Reviews

Aminé has just dropped a new track called “Vacay”, and based on the title alone, I already like the direction it’s headed. The beat is full of energy—it reminds me of something Channel Tres might produce, but with a cleaner, less murky sound. I’ve always loved when rap and hip hop lean into that four-on-the-floor rhythm; it gives the track momentum and makes it instantly danceable.

Dope Lemon recently dropped a really cool track called “She’s All Time”, featured on his latest album Golden Wolf. The song feels effortlessly pure, paired with a fun, bubbly music video that matches its vibe perfectly. I can totally see this one landing on plenty of summer playlists.

Cosima Olu has just released a new song titled “Ocean”—and you should definitely give it a listen. Here are a few quick reasons why:

BADBADNOTGOOD, or BBNG, has just released a new track called “Found A Light”—and it’s packed with beautiful, subtle moments. One of the best parts? The spotlight they’ve given to featured vocalist V.C.R. It’s refreshing to see a band of BBNG’s stature fully credit and elevate the singers they collaborate with. V.C.R might still be considered indie, but she’s already made some waves on her own. Here, though, she truly shines—her voice is top-tier, and it’s easy to understand why BBNG chose to work with her.

Ed Sheeran recently released a new song titled “Old Phone,” the second single from his upcoming album Play, following “Azizam.” I’ve been listening to Ed since he put out “Lego House” and all those other early hits. I’m not going to pretend I discovered him before he got big—I didn’t. But “Old Phone” is yet another great piece from one of the all-time greatest songwriters.

Just recently, Green Day dropped a new track called “Ballyhoo.” I’m writing this review as someone who used to scream the lyrics to “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and play “Basket Case” covers on my electric guitar. So yes—I’m definitely open to hearing anything Green Day has to offer. They've already earned my lifelong attention.

Following my review of Addison Rae’s “Headphones On,” I’m now turning to Alex Isley and her latest release, “Mic On.” Not to take anything away from either of those tracks, but I guess this week artists really want us to turn things on and put stuff on.

When I look at the cover art for Alex Porat’s new track “Better Than That,” it kind of looks like she’s on her way somewhere—while also striking a fabulous pose. I’m not sure how that image would translate into audio, and since I’ve never heard anything from Alex Porat before, I’m excited to find out.

PinkPantheress recently released a new track titled “Tonight,” and I only just got around to listening. So, although I’m a bit late to the ball—here we go.

Addison Rae has released a new song called “Headphones On.” I am, in fact, wearing headphones, Addison—and I’m ready.

Two artists I will forever love, no matter what anyone says, are T-Pain and Kesha. So when Kesha teamed up with T-Pain for her new track “YIPPEE-KI-YAY,” I knew I had to check it out. I enjoyed both versions—with and without T-Pain—but let’s be real, he never stops delivering vocals, so his version is the one I’ll be playing on repeat.

Ari Lennox has released a new track titled “Soft Girl Era.” At first glance, the cover art led me to expect something in the realm of Ariana Grande—a light, bubbly pop sound. While the track does have fun, airy vocals, it also carries a deep, gritty melodic foundation that caught me off guard in the best way. The production is warm and layered, featuring cowbells, trap claps, heavy bass, and a subtle funk influence that shines through in both the vocals and instrumentation. There are even some unexpected details, like a choir adding richness to the sound—and if you listen closely around 1:50, you can even hear a cat meowing in the background.

As part of her Eternal Sunshine Deluxe album, Ariana Grande has released a track titled “Hampstead.” This review focuses solely on this song, but I highly encourage you to check out the other tracks from the deluxe edition as well—they're great!

Jacob Alon has just released a new song called Don’t Fall Asleep. And to be honest, I almost did—not out of boredom, but because the song is so soothing it naturally invites relaxation. Don’t Fall Asleep is an indie/folk/pop track with a classic set of instruments, complemented by an atmospheric pad that lingers in the background. The guitar plucks through slightly unusual chord progressions, strings add warmth, and the drums propel the song forward like a steady steam locomotive.

The indie rock trio HAIM has just released a new song titled “Relationships.” The track has an innocent, nostalgic feel that reminds me a bit of an old John Mayer love song—not a specific one, but more in the way HAIM phrases their melodies. As a longtime listener, I think this song is a great representation of the band. HAIM often experiments with sounds, song structures, and vocal melodies, yet they always manage to make their music feel familiar and inviting.

Frankie Grande has recently dropped an EDM banger called “Rhythm of Love.” The music video is dark and moody, featuring exactly what the title suggests—rhythm, love, and a whole lot of energy. From the very first beat, the song grabs you with its high-energy production. But what really sets it apart is a major switch-up that completely transforms the track from what you initially expect. The visuals follow suit, shifting from a murky dance club to a gymnastics/disco set, then to a dressing room, and finally, a full-blown theater performance.

