This year, we inched a little closer to the life we once had before the pandemic. From the return of live concerts and festivals to finally getting to hang out with our friends from faraway lands, 2022 was when came together once again.

So, in the spirit of coming together, the Bandwagon team joins forces to round up what we think are the best musical collaborations the year has seen. From delightfully unexpected team-ups to match-made-in-heavens, here are our top collabs of 2022.

'Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)' - Beyoncé, Madonna

There's a moment from the second season of Ryan Murphy's Pose which depicts Madonna's 1990 single 'Vogue' as this cultural touchstone through which a subculture breaks through popular consciousness. The show was a portrait of ball culture – a safe space for queer people of colour – at some of the lowest points of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Coded into 'Vogue' – inspired by a hallmark of ball culture, named in turn after the legacy magazine – is the history of their defiant struggle: "By picking up a $3 fashion magazine, a closeted queer black or Latinx kid growing up in the suburbs of '80s America could enjoy a rare moment of transportive fantasy."

Fast forward to now, Beyoncé's Renaissance is a disco and house-oriented homage to the club – viewed as a sanctuary by a good number of her fans who come from marginalized communities. The first single released, 'Break My Soul', was originally sung over a track which interpolates, among others, the house anthem 'Show Me Love'. However, 'The Queens Remix' transposes the verses onto the Shep Pettibone-produced Madonna anthem, updating the namechecks while echoing the 1990 original: this time with black female music legends and contemporaries, as well as pioneers of the ballroom scene (Houses of Xtravaganza, Revlon, LaBeija, and Amazon).

“I'm so grateful for you. You have opened so many doors for so many women," Beyoncé wrote Madonna. “You are a masterpiece genius. Thank you for allowing me to sing in your song and thank you for naming the remix."

More than a queen paying tribute to fellow music royalty, 'The Queens Remix' is one of those collaborations that you won’t see coming but definitely makes a lot of sense. In a time where the same fraught issues of discrimination and violence persist, 'The Queens Remix' both echoes and amplifies the original, with all its staying power.- Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'Nirvana Girl' - Sorn feat. Yeeun

In one of the most exciting collaborations of the year, former CLC members Sorn and Yeeun reunite to deliver an empowering anthem about self-love. A single listen was all it took for me to get hooked on 'Nirvana Girl', which boasts a chorus so catchy that I still catch myself singing, “I'm on my way to be / Nirvana girl, a newer better me / Out of this world" from time to time. There's a liberating sensation that I get with this song which I attribute to Sorn's confident delivery of the song's message. Here, the Thai soloist isn't just singing her lines—she's declaring them.

Later in the number, which was produced and co-written by Snakeweed Studios' Josh Wei and mixed by the studio's Leonard Soosay alongside JC Chiam, Sorn passes the baton to Yeeun, who, too, has come to make a statement. With an unapologetic attitude, the rapper injects the song with an explosive bridge filled with memorable lines, including my personal favourite “I'll marry myself, even be my own mistress." Despite its title, this track carries a universal message that anyone who needs a confidence boost will be able to benefit from. Having shown what they are capable of producing when they come together, it would be a real shame if this turned out to be the first and last collaboration between Sorn and Yeeun. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

'Hold Me Closer' - Elton John, Britney Spears

It's a fusion of 'Tiny Dancer', 'The One', and 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart', two of which are my favourite Elton John classics. I also grew up dancing to Britney Spears. Those alone should be enough to explain why I love 'Hold Me Closer'.

But the duo has given me more reasons to keep their track on loop. At first listen, you'd already know that it's a bop. 'Hold Me Closer' has a bass line you'd want to groove to at a club. Those piano flourishes towards the end are a pretty good touch, too. Then you're reminded that this is Spears' first release in six years and since her conservatorship was lifted. Suddenly, every Oh, baby hits differently. And no artist other than Spears could've made it this memorable. The mashed-up lyrics may as well be John's message to her who might still be finding her bearings: “Lay me down in sheets of linen / you had a busy day today."

