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New Music Friday: Songs and Albums to Put on Repeat this Weekend

Sam Persall

Happy New Music Friday, Hollywooders! As we reach the halfway point of July, the new music just keeps getting better!

Last week, Vince Staples, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, J. Cole, John Legend, and the Jonas Brothers all dropped killer projects while IDK took home the crown for our favorite new music of the week.

Keep reading to hear our reactions to this week’s new music from Pop Smoke, John Mayer, Normani, Cardi B, KSI, WILLOW, Shakira, Dan + Shay, and more!

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New pop music: “Wild Side” – Normani (feat. Cardi B)

Normani’s post-Fifth Harmony years have been nothing but pure gold. The singer’s newest single, “Wild Side,” sees her team up with rap superstar Cardi B and the pairing couldn’t be better. “Wild Side” expertly samples Aaliyah’s “One in Million” and if this is just a taste of what we could be getting in Normani’s upcoming debut album, we are in for a treat.

I couldn’t have said it any better.

New rap music: All Over the Place – KSI

From YouTube gaming videos to boxing to rapping, KSI is truly the jack of all trades. The English rapper just dropped his second studio album, All Over the Place, and wow does it impress. While the album contains many notable features such as Lil Durk, Anne-Marie, and Polo G, the most impressive features just so happen to also be the biggest names. KSI teams up with 21 Savage and Future on “Number 2” and all three rappers play to their strengths in musical harmony.

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KSI is playing chess while we’re all playing checkers.

New pop music: “Don’t Wait Up” – Shakira

The wait is over; Shakira is back with a new single and it absolutely slaps! “Don’t Wait Up” sees Shakira reach into her EDM bag as the singer drops her first all-English track in over four years. Produced by Shakira and Ian Kirkpatrick, “Don’t Wait Up” will have you instantly moving your feet as this track is impossible to not dance to.

Shakira found the fountain of youth and needs to drop the directions ASAP.

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New alternative music: lately I feel EVERYTHING – WILLOW

WILLOW has fully entered the alternative rock scene with her fourth album, lately I feel EVERYTHING. The 20-year-old singer is as confident as ever with her songwriting and acts as a maestro to the album’s handpicked guestlist of Travis Barker, Tierra Whack, Avril Lavigne, and more.

I already bought my ticket ?️

New country music: “Good Things” – Dan + Shay

Country superstars Dan + Shay will be releasing their fourth studio album next month and as a gift to fans, they just dropped the album’s titular single “Good Things.” The angelic song will surely dominate airwaves in the weeks to come, however the upcoming album, Good Things, already has some bops of its own. Currently sitting at number 11 on the album’s tracklist is “10,00 Hours (with Justin Bieber).” The 2019 track won a GRAMMY for Best Country Duo/Group Performance after topping the Country charts for 21 weeks.

I mean who isn’t????

New pop music: Sob Rock – John Mayer

John Mayer was born to make music in the ‘80s and his eighth studio album, Sob Rock, proves that. The legendary singer and guitarist perfectly executes his lifelong passion project as Sob Rock doesn’t shy away from letting its influences be known. The ten-track album will forever be a roadtrip staple for any John Mayer or ‘80s rock fan.

Sob Rock is a MOOD.

New rap music: Faith – Pop Smoke

Just one year after the release of his first posthumous album, Shoot For the Stars, Aim For the Moon, we are given an entirely new Pop Smoke album in the form of Faith. The latest Pop Smoke album is absolutely stacked with features. Some of the A-list talent that appears on the Brooklyn rapper’s new project are Kanye West, Pusha T, Rick Ross, The-Dream, 42 Dugg, 21 Savage, Takeoff, Chris Brown, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, Dua Lipa, Kodak Black, and Quavo.

After the massive success of Shoot For the Stars, Aim For the Moon, no one thought we’d ever get another Pop Smoke album, let alone one as killer as Faith, which is why it’s our pick for favorite new music of the week.

PAIN ???

Did you listen to any of this week’s newest releases? Let us know what you listened to and who you think had the best new release by tagging us on Twitter!

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Check out previous music releases here:

New rap music: Vince Staples – Vince Staples

After nearly a three-year hiatus, Vince Staples is back and better than ever with his self-titled fourth studio album, Vince Staples. The Long Beach rapper chooses quality over quantity as every song is perfectly sculpted and placed within this 22-minute runtime.

