10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of January 14, 2022
With the beginning of a new year comes new music, and it's even better than what we were anticipating.
From sultry pop songs to country anthems, there's a little something for every musical mood. We don't know if you have any weekend plans yet, but we highly suggest setting some time aside to listen to this week's new tunes. Look below for the 10 big things that happened in music the week of January 14, 2022!
1. Jayne Doe Drops Debut Single 'Welcome to Hollywood'
At just 21 years old, Sydney Agudong (aka Jayne Doe) has a bright future ahead of her with the release of her debut single "Welcome to Hollywood." Her vocals are mature and soulful—we can feel the angst in her voice! Every time she sings "Hollywood baby," we sing along right with her. It's such a feel-good track with incredible guitar riffs. "'Welcome to Hollywood'—which is about the realities of following your heart's desire and passions, describes my own adversity and experience with pursuing my dreams and moving to the glamorous 'city of stars and angels,'" Jayne told Sweety High. "But it is more of a metaphor for everyone and what it means to put your health and heart out on the line without knowing what the future holds at any point in time. My line 'I like me better broke than with a broken heart' holds up the idea of what reality is, we need to make a living to survive, we need to pay bills, deal with rejection, go through daily highs and lows and somehow still have the faith that it all happens for a reason. 'Hollywood' is glamourized as a place where people can be whoever they want to be and live out their wildest dreams, but no one ever talks about the thousands and thousands of rejections and thoughts of giving up and giving in to one of those critics or 'no's' that tell you it'll never happen, whether you or someone else is the critic themselves. No one talks about the mental strength and sacrifice it takes to make a dream come true. I wanted to give myself the opportunity to forgive myself for the stress and weight I put on my need for success as well as hopefully allow other people to also slowly understand and accept all that is 'Hollywood.'"
2. Julian King Sings About Love Lost in New Track 'Can We Go Back'
The second Julian King opens his mouth to sing, we're hit with a wave of nostalgia. We're reminded of classic '90s R&B and even get a The Weeknd vibe. In his new track, "Can We Go Back," he sings about the beginning of a relationship and missing those easy days. It's a breakup song at its core and is a total banger. You can't help but sway your hips and close your eyes when listening. "I remember sitting in my room recording this record, not knowing it would be the very song that would begin my healing, from one of the most trying dating experiences to date," Julian shared in a press release. "I found my heart in the palm of what now feels like a stranger, and making the decision to walk away was utterly gut-wrenching. That universal feeling of wanting to go back to the days where your stomach fluttered at the sight of his name on my phone, is something I will always credit him the author for. Yet, it's from this song on that I started writing and feeling in a way that directly mirrored the exact chapter in my story of love, which was something I didn't do often or as intentionally. I describe this song as the backbone to the emotion of this next era of mine, and the catalyst for boys like me feeling seen. Ironically before I let him go, he ended up loving the song and requesting to hear it all the time. As much as I loved that he loved it, I knew it was over at that point. This song is for all the lovers … "
3. Tenille Townes Sings About the Single Life In 'When's It Gonna Happen'
If you're a sucker for country music like us, we think you're going to absolutely love Tenille Townes's new song "When's It Gonna Happen." Plus, if you happen to be currently single, you're definitely going to be playing this song on repeat. Tenille sings about seeing all her friends fall in love, wondering when her time will come. This track will get you in the feels and have you singing along in no time. "I wrote this song because it's a real and true window into my life right now and how I feel sometimes about being single. I know that if it's something I'm feeling, then there must be others who feel the same way I do. I wanted to create something that would speak to them too!"
4. Noa Kirel Impresses Us Yet Again With New Single 'Thought About That'
Israeli singer Noa Kirel has never failed to get us moving with her sassy and smooth pop tracks, and her latest release, "Thought About That," is no exception. It's an anthem of empowerment and confidence in your own skin, and we can't get enough of the science fiction-inspired video, complete with some killer dance moves. "I turned 20 this year and it's so important for my music to inspire young women to be independent and stand up for themselves, especially in relationships," Noa explained in a press release. We love the way the song gets that message across.
