New Music Report - Week of January 15th

Happy Monday! Kickstart your week (and 2018) ahead by checking out all of the new music that has just been released in this roundup of new songs, new albums, and new artists that you need to be listening to. 

From new albums from Camila Cabello and BØRNS, to new songs from Troye Sivan and Black Eyed Peas, to new collaborations from Carrie Underwood & Ludacris and Hailee Steinfeld & BloodPop, to our expert picks, take a look at this week's New Music Report.

NEW RELEASES

Camila Cabello - Camila

Almost a year after her departure from Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello has made the full circle transition to a solo pop star with the release of her self-titled debut album, Camila. Fueled by the release of her smash single, “Havana,” the short and sweet set clocks in at just 11 tracks and hears the starlet spreading her wings without her former singing sisters. Full of mid-tempo cuts, the collection hears Cabello singing a happier tune than what was initially set to be the direction for her debut. Despite not having the creative control that she wanted as a bandmate in 5H, the singer was able to explore her voice and vulnerability in ways that is brand-new for her artistry. See: “Havana” and “Into It"

Camila Cabello - 'CAMILA'

Troye Sivan - "My My My!"

After doing his fair share of teasing, Troye Sivan's new single, "My My My!" and its accompanying music video has been released, and the comeback track serves as the pop star's new declaration of love and freedom. Produced by Ozgo (Britney Spears, Taylor Swift), "My My My" is a dance cut that is intended to keep you on your feet with consistent synth, heavy vocoder effects on the chorus, and most importantly, the essence of free-spirited romance. It was written by Ozgo, Leland, James Alan Ghaleb and Sivan himself. "Oh my, my, my!/ I die every night with you/ Oh my, my, my!/ Living for your every move," he sings on the chorus. In a press release for the single, the YouTuber-turned-chart-topper revealed the track is meant to help you move the way your body wants you to move. "'My My My!' is a song of liberation, freedom and love," the 22-year-old said. "Throw all inhibition to the wind, be present in your body, love wholeheartedly, move the way you’ve always wanted to, and dance the way you feel- hopefully to this song!"

Hailee Steinfeld & BloodPop - "Capital Letters"

BloodPop continues on with his pop takeover and a new contribution to the soundtrack to the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, and it features Hailee Steinfeld. After the release of Rita Ora and Liam Payne surprising “Your Song,” "For You" keeps the urge for romance high as the pop star delivers a number meant for the dark clubs. Combining the pulsating bass and Seinfeld's glistening vocal performance is pleasant and perfectly suited for this kind of franchise. “For worse or for better, gonna give it to you in capital letters," she coos. Fifty Shades Freed hits theaters nationwide on February 9.

Marshmello x Lil Peep - "Spotlight"

Lil Peep still lives on in his new collaboration with Marshmello called "Spotlight," which dropped last Friday, and hears the talents combining forces for a track about enduring heartbreak. Even though the released version isn’t the final product of the late rapper’s contribution to the team-up, the EDM heavyweight has released it anyways with the intention of keeping the MC’s legacy alive for his family and friends. It feels like heartbreak from beginning to end. "Peep brought an excitement to music that was unparalleled to anybody I’ve ever met," Marshmello said in a statement. "We started an idea together, that unfortunately we were never able to officially finish together. When I listen to this track now I get chills wishing he could hear it. This record is dedicated to Peep’s mother, family, friends and his fans. [Peep] will live forever through his music and that is something we should all be extremely thankful for.” In addition to the release of the song, Peep’s mother, Liza Womack, unveiled an excerpt of a 2013 high school essay written by the rapper. "In my life I find [cultural resistance] very important and vital to me growing as a person, because my art will always grow with me. If someone were to limit the growth of my art and ideas, I wouldn’t be able to express who I am the way I want to,” he wrote.

Eminem featuring 2 Chainz & Phresher - "Chloraseptic (Remix)"

Eminem has released his "Chloraseptic (Remix)" featuring 2 Chainz and Phresher. Minutes into the new version of Em's REVIVAL track, many fans started speculating if his bars were aimed at anyone specific...like Joe Budden. When Em's latest album was released, Budden was one of the first people to proudly say that he didn't like it. The former “Everyday Struggle” co-host even called it wack. Not only did Budden say that on his podcast, but he also repeatedly said it on REVOLT TV's "This Year Was Dope/Trash." The interesting thing about this is that Budden signed to Em's Shady Records imprint in 2011. So, it was surprising for Budden to diss someone who was so close to him and who did so much for him. On Twitter, D12 bandmate Bizarre later confirmed that Slim Shady was, indeed, talking to the controversial hip hop figure for dissing his latest project. And believe us when we tell you, Em didn’t bite his tongue. Not once.

