New Music Monday #16

Practice (feat. Saba) by Jamila Woods

Groovy and energetic, “Practice” is a feel-good vibey song perfect for your chill playlists. The songwriting is bold, clever, and honest, giving devotion to one person all beside a lovely tune that feels reminiscent of 80’s soul-pop songs. The song touches on the issue some might have where we forget to live in the moment within our romantic relationships, and the lyrics dive into the idea that we can learn and grow from that together. The track is simultaneously energetic and soothing blending into musical heaven, “Got more patience than a tree grow / Got love that feels like a cheat code”.

Planet Express by Cuco

Cuco has released another song filled with more emotion than one can merely describe. The melody feels like a lullaby, with a stunning array of instrumentals paired with Omar Banos’s vocals. The usual bedroom pop artist has delivered that again with the songwriting being painfully beautiful altogether. The yearning for a past lover is expressed in a way that only Cuco could do, while the drums, synths, and electronic keys within the song further make it as special as it is, “Drowning in sorrow on all the lost beautiful days”.

Swinging at the Stars by Claire Rosinkranz

Hitting play instantly begins a listening experience of invigorating liveliness. Claire has an energetic kick to her voice on this track that perfectly matches the meaning behind the song. The song feels exactly what it’s like to be young and excited to experience all that the world has to offer. It’s a classic feel-good indie-pop song that makes you want to dance around while singing to the witty lyrics, strong drums, and delicate harmonies throughout, “Falling into you and your wild embrace // Wanna be tired when I get to my grave”.

How’s It Gonna End? by Aiden Bissett

A gentle guitar strum and soft vocals introduce you to the start of the song. “How’s It Gonna End?” uses simplistic instrumentals with thoughtful lyricism drawing you in. Hitting the two-minute mark Bissett raises his voice and preps us for the build-up of repeating drums and guitar riffs. Piano keys meld it all together until the song crashes like waves on the shore, “Taking your time / Living on a landslide / Heaven in a goodbye”.

WORTH IT by Offset & Don Toliver

This collaboration isn’t one I would say I’ve been expecting; however, I can say I’m glad it happened. Offset’s verses are him in his bag while Don Toliver carries the chorus in his R&B expertise. It’s a steady beat alongside both artists, whose chemistry works well throughout, creating a chill track just in time for cuffing season. While it’s more lowkey, the vibes given off by the artists are palpable, talking about relationship problems, expensive items, and trust issues, “The message says delivered, so what you delayin’ for? / You think I’m out fuckin’ around, I’m in the studio”.

unconditional by Miki Ratsula

An intimate love song about giving and showing your all to someone while not feeling judged or othered by them. Miki Ratsula’s vocals are dreamy and fuse effortlessly with the soft guitar strums and distant trumpets. The track is painfully gorgeous with a catchy melody and unforgettable harmonies. This being the last track on their new album i’ll be fine if i want to is the perfect way to wrap up an album full of introspective thoughts about every avenue in life (love, anger, pain, etc.) “‘Cause all I am and all you are / Is all that matters and all I need to know”.

Why Would I? By Fivio Foreign

Fivio Foreign completely owns this song with overtly self-assured lyrics putting him on top. Some say drill music/artists can be a hit or miss, but I think “Why Would I?’ embodies everything a drill song is. While the track itself is short, Fivio Foreign’s flow is unapologetically smooth and quick-paced, “Why would I trip over internet posts? (Why would I?)”.

New Music Monday #15

Low Again by Ked

A sentiment we all know too well, the feeling of being defeated. But this time is written from a different perspective. Ked writes back to a more depressing state of being but somehow has a positive twist to it. His soft voice haunts you throughout the song with a beautiful saxophone carrying you alongside the chorus. A jazz-infused track about allowing yourself to sit in the uncomfortability of sadness, but understanding it's only temporary, “Oh, I’m feeling low again / But now I roll with it better than I did.”

Doorbell by Wilmah

Another catchy, exciting, and bright song from the great Wilmah. Starting off with a guitar strum and moving into an upbeat melody, this makes the perfect feel-good song. After seeing them live I can say this song will make the crowd go wild with its playful lyrics and fun ad-libs added in the second verse. The harmonizing is delightful, leaving a sense of optimistic longing for someone, “I hope you ring my doorbell / Tell me that your life’s been hell / Without my love.”

Cowboy Belt by Levi Roth

An alternative track filled with absorbing instrumentals and lovely storytelling. Roth’s slightly raspy voice pairs well with the quick beat and steady drums. Honesty and vulnerability shine through the lyricism as he takes us through his perspective of a situation. The melody feels nostalgic and is perfect to add to your chill playlist. The songwriting leaves me feeling inquisitive, wanting to know more… wanting to see this cowboy belt. Levi Roth uses his truth and creatively produces something magical, “So I wanna feel / Something if it isn’t too real.”

Don’t Buy Me Roses by Alina Baraz

Self-assured Alina Baraz dropped a track calling out an ex-lover who clearly did her wrong. She pours her heart out but also makes it clear there is no coming back and you can hear it through her emotive vocals. The R&B track has a unique sound and a quick beat that keeps you excited for each verse. Beautiful piano keys begin the song off smoothly and then deeper beats continue throughout as she expresses her emotions poetically, “Needed your rain, you wouldn’t let me grow, I / I’ll let you go.”

How Music Makes You Feel Better by Sofia Kourtesis

Hypnotic and addicting, “How Music Makes You Feel Better” is a great title for a song that explains exactly that without words. The electronic house track contains synths that feel neverending in the best way possible, pulsating beats, and a production that needs no explanation for its greatness. Sofia Kourtesis expresses her love for music through this song. She explains how through every hardship and bump in the road in life, music is forever healing. No matter the genre, sound, meaning, or lyrics, someone will resonate with a song. I think it’s powerful to convey that feeling with limited lyrics and just glistening instrumentals. 

