2017 proved to be yet another phenomenal year for music! While it provided us with releases from some of our favourite international and local acts, 2018 has certainly managed to witness a grand kickoff as January turned out to be a wonderful month for music fans around the world. With the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Cashmere Cat, Above & Beyond and more who put on a spectacular show, we were also treated to some real gems from multiple Indian artists including Karan Kanchan, Aimsir. and Anhad Khanna.
Without further ado, head down below and take a look at the Top 10 Releases of January 2018.
10. Karan Kanchan – Kendo
Kicking off his 2018 campaign on a solid note, January saw Mumbai-based producer Karan Kanchan serve up his first original of the year. Titled ‘Kendo‘, his latest creation follows the footprint of his signature J-trap sound that has found fans across the country and beyond. A bone rattling tune which begins to build up tension right away, Karan’s latest production work fires on all cylinders to unleash a raucous trap-laced drop that is poised to go off live. With a screeching lead and hard hitting percussion which keep things hot throughout the proceedings,
9. Cashmere Cat, Major Lazer, Tory Lanez – Miss You
‘Miss You‘ saw Norwegian producer Cashmere Cat return to production duties for his first single of 2018! Featuring Major Lazer and Tory Lanez, the brand new record arrives as the first original from the talented act since the release of his debut album last year. A perfect summer-ready track which also boasts of additional work from Benny Blanco, Jr. Blender, Palmistry and Ed Sheeran, expect this one to dominate airwaves and playlists.
8. Anhad Khanna feat. Isheeta Chakrvarty And Tanner – Jiya
Securing his place as one of today’s brightest upcoming acts, 19 year old Delhi-based musician Anhad Khanna, who also doubles up as the drummer for alternative rock act Man.Goes Human served up his latest single ‘Jiya‘ this January. Teaming up with vocalist Isheeta Chakrvarty and keyboardist Tanner Willeford, the stunning record, inspired by the works of Karsh Kale, Midival Punditz and Talvin Singh, features crisp production and earthy vocals, backed by a solid sound design.
7. Marshmello x Lil Peep – Spotlight
One of January 2018’s biggest releases, Marshmello finally dished out his highly awaited collaboration with late American rapper Lil Peep. Titled ‘Spotlight‘, the track was initially announced by the famed producer back in December 2017 following Peep’s tragic death. Having paid his respects to the late star earlier, their brand new joint effort arrived as a spectacular gesture from the ‘Wolves‘ hitmaker. A mellow jam which boasts of an easy going instrumental courtesy Marshmello, Lil Peep’s signature vocals glide through smoothly for what makes up for a memorable offering from the two acts.
6. Above & Beyond feat. Zoe Johnston – Always
While January was highlighted by the release of Above & Beyond‘s latest album ‘Common Ground‘, the British trio released its final single, ‘Always‘ prior to the release of the LP which also finds a spot in our list for the Top 10 Tracks of January 2018. Teaming up with long time collaborator Zoe Johnston, ‘Always’ is a beautiful piano driven ballad, featuring evocative vocals, and minimal synths and guitar, making it sound right out of an Above & Beyond Acoustic album.
5. Aimsir. – Preta
After putting an end to 2017 with his ambitious EP ‘abstract.us.‘, Pune-based producer Aimsir. kicked off 2018 with his brand new single ‘Preta‘. An intriguing record which came to life following Yatharth’s recent trip to the Himalayas, the budding act talks about ‘preta.‘ as “a conversation between my surroundings and i.” A hauntingly, mesmerizing tune which offers us with a brief, yet overwhelming glimpse into Aimsir’s mind, his latest creation is poised to stick with you long after it has swept through your ears. As the track’s atmospheric soundscape begins to settle, eerie sounds and pounding drums team up to produce an intense moment amidst the proceedings. A stunning piece that only makes us expect even more from the young act in the coming days, ‘Preta‘ is a track which needs to be admired.
4. Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, James Blake – King’s Dead
With the highly awaited Marvel movie ‘Black Panther‘ set to be released next week, January saw the release of the Jay Rock-led single ‘King’s Dead‘ off its star studded soundtrack. Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Future and James Blake, the hard hitting collaboration sees the TDE affiliate fire on all cylinders alongside the ‘HUMBLE.‘ hitmaker who steals the spotlight with his fiery verses. With additional features from James Blake and Future, ‘King’s Dead‘ is a power packed effort to be reckoned with.
3. Corey James & David Pietras – Arlanda
With a phenomenal 2017 already in his pocket, Corey James started off his 2018 on the right note. With some incredible releases in the past year, the young Liverpool based DJ/producer returned to SIZE Records once again this past month, this time for a stunning collaboration with the highly rated Swedish producer David Pietras. Titled ‘Arlanda‘, the track builds up slowly, giving way to a groove-led breakdown, and culminates into an electrifying drop featuring some sublime synth progressions, solidifying the production as a true club selection primed for dance floors worldwide.
2. Kendrick Lamar, SZA – All The Stars
Soon after stepping into 2018, it was revealed that the soundtrack for Marvel’s upcoming movie ‘Black Panther‘ will be curated by Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment CEO, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. And finding itself at the #2 spot on our list is the first single off the epic album, ‘All The Stars‘. A stellar collaboration between K Dot and SZA which showcases their respective strengths, the anthemic tune has already managed to become a hot favourite amongst fans around the globe.
1. Drake – God’s Plan
No one saw this one coming! A global force who can’t be rivaled, Drake has been consistently dishing out aces in recent years. And while 2017 saw him conquer the music scene once again, the superstar act blew everyone out of the water three weeks into 2018 with the surprise drop of his latest EP ‘Scary Hours‘. And bagging the #1 spot in our Top 10 is its chart topping cut, ‘God’s Plan‘. Having already debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, his latest single boasts of all the characteristics of a signature Drake creation.