This is my personal selection of songs Asian artists that you should definitely add to your Spotify playlists!
Nobody - Mitzki (Alternative Indie/rock)
Release date: 2018
Mitzki wrote this song after realising how lonely she was in Malaysia
I chose this song because I feel that it is quite relatable to everyone across the world, especially because of the Covid-19 pandemic. She manages to convey our thoughts and feelings into such beautiful, touching music.
Bekhayali - Sachet Tandon (Soundtrack)
Release date: 2019
This song is from the movie Kabir Singh, and is about how a man spirals after losing the love of his life.
Even when I couldn’t understand the lyrics when I first heard it, I was still so drawn to the heartfelt melody, and after learning the meaning of the song it truly hits you in the feels.
Pal - Arjit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal (Indian Pop)
Release date: 2018
This song originates from the movie Jalebi.
I really like how this song is about a boy who has been brought up in a traditional Indian household, whilst the girl is quite progressive. And despite that, they still fall for each other.
Ko Ko Bop - Exo (Kpop)
Release date: 2017
The song is about relishing the night before a war by giving in to your emotions and enjoying the present with no regards for the troubles of tomorrow.
I love how the music has a more laid-back feel and it flows smoothly, which contrasts with the colorful, dynamic music video.
Very Nice - Seventeen (Kpop)
Release date: 2016
This song describes the feeling of being in love <3
The song is quite generic, but seventeen still makes it feel exciting and entertaining. It creates a fun and joyful mood!
Tightrope - Zayn Malik (Pop)
Release date: 2021
The actual meaning is up to interpretation, however because of the lyrics you get a sense of insecurity and instability around the relationship.
I love the minimal use of instruments and strong baseline as it makes the song really soothing, and it is perfect to relax too :) The song also includes a snippet of the 1960s song “Chaudhvin Ka Chand” as a tribute to his desi heritage.
Badtameez Dil - Pritam (Pop)
Release date: 2013
About: This song is about two people reluctantly falling for each other
It’s an extremely catchy song, keeping an upbeat tempo and getting listeners’ fingers tapping. It’s highly addictive and an exceptionnal song for a happy and optimistic mood.
I Bet On Losing Dogs - Mitski (Indie/ Rock)
Release date: 2016
The song is generally about pursuing a failing relationship.
However, the use of metaphors throughout the song leaves its details up to interpretation, which allows it to reach a wider audience, similarly to a lot of her songs. Her composition conveys her emotions so well, with feelings of acceptance and failure, and I adore how emotive the song is.
Good Years - Zayn Malik (Pop)
Release date: 2018
The song is agreed to be about Zayn wondering if his years with One Direction, were worth it, and it's about losing one if his best friends
This song represents the regrets of past actions, as if you were wondering what would happen if you hadn’t done a certain thing. Despite the general hypothesis, the real meaning was never told, so it’s up to the listeners to interpret it in their own way which is why I really love this song!
Writer: Nethra
Editor: Yelil Perumal
Designer: Kayleen