If your 2022 was a song, what would it sound like? A cheeky bop that belongs to a road trip playlist? A soulful ballad you've bawled over in the shower countless times? Or is it a snippet of a song made so popular (again) on Tiktok, you can't enjoy it anymore?

It is already a holiday tradition for us at Bandwagon to come together and discuss our favourite drops from the year that (almost) was. The selection is as diverse as the team's experiences, personalities, and tastes, but we all agree on one thing: year in and out, there will always be music that charms, delights, and even surprises us.

This is the first of a series on the best of the best this year has to offer music-wise, in our humble opinion. We start with songs that top our personal charts:

'Wild Flower' - BTS' RM featuring youjeen

BTS' RM couldn't have chosen a more fitting title track for Indigo than 'Wild Flower'. The profound lyricist describes his new solo album as the last archive of his twenties and the song does just that. It encapsulates RM's beginnings, struggles, and triumphs - almost like a letter to himself, a look back on the journey he has gone through as Kim Namjoon and RM of BTS over the past decade. Cherry Filter vocalist youjeen's soaring vocals and Docksim's production takes the song to different heights, complementing RM's emotive narration of his personal stories. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'ichiban' - King & Prince

The sheer power of this song is enough to get you hooked and humming “number one, ichiban” in your head for weeks, in the best way possible. ‘ichiban’, produced by Japanese rapper/producer Kreva is the lead track of the group’s latest studio album Made In, takes the classic combination of hip-hop beats and traditional instrumentations, and clinches it with King & Prince’s perfect mix of robust raps and soft vocals. It’s an excellent follow-up to their 2021 single ‘Magic Touch’ and Babyface-produced ‘Namae Oshiete’, a sound that I believe shows the act’s growth through the years and would give them an unshakable place in the industry should they choose to further pursue it – and I say this while also firmly believing their debut song ‘Cinderella Girl’ is sheer perfection. These guys are, to put it simply, cool, and however they decide their next steps as artists, ‘ichiban’ presents a solid potential there that would be hard to miss. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

'High School in Jakarta' - NIKI

As someone who had followed NIKI’s work for a couple of years before the release of ‘High School in Jakarta’, I was already well aware of just how talented of a storyteller she was. Yet when the song was released, I still could not help but marvel at the Indonesian singer-songwriter’s ingenuity like a person who was discovering her for the very first time. 

Using a fairly simple beat, the song lets the 23-year-old’s lyrics about a high school heartbreak take centre stage for its entire duration. In that time, NIKI digs deep into her memory to paint such a detailed picture of past events that by the time you’re done listening to the song, you’ll know her friends’ names by heart and the type of hair bleach she used (orange from three per cent peroxide). As a writer, I know how hard it can be to string together sentences at times but NIKI — being the natural-born poet that she is — skillfully rhymes words such as “Jakarta” and “sparta”, and “star-charter” and “harder” to not only make the song catchy, but also bring an added layer of depth to its lyrics. I didn’t attend the same school that NIKI did but every time I put this song on, I’m instantly transported across time and space to the place she sings of. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

'Tonight' - Phoenix

Phoenix's new album Alpha Zulu was a milestone of many firsts for the band dubbed as "four Parisian brothers with brotherly love" – the first album they worked on while apart, the first one without the guidance of friend and producer Philippe Zdar (who tragically passed away in 2019), the first album they recorded in a museum (the French four-piece made Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre their home base). This also marked the first time they broke one of their rules, bringing in a guest vocalist. For 'Tonight,' a sonic throwback to the early 2000s, Thomas Mars, Laurent Brancowitz, Deck D'arcy, and Christian Mazzalai have joined forces with another indie scene household name, Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig. 

Reminiscent of the band's beloved GRAMMY Award-winning record, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, the song is undeniably Phoenix even with the addition of Koenig's vocals, who sings in a key closer to Mars' voice. With a familiar sound, the song remains fresh in 2022 and beyond, and is a comforting reminder that your favourite acts can still deliver exactly what you need when you need it the most. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Dekada '70' - Zild

I saw so much of Zild this year: at my first in-person concert in years, on Instagram stories at his Halloween costume party-slash-album launch, and even at a theme park. At every performance, 'Dekada '70' stood out.

