The best tracks of the year 2022 - February - Music - Mixmag

Henzo ‘FSOTM Anthem’ (YCO)

The opening track of Henzo’s recent EP on Manchester outlet YCO is an almost comically big banger. Leaning heavily into old skool dubstep influence, it’s impossible not to screw up your face and wave dual-wielded gun fingers as the swampy bassweight and commanding “make you function” vocal drive forward. Yes. Come. On.

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Lone ‘Visited By Astronauts (SHERELLE Had A Groove Remix)’ (Greco-Roman)

For SHERELLE's debut, she put her own spin on Lone’s 2020 track ‘Visited By Astronauts’. Transforming the chilled original with waves of fast tempo drums that crash into the track similar to those heard on her song ‘JUNGLE TEKNAH’. Incorporating pauses adds an unpredictable element which allows time for listeners to appreciate the original flowing flute sound that juxtaposes the new beat.

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Knucks ‘Hide & Seek’ (NO DAYS OFF)

Best known for his Breaking Bad inspired track ‘Los Pollos Hermanos’ Knucks is a London MC that is changing things up with his release of ‘Hide & Seek’. With a talent for storytelling, his lyrics narrate the tale of a young boy and his complex relationship with a police officer, highlighting the issues of young Black men and the police. The music video was filmed where Knucks grew up in South Kilburn providing another perspective on the lyrics. ‘Hide & Seek’ will also feature on his upcoming EP ‘Alpha Place’ which should be out later this year. Since the release of the track, his ‘Alpha Place’ UK tour sold-out in just five minutes.

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Nia Archives ‘Luv Like’ (HIJINXX)

This deeply personal release from Nia Archives has her speak on body dysmorphia and her relationships with herself. The new single is highly energetic and gives off summer-feels as it combines her smooth vocals with a rolling Latin-like guitar riff. Last week we had the privilege of having the jungle artist perform a killer set at the Lab LDN with live vocals. From Archives’ upcoming EP ‘Forbidden Feelingz’ her new track is self-produced and undoubtedly a hit.

Buy it here.

Dr. Dre ‘Gospel (with Eminem)’ (Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Dr. Dre has dropped his new track ‘Gospel’ for the new Grand Theft Auto story ‘The Contract’ which will see Dre as a featuring character. Teaming up with Eminem, this is an iconic release is packed with pure lyrical brilliance from two of the best. With a traditional 90s piano melody looping through lyrics include digs at Dre’s recent divorce — as well as Eminem's — spitting that he’s “badder than cake mix.” Chefs kiss.

Stream it here.

Inja & Disrupta 'Thinkin Bout You' (Inja Records)

Inja’s rolling track ‘Thinkin Bout You’ is full of soulful melodies and deep bass drops - which is expected as we see Distupta’s masterful production skills laced throughout this track. This groovy tune will undoubtedly be going down as one of the best drum 'n' bass tracks of 2022, and is a perfect transition from the cold winter months into the longer summer days. It’s fuelled by steamy lyrics and a catchy beat and is a track that is fit for any mix or to just listen to on its own.

Buy it here.

Suraya Sen 'Earn It' (Skint Records)

Suraya Sen’s take on the iconic ‘70s New York band ESG’s track of the same title is bouncy, fun, funky and sees the London-based artist take his own production skills to the next level. It’s laced with his own vocals, a catchy bassline and feel-good energy. Suraya Sen’s track is perfect for mixes for all settings; whether you wanna move your whole body with this club-ready track on the dance floor, or whether you need a perk for your morning commute — this track has it all.

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TSHA 'BOYZ' (fabric)

This eclectic mix of staple sounds presented beautifully on a plate by TSHA is a real body mover. Taking you from gritty to groovy in the space of seconds, having a heart-palpitating bassline and laced with vocals reminiscent of classic house tracks - this tune really has it all, with elements of bass, house and techno and really shows the DJ and producer’s all-round club-ready taste. Expect to hear it eminating from festival stages all summer long.

Stream it here.