Another notable thing: you will see neither of the two pop icons in any videos for the song. Instead, they chose to feature countless talents: the official videos for the original and remix versions of the songs put talented dancers of various ages and colours in the spotlight. 'Hold Me Closer' is not just a collaboration. It's a creative transformation. - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer

'No Problem' -  Nayeon feat. Felix (Stray Kids)

In a world that sees love songs constantly being so prevalent in the music industry, Nayeon still manages to put her own unique spin on the genre. 'No Problem', the second track off IM NAYEON, the solo debut album of TWICE's lead vocalist and dancer, brings together two of JYP Entertainment's artists for a highly anticipated collaboration single. Featuring Stray Kids' Felix, the cheerful love song has since made its way into the hearts of fans with its uplifting melody and catchy hook. With her sweet and bright vocals carrying the song, Nayeon starts the chorus off with "No, there ain't no problem for love /  With you and I tonight" and Felix proceeds to echo her sentiments as he raps (in that addictive deep voice of his), “Me and you, that's one plus one / Me and you, no, ain't nobody better". 

With how well-received the song became in such a short time, fans were left wishing that there was an accompanying music video for the song. While that has yet to be fulfilled, a short clip that features both Nayeon and Felix in a duet version of the song was released which garnered more excited responses from fans of both artists. The iconic track has since surpassed 20 million streams on Spotify and has grown to be one of the most beloved collaborations to date. - Glenda Lim, Staff Writer

'The Loneliest Time' - Carly Rae Jepsen feat. Rufus Wainwright

When I saw that Carly Rae Jepsen was going to have THE Rufus Wainwright on this song, I knew right then before even listening to it, I just knew it was going to rock my world. And it rocked my world to outer space, the glittery grooviness of its disco pop melody, the sweet blend of Carly Rae's honeyed vocals and Rufus's liquid crooning, and that special feeling of dancing while you're sad. 

NPR's Stephen Thompson talked about how fitting a choice Rufus was for this, especially given both of their strong theatre backgrounds. You can see it in the ease with which they play to each other's flairs. These two are essentially Canadian pop royalty of their respective generations, and together they're a match handpicked by the celestial gods. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

'Closer'- RM feat. Paul Blanco and Mahalia (produced by HONNE)

RM’s new album was full of excellent collabs so it took me a while to choose which one I was going to include on this list. After seeing RM’s Live in Seoul at Rolling Hall performance, I finally decided that it had to be 'Closer’.

A total of five artists helped bring this song to life - RM, Paul Blanco, Mahalia, HART, HONNE - so the song credits seem overwhelming, but you never hear that in the track. Everything just works. RM reunites with HONNE, who produced and co-wrote the R&B bop, and loops in Korean-Canadian crooner Paul Blanco for his smooth vocal runs (a revelation to most of the world) and British singer-songwriter Mahalia for the chorus full of yearning for something that seems to be slipping away, running away like fish (haha).

There’s so much tension in the track, a will-they-or-won’t-they make it push and pull throughout the song until RM makes a decision and says, "There’s gon’ be no take two / Stay where you are," finally ending the dilemma. While the song stands strong on its own, the transition to 'Change pt. 2’ in Indigo makes an even bolder statement as RM vents, "Things change, people change/ Everything change". - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Left and Right' - Charlie Puth feat. Jungkook

If you claim to not know this song, you're either lying or you were living under a rock. 'Left And Right' was everywhere: you could hear it over here, you could hear it over there, you could hear it in every TikTok post at one point in 2022. Yes, Charlie Puth and Jungkook's playful single has been an earworm since its release last June. 

It's easy to see why this song skyrocketed on socials, though. Its melody is bright; its fun vibe, infectious. The lyrics are simple and catchy, you can easily memorize (or enact) them. But listening beyond the hook one usually finds on TikTok reveals hidden gems: Jungkook owns the second refrain, Puth brings the song to a crescendo, the vocals pan from left and right as necessary, and the track is actually about lost love.

The fact that its popularity makes this collaboration one for the books is a given, but I think what makes it more special is that Puth and Jungkook seem like they had a lot of fun working on this (as evidenced by the music video and their history of performing together). Now if only thinking about the one that got away could be this fun. - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer 

'Mind Games' - MILLI feat. Jackson Wang

The drama and tension of 'Mind Games' are to die for. MILLI and Jackson Wang take on the role of two people in a relationship tired of running through circles and mazes to make things work. There are too many games and no one wants to play anymore; they're numb, exhausted, and way past the point of caring; and yet, the song carries so much tension that you can't help but imagine the pair being drawn back to each other. It's so much fun, in the same way watching a couple fight in public is so entertaining—you can't help but be intrigued.  