Additionally, Vince Staples reunites with long-time friend and collaborator Kenny Beats for the entire production of Vince Staples. The rapper’s return is definitely worth the wait as Vince Staples is the Long Beach native’s most cohesive project to date.

Isaiah Rashad is vibing with Vince Staples’ new album and so are we. ??

New pop music: “NDA” – Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish keeps her foot on the pedal as she releases her fifth single from her upcoming album, Happier Than Ever. The pop star’s newest track is titled “NDA” and once again features killer production from her brother and frequent collaborator, FINNEAS.

“NDA” is a perfect accompaniment to the previously released Happier Than Ever singles as it features lyrics about Billie Eilish’s transition to worldwide fame, which now requires having “pretty boys” sign a nondisclosure agreement.

With an unworldly vocal performance and superb production, “NDA” has us super excited for Happier Than Ever’s release.

Billie wasn’t playing!

New rap music: “Motley Crew” – Post Malone

Post Malone just dropped his first solo single since his chart-topping album Hollywood’s Bleeding back in 2019. The singer, rapper, and producer teased the track and subsequent music video not even two full days prior to its release, and it was more than enough time to get fans hyped.

“Motley Crew” features a new sound for Post Malone, and while it is yet to be seen whether the new track will appear on an upcoming album, what is certain is that it will be on repeat all weekend.

The Post Malone and Lyrical Lemonade collab was much needed.

New pop music: “Stay” – Justin Bieber & The Kid LAROI

Justin Bieber just keeps dominating 2021! While “Peaches” is still a top 10 hit, Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI didn’t waste any time in dropping “Stay.” The two pop stars’ newest single is incredibly upbeat and high energy as the pair plead a distant lover not to leave.

The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber previously collaborated on “Unstable” off of Justin Bieber’s Justice. Now, the singers further their sonic chemistry with the new single “Stay.”

It’s this fan’s pick… but is it ours?

New R&B music: Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies – Snoh Aalegra

Snoh Aalegra’s first album since her Roc Nation co-sign, Temporary Highs in the Violent Skies, shows her growth as an artist and collaborator. She is able to construct a single mood and theme that resonates across the album’s entire tracklist.

Tyler, the Creator and James Fauntleroy’s brief features go a long way, with the former’s verse on “ON MY WAY” particularly standing out. However, the biggest strength of the album comes from Snoh Aalegra’s solo tracks such as “INDECISIVE,” “VIOLET SKIES,” and “DYING 4 YOUR LOVE.”

Temporary Highs in the Violent Skies is a MOOD.

New rap music: “The Jackie” – Bas & J. Cole (feat. Lil Tjay)

After dropping a critically and commercially acclaimed album earlier this year, J. Cole is back in his bag with New York rapper Bas for the new hot single, “The Jackie.” The two Dreamville rappers teamed up with budding superstar Lil Tjay for what is surely going to be a cookout 2021 anthem all summer.

Gotta turn it ALL THE WAY UP.

New movie soundtrack music: Space Jam: A New Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Various Artists

In preparation for the world premiere of Space Jam: A New Legacy, Warner Bros. is teaming up with Republic Records to release Space Jam: A New Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). The diverse tracklist includes fun pop hits like John Legend’s “Crowd Go Crazy,” which is giving major “Happy” vibes from Despicable Me 2. Similarly, the Jonas Brothers’ upbeat “Mercy” is destined to dominate airwaves for the remainder of this summer.

However, the soundtrack album features a little bit of everything, with the opening gospel-influenced “We Win” from Lil Baby and Kirk Franklin as well as the alternative-influenced rap joint “Control The World” by 24kGoldn and Lil Wayne.

Chance the Rapper, SAINt JHN, Saweetie, Aminé, Cordae, BROCKHAMPTON, G-Eazy, and Portland Trailblazers point guard Dame Lillard are a few of the artists featured on Space Jam: A New Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).

The fans are already loving “Mercy.”

New alternative music: It Won’t Always Be Like This – Inhaler

After releasing one fantastic single after another for three years, the Irish alternative band Inhaler’s debut studio album, It Won’t Always Be Like This, is a monumental moment in rock music.

