The theme of this week’s new music list just might be “pleasant surprises” with two mega stars, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, releasing singles without connection to an upcoming album, as well as a smattering of appearances from beloved indie acts like Wolf Alice, Metric, and Deerhunter.
Friedrich Nietzsche once said “Without music life would be a mistake” and likewise not listening to this week’s hot list of new music would be equally misguided. To catch it all head over the Spotify’s New Music Friday Playlist, and catch up with the best from week’s past at New Music Friday All-Stars.
10. Runnin’ (Lose It All) by Naughty Boy, Beyoncé, Arrow Benjamin
A certain diva’s name is sure to stand out in the artist line up, but the truth is on Runnin’ this is completely a group effort. The piece opens up with Beyoncé angelic voice pleading “where else can I go, where else can I go, choosing you?” The chorus changes the pace of the song to EDM with help of UK’s Naughty Boy. A huge score for Arrow Benjamin being featured on the track, rounding out the track at the end. The internet is already a-buzz about the completely transfixing video, which is likely to make you feel like you’re holding your breath.
9. Angela’s Eyes by Guy Garvey
Just a cool groovy song with bongos and a dash of searching high and low for faith, the track ultimately declares “I’m a disciple of the woman’s love and her counsel kind and wise, I believe in Angela’s eyes.” As he does so the guitars go off the rails with a woozy electric delivery. The single comes off of his debut album after stepping away from Elbow, which for fans in his native U.K. they’ll be enjoying the release October 30th; those stateside will being learning a lesson in patience, as the full album is expected to hit U.S. shores in Spring 2016.
8. On My Mind by Ellie Goulding
A quick glance through Ellie’s popular tracks of Spotify will let you know she’s one of the most played artist’s in the game. Apparently most talked about as well, as the internet was all too quick to jump into speculation that On My Mind is about a fling with Ed Sheeran. Knowing for sure isn’t a prerequisite to enjoying the track, as she gives us her brand of ‘starry eyed’ ethereal delivery and dancy heavy beats. Perfect for brooding over an ex without getting pulled into a bad mood.
7. Cafe Du Monde by Pell
Call it a subconscious inclination in the rap game to cling to all things French since a certain someone declared “Hurry up with my damn croissants!” here Pell cites refers to café du monde by simple being on the t-shirt of a current love interest. A nod to both the old and new French worlds, Pell is straight outta New Orleans and has been hailed as a hot one to watch. Here he pairs driving beats with rap just enough in a disjointed way that it creates an appeasing cacophony. One to blast on your way to pick up a tray of beignets.
6. In Any Tongue by David Gilmour
Though the sound of Pink Floyd has been respectfully closed and put to musical legend rest forever, mega fans still can get a taste of that ‘must describe in hyperbole’ sound by former band leader, David Gilmour. In Any Tongue has aspects of Comfortably Numb, with cerebral lyrics to sink your teeth into; the chorus reminding you, “mama sounds the same in any tongue” but then later lamenting, “how am I to know you with a joystick in my hand?” Solid question.
5. LA Plays Itself by YACHT
The perfect soundtrack for any reality show that airs in LA, or for those who have no interest in that, for a funky walk down the street. The lyrics give it to you straight, declaring “never give up on the city, no you can never live anywhere else, cos it commands every scene and it always plays itself.” Bearing some truth to that, the band brilliantly unveiled the album’s track list via Buzzfeed, reasoning “Because it’s 2015, and the album is dead, the novel is dead, but the GIF loops forever.” Whoa. Scarily spot-on.
4. Confident by Demi Lovato
With enough driving energy you’d think she was getting ready as her role as starting quarterback in the NFL, Demi takes us into single #2 for her forthcoming album of the same name. Lovato has always been known for her assertiveness in her songs, but here on Confident she shows further comfortableness in her own skin, that can only come with experience and maturity. Already finding its way to the top of the Billboard charts in the short time that it’s been out, you’ll likely to be hearing the question “What’s wrong with being confident?” on radio for quite some time to come.
3. Bad Blood by Ryan Adams
In a move that takes covers to the next level, Ryan Adams latest release is a cover of Taylor Swift’s ENTIRE 1989 album. It’s a bold move, especially considering the hullabaloo surrounding the availability of 1989 when it was released. But no harm no foul (as of this publication date) as the track comes off just as nicely as acoustic rock. The key here for both Swifties and indie rock fans is to not take the cover too seriously. It’s just for fun, and who knows, you may see Adams joining Taylor onstage to sing the track together at a concert down the line.
2. Moonrise Kingdom by Angel Haze
Known for both their high speed rhymes on the aggressive attack, as well as a lighter singer style, here Angel Haze falls more on the angelic side, Moonrise being a track full full of isolation, self-examination, and introspection, so far removed from the world at large there’s the sound of crickets on the beginning of the track. Here Angel Haze echoes that of fellow Detroit native, Aaliyah, with their softer side out for the world to emphasize with and enjoy.
1. Til It Happens To You by Lady Gaga
Serving as Gaga’s most emotional release to date, the songstress has paired up with Diane Warren, who has been described by those inside the biz as “the most important songwriter in the world.” A powerful combination, the two bring to song the rampant sexual assault problem on college campuses across the US, as the track is connected to the documentary The Hunting Ground that was released earlier in the year. The track is haunting, impassioned, and incredibly moving. One of her all-time best.
Leave a Reply