Here’s the blog’s top ten songs, which completes the top releases of 2022.
Some of the songs on the list were staples on the NEW LEASE MUSIC weekly charts in 2022, whereas others quietly clocked up heavy amount of streams and views via the blog.
So are you ready to explore the list? Good!
Just in case you missed it, you can view the Top Ten Music video here and Top Ten Albums here.
As we enter the season of goodwill, most of us look forward to spending time with love-ones and perhaps catching up with friends we haven’t seen for some time. British singer-songwriter NICKI WELLS reminds us that festive times aren’t a celebration full of family and friends for some in her new self-penned single, ‘A Little Christmas of My Own’.
Much like her recently released single ‘Carry On’, Nicki Wells’ takes to the piano on which she first learned to play as a child to add a rich and inviting timbre to this steadily paced acoustic number.
Nicki explains the inspiration behind the new single: “It’s a bittersweet song about Christmas because for some, it can be a lonely time, not everyone has a family to go to. But by the end there is a sweet acceptance of a quiet and calm Christmas.”
In keeping with the intimate sound of this single, the accompanying video was created by Tarq Bowen and presents a beautiful and cozy visual.
‘A Little Christmas of My Own’ was released last Friday (2nd December). Watch the video for the single below…
ELECTRAQUEEN‘s latest single, ‘I’d Rather Be Alone’ is a contemporary mantra for self-discovery; the perfect song to begin or end the day. Singing the lines, alongside the ElectraQueens’ vocals, compels you to take an introspective look upon yourself.
Searing with vocal intensity, ‘I’d Rather Be Alone’ defines the realities of discovering independence – to truly find yourself, spend valuable time with yourself in order to find ultimate peace.
The ElectraQueens use their powerful vocals to create some soulful harmonies throughout the song. Their musical chemistry is ethereal. Collectively, the vocal pairings of each individual, delivers ‘I’d Rather Be Alone’ to a whole new level. The song puts forth the effort to evolve as a person, and to find your own independence. Alongside their stellar, heartfelt vocals, the background track and the content of the lyrics themselves is sure to stick out to any music fan.
In 2022 and 2023, the girl group will be releasing all new music produced by legendary producer Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo and more collaborators. Have a listen to the breath-taking ballad below…
SHIHORI‘s new track ‘Harmonizer’, is a nostalgia-tinged R&B pop ballad, with the LA-based singer-songwriter showcasing her dreamy vocals, reminiscing on her true love and the magical connection they shared together.
Shihori explains, “In 2020, I began a journey to rediscover myself after I lost confidence, releasing several tracks that explored topics of self-compassion and self-acceptance. Being in love is like creating art, and when people love one another, they create something beautiful together that previously didn’t exist: like carving a unique sculpture out of solid rock. ‘Harmonizer’ is a celebration of the unlimited joy and creativity that results from these relationships.”
Born in Japan, Shihori has achieved phenomenal success in her home country as a singer and songwriter. With 12 Gold Disc Certified hits and multiple top fives in the official Japanese hit chart, Shihori’s career encompasses music written and performed for stage, film, television, anime and video games.
Following her move to the United States, Shihori has received a number of accolades, including wins at the Rome Music Video Awards, Auber International Film Festival and Euro Music Video Song Awards. Shihori also composed and performed the theme song to the video game League of Legends (‘Battle Queens 2020’), which has received 1.2 million views on YouTube and over 2.2 million streams on Spotify to date.
‘Harmonizer’ follows the 2021 release of Shihori’s debut album, Mutation, which explored her journey of personal change and transcendence in the next evolution of herself. Have a listen to the dream-like beauty below…
Tony Luke Jr. beautifully expresses his grief in ‘One More Night.’ This beautifully crafted heartfelt piano ballad is inspired by his late son’s death, after a grueling battle with addiction in 2017. The song is composed of delicate piano chords joined with Tony’s rich, emotive voice to create a track that will touch any heart who has experienced loss.
Following his lost, Tony Luke Jr started The Sound Mind Network, with multi-Grammy award winner Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo, where he will be donating all of the proceeds of ‘One More Night’ to the organization. The Sound Mind Network has grown immensely over the last few years with support from The Bacon Brothers (Kevin and Michael Bacon), Cyndi Lauper, Kathy Sledge, Wyclef Jean, G. Love and Special Sauce, Taj Mahal, ElectraQueens, Cory Singer, Bailey James, Sophie B. Hawkins, and Tony Luke Jr. himself.
The music video shows the pain and emotion behind Tony Luke Jr.’s raw lyrics. The setting’s sparsity of Tony standing with a microphone, no instrument in hand, immersed in the music brings attention to the message. The true focus is on the emotional story, adding an even more personal touch to an already personal song.
The instrumentals do not overpower him. We get close-ups of the different instruments used in the song, which make them more noticeable in the background of the track. This allows you to sink into the song more and really let it wash over you. Such a powerful song needs only a simple video to accompany it, and Tony did just that.
New Lease Music 