MILLI and Jackson Wang are a duo you wouldn't think to put together but oddly enough, they work so well. Taking on so many vocal tones and ranges—sonically depicting the pair's inability to meet in the middle, 'Mind Games' sees the Thai rapper forgo her well-known fast-paced rap style for sincere vocals while MAGIC MAN's digs deep for impressive falsettos. As chaotic and messy as the story they represent in 'Mind Games' is, MILLI and Jackson Wang sound so good together. Here's to hoping, it won't be the last we hear from them. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'Set It Off' - DPR Live feat. DPR Cline

League Of Legends never fails to have one of the best tournament anthems in the world of gaming. From last year's MSI theme song, 'Starts Right Here' by Kenny Maison and Foreign Air to Lil Nas X's 'Star Walkin' for Worlds 2022, Riot Music always puts out the best songs that embody the anticipation of competition and the greatness of victory. So, when DPR Live and DPR Cline—both of whom are known for starting up a party—announced 'Set It Off' for this year's MSI, there was no doubt in my mind that it was going to be an absolute banger. 

'Set It Off' is such a power anthem, the kind where you'd be ready for battle the moment it sets off (pun intended, hehe). DPR Live brings so much confidence to everything he does so when paired with DPR Cline's infectious energy, you get a ground-shaking track that ignites nothing but fire and thrill. The pair also did such a good job keeping to the theme of MSI 2022: 'Take Notes' (especially in that radio comms-styled intro), showing that you need to bring your A-game to the battlefield. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'IT'S YOU' - MAX feat. keshi

Love songs are aplenty but there's not one quite like 'IT'S YOU'. If there's a song that feels like love itself, it's this one. It's so warm and fuzzy, encapsulating that pleasant disbelief and feeling of out-worldly luck after finding your person so beautifully. Capturing the beauty in mundane moments and gratitude amidst big life changes, 'It's You' speaks of a love so pure, patient, and persistent, the kind you used to believe only exists on screen until you find it. I guess it's really different when a love song is born out of the hearts and minds of people who already found the one. 

While 'It's You' fits perfectly into MAX's catalogue of heartwarming love songs (so many of which are dedicated to his wife, how cute), keshi's musicality is evident, from his vivid lyricism to the addition of his signature lo-fi style and acoustic guitar. The pair work so beautifully together, both of them amplifying the talents of the other—I mean, that harmony in the last chorus is enough to give you butterflies in your stomach. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'Take You Down' - YUGYEOM feat. 쿠기 (Coogie)

'Take You Down' is such an easy listen, even if the contents of the song aren't so gentle on the heart. The song explores the multi-faceted dimensions of a breakup, with YUGYEOM—who co-wrote the track—coming to terms with the pains of unrequited love but still wanting to stay while Coogie takes on the opposite sentiment, grateful for the breakup after going through a world of hurt. It's a juxtaposition we've seen time and time again, but I still can't help but love it so.

Sonically, 'Take You Down' exists in the world of mellow R&B as YUGYEOM continues to give his own spin to the signature sound of AOMG. It's catchy and easy on the ears. The link-up of the AOMG labelmates really goes together so beautifully, YUGYEOM's laidback vocals pairing nicely with Coogie's sharp rapping. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'SEXY NUKIM' - Balming Tiger feat. RM

While we definitely should have seen this collab coming, with RM posting a picture with Balming Tiger at Pentaport Rock Festival (he always gives us the most obvious clue but we really never catch on), the excitement when the announcement went live was unreal. It was then the first we would have heard from RM after BTS' began their new chapter, and also the first time Balming Tiger would ever bring in some outside of their eclectic collective. There was so much to look forward to. 

And of course, expectations were met and exceeded. The teaser alone, which featured the song's sensual baritone chorus, was enough to cause mass hysteria (that may or may not be an exaggeration). 'Sexy Nukim' combines the best of Balming Tiger and RM, featuring the group's hypnotically unique sound and the rapper's incredible flow and lyrical wit. It's a collaboration that works so seamlessly and naturally, like they were always meant to come together.