The track is undeniably Zild's, his commentary on the political climate and the "misguided nostalgia" it brings. When listened to live, you'd see that 'Dekada '70' rouses audiences into movement: nodding heads, jumping to the beat, singing along to the anthemic chorus. On a record, it has that dance-y, disco vibe, making the song easy to like and remember—very important for something that needs to be played over and over and over again until its message cuts through and comes across. Especially because, as the singer-songwriter put it,"Ayaw ko bumalik noong bawal ang magsalita" ("I don't want to go back when we're not allowed to speak our minds"). - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer

'Time Lapse' - NCT 127

Known for their irregular approach to music and concepts, NCT 127 have always delivered title tracks that range from unordinary to controversial; but when the group’s experimental spirit is crystalized in a b-side, the result is an uncompromising track that rises above its silent track 3 position. 'Time Lapse' opens with a tightly wound electronic instrumental which eventually opens up a playground for the music production and the group’s vocals and rapping. 

The song never really lets go, though— every time it goes to a new verse or another chorus, there’s an added element: a new melody, an ad-lib, a cleverly placed Dem Jointz producer tag, or a new sonic territory— all in service of the penultimate goal of keeping you close, never losing your attention. 

The song tethers between slightly mad and unknowable, which makes for an unpredictable ride. When you hear them purposely drag their singing against the uneven production or ride their verses with charged despair, it’s clear that NCT 127 are versatile by way of their range and are pliant when needed. Framed through an unforgiving song like 'Time Lapse', unafraid to implement whiplash-like changes, the 9-member group doesn’t only keep up; they shine.  - Isa Almazan, Contributing Writer

'Feel My Rhythm' - Red Velvet

I still vividly remember my first encounter with Red Velvet’s ‘Feel My Rhythm’. As I listened to the South Korean girl group’s Wendy and Seulgi vocalise over a sample of Bach’s ‘Air on the G String’ in its introduction, I felt goosebumps forming all over my skin — a sign that I was in for something truly special. As the track progressed, I found myself increasingly impressed with it introduced elements such as a trap beat without ever sacrificing its overall elegance. When the first pre-chorus kicked in, the reintroduction of the song's tranquil string instruments, combined with Joy’s now-iconic line “Blow confetti / Let off more fireworks”, brought tears of sheer happiness to my eye. This happened while I was on board a crowded public bus, so my belated apologies to any commuters who were left confused and concerned because of my reaction. Very rarely do songs elicit such an emotional response from me, but ‘Feel My Rhythm’ did so with ease thanks to its unmatched beauty. 

Nine months later, I still find myself constantly in awe of the number. There’s just so much to appreciate here — from the way it honours Bach’s original work even while giving it a modern twist to the polish it displays in its mixing department and the outstanding individual vocal performances and group harmonies. This is Red Velvet’s magnum opus, and that’s saying a lot when songs such as ‘Psycho’ and ‘Bad Boy’ exist in their library. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

'Softly'- BE:FIRST

Aside from churning out hit singles, music videos, and dance performances since they debuted, BE:FIRST have been busy winning distinguished awards, performing with their peers at the anniversary show of their label, BMSG, and bringing pride and joy to their fan group, BETSY. But I'm guessing 2022 will forever be special for the boys because it was this year that they released their first-ever full-length album.

When I listened to BE:1 back in August, I discovered pretty solid tracks. But 'Softly' is definitely my jam. The song features lyrics declaring true devotion, set to soft, chill beats, an enticing melody, and JUNON, LEO, RYUHEI and MANATO's beautiful, wooing voices. Whispers of I need you for the rest of my life before hitting the bridge are an added bonus.

An easy listen, I saved the track in one of my playlists the moment I finished listening to it. 'Softly' is tender and almost soulful, a sound I wouldn't really associate with the rising J-pop group. And that, I think, is why it's so much more than a song found smack in the middle of BE:1. It's a reminder that BE:FIRST are just getting started; a glimpse of what else these seven music artists can do. What better way to subtly flex talent and potential than to make their first take on R&B this memorable? - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer

'Air Guitar' - Sobs

2022 has churned out many memorable new releases, some of which are still refusing to leave my head even as we approach the new year. One of those earworms is none other than Sobs’ ‘Air Guitar’, the title track from their second studio album of the same name. Bursting with energy and comprising a melody and guitar solos that you will find yourself humming along to even when the song isn’t playing, ‘Air Guitar’ is everything you would expect from a Sobs release as well as a great pop tune. And when it was launched back in October, fans could not have asked for a better track to herald the coming of the band’s new album. 

