Awesome Songs: September 2022 | Playlist 🎧

Awesome Songs: September 2022 features music courtesy of Arctic Monkeys, Ari Lennox, Björk, DJ Khaled, Sam Smith, and Weyes Blood.

It’s that time! Time for what? Time to select the best songs of the month! All the songs on 🎧 Awesome Songs: September 2022 were released as singles or as an album track in September 2022, or whereabouts (I reserve the right to make exceptions).

Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of September include 🎙 Arctic Monkeys, 🎙 Ari Lennox, 🎙 Björk, 🎙 DJ Khaled, 🎙 Sam Smith, and 🎙 Weyes Blood among others. So, without further ado, here are those 🎧 Awesome Songs: September 2022!

---

1. Björk, “Atopos” (Ft. Kasimyn)

💿 Fossora • 🏷 One Little Independent • 🗓 2022

“Are these not just excuses to not connect? / Our differences are irrelevant.” Um, sure, if you say so 🎙 Björk.  The 🏆 Grammy-nominated Icelandic singer/songwriter never fails to compel.  That is the case on 🎵 “Atopos”, the promo single from her 10^th studio album, 💿 Fossora.  Of the lyrics, Björk commentates, ‘the lyrics to Atopos are what Roland Barthes describes so magnificently in his book, A Lover’s Discourse. It is about the binary spirit of human nature … left versus right, man versus woman, and so on but the theme of the song is to overcome differences and unite.’ On “Atopos,” she’s assisted by 🎙 Kasimyn on this distinct, truly one-of-a-kind opener from Fossora.

“Atopos” was written with Kasimyn, who provides those beats alongside Björk. The eventual groove is nothing short of infectious.  Prior to the groove commencing, however, listeners are blessed with an atmospheric introduction. Soon enough, those distinct, powerful vocals of Björk enter.  Safe to say, she remains a once-in-a-lifetime singer. The music is quirky – left-of-center quality – following that warm intro. The timbre is unique, due in part to the use of a clarinet choir (including multiple bass clarinets) – who would’ve expected that? Even as enigmatic and odd as “Atopos” (Greek for absurd, out of place, unusual) is, there are some gorgeous melodic moments.  Lyrically, as the excerpted lyrics suggest, as well as Björk’s commentary,  “Atopos” is intriguing as well: “If we don’t grow outwards towards love / We’ll implode inwards toward destruction.” My, my, my! All told, the Icelandic standout delivers with the must-hear 🎵 “Atopos”, which sounds like NOTHING else released in 2022. Fancy sufficiently tickled!

---

2. DJ Khaled, “God Did” (Ft. Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend & Fridayy)

💿 GOD DID • 🏷 We The Best / Epic • 🗓 2022

“It breaks my heart / they ain’t believe in us,” 🎙 DJ Khaled proclaims in the intro of 🎵 “God Did”.  Yes, not everything always works on Khaled’s superstar compilations, but “God Did” is an epic title track on his 2022 LP.  Of course, beyond the DJ’s uplifting speech, he gets some big-time verses and contributions from 🎙 Rick Ross, 🎙 Lil Wayne, 🎙 Jay-Z, 🎙 John Legend, and 🎙 Fridayy. First off, Fridayy sounds marvelous performing the pre-chorus and chorus sections with his colorful, glorious vocals which emphasize the titular lyric 🙌.  Towards the end of “God Did,” we get to experience the supremely soulful pipes of john Legend, especially in the outro.

Rick Ross is true to himself in the first verse, rapping about money (shocker).  He also asks for forgiveness, and tells others, “Please, forgive me, God did.” Woo! In the second verse, Lil Wayne is especially good, referencing incarcerated basketball phenom, 🏀 Brittney Griner, and also dropping a vintage, sexed-up bar: “I fucked the world and when I did, I practiced safe sex / I pray more and said less, God did the rest.”  As good as Ross and Wayne are, it’s JAY-Z who ‘takes the cake’ and delivers the longest, most epic verse.  From the onset, he asks for forgiveness for hustling: “Hov did / Please, Lord forgive me for what the stove did / Nobody touched the billi’ until Hov did.” Jay goes off, asserting “I turned the cocaína into champagne,” brags about the success of his marijuana company, and essentially, reflects on his life, career, and success.  Much like his wife, I have no doubt certain lyrics will make clergymen cry foul:

“These ain’t songs, these is hymns ‘cause I’m him

It’s the Psalm 151, this New Testament

The book of Hov (The book of Hov)

Jesus turned water to wine, for Hov, it just took a stove.”

