"Eyes Closed" by Ed Sheeran
The lead single from Ed Sheeran's new album "Subtract" and wow... this feels like a label concession from the weird percussion, Sheeran's vocals that sound raw in a really kind of unpleasant way even if its a nod to a recently passed friend. This is definitely one to please the label as Ed is capable of better.
"Like Crazy" by Jimin
This got enough sales to debut on top of the Billboard Hot 100 and yet I am not sure why, it feels like a song The Weeknd did better in 2021/22..."Take My Breath" etc. It doesn't feel anywhere as distinctive or memorable as it should probably be. One for the hardcore BTS fans
"5 Leaf Clover" by Luke Combs
It did make me laugh that this song was released on St Patricks Day but god damn, I stopped laughing when I realized that this song is damn great, warm organic fiddle that sounds great and Luke Combs singing about how he is so lucky to have great family and friends along with an incredible career that he feels like he somehow jagged a five leaf clover. Damn great song!
"Growin' Up and Getting Old" by Luke Combs
The second of three Luke Combs songs, this was the lead single and really of the singles released from "Gettin' Old", this is the one that I care about the least of the Luke Combs singles mostly because it feels pretty stock Luke Combs. Its fine but its not anything I go back to from "Gettin' Old"
"Fast Car" by Luke Combs
Ahh... so Luke Combs finally put out a studio version of his cover of the Tracy Chapman classic "Fast Car", a cover that has been a staple of Luke's concerts for years and is a fan favourite and yeah, I completely understand why, Combs doesn't change much here except to give the instrumentation a warm, organic country feel and Comb's gruff voice singing about the girl working at a convenience store with dreams of moving and breaking the endemic cycle of alcoholism and poverty, she watched her parents divorce and desperately wants to begin again somewhere new and do better. Is it better than the original? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Nothing beats Tracy Chapman. Is it one of the best hits of this year? Uh...yeah! You'll be seeing this on my best list in January!
"Cupid" by FiftyFifty
Okay so FiftyFifty are a K-Pop act that made a sudden breakthrough this year and yeah....this is really adorable, this song has made me smile a lot, it's probably one of the best pop songs of the year. She gave a second chance to Cupid so if you have been ignoring this song...give it a second chance, it deserves it.
"Flower" by Jisoo
Oh more k-pop courtesy of Blackpink's Jisoo going solo aaannnnd I barely remember it. I don't know, it just feels more forgettable than outright good or bad. I just wish the song was more distinct...that's all.
"Dogtooth" by Tyler The Creator
Hey...its Tyler back with a song from "Call Me if You Get Lost: The Estate Sale" and while I think it's good with that guitar line and Tyler rapping his ass off, I just wish there was more swell or more of a change up here to keep me interested.
"Rock and a Hard Place" by Bailey Zimmerman
Well, I was not expecting Bailey Zimmerman of all people to cross over, although he is an American country rock act and given the year country is having with sustained success for both Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs I should not be as surprised as I am. Anyway, how is the song? Well, its pretty solid, the lyrics still fret over a relationship gone sour and that can be something that puts people off but ehh, I'll take it.
"People" by Libianca
Ahh the last song before we dive headfirst into a musical garbage compacter (you'll see), this song is this absolutely beautiful afrobeat song where Libianca just wants people to check in on her and pay a little attention to her occasionally. Yeah, this hits hard...terrific song.
"Search & Rescue" by Drake
Lets cut to the chase here, this is easily the most embarrassing song Drake has released since 2018's "I'm Upset". Never mind he apparently needs a mami to rescue him but the mixing is also absolute dross. Its also very telling that this was left off his new album.
"Slut Me Out" by NLE Choppa
Oh gawd...Australia, we didn't need to chart a song where NLE Choppa is apparently on enough of a vegan kick to want a girl to "chickpea" him and her to put her butt in his face til he gets pink eye. Yeah, this might be more embarrassing than the previous song.
"Daylight" by David Kushner
Guys, Hozier returned this year, we could have had anything from that last Hozier album over this pale Christian facsimile of a song...expect this to cop a mention on my worst list.
"Chemical" by Post Malone
Uhh...something that doesn't suck? Yeah, I dig this lead single from Post Malone, its got this driving groove under it and bright production thats an unsettling contrast to Post Malone's lyrics where he is dependent on drugs or this bad relationship where its pretty obvious things are at best explosive. I like it, its a good bounce back from Posty.
"Never Felt So Alone" by Labrinth
This song is pretty much saved from being bad because an uncredited Billie Eilish shows up to give this song more weight than it deserves. Otherwise with all the issues it has, I'm skipping it.
Worst of the Month: "Search and Rescue" by Drake
Dishonourable Mention: Tie between "Slut Me Out by NLE Choppa and "Daylight" by David Kushner
Honourable Mention: "Love You Anyway" by Luke Combs and "Chemical" by Post Malone
Best of the Week: Another tie "Fast Car" by Luke Combs and "People" by Libianca
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