Being incredibly indecisive, selecting eight songs out of all the songs I have ever listened to has been more difficult than choosing a topic for my dissertation, but we made it here eventually. The following eight songs are songs I believe are worthy of decorating your time with – each song stands out because of their unique sounds and compositions. My main musical aim this year has been to diversify my playlists and expose myself to new sounds, so I hope this article encourages you to explore these artists and their discographies – perhaps you may find yourself in a rabbit hole of new sounds too.

Space Talk – Asha Puthli

Starting with a pioneering disco-funk anthem, ‘Space Talk’ is a cosmic combination of classical Indian vocal techniques and Western jazz-funk instrumentals. Through this, Puthli pays homage to her homeland whilst riding the flamboyant disco wave of 70’s America. Her higher-pitched tone is reminiscent of Bollywood’s golden age. Her voice is almost celestial, and seamlessly blends with layered echoes to add to the futuristic soundscape. The song’s funk and groove is anchored by the smooth bassline and complex guitar riff, the instrumentals intensifying as we reach the conclusion of Puthli’s journey through the stars.

Satellites – Ravyn Lenae

Ravyn Lenae is finally receiving her flowers this year and ‘Satellites’ is the masterpiece that I keep going back to. Produced by Steve Lacy, the song is jazzy and experimental, delicate and gentle, ethereal and smooth. Seeking to reconnect with a loved one from the past, Lenae reaches out with the reminder that they had once shared an intergalactic love, a relationship so outer-worldly that only satellites can reach it. The airiness of her voice contributes to the dreaminess of the song with the layering of her harmonies emphasising that this past relationship was unique and special, hence the desire for reconnection. It is the perfect introduction to the divine world of Ravyn Lenae.

Some Day – A2, EMIL

Already having worked together on ‘Own Pace’, A2 and EMIL prove themselves to be a creative musical duo who work to combine atmospheric jazz and melodic rap. Often deemed an enigma, A2’s narrations are honest and sensitive introspections and in ‘Some Day’ he reveals his struggles with insecurity, ambition, and trust in relationships. Opening with an emotive piano foundation and a faint female voice, A2 begins his exploration of feeling temporary in his relationships, subsequently leading to his feelings of ambivalence and resignation. The composition becomes increasingly complex as the song progresses, with EMIL’s signature saxophone sound overlapping with the piano to create a rich and mellow soundscape. Both EMIL and A2 have distinct sounds; EMIL’s jazz compositions and A2’s raw, yet seemingly apathetic, narrations create the perfect ambience – a space for vulnerability.

I, Myself & Me – Ab-Soul, Doechii

Play it again! Play it again! ‘I, Myself & Me’ is my favourite song from Ab-Soul’s latest album Soul Burger. The song is a vulnerable exploration of the themes of identity, progress, and the way in which we navigate our individuality and others’ reactions to how we express ourselves. A deeply personal song, Ab-Soul reveals the burden of other people’s expectations of him and feeling stagnant as if on a “hamster wheel” – something many might resonate with at some point in their life. The chorus stood out for me the most, with Doechii’s vocables contrasting Soul’s melancholy but also adding to the mess of inner voices invading his mind.

Guilty – Conductor Williams, Leon Thomas

‘Guilty’ is the perfect introduction the worlds of both Conductor Williams and Leon Thomas, who tell the story of a turbulent romance which imploded due to mistakes made by both parties. It explores the complexities of relationships, acknowledging the tensions between love and personal flaws and the emotional turmoil it creates. Thomas’ voice, derived from gospel and blues, is effortlessly heartfelt, with Williams’ composition of backing vocals and light reverb adding to the despair and regret being conveyed. I hope this song acts as your gateway into Thomas’ discography, his latest album MUTT has no skips and is best enjoyed on a rainy day. Look out for ‘Conductor we have a problem!’ – Williams’ producer tag which guarantees you a brilliantly produced and innovatively composed instrumental to match with only the best storytelling.

Mish Muulla – Meduulla

A boisterous Meduulla represents the North as she raps her praise and endorses self-assuredness and control over your own life. I recommend listening at the beginning of your day, headphones on and volume high so the head bop spirit can take over. The contemporary jazz sound mixed with Meduulla’s confident lyricism ensures a relaxed and easy groove. Drawing on elements of boom-bap rap, a subgenre characterised by jazz influences and intricate wordplay, Meduulla gives listeners a sneak peek into her worldview and the energy that fuels her ambition – something she advertises in her song. We should all channel our inner Meduulla at times of low energy.

Babe – Louis Culture, Tora-I, Richie

Probably one of my favourites finds of this year, this song is just so well done – from the bassline to the beat to the vocals. The song is addictive and infected with a rhythm that simply compels you to continue to listen. Louis’ conversational delivery creates a casualness in which there is nothing harsh or out of place. This contrasts the emotional and desperate tone from Tora-I, creating a balance between one’s calmness and the other’s desperation. The experimental sound and faint harmonies, like in ‘Space Talk’, add to the futuristic atmosphere.

Twilight Zone – Orion Sun

Orion Sun. Her name alone compels you to explore her artistry. Taking on the atmosphere of a dream, ‘Twilight Zone’ is a delicate reflection on longing, feeling lost, and how to cope with such confusion. The narrator seems stuck in a ‘void’ where time is not linear and the days blend into each other, lost in a twilight zone – an ambiguous and undefined space between certainty and the unknown. As she exists in this no man’s land, Sun experiences a brief shift from confusion to confidence during the bridge. She asserts herself, noting that she is a ‘light source’ amongst the disorientation and uncertainty. Overall, the song is dreamy and whimsical just like her song ‘Sweet’, from the same album, which I recommend you have a listen to too.

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