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Happy Friday! You made it, which means you deserve some great new music to listen to this weekend. Let’s dive in and see what you might like:
Pete Yorn - “Someday, Someday”
One of my favorite singer-songwriters is back with a beautiful, acoustic number. This time around, he worked with producer Josh Gudwin and Rami Jaffee on the track which gives off a mature, wistful vibe. Hopefully we’ll get more this year from one of the most underrated singer-songwriters there is.
Suki Waterhouse - “OMG”
The pop-rock track off her upcoming album is a reflection on a sordid romance and searching for the person she used to be. With a sweet synth groove mixed with enough pop-punk to get you rocking out, Waterhouse is poised for greatness for her sophomore album.
Ber - “Room For You”
I’m in love with this song. The Minneapolis singer-songwriter has got some Taylor Swift vibes going on with her new piano-driven single. It’s a heartbreaking and gorgeous song about loss and if it doesn’t give you some goosebumps, you’d better check your pulse.
Aaron Lee Tasjan - “Horror Of It All”
The fabulous Tasjan is back with the debut single off his upcoming album, Stellar Evolution. It’s a fantastic new wave indie-pop song that finds Tasjan examining the concepts of both rejection and self-acceptance through the dramatic nature of the teenage experience - it’s being told through the eyes of a young queer person. Tasjan has always delivered great music and this song is no exception.
The Black Crowes - “Wanting and Waiting”
It’s been 15 years since we had an album of new material from the Crowes and if the lead single is any indication, we’re in for a treat. The new album is a love letter to rock and roll and “Wanting and Waiting” falls right into that envelope. Full of big hooks, classic riffs and harmonizing, it’s a banger that I’ll turn up to 11 every time.
Barely Civil - “Better Now”
Time for some quality emo rock! At times bitter, at other times hopeful, Barely Civil have created a bigger rock sound than their previous DIY work. The results are a nice mix that’s been thrown into the emo blender. The tender vocals of Connor Erickson combine with a shout-along chorus.
Ariana Grande - “yes, and?”
Shrugging off her detractors and all the gossip around her life, Grande’s new single has a Madonna “Vogue” vibe while she joyfully and defiantly tells all her critics to go to hell. It’s a dance track that will easily become one of the biggest songs of 2024.
Sheer Mag - “Moonstruck”
Combining the best of 1970s rock, R&B and a punk attitude, this Philly-based band’s new song is about how invigorating it is to have a new crush. With fuzzy guitars and banging piano leading the way, it creates the canvas for lead singer Chirstina Halladay to belt out her loving lyrics. And maybe it’s just me, but Halladay’s got a little early Michael Jackson (Jackson 5-era) vibes.
Waxahatchee - “Right Back To It”
It’s so great to have new music from Waxahatchee (Katie Crutchfield). Written at Wolf Trap when she was opening for Jason Isbell, Crutchfield sings about love, but in a “gritty and unromantic” way. She set out to write a love song about the ebb and flow of a longtime love story. The gentleness of the banjo/vocal combo (along with backing vocals from MJ Lenderman) make it a porch sitting, lemonade sipping song.
The Secret Sisters - “Same Water”
Americana favorites The Secret Sisters set out to write about healing, as a society and as individuals. They wrote “Same Water” together in Nashville and focused on acknowledging the struggle over our own choices for healing and extending empathy to people who choose differently. Recorded at the famous Muscle Shoals recording studio, the first single from the Sisters is beautiful.
Superchunk - “Everybody Dies”
Just in time for Merge Records 35th anniversary, the fantastic Superchuck have released the A-side to their upcoming 7” record. The new rockin’ single was inspired by the “avalanche of loss” stemming from the past few years (Prince, Bowie, Tina) and that even though we all know it happens, it doesn’t make it any easier.
Yussef Dayes - “The Colour Purple”
Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Dayes is a tour-de-force behind the drums. Beginning when he was only four years old and mentored by Miles Davis’ drummer Billy Cobham, “The Colour Purple” is a spacey, cosmic jazz jam. There’s shades of Pharoah Sanders and Sun Ra.
The Black Keys - “Beautiful People (Stay High)”
Last year, The Black Keys said that their new album is their “Saturday-night party record”. They took inspiration for the album from deejaying dance parties with their own collection of 45s. Co-written with Beck (you can hear the influence), the first track is a jam and while it has elements of their garage-band sounding days, it’s funkier and more modern - sure to be a hit this year.
The Vaccines - Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations
One of the best British-guitar rock bands out there, The Vaccines have been putting out excellent albums since 2011 and their latest is another gem. Recorded in California, the album has a more American feel. The songs are punchy and anthemic and show great growth for a band that has shuffled their line-up a bit over the last couple years. Highlights include “Heartbreak Kid”, “Lunar Escape” and the early New Order-ish sounding “Another Nightmare”. They’re hitting the states on tour starting in March - be sure to check them out.
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