New Music Friday - 1/21/22

Welcome back my friends - it’s that time again! Happy New Music Friday! Let’s jump in with two feet and find ourselves something to listen to this weekend. Here are today’s picks of the week. Enjoy!

Single of the Week:

“Keeping the Light On” by Joy Oladokun

What great news I saw come across Twitter this week that the amazing Jo Oladokun had new music coming out today. Her new single focuses on her life and the whole human will to keep trying. With an easy-going, electronic backbeat, Oladokun’s voice shines. Self-described as “the trap Tracy Chapman”, Oladokun continues her streak of personal folkish R&B.

Album of the Week:

On To Better Things by iann dior

The sophomore release from the Puerto Rican (raised in Texas) emo crooner/rapper leans heavily into pop/trap/alt-rock with help from guests Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker. Dior’s voice is smooth and his lyrics cover a wide range of topics and emotions you’d expect from an emo performer (love, heartbreak, loyalty, and looking toward a brighter future). Standout tracks include “complicate it” and the duet “thought it was”. His delivery switches cleanly from smooth on the R&B sounding tracks and fierce on the alt-rock tracks. A little something for everyone. Poised to take 2022 by storm, I’m looking forward to hearing more and seeing more from dior this year and beyond.

Check out my favorite track “obvious”