It Won’t Always Be Like This is a complete banger in terms of production. However, the album’s lead vocalist Elijah Hewson delivers an incredible performance as well. It’s clear Elijah Hewson was able to pick up a few things from his father and U2 frontman, Bono.

Amen.

New rap music: USEE4YOURSELF – IDK 

Maryland rapper IDK follows up the highly acclaimed Is He Real by delivering an absolutely spectacular sophomore album with USEE4YOURSELF. Among the project’s 17 songs are standout solo tracks like “Santa Monica Blvd,” “1995,” and “Peloton.”

However, the true highlight of IDK’s genius is how he is able to collaborate so perfectly with his contemporaries. USEE4YOURSELF features an incredible guest list consisting of Young Thug, Offset, Westside Gunn, MF DOOM, Jay Electronica, Lucky Dave, SIR, T-Pain, Swae Lee, Rico Nasty, Slick Rick, and Sevyn Streeter.

The ability to deliver killer tracks as the sole performer while also collaborating flawlessly with the industry’s biggest names on the same album leaves us no other choice than to name IDK’s USEE4YOURSELF our favorite new music of the week.

USEE4YOURSELF is truly something special.

New rap music: 25 – G Herbo 

At just 25 years old, G Herbo seems to be at the top of his game. The Chicago rapper has been on a steady rise to hip-hop stardom for the last few years with 2020’s PTSD debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200. 

Now, G Herbo’s latest album 25 proves that the rapper is here to stay. The project includes instant bangers “Whole Hearts” and the 21 Savage-assisted track “T.O.P.” Meanwhile, G Herbo joins forces with Polo G and Lil Tjay to pull on the heartstrings early in the tracklist with “Cry No More.” 25 sees G Herbo at his most confident and his most versatile, making it a must-listen for any rap fan. 

Put some respect on G Herbo’s name!

New rap music: “Vaccine” – Logic

Less than a year after he announced his retirement with No Pressure, Logic is cementing his comeback with “Vaccine.” Just two weeks after releasing “Intro,” the GRAMMY-nominated rapper is back with vengeance. 

Logic’s energy on “Vaccine” is incredibly youthful and reminiscent of his early mixtape days. With braggadocious lyrics and a high tempo beat, “Vaccine” proves Logic is back like he never left. 

Will Logic come out of retirement to drop another album?

New R&B music: “I Believed It” – dvsn & Ty Dolla $ign (feat. Mac Miller)

Fans of dvsn and Ty Dolla $ign are in for a treat! The artists recently announced that they are coming out with a joint album later this year, and to kick off the exciting news, the singers dropped the project’s lead single “I Believed It.”

Ty Dolla $ign and dvsn sing beautifully over the Nineteen85-produced track. Meanwhile, Mac Miller comes in on a posthumous feature to perfectly close out the hot new single. All three artists bounce off each other so effortlessly to give multiple perspectives into deteriorating relationships that are at the end of their days.

While there is no official release date for dvsn and Ty Dolla $ign’s upcoming joint album, “I Believe It” proves that, whenever it drops, it’s going to be a banger. 

Anytime a new Mac Miller verse comes out ???

New R&B music: “Wasting Time” – Brent Faiyaz (feat. Drake) 

Brent Faiyaz and Drake’s first-ever collaboration is already a contender for song of the summer! “Wasting Time” is reminiscent of a late ‘90s/early 2000s R&B love ballad but with a 2021 twist—and it works perfectly. 

The dreamy production on the track is handled by The Neptunes, a production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. Brent Faiyaz pleads with his girl to spend more time with him over the track’s elegant strings and high hats. Meanwhile, Drake’s guest verse is as superb as ever as he mixes The Queen’s Gambit references in between bars about his relationship struggles. 

While it has yet to be officially confirmed, “Wasting Time” appears to be a single off of Brent Faiyaz’s upcoming album Make It Out Alive. Meanwhile, fans are still awaiting Drake’s highly-anticipated album Certified Lover Boy, which is set to drop this summer. 

Brent Faiyaz and Drake need more songs together ASAP!

New alternative music: Tell Me About Tomorrow – jxdn

The early 2000s teen coming-of-age nostalgia is ALL OVER jxdn’s debut album, Tell Me About Tomorrow. Less than two years after blowing up on TikTok, jxdn is making serious waves in the alternative music scene. 

