If you are searching for some new music to add to your playlist here is a list of some of my favorite songs that were released at the beginning of this year. These are the perfect songs to jam to on a night in with your friends, on a long car ride, or during a party.

 

1. “God’s Plan” – Drake

The Toronto native always creates hits with his relatable lyrics and hypnotizing melodies. 

 

2. “Rake It Up”- Yo Gotti ft. Nicki Minaj

If I am completely honest, the first time I heard this song I was not a fan. However, it has quickly grown on me as the energy from Yo Gotti’s fast paced lyrics is infectious. 

 

3. “Havana” – Camila Cabello 

Camila Cabello, a former member of Fifth Harmony, will convince you to book a trip to Cuba with this hit. It is almost impossible to listen to the radio without hearing this hip-swaying beat.

  

4. “LOVE” – Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari

Kendrick Lamar, also known as Kung Fu Kenny, collaborated with Zacari to release a song that bears a title that expresses my exact feelings towards it-love. This song manages to lift my mood whenever I hear it.

  

5. “What Lovers Do” – Maroon 5 ft. SZA 

Barack Obama has expressed his love for this recent release. Maroon 5, a band that has a strong reputation, paired up with SZA, an artist newer to the music industry, to create a song ranking number one on the charts.

 

6. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran ft Beyoncé 

If you thought Ed’s original rendition of this song was good then you will fall in love with this newer version featuring the queen of pop music, Beyonce. 

 

7. “River”- Eminem ft. Ed Sheeran

Eminem, who took a break from the music industry, recently released “River” with the ever popular Ed Sheeran. Can Ed put his name on anything without it becoming a success? I don’t think so. 

 

8. “Say Something”- Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton

Although this song is a slower than some of the others on this list it is still worth a mention. Justin Timberlake’s melodic voice lends itself well to Chris Stapleton’s country drawl from Timberlake’s latest album “Man of the Woods.”

 

9. “Pineapple Skies”- Miguel 

This R&B single will send chills down your spine. The song’s beat is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” You can’t help but snap along to the music as Miguel pours his soul into the lyrics.  

 

10. “Finesse” – Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B

If you missed the 2018 Grammys then you might not know that Bruno Mars was the star of the night. Not only did he take home the most awards, eight in total, he also performed this captivating hit with Cardi B. that had Jay Z on his feet. 

 

11. “New Rules”- Dua Lipa

You may not know who Dua Lipa is but there is a good chance that you have heard “New Rules” playing on the radio this year. Even though she is new to the music scene, Dua Lipa has quickly become one of my favorite artists. I often find myself humming along to this catchy song and I have a feeling you will too. 

 

12. “Lemon”- N.E.R.D ft. Rihanna 

I often find myself working out to this high intensity record. N.E.R.D embodies the vibes of old school 90s rap, however, the techno beat and Rihanna’s lyrics help modernize the track. 

 

13. “Best Friend”- Sophie Tukker ft. Nervo, The Knocks & Alisa Ueno

You might recognize this playful tune from Apple’s iphone X commercial. I immediately pulled out my phone to Shazam the song when I heard and have been playing it on repeat ever since.

 

14. “We Find Love”- Daniel Caesar

After seeing Daniel Caesar live in concert last month, I cannot stop listening to his album “Freudian.” This slower R&B artist is great to play in the car or when cracking open a book to study.