Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, as I've written many times before. It's a time we don't need to worry about buying gifts or rushing to church or decorating the house. All we need to do, besides cook and eat, is step back, take a look at what we've got in our lives, and be thankful. Though it seems this year, both as a society and for me personally, it's difficult to weigh through the muck and strife and find things to be thankful for, but they're there. I'm going to save my personal thanks for the big day tomorrow, but for now, I am thankful for the colors of life, the diversity among us, and like in this song, I want to make a toast to all our differences...
Here's a nice, smooth and new collaboration between Grammy nominated British singer with production masters Rudimental. The song is called Something About You and it's got a chill vibe with easy-breezy disco sounds and smooth vocals. Check it out...
There's something about this song that's just so likable to me. Between the African/Island-flavored rhythms and vocals and its beautiful message, to me it is one perfect song for utopia! Check out Rudimental and Toast To Our Differences...
Here's a song I spotlighted from last week's crop of great new music, a nice easygoing dancehall collaboration between Rudimental and Major Lazer and featuring the rich, soulful voice of Anne-Marie and a little bit of rap flavor with Mr. Eazi. Check out Let Me Live...
I knew within the first half-hour or so during my discovery of New Music Fridays on Spotify that this was going to be a special week. There are so many great tunes in this week's crop of new music that I could have highlighted twenty of them. Alas, most of the ones I really liked are indeed found within, either in music form or as an honorable mention. Man this week's going to give me long periods of music pleasure! Check it out...
Dance to This - Troye Sivan, Ariana Grande
One of the most exciting new tunes of the week comes in the form of a brand new collaboration by two of today's hottest stars, Troye Sivan and Ariana Grande. With pulsating rhythms and soft, sensual vocals, this one's already on fire. Check out Dance to This...
Bed - Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande appears as a vocalist on not one, but two new tunes by other artists this week, and both tunes are kind of on the softer side of things. This one, from Minaj's upcoming Queen, is steamy and from the looks of it, the video is gonna be too. Check out Bed...
Growing Pains - Alessia Cara
This new song by talented young Alessia Cara is our first new taste of what's to come from the singer's sophomore album, and by the sounds of it, it's going to be good. Check out Growing Pains...
I'm a Mess - Bebe Rexha
Brooklyn born singer Bebe Rexha has got a new tune out and it's drawing comparisons to Meredith Brooks' I'm a Bitch. Check out the similarities between the songs on Billboard, and in the meantime check out I'm a Mess...
Let Me Live - Rudimental, Anne-Marie, Major Lazer, Mr. Eazi
This star-studded collaboration by Rudimental and Major Lazer has got a sweet, reggae-tinged sound and with Anne-Marie's vocals, this one's outta the park. Check out Let Me Live...
Maria - Christina Aguilera
By far the best song I've heard so far from Christina's new record is this soulful piece of joy. Check out the beautiful Maria...
Just My Type - The Vamps
It's really a shame that Brit band The Vamps don't get more attention here in the States. They've got a pop sensibility that's really always spot on, with songs that are always catchy, always fun, including this new track. Check out a live performance of Just My Type...
Blurry Eyes - Hotel Garuda, RUNN
Here's yet another song I couldn't resist spotlighting here. You know I love dance music and this one is funky! Check out Blurry Eyes...
As promised, here are plenty of other new tunes for you to check out. They're all stellar in their own way.
Don't Sleep - Chromeo, French Montana, Stefflon Don
Here's a new African-inspired jam by Dutch musical act Rudimental. Happy song, great message! Kinda reminds me of Soul II Soul. Check out Toast To Our Differences...
Other than the release of Shawn Mendes' new album. this week's crop of new music is mostly from artists not usually found on this posting. I only chose four songs to share, but there are lots of honorable mentions below, so check it out...
Nervous - Shawn Mendes
The big story of the week is the release of Shawn Mendes' eponymous third studio album, and I would think that anyone who pays attention to pop music would say that the young impresario is firing on all cylinders. Yes, Mr. Mendes has the keenest of sensibilities when it comes to creating songs with universal appeal, and the album will not disappoint. One of my favorites from the new set is this catchy and cute song about, well, being nervous at meeting somebody new. Check out Nervous...