Tell Me About Tomorrow sees the up-and-coming singer follow up a series of highly-acclaimed singles with an incredibly well-structured debut album. After jxdn starred in Machine Gun Kelly’s short film Downfalls High, the pair collaborated on “WANNA BE.” The song is by far the standout track from Tell Me About Tomorrow as the two artists are able to blend their styles effortlessly.

The love for jxdn’s Tell Me About Tomorrow is unreal!

New pop music: “Magic” – Rico Nasty

As soon as I hit play on Rico Nasty’s “Magic,” I knew it was a perfect summer 2021 song. Avedon’s tropical production begins with a sweet guitar riff before the groovy beat kicks in—and WOW, did it work well together. 

Rico Nasty’s romantic lyrics make “Magic” the perfect song to put on while vacationing with your significant other this summer. “Magic” takes the crown for this week’s best new track. With Rico Nasty’s upcoming mixtape Rx just around the corner, “Magic” will be on repeat every day until then. 

Especially after she drops some heat like “Magic.”

New pop music: Planet Her – Doja Cat

Rapper and singer Doja Cat released her third studio album Friday. Doja Cat’s music has blown up over the past two years, with hits like “Say So” and “Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)” taking over the radio and TikTok.

The 14-track album contains features from Young Thug, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, JID, and SZA. The Planet Her release was accompanied by a new music video for Doja Cat’s collaboration with The Weeknd titled “You Right.” Planet Her also features the highly-anticipated song “Ain’t Shit,” which Doja Cat first previewed on an Instagram live back in April 2020.

Fans have been buzzing on social media since Planet Her hit streaming services.

One Twitter user said that the album has no skips, just like the rest of Doja Cat’s music.

Along with the album, Doja Cat launched a website where you can explore ‘Planet Her’ and hear snippets of the new songs. Listen to Planet Her here.

New pop music: “Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is back in a way that we have never seen him before. The singer-songwriter usually keeps things pretty simple when it comes to visuals for his music. However, the music video for his new single “Bad Habits” shows Ed Sheeran as a vampire dressed in bright pink and wearing sparkly makeup.

Ed Sheeran first announced the release of “Bad Habits” on June 11, marking his first new song since he released “Afterglow” in December 2020. “Bad Habits” has a strong dance/ pop vibe and is the perfect song to listen to on a night out. The single sets itself apart from his previous music and gives an exciting taste of what’s to come from Ed Sheeran.

One fan on Twitter said she loves the unexpected sound of “Bad Habits.”

Listen to “Bad Habits” here.

New rap music: Call Me If You Get Lost – Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator released his sixth studio album Friday titled Call Me If You Get Lost. Tyler first began teasing the album on his Instagram on June 14 and released the first single “LUMBERJACK” on June 16. Call Me If You Get Lost includes features from numerous artists like Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Uzi Vert, and Pharrell.

Call Me If You Get Lost follows the success of Tyler, the Creator’s wildly popular 2019 album IGOR. Tyler released Call Me If You Get Lost’s second single “WUSYANAME” on Tuesday, accompanied by a music video he directed under his alter ego Wolf Haley. The song samples the 1994 track “Back Seat (Wit No Sheets)” by R&B group H-Town and features NBA Youngboy and Ty Dolla $ign.

Fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions to Call Me If You Get Lost.

One Twitter user said that the album brought them to tears and called it a “gift.”

Listen to Call Me If You Get Lost here.

New rap music: “Red Light Green Light” – DaBaby

Rapper DaBaby released his new song “Red Light Green Light.” This marks his second week in a row coming out with new music after he released “Ball If I Want To” Friday, June 18.

In “Red Light Green Light,” DaBaby raps over a unique instrumental track that uses a mix of different sounds.

Fans on Twitter praised “Red Light Green Light.”

One fan called the new track “fire.”

New alternative music: “Lipstick” – WILLOW

WILLOW released the second single “Lipstick” from her upcoming album lately I feel EVERYTHING. The new song has a very angsty and drum-heavy sound.

The release of “Lipstick” comes after the wide success of WILLOW’s most recent song “transparent soul (feat. Travis Barker).” Just like “transparent soul,” “Lipstick” is instantly likable and has alluring instrumentals.

