It's a jazzy breakup anthem about a relationship that's amicably run its course, and its melodic vocals inspire visions of lying on a tropical beach (despite the impending breakup of course.) Paired with an ultra-glam video set in a fancy restaurant against a backdrop of lobsters (the Friends metaphor surely played a part here), it's a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek offering from Lipa.

"Odyssey" by Flownn

Following the release of her glossy debut singles, "Illuminate" and "Sugar Rush" [9], London-based singer-songwriter Flownn has come back for round three. An unapologetic dance anthem, "Odyssey" is a song about self-love, embracing who you are, and putting yourself first. A message that can always do with a little more reinforcement.

"Remember Where You Are" by Jessie Ware

Comeback queen and Table Manners podcast host Jessie Ware is back with new music and it is glorious. Her latest release, "Remember Where You Are", is a soulful song with a hauntingly beautiful chorus. Speaking to Official Charts [10] about the song, she explained that "there's a sense of togetherness, the fact the chorus is not just me singing it, it's not meant to be. It is everyone together. For it now to be coming out during a pandemic . . . we can see that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it feels quite poignant to be bringing it out now."

The singer added that "I believed it in so much that it is so nice that it has paid off. It's given me such confidence to trust my taste and that I knew what I was talking about. I'm learning more and more about myself and what makes me the artist that I am that people respond well to."

"Peng Black Girls" Remix by ENNY ft. Jorja Smith

The remix for ENNY's poetic "Peng Black Girls" track arrived last year in December, with silky vocals from one Jorja Smith. The song itself is as important now as it was back then, with lyrics that speak to the British Black female experience. Speaking to NME [11] about the collaboration, ENNY explained that "to have Jorja drop a cold verse and bring a whole new vibe to it was madness! The remix song and video all just reiterate again the culture of being 'Black and British' and living in it."

"Siberia" by Headie One ft. Burna Boy

Ahead of Headie One's album re-release, he's teamed up with Afro-fusion superstar Burna Boy for "Siberia", a laidback melody with icy visuals and stripped back sounds. Lyrically, the song is a reflection of Headie's personal journey as he begins to come to terms with the new expectations that come with fame.

"Top Boy" by Pritt

It's been a few months since the video for "Top Boy" was released, but somehow we still can't get enough. Whether it's South London singer Pritt's dreamy visuals or cheeky lyrics, the song is still very much a winner in our books.

*Jealous" by Mahalia and Rico Nasty

It's the video we've all been waiting for. Teased by Mahalia for a little while now, we all knew that "Jealous" was going to be something special, and it really is. A slight departure from Mahalia's usual sound, this track is a little edgier, a little sexier, and a lot more visually arresting.

Speaking to DIY [12] Magazine about the story behind the track, Mahalia revealed that [13] "I was sat in the studio with Cadenza and Miraa May getting some stuff off my chest from the past few weeks. 'Jealous' was born pretty fast after chatting. It was a weird time . . . I was dealing with friends being super unsupportive about decisions I was making and I was struggling with navigating that. I'm really proud and excited about what came out in this song and I hope people love it in the same way we did when we wrote it. Rico Nasty is a badass and one of my favourite artists so getting her to feature was a huge moment for me!

Sinead Harnett - Last Love

Sinead Harnett is back, and she wants the world to know. Her latest single "Last Love" is taken from her upcoming new album Ready Is Always Too Late, set for release on 21st May. The track marks a new chapter for Harnett, as she's recently moved to L.A., changed management, and started to experiment a little more with her sound. Harmonious vocals are out in full force on "Last Love", as the song is a celebration of moving on.