January Playlist: All the Best Music Releases of the Month

It feels like a long time since we've heard new music from American rapper Joey Bada$$, and that's because his last full album was released way back in 2017. "THE REV3NGE" is his latest single, and it's an explosive track dedicated to the art of revenge and seemingly reflecting on his success.

At first glance, a collaboration between indie folk artist JP Cooper and R&B songstress Ray BLK seems like an odd pairing, but trust me when I say that it works. It's quite a departure from BLK's usual sound, but the track gives her a real opportunity to showcase her dynamic vocals, and the harmonies aren't too bad either.

TikTok star and beauty sensation Abby Roberts has just added another notch to her belt thanks to her first ever music release, "Paramaniac". The saccharine track is a dreamy post-punk anthem rooted in realism, and it has the video to match. One for fans of PC music and artists like Blood Orange and Baby Queen, it's very much worth a listen.

Former Rizzle Kicks member Jordan Stephens has taken a break from presenting to grace us with his brand new single, "Big Bad Mood". Created in collaboration with North London baddie Miraa May, the dynamic track is a very fun listen, with a bouncy backing track and some tongue in cheek lyrics.

23-year-old King Princess has teamed up with TikTok star Fousheé for this alt-soul track, and it's a match made in heaven. The song fuses alternative dance beats with soulful vocals and delightful harmonies, and it's the perfect listen for fans of genre-bending sounds.

In an interview with NME, King Princess said that "It became this song about tiptoeing around someone you've lost and feeling like a pest. It poses questions to a person who may not be listening at all and I think that's a beautiful sentiment."

Poppy Ajudha's sultry new single, "Holiday From Reality" is a true testament to her distinctive voice. At times, the track positions Ajudha as a modern day Amy Winehouse because of the jazz influences, but with a much fuller and sonically interesting backing track.

"Forget About Me" is the glitzy new release from Aluna (yes, that Aluna) and it's a high energy collaboration that features Diplo and Italian producer Durante. "This song is about that moment when you've cleaned up the trash pile that was once your heart," the singer said of the track. "You're feeling yourself and you've worked out how to be alone but the past comes back to haunt you, hungry for your new self love and abundant vibes."

She added that "Those are the moments you have to stay strong and really forget about your old love so that new fresh love can waltz into your life. When the one that got away comes back . . . what you gonna do? That's not what I call destiny, you deserve better."

The first official release from FKA Twigs' highly anticipated new album, Caprisongs, does not disappoint. The synth-heavy track is a collaboration with 21-year-old Nigerian singer Rema and has elements of the growing amapiano sound that's slowly being brought into the mainstream by South African artists.

Lauren Spencer-Smith's "Fingers Crossed" is about to be the breakup anthem of 2022 — we're sure of it. The track pairs soothing melodies with harmonious vocals and an impressive range, and whether you're heartbroken or not, you will most likely have the song on repeat at some point.

English musician Rat Boy, otherwise known as Jordan Cardy, released "Ram Raid" earlier this month, and already it's become a staple on gym playlists everywhere (we assume). A high-tempo indie banger, the energetic track is undeniably catchy, and we promise it won't be long before you can recite all the words in the shower.

"Absolute" is the latest offering from English singer-songwriter Foxes, and it's just as vibrant and eclectic as we remember her to be. Taken from her upcoming new album, The Kick, the song is a glittery feel-good dance anthem that definitely deserves a spot on this month's playlist.

Rising Welsh artist Deyah's genre-bending new release "900 Degrees" is a captivating listen. It's harmonious, it's emotive, and it's fluid, and it feels like the kind of song you'd want playing in the background as you curl up with a good book and light an incense stick.

Norwegian singer Aurora's latest single, "A Dangerous Thing," is definitely one for fans of Chvrches, The XX, and London Grammar. Led by her distinctive vocals and paired with a celestial-sounding backing track, the song is the perfect accompaniment to any new year's intention setting.