Carrie Underwood featuring Ludacris - "The Champion"

Finally! Some new Carrie Underwood music! Carrie's new material comes in the form of an inspiring song called "The Champion," for NBC'S upcoming Super Bowl LII show open (as well as included in the network's 2018 Olympic Winter Games coverage), and it features rapper Ludacris. "The Champion" features motiving lyrics as Carrie sings in the chorus, "I am invincible, unbreakable/Unstoppable, unshakeable/They knock me down, I get up again/I am the champion, you’re gon’ know my name/You can’t hurt me now, I can’t feel the pain/I was made for this, yeah, I was born to win/I am the champion."

In a press release, Carrie explains of the song, "When we were writing 'The Champion,' our main focus was to celebrate athletes at the top of their game, but we also wanted the song to resonate with people in their everyday lives. We hope the lyrics will inspire people to push themselves beyond their limits to conquer anything they are trying to accomplish or overcome. There’s a champion in every single one of us!"

Jay Rock featuring Kendrick Lamar, James Blake & Future - "King's Dead"

DAMN. This new Black Panther soundtrack already sounds like FIRE. Being curated and executive produced by the one and only Kendrick Lamar, we’ve already heard the rapper’s track with SZA called “All The Stars” and a snippet of Lamar and Vince Staples’s track. Now, we have Jay Rock’s “King’s Dead.” As soon as you hear the beat on this, you’ll instantly know that the track is nassttyyy. It definitely fits the Black Panther movie with its gritty production and its hot bars from Lamar, James Blake and Future. This combination makes “King’s Dead” one of the meanest tracks we’ve heard in the New Year, thus far.

Jack White - "Connected By Love"

Jack White fans have been anxiously awaiting for the musician to release his third full-length solo album, and they are now one step closer. White has released a brand new single called "Connected By Love," and it's the first taste of his new record BOARDING HOUSE REACH, along with another newly released track called "Respect Commander." Jack's new single is explanatory as he sings about the fact that in some way, despite the many differences between everyone in the world, we are all "Connected by Love." In the chorus, he sings, "'Cause I know we're connected by love/Yes, I know we're connected, connected, connected by love/Yeah, I wanna be directed by your love/Connected by love." Read more about "Connected By Love" HERE.

Black Eyed Peas - "STREET LIVIN'"

It’s been eight years since Black Eyed Peas released a body of work. The group has had massive success in pop music, over the years, but things are now being switched up, since Fergie is no longer in the group. Black Eyed Peas just released a new video for their track "STREET LIVIN'" and it’s very socially conscious. The visual takes aim at the prison system complex, police brutality, and racism, as it shows photos of historical moments such as Dr. Martin Luther King kneeling during a protest and more. This new track and video is definitely needed now. Respect to the group for recognizing this and using their voice to speak about something more than just catchy, pop music ideas. Speaking for social change, that’s real hip hop.

Fall Out Boy - "Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)"

Fall Out Boy's seventh studio album M A N I A is finally almost here, and a week before its official release, the guys have shared a new song from the record called "Wilson (Expensive Mistakes)." And along with the track is a funny infomercial style music video, selling things like "holy miracle water," "crap in a bottle," a throwback outfit of Pete Wentz's, and even the dancing llamas that keep popping up in all of the band's M A N I A visuals. The song itself combines the electronic elements that Fall Out Boy has been experimenting with on this new album, with their pop/rock sound. 

Carnage featuring Mac Miller & MadeinTYO - "Learn How To Watch"

Carnage previously dropped joint projects with Young Thug and G-Eazy. Now, he’s giving us some more heat with his new track “Learn How To Watch” featuring Mac Miller and MadeinTYO. Miller spits on the beat: “I’m a beast, I’m a dog, I’m a canine / See the way I make her go down like a bass line/ Back when I was just a youngin’, didn’t have me nothin’ / Always up to somethin’ / Started gettin’ money / Now I’m off and runnin’.” Along with his usual “ooh” and “skrt skrt” adlibs, Tokyo adds, “Stack up my guap / Weight in the pot/ Rubbin’ the spot / Learn how to watch.”