5. Avril Lavigne and Blackbear Team Up for 'Love It When You Hate Me'
Ever since Avril Lavigne joined Travis Barker's record label, we've been getting music non-stop from the artist. Her latest single, "Love It When You Hate Me," is a classic pop-rock hit featuring Blackbear. It reminds us of some of her earlier songs from the '00s, and we can't help but want to jump up and down while listening to this song. Plus, when Blackbear comes in with his lyrics, it takes the track to another level. The two as a pair make for one interesting sound we can't get enough of.
6. Elvis Costello & The Imposters Release New Album The Boy Named If
If you're familiar with Elvis Costello & The Imposters, you might have thought they were done releasing music. Elvis himself is 67 years old, but guess what? He's still absolutely killing it in the music world. Out today, Jan. 14, is the band's latest album, The Boy Named If. Full of tons of soulful tracks and original tunes, this album is a must-listen. "The full title of this record is 'The Boy Named If (And Other Children's Stories),'" shared Costello in a press release. "'IF, is a nickname for your imaginary friend; your secret self, the one who knows everything you deny, the one you blame for the shattered crockery and the hearts you break, even your own. You can hear more about this 'Boy' in a song of the same name."
7. Jason Aldean Gets Into His Country Roots in Music Video for 'Trouble With a Heartbreak'
Jason Aldean is one of the OG country stars of the last few generations, and for good reason! He never fails to put a smile on our faces or bring tears to our eyes when listening to his music. And with his latest song and music video for "Trouble With a Heartbreak," we're reminded of why he's one of the best. The video follows a cowboy trying to mend his broken heart, and it's an anthem pretty much everyone can get behind. "The cool thing about putting out two parts of this record is having fans hear all the different influences I grew up on," Aldean said in a press release. "This song hit me right when I heard it and reminded me of those bitter R&B breakup songs that take me back to riding through the backroads of Georgia."
8. The Lumineers Drop Soulful New Album, Brightside
If you're into music that will literally gut you, we suggest giving Brightside, the new album from The Lumineers, a listen. With nine soulful songs, while the album is shorter than what some people were expecting, it still packs a heavy punch. Discussing all things having to do with love, this album was made for lovers everywhere. The album's title track, "Brightside," is also a must-listen. They discuss love and how everyone experiences it differently. It's beautiful and haunting all at the same time.
9. Shawn Mendes Stuns Fans With Music Video for 'It'll Be Okay'
Shawn Mendes released his song "It'll Be Okay" right on the heels of his breakup from Camila Cabello, and we were thrilled to finally watch the music video that came out yesterday, Jan. 13. Shot in his hometown of Toronto, you can not only feel, but see the emotion coming from Shawn. We're not sure if it has anything to do with the current heartbreak he's likely suffering, but his performance is truly out of this world. We've been listening to the song on repeat and don't plan on stopping anytime soon.
10. Alesso and Katy Perry Partner Up for 'When I'm Gone'
When we found out Alesso and Katy Perry were partnering up for a new song, we couldn't wait to get our hands on it. "When I'm Gone" is a party song we think everyone will enjoy. The music video itself actually premiered at halftime during the College Football Playoff National Championship and has since been streamed over 10 million times. The energy is high and the beat of the music is a total banger, and we think people will love dancing to it. "I'm so thrilled that 'When I'm Gone' is finally out. We've been waiting the whole year to share it with all of you," Alesso shared in a press release. "I'm honored to collaborate with Katy on such an amazing dance record, and with ESPN to become the first artists to premiere our music video at halftime of the College Football Playoff National Championship. I loved working with her and think this song and video came out super special."
Miss last week's hits? Look HERE to see what music made it into our top 10 the week of Jan. 7, 2022.