One fan said they think WILLOW topped “transparent soul” with “Lipstick.”

Another Twitter user said they’re excited to hear what other rock songs WILLOW comes out with.

Lately I feel EVERYTHING comes out July 16. Listen to “Lipstick” here.

New rock music: “Nothing Else Matters” – Miley Cyrus

Heavy metal band Metallica announced Tuesday that they will be releasing The Metallica Blacklist, a collection of their songs sung by over 50 different artists. The album will be released on September 10 and will features singers like Alessia Cara, Mac DeMarco, Weezer, and Phoebe Bridgers.

As part of the project, Miley Cyrus released a cover of “Nothing Else Matters” which features Watt, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo, and Chad Smith. Colombian artist Juanes also released his version of “Enter Sandman.” Both songs are from Metallica’s self-titled album (also known as The Black Album), which turns 30 this year.

Listen to “Nothing Matters” here.

New K-pop music: Your Choice – Seventeen

The K-pop group, Seventeen has released their eighth mini-album, Your Choice. The project has six songs, with three of the tracks split by the group’s different subunits: Performance Team, Hip-Hop Team, and Vocal team.

Seventeen dropped a music video along with the album to accompany their track “Ready to Love.” Each group member stands among a pastel floral set in the video until they band together for an epic dance break towards the end. They also announced that they will be performing the new single on Jimmy Kimmel Live on June 23.

Listen to Your Choice here.

New pop music: “Let Them Know” – Mabel

UK pop star Mabel dropped her newest track “Let Them Know,” to fans’ excitement. The confidence-boosting pop song encourages listeners to dance like no one is watching.

On June 9, the singer tweeted about her new era in anticipation of the single. “This next part of the journey is dedicated to anyone who’s ever felt scared to be themselves truly,” she wrote. “I just want you to know that who you really are is enough, it’s more than enough and I want nothing more than for you to be proud of that. LET THEM KNOW.”

Mabel struts her stuff in a club scene in the music video as she sings about her newfound confidence. Many fans are calling this the song of the summer.

Just wait until we can go to the club.

Listen to “Let Them Know” here.

New rap music: “Intro” – Logic

Logic returns from his retirement with his newest release, “Intro.” The rapper posted a cryptic press release-styled message on social media Thursday with the words “I’m back.”


 
 
 
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A post shared by Logic (@logic)

In 2020, Logic announced he was retiring after releasing his album No Pressure to focus on his family. “It’s been a great decade,” he wrote in a tweet. “Now it’s time to be a great father.”

Now that Logic has reemerged onto the music scene, fans are waiting to see what he does next.

We’re glad you were right, too.

We have to agree.

It’s just hit after hit.

Listen to “Intro” here.

New rap music: “Lumberjack” – Tyler The Creator

“Lumberjack” is the latest single off of Tyler The Creator’s upcoming album Call Me If You Get Lost. In the minor key-infused song, he raps about his wealth while addressing his haters. He even adds a comical reference from the 2000s sitcom Malcolm in the Middle with the lyrics, “Used to treat me like that boy from Malcolm in the Middle.”

Tyler the Creator always uses his creative touch with his music videos, and “Lumberjack” is no different. He begins the video on a soft mattress on the floor and then gets transported to a cartoon environment with snow and mountains.

Fans are getting ready for the new album, releasing on June 25, 2021.

Listen to “Lumberjack” here.

New rap music: Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep – Mykki Blanco

Mykki Blanco has dropped their first album in five years titled Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep. The album features artists like Kari Faux, Blood Orange, Jamila Woods, Jay Cue, Bruno Ribeiro, Big 

Freedia. Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep has nine tracks, including the song “It’s Not My Choice.”

Mykki Blanco’s lead single “Free Ride” was released in March along with a music video. In the video, the rapper seems to be celebrating a special event at a party with family and friends in the video. The track has got a cool beat along with clever lyrics by Mykki Blanco.

Listen to Broken Hearts & Beauty Sleep here.

New rap music: Ice Daddy – Gucci Mane

Ice Daddy is Gucci Mane’s latest album. Dropping just in time for Father’s Day, the album celebrates his new son as he graces the album art.