What I love most about this track is that while it has the sound of a cheerful and simple pop number, you will uncover an exploration of some deep themes if you dig into its lyrics. Diving into interpersonal differences and the way in which individuals think about themselves, the reflection presented in ‘Air Guitar’ is one that, on paper, sounds incongruous with the song’s bright sound. But somehow, Sobs have found a way to weave together joyful instrumentals and ruminative lyrics to form what will surely go down as one of their finest releases to date.  - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

'Hype Boy' - NewJeans

From Korea’s national obsession to bona fide phenomenon, the meteoric rise of ‘Hype Boy’ is frankly astonishing to witness. Months after its release, NewJeans’s peers and sunbaenims are still bopping along to this earworm of an anthem (to iconic choreography by BLACK.Q and KIMEUNJU 김은주), going "I know what you like, boy / You’re my chemical hype boy."

It’s such an airy and languid tune, yet from the start, the hook, up to the last beat, it crawls its way through every crevice of the mind. Like the rest of NewJeans’ eponymous EP, the Moombahton-inflected electropop track brims with uncontrived nostalgia, recalling the best of R&B and bubblegum pop in the early aughts – even early K-Pop. It’s the undisputed standout in the rookie quintet’s breakout debut EP – truly Song of the Year material.

As ‘Hype Boy’ gained traction, much has been said about how refreshing and new it is. Where overproduced spectacle is the norm, it does feel like a rewarding experiment in restraint, that it almost seems novel. “Ahead of its time” has been often thrown around before by the K-Pop industrial complex, but this time around, ‘Hype Boy’ might just actually be questioning the conventions – what this amorphous idea of K-Pop itself is – perhaps becoming part of some tectonic cultural shift. As art director-turned label boss Min Hee-jin (민희진) herself asserted in an interview prior to NewJeans’ debut: “We should be focused on the fundamental nature of why people crave novelty, rather than scrutinizing the concept of novelty itself.” - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

'The Astronaut' - BTS' Jin

Trust Jin to say "see you later" the best way he knows how. In his gift to ARMY (fans of BTS), the 'Super Tuna' hitmaker has teamed up with his favourite band-turned-friends Coldplay to deliver a letter of gratitude and comfort in 'The Astronaut'. In the earlier version of the track, Coldplay had more English verses, but Chris Martin asked Jin to add another Korean verse, making the song a true reflection of Jin's sentiments. The award-winning singer-songwriter has always expressed himself best in his self-written solo songs from 'Tonight,' a dedication to his beloved pets to 'Abyss,' a song about dealing with the uncertainties the pandemic has brought on. This time, Jin leaves a message behind while he temporarily goes away for mandatory military service. The dreamy soundscapes provided by Coldplay are the perfect backdrop for Jin's assuring words of love and thanks to the people who have supported him since day one. Known for his high notes and vocal stability, Jin also gets to explore his vocal range here, maximising the use of his lower register for the pop-rock track, leaving us looking forward to what he has in store for when he returns. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Guerrilla' - ATEEZ

ATEEZ have always been known for delivering powerfully intense songs, and this was no different. ‘Guerrilla’, the title track from the eight-member boy group’s 2022 Korean full-length album THE WORLD EP.1 : MOVEMENT, is an exceptionally hard-hitting rock number that expresses the breaking out of the constraints of a freedomless society. Featuring psychedelic sounds, the members have made the track uniquely theirs. From the moment Hongjoong starts the song with his smooth and controlled raps, it is clear that the song will be one to remember. What sticks with the listener is how the memorable bridge makes way for zealous shouts and fan chants of “break the wall” before Jongho cuts through the intensity of it all with an impressive high-note ad-lib. As the group sings “we are the guerrillas” for the final time in the song, fans of the group, also known as ATINY, will agree that this song undoubtedly marks one of the group’s best music eras to date. 

‘Guerrilla’ has become such a fan favourite. It is easy to see why, especially when you get to witness it live. The song won accolades on Korean music shows such as Music Bank and Show Champion. ATEEZ truly live up to their motto of “eight makes one team” and are masters of their craft with ‘Guerrilla’ further proving their aptitude as performers. - Glenda Lim, Staff Writer

'Gum Tape' - SIXTONES

If there's any male J-pop idol group I'd recommend to alt/indie fans, it would be SixTONES, and 'Gum Tape' would definitely be on the sample playlist. A b-side to their single, ‘Kyoumei’, the song starts off with a liberal fingerstyle guitar that draws on delicately to the end, giving it a particularly bittersweet melancholy vibe. The lyrics are representative of what I enjoy best about J-pop ballads: Taking mundane events (in this case, the memories of moving into an apartment together with someone you used to love) and spinning them into something so poetic and heavy with feeling (“the one thing connecting us was a gum tape more fragile than a string”), like a cushion quietly pinning you down. 

