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Happy Global Release Day - also known as New Music Friday. Within the last month, we’ve had great new music from a multitude of artists, so let’s dive in and see what you might like:
Hardwicke Circus - “Hits A GoGo”
Following up on the release of their fantastic album Fly the Flag, the boys from Carlisle in the UK give us the catchy “Hits A GoGo”. The song shines with Byrd-like guitars and wonderful horns. Oh did I mention that there’s also backing vocals from legendary singers Nick Lowe and Graham Parker? So very cool!
The Collection - “Medication”
After discovering The Collection a couple of years ago, I’m excited to hear new music from them and “Medication” is one of the most moving songs I’ve ever heard. Inspired by lead singer David Wimbish processing his own mental health journey to become a healthier version of himself, the song is relatable and inspiring to so many people. Because we all deserve to be well.
Lydia Loveless - “Sex and Money”
Loveless is one of the best singer-songwriters coming out of the country-rock genre and has delivered another fantastic album full of breakups, struggles and heartbreak. You’d think you would come out feeling like shit, but you bond with her in the lyrics and music on each song. The driving groove of “Sex and Money” is my favorite on an album full of great songs. It’s a battle of wills - stick around, but know I’m also damaged goods.
Jamila Woods - “Wreckage Room”
A stunning work of self-analysis from the Chicago singer-songwriter-poet that I’ve admired for years. Focusing on the ins and outs of love, Woods has created a stunning tale through tempos and that soulful, gorgeous voice. “Wreckage Room” is heartbreaking and Woods delivers one of the most devastating lines ever - “Don’t feel sorry if you leave/Love don’t mean you’re saving me”.
The Marvelous 3 - “My Old School Metal Heart”
They’re back! After a successful solo career, Butch Walker put the band back together. You may remember The Marvelous 3 from their fantastic song, “Freak of the Week” (if not, go look it up - it’s a banger) and they’re back with more catchy ear candy. “My Old School Metal Heart” is a kick-ass retro sounding rock song that will make you roll the windows down, even with cooler temps.
Bad Bunny - “Where She Goes”
Bad Bunny pulled one on us, announcing at the beginning of the week that we’d get new music and he delivered. He’s delivering 22 songs on an album that will blow up around the world, all without bowing to any pressure of recording in English, just to reach others. He’s got a strong delivery of raps and vocals on each track and the music bounces between trap, 70s disco and reggae. The lead single “Where She Goes” is a smooth dance track with elements of EDM, reggaeton and house, while he sings about a girl he once met, wondering if he’ll ever see her again.
Sufjan Stevens - “My Red Little Fox”
It’s the closest we’ve gotten to a break-up album from Stevens. He’s sung about sadness before, but this is much more about his fixation on heartbreak. Fans of Stevens will hear elements from his previous releases all coming together on this one. “My Red Little Fox” is a sweet yet awkward break-up song that floats over a tender piano and shiny synths. On his latest, you’ll hear the tender picking from his quiet fazes and the scattered sounds of other albums. It’s all here and it works so well.
Brittany Howard - “What Now”
Good news everyone! Alabama Shakes front woman Brittany Howard has a new solo album coming out soon and if the first single is any indication, it’s gonna be funky, fun and full of emotion. The bass and drums keep you in your groove while the organ/keys add in a great Jimmy Smith vibe. With “What Now” you’ll want to dance in your kitchen but don’t forget that Howard is being brutally honest with not holding back.
Wilco - “Soldier Child”
Wilco dials up their experimental side on their latest Cousin, bringing in Welsh singer/performer Cate Le Bon to help out behind the board. Takes me back to the days of their Star Wars release with the band really exploring each musical space and taking chances. Yet it’s the pretty straightforward folksy song “Soldier Child” that stands out to me. It’s strummy feel still has a wooziness about it with enough synth in the background.
Teenage Fanclub - “It’s Alright”
The Scottish rock band has aged well - It’s been over 30 years since their groundbreaking release Bandwagonesque and the lads are showing no signs of slowing down. They’ve got the formula set on their latest Nothing Lasts Forever, strumming guitars, melodic content with warm harmonizing. “It’s Alright” has an easy, breezy feel to it with gorgeous harmonizing with enough backing keyboard to bring it all together.
Black Stone Cherry - "Smile, World"
If you need some heavy, hard rock to get your blood flowing, check out the latest from the Kentucky-based rock band, Black Stone Cherry. Their latest album, Screamin’ at the Sky, is full of heavy hooks, encouraging lyrics and soaring vocals. The evolution of their sound continues to head in a really great direction. It’s hard to choose my favorite, but I’ll go with “Smile, World” that has all the elements you’d want from this band. It reminds me why real, big rock and roll music still matters.
Holly Humberstone - “Ghost Me”
There’s a lot of traffic in the pop music world with so many artists getting lost in the shuffle. So let me elevate the latest album, Paint My Bedroom Black, from Holly Humberstone. Themes are very similar to other artists in the same genre, but what drew me into this album was Holly’s voice and how it plays so well with both the simple and the complex musical arrangements. Too many to pick from but I’ll go with “Ghost Me” with its Bon Iver feel musically and Gen Z lyrics. Pretty damn cool song.
boygenius - “Afraid of Heights”
The fantastic supergroup is back with a 4-song EP. The songs feel similar to what you’ve heard from their debut album, and that’s a good thing. Rich harmonies and beautiful melodies drive their songs. “Afraid of Heights” is the stand-out track with Lucy Dacus taking the lead on vocals. It’s a great coda to a great album in a great year for boygenius.
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