Lately, I’ve found myself on a BIG music kick. All I want to do is listen to music, write music, dance to music, music, music, MUSIC! I can feel a large influx of diverse music on the horizon as artists begin to share the work they started during quarantine, and I am so excited! In celebration of this oncoming renaissance, I’ve decided to give you a short reference list of some of my favorite releases so far. They’re in no particular order and they CERTAINLY aren’t everything- but we’ve got to start somewhere right? So let’s go!
1. HAPPY GIRL- JENSEN MCRAE
Jensen Mcrae is one of my favorite artists right now. Her voice has so much range from soft falsettos to rich lower tones. She sings with an intangible warmth that just makes everything she releases tingle at the edge of your skin, and this song is no exception. It’s a real raw portrayal of trying to hide your real emotions to fit what others want of you. Mcrae’s brilliant use of strings shines in this song, and her voice floats perfectly with them. I anxiously await her upcoming album- Are You Happy Now? out on March 22 (which may have passed by the time you read this!)
2. All I ever asked- rachel chinouriri
You might remember Rachel Chinouriri from one of her first viral sounds on TikTok- a snippet of her song so my darling. That snippet is only a fraction of Rachel’s musical prowess. All I Ever Asked is a beautifully executed “upbeat music, sad lyrics” song that had me switching between dancing around my room and swaying contemplatively. There’s a perfect balance between this classic pop sound and techno/electronic influence in the background. This is the kind of song you scream in your car on the way home, the sun setting to your side. I’ve had it on repeat since it came out. THANK YOU RACHEL!
3. Gasoline- The Weeknd
This is a pick that I love because of its experimental nature. It’s The Weeknd, but it’s also something new. (The Weeknd is no stranger to trying something new) I think the mark of an artist that really loves their work is a release that makes their audience go, “Wait? What are we doing right now?” An album or single that shows the artist branching out and fearlessly creating. When it works, it works, and in this song, it WORKS. I also happen to be a fan of the work of MGMT, which this album- Dawn FM– reminds me a lot of. I generally feel that a lot of music this year is going to be implementing the use of electronic sound and synth, so listen to this song and keep track. Let’s see if I’m right.
4. Should’ve Been Me- MItski
I’ve already written an entire ARTICLE about Mitski’s newest album Laurel Hell, but I couldn’t write this one without mentioning her again. She’s just SO GOOD. To quote myself:
“This song, first of all, is well placed in the album. After such a sobering, accepting simple song as There’s Nothing Left Here For You, this more upbeat song with lyrics that are much more biting and regretful. It is once again this acceptance of the situation she’s left herself and her previous lover in, but in a much more guilty and at some points bitter tone. I love all the detail in this song. I feel as if there’s always a new instrumental line or short piece to find every time you listen. I also shouldn’t have to tell you that I love songs with dance-y music but sad lyrics”
Mitski’s work is so painfully beautiful it’s mind-blowing. LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN.
5. King- FLorence + THe Machine
This song is a pure work of art. The musical interludes cut into you with a soft blade. Florence’s voice could break down walls with a whisper. The lyrics masterfully communicate the reality of being a woman and especially a woman who commits herself to an untraditional life path. I almost feel that nothing I can say can explain how this song makes you feel. It is so gut-wrenchingly amazing. I wish I could get in a time machine and teleport to May 13th so that their album Dance Fever would be out already.
6. UnRavel- Callmemaj ft. james amaker iii
This song actually features two local artists at Winthrop Univerisity! I’ve followed Maj’s work for a long time and I’ve been extremely proud of what he’s done. This song is probably my favorite release of his. The guitar in it is so awesome it’s nearly addicting. I find myself humming it all the time. Maj and James’ voices blend so perfectly within the song and where they choose to place each of their vocals is so well done. It’s a certified jumping around your room, head up and down, arms swinging, don’t care who’s watching type of song. And, as you’ve learned I love, an “upbeat music, not upbeat lyrics” type of song. These two artists are without a doubt people to watch this year. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it!
7. Doppleganger- Joshua BAssett
Joshua Bassett has released a few songs recently that are so incredibly vulnerable. I’m truly appreciating this wave of songs coming out that are just raw experiences. I know Bassett gets some criticism that his songs are too simple, but I don’t see that as a detriment. Some feelings are so specific and personal that pushing them into metaphors wouldn’t feel right. Not every song has to be analytical. Sometimes saying exactly what’s on your heart is what conveys the truth the best. The truth is what creates great art.
8. Celebrity skin- Doja cat
Ok, so yes, this is a cover- BUT… it’s a really good cover. Doja Cat is one of those artists that is blessed with a voice that fits into ANY genre. It’s incredible! She can really sing anything. Her voice fits into this song like a glove and I’m really hoping to get more gritty music from her. If you’ve seen the pop-rock cover of Say So she did in 2020, you know exactly what I’m waiting for.
9. Make of it- half-alive
I have yet to listen to the entire album this song is from, (Give Me Your Shoulders Pt.1), but this song scratches such an itch in my brain. Something half-alive seems to always get right is the central beat. The percussion in the back grabs onto you with both hands and takes you for a ride. All you want to do is break into contemporary dance and let every emotion you’ve ever felt burst out in fractured movements. It’s an amazing track to start the rest of the album with and I can’t wait to hear more of it!
10. Naked in Manhattan- chappell roan
I discovered Chappell with her song Pink Pony Club and I played that song for days after the first listen. This song puts a pop spin on the nerves that come with someone’s first sapphic experience. The complexities of figuring out is this just a friendship? Do they like me? Do I even know what I want? A million questions! Chappell’s production is reminiscent of Marina And The Diamonds and I love, love, love it. She’ll be touring with Olivia Rodrigo for a bit and I’m so excited to see what else she has in store for us.
I hope this list gives you a headstart!
I hope you take this list and go deep dive into some of my favorite releases from the beginning of this year. I’m so ready for this year in music! Are you?