Gucci Mane also released a music video for the single “Posse On Bouldcrest” off of his new album. The song includes Pooh Shiesty and Sir Mix-A-Lot, where Gucci Mane leads friends in his Rolls Royces through different locations until they stop at a parking lot.

With features from Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, and 2 Chainz, fans are enjoying this new album.

Listen to Ice Daddy here.

New alternative rock music: “Dustland” – The Killers (feat. Bruce Springsteen)

The Killers and Bruce Springsteen team up for their new heart-wrenching single, “Dustland.” The track is a remake of The Killers’ older song, “A Dustland Fairytale,” which was a tribute to the lead singer Brandon Flower’s parents. On June 16, the band tweeted to explain the meaning behind the song and how they got the opportunity to sing with Bruce Springsteen.

“I’m grateful to him for opening this door for me,” Brandon Flowers says about Bruce. “I’m grateful to my parents for their example to me. Now go find something new out about your dad, give your mom a big hug, and for god’s sake listen to Bruce Springsteen.”

Listeners all over are sharing their love for the remake.

We’ll just be crying in the corner.

We can’t think about anything else.

Listen to “Dustland” here.

New country music: “Things Dads Do” – Thomas Rhett

Add another song to your Father’s Day playlist: Thomas Rhett’s single “Things Dads Do.” The country singer’s father, Rhett Atkins, helped co-write the song, which talks about all the experiences of fatherhood.

Thomas Rhett has three children of his own—Willa Gray Akins, Lennon Love Akins, and Ada James Akins—with another one on the way. While Thomas sings about raising his kids, he also mentions growing up with his dad and all the embarrassing but essential things he was taught.

While performing it on the Grand Ole Opry stage on June 13, Thomas Rhett said, “Of all the songs me and dad have written together, this is one of my favorites.”

Listen to “Things Dads Do” here.

New R&B music: “Thank You” – Diana Ross

Diana Ross has released music after 15 years with her new single “Thank You.” On Thursday, the Motown singer and leader of the Supremes announced her new song on Twitter. She also mentioned her new album of the same name would be released in September.

Every song on the album is for the fans who have stuck with Diana Ross through a long-lasting career. “I have so much I want to share I am just filled with gratitude,” she wrote in a tweet, “their [sic] songs on this album are dedicated to each of you from my heart I guess we have to do it a little bit at a time.”

Listen to “Thank You” here.

New R&B music: Back of My Mind– H.E.R.

The R&B singer H.E.R. created magic with her latest album drop, Back of My Mind. The new project has 21 tracks with features from many performers, including Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Baby, Thundercat, Chris Brown, and DJ Khaled. 

Last week, H.E.R. released her new single “We Made It” in preparation for the album. In the song, she celebrates the success of her relationship. H.E.R. pours out emotion in every performance she has, and Back of My Mind also proves her talent.

Listen to Back of My Mind here.

New alternative music: “Solar Power” – Lorde

After much speculation surrounding new music from Lorde, the Grammy award-winning artist released the single “Solar Power.” This is her first song to come out in four years and the first track to drop from her highly-anticipated third album of the same name. 

Lorde sent out a newsletter to her fans Thursday announcing the release of the new album and single. She said that the song is “about that infectious, flirtatious summer energy that take hold of us all, come June.”

“Solar Power” is much less angsty and more optimistic than the Lorde music we’re used to. It was written and produced by her and Jack Antonoff of Bleachers, who also worked on her 2017 album Melodrama. According to UPROXX, the single features vocals from recording artists Clairo and Phoebe Bridgers.

While Lorde did not announce a release date for the album, she said she wants it to be fans’ summer companion, so fingers crossed it’s coming soon!

Listen to “Solar Power” here. 

New alternative music: “How Dare You Want More” – Bleachers 

“How Dare You Want More” is the fourth single from Bleachers’ third studio album, Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night which will be released July 30. 

“How Dare You Want More” is the perfect upbeat song for the summer. It features frontman Jack Antonoff’s signature production and layered instrumentals that Bleachers fans know and love. 

Fans noted the pleasant feeling elicited by the sound of the sax and guitar on the track. 

This fan said that she has had the song on repeat since its release. 

Listen to “How Dare You Want More” here. 

New alternative music: “Blouse” – Clairo

Clairo premiered her new track “Blouse,” on Thursday’s episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The singer then took to Twitter to announce the upcoming release of her second studio album, Sling. 