I was especially taken by Juri’s rap and voice in this; he’s always been great with emotional belting that strikes you straight through the ribs, but even his rap was laced with something different here, something more subdued yet still deeply felt. But, really, SixTONES as a vocal powerhouse is made very apparent in this, their unique voices standing out in their solo bits and then blending in glorious harmony all throughout. It signifies their insistence on focusing on their individual strengths and independence as what exactly makes them come together stronger as a group.   - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

'Step Back' - GOT the beat

Making their debut on 3 January this year, GOT the beat see seven of SM Entertainment’s finest acts, namely soloist BoA, Girls Generation’s Taeyeon and Hyoyeon, Red Velvet’s Wendy and Seulgi, and aespa’s Karina and Winter, coming together for a highly anticipated collaboration, ‘Step Back’. At the sound of “incoming” — Dem Jointz’ unmistakable producer tag ringing in the song's introduction, the infectious single starts with Karina proclaiming, “you must step back,” which sets the tone for the rest of the unapologetically confident track. Though they originated from different groups, their voices seamlessly merge to create a harmonious combination of vocals and rap while letting each member shine during their individual parts. It's not a surprise that the high notes in the song were effortlessly executed, seeing how their group comprises some of the most talented vocalists the industry has seen to date.

With the debut of such an anticipated unit from the South Korean entertainment giant, expectations ran high and the seven gifted artists certainly did not disappoint. The septet flaunts impeccable vocals, remarkable performances, and understated swagger in ‘Step Back’, making it one of the best collaborations we’ve seen (and heard) from SM Entertainment so far. - Glenda Lim, Writer

'Rocking Chair' - JAY B

This is such an important song to me. When it came out, I was having a really bad day but ‘Rocking Chair’ felt like a warm hug after a cold, rainy day. While it didn’t necessarily relieve me from the burdens of my weary day, it provided me a moment to just lie there and feel all the feelings—the very message of the song. 

Sonically, it’s so simple. There’s nothing fancy or groundbreaking but so incredibly soothing, much like life’s mundane joys. It’s so comforting, like a cup of hot chocolate on a winter day or the feeling of sinking into your bed after a long day. 

This is also probably the most vulnerable I’ve heard JAY B be in his music. While his music-making process has always been so near and dear to his heart, it’s rare to see him pour such real emotions into a song. You even see it in the way he performs ‘Rocking Chair’ live (which is often accompanied by tears), there’s so much of himself in this song. And for someone who has always made it a point to keep a distance between his public persona and private feelings, it’s nice to be let in through ‘Rocking Chair’.  - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'Mango Sticky Rice' - MILLI

We’ve pretty much all heard this viral sensation, which made waves after MILLI ended her Coachella 2022 set with this famous Thai dessert in hand. The idea was simple, she explains in an interview: create a song that represents Thailand, her home country. And represent it sure did, as the performance had mango sticky rice sales skyrocketing thereafter. Gimmick aside, it’s a fantastic track. At just a minute and a half, it encapsulates what we can expect from the young rapper who is tiny but ferocious, fun-loving, and sweet while always packing a punch, sure to always grab your attention and hold it down. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

'NANANA' - GOT7

In the past, I’ve fallen victim to empty hopes of a reunion from my favourite boy band (I’m looking at you One Direction, but here’s to still hoping) and so, when GOT7 said they’ll come back again, I knew it won’t be for a while if their word holds true. But lo and behold, only a little over a year since they left JYP Entertainment, they were back. ‘NANANA’ is not only a song but a promise that no matter what happens, it’s GOT7 forever. 