Enrique Iglesias featuring Bad Bunny - "EL BAÑO"

New year, new music from Enrique Iglesias ... and it's steamy. Enrique's new single is called "EL BAÑO,"which translates to "the bathroom" or "the bathtub." See what we mean when we say steamy? No? Well, then take a look at the music video. It involves a gorgeous model, Enrique, a bathtub, and a lot of skin ... if you catch our drift. "EL BAÑO" also features Latin recording artist Bad Bunny, who was recently just nominated for an iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Latin Artist.

BØRNS - Blue Madonna

BØRNS' sophomore album, Blue Madonna, is out and the collection sees the 26-year-old alt pop singer combining forces with Lana Del Rey on a set that hears him making his way through the stages of a breakup. Needless to say, it can be a heavy listen. Produced entirely by Tommy English, who worked with the singer on his debut album, the 12-song collection begins with his recently-released LDR collab, "God Save Our Young Blood” and sifts through topics like trajectory of heartbreak, sleepless nights and those feelings when all isn't mutual. See: "God Save Our Young Blood” and “Supernatural."

BØRNS - 'Blue Madonna'

Ansel Elgort - "Supernova"

Following the success of Baby Driver, Ansel Elgort is back in the music game with a brand new single called "Supernova," along with its accompanying music video, directed by award-winning director Colin Tilley (Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar). Over a trap beat, Ansel sings in the chorus, "I met you in California/You told me you loved him in Georgia/Your heart's in the ground frozen over/My heart's in the sky supernova." In a statement, Ansel said of the song:

"With 'Supernova' I made something that I knew I'd want to hear. Finally for the first time with my music it really feels like it's really coming from me. I was able to let my subconscious take over and never second-guess any artistic impulse while writing. I wrote this song behind the mic in the booth in the same session Scott Storch and Angel Lopez laid down the production. We were able to vibe off each other while Scott, Angel and I continued to tweak the production during the singing and writing process. Mostly this song was done in one session. I'm especially excited about my music project at this moment. Can't wait to share more of the new stuff."

Noah Kahan & Julia Michaels – "Hurt Somebody"

Noah Kahan has returned with another version of "Hurt Somebody" and the duet rendition features Julia Michaels. After Matoma's reimagining of the cut, Kahan's duet explores the layers of vulnerable love. "Taking it slowly, I'm afraid to be lonely/ Nobody told me, it’s harder than I thought to tell the truth," he sings on the cut. "Unbelievably excited and honored to have the incredible Julia Michaels on this song with me. She is high among the greatest songwriters working and one of the best artists around. To have her on this song is a privilege, she brought this track to the next level, and I hope you love it as much as I do,” Kahan wrote on Facebook. 

Hunter Hayes - "This Girl"

Prepare your cold, icy heart to melt, because Hunter Hayes's new song "This Girl" will do exactly that. "This Girl" was co-written by Hunter, Jordan Schmidt, Andy Albert and Jessie Jo Dillon, and is about the love of your life (in this case, it's Hunter's longtime girlfriend makeup artist Libby Barnes). The chorus is full of sweet lyrics like, "How lucky am I that I get to love this girl?/I get to see that side of her that no one knows but me/She's a one of a kind/It's a one and a million chance that I would find her hand in mine/It's crazy I'm the lucky guy, the guy that gets to love this girl."

In a press release, Hunter said of the song, "'This Girl' was such a fun song to write. Musically, going back to the roots of stuff I grew up listening to, and, lyrically, highlighting that side of someone that you only get to see when you've known each other for a while and how special those moments can be."

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE WEEK: GoldLink

GoldLink

In 2014, GoldLink released his debut mixtape The God Complex, and in 2015 he released his second mixtape, And After That, We Didn't Talk. In 2017, he released his debut full-length album At What Cost. This year, 2018 is shaping up to be an exciting time as he's nominated for a Grammy for the record's hit song "Crew" for (Best Rap/Sung Performance), as well as an iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Hip Hop Artist.

Real name D'Anthony Carlos, GoldLink is from Washington, DC, and began making music after graduating high school. Following his critically acclaimed first mixtape, he linked up with Rick Rubin for his second mixtape. Eventually, the recording artist landed a record deal with RCA Records, and last year released his first full-length album. 

At What Cost includes 14 tracks, including features from artists like Jazmine Sullivan, Kaytranada, Wale, Radiant Children, Mya, Shy Glizzy, Ciscero, and more. The album's lead single "Crew," which featured Brent Faiyaz and Shy Glizzy, went Platinum in the US and hit No. 2 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart -- and snagged GoldLink a Grammy nom this year.

GoldLink will be touring in Australia in the spring, as well as perform at the 2018 Governor's Ball in New York City in June. And most recently, the 24-year-old teamed up with Craig David on the British singer/songwriter's newly released song "Live In The Moment," which is featured on his new album The Time Is Now.