Um… “God, did?” All told, 🎵 “God Did” is epic. It’s one of the better records DJ Khaled has released.

Appears in 🔻:

• DJ Khaled, “God Did”: Rap BNGRZ 🔥 20 (2022)
• God: 5ive Songs No. 49 (2022)
• 13 Songs Filled with GOD

---

3. Weyes Blood, “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody”

💿 And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow • 🏷 Sub Pop • 🗓 2022

“Oh, it’s not just me, it’s not just me / It’s not just me, it’s everybody.” 🎙 Natalie Mering, best known as singer/songwriter 🎙 Weyes Blood returned in 2022 with her fifth LP, 💿 And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow. The epic, six-minute-plus single, 🎵 “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody” leads the charge.  Written by Mering, she produces the record alongside 🎛 Ben Babbitt and 🎛 Jonathan Rado.

“It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody” commences beautifully and enigmatically. It opens with a crescendo of lush strings, prefacing a groove and warm piano chords.  Weyes Blood then enters, singing radiantly and expressively. Throughout the course of the record, she never over-sings, maintaining poise while bringing just the right oomph.  The songwriting, alongside the refined music backdrop, is the biggest selling point.  Mering sings her relatable, poetic, thoughtful lyrics with incredible authenticity.  “Sitting at this party / Wondering if anyone knows me / Really sees who I am,” she sings at the beginning of the first verse, continuing, “Oh, it’s been so long since I felt really known.” Woo – those words hit hard.  Similarly, lines like, “Living in the wake of overwhelming changes / We’ve all become strangers” (verse two) and “Yes, we all bleed the same way” pack a sizable, ultra-relatable punch. The six-minute-long record thrives thanks to expressive vocal performance, elite songwriting, and excellent production work.

 

Appears in 🔻:

• Everybody: 5ive Songs No. 54 (2022)
• 11 Incredible JUST Songs, Vol. 2

---

4. Arctic Monkeys, “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball”

💿 The Car • 🏷 Domino • 🗓 2022 

“Yesterday’s still leaking through the roof / That’s nothing new…” Um, okay.  Anyways, good news! 🎙 Arctic Monkeys return in 2022 with a brand-new, studio album, 💿 The Car.  Leading the charge of the new LP for 🎙 Alex Turner and company is an intriguing single, 🎵 “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball”. “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” commences the 10-track LP as only Arctic Monkeys could. There are some creative ideas, nice musical touches, and undisputed beauty in this single, even if it takes a couple of listens to fully process.

The near-fourth-and-a-half-minute-long “There’d better Be A Mirrorball” was written by Turner, as to be expected.  It was produced by 🎛 James Ford. The sounds include a jazzy drum groove, warm strings, and warm piano. It’s ear-catching from the onset – left of center and unique, though ultimately, radiant. Eventually, “There’d better Be A Mirrorball” settles into a ballad with a consistent groove, and some rhythmic hits straight out of the jazz/soul book (prior to the minute-mark). Turner’s vocals are as nuanced as ever. He sings the poetic lyrics, which include references to the car, with ample expression, hypnotizing.  Also, with his utterly sublime tone, he mentions that mirrorball:

“So, if you wanna walk me to the car

You oughta know I’ll have a heavy heart

So, can we please be absolutely sure

That there’s a mirrorball.”

🎵 “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” is refreshing.  It has some creative ideas, nice musical touches, and undisputed beauty.  Incredibly intrigued!

 

---

5. Sam Smith, “Unholy” (Ft. Kim Petras)

🎵 “Unholy” • 🏷 Capitol • 📅 2022

“Mummy don’t know daddy’s getting hot / At the body shop / Doing something unholy.” Gah-day-um! 🎵 “Unholy” arrives as the second single of 2022 by 🏆 Academy- and Grammy-award-winning, nonbinary singer/songwriter, 🎙 Sam Smith.  From the first note, it’s clear that Smith is changing up their sound and evolving.  On “Unholy,” Smith is assisted by German pop singer, 🎙 Kim Petras, who fits the unholiness perfectly.

