Awesome Songs: February 2022

Reading Time: 15 min read

Awesome Songs: February 2022 features Ed Sheeran, Kim Petras, Mary J. Blige, Omar Apollo & Red Hot Chili Peppers.

t’s that time! Time for what? Time to select the best songs of the month! All the songs on

Awesome Songs: February 2022 were released as singles or as an album track in February 2022, or whereabouts (I reserve the right to make exceptions).

Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of February include Ed Sheeran, Kim Petras, Mary J. Blige, Omar Apollo, and Red Hot Chili Peppers among others. So, without further ado, here are those Awesome Songs: February 2022!

1. Mary J. Blige, “Rent Money” (Ft. Dave East)

Good Morning Gorgeous • Mary Jane Productions / 300 Entertainment • 2022

“This can’t be reality / I’m picking up the pieces of the puzzle / Here all by myself, yeah / I can’t even wish you well.” “Rent Money” was released as the third single from Good Morning Gorgeous, the first album released by Mary J. Blige in five years. D’Mile produced this relatively chill joint that samples The Notorious B.I.G. record, “Fuck You Tonight”.

shut up and take my money For good measure, over the relaxed, soulful backdrop, Mary J. Blige brings some bite:

“Look now my rent money due

I spent everything fuckin’ with you, oh

They say you win some, you win some you lose

All I got is rent money due

Fucking with you.”

Blige invested her all into this man and she’s literally left with nothing. After spending, being loyal, and of course, sex, she’s ultimately in a bad spot – that rent is due! Basically, she can’t depend on him. Featured guest Dave East fittingly, plays the guy who’s messed over her, asserting, “Phone out, she recording / Just so she can get the proof / It was all good when we was in the mood.” Sounds like he’s no good, Mary, but this song – it’s ‘on-point’ girl! Fancy sufficiently tickled!

Appears in :

Rent: 5ive Songs No. 8 (2022)

2. Omar Apollo, “Invincible” (Ft. Daniel Caesar)

Ivory • Warner • 2022

“Drip, drip, drip with the cold IV / Out of consciousness if I ever slip it.” I would be lying if I denied my love for Omar Apollo – He is the gift that keeps giving! No – I will NOT deny those handsome looks, but most of my love is dedicated to his musical talent, something he shows tremendously on “Invincible”, featuring Grammy-winning R&B standout, Daniel Caesar. “Invincible” is an advanced single from Ivory, Apollo’s full-length, 2022 debut album.

Bitmoji Image “Invincible” is truly incredible, period. Musically, the sound palette (produced by Apollo, Caesar, and Carter Lang) is satisfying with its minimal sound, including rhythm guitar, bass, and drum programming for much of the song. We get a few colorful synths too, but a key component of “Invincible” is the voices. Daniel Caesar carries much of the vocal weight, reminding us how gifted and soulful he is. His falsetto is ripe and radiant on the recurring lyrics of the chorus, “If I were to go / Tell me, would you notice me?” Caesar also shines in the first verse. Omar Apollo isn’t overshadowed in the least. I love his tone in the second verse, which begins with legato singing. Additionally, there’s a queer vibe, which recurs in his music to date, as well as the accompanying music video: “Sixty-four hours since my baby spoke to me / He kissed me, now I love his dopamine / I tried to go to sleep but my brain on 2C-B.” Apollo is a beast singing but he also delivers compelling, unexpected bars rapping too including “Latin boy, Frida Kahlo brow / Jacquemus jeans, Ferragamo brown.” Woo! Ultimately, Omar comes through with epic music on “Invincible.” He sounds great, as does Daniel Caesar. Add in love, sexuality, and some swagger and “Invincible” is a must-hear.

3. Kim Petras, “They Wanna Fuck”

Slut Pop (EP) • Amigo / Republic • 2022

“Every time I look in my phone got these boys tryna get in my zone / They don’t wanna leave me alone, they just wanna fuck mе through the phone.” Da-yum! “They Wanna Fuck” appears as the penultimate joint from Slut Pop, the 2022 EP from pop musician Kim Petras. Throughout the EP, the German transgender singer goes ‘below the belt.’ The sex-positive vibes run rampant from start to finish. Obviously, with an f-bomb in the song title, sex is the modus operandi.