Since its release, ‘NANANA’ has been my 2022 summer song. It’s just so fun and happy; even if you don’t watch its vividly bright music video, the track conjures up images full of colour and life. The song also reminds me so much of some of my favourite GOT7 songs: ‘Thursday’ and ‘Page’—which I guess is all thanks to the Jackson-led chorus. But beyond all that, it’s also just so heartwarming to see all the members of GOT7 come together and have fun. There’s evident excitement when they’re all together and it really comes through the song and their entire promotion for their EP, GOT7. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'Heart Aid Cafeteria' - Blend+

With every year, Ensemble Stars creates a roster of shuffle unit events where idols from different groups or agencies perform a track based on a specific theme. There were many strong contenders this year; every shuffle unit was completely brand new. Blend+ took the stage or, rather, the cafe counter to entice everyone for a cup of coffee and a basket of freshly baked bread on a warm autumn afternoon. Their track, Heart Aid Cafeteria, brings together pop and jazz to create a heartwarming melody that uplifts anyone’s mood.

The shuffle unit is comprised of Itsuki Shu (CV: Takahashi Hiroki), Aoba Tsumugi (CV: Ishikawa Kaito), Suou Tsukasa (CV: Reio Tsuchida), Oogami Koga (CV: Ono Yuuki), and Aoi Yuta (CV: Souma Saito). All members come from units that have entirely different music genres but they brought out their high-spirited nature for this track. Even Koga, who comes from the heavy rock unit Undead, mellows down and carries a lovely tune for his parts. The rhythm becomes fast-paced as the song progresses, but not to rush the listener but to encourage them to pace themselves.

It’s a pleasant track to wake up or unwind to. In the music video, the way each idol chimes in to invite you to relax in a cafe almost feels like a moment from a musical film. Whenever I walk in a coffee shop, I imagine slow jazz music but this track changed the way I pictured an ideal coffee shop scenario. It makes me want to daydream and make a routine that starts at a slow pace. - PB Hermoso, Contributing Writer

'Blurred Lines' - August Wahh

Coming from 2021’s brooding and misty ‘Ze Ocean’, August Wahh dropped the bright and laidback ‘Blurred Lines’ that glimmer with colour (and I’m not just talking about the vibrant cover art) at the start of July, almost signifying the start of a carefree summer. 

‘Blurred Lines’ just oozes with good energy, many thanks to her blithe lyrics: “It’s about time to let that s*** go.” The drum beats and bass lines of the chill, neo-soul give me so much joy—and that sonic hint of sparkle before the first chorus? I love it so much! So telling so much of August’s island girl background, the song just feels like a scenic, serene day amidst nature. It’s so carefree and fun. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'Calico' - DPR IAN

It’s so hard for me to pick a favourite from MIITO, DPR Ian did an insanely good job at making sure every track leads to the next. But I think Ian’s bass solo really pushes the groovy, Daft Punk-esque 'Calico' just a tad bit ahead of the other tracks, especially after witnessing it live on their Regime Tour. Not to mention that autotune bit layered with his vocals: absolutely sublime.

Ian is meticulous, that’s no secret, and you really see that in the music he’s made, 'Calico' being a prime example. There are so many layers to the track, from the intro led only by a singular piano note and Ian’s vocals to that layered autotuned bit in the bridge to the click of what I think sounds like a tape recorder. Every small detail adds so much; and when you have a project as grand and vast as MIITO, it’s the little things that really make a difference. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'dried flower' - wave to earth

I came across wave to earth as our team was preparing to head out to Bangkok to cover VERY Festival. It was the first time I’ve heard of the Korean indie band but after listening to their music, I instantly wished they fell into my radar sooner. Living up to their name, wave to earth makes the kind of music that feel like you’re floating atop a calm ocean, letting the waves carry you wherever they see fit. It’s so tranquil and serene yet to dynamic and full of depth.

While last year’s 'nouvelle vague' is what I think is a great introduction to the wave to earth’s beachside indie rock sound, I absolutely adore 'dried flower'. It’s a lot more sonically bare when compared to their previous tracks, featuring only a mellow melody, but its lyrics truly what makes it shine. 'dried flower' is simply so beautiful. The metaphors they make between falling out of love and a dried flower is so magically poetic—the infatuation-filled feelings and words all dried out, knowing they’ll never blossom again, and the flora being a mere reminder of a fuller beauty, my writer heart swoons. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'YOROI' - I Don’t Like Mondays.

Everyone has songs they trust to instantly lift their spirits and for a good portion of this year, mine was I Don’t Like Mondays.’ ‘YOROI’. I’ve been such a big fan of the Japanese rock band since we had them on Asia Spotlight in 2020, where they shared with us how their sound reflects the atmosphere of a Friday night, which proves to be absolutely true for ‘YOROI’. 

