It was a big weekend, no pun intended, for The Weeknd and many other musicians, though be forewarned Beliebers this list will have you saying “‘What do you mean?’ Justin Bieber’s latest is no where to be found here?” Other significant events this week; Andra Day’s EP “Cheers to The Fall” is finally out, be sure to check out ‘Forever Mine’ if you’re not already familiar, and Atlas Genius is out with another great one, Balladino, off of Animate Objects, now out in its entirety.
You’ll note for the first time ever there’s a double feature from a single artist, in this case The Weeknd, on a Fresh New Music’s weekly list; his latest, Beauty Behind The Madness, is just *that* much worth a listen. Of course that means you’ll have to check out all the other new releases on your own; head over to Spotify and get moving. Peruse New Music Friday All-Stars to brush up on the last few weeks.
10.) Wet Dollars by Tink, Tazer
Keeping it going since the release of her sensational ‘Million’ earlier in the year (that for the record has well over 5 million plays on Spotify to date) Tink takes it to the club, that will have you dancing ‘on and on and on.” What better way to get something packing for the clubs than to recruit one of house music’s finest producers with a very bright future, Tazer, out of the UK. One you’ll want to listen to on Friday and Saturday; be sure to play the video while getting ready to go out.
9.) I Know U by Keys N Krates
Another act out of Toronto proving that Canada ain’t nothing to mess with and is chock full of talent too, this electronic trio provides you with something to vibe to, making for great background music, as well as something to sink your teeth into when you’re up for analyzing the ins and outs of the beats used to create the sound. Currently on the US leg of a world tour, the band’s Instagram tagline tells you all you need to know: We make weird rap beats. Then play them really loud live as a band. Then make U dancy.
8.) Jet Black Heart by 5 Seconds of Summer
Known for the their high energy, super spirited songs, 5 Seconds of Summer takes it down a couple notches, belting out something of a anti power ballad, lamenting the love that inspired a jet black heart, with “a hurricane underneath it, trying to keep us apart.” It’s the type of melodrama that isn’t supposed to be taken a 100% seriously (unless you fall in the tween to seventeen demographic that takes everything seriously) but rather was made to sing loud sing proud while no one else is around. Catch the full album Sounds Good Feels Good on October 23rd.
7.) Space Song by Beach House
You’d be hard pressed to find a band creating sounds that will take you away when you want to get lost in the music, like, really far away, than Beach House right now. Space Song has you covered, which is so intangible/surreal, it’s hard to resist the urge to compare it to an ethereal orbit through space. If there ever was a track perfectly suited for soothing music while the dentist is taking care of a filing, this is the one.
6.) Acquainted by The Weeknd
Though most of us now are very well “acquainted” with The Weeknd, especially the already most prominent tracks on the album, Can’t Feel My Face and Earned, Acquainted is a notable alterna slow jam. Things get a little foggy just around the four minutes 30 seconds mark, slowing things down so much Testaye almost takes it to a stand still. Perfect for chill mode.
5.) You Could Never Let Me Down by Northcote
A song all perseverance, hard times, and shake of grit, You Could Never Let Me Down is topical that of a Springsteen song, so much so the subtext could be ‘We Ain’t Nothing But Tired.” Northcote, real name Matthew Goud, got his start in music in a post-hardcore Christian band, Means, but since their disbanding in 2008 Northcote’s music is decidedly folk rock. Being that football season is upon us, this could you be your anthem to show, win or lose, what a tried and true fan you are to your team.
4.) Salt by B.Miles
Salt starts out so incredibly silky and smooth you think you’re in for a floater of a song. But as the chorus wears out “My love, my love, myyyy love….pours salt in the wound.” it’s as if going from a cool and comfortable road trip to a car broken down in the middle of the desert, no shade in sight. Salt in the wound indeed. The genre might be ‘dark pop’ but B.Miles voice and vibes here are all crystal clear.
3.) Seventeen by Alessia Cara
Just in time for back to school, sorry kids, Alessia Cara shares an ode to the bright side of youth, and hanging on to it before it slips away (before you even realize it). A spirited pace compared to the magnificent but filled with somber undertones ‘Here’, it serves as a great reminder to enjoy every moment you can, a great track to set to ‘on repeat’ for the last week of summer before Labor Day.
2.) Downtown by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Sounding like a criss cross between hitting a U-turn on its way to Uptown Funk, the Fresh Prince dinner scene, and wait what?, an 80s light rock power ballad. An urban opus dedicated to oft over looked transportation of a moped Macklemore & Company (a cast of characters including Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, & Grandmaster Caz) Downtown creates a whirlwind visualization, that kinda makes you feel like you can feel the breeze blowing back your hair. In a field of performers trying to one up each other with a more fly lifestyle, Macklemore & Lewis’s take here is once again very refreshing.
1.) The Night by The Weeknd
There’s an undeniably MJ vibe on In The Night, perhaps The Weeknd’s must turnt up track on Beauty Behind The Madness. It’s a tale that echoes themes showcased on the rest of the album, this one touching on a lady down on her luck in the city, but refuses to give up on that city which drains but also feeds her. Will sound extra sweet while you’re (only slightly) speeding on the highway, extra late at night.
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