“Unholy” commences unexpectedly with big a cappella vocals by Smith (with vocal effects, mind you).  Unknowingly, upon first listen the intro is the eventual chorus of the record.  Ultimately, that chorus (excerpted at the top) ends up being a surefire vibe that you can’t get unstuck. Besides the epic intro and alluring chorus, “Unholy” features incredibly sleek production work courtesy of Smith, 🎛 Ilya, 🎛 Cirkut, 🎛 Blake Slatkin, 🎛 Omer Fedi, 🎛 Jimmy Napes. My, what a team! Although the chorus does a fabulous job of summing up the sus happenings, the verses by Smith and Petras superbly fill in the blanks.  In the first verse, Smith sings, “Dirty, dirty boy / you know everyone is talkin’ on the scene / I hear them whisperin’ bout the places that you’ve been / And how you don’t know how to keep your business clean.” Oh, snap! As for Petras,  in playful and sassy fashion, she asserts, “You gon’ need to bag it up ‘cause I’m spendin’ on Rodeo (Woo) / You can watch me back it up, I’ll be gone in the A.M.” Woo! All told, “Unholy” is short but ultimately sweet. The collaboration between Smith and Petras works out incredibly well.

 

---

6. Jxckson, “When Morning Comes”

🎵 “When Morning Comes” • 🏷 Jxckson Music • 📅 2022 

Question: “Will you still love me / When morning comes?” Hmm, that’s thought-provoking, 🎙 Jxckson.  The pop musician goes on the sing, “Or will you forget me / With the rising sun?” Both of these valid, love-oriented inquiries appear in his 2022 musical gem, 🎵 “When Morning Comes”.  From the start of “When Morning Comes,” you won’t be able to resist moving your body.  The production (🎛 Sevenths) is slick AF, providing the ears ample musical candy.  The rhythmic synths, the lush, warm pads, and the rhythmic groove are all GIVING.  There’s a massive wall of sound that appears during the pre-chorus section which is epic.  Arguably, this colorful section is one of the crowning achievements. Similarly, the bridge is picturesque, providing separation from the verses and chorus while remaining connected to the central idea of the record. 

The chorus is incredibly tuneful – it’s the centerpiece.  There’s no doubt that after hearing it, you’ll keep on singing it to yourself.  Of course, the key part of “When Morning Comes” that deserves the most praise: Jxckson! The tone of his voice is perfect for this club-driven joint. Those playful, flirty vocals are utterly sensational! “When Morning Comes” is enjoyable, entertaining, and ready-made for the club.

Appears in 🔻:

• Morning: 5ive Songs No. 53 (2022)

---

7. Ari Lennox, “Leak It” (Ft. Chlöe)

💿 age/sex/location • 🏷  Dreamville / Interscope • 🗓 2022

“I’ll leak it / ‘Cause baby, I ain’t got no shame…” Okay, 🎙 Ari Lennox, if you say so.  Please, continue singing about this leak on the 💿 age/sex/location standout, 🎵 “Leak It”. “Might just go ahead and leak it / I want you to see it this way /Yeah.” Um, sure.  Clearly, on this open, sexy gem, Ari is putting it out all out there for him to see – “No filter, backdrop / no sparks, no crop!”

Beyond the sexy vibes established early on lyric, the rich guitar and lush background vocals are a welcome way to kick off this slow jam. Besides her own vocals that encourage undressing anywhere, Lennox taps 🎙 Chlöe (Chlöe Bailey) for the assist.  Lennox establishes herself early on with Chlöe complementing her in the second verse: “I’m leakin’, you got me drippin’ / Holy water, that’s what you drinkin’.” Ooh, wee sweet Jesus! It gets more X-rated, considering Bailey approves of “Million—dollar movie, we can make a tape / Everybody watchin’, don’t care what they say.”  Yeah, I’m speechless!

Appears in 🔻:

• Ari Lennox, “Leak It” : After Dark 🕛 🌃 70 (2022)
• 15 Steamy Songs Best Listened to After Dark, Vol. 2

---

8. Yeat, “Flawlëss” (Ft. Lil Uzi Vert)

💿 Lyfë • 🏷 Geffen • 🗓 2022

“Flawless, flawless, flawless, flawless, yeah!” 🎙 Yeat kicks off his 2022 EP, 💿 Lyfë with a surefire bang.  Actually, what I should’ve said is that he kicks Lyfë off with a surefire rap banger in 🎵 “Flawlëss”.  The opener commences with an extended intro, performed by 🎙 sharedatbitchlikeapizza and 🎙 NOLOVEJROC which sets the tone.  After the intro, “Flawlëss” settles in with the badass, menacing, minor-key production work of BYNX®, as well as a confident Yeat delivering the chorus, followed by the post-chorus (excerpted above).