Bitmoji Image The question is, exactly who “wanna f#¢k” according to Kim Petras? Well, all the boys, of course – what did you expect! See exhibit A, the chorus:

“Them LA boys, they wanna f#¢k

Them New York boys, they wanna f#¢k

Them Euro boys, they wanna f#¢k

Them Dubai boys, they wanna f#¢k

Them Christian boys, they wanna f#¢k

Them Tokyo boys, they wanna f#¢k

Them good ol’ boys, they wanna f#¢k

Them crazy boys, they wanna f#¢k.”

As you can see, participants include American boys, international boys, Christian boys, and “Them good ol’ boys.” Ultimately, “They Wanna Fuck” is silly – very tongue-in-cheek. Even so, it’s ‘irresistibly delicious’ thanks to that undeniable beat and ample personality from Kim Petras.

Appears in :

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Black Summer”

Unlimited Love • Warner • 2022

“It’s been a long time since I made a new friend / Waitin’ on another black summer to end.” “Black Summer” proves that legendary band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, still has a pulse! “Black Summer” prefaces a long-awaited, brand-new RHCP LP, Unlimited Love. There is plenty to heart about “Black Summer,” despite those dark, pessimistic vibes from the chorus. From the onset, the intro is ‘sweet,’ establishing the minor key that last throughout the record. 59-year-old Anthony Kiedis remains a force as the lead vocalist. Honestly, I don’t believe the man misses a beat, or better yet, a note. Of course, he gets ample fuel from the fire with Flea (bass), Chad Smith (drums), and John Frusciante (guitar). Also, worth noting, Rick Rubin is behind the boards – another win!

Bitmoji Image The theme and lyrics might be the most interesting part. The lyrics are focused on nature, specifically ecological happenings. Even if ecology doesn’t strike one as a source of poetry, RHCP make it poetic. From the start, the words are ear-catching:

“A lazy rain am I, the skies refuse to cry

Cremation takes its piece of your supply

The night is dressed like noon…”

Intriguing, right? It doesn’t end there, with the likes of, “My crater weighs a tone, the archer’s on the run / And no one stands alone behind the sun.” Woo! As “Black Summer” progresses, the band’s intensity ratchets up, led by a spirited, on-point Anthony Kiedis. After six damn years, the return of Red Hot Chili Peppers is well worth the wait!

5. Mitksi, “Love Me More”

Laurel Hell • Dead Oceans • 2022

“If I keep myself at home / I won’t make the same mistake / That I made for fifteen years.” Hmm, intriguing Mitksi (Mitski Miyawaki). On “Love Me More,” a highlight from her 2022 album, Laurel Hell, the singer/songwriter goes deep. Furthermore, she’s vulnerable, referencing her problems, loneliness, monotony, and of course, the need for L-O-V-E.

Love Analyzing “Love Me More” effectively might take a while. Why? Well, so many of the lyrical passages carry tremendous weight or require more context. That, of course, speaks of the brilliance of the songwriting (Miyawaki is a beast). One extremely compelling lyric: “But when I’m done singing this song / I will have to find something else / To do to keep me here.” Deep, deep, deep! Generally, “Love Me More” highlights the importance of love (however you’d like to interpret it) and how it makes you feel better and stronger. There’s no better example of the significance of love on Mitski than the chorus:

“I need you to love me more

Love me more, love me more

Love enough to fill me up

Fill me up, fill me up

… Love enough to drown it out

Drown it out, drown me out.”

What does Miyawaki want to drown out? Her problems, of course.

Appears in :

13 More Songs Filled with Considerable Love

6. Pusha T, “Diet Coke”

“Diet Coke” • Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2022

“Imaginary players ain’t been coached right / Master recipes under stove lights / The number on the jersey is the quote price / You ordered Diet Coke, that’s a joke, right?” Woo! From the jump of “Diet Coke”, Grammy-nominated rapper Pusha T is locked-in and on autopilot. Prepping a new album, It’s Not Dry Yet, he gets off to a helluva start with “Diet Coke.”

