Favourites: Music That Has Shaken the World Lately

Nothing better than a busy month to start with this series. So what exactly happened in January?

From Bob Marley's grandson going viral on TikTok and causing a lot of buzz with his single debut, to an early 2000s pop hit making its comeback and a 1963 female empowerment anthem regaining popularity due to its ironic usage in the most recent Calvin Klein campaign. And there is much more! 

Lets dive in!

YG Marley is a rising star, the son of multi-talented singer, rapper, songwriter and producer Lauryn Hill with Rohan Marley and he has just released his debut single Praise Jah In The Moonlight. Can you imagine the blend between reggae, hip-hop and rap influence in a song co-written by Miss Hill herself? That is why he went viral first in December with his guest appearance in Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour, leaving the crowd (and the entire internet) begging for him to release the entire song. Now, after the release, he is viral again with his song being used on several creators' videos and exploding in the streaming platforms, having already hit No. 1 on Spotify’s Global and US Viral 50 charts.

What else went viral? 

Following its usage in the final scene of Saltburn, Murder on the Dance Floor by Sophie Ellis Bextor is charting again after 23 years. In the film this disco-pop song choice helps the audience connect the film plot and without going into too much spoilers it also symbolises the protagonist's triumph, marking his territory and the liberation from a façade. It was a very clever choice and no wonder why it made the song have a second life.

In fact, Murder on The Dance Floor also became the soundtrack for a TikTok trend in which teens show their fancy homes while dancing to it, which is a big irony and sparked debates as Saltburn is in fact intended to be a class satire film. Beyond this trend, the song is also still being used on several other contents in the platform.

Speaking of well-chosen songs in films causing a buzz on the internet, shall we talk a little bit about the Jeremy Allen White Calvin Klein campaign? Released in January, the film follows the half-naked The Bear star on the streets of New York popping up to the rooftop with the lyrics 

You don't own me

I'm not just one of your many toys

You don't own me

Don't say I can't go with other boys

And don't tell me what to do

Don't tell me what to say

And please, when I go out with you

Don't put me on display 'cause

You don't own me

from Lesley Gore song You Don't Own Me. A simple, yet fantastic idea both sonically and visually, a collaboration that became one of the most discussed and shared topics on social media this year. 

Since we are talking about most shared topics on social media, you might have heard of Cat Janice. She is an alternative pop artist that reached several charts in January with her single Dance Your Head Out, written from a hospital bed, self released and promoted via her TikTok. Cat calls it her final song as she is a terminal patient but wanted to make a song that brings joy and fun and to leave her seven years old son Loren (and the world) a special way to remember her.

It is a beautiful thing to see a positive impact of social media and that she is able to witness her success. Besides, it is a really good disco-pop song and all the proceeds will go to Loren. She totally deserves all the success!

Another big news is that Britanny Howard's new album is coming this week and the singles released in January were heavily acclaimed by both audience and critics. Famously known for being Alabama Shakes front-woman and for her powerful voice and intense performances, Brittany's solo career is also outstanding. With What Now Brittany wants to break boundaries and captivate a broader audience beyond rock, R&B and soul. The first single which is a fun dancey track with electronic beats and deep lyrics exploring the complexities of being in a relationship has already proved it. 

Last but not least, there is a major rap battle between two female stars happening in real life and translating into a chart war. Although the origins of this feud are unknown and I will not go deep into it - for more click here - this month it all started when Megan Thee Stallion released 'HISS' with several lines being interpreted to be addressing Nick Minaj.  Shortly after it, Nick released her own answer song/diss-track called Big Foot.

You can find all of it and more in this month's playlist.