“You don’t exist

Take a Perc’ in the Tonka, that’s it

Money swollen like cyst, huh

They done put faith in the kid, huh…”

Woo! Initially, the chorus comes off a bit odd and not necessarily catchy.  Following the verse by 🎙 Lil Uzi Vert, however, you might say the chorus endears itself.  Beyond the chorus and post-chorus, Yeat doesn’t drop a verse, leaving the heavy lifting to a turnt-up Uzi Vert. Uzi brags about drip – shocker.  Some of the finer things in life he mentions are Cartiers, Audemar, and Balenciaga.  Of course, we also get a TMI sex reference as Uzi Vert apparently isn’t a proponent of safe sex – “Yeah, I’m so raw I don’t need to use a condom (I don’t use a what?), I’m sorry…” Hmm… While the condom reference is sus, there’s nothing sus about 🎵 “Flawlëss”, which is the perfect rap joint to turn up while driving. That 🔥 beat, with a good car stereo –  simply irresistible!

Appears in 🔻:

• Yeat, “Flawlëss”: Rap BNGRZ 🔥 23 (2022)

---

9. Lil Nas X, “STAR WALKIN’ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem)”

🎵 “STAR WALKIN’ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem)” • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2022 

“Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’ / Racin’ to the moonlight and I’m speedin’ / I’m headed to the stars, ready to go far / I’m star walkin’.” Woo! Indeed, 🎙 Lil Nas X, indeed! The 🏆 Grammy-winning pop artist continues his impressive run of hits with 🎵 “STAR WALKIN’ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem)”.  What’s a bit different about this LNX single? Well, it’s video game-influenced!

Inspired by League of Legends driving “STAR WALKIN’,” Lil Nas X remains true to himself.  He sounds amazing on the melodic chorus, which appears at the top of the track.  The chorus is the centerpiece – tuneful and ear-catching. Similarly, in the verses, he bestows his gift of melody. That said, in the second verse, he provides contrast providing more edge and slightly less pitch (“Been that nigga since I came out my mama (Woo) / Thankin’ God Daddy never wore a condom (Woo) / Prove ‘em wrong every time ‘til it’s normal / Why worship legends when you know that you can join ‘em?”).  Besides electrifying lyrics, the production (🎛 Cirkut and 🎛 Omer Fedi) deserves a big-time shout-out.  Those lovely, rhythmic synths that commence the record are sickening.  Furthermore, how about that drill beat, which first appears during the first verse? Epic! All told, 🎵 “STAR WALKIN’ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem)” is another welcome addition to his collection.  It’s well-produced and well-performed, and the concept is interesting.

 

---

10. Moneybagg Yo, “Blow”

🎵 “Blow” • 🏷 CMG/N-Less/Interscope • 2022 

“Okay, let’s blow a bag, it’s my birthday…” Um, sure, 🎙 Moneybagg Yo, if you insist! The hard-nosed Memphis rapper is back with a surefire banger in 🎵 “Blow”. “Blow” doesn’t have a substantial message – it’s devoid of depth – but it’s incredibly entertaining.  Given the superb production by 🎛 DrumGod, 🎛 ShortyyK, and 🎛 Rizzo8, this is the perfect trunk-rattler.

The biggest draw beyond that badass backdrop is the tough-minded, unapologetic flow of Moneybagg Yo.  He brings confidence, cockiness, and masculine energy that’s tailor-made for trap – no cap.  Following the intro, he drops the endearing, give-no-Fs chorus, where he “Blow a lot of money on” a variety of things: dope, guns, diamonds, rent, opps… Woo! That blowing precedes the verses, which incorporate drip, substances, sex – the typical rap clichés.  At the end of the first verse, Moneybagg asserts, “Your gangsta don’t matter no more, she went and told one of my other ones / That’s why I cut the ho off (Be gone), that’s why I don’t fuck with the ho no more.” Well, at least he’s honest, right? Right! The second verse is more of the same – drip, substances, and sex All in all, Moneybagg Yo delivers an entertaining banger that has replay value in 🎵 “Blow”.  It won’t change your life, let alone the world, but, it’s worthwhile. #TurnUp!

---

11. Lewis Capaldi, “Forget Me”

🎵 “Forget Me” • 🏷 Universal Music GmbH • 🗓 2022

“Days ache and nights are long / Two years and still, you’re not gone.” 🎵 “Forget Me”, the first single released by Scottish singer 🎙 Lewis Capaldi in 2022 commences abruptly.  The lack of an intro is a bit off-putting.  Regardless, Capaldi makes up for the abruptness with a song that’s emotional, well-sung, and lacks no shortage of quality.