Mean by RAEGAN

Unapologetically candid, RAEGAN writes with a sensual adroitness unafraid to say what she wants. Her voice crawls over your skin and takes control, unable to stop the song from being on replay. Lyrically evocative, the track is far from coy with clever lines and a sick beat to match. A seductive energy throughout that's simultaneously uplifting and haunting, “If it’s detrimental to my health, bring it.”

Hands Tied by Majid Jordan

Melodies that make you feel as if you’re entering into a trance, “Hands Tied” tells a story of the journey of being young and in love. From start to finish the listening experience is one of a kaleidoscopic mix of instrumentals and vocals. A steady beat throughout with an eerie electric guitar as Majid’s vocals float above it all leaving you in a dream-like state. A soothing R&B track just under 6 minutes of listening to vibe to, “I’m feeling your love / Your love / All I wanna do is run to.”

Body by Briston Maroney

Songwriting that is raw and soul-stirring, Briston Maroney has created something to entice listeners to the rest of his discography. Riddled in between lines are soft-sung echoes of the alluring lyrics. The electric guitar heard is captivating and the drums are as strong as the meaning behind this song. Deeply expressive, the bass sets the track’s tone while electronic additives in the production add a sense of aching. Poetically profound, “Body” is sure to pierce your heart as it did mine, “And it seems / The closest that I come to free / Is when I let the world fall around me.”

Mosquito by PinkPantheress

One thing PinkPantheress never does is disappoint. The expected fast-paced beat alongside her soft sung vocals creates another pop song hit. With lyrics of unsavory devotion covered by the upbeat melody, she never shies away from claiming her pop princess throne. Every song she puts out is addictive and musically joyous, it’s difficult not to dance along, “You’re the only thing that I own / I hear my bell ring, I’d only answer for you.”

Give this playlist a listen: new music monday https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3HvYJ42gKF0F7f1pfraR

New Music Monday #14

Paradise by Terrace Martin & Alex Isley

Mesmerizing and invigorating, “Paradise” has hypnotizing vocals mixed with instrumentals that feel out of this world. Unexpectedly horns filter in and out with a steady beat along with Martin’s saxophonist expertise, enchanting you to another dimension. Isley’s soulful voice slowly travels through the song with completely euphoric melodies. While the song is a rendition of Sade’s original from 1988, the two talents collaborated and added a twist to make this their own. It’s a beautiful jazzy track that feels funky and is sure to make a room full of people stop what they’re doing and listen!

Here Comes The Comeback by Mitch Rowland

A sweet, classic indie song by none other than Mitch Rowland. He sings softly beside a punchy drum and swift guitar. A sense of optimism is displayed throughout the song, leaving you feeling good. Rowland's metaphors within his songwriting is another aspect that makes this song so special. Not all things work out, however, with a sick electric guitar almost anything feels possible. In all seriousness, the lyrics express true positivity for future endeavors no matter how far-fetched they may be, “It’s imminent, ought to know how long // I can feel the impossible”.

Run Away With Me by Cold War Kids

A song that ignites a feeling of wanting to get up and dance. Cold War Kids have used their musical dexterity to compile a multitude of different aspects to make this song as good as it is. It starts off feeling like an Arctic Monkeys indie rock track, but as it progresses the chorus reminds me of Neon Trees (this may be reaching but stick with me). During the bridge, we have a classic build-up of just the bass and backing vocals until it all crashes together continuing the refrain. Strong vocals with a powerful delivery of drums and flirty lyrics, “You may find another lover / I may be erased”.

Go Baby by Cleo Sol

The past few weeks have been a joyride for r&b lovers with amazing releases by talented artists, new and old. Cleo Sol’s new album Heaven is passionate and graceful, truly a feeling of being in heaven once her vocals begin. “Go Baby” is another slow track infused with haunting backing vocals and a consistent bass. Her forthcoming rise in the neo-soul/r&b game is anticipated being that her prowess in this field is outstanding. She brings intensity and warmth to her lyrics, which convey motivation for continuity in this life, “Have to go and face what’s inside / I just hope that you never stop trying”.

Another One of Me (feat. 21 Savage) by Diddy, The Weeknd, & French Montana

A highly anticipated hip-hop track with features that create an ambient song filled with clever lyrics, a cool beat, and a heavy bass. Before The Weeknd enters the hook after each feature, the iconic drums from Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” are sampled, making Abel’s appearance more impressive. Each rapper shines in their unique way throughout the song, praising the life they have and the hard work they put in, “All I am is a man with ambition to be the best / When I failed, it just gave me the vision to see the rest”.

HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan

Bold lyricism and an infectious chorus make for an exciting sing-along pop song. Roan’s clever songwriting and backing, cheer-like, vocals that further amplify the energy of the track make it all the more special. The vibe feels like an upbeat 80’s pop song with a twist of modernity. Confidence and witty lines make the delivery of this song distinctive in the metaphorical sense, “H-O-T T-O G-O / You can take me hot to go”. It’s uplifting and fun but also encourages us all to own our self-confidence.

Modern Girl by Bleachers

A great song always feels reminiscent of older music, and the Bleachers have created that with a mix of 80-90’s alt-pop songs. A beautifully striking saxophone along with an unmissable guitar and drum beat create an energy that cannot be understood unless listened to. Muffled spoken sections and an energizing scream along with “Oh-oh-o!” make a catchy track but also one that has everyone singing along to it! It’s a feel-good song with silly songwriting and an infectious melody, “Unreliable reporter / Pop music hoarder / Some guy playing quarters”.