Rosalía 'Chicken Teriyaki' (Columbia Records)

'Reggaeton-fuelled ‘Chicken Teriyaki’ is camp, fun, and more than enough to get your booty-shaking. It has elements of dancehall and is a bouncy high-tempo anthem, primed for both TikTok and the club. The fast tempo is complimented by a groovy beat - the lyrics detail the Spanish singer’s trip to New York where she blew all of her money on jewellery and bling. Muy bien!

Stream it here.

Logic1000 ‘Can’t Stop Thinking About’ (Therapy)

Calling all Berliners to the dancefloor this weekend ahead of the city’s big welcome back, Logic1000 returns with the enigmatic ‘Can’t Stop Thinking About’. Speaking on the latest single, the Berlin-based producer called it “a little bit clubby, a little bit joyous and of course a little bit fun,” falling halfway between the pop-centric and euphoric classic house realm just in time for Germany’s imminent taste of clubbing freedom. “I’m looking forward to finally being able to play my tracks out in the club - it’s been too long,” she exclaimed.

Buy it here.

KOKOROKO ‘Something’s Going On’ (Brownswood)

Kick back, grab a brew and give KOKOROKO’s latest track ‘Something’s Going On’ a whirl - a brand new single as wonderfully intricate as it is simple. The jazz octet returned this month with their typically laid-back sound comprised of overdubbed jazz instrumentals, distorted vocals, rising synths and easygoing improv.

Buy it here.

Bluetoof ‘Alakazam’ (Time Is Now)

If you’re looking for some fresh blood in the breaks orbit, look no further than new Time Is Now signee Bluetoof. Dropping his first contribution to the forthcoming ‘Alakazam’ EP, the eponymous track builds on the drum specialist’s percussive sensibilities with a trance-inducing vocal sample cutting through the centre.

Buy it here.

Prospa & KETTAMA ‘Close Your Eyes’ (Technicolour)

One of the best buddy-ups this side of the past year, Prospa and KETTAMA prove why they’re equally smashing the streaming algorithms with their rave-influenced track ‘Close Your Eyes’. The single marked both artists’ first venture onto Ninja Tune’s Technicolour imprint as they pull out the club track ahead of their joint b-side, ‘A Place 4 MNU’ later next month. “We’re fans of each other's music so working together was a no-brainer,” said Prospa on their link-up.

Buy it here.

Nyra 'You Used To Love Me'

The four-track debut from Adonis' new imprint 'ADONIS001' features two offerings each from the mysterious Wilson Pheonix and long-time resident Nyra. It was Nyra's 'You Used To Love Me' which really caught our attention — an elegant and unwinding house anthem spanning 6 minutes, reminiscent of all-night-long parties at the likes of Paradise Garage or Pikes. High-tempo thumping kick drums encourage your heart to beat faster, while a sensual vocal sample declaring: "you used to love me, basic lover" will have you mumbling along on the dancefloor.

Buy it here.

Eris Drew 'Heartbeat'

Winter may be nearly over, but we're still gasping for some sunshine and light, right? well, Eris Drew's 'Heartbeat' will give you that little vitamin D boost you never knew you really needed. For her contribution to Moxie's On Loop compilation — Eris meanders woozy '60s drums, lush tambourines and velvety female vocals. We're hungry for a lazy, sun-drenched afternoon to lose ourselves in this one.

Buy it here.

LSDXOXO 'SMD'

There's a reason we all loved hearing 'Sick Bitch' on a big soundsystem as soon as lockdown ended and we were able to get into the club again — because it's hard, fast and naughty. LSDXOXO's new single 'SMD' evokes a similar feeling: A sultry vocal sample demands “suck my dick, I know you want it bitch” over a cacophony of sexy claps and eerie bleeps and bloops. What really captured our imaginations is the short R&B piano interlude about halfway through — an instant horny dancefloor classic.

Buy it here.

Whatever The Weather '17ºC' (Ghostly)

For the first release under Loraine James' new moniker Whatever The Weather, the dreamy '17ºC' feels like a statement of intent for her new project. A fluid and complex mix of high-pitched synths, giddy high-hats and a classic high-speed amen break for some jungle essence. It's trippy and warm, perfect fodder for your post-club wind-down. With such a masterpiece coming straight out of the gate for Whatever The Weather, we can't wait to see what she does next.

Buy it here.

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