The artist Aminé has just released a new song titled “Familiar.” I’ve been a big fan of his since ONEPOINTFIVE and Good For You, and he continues to impress with his ability to create music that’s both fresh and experimental while still making its way into the mainstream. It’s one thing to make something that sounds new—but making something that feels fresh and resonates with a wide audience is extraordinarily difficult.

The magic lantern of television beamed out news, sports, and an endless parade of talking heads dissecting the world in real time. But sometimes, amid the static and the chatter, a giant yellow “M” would materialize, trembling under a graffiti-scrawled “TV.” What followed was a sensory overload—neon-drenched, hyper-saturated, a chaotic broadcast of a revolution led by variegated characters.

Calvin Harris, the mastermind behind some of our favorite EDM anthems, is back with a new track, “SMOKE THE PAIN AWAY.” Right from the start, it’s impossible to predict where this song will go—has Harris pivoted to acoustic folk? Let’s find out.

Just by chance, while scrolling through a Discord community for composers, I came across the Hong Kongese composer, singer, and producer Lam Terence. The video featured a conventionally attractive singer with the usual aesthetics and look of Korean and Chinese pop. However, the person who shared the video wrote:

How would you depict oceanic landscapes with sound?  

Dasha's latest single, "Not At This Party," has officially been released, marking a significant moment in her burgeoning career. The track, which debuted on February 28, 2025, via Warner Records, showcases Dasha's unique blend of pop and country influences.

Alisa Xayalith has released a song called “What The Hell Do We Do Now?,” and the moment I heard it, I couldn’t help but grin. Even on the first listen, it brought me a lot of happiness. I hadn’t heard anything by Alisa before, but after this, I’ll definitely be exploring the rest of her discography.

The artist Alaina Castillo has recently released a new track titled “last night.” I want to start by saying that I really appreciate this song. In my opinion, “last night” is quite similar to “New Light” by John Mayer. That said, it differentiates itself through its production, vocal performance, and the overall mood it creates.

The artist BANKS is set to release a new album soon, and I’ve been listening to her latest track, Love Is Unkind, from that upcoming project.

Alessia Cara has recently released a groovy and soulful track titled “Slow Motion.” I’ve listened to it a few times now, and I have to say—I’m not getting tired of it. I love how quickly it transitions to the chorus and how it stays within the same sonic space throughout. Sometimes, you don’t need a drastic production shift or a complex bridge. Sometimes, all you need is a steady groove, a few well-placed instruments, and a catchy vocal idea.

The band Cassia has recently released a new track titled “Friends.” I have to be honest—I rarely listen to music for its story or lyrics. Most of the time, I just go along with the melodies and rhythms. However, the story behind Friends actually caught me off guard. If you watch the music video while listening to the song for the first time, you’ll understand what I mean.

The intro to “Raving In The Studio” kicks off with a sample that feels instantly familiar. I won’t spoil the surprise, but the entire song is built around this iconic riff. Listening to it took me back to my younger days when I spent hours immersed in UKF Drum and Bass. I’ve always been torn about the genre—sometimes finding it a bit tacky, but other times absolutely loving it. For me, it all comes down to the song.

Alessi Rose has just released her latest single, “IKYK,” and if you’re not already familiar with her work, now’s the perfect time to dive in. This catchy, high-energy pop track is a natural fit for any playlist and showcases Alessi’s undeniable knack for crafting infectious tunes.

Morgan Wallen's latest single, "Smile," released yesterday, marks an evolution in his musical journey. Co-written by Wallen alongside Rocky Block, John Byron, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, and Luis Witkiewitz, the track delves into the complexities of a strained relationship, capturing the fleeting joy of a partner's smile, even if it's just for a photograph. 

The Aces have released a catchy modern funk tune titled “Jealous.” Upon hearing it for the first time, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Ariana Grande’s “Yes, and?” The comparison isn’t so much about the genre or artistry but rather the melodic space the song inhabits. That said, hats off to The Aces—they’ve crafted a truly enjoyable track.

Cody Frost’s latest release, "BLOODSUCKA", featuring Debbie Gough, comes with an equally striking music video. Unlike abstract visuals, this one straightforwardly complements the track’s story, creating a cohesive and engaging experience.

SAYGRACE has dropped a gem with her latest track, "Stay Down". As a longtime fan of female vocal RnB/Soul, I was immediately drawn in. Think Jhené Aiko, H.E.R, and Cleo Sol—with shades of the greats like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. This track, produced by Andre “Dre” Harris, fits perfectly into the genre’s legacy of smooth, soulful grooves.

Belters Only, the Irish electronic collective, has dropped a fresh track, "AwStopBro". Anchored by an enchanting rhythm, this song captivates with standout elements like its professional production and flawless sound selection. The drums hit with precision, while the synths and samples are irresistibly satisfying—an essential pick for Ibiza-style summer vibes.

