Saturday 16 February 2019

New Music Friday 15/02/19

Cardi B & Bruno Mars - Please Me

Cardi B & Bruno Mars - Please Me

Cardi won big at the Grammy's last week but there's no pausing for breath. She's back with another new single, bringing Bruno Mars along for the ride following last year's Finesse. There's something of a gender flip to this song that I am all for: female rapper in the verses, male vocalist in the chorus. Mars sounds positively orgasmic, while Cardi is sexually aggressive in her verses - "dinner reservations like the pussy you're gon' eat out". The sexy 90s production ensures this all remains palatable, but you'll need a cold shower afterwards.

Add to playlist.



Jessie Ware - Adore You

Jessie Ware - Adore You

Jessie Ware returned last year with the house vibes of Overtime, her first new track since the release of third album 'Glasshouse' the year before. For Adore You she returns to the club, co-written and produced by Metronomy's Joe Mount. There's a bit of a modern Robyn flavour, but Ware's cooing, breathless vocals shine in the romantic chorus.

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Maisie Peters - Stay Young

Maisie Peters - Stay Young

On paper, cutesy singer songwriter Maisie Peters is little more than a John Lewis Christmas ad singer. But Stay Young has a fun pop feel in its ode to youth and growing up, held together by that "stay young" hook. She's set for big things this year and this track sets her up for chart and radio success apart from her previous folky beginnings.

Worth a listen.



YUNGBLUD with Halsey feat. Travis Barker - 11 Minutes

YUNGBLUD with Halsey feat. Travis Barker - 11 Minutes

Halsey lends her vocals to this emo alt-rock track from Doncaster's YUNGBLUD. 11 Minutes is a tragic duet full of contradictions - "you're the best I've ever had / you're the worst I've ever had" - that reflects the confusion of love. It wouldn't be a stretch to see this climbing up the charts, triggering a return to nu-metal.

Worth a listen.



Zedd & Katy Perry - 365

Zedd & Katy Perry - 365

If Katy Perry wanted to make a splash, she should've come back with a decent pop banger. Instead, she sings on this flat, tired Zedd track that will go nowhere.

Don't bother.



Chaka Khan - Like A Lady

Chaka Khan - Like A Lady

The second song to be released from Chaka Khan's new album 'Hello Happiness', this is classy and timeless. Futuristic swishes and synths rub shoulders with an infectious disco beat, string stabs and that incredible vocal. Listen to the rest of the album for more sexy space disco.

Worth a listen.



Foals - On The Luna

Foals - On The Luna

On The Luna follows the well received Exits as indicative of Foals' forthcoming double album. The chugging, rhythmic guitars will have you dancing like few rock songs, the time signature changes will keep you on your toes, and the twinkling synths will have you ascending to the stars. Foals are sounding as strong as ever on this new material.

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Avril Lavigne feat. Nicki Minaj - Dumb Blonde

Avril Lavigne feat. Nicki Minaj - Dumb Blonde

After the honesty of her comeback single Head Above Water, this just reeks of desperation: simultaneously a reminder of her punk-pop beginnings while trying to stay relevant, playing with - yet relying on - outdated stereotypes.

Don't bother.



Years & Years, MNEK - Valentino

Years & Years, MNEK - Valentino

Two queer icons of pop collaborating on a gay pop song about "fuck boys", with a title perfectly timed for this week. It's a fun bop, especially with the Spanish guitars, even if it doesn't quite live up to the best of their individual work.

Worth a listen.



Lizzo - Cuz I Love You

Lizzo - Cuz I Love You

This might not have a flute solo, but this soulful new love song proves the power of Lizzo's vocals unashamedly.

Worth a listen.