What a week for music– Mariah Carey was *finally* inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Beyoncé announced her new album, and we got some new Draaaaaake last night. So let’s not dawdle friends, let’s dive into this week’s top ten newbies:
The surprise album that took the world by storm is of course going to be on my list, because I absolutely waited up to listen to this as soon as it dropped. For the record, I’m in the camp of people who firmly believe this is a troll album, and I respect everything about the controversy this release is stirring up, I’m reveling in it even. The last two tracks, “Liability” and “Jimmy Cook’s”, felt like the Drake I was waiting to hear, so take it from me: skip the first twelve tracks. The album title pretty much sums up why.
SZA is back on my list again two weeks in a row. I didn’t feature this song last time but it deserves a shout out this week because it’s been on my mind and in my ears since it dropped. While I love “2AM” for its feminine take on PND’s “Come and See Me”, this song gives us something totally new and fresh to explore, and I discover more and more with each listen. Short, sweet, but poignant and full in and of itself.
Approximately 4 seconds into this song, I had my hands up, snapping, thinking to myself, “this sh*t kinda go.” This one gives us a very infectious beat matched with some impeccable flows. Well done, gentlemen. I believe this is one the kids will say just simply slaps.
This song has been on deck for me to listen to for a while but it just kept getting bumped to the backburner and Jon, I’m sorry. This track deserves better! Jon Vinyl just sounds like butter and it’s very easy to get lost in how he just floats along the song, especially as there’s no obvious climax, but the lyrics are sexy in their vulnerable honesty if you can just key in and really listen.
Chris Brown is unmistakable yet muted on this song and it just works. Truly, my favorite thing about this collaboration is that Chris doesn’t overpower the sound, which he is known to do, and while most of the time it is successful, it’s also predictable. But here he does the opposite and it only elevates the song. That’s the part of music I love most: being delightfully surprised.
First things first– this cover art is GORGEOUS. I like the subtle complexities of this song. There’s a lot of light vocal layers, a soft brass section, drums and a synth piano? Or is it actually some woodwind instruments? I’m no composer so don’t quote me on any of that, but what I do know is all those layers give the song depth without being overwhelming, so it’s both rooted and steady, all the while refreshing, too.
Ella Mai has had a tremendous career thus far, collaborating with some legendary producers, writers, and fellow music artists, and she really holds her own each time. And let me find out Mr. Kenneth Edmonds is out here keeping up with these young folks’ flows. This is a balanced pairing and I know they know that.
I’m new to the Raury wave so put me on, somebody! The production here intrigued me, the hook did its job and hooked me, and his flow about two and a half minutes in confirmed that I’m where I need to be. Let this song wash over your senses and crank out whatever it is you need to get off your plate today so you can enjoy your weekend.
A sobering song if I ever heard one. Bryson does what he does best here, give us a refrain and a melody memorable enough to feel like we know the whole song in one listen. Then Diddy gives us just enough to help us to reminisce on the days he was front and center in the studio, but it’s such a brief and humble entrance and soft fade out, I almost wanted more. Idk, I like that.
This song feels like the warm shower you take on a chill gloomy morning to wake you up for the day. There’s nothing in particular you need to accomplish today, but you get up anyway because it makes you feel purposeful– determined to get somewhere but actually not pressured to.
Click above for the playlists on your streaming service of choice. I update those each week just for you! Send me the songs I missed this time around or let me know if you’re rocking with any of my picks. See ya next week ✌🏼
-T