'Sexy Nukim' is so delightfully weird but drips with so much confidence as it speaks about how sexiness is a state of mind. And its Clockwork Orange-inspired music video says the same, as were taken through a psychedelic journey about status and wealth that could only come out of the artistically bizarre minds of Balming Tiger. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'(RE)PLAY' (by Daichi Miura) - Eden, Trickstar

Many fans anticipated this year's Cover Song Series for Ensemble Stars as these were announced during every monthly update live stream on YouTube. These reminded me of their 6th Anniversary celebration with Fusionic Stars where they partnered with various units to perform brand-new songs together. This year, I was thrilled after knowing two powerhouse units were collaborating to cover 三浦大知 (Daichi Miura)'s '(RE)PLAY'. 

Trickstar and Eden have collaborated together, and what makes this cover interesting is how it highlights their strengths in dance and hip-hop. Individually, these units had their signature sound which contrasted each other's styles. Looking back, 'Kiseki' showed that they could blend well together as their vocals complemented each other. Now, with '(RE)PLAY', they bring their own flair through soothing vocals and energetic exchanges between each verse. It's the kind of music that you can easily fit into your daily routine.

It’s a cover you can easily listen to, appreciating how the track progresses smoothly even when it suddenly speeds up or slows down. Even the music video featured both units in casual outfits that fit the modern concept of the song. As the title implies, anyone can easily get hooked and keep this track on replay. - PB Hermoso, Contributing Writer

'Somewhere Near Marseilles –マルセイユ辺り (Maruseiyu Atari)' - Utada Hikaru, co-produced by Floating Points

Teaming up with electronic musician Sam Shepherd a.k.a. Floating Points, Utada Hikaru takes us on a 12-minute voyage – the longest they've ever done – in 'Somewhere Near Marseilles'. Alternating between English and Japanese, the song was loosely based on a couple of text exchanges planning a “rendezvous vacay" with a friend, as Utada recounted in their liner voice notes. One is in London, the other is in Paris, and they intend to meet in the south of France. Through this plainest of scenarios, Utada whips up a maelstrom of a tryst, breathing a certain vulnerability. They betray their trepidation ("Give me something strong enough / Maybe I'm afraid of love") and then show some assurance ("I'm gonna give it to you / I'll get a room with a view").

Floating Points helps out in this pulsating rhapsody through which Utada's lilt is carried by acid bass lines, congas, and shakers – even wine glasses and matchboxes. In their 8th full-length release, BADモード, the J-Pop icon explores brave new musical territory – looking at club-forward and left-field sounds as vehicles for her songwriting – but it's this final track that's quite the triumph. - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'trade my heart' - Charlie Lim feat. KEYANA, The Great Wave

Charlie Lim opens the song with "I don't understand where we went wrong," and I was ready to cry. 'trade my heart' just had that effect of bringing you (me) back to a painful memory. Every pluck of that acoustic guitar tugs at your (again, my) heartstrings. And when KEYANA croons, "Would I trade my heart to know the truth?" Waterworks.

The chorus kicks in with a bassline and some percussions, a welcome break after that emotionally-charged intro. Both artists continue to paint a picture of a love that seems to be at a crossroads through soulful melodies. Lim and KEYANA harmonize so well that one couldn't help but enjoy the rest of the song while contemplating life and love choices.

Personal feelings aside, 'trade my heart' is a work of art. In a video interview where they deconstruct their duet, Lim dove deep into the intensity of the instrumentals while KEYANA claimed that the song had "such extensive harmonies, (she) got the opportunity to push (herself) a lot more when it came to (her) vocals."

As the single is also the proof-of-concept release from The Great Wave, a new artist collective DAO (yes, music has a place in web3!), Lim definitely pulled all the stops for this one. The result? A masterpiece that mirrors the idea that love, no matter how simple it may seem, can actually be beautifully complex. - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer

'Moonlightspeed' - Midnight Grand Orchestra (Suisei Hoshimachi, Taku Inoue)

This is not the first time Suisei Hoshimachi teamed up with The Idolm@ster composer Taku Inoue for an anison. The pair has worked on the 2021 single '3時12分 (Sanji Juunihun)', a J-pop masterclass with a blissful guitar solo on the bridge part. Proven that they work well together, earlier this year they made a duo unit named Midnight Grand Orchestra, which focused on the electropop style found in their playful debut album Overture. Last September they released 'Moonlightspeed', continuing with their fun electropop antics, showing how Hoshimachi managed to save the world from the evil bikers and a big robot (with anime powers, of course).