Bitmoji Image As to be expected, the three-minute-long “Diet Coke” is NOT about the soft drink sweetened with aspartame. DUH! If you’ve been following Pusha T throughout his career, he’s no stranger to coke rap aka cocaine rap. As always, his flow is agile, commanding, and rock-solid. Following the intro (a sample), Pusha drops an awesome chorus, excerpted above. His second verse references drugs including lyrics such as “Snows are must, the nose must adjust,” and “The crack era was such a Black era / How many still standin’ reflectin’ in that mirror.” Notably, Push was a drug dealer, hence why crack is a fixture in his rhymes. Besides mentioning the stove, snow, and coke, I love how Push pays ode to fellow Virginia rapper, Missy Elliott (“Miss was our only misdemeanor”). Also, besides the brilliant rhymes, what about that gorgeous piano-fueled production ( Kanye West and 88-Keys)? All in all, he makes an utterly sublime return with “Diet Coke.” His rhymes are on point, the chorus shines, and the production is superb.

7. Jazmine Sullivan, “BPW”

Heaux Tales Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe • RCA • 2022

“And even though we ain’t official / You know I ain’t no regular girl,” Jazmine Sullivan sings confidently in the chorus of “BPW”. She continues the chorus from the sexy standout from Heaux Tales Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe (2022), singing, “So tell me whenever I’m with you / I got the Best Pussy in the World.” Prior to “BPW,” a skit, “Mona’s Tale”, sets up the celebration of that BPW. Mona asserts, “I want to fuck your head / I want you to miss me / I’m a great fucker.” Jazmine, of course, builds off that inspiration.

Bitmoji Image The chorus summarizes while the verses highlight the pleasure being given. In the first verse, Sullivan sings, “Tell me how you never ever had it like this / And it’s a privilege to let you hit / So, act accordingly.” In the second and third verses, it gets even more NSFW. “Gas me up / Talk that shit that make me wanna back it up,” Sullivan encourages her man in the second verse. In the third, it’s that “Bomb head and the best sex,” “Great pussy is the best flex,” and my favorite:

“And when we finished, you be outta breath

Tryna make you wanna cry

And have you thanking God

Sayin’ that you’re so blessed.”

While NSFW, “BPW” marks a fabulous moment from Heaux Tales Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe. Sure, some will encourage more ‘ladylike’ behavior and discourage this sexual liberation, but personally, I think “BPW” and Heaux Tales Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe is a great discussion piece. “BPW” is explicit, but it is also thought-provoking.

Appears in :

Jazmine Sullivan, “BPW”: After Dark 14 (2022)

8. Krosis, “Hyacinth (Rejections of a Holistic Divine)”

E.V.I.L. • Seek & Strike • 2022

“One lone purple hyacinth now signifies my consecration / A nihilistic error breathing in the smoke of failure.” “Hyacinth (Rejections of a Holistic Divine)” is something else! “Everlasting sorrow with no hope for a tomorrow / I’ll leave this macrocosm once I’m sure no life will blossom.” This outlandish record appears as the fifth track on E.V.I.L., the 2022 studio album by North Carolina prog death metal band, Krosis. Vocalist Mac Smith is difficult to decipher without the lyrics in front of you. With those lyrics to reference, what he sings is, again, something else!

Bitmoji Image “Tragedy is upon us / What will be done to persecute these visions? / Sinister and pernicious / Rightful rejections of the god of wisdom.” The lyrics are dark but poetically penned on “Hyacinth (Rejections of a Holistic Divine).” The excerpt is both thought-provoking and damning. It doesn’t end there, with plenty of rich vocabulary such as sacrosanctic, cataleptic, and a personal favorite, nefarious!

“Caught within the fires of frustration with no chance to rebuild

Brutal rejection of sacrosanctic values ever unfulfilled

Premonitions felt among us

What is done to persecute these visions?

