Wondering what the name of that song is that was stuck in your head all winter break while scrolling on TikTok? Or maybe you’re looking for new music to add to your playlist? Look no further and check out a winter music roundup of music hits released in the past month – if you haven’t already!
“Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Beginning the new year with a banger, Miley Cyrus released “Flowers” on Jan. 13 – which also happens to be the birthday of her ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth. “Flowers” achieved the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as being the most streamed song on Spotify in a week, making this the first time in a decade where Cyrus is back on top.
The song is iconic for its direct references to Cyrus’ relationship with Hemsworth, and for its interpolation with Bruno Mars’ 2012 hit track “When I Was Your Man.” Cyrus sings, “I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand / Talk to myself for hours / Say things you don’t understand / I can take myself dancing / And I can hold my own hand / Yeah, I can love me better than you can.”
This verse replicates Bruno Mars’ verse, “I should have bought you flowers / And held your hand / Should have gave you all my hours / When I had the chance / Take you to every party ’cause all you wanted to do was dance.” It was a creative touch to Cyrus’ song, adding emotional independence and blowing her fans away.
“Kill Bill” by SZA
SZA released her new album “SOS” over break, which features an incredible list of appealing and melodic songs, complete with its top hit “Kill Bill,” which was released on Jan. 10. While the song expresses the brutal concept of SZA murdering her ex and his new girlfriend, the song made a viral debut on TikTok, making it reach the top five songs on the Billboard charts.
The chorus follows, “I might kill my ex, not the best idea / His new girlfriend’s next, how’d I get here? / I might kill my ex, I still love him, though / Rather be in jail than alone.”
The lyrics portray violence and pay homage to the Quentin Tarantino film, also titled “Kill Bill.” SZA describes her love for her ex, and if she can’t have him, no one can.
“Creepin’” by The Weeknd, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin
The Weeknd, 21 Savage and Metro Boomin creeped their way to the top on Dec. 5 with “Creepin’.” Although the song was released a little over a month ago, it gained much attention on social media, allowing users to use the song for TikTok or Instagram Reel videos all throughout late December and January. “Creepin’” hit the Billboard charts quickly as it remains the most popular track on Metro Boomin’s latest album “HEROES & VILLAINS.”
The Weeknd sings, “I don’t wanna know, if you’re playin’ me / Keep it on the low / Cause my heart can’t take it anymore, And if you creepin’, please don’t let it show.”
The chorus is the most popular verse of the song. If you think you heard of the rhythm before – you definitely did! The song is the 2022 re-creation of Mario Winans’ song “I Don’t Wanna Know.”
“LET GO” by Central Cee
Another song that was recreated, British rapper and songwriter Central Cee created “LET GO” on Dec. 15, after the 2012 original “Let Her Go” by Passenger. “LET GO” samples the original song, while talking about the feelings he has for a woman and remembers the times they have shared.
Central Cee and Passenger share the same lyrics in their songs with the well-known pre-chorus, “Well, you only need the light when it’s burning low / Only miss the sun when it starts to snow / Only know you love her when you let her go.”
However, Central Cee then raps: “Baby, you don’t know what you’re missin’ / Our chemistry felt like quantum physics, physics/ Feelin’ your energy, feelin’ your spirit.” He vents his feelings over a girl who is no longer interested and is just a memory left.
Next time you put on your headphones, make sure to add these songs to your everyday playlist if you haven’t already, and enjoy this winter music roundup of the top songs on the Billboard charts – made just for you!
alisanin@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Kristina N. Ross, Flickr
