On The Record: GIRLSET, Billkin, Mark Tuan and All the Best October Music Releases

Everything we added to our November playlist, from GIRLSET’s “Little Miss” to Obongjayar’s “Lipdance.”

At the end of each month, we go On the Record to share the newest songs on our playlist. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming artists from around the world.

In November, we reached the peak of autumn—as the leaves changed colors, artists explored exciting collaborations, heartfelt love songs and the usual party-approved hits. Below, explore bubblegum J-pop, melancholic Latin pop and more releases from around the globe.

ROSALÍA, Björk & Yves Tumor – “Berghain”

ROSALÍA goes for drama in “Berghain,” an operatic song constructed around a grand arrangement by the London Symphony Orchestra. In this collaboration with Björk and Yves Tumor, the Spanish singer plays with intense and dramatic imagery, diverting from the sound of her previous album, MOTOMAMI, and proving her ability to change with the times.

Mark Tuan – “Sunsets & Cigarettes”

Mark Tuan reprised his role as the sensitive leading man in his latest single, “Sunsets & Cigarettes.” In the track, Tuan vocalises easily over the song’s compelling percussion. The former idol rapper has continually explored his vocal abilities and artistic direction with his individual projects, revealing more of his creative potential to his loyal audience.

MAX & Andy Grammer – “The Thing I Love”

MAX and Andy Grammer joined forces on “The Thing I Love,” a love song more than a year in the making. Known for his romantic lyricism, MAX delivered another ode to his relationship on this tastefully sappy track. “This song has always felt infectious and fun since the day we wrote it, and I’m so happy Andy Grammer jumped on and brought his beautiful spirit and artistry to the record,” MAX shared in a statement.

SUNMI – “Happy af”

Nearly two decades into her career, SUNMI is ready to bare her heart and soul on her latest album, HEART MAID. “Happy af,” one of the 13 tracks on the record, strikes the balance of emotional and danceable as SUNMI explores vulnerability and honesty. This pensive, soft-rock track expresses the complex nature of success and happiness.

Trinity Bliss – “you make me wanna dance”

“you make me wanna dance” may not be Trinity Bliss’ musical debut, but it marked a significant milestone nonetheless. Years after her previous releases, the young actress shared the guitar-led, soft-hearted tune with the world. In a candid Instagram post, Bliss detailed the long lead-up to “you make me wanna dance,” the twinkling result of nights spent “[staring] at the ceiling, wondering if these songs would ever find their way into the world.”

Jeff Satur – “Call it over”

Thai singer and actor Jeff Satur takes every opportunity to flex his creative brain. Among his recent endeavours, the Thai idol released a succession of track visualisers, including “Call it over.” This all-English track is an emotional ode to the one who got away. Satur shares his heartbreak, demonstrating mastery of his lower vocal placement over a synth-heavy instrumental.

Karencici & Loco – “i’m like that”

Mandopop star Karencici taps Loco for a late autumn groove on “i’m like that.” This laid-back R&B track is a seamless unity of the pair’s unique cadence and vocal tones. After her appearance at Loco’s concert in Taipei earlier this year, it’s no surprise Karencici took the opportunity to create a synergistic collaboration.

Masego – “I Win”

Masego diversifies his discography with “I Win,” a tune that sees the Jamaican American vocalist bare his most honest thoughts over his signature R&B. “It feels good to me, captures the honeymoon stage and lets me keep a little beguiling energy, while experimenting with being a bit more vulnerable,” Masego shared about the song in a press statement.

Munna Ikee – “Oh Brother”

Chicago rapper Munna Ikee, one of the city’s artists to watch, makes unexpectedly emotional reflections in his November single “Oh Brother.” Ikee details his experience growing up in Chicago’s O’Block, home to the late King Von and Lil Durk, as well as his optimism for the city’s future—and his role in it. “Everybody made their mark, now I gotta make my mark,” he shared in a press statement. “I gotta keep it going. I gotta finish the race.”

Tainy & Karol G – “Única”

In the lead-up to his sophomore album, Tainy teamed up with long-time collaborator Karol G for raw, emotional storytelling. “Única” is a celebration of Latin instrumentals, with a tangible dedication to the delicate, somewhat spectral nature of the harp. Karol G lends soothing vocals to this bittersweet story, reminiscing on a love that made her feel like “the only one.”

Sebastián Yatra & Xavi – “LA FKN VIBRA”

Colombian icon Sebatián Yatra enlisted Xavi for “LA FKN VIBRA,” a hit fit for any end-of-year party. Yatra flexes his reggaeton muscles, reminding listeners that he can execute sentimental and carefree with equal prowess. The instrumental, dotted with refreshing electronic elements, gives Xavi, known for his recent contributions to música mexicana, the space to demonstrate his versatility.

f5ve – “I Choose You”

Of all creatives drawing inspiration from the early 2000s and mid-2010s, f5ve stands out for their commitment to the aesthetics. Never ones to shy away from color or flamboyance, the Japanese girl group tapped into the technology and palettes of the aughts in “I Choose You,” an electronic love song with an understated instrumental and pleasantly sweet lyrics.

GIRLSET – “Little Miss”

JYP Entertainment’s first international girl group GIRLSET made a splash with “Little Miss.” This Y2K-inspired comeback taps into confident girl group energy, Bratz-level outfit coordination and a hypnotic combination of harmonies and percussion. Members Camila, Lexi, Kendall and Savanna boast the mesmerizing results of their training in this contagious single.

Obongjayar – “Lipdance”

“Lipdance,” one of the five new songs in Obongjayar’s Paradise Now & Forever, is a meld of musical genres. The Nigerian singer performs gracefully over a rhythmic instrumental, inviting his subject to shed inhibitions and material possessions and dance freely. Obongjayar’s unique tone and vocal control shine across this track’s verses.

Billkin – “Grow With The Flow”

Stepping into a new musical era, Thai idol Billkin is embracing the uncertainties of life with “Grow With The Flow.” This meaningful title track welcomes change and encourages adaptability, finding the benefit of growing through experiences as they come. Navigating the melody with ease, a slight change of tempo near the song’s conclusion sees Billkin effortlessly trade chest voice for falsetto.