On a relatively down week for pop music, this week features new albums from Drake and Florence and the Machine, as well as singles from Years & Years, Charli XCX, Bad Bunny, One Republic, and a Sean Paul EP.
The Rub:
Singles
- Charli XCX is the gift that keeps on giving. This week’s doubleheader is “Focus” and “No Angel”. “Focus” is an upbeat track, featuring that signature AG Cook production. Handclaps and digital distortion, with an easily learned chorus. It’s one of Charli’s strongest. “No Angel” is more R&B tinged, and one of my absolute FAVORITES this year. It’s got a bit singing, with Charli sliding up to her falsetto in the pre-chorus. The song is about a very naughty Charli admitting to her devilish ways but offering to change.
- Years and Years continues to preview Palo Santo (honestly they need to release it already) but “All for You” is a dancefloor banger. Olly precious, seductive voice is best at work over a thumping EDM ballad. With his steadfast commitment creating queer imagery with his lyrics, what’s not love. The song is lyrically in line with their darker tinged songs released year, with the production harkening their earlier songs like “King“. It’s an incredibly fun track.
- Ever since OneRepublic ditched the album format in 2016, they’ve been releasing increasingly better music. Although “No Vacancy” may be Ryan Tedder’s magnum opus (fight me about it) Connection takes the band’s signature gospel sound and features Ryan singer about seeking a human “Connection”. It’s a timely reflection of looking for “the old me”, and I can see this one going over well with the GP.
- Ceaselessly upbeat DJ Jonas Blue, and the second-hottest Jonas (Joe) team up for the kids’ movie soundtrack slapper that this year needed. Step aside “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”, here comes “I See Love”. It’s your standard disco-tinged, hand-clapping song that will have you and your grandmother dipping on the dancefloor. Don’t pay too close attention to the lyrics, though, they’re like a Kids Bop fantasy, but we don’t need this song to be lyrically significant, thank God.
- Bad Bunny, one of the best rappers out right now just released his most Drake-sounding song “Estamos Bien”, which is arguably a smart move for the young Puerto Rican
daddyartist. And with his skyrocketing fame, I’m sure he and his posse have every reason to be grateful sing ‘estamos bien’. It’s a remarkably softer touch than his usual heavier trap songs, giving off much more casual, high vibes, a welcomed display of versatility for the rapper. We stan.
Albums
- Drake, obviously. My review of that incredibly long album (ugh) will be featured here soon. It’s a bit telling that listening to his album is a bit of a chore…Check back later. For now, my favorite songs from Scorpion are on this week’s playlist.
- Sean Paul is coming for EDGES this week. His EP Mad Love features Migos, Ellie Goulding, Jhene Aiko, Major Lazer, Tory LAnez, and Stefflon Don. Plus those collabs with Dua Lipa and diamond certified artist Beck G. Let’s be honest, Sean Paul’s music doesn’t warrant literary critique, but you’ll still find the best songs in the playlist!
- Florence and the Machine released “High as Hope” and I’m excited to listen and explore what this amazing vocalist has been doing. Support her please! Review coming soon. Look at this legend supporting another Legend (and let’s not forget about her “Take Care” cover)
It’s wonderful to be putting music out into the world on the same day as you @Drake.
This is us back on our 1st.
Congratulations on your 5th, honoured to share my 4th birthday with you x x pic.twitter.com/C5uuskM9S0— florence welch (@flo_tweet) June 29, 2018
Dis-honorable Mention:
- Since there wasn’t much astoundingly crappy music this week, I’ll use this space to formally call out Ariana Grande for WASTING everyone’s time with “The Light is Coming” and using her relationship with her allegedly well-endowed boyfriend as a SMOKESCREEN so we’ll forget about her horrible single. The album is still two months away, which is ridiculous, and this egregious affront to pop music will not soon be forgotten! Look at these headlines! NONE of them are about music. I’m glad she’s happy with her fiance, but seriously, this is all just a ploy. Give us good music or stay indoors, Ariana!
eardnov 