In a note, Clairo shared that the album is co-produced by Jack Antonoff and that Lorde’s vocals are featured in the background of “Blouse.” The single is very mellow, with Clairo singing heartbreaking lyrics about trying to communicate with someone who is only concerned with your body and not how you feel. 

Listen to “Blouse” here. 

New rap music: “Thot Shit” – Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion her new song “Thot Shit,” an instantly likable hit worthy of being summer 2021’s “Hot Girl Summer.” As always, Megan radiates confidence in the single, singing “I’m the shit per the Recording Academy.”

The music video opens with a senator in his office leaving a hate comment on one of Megan’s music videos. Megan Thee Stallion quickly put him in his place, telling him to respect the women in his life. Meg and her posse then follow him around wherever he goes while continuously dancing to the track. 

Listen to “Thot Shit” here. 

New rap music: Culture III – Migos

Rap trio Migos dropped their fourth studio album Culture III, the long-awaited follow-up to their 2018 Culture II. The project features collaborations with hitmakers like Drake, Cardi B, Future, Justin Bieber, and posthumous releases from Pop Smoke and Juice WRLD. 

Along with the album, Migos released a music video for the first track “Avalanche.” In the beginning of the music video, Offset says “How would I describe this album? It’s a level-up… a masterpiece.” Avalanche has a much heavier instrumental influence than Migos’ previous songs. The video shows the three rappers singing in front of a full band. 

Fans on Twitter called the album ‘fire.’

This fan said that Culture III is the best yet of 2021.

Listen to Culture III here. 

New pop music: “Need to Know” – Doja Cat

Doja Cat released the single “Need to Know” from her upcoming album Planet Her. Just like any song we’ve heard from the Doja Cat, “Need To Know” is instantly likable, and the perfect song to dance to this summer. 

The music video depicts Doja Cat as an alien on a night out on a foreign planet. It follows her to a club where she dances the night away to “Need To Know.”

Twitter was flooded with fan reactions to the new single.

This fan said what we were all thinking and called this song a bop.

Listen to “Need To Know” here. 

New pop music: Episodes: Season 1 – Olivia O’Brien 

Olivia O’Brien released a six-track EP titled Episodes: Season 1, the first part to her second album. The second part will come out later this year. In a handwritten note to her fans that she posted on Instagram, Olivia wrote, “My life is a messy, scattered, genre-less saga… and so is my album.”


 
 
 
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On the EP, Olivia O’Brien sings about heartless men, wishing her mom would ‘pick her up’ from her adult life, and not knowing what to do when you finally move on from a crush. The project even features a collaboration with Oli Sykes & Bring Me the Horizon. 

Fans have been waiting for a full-length album from Olivia O’Brien since everyone fell in love with her song “Josslyn” in 2020. Since then, she has spent a year dropping hit singles like “Now,” “Better Than Feeling Lonely,” and “Sociopath.” 

Listen to Episodes here. 

New pop music: Jordi – Maroon 5 

Pop group Maroon 5 released their seventh studio album Jordi on Friday. This marks their first album release since their 2017 Red Pill Blues. 

Along with the album, Maroon 5 released the music video for their single “Lost,” which sounds much different than the upbeat songs that we’re used to hearing from the band. Jordi includes collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion, blackbear, Stevie Nicks, H.E.R., YG, and posthumous features from Nipsey Hussle and Juice WRLD. 

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Jordi. 

This fan said he loves the beautiful melodies. 

Listen to Jordi here.  

New R&B music: “We Made It” – H.E.R. 

“We Made It” is the latest single from H.E.R.’s debut album Back of My Mind. The song features H.E.R.’s beautiful vocals as she sings about celebrating a relationship she’s worked hard to maintain. This is the perfect song to listen to while driving down the highway on long summer days. 

Listen to “We Made It” here. 

New dance music: Shockwave – Marshmello

EDM artist Marshmello released his fourth studio album Shockwave on Friday. The project includes collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and Juicy J, among others. With past Marshmello hits like “FRIENDS” and “Here With Me” becoming summer anthems, the producer dropped this project at the perfect time to provide a soundtrack to the summer. 

Listen to Shockwave here. 

 

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Sam Persall
Sam Persall

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