“I think 2021 was great, and 2022 is gonna be even greater,” singer-songwriter Gentle Bones—Joel Tan—tells Apple Music. The Singaporean artist finally released his solo debut album in 2021, seven years after releasing his first EP. On top of the C-pop up-and-comer’s album, his most memorable moment from the year was working with well-known producer and artist JJ Lin. “I was able to make the best music of my life, working with producers, artists, and songwriters that I really love and respect,” he says. “This is a huge thing to me.” Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of 2021, he says that lockdown forced him to focus more closely on his craft. “I had nothing to do but write music,” he says. “I’m creating very genuine music after spending many years learning production and songwriting and improving myself as an artist.” With the year’s difficulties in mind, Tan has created a playlist of his favorite tracks to carry into the new year. “We’ve all been through very uncertain times over the past two years,” he says. “There are a lot of changes and a lot of uncertainties. I would like to just encourage everybody to stay strong, and, as [his track] ‘Better With You’ says: ‘No matter all the tears and how long they stay, don’t question yourself, you will overcome.’” He hopes the song choices will not just inspire, but help listeners conjure up positive vibes. “I’ve chosen ‘Put Your Records On’ by Corinne Bailey Rae, as it’s a beautiful song that always makes you feel like the weather and environment are perfect.” And for his New Year theme, he’s selected his own track ‘A Day at a Time’: “It’s a new year, but we still need to take it one day at a time.”