Cataleptic and nefarious

Brutal rejection of sacrosanctic values ever unfulfilled.”

“Hyacinth (Rejections of a Holistic Divine)” is intriguing, no cap. The songwriting may be dark and negative, but it’s brilliant. The music, as to be expected, is harsh – heavy-hitting to say the least.

Appears in :

9. Tate McRae, “she’s all I wanna be”

“she’s all I wanna be” • RCA • 2022

“Stupid boy making me so sad / Didn’t think you could change this fast / She’s got everything that I don’t have / How could I ever compete with that?” Woo! That’s a statement right there, Tate McRae! The teenage pop artist continues to see her star ascend. The Gen-Z up-and-comer has a surefire hit on her hands with “she’s all I wanna be”. Just as the lyrics from the excerpted chorus suggest, this is a song that EVERYBODY can relate to in some way at some point in their lives.

Bitmoji Image On “she’s all I wanna be,” McRae collaborates with a pop master, Greg Kurstin. As always, the songwriter/producer puts together an excellent musical backdrop for his client. I love the driving, rhythmic guitars, which gives this record a nice mix of pop/rock. As for McRae, she has a nice tone, which rides that pop/rock backdrop with ease. She never over nor under sings, delivering a well-rounded performance all said and done. Returning the focus to the theme, essentially, she paints a picture of being envious of what other girls have that she doesn’t. Why feel that way Tate? Well, these other girls woo these stupid boys, and she finds herself heartbroken. Bummer! While this experience is made personal to her, it is applicable to any and everyone, honestly. The best moment of the song is the chorus – the clear centerpiece. All in all, “She’s all I wanna be” is a fun, relatable, and well-rounded pop song that will please Gen-Z but also anyone who enjoys a catchy pop record.

10. Shamir, “Gay Agenda”

Heterosexuality • AntiFragile Music • 2022

“You’re just stuck in the box that was made for me / And you’re mad I got out and I’m living free.” Those are some telling lyrics, Shamir. The tough-to-categorize musician goes all-in on sexuality on his 2022 album, Heterosexuality. Of course, Shamir is not heterosexual, and furthermore, the song at hand is entitled “Gay Agenda”. He continues singing, on the centerpiece of this ‘gay’ joint, “Free your mind, come outside / Pledge allegiance to the gay agenda.”

Bitmoji Image Well, you can bet conservatives won’t feel this one – WHO CARES, right? Shamir encourages those “stuck in the box” to free themselves – come out and experience freedom. So often, those who aren’t heterosexual find themselves trying to play a role as opposed to being themselves, afraid to be honest and come out. Furthermore, those who are heterosexual judge those who don’t feel and love the same way; they need to open their minds. Over the course of two verses, the nonbinary musician supports being true to self. Does he really promote a “gay agenda?” Perhaps some will feel that way, but the lyrics aren’t explicitly gay, though speak to close-minded folks’ perceptions:

“Pray as much as you can, there’s no hope for me

I will see you in hell, I will be bringing the heat.”

“Gay Agenda” is a marvelous way to commence Heterosexuality.

Appears in :

Shamir, “Gay Agenda”: LGBTQ Bopz 10 (2022)

11. ROSALÍA, “SAOKO”

MOTOMAMI • Columbia • 2022

One of Latin pop’s most gifted musicians, without question, is Grammy winner ROSALÍA. She returns strong with “SAOKO”, a single from her 2022 album, MOTOMAMI. The title (and keyword), interestingly, don’t have an English translation; it’s Puerto Rican slang. Even without understanding the slang, let alone Spanish without the lyrics on hand, “SAOKO” is a surefire bop.

Bitmoji Image “SAOKO” is ear-catching from the opening tip – infectious to the n^th degree. Notably, it distinguishes itself from other Latin pop because of its experimental, innovative spirit; it’s less predictable and less traditional. I love the assertive, aggressive approach that ROSALÍA employs – more of rapped, chanted performance. As always, she’s the main attraction. Otherwise, lyrically, “SAOKO” focuses on transformation, something the translated chorus highlights especially well:

“I’m my own, I transform

A butterfly, I transform

Drag queen makeup, I transform

Stars raining, I transform

Out of line, I transform

Like sex siren, I transform

I contradict myself, I transform

I’m all things, I transform.”