EXPERT PICKS

Nicole's Picks:

Dan + Shay - "Tequila"

Country duo Dan + Shay have such a way with words. Their 2016 single "From The Ground Up" melted hearts across the country, and this year they've managed to work their magic again on a song called "Tequila," and it's not the drinking song that you might imagine. Now, I'm not one for tequila (unless it's in my margarita), but I am loving this song and the message behind it. The duo took the idea that people can have certain memories that are linked to certain things, like tequila. So when you smell tequila or taste tequila, you're brought right back to that memory, and in this case it's a former relationship. Genius. 

In the song, the guys sing, "But when I taste tequila, baby I still see ya/Cutting up the floor in a sorority T-Shirt/The same one you wore when we were/Sky high in Colorado, your lips pressed against the bottle/Swearing on a Bible, baby, I'd never leave ya/I remember how bad I need ya, when I taste tequila."

Moon Taxi - "Not Too Late"

Moon Taxi is about to drop their Let The Record Play album in less than a week, and in anticipation of the release, the band shared a new song called "Not Too Late." The hopeful song reflects on the past, but looks ahead to the future as Moon Taxi frontman Trevor Terndrup sings, "I'd give anything to hear you tell me, it's not too late."

On social media, the band wrote of their new song, "'Not Too Late' was the last song we wrote for this album. It was a phrase that came up a lot while we were recording because we had so much creative freedom in the studio. It's about where we are as band. Pushing ourselves to escape insecurities and pressure, trying to deliver our best work yet 10 years in."

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @NicoleMastr0

James' Picks:

Slenderbodies - "Pink Hue"

After the release of singles, “Lucid” and “Amensia,” Slenderbodies have unleashed their accompany EP, Fabulist Extended, and the five-track set features one atmospheric highlight called “Pink Hue.” Four cuts into the collection, Max and Ben concoct an airy ode to that one love. Atop layers of shinning guitar rifts and falsettos, the sensual R&B-charged track is perfect for setting the mood. Fabulist Extended serves as the follow-up to last spring’s Fabulist EP via Majestic Casual. You can catch the budding LA-based duo on the road with Passion Pit during select dates on their North American tour. 

Rylic Zander - "Juvenile"

Halfway into Rylic Zander’s PrettyUgly, you’ll find a moody banger titled “Juvenile” that hears the act spitting rapid bars atop trap-charged production. It’s menacing and yet still inviting — a common attribute that appears throughout the rest of the LP. Recorded at the start of November 2016, the project kicked off with one song intended to get him past a heartbreak. It turned into several songs about discomfort. PrettyUgly collaborators include executive producer KT Got Beats and engineer Josh Sellers (the same engineer behind N.E.R.D's latest self-titled album). "There are #prettyugly things that happen in life,” he wrote on Facebook, referencing the title of the set. "It's up to us to decide if they are pretty, or if they are ugly.”

Follow James on Twitter: @newyorkinstinct

Rylic Alexander - 'PrettyUgly'

Isha's Picks:

SZA featuring Wale - "The Weekend (Remix)"

Wale just added his own poetic spin to SZA’s hot “The Weekend” single. The track is a fan-favorite for all of the TDE vocalist’s fans. So, we were more than excited when we discovered that such a dope lyricist as Wale brought new life to the song. On this remix, Wale answered all of SZA’s previously unanswered questions. "I'm just trying to see quality over quantity/I'm just trying to say I be trying to live honestly/I'm just trying to say when you be sending nudes, I turn into Pookie in New Jack—that s**t be calling me," rhymes Wale. "Why you want me when you got a girl?" Vibe out to the new “The Weekend (Remix)” ASAP.

Dave East – "On God"

Dave East made his very first drop of 2018 with “On God.” As the Harlem MC described it in the track’s opening, East decided to “put out something before this s**t drop." And by “this s**t,” he means the follow-up to his Paranoia EP last year, which is Paranoia 2. This new project is dropping on Tuesday (Jan. 16) and his fans are more than ready. So, to prep them even more for it’s release, East blessed us with “On God” first. Jahlil Beats and Nick Paps produced it. On the beat, East is in his purest, realest form as he raps about his come up. “Them n**gas with you they ain't riding right/ Ain't got no time to hate on nobody I got a life,” he raps. “B**ch I'm on the Forbes list for real/ Mazzetti or the Porche just to chill.” Peep the bars here.

Follow Isha on Twitter: @IshaThorpe


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content