While ‘YOROI’ doesn’t exactly embody parties that go until the sun comes up and endless dancing, it reminds me of the excitement and anticipation right before a great night. I don’t know what it is, maybe the catchy melodies or the adorable dance anime that went along with the release, but this song never fails to get my head bopping. It’s so bright and lively and has earned a permanent place on my happy playlist. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'Sunny day' - beabadoobee

Coming from the angsty, '90s rock-inspired sounds of Fake It Flowers, beabadoobee defines her 2022 with the release of the ever-so bright and happy, Beatopia—a mythical album born out of the creative imagination of her 7-year-old mind. Much like beabadoobee, I spent a lot of my childhood days building fantasy worlds and exploring the limits of my imagination (I had a lot of time as an only child, haha) so I found a lot of comfort and nostalgia in the album, from the lyrics to its feel-good radio pop sound reminiscent of the early 2000s. 

I particularly adore the retro-tinged ‘Sunny day’. It’s so radiant and full of idle hope, and reminds me so much of Corrine Bailey Rae, whose ‘Put Your Records’ and ‘Like A Star’ were a permanent fixture on my songs rotation as a kid. The song feels like such a fairytale, bringing up images of magical fairies and scenic forests lined with mythical creatures. It’s simply so warm and welcoming, harbouring the same carefree and blissful energy of skipping along a flower field. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'King of the Night' - Ena Mori

Ena Mori just keeps upping her game. This year, she finally released her debut album DON'T BLAME THE WILD ONE! (more on that in our Top Albums of 2022 list), and ahead of the drop came 'KING OF THE NIGHT!', the last in the series of pre-release singles. In a track-by-track with Bandwagon, the singer-songwriter shared how she wasn't a "cool kid" growing up and got picked on for being an "odd kid". The song becomes an anthem of sorts for the younger Ena as she sings "I'm alright, I'm alright / Cos I'm the King of the Night!". With her empowering words and production by Tim Marquez, Ena has made her teenage self proud, giving others "confidence about their authentic selves". - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Car Crash' - eaJ

In his own words, the start of eaJ’s solo career was lined with anger and resentment so when we first heard ‘Car Crash’ at Head In The Clouds 2021, it harboured a lot of angst and an intense sense of determination to stray past from the artist he previously was. But when the track officially came out earlier this year, eaJ had just entered a new phase in his personal growth, actively taking the effort to learn from his mistakes and move towards being a better person and artist; and as a result, ‘Car Crash’ felt more inviting and alluring. 

eaJ has always been an impressive songwriter and you see his skills really shine in ‘Car Crash’ as he compares a toxic on-and-off-again relationship to a car crash, detailing how the adrenaline of rushing back lead to undesirable outcomes. I’m a sucker for metaphors so I love it so dearly. 

In terms of sound, you also have to hand it to eaJ. True to the very phenomenon it’s titled after, ‘Car Crash’ begins as a calm pop-rock song before erupting into an explosion of drums and synths and then mellowing out into a stripped-back, almost echoing bridge. It’s executed so precisely that the “crash” even hits a new high as he sings the very word. I can’t wait for eaJ to bring this song on tour with a live band, I just know it’ll sound so good. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'JADE' - Warren Hue

Throughout the year, I’ve pretty much had a different favourite Warren Hue song every month but I think after his performance at Head In The Clouds Manila (which I loved so much!), I think I’ve settled on ‘JADE’. While the song barely hints at the extent of Warren’s rap skills, it’s such a good listen and a great example of his versatility as an artist. 

The song takes a pop-punk turn compared to the rest of BOY OF THE YEAR, a majority of which exist in the realm of trap and hip-hop, with its guitar-heavy melody. Lyrically it keeps to the overarching theme of the entire album, speaking about Warren’s impressive trajectory as an internationally recognised artist—even taking snippets of publications acknowledging his fast rise in music. But the bottom line of why I really love ‘JADE’ is that it’s fun. It stays true to who Warren is as an artist: youthful, energetic, and outgoing Also, I’ve got to note that only Warren Hue is bold and confident enough to centre an entire album, not to mention his first under a major label, about his inevitable success. You’ve got to love it.  - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

'やるせない (Yarusenai)' - kudaranai1nichi

While still considered a "new" band, kudaranai1nichi have already made a name for themselves in the East Asia and Southeast Asia indie emo/post-hardcore scenes. The Japanese band plays around with puns for the song titles of their eponymous album like ‘Red-Eyes B.Dragon’ and ‘americanfootball club’ (a tribute song to emo forefathers American Football). 

