Last week, the world received a gift from Kendrick Lamar in the form of a surprise record release. This week’s roundup also includes new tracks from Mitski, Rooney, Yuna and Usher, and VÉRITÉ. With the exception of Lamar, all of these artists have highly anticipated records coming out soon. Start listening ASAP.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjGB9hc5huk&w=560&h=315]
Earlier this week Mitski released one of her most enticing tracks to date with “Your Best American Girl,” which shows the grunge-pop singer-songwriter at ease with being unapologetically herself. With her latest single, she finds a sense of maturity in choosing herself over trying to be someone else for a guy.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGBsusXTCCg&w=560&h=315]
Six years since his last album under Rooney, Robert Schwartzman has returned with an anthemic power-pop anthem that’s reminiscent of the band’s 2003 debut. Pairing the perfect amount of California sunniness with the spirit of high school romance, this single just gets us excited for Rooney’s long-awaited new album.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQeMS7yHDhk&w=560&h=315]
Two musicians that I’d never expect to collaborate just did, and it’s pretty damn amazing. Yuna and Usher’s call-response vocals make for a sultry, R&B song that makes you wonder why these two haven’t worked together sooner. If Yuna wasn’t on your radar from her past two albums, her new tunes will definitely grab your attention.
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In a surprise turn of events, Kendrick Lamar dropped an unexpected record late last week with no warning. “Untitled 06” is a jazzy hip-hop number and an extremely satisfying follow-up to last year’s endlessly listenable To Pimp A Butterfly. You probably heard talk of Lamar dropping new tunes, but you might not have gotten a chance to listen. This one serves as a great starter for the album.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6SlM8SsxgU&w=560&h=315]
Pop newcomer VÉRITÉ knows how to make a great synth-pop song, and her latest, “Underdressed,” is no exception as she fights to make her lover stay for more than just the night. It’s dark, dreamy and seems to take the tone of her first single, “Strange Enough.”