I have always adored how Hoshimachi sings (it made me fall into this vtuber thingy back then haha). Since debuting under hololive production, one of the bigger Japanese virtual YouTuber agencies, and Hololive Idol Project, their music line, she has released the banger 'Next Color Planet' in 2020 and 'Ghost', one of the best songs from the agency, in 2021. The J-pop act also released her debut album Still Still Stellar in 2021 and is set to drop her sophomore album Specter early next year. - Alif Rahmanda, Staff Writer

'amber mural' - Asian Glow, sonhos tomam conta

Over these last 2 years, the South Korean Asian Glow and the Brazilian sonhos tomam conta have already made lots of critically acclaimed materials of their own. The genre spans shoegaze, noise pop, dream pop and emo. Last year (2021), Asian Glow dropped Cull Ficle, playing slacker rock/noise pop interlaced with twinkly folk in the same vein with The Microphones. In the same year, sonhos tomam conta released the atmospheric blackgaze Hypnagogia. They meet in a three-way split with Parannoul in Downfall of the Neon Youth where they showcase urban nocturnal vibes.

Following this, they are currently teasing us with the single 'amber mural', in preparation for their collaboration album Dreamglow earlier next year. The song itself plays shoegaze/screamo and already sets the bar for them high, starting off with fuzzy riffs akin to the revival shoegaze band Whirr, but with Gyungwon Shin screaming over it and Lua Viana lending her dreamy backing vocals. The interlude part reminds me of The Angelic Process' Weighing Souls With Sands era with the dissonant, heavy-layered guitar works. If their collaboration is any indication, the album is something to listen in the next year. - Alif Rahmanda, Staff Writer

'Atopos' - Björk feat. Kasimyn (Gabber Modus Operandi)

Björk describes 2022's Fossora, her rousing, primeval follow-up to Utopia (2017), as "biological techno." In the album opener, 'Atopos' (literally "strange; out of place"), the trailblazing Icelander descends to decaying, squelchy earth – foraging for mushrooms as she contemplates empathy. Her fascination with fungi as the “nervous center" of forests translates into this sort of allegory for connectedness and compassion, among other things.

“Our differences are irrelevant to insist on absolute justice / At all times, it blocks connection," she sings alongside dirge-like wind and hardcore techno percussion with the help of Indonesian act Gabber Modus Operandi's (GMO) Kasimyn, whose project has always incorporated indigenous music-making. Coincidentally, as Björk recounts in The Guardian, GMO have been working with gamelan drums buried underground before they got in touch.

A good chunk of 'Atopos' is a plaintive march, taking its time with stomping beats and clarinets before it peaks as frenzied Gabber, exclaiming, “Hope is a muscle that allows us to connect." Suddenly, it's a literal underground rave in this psychedelic mushroom forest.  “I think it's more about the future and where we're going. Take the heat off the moment, because it's unsolvable," she said. - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'This Is A Life' - Son Lux, Mitski, David Byrne

Imagine watching a film about regret and unlived lives, wherein the choice to love and be kind triumphs in the end; and when the credits start to roll, you hear Mitski’s naked vocals accompanied by slow and unsteady percussions.

'This Is A Life' features Son Lux’s usual influences: post-rock, orchestral tropes, the music swelling in unexpected places, and then suddenly entering open and silent spaces. Mitski and David Bryne's exchange of lines and harmonies is haunting and the song slowly creeps into a larger-than-life photograph that perfectly encapsulates the vastness of Everything Everywhere All At Once, one of 2022’s highly lauded films. 

This is a life
Slow and sudden miracles
View of other worlds
From our window sills
With the weight of eternity

In 'This Is A Life', we confront all the nihilism but we also encounter hope and serenity; and that there really is a life to be called in this big swirl of everything and nothingness. - Isa Almazan, Contributing Writer

Check out Top Songs of 2022: Bandwagon's Picks here.