In with the new and out with the old – with the new year comes the surprises that are music releases. From pop to hip hop, and from albums to singles, January has been a month full of new music that sets up the sounds of 2017. Here are some of the gifts that January has given the industry –

Tory Lanez – Chixtape 4:

Starting with this New Year release, Tory Lanez is back with a mixtape. The rookie who leaves his own print on the scene with his genre being a mix of hip hop with contemporary R&B, Tory Lanez is back with another mixtape. Taking samples of classics in the R&B genre, 2017 is bound to be Tory Lanez’s year with his unique and fresh outlook on producing memorial songs.

Beba Rexha – “I Got You”:

The Albanian popstar that many have heard in tracks such as David Guetta’s “Hey Mama” and G-Eazy’s “Me, Myself, and I” has come back this January to release her new single. With a catchy chorus and and mainstream electropop sound, this song is perfect for a late night drive through the city with its pop sound.

Big Sean – “Moves”:

Big Sean released this trap track’s music video on Jan. 4, capturing the attention of many with his talented rap. Although the song is rather short in length, its repetitive line of “I got the moves,” repeats in the heads of many.

Kiesza – “Dearly Beloved”:

The artist behind the rather nostalgic 80’s/90’s house track  “Hideaway”  switches up her sound a bit with the more vintage pop sound along with guitar leading the instrumental of the song. Kiesza keeps her unique, eccentric style with the sentiment of this song, making her an artist to look out for in 2017.

Dua Lipa – “Thinking ‘Bout You”:

This London-born popstar released this song on Jan. 6 of this year. With its rhythmic yet simplistic guitar backing her soulful voice, this rather short song gets stuck in your head easily. Grasping new fans in with these attributes, it’s possible that the music industry will hear more of Dua Lipa especially with her self-titled album set to debut this June.

The Chainsmokers – “Paris”:

The Chainsmokers dominated the charts in 2016 with their countless party stopper hits, “Closer” and “Don’t Let Me Down,” and they’re back with a change of heart. Although they keep the romantic outlook that has captured the hearts’ of many, they’ve taken a more mellow turn as in consideration for the tone of the song. Regardless, “Paris” is an authentic love song to be sung by many.

Sia – “Move Your Body”:

Releasing the music video for this song on Jan. 12, this fast-paced song by a music favorite of many excites the soul with its energetic sound. Her vocal range shines in this dance track, making the listener want to do exactly what the song is called – move your body.

Major Lazer & Showtek – “Believer”:

The well known EDM trio released the video for this inspiring electro track on Jan. 3 of this year. The music video of this track follows the story of a young Syrian boy, a visual representation of of the violent outbreaks in Syria during this time. With its powerful song and story, this music video and song leave behind a strong message on the watchers of it.

Ed Sheeran – “Castle On the Hill/Shape of You”:

Surprising many with his plans to releasing two new songs, Ed Sheeran did not disappoint anyone with these two releases. While Castle On the Hill is more of an emotional type of song, making the listener feel as if they’re the main character of this song, Shape of You strays away from the typical style of the artist with a more modern type of look. Both songs, however, are undeniably Ed Sheeran, and they are sure to be everyone’s next obsession.

January has left its mark on the music industry with all of the innovative and catchy songs, making 2017 a great year already for music.