The Best New Songs of January 2018
Start 2018 on the right note with the best new releases of the year (so far). Watch this space for new additions as the month progresses.
"Finesse (Remix)" by Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B
These two chart-toppers surprised us all when they announced, then promptly released this unexpected collaboration. Cardi adds a sassy intro verse and ad-libs on Mars' funky track with a retro feel. Plus, their In Living Color-inspired music video is a nostalgic gem.
"All the Stars" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
This Kendrick-SZA collab makes us happy for a couple of reasons. First, it's another great pair-up between the two TDE artists, following "Doves in the Wind" from the songstress' 2017 album, Ctrl. And second, it's the first single off Black Panther's official film soundtrack, which Lamar is co-producing.
"God Save Our Young Blood" by BØRNS feat. Lana Del Rey
BØRNS and Del Rey are the matchup we didn't know we needed. Their voices blend perfectly on this dreamy new track, which appears on BØRNS' sophomore album, Blue Madonna, out January 12. PRE-ORDER
"Phone" by Smokepurpp feat. Nav
Two of 2017's hip-hop breakout stars - a Miami-bred SoundCloud sensation and one of The Weeknd's protégés - link up for a new track, complete with a booming bass, trap hi-hats, and a glaze of autotune.
"Grown" by Chloe x Halle
"Watch out world, I'm grown now" is a great mantra for the start of a new year. In addition to costarring with Yara Shahidi in her Black-ish spinoff, Grown-ish, the Bailey sisters also penned the the show's empowering theme song.
Catch Grown-ish on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Freeform.
"Just for Us" by Francis and the Lights
While music releases were stark between the holidays, Francis surprise-released his sophomore album, featuring this synthy, upbeat title track. It's the perfect follow-up to his buzzy singles, "Friends" with Bon Iver in 2016 and "May I Have This Dance" with Chance the Rapper in 2017.
"Party Here" by Octavian
One of grime's rising stars starts the year off on a high note with this release. The East Londoner alternates rapping and half-singing over a minimal but infectious track with a tingly hook, making us want more from him in 2018. The accompanying video is also impressive, considering its alleged budget of $68 (50 pounds).
Tune into all the songs in our playlist below.
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