It's been a pretty good year for music so far—even visually—and we're totally here for it.

Now that the music scene has recovered from the over-extended and exasperating pandemic, everyone's got their proper footing and a tighter grip on how to manoeuvre in this new normal. Artists are back in the studio, writing and recording new tunes, and have even returned to warehouses and breathtaking locations to shoot music videos the best way they know how.

Directors are back at the helm working to bring their visions to life. Set designers are at it once again to stage the most elaborate backdrops. Choreographers are determined more than ever to challenge the artists they're collaborating with. And of course, these artists are down to deliver all this and more in one visual package you'd love to watch over and over again.

Top Songs of 2022 (so far) – SEVENTEEN, Rina Sawayama, keshi, Gen Hoshino, ena mori, Jessi, Aimer, and more

From BTS to Muse, Snow Man to Red Velvet, here are some of the Bandwagon editorial team's top music videos (in no particular order) from 2022 so far:

'Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)' - BTS

I write this blurb a few hours after BTS officially announced that they will be taking some time to focus on their solo pursuits. While I knew this day would eventually come, I guess nothing would ever prepare me for the real thing.

When I first heard the song and saw the music video, I thought to myself: “Okay, this feels like the end of something.” Then I saw all the visual and lyrical references to different Bangtan moments in time, and while I felt so sad and heartbroken at the thought of the inevitable, it gave me hope (like what BTS always does for me) that the best was truly ‘Yet to Come’.

Watching the video again knowing that they will be going to be on their own for a bit, the Lumpens-helmed visual now comes full circle – a perfect BTS timeline for the past, present, and future. Like with everything else they’ve ever done, they’re still holding our hand throughout this new phase of their – and our lives. —Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'HOT' - SEVENTEEN

We got to attend SEVENTEEN’s Face The Sun press conference, where they premiered the music video and I remember getting so excited for the conference to end so I could watch it again, haha. Every 10 seconds had me saying, “Oh my god.” This is probably my favourite concept SEVENTEEN has had, everyone looks so good!

But beyond their beautiful faces, the editing on this video: WOW. Like that bullet passing through Mingyu’s hands, The8 literally zooming out of frame past the black bars, and that coin seamlessly going from Dino to S.Coups? It’s pure magic and that’s not even 1 minute into the whole video. —Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

‘Won’t Stand Down’ - Muse

There’s nothing like a comeback that brings chills down your spine. Muse’s ‘Won’t Stand Down’ music video is dark and ominous, and at the same time a bit of a thinker, paired with an empowering message that tells listeners to face adversity with strength, confidence, and aggression. It’s a little something (packed with a bit of heavy metal) that we need badly these days. —Kara Bodegon-Hikino, Staff Writer

'Brother Beat' - Snow Man

It’s always a fun time when a music video showcases the unique personalities within a group, and you can clearly see everyone just having the time of their lives in it. The sheer colour, vibrance, and comedy in 'Brother Beat' make this especially so.  As the theme song to the live-action adaptation of classic anime Mr Osomatsu, which stars the nine members of Snow Man themselves, the music video makes use of comic book stylings, and a combination of green screen visual effects with a full-scale set, to give it a distinctly familiar character, like something you’d have watched on TV at your childhood home. There’s an almost unpolished feel to it all that makes it so charming.

But what truly helps give it a lot of character is how each member gets to showcase all these quirky aspects of their personalities in it with cute to larger-than-life props that give a nod to the things they’re known for and the over-the-top way they act these out on set. It’s very true to Snow Man as a group who’s as well known for their comedic variety presence as much as their serious dance skills – speaking of which, the dance for this song is so refreshingly goofy and simply infectious. I couldn’t get enough of it when it came out. Still quite can’t. —Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

Top Albums/EPs of 2022 (so far) – BTS, Hikaru Utada, (G)I-DLE, DeVita, SixTONES, EPIK HIGH, and more

'Before' - NIKI

NIKI pulls together a coming-of-age romantic drama within mere minutes in the music video for 'Before.' NIKI’s gift of raw writing has allowed for a film that reflects a life that feels incredibly familiar, like the illustration of a page from a friend’s diary. —Faseeh, Writer

'NANANA' - GOT7

I love GOT7 so when they announced their comeback, I was ecstatic. They’ve always been my source of comfort and the video for ‘NANANA’ encapsulated that warm and fuzzy feeling so well.

The music video is cute, bright, and so incredibly colourful, quite a stray from their usual monochrome and dark-toned visuals from before. It’s so obvious that they’re having so much fun now and I love that. —Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

‘Feel My Rhythm’ - Red Velvet

K-pop music videos are always pleasing to the eyes, but the video for ‘Feel My Rhythm’ is just next level with its enchanting fairytale aesthetic. I’m hypnotised. —Fidel Tan, Writer

'SURPRISE' - CHAI

Japanese act CHAI was on tour in the States and their trailer was broken into. The thieves ran away with their outfits for the shows, as well as all their merchandise. While the usual thing would be to set up a fundraiser (which they did), they also took this moment as inspiration to make a bright and quirky music video shot in LA. The result was a quintessentially CHAI visual of the unfortunate incident. —Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

‘Blow’ - Jackson Wang

“This is mesmerizing,” was the only thought that ran through my head as I watched Jackson Wang’s ‘Blow’ music video for the first time. It's got that dark Bridgerton aesthetic with a hint of spookiness reminiscent of Backstreet Boys' 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)' music video, sans the monsters and vampires, and I'm 100-percent here for it.