Kendrick Lamar just released a new album titled “GNX”. I’m not going to dive too deeply into the songs or break them down in detail—because, honestly, I can’t talk right now. I’m too busy dancing to them. You should put it on immediately.

Okay, this one is a bit different. I’m a big fan of Ariana Grande, so I try not to miss anything she releases. That’s why, right now, I’ll be talking about her latest release, “Popular”, which is part of the soundtrack for the movie Wicked. The new Wicked movie was released just three days ago, along with its soundtrack.

Aminé has recently dropped a new four-track single titled “.mp3s.” In this review, I’ll focus on the opening track, “s2wik.” From the very start, the song feels incredibly fresh and dynamic. As a fan of artists like Kaytranada, PinkPantheress, and Fred Again.., I found the track’s vibe immediately appealing. The beat leans into an industrial sound—perhaps a nod to the fact that the artist performing on it didn’t produce it. Regardless, Aminé ties it all together seamlessly with his compelling vocal delivery.

Amber Mark has recently dropped a new banger titled “Wait So Yeah.” My personal favorite by Amber Mark has always been her cover of Sade's iconic track, “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.” Before hearing “Wait So Yeah,” that was pretty much the only song I had listened to thoroughly by her. With this in mind, I didn’t quite know what to expect.

In psychology, there’s a recurring idea that “the psyche is image.” Every thought that drifts through our mind is painted, sculpted, also composed. Each mental scene carries the transcendental, divine hue of poetry. It’s fascinating, then, that “Floating gold”—an ambient, nearly 70-minute odyssey of psychedelic textures—finds its inspiration in an unexpected place: the waiting line for Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It’s a reminder that no matter what we’re doing, even standing in line, our minds weave everything into poetry.

The one-chord, constant strumming of the guitar, paired with an upbeat singer, has been a signature of the rock-pop movement for decades. Often stereotyped or caricatured, we imagine beautiful singers strumming away with conventionally angelic voices—this representation, across various forms of media, is almost inevitably accompanied by insinuations of a lack of depth in both the music and the artist.

FINNEAS has released a new single, "Lotus Eater," as part of his latest album, For Cryin' Out Loud. While this review focuses on the single, remember there’s plenty more to explore on the album, which marks his third full-length release, excluding two deluxe editions of previous records.

Fie Eike is back with another wonderfully relaxing, piano-driven track. Her latest single, "Omrids," is a melodic treat, featuring only piano—beautifully and masterfully. The song starts off strong and sustains its promise throughout. The melodic theme comes in at just the right moment, adding an extra layer of beauty. Fie hails from Denmark, where this track was created. I'm not sure if it should be classified as Danish folk music, though it does remind me of some old Swedish folk songs I'm familiar with. But honestly, the genre doesn’t matter much here—just listen to it!

Kygo and Imagine Dragons, two pop powerhouses, have teamed up for a new track titled "Stars Will Align." It's a natural collaboration for these chart-topping artists, and on this song, they show not only their individual strengths but also an impressive synergy. Both are known for their high-energy hits—think "Believer," "Radioactive," "Stole The Show," and "Firestone." Ring any bells?

Barry Can’t Swim has recently released a new EDM-infused banger titled Still Riding. The title perfectly reflects how the song feels to listen to. Some songs really carry you through them like a moving train, constantly pushing forward. Sometimes that momentum can feel overwhelming, but Still Riding is definitely a chill ride. It has a beat reminiscent of artists such as Fred Again, Four Tet, or Mall Grab.

The Aces are back with their latest track, “The Magic,” and there’s a lot to appreciate here. The standout for me is the undeniable funk they maintain throughout the song. It strikes the perfect balance between cool, upbeat, and catchy. Songs like this can easily veer into cheesy territory, but The Aces have kept it incredibly tasteful.

Katy Perry has just released her latest album, titled 143. After listening through the entire project, I’m ready to share some insights. First, let’s figure out why the album is called 143. A quick search reveals that “143” is a numerical shorthand for “I love you,” and it’s also reportedly Katy Perry’s personal “angel number.” This symbolism fits well with the album cover, where Perry is portrayed in a love-filled, angelic state.

Geordie Greep has sent shockwaves through the British rock scene with his declaration that Black Midi, the now-legendary duo he once helmed, is officially on hiatus and not something he's keen on revisiting anytime soon. Black Midi has always been characterized by bold improvisation and a lack of fear in stepping outside the comfort zone. Yet, with the release of Greep’s debut single, Holy, Holy, it’s abundantly clear why he wants to stay away from Black Midi. It’s experimental, for sure, but it’s far more structured and crafted with purpose compared to the trembling chaos of Black Midi.