As far as sound is concerned, “SAOKO” features superb production work by ROSALÍA, Noah Goldstein, Dylan Patrice, and Michael Uzowuru. It incorporates skeletal ideas, keys (including jazz piano), and of course, a banging beat. Worth noting, “SAOKO” samples the Wisin record, “Saoco” featuring Daddy Yankee. ROSALÍA pays ode to classic reggaeton which is a plus. “SAOKO” is short but incredibly sweet.

12. Ed Sheeran, “The Joker and the Queen” (Ft. Taylor Swift)

“The Joker and the Queen” • Atlantic • 2022

“How was I to know? It’s a crazy thing / I showed you my hand and you still let me win,” Ed Sheeran sings iin the first verse of “The Joker and the Queen”. He continues, “And who was I to say that this was meant to be? / The road that was broken brought us together.” The Grammy winner delivered a stunning ballad that appeared as the sixth track on his 2021 album, =. He returns with a duet version featuring a fellow Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, Taylor Swift. “The Joker and the Queen” might be their best collaboration EVER!

clown The remixed, duet version features notable contrasts to the original. Worth noting, these contrasts are surefire selling points. Sheeran sings the original opening verse (excerpted above), as well as following up with the gorgeous chorus:

“And I know you could fall for a thousand kings

And hearts that would give you a diamond ring

When I fold, you see the best in me

The joker and the queen.”

Bitmoji Image Beyond that, Taylor Swift delivers a brand-new verse. As she sings, she sounds utterly sublime. At the end of the verse, she and Sheeran join forces, something that happens again on select parts of the chorus. The vocal chemistry is fabulous – they make a formidable team. Besides the chemistry and terrific songwriting, the production (Sheeran, RØMANS, Johnny McDaid, and FRED) remains key. I love the lightness and warmth of the sound – it’s a vibe. The strings are quite lovely. All in all, “The Joker and the Queen (Remix)” is a winner. Both Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift sing their respective parts superbly. Their chemistry, as well as the production, is heavenly. Sure, it’s slow, but nothing short of beautiful.

13. ODESZA, “The Last Goodbye” (Ft. Betty LaVette)

“The Last Goodbye” • Foreign Family Collective / Ninja Tune • 2022

“Let me down easy / Though your love for me is gone / Let me down easy / Since you feel to stay is wrong.” Those are some emotional lines, ODESZA! Actually, those lines are properly attributed to Betty LaVette, the featured guest on the Grammy-nominated electronic duo’s first single of 2022, “The Last Goodbye”. Betty LaVette + Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight? How did that collaboration come about? Sampling, of course! The result of the Seattle duo’s first single of the 2020s is sheer excellence.

okay bye ODESZA transforms a Betty LaVette gem into something truly fresh and captivating. Her soulful sample voices fit perfectly with the duo’s creative backdrop. Following a dramatic intro (the verses), Mills and Knight make “The Last Goodbye” their own. They establish a steady tempo, a consistent beat, and no shortage of rhythms and riffs. There are colorful synths, a strong bass line, and no shortage of seasoning making “The Last Goodbye” ear-catching. Clocking in at about six minutes, the boys and LaVette take us for an unforgettable musical trip. The return of ODESZA is BIG! Not only do they return, but they drop a surefire winner.

Awesome Songs: February 2022 [: 300 Entertainment, Amigo, Anna Shvets, AntiFragile Music, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, cottonbro, Dead Oceans, Def Jam, Foreign Family Collective, Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc., Mary Jane Productions, Mikhail Nilov, Monstera, The Musical Hype, Ninja Tune, Pexels, Rafael Freire, RCA, Republic, Seek & Strike, UMG Recordings, Inc., Valiantsin Konan, Warner]

Awesome Songs: February 2022 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on February 28, 2022February 28, 2022