As always, Lewis Capaldi brings his A game. He sings with an absolutely beautiful tone that many musicians would die to have.  He is poised during the verses but remains commanding. He ‘tears it up’ in the chorus, as to be expected.  Besides his dynamic performance during the chorus, lyrically, it’s catchy, memorable, and quite tuneful:

“’Cause I’m not ready

To find out you know how to forget me

I’d rather hear how much you regret me

And pray to God that you never met me

Than forget me…”

Matters of the heart are firmly in play, something that the verses speak to as well (“Know you can’t stand my face / Some scars you can’t erase, babe / Guess you still feel the same”). Backing Capaldi is a nice groove and sound production work including piano.  Furthermore, later in the record, the use of layered vocals, intensifying things, is a stellar tough.  All told, “Forget Me” is a winner.

---

12. WILLOW, “curious/furious”

💿 <COPINGMECHANISM> • 🏷 MSFTSMusic / Roc Nation • 🗓 2022 

“And when nobody wants to talk about it / All that we do is step into dread, that’s what I said.” What a statement, 🎙 WILLOW. The youngest member of the Smith family packs a punch on 🎵 “curious/furious”, the third single from her 2022 album, 💿 <COPINGMECHANISM> . It was penned by Smith and 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Chris Greatti, who also produces.  The record commences with warm, pop/rock guitars, with a driving groove establishing itself.  Early on, WILLOW exhibits a smoky tone, sung in her lower register that’s to die for.

During the pre-chorus, those electrifying, driving guitars accompany her, building up to something bigger (“Walking through a darkened forest, goin’ home / Curious, furious, I feel alone, oh, oh-oh”).  As to be expected, there’s exceptional contrast during the chorus, where WILLOW sings more dynamically, ascending into her powerful upper register. The music becomes more dynamic during this section as well:

“Getting over it now and I

Never wear a frown

Because life doesn’t choose either side

Win or lose, right or wrong

It’s a battle that’s all in your mind

You better open wide.”

During the second verse, WILLOW brings the dynamics back down initially, singing in an undertone, with incredible poise. Soon enough, however, she lets those powerful, gritty pipes shine. I love the rawness she brings.  Furthermore, shout out the assertiveness of the guitars at the end of the record, particularly when they are harmonized. 🎵 “curious/furious” is an intriguing listen from start to finish. WILLOW shows how versatile her voice is, sounding warmer in her lower register and absolutely lethal in her upper register.  She’s powerful and possesses no shortage of personality on this emotional, honest track.

---

13. Matt Jaffe, “Favorite Song on Repeat”

🎵 “Favorite Song on Repeat” • 🏷 Matt Jaffe • 🗓 2022 

Question: did you know, “You are my favorite song on repeat?” Just think about how authentic, poetic, and truly dedicated that statement is.  It’s so incredibly romantic! Well, incredibly talented, independent singer/songwriter 🎙 Matt Jaffe delivers those sensational words on his latest single, 🎵 “Favorite Song on Repeat”. “Favorite Song on Repeat” commences with a ravishing intro which sets the tone for the rest of the record.  It is clear, merely from the instrumental that the song feels dedicated.  That indeed proves to be the case lyrically and thematically as Matt Jaffe embraces L-O-V-E.  He brings alluring, tender lead vocals to the table.  He’s compelling without dare over-singing, performing with incredible ease and expression.  The verses are incredibly melodic – tuneful to the ear the first time you hear the music.

A lovely melody isn’t simply reserved for the verses. Like the verses, the chorus is gorgeous and also incredibly tuneful.  Furthermore, some of the most memorable songwriting appears during the centerpiece:

“When I breathe, I know the rhythm matches up with your heartbeat,

Still, you are my favorite song on repeat

I believe, that if I listen long enough, I’ll be complete

Still, you are my favorite song on repeat.”

Those lyrics aren’t the only ones that resonate.  “Like a book of poems, we read each other’s mind / until the rhyme is lost beyond repair,” he sings poetically during the second verse, continuing, “We exchange our thoughts until they’re so entwined / The telepathic verses fill the air.” Now those are mic-drop-worthy lyrics! Anytime telepathy can be incorporated, you know the song is special! One final note that is worth mentioning is the stellar contrast provided during the bridge. Despite the contrast, Jaffe also makes it clear that the bridge and chorus are related.  The bridge maintains the dreamy, romantic aesthetic that has been a fixture from the onset. All told, Jaffe delivers an absolutely stunning record – fancy sufficiently tickled!

Appears in 🔻:

• 15 F Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2

---

Awesome Songs: September 2022 [📷: Brent Faulkner, Capitol, CMG, Columbia, Domino, Epic, Interscope, Jxckson Music, Matt Jaffe, The Musical Hype, MSFTSMusic, N-Less, One Little Independent, Patrick Schulze via Pexels, Roc Nation, Sub Pop, Universal Music GmbH, We The Best]

---