On The Record: no na, Number_i, Santos Bravos and Everything We Jammed to in January

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 January, global artists said: “new year, new music.” From introspective salsa to ‘90s house pop, the first month of 2026 delivered an enticing range of musical genres to add to your first music playlist of the year.

Here’s everything we added to our January playlist, from no na’s “work” and Number_i’s “3XL” to Santos Bravos’ “Kawasaki” and Win Metawin’s “Yours.”

What’s your favorite January release? Don’t forget to rate your favorite picks and check back on February 2 to see NMM readers’ favorite song of January 2026.

Kei Linch – “Ya no estás”

Kei Linch yearns in “Ya no estás,” the vulnerable third preview single of her upcoming musical project. The Colombian artist switches between spoken word and singing with ease, matching the instrumental juxtaposition of an acoustic guitar with an electronic 808 bass.

Luísa Sonza & Roberto Menescal – “Um Pouco de Mim”

Brazilian singer Luísa Sonza pays homage to bossa nova in the album Bossa Sempre Nova, crafted in collaboration with genre pioneers Roberto Menescal and Toquinho. In the focus track “Um Pouco de Mim,” Menescal lends Sonza his guitar prowess while she sings about the complexity of identity in codependency.

Madison Beer – “bad enough”

Since the release of “Make You Mine” almost two years ago, Madison Beer has built anticipation for a new body of work. Her latest album, locket, is a sonic journal entry on the culmination of her 12-year music career. In the lead single “bad enough,” Beer showcases her vocal ability while opening up about the repetitive habits that haunt her across relationships.

Wizkid & Asake – “Turbulence”

Wizkid and Asake, both hailing from Nigeria, have shaped the modern Afrobeats scene. The duo joined forces on the four-track EP Real, Vol. 1, a contemplative curation that fuses their styles. The first track in the EP, “Turbulence,” is an honest peek behind the curtain of less-than-bright days, set to a subdued Amapiano instrumental that allows the performers to lead.

Seyi Vibez & Omah Lay – “MY HEALER”

Nigerian singer-songwriters Seyi Vibez and Omah Lay seamlessly blend their sounds on “MY HEALER.” This Afrobeats love song plays like a heartfelt journal entry, reflecting the restorative power of a healthy relationship. Omah Lay’s soft vocals complement Seyi Vibez’s deeper tone for a synergistic collaboration.

Luis Fonsi & Feid – “CAMBIARÉ”

“CAMBIARÉ” is Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi’s unapologetic exploration of salsa. Following a synth-heavy opening segment, the instrumental explodes into the genre’s familiar instruments: conga and bongo drums alongside sweeping horns. Alongside Fonsi, Colombian artist Feid trades his signature rap for smooth vocals and a promise of change.

J2K & Double J The Rapper – “Rockstar”

J2K, a unit formed in 2025 that comprises Pina Colada Blues and Jai Matt, is bridging genres with their trap-infused Malayalam discography. In “Rockstar,” featuring Double J The Rapper, the duo glides on contemporary percussion with a steady beat, husky chorus and mesmerizing outro vocals.

MIKA – “Excuses For Love”

Lebanon-born, London-raised singer MIKA takes a defiant approach to love on “Excuses For Love.” This mellow song details the tumultuous circumstance of having to hide a relationship, creating explanations to mask reality. “Excuses For Love” highlights MIKA’s warm tone across isolated vocals and synthy harmonies.

Win Metawin – “Yours”

Win Metawin is starting the year with wholehearted yearning. “Yours,” his latest music release, is an unblushing pop song that details the all-encompassing sweep of a relationship’s honeymoon phase. The Thai pop star rides the groovy rhythm, switching between soft vocals in the verses and passionate confessions in the choruses.

JYT – “Say Less”

JYT is putting a modern twist on the 2000s boy band with catchy pop music for a new generation. Taking a page from the boy band playbook, the group’s latest single “Say Less” is a demonstration of the young quintet’s well-rounded abilities: a snappy chorus, smooth vocals and synchronized choreography.

XG – “HYPNOTIZE”

Japanese group XG kicked off 2026, releasing their first full-length album. “HYPNOTIZE,” the mesmerizing lead track, is a journey through 90s house pop, complete with a trilling piano and uptempo hi-hats. Members Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Juria, Cocona, Maya, and Harvey nail falsetto, rap and whispered stanzas in their signature hypnotizing way.

Kento Nakajima – “XTC”

Kento Nakajima starts the year by flipping the script on his classic releases. In “XTC,” Nakajima breaks away from his usual style in favor of a more sultry alternative. The Japanese pop veteran demonstrates easy confidence, sliding across scales as he switches between vocalizing and spoken delivery.

Flo Milli – “Flo Jackson”

Tamia Monique Carter, aka. Flo Milli, kicked off 2026 with “Flo Jackson.” The song is a short-but-vivacious rap whose title is a darkly humorous reference to the famously disciplinary Joe Jackson. “Flo Jackson” is tastefully arrogant, packed with tangible confidence carried by a fast-paced bassline.

no na – “work”

Indonesian girl group no na has been hard at work since their May 2025 debut. With “work,” the quartet levels up their performance with choreography by industry icon Sienna Lalau. Meanwhile, musically, “work” combines elements of traditional Indonesian percussion with modern hi-hats for a tropical getaway that sounds unlike any of the group’s previous releases.

WEST. – “愛執” (Aisyu)

Japanese band WEST. performs the theme song for the Japanese drama All Because of You. “愛執” is a catchy city pop track that leverages its pop-rock and trilling piano elements to detail the turbulent reality of love-hate relationships. In the 3:35 song, the septet showcases a range of performance ability, from lively dancing to emotional belting.

Santos Bravos – “Kawasaki”

Earlier this month, HYBE Labels’ inaugural Latin boy group Santos Bravos walked the runway for Willy Chavarria in Paris to the tune of “Kawasaki.” Formally released on the penultimate day of January, this phonk fusion honors the group’s Latin roots with a modern spin, loaded with electronic notes and choreography that evoke the track’s namesake motorcycles.

A$AP Rocky & Tokischa – “FLACKITO JODYE”

In a January 21 surprise release, A$AP Rocky tapped Dominican artist Tokischa for “FLACKITO JODYE,” a bilingual, Latin-inspired hit. The pair readily trades verses on this unexpected collaboration, which features a funky, NSFW music video that plays with dimensions.

READER’S CHOICE: JANUARY’S FAVORITE MUSIC RELEASE

Number_i – “3XL”

Japanese trio Number_i takes a whimsical trip into bass-driven, electronic pop in “3XL.” Produced by member Sho Hirano, “3XL” is a happy-go-lucky love song that thrusts the group into a yet-unexplored thematic territory. Filled with synth from start to end, the track serves as the perfect energetic introduction to 2026.