On top of that, it was directed by Jackson's longtime collaborator Daniel Cloud Campos, who also did his '100 Ways' video. Naturally, you can't go wrong when you work with people you trust, especially when you're both on the same wavelength creatively. Together they were able to give fans a thrilling and theatrical masterpiece that doesn't just highlight Jackson's Magic Man era, but also the capabilities of creatives behind the scenes. —Kara Bodegon-Hikino, Staff Writer

'Chameleon' - King Gnu

I simply love when straightforward storytelling is used in a music video, especially when animation is involved. And in this regard, there’s nothing less I expect from King Gnu than something like 'Chameleon'. From the character design (OSRIN, who worked on the video, even revealed their names – Leon with the broken head, the noble and earnestly beautiful Teres, and brave and gentle Zack) and puppet-like animation, to the storyline and every piece of symbolism that leaves so much to unpack, you can’t help but keep rewatching until you make sense of the feelings the whole thing evokes and what it’s trying to say. 

Furthermore, the song itself deserves a spot among the best singles so far this year. I love how King Gnu’s solidified their place in the J-pop scene with a clear identity and direction for their music, but still keeps that element of experimentation on the periphery – this is especially apparent in 'Chameleon'. Whatever it ends up meaning for you, it’s fascinating to see such a sincere celebration of the grotesque. To me, at least, it’s all about what makes our innermost thoughts and feelings, no matter how disturbed, so beautiful, as long as we get to share them with those who genuinely care.  —Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

'Sleep Exhibition' - Beautiful Noise

Directed by Beautiful Noise’s very own Zior Park (!!), I spent the first few days (or weeks…) telling everyone and anyone who would listen to watch this video because I was OBSESSED.

On a surface level, the visuals for this label-wide cypher had flawless visual storytelling that went hand in hand with a track that had congruent ups and downs. Then, from a more macro perspective, the almost quirky brand of horror ties into how Beautiful Noise is making its name as the label for outliers and underdogs.

For a freakishly conceptual music video, the talents of Zior Park allowed it to traverse the line between dream and nightmare. —Andrea See, Writer

'Postman' - Toro y Moi

Making this listicle has made me aware that I have not been keeping up with music videos! Luckily, I did chance across this fun visual. I’ve heard so many people rave about Toro y Moi, and this video makes me want to check out his music properly (and if a music video can sell an artist to a newcomer, it’s done its job well, hasn’t it?).

The representation of Filipino culture, the extravagant CGI visuals and beautiful shots make this video a breezy watch that can make anyone’s day better. —Faseeh, Writer

'Western Wind' - Carly Rae Jepsen

The ‘Western Wind’ is ushering us into Carly Rae Jepsen’s new era and I’m here for it. My description for this video was cottagecore-but-make-it-woodland-fairy. It’s also giving I-just-did-my-laundry-and-I’m-hanging-it-up-to-dry-now-but-in-a fabulous way energy.  —Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

‘King’ - Florence + The Machine

A cape-wearing Florence Welch flutters around an abandoned building, then levitates. Enough said. —Fidel Tan, Writer

Top Collaborations of 2022 (so far) – PSY & SUGA, Benjamin Kheng & Bea Lorenzo, Jay Park & IU, BIGONE & JAY B, and more

'Out of Time' - The Weeknd

'Out of Time', one of the highlights from the recent Dawn FM album by The Weeknd, is one of those songs that you immediately visualise as you listen to it. The official video is reminiscent of Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation (2003) and features Hoyeon and Jim Carrey alongside the R&B star. It’s wonderful to see Abel strike an innocent love-smitten smile in the romantic proceedings within the visuals, as he pines for a lover a little too late. —Faseeh, Writer

'I’ll Do It How You Like It' - PP Krit

Thai BL has been having a real moment both locally and internationally for some time now, and with this latest release from one of its most popular stars, it’s thrilling to see that moment reach further across the Thai pop music scene as well. In 'I’ll Do It How You Like It', PP Krit shows off a more bold and sensual side, one that seems to have really allowed him to express himself to the fullest. Both the song and the video are so well-produced, and I thoroughly enjoyed just seeing PP Krit feel himself through it all. His chemistry with his partner in this was also wonderful and the heat and dream-like haze in which their romance played out felt as palpable as a desert breeze. Also the fashion in this? Impeccable.  

In the final quarter of the song, when PP Krit begins dancing with no inhibition against a flood of lights, I felt like telling him, “You’re doing amazing, sweetie.” I hope this is just the beginning of him pushing more boundaries. —Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

This is the first part of Bandwagon's Top Releases of 2022 (So Far) lists. Watch out as we unveil our top songs, albums and EPs, and collaborations from this first half of the year up next.