Bracelet - Lauv
Now I've had my eye, and ear, on American singer Lauv ever since he provided guest vocals on DJ Snake's A Different Way. He's been releasing a few songs lately, all of which I've sadly neglected to share, and his newest, Bracelet, shows exactly why you should check him out. Have a listen...
Rise - Jonas Blue, Jack & Jack
British deejay/producer Jonas Blue has always made pleasant, pop-oriented dance tunes and his latest, with pop duo Jack & Jack, is more of the same. Check out Rise...
Toast to our Differences - Rudimental, Shungudzo, Protoje, Hak Baker
British music makers Rudimental have released a song with Shungudzo, Protoje, and Hak Baker that celebrates diversity in a world music jam that's simply awesome. Check out Toast to our Differences...
Okay, so here are four nice new music tunes for you to check out this week. If you'd like to hear some more, check out these honorable mentions and stay tuned for next week's New Music Fridays in the meantime...
I'll Be Your Reason - Illenium
No Place - Rufus Du Sol
Fallingwater - Maggie Rogers
Only Can Get Better - Silk City, Diplo, Mark Ronson, Daniel Merriweather
Better For It - Riley Clemmons
Graffiti - CHVRCHES
Entertainer - Zayn
Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way - U2, Cheat Codes
Australian singer Thandi Phoenix recently teamed up with the Brits from Rudimental to create this nice pop tune with a killer hook. Check out My Way...
Here's a fresh track from British drum and bass band Rudimental. The tune features the vocals of Macklemore and Jess Glynne and is as sweet as it is romantic. Check out These Days...
Oh man, there were a lot of new songs released this past week! I spent no less than two hours combing through all the new music tracks on Spotify's New Music Fridays. Surprisingly, there weren't too many tunes I bookmarked, but the ones I did will be on my playlist for a long time, I am sure. Exciting new stuff here, folks especially the debut of Kylie Monogue's Dancing and new stuff by Troye Sivan and The Chainsmokers, among others. So let's get right to it...
Dancing - Kylie Minogue
After what seemed like an eternity, Aussie superstar Kylie Minogue is back with a brand new song from a forthcoming album called Golden. The song is not as immediately memorable as the debut to her last album, Kiss Me Once's Into the Blue, but the mid-tempo tune is Kylie through and through nonetheless. Check out Dancing...
Sick Boy - The Chainsmokers
After what seemed like a long hiatus from music, The Chainsmokers are back with a darker, more serious sound. Sick Boy is eliciting some unfavorable reviews from critics, and I can understand why, but to a point. No, this new track isn't fun at all, and its dramatic undertones might disappoint some fans, but to me it just might attract them some new ones. I'll let you decide...
The Good Side - Troye Sivan
A week after releasing My My My! in advance of his new album, Troye Sivan put out a new track, The Good Side. This one's more like the stuff on his Blue Neighborhood album, and possibly an apologetic nod to a former lover mentioned on that album. The ballad is straightforward and honest, and a perfect second release for Sivan. Check him out performing the song on SNL this week...
These Days - Rudimental, Macklemore, Jess Glynne, Dan Caplen
British band Rudimental has released a new, beautiful and inspiring track. These Days features fellow Brits Jess Glynne and Dan Caplen and Seattle-based rapper Macklemore. Check out this beautiful song...
Heaven's Gate - Burna Boy, Lily Allen
Nigerian rapper Burna Boy is just beginning to become internationally known. After appearing on Fall Out Boy's Sunshine Riptide, the performer has just released his own single. Heaven's Gate features Lily Allen on vocals, and her unique voice blends well with this up tempo, island rap jam. Check out the very cool Heaven's Gate...
With the unusually high number of new music releases this week, of course there's got to be some honorable mentions. Check out these noteworthy new tunes...
I've been meaning to post this masterpiece for awhile now, and I don't really know what took me this long. Any who, it seems like anything Ed Sheeran is involved in is awesome. This beautiful, melodic tunes is definitely a favorite! Enjoy and Happy Thursday!