The first time I listened to them was on the 3-way split with Indonesian and Singaporean indie emo Hulica and cues in 2021. This year, they released their sophomore full album Rebound with the explosive single 'やるせない (Yarusenai'). The song starts with fast jangly guitars and drums, and the vocalist channeling raw emotions screaming, “You mumbled a word / I was so choked up I forgot to breathe / That's all I needed, that's all I wanted / I can't forget it, and I don't even know why”.  - Alif Rahmanda, Staff Writer

'Vagabond' - John Eun

I had been listening to 'Hope' for the nth time when I came across John Eun's Suna last July. The 9-track atmospheric folk offering serves as the singer-songwriter's first full-length album, a record he wishes to "live a long life." While Suna became one of my most-listened-to albums of 2022 (67 plays as of writing, according to Apple Music Replay), I resonated with 'Vagabond' the most. Perhaps it was how the song builds up gradually from soft guitar strums to the coming together of instruments for a fuller sound, that little "Woo!" that surprises you in the middle of the bridge, or lyrics like "Reminisce the time when I was younger / We used to take the risk for the win / But I hate to lose anything now." Maybe it was the unexpected appearance of an electric guitar that suddenly jolts you out of acoustic territory. Whatever it is, I'm still singing "I'm just a someone that is no one like you." - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

'Decider' - City of Caterpillar

The American screamo legends are back! After the members formed other acts like Pg.99 and Malady, they went back to their roots as City of Caterpillar. The four-piece released single ‘Decider’ earlier this year, alongside a new album Mystic Sisters, their first album in 20 years. With dissonant guitar and drum play, their post-rock infused sounds are reminiscent of their earlier years, as if they never went away in the first place. - Alif Rahmanda, Staff Writer

'Romancing Cruise' - Switch

Celebrating their 7th anniversary, Ensemble Stars!! Music releases new tracks that celebrate their milestones and bring out different sides of their idols. For summer, they had a series of songs that capture the season from various angles. They opened the main summer event with a stunning release from an electronic dance pop unit: Switch. The unit is known for their brand of music: magic infused with passion and a hint of mischief. With their Idol Season 3 Volume 4 album release, they captivate the hearts of everyone with the dreamy ‘Romancing Cruise’.

Many people remember summer with beaches, sand between their toes, and a cool drink under the sun. The track takes us down the road of summer, traced with constellations reflecting on the sea and fireworks that fly as soon as the sun sets. The center of this track is the unit leader, Sakasaki Natsume (CV: Nojima Kenji). His soothing vocals wrap the song in a charming way, accompanied by contrasting vocals of Aoba Tsumugi (CV: Ishikawa Kaito) and the dazzling, child-like wonder of Harukawa Sora (CV: Yamamoto Kazutomi). Truthfully, this song reminds me of Natsume’s solo Secret Gravity as it is a romantic piece of its own but, now, performed by all members of Switch—with a dazzling music video, more layers of energy, colors, and a picturesque image of summer at night.

The track revolves around a cruise, focusing on the surreal moments we experience when the nights are shorter during this season. It’s a proposal to watch the stars more closely before the sun rises again. It also invites the listener to a romantic cruise on a small boat, rowing slowly under the moonlight. - PB Hermoso, Contributing Writer

'GET IT'- keshi

I picked ‘GET IT’ as one of my top songs in June and six months later, nothing much has changed except that I love it so much more. I distinctly remember being in absolute shock when I first heard that drop in ‘GET IT’, I would give anything to experience this song for the first time again (which I know I said in June as well but it’s true!). 

It’s the perfect album opener (and concert intro; I’m still so grateful to have witnessed keshi perform this live in Manila) and sets the stage beautifully for what keshi wanted to do with GABRIEL. Comprising trap beats, a flute symphony, falsettos, and piano melodies, ‘GET IT’ is complex in the most keshi way possible. It ushers keshi, who’s primarily known for his chill lo-fi tunes, into new sonic directions that only expands his already incredible musicality.  - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

Bandwagon's Best of 2022 series continues on 21 December with Top Collaborations of 2022: Bandwagon's Picks.